6/27/14 - Sidewalks are out and roads are in when it comes to priority projects in Hartland Township. A task force was convened to create the municipalityâs Safer Roads and Pathways draft plan but is now making some changes in response to a large amount of public input. A number of projects were identified in the draft and the proposal to pay for it would involve putting a millage question on the November ballot. Officials say the response to both the draft plan and potential millage was positive but residents overwhelmingly supported making roads a priority over sidewalks. Hartland Township Manager James Wickman tells WHMI they heard many voices of the same opinion during meetings, that were very well attended. Wickman says if any road millage is approved by voters, the township general fund could then contribute $100,000 per year toward sidewalks. While that annual commitment would do very little to impact road conditions, officials feel it would make significant impact with walkability and bikeability along M-59, Hartland Road and in the Village area. Another public hearing on the draft plan will take place at the Hartland Township board meeting July 22nd. Information on the updated plan and a survey will be going out to residents next week, and Wickman says there could be yet another round of revisions based on the input. Itâs anticipated that a final vote on any millage question would be made by the board in August to appear on the November ballot. All of the plan documents can be viewed at through the link below. (JM)
Roads Identified as Main Priority in Hartland TownshipRoads Identified as Main Priority in Hartland Township
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Entrepreneurs Sought for Idea-to-Business Reality Event in Howell Entrepreneurs Sought for Idea-to-Business Reality Event in Howell
6/23/14 - An event coming to Howell is designed to foster the importance of entrepreneurship in communities. Startup Weekend Howell will take place in early November but organizers are soliciting sponsors and encouraging participants to register now. It's part of a global grassroots movement to bring entrepreneurs together to create businesses over a long weekend but centered on action, innovation and education. It totals 54 hours from start to finish, with people coming together to pitch ideas and create businesses. The weekend is being organized by a group of local entrepreneurs and supporters that share a desire to grow business and entrepreneurship in Livingston County. One is Candy Jones-Guerin, the owner of WebWorld Advantage. She says the prospect of starting a business in a weekend is really exciting and people travel from all over the world to the various events because itâs their âmarathonâ. However, Guerin says the focus is really about making people feel confident in pulling a team together to start a business. The event will encompass all ages and backgrounds. Participants are being sought with an interest in entrepreneurship - based in technology or marketing, programmers and designers, website businesses, technology-based applications, or people interested in making new products. In addition to participants and supporting sponsors, partnerships with schools and students are also needed. Details about Startup Weekend Howell are available through the link below. (JM)
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Howell's Unique Balcony Highlighted in Opera House EventHowell's Unique Balcony Highlighted in Opera House Event
6/27/14 - A presentation was given last night in the historic Howell Opera House to delve into the history of Michiganâs opera houses and the culture they developed. Opera House historian Kevin Peshick spoke to a group of about 20 people about what he considers the golden age of the American opera house, which took place between the Civil War and the First World War. During that time many small towns in Michigan had opera houses, which were essentially theaters and rarely featured actual opera. Troupes of actors would travel by rail between the towns, and audiences would often see not just a live play, but side attractions like vaudeville acts, musical concerts, and songs with projected slides. Peshick says he classifies the Howell Opera House as a classic upstairs opera house, but says it is one of few still in existence with a horseshoe balcony above the regular seating as pictured here. He knows of only 16 such facilities in the entire state, and says the Howell Opera House is a treasure for its unusual and well-preserved structure. Peshick became interested in opera house history as a child, when he obtained a scrap book belonging to Richard Henderson, a troupe leader with ties to Fowlerville. One act attributed to his troupe was a promotion in which local children were invited onto the stage and a live piglet was awarded to whichever one could catch the animal. (TD)
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Panel Declines to Halt Trial in Murder of Former Brighton ManPanel Declines to Halt Trial in Murder of Former Brighton Man
6/27/14 - An appeals panel has refused to halt the trial of three suspects charged with the murder of a former Livingston County man. The Michigan Court of Appeals has declined to overturn a judgeâs decision regarding photographs that the prosecution wanted to enter into evidence in the trial of three men charged with the murder of 53-year-old John Mick. The Goodrich man 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 an engineering technician at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford before retiring to take a security guard 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 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. Their attorneys objected to the photographs being entered into evidence last week, a motion that was granted by Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Judith Fullerton. Prosecutors then sought to stay the trial while they appealed that ruling. But the appeals panel declined to overrule Judge Fullerton and allowed the trial to resume. Testimony will continue today. (JK)
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Bill Rogers Offers Endorsement in 42nd State House Race
6/27/14 - A longtime legislator has offered an endorsement to the man heâs like to see succeed him. Genoa Township Republican State Representative Bill Rogers today formally endorsed former newspaper editor Rich Perlberg for the GOP nomination in the 42nd state House race. Rogers, who cannot seek re-election because of term limits, said Perlberg has a âstrong knowledge of issues and a proven commitment to Livingston County.â Perlberg is among four Republicans running in the August 5th primary for the 42nd District, which includes the City of Brighton along with Brighton, Genoa, Green Oak, Hamburg and Putnam townships and the Village of Pinckney. The other contenders for the GOP nomination are Brighton School Board President Nick Fiani, Brighton Township Treasurer Lana Theis and Dale Rogers, a high school teacher from Hamburg Township. Also running is Democrat Timothy Johnson and Libertarian Rodger Young. (JK)
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Dexter Man to Face Charges After Fatal Hit & Run Dexter Man to Face Charges After Fatal Hit & Run
6/27/14 - A Dexter man is expected to face felony charges following a hit and run accident Thursday. Ypsilanti Police say a man was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while crossing the street in his wheelchair. 72-year-old Mack James Juide Jr. died overnight. The driver, identified as a 26-year-old Dexter man, was arrested near Ann Arbor after trying to flee. Police say he won't be arraigned until Saturday and will likely be facing felony charges. (JM)
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Pinckney Man Charged in Northern Michigan MolestationPinckney Man Charged in Northern Michigan Molestation
6/27/14 - A Pinckney man is facing charges in Emmet County after authorities say he molested two young female cousins. The 42-year-old suspect, who is not being identified by WHMI per a policy to protect the privacy of sexual assault victims, is charged with first and third-degree criminal sexual assault. State Police say the suspect had driven a family friend to be with family at a cabin in Alanson. State Police say that after being left in charge of four girls and one boy at the cabin, he allowed them to become intoxicated and smoke marijuana. He then is alleged to have sexually assaulted two of the teens, ages 14 and 15. The Pinckney man, who is a convicted sex offender, was arraigned in Emmet County District Court on Monday, with a bond was set at $500,000. Additional charges are also possible. His criminal history includes convictions for accosting a child for immoral purposes and second-degree CSC. While his name is listed on the stateâs sex offender registry, several of the victimâs parents say they were unaware of that. State Police urge parents and guardians to repeatedly check the database for names of adults their children may be in contact with. The man is due back in court July 8th for an exam conference. (JK)
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Publicity Building Toward Groundbreaking on Unadilla CampPublicity Building Toward Groundbreaking on Unadilla Camp
6/27/14 - As work continues on a planned camp in Livingston County for children with serious and life-threatening illnesses, the effort received a shout-out on national TV. The North Star Reach Camp in Unadilla Township is expected to accommodate up to 1,500 children each year taking part in activities that include archery, a climbing wall and a tree house accessible to kids with limited mobility. Crews have already begun clearing old buildings from the 105 acre site near Patterson Lake that once was known as the Michigan Fresh Air Camp, with plans to build 20 new buildings. The camp is a member of actor Paul Newmanâs SeriousFun Childrenâs Network, which operates camps worldwide providing all-expenses-paid activities for children with medical issues that would otherwise prevent them from enjoying a normal camping experience. Newmanâs daughter Clea mentioned the camp during an appearance Thursday on MSNBCâs âMorning Joeâ program. A groundbreaking event is set for July 30th at the Polo Fields Golf Course in Ann Arbor. Because the ongoing work at the actual camp site has made it impassable to the public, a live satellite feed of the camp will be set up at the golf course. Although the camp is still about $5 million short of its $26.2 million campaign goal, recent fundraisers have helped to close the gap. (JK)
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Family Fishing Derby Returning To Zukey LakeFamily Fishing Derby Returning To Zukey Lake
6/28/14 - Registration is now open for the 10th annual Family Fishing Derby that will take place in Hamburg Township next month. The competition begins and ends on Zukey Lake, but teams are permitted to go anywhere on the chain of lakes to fish. This yearâs event will take place on July 26th, with registration due by July 19th. The cost to participate is $30 per team, with proceeds going toward Trail Edge Camp for Kids as well as the Hamburg Museum. Each team can have up to five members, and each person can submit their largest catch for each category- bass, bluegill, and perch. This year, the first place winner will get a chartered fishing trip onto Lake Erie. The second-place winner will receive a $100 prize, and the third-place winner will get $50. Another charter fishing trip will be raffled off, with tickets on sale around the Hamburg and Pinckney areas. Ticket holders do not have to be present to win the raffle. For more information, contact sponsor Carpet Depot by calling (810) 231-5900 or following the link below. (TD)
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MDOT Plans I-96 Lane Closures For Latson Road Interchange WorkMDOT Plans I-96 Lane Closures For Latson Road Interchange Work
6/28/14 - Lane closures associated with work on the Latson Road interchange will take place on I-96 next week. The lane closures are scheduled on both directions of I-96 at Latson Road to allow for work on the interchange. The work was intended to take place earlier this month, but the Michigan Department of Transportation delayed it due to weather reports. The left lane of eastbound I-96 is scheduled to be closed from 9am Monday through 3pm Thursday. On westbound I-96, the left lane will be closed Monday through Thursday, but that closure will only take place between the hours of 6am and 3pm daily, and so should not impact evening rush hour traffic. (TD)
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State Supreme Court Again Rejects Fowlerville Man's AppealState Supreme Court Again Rejects Fowlerville Man's Appeal
6/28/14 - For the third time, the Michigan Supreme Court has declined to hear a Fowlerville manâs appeal in a 2010 criminal sexual conduct case. 40-year-old Troy Roland Hamilton entered pleas to multiple counts of 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree criminal sexual conduct in November of 2010. The victims were under 13 years old. Hamilton was subsequently sentenced by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader to serve 10 to 15 years in prison. He appealed and sought to withdraw his plea in 2011, which was later denied by the Michigan Court of Appeals for lack of merit in the grounds presented. Hamilton then appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court, which denied his application the first time in November of 2012, saying it wasnât persuaded the questions presented should be reviewed. A motion for reconsideration of that order was then denied in January of 2013. Hamiltonâs third rejection came this week when the stateâs highest court again declined to take up his case because he had failed to establish a legal rationale as to why he is entitled to make an appeal of his conviction or sentence. Hamilton is currently incarcerated at a prison facility in Ionia. His earliest possible date for release is June of 2020. (JK)
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Michigan Challenge Balloonfest Takes Flight in HowellMichigan Challenge Balloonfest Takes Flight in Howell
6/28/14 - The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is celebrating 30 years this weekend in Howell, with pilots from both near and far flying and competing for the title of Michigan Challenge Champion. This popular outdoor festival is hosted by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce at the Howell High School complex. It attracts thousands and is centered on hot air balloons that decorate the sky but itâs more than that and is actually the state championship of hot air ballooning. Pilots compete for the title of Michigan Challenge champion as they fly in to the site after launching their balloons from locations in the countryside. Those who have been around for the Michigan Challenge since day one say the event has prevailed for three decades and it has been a wonderful ride. Competition Director Dick Rudlaff helped start the event and says it all began with a simple idea and theyâre now celebrating the 30th anniversary. He says it offers an opportunity for pilots to compete and gain points for their national ranking, but also show that the balloons do actually fly and donât just float along in the air. Rudlaff and other organizers credit the longevity of the Howell balloon event to the hundreds and hundreds of volunteers during that time, along with committee members, sponsors and the City of Howell. In addition to the hot-air balloon launches and fly-ins, daytime attractions include skydiving and stunt kite shows, carnival rides, along with comedy and juggling acts. A full schedule of weekend events can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Putnam Man Sentenced To Probation After Cigarette TheftPutnam Man Sentenced To Probation After Cigarette Theft
6/29/14 - A Putnam Township man busted by police who followed a trail of stolen cigarette packs to him from a local party store has been sentenced to probation. 27-year-old Matthew Thomas Morrison has been sentenced to 18 months of probation, plus eight days in jail he has already served. He pleaded guilty as charged to breaking and entering a building with intent to steal in Livingston County Circuit Court. In exchange for that plea, prosecutors agreed that upon successful completion of probation, the charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor. Morrison was arrested after deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department responded to an alarm on February 24th at the Hell Country Store on Patterson Lake Road. They discovered a broken window and two packs of cigarettes beneath it, along with fresh footprints in the snow. Those led to a home on a private road where Morrison was located. (TD)
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Ann Arbor Schools Looking At Annexing Whitmore Lake DistrictAnn Arbor Schools Looking At Annexing Whitmore Lake District
6/29/14 - School officials from the Whitmore Lake and Ann Arbor districts are looking at the viability of a potential merger. Whitmore Lake Public Schools is facing the possibility of going into debt in the coming years, and officials have been in talks with Ann Arbor Public Schools about that district possibly annexing Whitmore Lake. A public meeting on the subject was held on Monday, June 23rd, and the decision was made to pursue a feasibility study for such an action. The Ann Arbor district gets $9,100 per student from the state, while Whitmore Lake gets only $7,251. If the two merged, the combined district would get $9,097 per student. The annexation would help Whitmore Lake avoid going into deficit and possible state takeover, while Ann Arbor would get a larger student body, new properties, access to the US-23 corridor, and a state annexation incentive totaling $1.8 million. There are still concerns about the fate of Whitmore Lake school buildings, disparity in taxation between the two districts, and how to make sure Whitmore Lake residents are represented in the new district. The two school boards plan to put the issue to a vote on the November 4th ballot. (TD)
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OLHSA To Offer Free Energy Education Seminar In HowellOLHSA To Offer Free Energy Education Seminar In Howell
6/29/14 - A free home energy education seminar will be hosted by the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency next month. The seminar scheduled for July 23rd will offer low-cost and no-cost solutions for people to save energy in their own homes, including apartments. An expert from OLHSA will offer information, but tips and suggestions will also be shared by audience members. OLHSA Assistant Director for Asset Development Susan Lindson says the information will allow residents to lower their bills, save energy, and live more comfortably. Lindson says the seminar will cover everything you would pay a bill for in your home, including electricity, water, gas, and heating. It will also feature safety tips that will allow residents to reduce their energy consumption without endangering their homes or health. The seminar will take place at OLHSAâs Livingston County location in Downtown Howell on Grand River. Although admission is free, Lindson says space is limited and calling (517 546-8500 ahead of time to reserve a spot is recommended. (TD)
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Pinckney Police Coordinating Countywide Holiday PatrolsPinckney Police Coordinating Countywide Holiday Patrols
6/30/14 - Drunk drivers will be red, white and busted this Fourth of July. After receiving a $20,000 grant, six local law enforcement agencies will be putting extra officers out on the road as part of a statewide drunk driving crackdown. Targeted patrols will be ongoing throughout the 4th of July holiday period. The federal funds are administered by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning to local agencies to conduct the stepped up drunk driving patrols during specific time periods. The Pinckney Police Department coordinated the local grant effort and Chief Jeff Newton tells WHMI the advantage is increased police presence. Additional enforcement periods will be scheduled through the end of September as a result of the grant funding. In addition to Pinckney, participating police agencies include Green Oak and Hamburg Townships, as well as the Brighton, Howell and Fowlerville Police Departments.(JK)
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Oceola Woman's Appeal Denied in Toddler's AbuseOceola Woman's Appeal Denied in Toddler's Abuse
6/30/14 - An appeal by an Oceola Township woman sentenced to prison for abusing her step-grandson has been denied by the Michigan Supreme Court. 37-year-old Sara Rae Walters of Oceola Township was sentenced last year to serve 10-15 years in prison following her no contest plea to first-degree child abuse. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dismissing a charge of torture involving the then-2-year-old boy. Authorities say the 3-year-old boy suffered more than 60 different injuries, including blood on the surface of his brain, while in Waltersâ care. His core body temperature was also just 88 degrees when he was examined. Walters was taking the child to the hospital on October 21st of 2011 when he stopped breathing. She pulled off US-23 and called 911. Paramedics revived the child and took him to the University of Michigan Hospital, where doctors discovered the injuries. The charges against her came after a three-month investigation. In handing down the lengthy sentence, Livingston County Circuit Judge Michael Hatty exceeded state guidelines, which called for a minimum sentence of three to five years in prison. But in an order released last week, the stateâs highest court denied to hear her appeal saying it was not persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed. Walters remains housed at the Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti. She wonât be eligible for parole until 2022.
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Howell Veteran Receives French Légion of HonourHowell Veteran Receives French Légion of Honour
6/30/14 - After taking part in celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy in World War II, a Livingston County living legend from that day is back home sporting another decoration to go with the many heâs already earned. 89-year-old Don Burgett of Howell (at far right), along with fellow 101st Airborne veterans Bob Noody and Dan McBride, was decorated with the French Légion of Honour during events in Normany earlier this month. The award is the highest decoration in France, and is normally reserved only for citizens of that nation. However, it is also bestowed to non-citizens who have served and fought in defense of France. Burgett earlier told WHMI while he was truly honored to receive the award, the decorations he received from the U.S. Army as a paratrooper were really all the honors heâs ever needed. Burgett was just 19 when he parachuted into Normandy in the morning hours of June 6th, 1944 as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He has written four books about his experiences, including the iconic âCurrahee; A Screaming Eagle at Normandy,â and is working on a fifth book about his experiences. (JK)
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Veteran Pilot Wins 30th Annual Michigan Challenge Veteran Pilot Wins 30th Annual Michigan Challenge
6/30/14- Last night wrapped up the 30th annual Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. About a dozen hot air balloons were able to launch for the final night of the festival but one pilot in particular was flying high. Phil Glebe of Brighton, who piloted WHMIâs hot air balloon and has been a pilot for the last 30 years, won this yearâs challenge. Competitive events, such as dropping sandbags from the balloons on pre-determined targets are a part of the contest and points are awarded dependent on proximity to said target. Glebe tells WHMI winning was an accomplishment as the odds were not stacked in his favor because the WHMI balloon is approximately twice the size of many of the others, making it less maneuverable. Among the launches and carnival, this yearâs Balloonfest also included 3 entertainment venues, an arts festival and the Michigan Marketplace. Michelle Tokan, the Michigan Challenge Director for the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, says the marketplace consisted entirely of Michigan made products. Tokan tells WHMI a new partnership with the Livingston County Airport made for an entertaining addition to Balloonfest. Varying weather conditions made for an unexpected weekend. Friday nightâs launch and Saturday morningâs fly in went off without a hitch, while Saturday nightâs launch was cancelled. Despite the unpredictable circumstances, Tokan says community members were still eager to support the yearly event. (DK/JK)
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New Principal Appointed in Pinckney DistrictNew Principal Appointed in Pinckney District
6/30/14 - The Pinckney School Board has appointed a familiar face to be the new principal of Country Elementary. At its most recent meeting, the board chose Les Sharon to head up the school. In the early 2000âs, Sharon worked at Farley Hill Elementary teaching 4th grade and special education. Since 2005, he has been serving as principal to elementary schools in the Saline district. Superintendent Rick Todd tells WHMI Sharon will take over Country in the fall, having beat out more than 50 other applicants. Superintendent Rick Todd says the district was lucky to get someone of Sharonâs experience and passion. He adds the job will include a unique task this year since most of the teachers and students from the now-closed Lakeland Elementary will be moving to Country. Sharon will have to not only organize the transition, but build a new culture among new and old students and staff. (TD)
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