6/19/14 - Evidence in the case of an unsolved murder that took place on New Yearâs Eve in 2011 has led to criminal charges being filed against the man police have long believed was responsible. 47-year-old Ronald Hauser was shot and killed at his Iosco Township home on December 30th, 2011. A press conference was held at the Livingston County Judicial Center yesterday to detail the ten charges against 25-year-old Anthony Sean Duke, which were filed after what was called a thorough and diligent investigation by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. Sheriff Bob Bezotte believes as the case moves forward and evidence is presented, Duke will be convicted of 1st degree murder. Investigators long believed robbery was the motive, as Hauser owned a tree-trimming service and was known to keep large amounts of cash in his home and on his person. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt said the investigation came to a conclusion where they believe the evidence supported the charges that were filed, noting this was not a random act and Duke targeted Hauser, adding it was gratifying they were able to pursue and solve the case. He confirmed that Hauser and Duke knew each other but didnât elaborate, saying that information would come out in court. Duke was arraigned on the charges yesterday via video feed from the Livingston County Jail. The most serious are a count of 1st degree murder that alleges the murder was committed with pre-mediation and deliberation as well as a second count of felony murder- alleging it was committed in the course of a home invasion or larceny. If convicted, those counts carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. Duke was already serving a nine-month sentence for a prior conviction of being a felon in possession of a weapon. Vailliencourt said Dukeâs scheduled release from jail was a factor but the charges would not have been issued without sufficient evidence and they are confident going forward. (JM)
Charges Announced in 2011 Iosco Township MurderCharges Announced in 2011 Iosco Township Murder
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'Winter is Coming' to Pinckney Community Library'Winter is Coming' to Pinckney Community Library
6/19/14 - Summer may be set to officially begin Saturday, but an event tomorrow night at the Pinckney Community Public Library will remind the community that winter is coming. A Game of Thrones Mini Renaissance Fair will take place at the library Friday from 6:15 to 9pm. After the libraryâs successful event based around the PBS series Downton Abbey, organizers decided to host an even larger event based on the fantasy novel series by George R. R. Martin and the corresponding HBO television series. The event will be divided into two sections, with the first part open to all ages. It will include demonstrations and discussions of medieval combat by an action theatre and stunt troupe, performances of madrigal music, discussions and games by local roleplaying and card game groups, and official Game of Thrones board games. The second part of the evening, beginning at 8pm, will be dedicated to a discussion about the books and games, including mature content and spoilers for both the books and the television series. For more information or to register for the event, visit PinckneyLibrary.org through the link below. (JK)
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Brighton Man Sentenced in Oakland County Police ChaseBrighton Man Sentenced in Oakland County Police Chase
6/19/14 - Sentencing has been held for a Brighton Township man who admitted leading police on a high-speed chase in Oakland County. 49-year-old William Smith was sentenced Wednesday in Oakland County Circuit Court for his previous guilty plea to fourth-degree fleeing and eluding and driving with a suspended license. He was ordered to spend 60 days in jail, but can participate in work release within 14 days if he meets the requirements. Smith must also participate in substance abuse treatment upon his release and will be subject to probation for 18 months. The charges were filed following an incident in the early morning hours of August 3rd of last year when Bloomfield Township police say they responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in a restaurant parking lot. Officers say Smith appeared to be intoxicated, but drove off as soon as they got out of their patrol vehicle. They pursued him as he drove south on Telegraph Road, but once they confirmed his license plate near 14 Mile Road, they broke off the pursuit for safety reasons. Smith was arrested nearly three weeks later in Brighton by the Michigan State Police Fugitive Apprehension Team. (JK)
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Lackluster Attendance at Lions Club Meeting in HowellLackluster Attendance at Lions Club Meeting in Howell
6/19/14 - Lions Club leaders from Holt, Mason and Eaton Rapids chaired a meeting centered on rebuilding the Howell Lions Club last night. Unfortunately, just two people turned out for the gathering at the Howell Carnegie District Library. The Howell Lions Club, which disbanded in 2013, has nine active members. District Managers held the informational session with the hopes that at least eleven other civic minded residents would join the volunteer organization. Lion Karen Routon, who was disappointed by the poor turnout, tells WHMI there are many benefits to becoming a member of the Howell Lions Club as members gain networking experience and are given the opportunity to participate in leadership training. Lions Clubs are well known for supporting eyesight-related programs, assisting disabled individuals, feeding the hungry and providing disaster relief assistance. In 2012, the Lions Club International Foundation approved a $10,000 grant which provided food, water, clothing, medical supplies, prescriptions, and other necessities to residents of the Dexter affected by a tornado. To learn more about the Lions Club or if you are interested in joining the Howell club visit the club's Facebook Page. The link is provided below. (LR/JK)
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Fire Command Training Lab Opens in HartlandFire Command Training Lab Opens in Hartland
6/19/14 - The Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority welcomed members of the public to the HERO Center last night to show off its new incident management simulation lab. The fire authority began building the lab in March, and it includes communication equipment, coordinating computers, iPads, and physical apparatus designed to help train firefighters how to effectively manage major fire operations. The setup can simulate a number of different scenarios in a variety of structures ranging from single-family residences to large commercial buildings. The goal of the lab is to make sure firefighters have retained and can apply the lessons they learned about incident command from the 50-hour course they took on that subject. So far, about 48 firefighters have gotten the training from the Hartland facility, allowing them to forego travel expenses to reach another training operation. The department has invested about $80,000 in the training system, and a federal grant contributed another $65,000. Chief Adam Carroll tells WHMI the GM proving grounds in Milford also contributed the cab of a truck for more realistic simulation. The certification lab is one of only two or three operating in the state, and since firefighters need to get regularly recertified, Carroll expects significant savings for all local departments as a result of the lab. (TD)
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Trial Underway in 2010 Murder of Former Brighton ManTrial Underway in 2010 Murder of Former Brighton Man
6/19/14 - Nearly four years after a former Livingston County man was shot and killed, three suspects are on trial in the case. 53-year-old John Mick of Goodrich was shot to death at the Flint River Village Apartments in August of 2010. Mick, who lived in Brighton for 14 years, had worked as a security guard at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford before retiring to take the security job in Flint. More than two years passed without a break in the case until 22-year-old Floyd Gene Perkins and 21-year-old Kenya Ali Hyatt, were arrested in February of 2011 in connection with another crime in Mt. Morris Township. Flint Police say they were able to obtain information from that case that led to Perkins and Hyatt being charged with felony murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery by the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office. A third co-defendant, 33-year-old Aaron Williams, was charged in the case last year. A jury was seated Wednesday and opening statements made in the case, which is being tried in Genesee County Circuit Court. (JK)
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Lt. Governor to Speak in Brighton About Proposal 1 Lt. Governor to Speak in Brighton About Proposal 1
6/20/14 - Michiganâs Lieutenant Governor will be in Livingston County early next month to discuss a personal property tax reform measure that will appear on the August primary ballot. Lt. Governor Brian Calley will discuss Proposal 1 during a luncheon event hosted by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. The event aims to educate voters about the only statewide proposal voters will decide in August. Michigan is phasing out its Personal Property Tax for most businesses beginning in 2014. The reform aims to reduce compliance and administrative costs for businesses as well as manufacturers who rely on expensive capital investments in tools and other equipment. The proposal confirms the Legislatureâs actions to repeal the tax and replace the revenues lost to communities with a portion of the stateâs 6% use tax. The Brighton chamber backs the measure, saying the personal property tax has posed barriers to economic growth and job creation in Michigan. It invites manufacturers, small businesses, the community at large and interested voters to learn more about the ballot proposal at the luncheon on Monday, July 7th at Mt. Brighton. The cost is $20.00 to attend. To RSVP please contact the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce at 810.227.5086 or e-mail the Chamber at info@brightoncoc.org. (JM)
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Cohoctah Woman Ordered to Never Own Horses AgainCohoctah Woman Ordered to Never Own Horses Again
6/20/14 - After being found guilty on charges of animal cruelty, a Cohoctah Township woman has been ordered to never again possess animals. 71-year-old Velva Jean Wainscott was found guilty of cruelty to one animal causing death as well as two counts of animal cruelty by District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader in a bench trial last month. This week, Wainscott was sentenced to 24 months of probation and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, the results of which must be released to her probation officer. Judge Reader also banned Wainscott from ever again owning animals, with the exception of her dog. The court also ordered the forfeiture of Wainscottâs horses, which will be adopted out. The charges stemmed from an incident in January when one of Wainscottâs horses was found dead in its paddock, leading to authorities seizing the remainder of her animals, which is pictured here. Witnesses testified that the water put out for the other horses was frozen, and the hay for them to eat was soiled and inedible. Wainscott said her animals had plenty of food and water, and that she had many friends who helped care for them. Her horses had previously been taken in 2010 when she was charged with animal cruelty, but those charges were later dismissed. (JK)
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Pinckney School Board Approves Lease For Charter SchoolPinckney School Board Approves Lease For Charter School
6/20/14 - A lease agreement between the Pinckney School District and a local charter school has been approved. The district is closing Lakeland Elementary at the end of the school year as a way to compensate for declining enrollment and help save costs in the face of a looming deficit. For the past month, district officials have been in talks with Howellâs Kensington Woods Charter School, which is being forced to find a new location. With the boardâs approval last night, both parties have signed a lease agreement that will allow the charter school to take up residence in the former Lakeland building. The one-year lease begins on August 1st and has a base price of $140,000. The Pinckney School Board was initially hesitant to sell the land to prospective buyers because they might have installed a charter school at the site. However, Superintendent Rick Todd says the district is looking at Kensington as a partner moving forward rather than a competitor. He says the Pinckney district does an excellent job educating students, but Kensington Woods offers a unique learning opportunity for children, and that strong local schools make the community stronger as a whole. If Kensington Woods does not utilize the entire building, it is possible that the unused portions may be leased out to other parties. (TD)
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Third Oceola Township Home Invasion Suspect ArraignedThird Oceola Township Home Invasion Suspect Arraigned
6/20/14 - A third suspect in a recent armed home invasion in Oceola Township has been arraigned. 18-year-old Cody James DeBruyn was arraigned Wednesday on 26 criminal charges, including 1st degree home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, larceny in a building, and various felony weapons charges. He is being held on a $2 million bond. Two other suspects, 39-year-old Ronald Johnny-Wayne Morrell and 28-year-old Richard Quam, have already been arraigned on similar charges. Several suspects armed with handguns stormed the home earlier this month and confronted the owner, which led to a physical confrontation and a shot being fired from one of the intruderâs weapons, although no injuries resulted. One of seven other people in the residence at the time of the attack was kicked in the mouth and lost some teeth. Authorities say the intruders had a specific reason to attack that house, and other homes in the area are not in danger. DeBruyn is scheduled for an exam conference on June 24th. (JK)
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Effort Aims to Help Unadilla Fire Chief & Wife in Cancer BattleEffort Aims to Help Unadilla Fire Chief & Wife in Cancer Battle
6/20/14 - The Unadilla Township Fire Department family has come together to help one of its own in a time of need. Unadilla Township Fire Chief Mark Schroederâs wife Suzi was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer last year. After exhausting all treatment options and suffering complications following recent brain surgery, doctors have decreased on Suziâs prognosis in the past few weeks. She is now going to be transferred to a 24-hour care facility in an effort to keep her comfortable during this time. The fire department family and friends have since come together to help with the coupleâs mounting expenses so they can focus on the important things right now. Deputy Unadilla Township Fire Chief Dave Curtis tells WHMI they want to help out in any way possible and support from the community would be appreciated. He says theyâve launched an initial fundraising campaign through social media as well a donation website. All proceeds from the departmentâs annual 4th of July chicken bbq will also be donated. Recognizing the financial obstacles the Schroederâs face are pretty surreal, Curtis tells WHMI theyâve set an initial fundraising goal of $25,000. Those close to the Schroederâs say while the last year has been a stressful and emotional time both have remained strong and never asked for help, only well wishes and prayers. A link to the fundraising page is posted below. (JM)
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County Strategic Plan Effort Producing ResultsCounty Strategic Plan Effort Producing Results
6/20/14 - Itâs been three years since a county-wide strategic plan was crafted and organizers say that much has been achieved in that time. The Advantage Livingston Economic Growth plan was unveiled in April of 2011 after being developed through a process that utilized the input of more than 800 people across Livingston County. Advantage Livingston set out five broad strategies: Brainpower, Placemaking, Jobs & Prosperity, Marketing and Collaboration. This week, the Executive Committee of Advantage Livingston released a report on accomplishments to date, highlighting several goals that have been accomplished or are near completion. Among them is early childhood education, which the report says has been expanded with the creation of the Livingston Promise. That program, using $25,000 United Way grant, operated a pilot program for 3 year old at-risk children this past school year with plans to expand in the fall. Another goal was to become wireless countywide, and the report points out that Livingston County was declared a Certified Connected Community, only the fifth community in the state to qualify for that recognition. Also mentioned were the millions of dollars in mixed use and commercial investment the report says has occurred in the county's downtowns, primarily in Howell and Brighton. Highlights of the report can be found through the link below. (JK)
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Final OK Given to ENA for Huge Brighton Plant ExpansionFinal OK Given to ENA for Huge Brighton Plant Expansion
6/20/14 - A major industrial employer in the city of Brighton will soon become even larger. Eberspaecher â the German-owned, global automotive supplier that makes exhaust systems and catalytic converters at the Brighton facility for large trucks and farm equipment â was given final approval Thursday night for a conditional site plan that will allow a major expansion in the city. Council approval was the last hurdle before construction could proceed. While the Brighton plant now has 260 hourly employees and 40 salaried employees, the expansion will add 100 hourly jobs and up to 50 new salaried positions. Plant Manager Adrian Giaccaglia tells WHMI that among other things, the expansion will allow the company to âvertically integrateâ - or manufacture in-house - the components now manufactured at other facilities, resulting in greater efficiency and lowered transportation costs. Giaccaglia says Brighton officials have been extremely cooperative in helping ENA negotiate the hurdles required for the expansion to take place. The $60 million project â with the help of a $4.5 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation - will result in 140,000 additional square feet of manufacturing space and 70,000 square feet of warehousing space on top of the existing 110,000 square feet of space, making the Brighton plant â at over 300,000 square feet - the largest ENA facility in North America. Council Thursday also approved a Planned Unit Development amendment for the Summit Pointe Commercial Center and Paramount Industrial Park to allow for the expansion. Construction will begin in July and the project should be completed by the end of 2015. (TT)
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Brother-in-Law Charged in Death of Green Oak Township WomanBrother-in-Law Charged in Death of Green Oak Township Woman
6/20/14 - The brother-in-law of a Green Oak Township woman found dead in her bathtub this week has been charged with first degree murder. 25-year-old Nicholas Allen Foerster of Whitmore Lake was arrested this morning in connection with the death of 23-year-old Rachelle Lynn Wood. Green Oak Township Police discovered her deceased and naked in the bathtub of her apartment on Monday morning. The investigation was a joint effort between the Livingston County Major Crimes Task Force and Green Oak Township Police. Chief Jason Pless commended everyone involved during a Friday afternoon press conference. Livingston County Prosecutor William Vailliencourt stated that it was Foerster who first contacted police to report discovering Woodâs body and that he confessed to choking Wood for several minutes. A motive was not made public and Vailliencourt added that this remains an active, ongoing investigation. Foerster has been ordered held without bond in the Livingston County Jail. (JM)
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Tour De Livingston Kick-Off Ride Set Sunday During BalloonfestTour De Livingston Kick-Off Ride Set Sunday During Balloonfest
6/21/14 - The Howell Rotary Club will host its annual Tour de Livingston kick-off event during the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. Cyclists will meet in front of the Livingston County Courthouse in downtown Howell next Sunday, June 29th. The bicycle ride starts at 7am and is free to the public. There are two rides for participants to choose from - a 28-mile Howell/Marion Township loop or a shorter 12-mile loop through the City of Howell. All riders will make their first stop to watch the balloons fly in to the site of the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest and will receive a commemorative Tour de Livingston water bottle. (JM)
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Brighton City Hall Reduces Summer Hours of Operation Brighton City Hall Reduces Summer Hours of Operation
6/21/14 - The City of Brighton is cutting back its hours of operation for the next few months beginning on Monday. The city offices will close at 4:00, rather than 5:00, Monday through Friday from June 23rd to September 23rd. The change is being implemented at the suggestion of City Manager Dana Foster as a way to save on costs, including heating, cooling, and electrical bills. Foster and other city staff will evaluate the effectiveness of the new hours and make a report to the Brighton City Council, which will decide whether to make the reduction permanent. Foster has offered to speak personally with any residents who need to conduct face-to-face business with the city after 4:00 due to their work schedules. He will help make arrangements with city staff to accommodate such residents. Foster can be contacted at (810) 225-8022. (TD)
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Marion Township Names New Treasurer Marion Township Names New Treasurer
6/21/14 - The Marion Township Board has selected a new treasurer to take over for an outgoing trustee. Paula Wyckoff has been the township treasurer for years, but she plans to retire at the end of the month. At its most recent meeting, the Marion Township Board heard from two individuals who want to replace her: DPW Coordinator Cindy Hodge and Trustee Jim Murray. Hodge cited her years of service to Marion Township and rapport with its citizens, as well as her professional relationship with Wyckoff. Murray pointed to his own history of serving in a different township, his finance and accounting history, and the management of his own business as qualifications. The board voted to appoint Murray to the position, although there were two dissenting votes. One member of the audience spoke at the call to the public to chastise Murray for voting for himself, though the outcome of the vote would have been the same even if he had abstained. Murray will hold the position of treasurer until the 2016 general election. (TD)
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Brother-in-Law Charged After Local Woman Found Dead in BathtubBrother-in-Law Charged After Local Woman Found Dead in Bathtub
6/21/14 - A Whitmore Lake man has been charged after police allege he murdered his sister-in-law. 23-year-old Rachelle Lynn Wood lived alone in her apartment and was found dead by Green Oak Township Police on Monday. A press conference was held Friday. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt announced that after around the clock efforts by Green Oak Township Police and the Livingston County Major Crimes Task Force, Woodâs brother-in-law was arrested and charged. 25-year-old Nicholas Allen Foerster is jailed without bond and has been charged with one count of 1st degree murder, alleging he committed the crime with pre-meditation and deliberation. Upon conviction, that charge carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. During the arraignment Friday, Vailliencourt says he advised the magistrate that Foerster confessed to choking the victim for a period of at least seven minutes, knowing that it would cause death. Foerster reported discovering Woodâs body to authorities on Monday morning. Police said earlier that officials determined Wood had been dead for an extended period of time and Vailliencourt stated that there is some evidence that will be described in court as to when they think the crime occurred. A preliminary exam conference is scheduled Tuesday in 53rd District Court. (JM)
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Youth Concert Planned Featuring Local Musical PerformersYouth Concert Planned Featuring Local Musical Performers
6/22/14 - A concert featuring local bands is being organized later this month to provide an event for local students that does not promote drug use. Key Development Center and the Livingston County United Way are teaming up to sponsor the concert, which will be held at the 2|42 Community Church on June 27th. Local performers will be providing live music, including Brightonâs âParkway & Colombiaâ and Pinckneyâs âWe Take Tonight.â Organizers say the concert is an effort to provide a drug-free activity for local youth during the summer months, with bands refraining from profanity and performing songs with no references to drugs and alcohol. Food, giveaways, and a drawing for movie tickets will also take place. For more information, contact Kris Nelson from Key Development at (810) 220-8192 or email knelson@keycenters.org. (TD)
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Golfing Fundraiser Planned For Howell Dog ParkGolfing Fundraiser Planned For Howell Dog Park
6/22/14 - A fundraiser on Thursday will help with the operational costs of the new dog park planned for the City of Howell. The Howell Rotary Club will be holding the golfing fundraiser to raise money for the Countryside Veterinary Dog Park, which was known as the Howl and Bark Dog Park until the naming rights were sold. Dog park supporter and Rotarian Steve Manor says the dog park will help increase the sense of place for the Howell area while improving the health, quality of life, and social skills of dogs and their owners. To help support the park and its operation, the Howell Rotary is sponsoring a golf outing on Thursday at Chemung Hills Golf Course. Tickets cost $65 per golfer, and in addition to golfing participants will have a chance to win a car with a hole-in-one and enter a $5,000 putting contest. All proceeds will go to benefit the park, construction on which should begin in the next couple of weeks. The public can expect the park to open in early July. Manor expects the facility to ne self-funding once it gets up and operational. Contact the Howell Rotary for more information on the fundraiser. (TD)
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