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Cancer Patient Buried In Howell To Make One Last Trip To The SeaCancer Patient Buried In Howell To Make One Last Trip To The Sea

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6/30/14 - A special, seafaring project is carrying on the message of a cancer patient who had lived in Milford and was buried in Howell. Maire Kent was 24 when she passed away from cancer of the heart in September at her home in Goodrich. A veteran of the US Army, Kent was a certified nurse’s assistant before passing away. Now, her family is fulfilling her final wish to have her ashes make the voyage from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. They will be carried in a three-foot sailboat crafted by a blind carpenter who had been Kent’s friend in life. The craft will be launched from the shore of Lake Michigan on July 12th. It bears a message on the sail, telling those who read it that she is trying to reach the ocean and asking them to set her back on the path. It will travel down the Erie Canal and Hudson River before reaching the sea. A documentary is being made about the end of Kent’s life, the construction of the boat, and its journey out to sea. For more information or to find the fundraiser for the documentary, follow the link below. (TD)

Event Seeks to Help Veterans With Benefit ClaimsEvent Seeks to Help Veterans With Benefit Claims

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6/30/14 - Local veterans can learn about what kind of benefits they are eligible to receive at an event this weekend in Milford. The Disabled American Veterans Chapter 125 will be holding a veterans benefits expo on Sunday, July 6th from 3-7 pm at Bakers of Milford. The event is being held to educate veterans on the kinds of benefits they can receive and how to get them. Philip Sedlock, who heads up the local DAV chapter, says the process to receive benefits has changed. "They have a process now called Fully Developed Claim, which in the past a veteran would just submit a piece of paper to the Veterans (Affairs) and say 'I need help' ...and the VA would do all the leg work. Now with the FDC...the veteran does all the leg work. He submits the form which can lock down the date and gives him one year to put all this paperwork together." Chapter Vice Commander Bryan Bradford says the July 6th event will help get that process started and advise how to get it completed by bring in some of the top service representatives in the area to answer any questions veterans may have. Admission to the event is free. There will also be a classic car show, and a 50/50 raffle, with proceeds helping to support the local Disabled American Veterans chapter in Howell. (JK)

Two-Car Injury Crash Sends Howell Man to HospitalTwo-Car Injury Crash Sends Howell Man to Hospital

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6/30/14 - Two local motorists were injured and one hospitalized after a crash in Genoa Township late this morning. Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post report the crash happened around 11:15am on Latson Road at Grand River. Preliminary investigation indicates a 52-year-old Howell woman in a Ford Escape was traveling northbound on Latson Road and turned left into the path of an Oldsmobile, which was driven by a 62-year-old Howell man traveling south bound on Latson Road. State Police say both were injured, although the female driver sought her own treatment. The male driver was transported by Livingston County EMS to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Howell for treatment and police say none of his injuries appeared life threatening. The Brighton Area Fire Department assisted on scene. (JM)

Emergency Drill Held in Lyon Area for Local Fire DepartmentsEmergency Drill Held in Lyon Area for Local Fire Departments

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7/1/14 - Nine different fire departments participated in an emergency response drill at South Lyon East High School Friday. The event simulated a gas leak at a public school to test communications and capabilities during a significant incident. Participating departments included Lyon Township, South Lyon, Wixom, Walled Lake, and Highland Township. The South Lyon Herald reports the scenario was based around the smell of natural gas followed by a large explosion in the school’s pool area. The departments will apply the lessons learned from the drill to another mock disaster in September. The drill was complicated by a real medical emergency that occurred during the program, which called away Lyon Township firefighters. Organizers said there were lessons to learn about firefighter deployment from that real-life intrusion as well. (TD)

Controversial Judicial Race Featured in Voter Meet & GreetControversial Judicial Race Featured in Voter Meet & Greet

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7/1/14 - Candidates in controversial races and others running unopposed in the August 5th primary election will be featured during a meet and greet tonight in Highland Township. No formal presentations will be made by participating candidates during tonight’s event hosted by the Highland Adult Activity Center. Instead, each will have a table set up so voters can have personal conversations with those running. Although considered non-partisan, one of the races generating interest among voters is the controversial 52-1 District Court bench race. The three candidates include incumbent Judge Brian McKenzie. Oakland County Circuit Judge Colleen O’Brien ruled in February that McKenzie had violated the law on at least eight occasions with his sentences and ordered him to turn over for review all domestic violence cases he had dismissed since 2003. The other candidates are attorney Travis Reeds who is McKenzie’s former law clerk and Scott Powers, the son of 52-1 Judge Dennis Powers. The top-two finishers will move on to the November general election. The other participating candidates are running for the 44th District State Representative, 14th District State Senate seats and Oakland County Board of Commissioners. A representative from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office will be available to discuss two police millage proposals on the ballot while a Huron Valley Schools representative will be on hand to talk about a building sinking fund millage request. Those planning to attend are encouraged to put together a list of questions to ask candidates this evening. The meet and greet event will take place from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Highland Adult Activity Center on North John Street. (JM)

Fowlerville Council Exploring Changes to Possibly Save TreesFowlerville Council Exploring Changes to Possibly Save Trees

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7/1/14 - After learning about the removal of trees as part of a reconstruction project, some residents are hoping the Village of Fowlerville will work to save as many as possible. To the dismay of many residents on Maple Street, workers showed up one day and started marking trees to come down. Engineers and some council members recently met with residents to discuss the project and limitations associated with replacing the water main and storm sewer system. The close proximity of utilities and having the contractor work around some trees could result in hefty costs and some residents said while they understood the need to remove them, they also want them replaced. Dorothy Hanna told WHMI she has a beautiful locust tree that’s been around a long time and if the cost isn’t exorbitant, the Village should at least make an effort to try and work around the trees. She says there was never interaction with anyone on the street and added Fowlerville is infamous for tearing down trees and not replacing them as a matter of convenience during road projects, and has the least amount of trees compared to other communities. Randy Glass has lived in his home for more than 20 years, shaded by a large canopy two mature crimson king trees in the front yard but because they’re located in the right of way, the trees are technically property of the Village. He feels removing the trees would impact the beauty of the street, and also lead to rising utility bills since his home would be in full sun until late in the day. Glass told WHMI he feels their concerns have been taken more seriously recently and after last night’s meeting, Council appears to be making some positive considerations toward that end. With the exception of member Jerry Bell being absent and President Wayne Copeland not in favor, Council voted Monday to hire an arborist to examine the trees and their likelihood of being saved but also to replace them on a 2-to-1 basis at the Village’s expense. Copeland cited the potential cost of working around the trees and how long that could push back the completion date since the contract has already been awarded for the project. He also noted that the incentive clause for early completion that Council approved. A change order would likely have to be approved by Council and an estimate is expected to be provided by the contractor after the arborist examines and identifies what trees could potentially be saved. (JM)

Efforts Underway to Help Veteran Keep Brighton-Area HomeEfforts Underway to Help Veteran Keep Brighton-Area Home

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7/1/14 - It’s no easy mission but some members of the community are coming together to raise funds in hopes of keeping a veteran in his Brighton-area home. 82-year-old Ross Dahlberg is a Korean War-era veteran who has suffered from a lot of medical problems over the last year and is now confined to a wheelchair. He fell behind on his mortgage after several surgeries and despite efforts to obtain assistance through a state program as well as efforts to intervene by the Livingston County Department of Veterans Affairs; Dahlberg’s home was sold for $132,000 at a sheriff auction. Veterans Benefits counselor Joshua Parish tells WHMI he wholeheartedly feels an injustice has been done to Dahlberg in that he’s been overlooked and essentially taken advantage of by the system. He says Dahlberg sought assistance and believed he had been accepted in the state program but was hospitalized at the time recovering from a triple bypass surgery. Dahlberg learned upon returning home that he had actually been denied due to a clerical error. Parish says an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order was filed in the local court system to try and prevent the sale that day but it was denied and a private investor also fell through. There is a six month redemption period for Dahlberg to come up with the full amount owed of $132,000. Parish says they’re soliciting donations through the Go Fund Me website and planning fundraisers to try and help. The department is also accepting checks on Dahlberg’s behalf from any businesses for tax write-off purposes, which can be mailed to: Livingston County Veterans Affairs, 2300 E. Grand River Suite 109 Howell, MI 48843. A link to the donation site is posted below. (JM)

Romney Backs Bentivolio's Congressional Challenger Romney Backs Bentivolio's Congressional Challenger

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7/1/14 - A one-time presidential candidate has weighed in on a Congressional race featuring a former Fowlerville High School teacher. Republican Congressman Kerry Bentivolio of Milford is fighting for re-election to the 11th District, which covers most of western Oakland and Wayne counties. On Monday, that fight got a bit tougher with the endorsement of his opponent, Oakland County attorney Dave Trott, by former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Romney, who unsuccessfully tried to unseat President Obama in 2012, gave the endorsement during an event in Troy on Monday. Romney said Trott was good at more than just “ranting and raving,” an apparent swipe at Bentivolio, who is largely backed by Tea Party supporters. Trott has been wrapping up most of the GOP establishment support, with Romney’s endorsement just the latest. Bentivolio, who served in in Vietnam and Iraq, has been using his military service as a contrast to Trott, who runs a foreclosure business. (JK)

Brighton Landmark Celebrates CentenaryBrighton Landmark Celebrates Centenary

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7/1/14 - An area business has reached a unique milestone. Today marks the 100th anniversary celebration for Rolison PRO Hardware in downtown Brighton. The old-fashioned hardware store on West Main Street, which is known for its friendly service, began operations in 1914 at a location across the street. Owner John Kudla says their current location was built in 1923 and owned by the Rolison Family until his father bought it in July of 1974, when he was just 12 year old. He says he’s been working there ever since. Kudla recalled that first day his father bought the business and their very first customer. Kudla says his dad realized he didn’t have any change and slipped him a $20 bill to run across the street and make change while he talked with the customer. Kudla says they’ve resisted efforts to modernize, and that the store is not computerized. He says they still use a paper system to record purchases and then bill customers at the end of the month. Kudla is planning celebrations throughout the day to mark the anniversary. (JK)

Father & Son Face Charges After Road Rage Incident & AssaultFather & Son Face Charges After Road Rage Incident & Assault

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7/1/14 - A road rage incident last Saturday that led to the severe beating of a Howell man has ended with a father and son from Hamburg Township being charged. Aggravated assault charges have been authorized against 28-year-old Nathan Marcum, as well as his 52-year-old father. It began in the vicinity of westbound Grand River and the Latson Road area, and witnesses reported seeing a pick-up truck traveling at high speeds, weaving in and out of traffic prior to the incident. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte says the victim, a 56-year-old Howell man who was driving a black Buick, tried to get away and ran a red light before pulling into the parking lot of a business near Grand Oaks Drive. He says the two men were in a pick-up truck and ended up cutting across Grand River, exited the vehicle and proceeded to beat up the victim pretty badly. Bezotte tells WHMI the victim did the right thing in trying to get away and avoid any further confrontation but it didn’t end well. Both men fled shortly after the assault after being advised that police were coming. Bezotte says they were able to get a license plate number along with suspect and vehicle descriptions from witnesses who remained on scene. He says they’re also asking any other witnesses to come forward to provide statements as there were a number of people who noticed activity on Grand River and in the parking lot. He says they took the driver, Nathan Marcum, into custody the next day. His father is also been charged but has not yet been arraigned. (JM)

Thousands Lose Power Following Morning StormsThousands Lose Power Following Morning Storms

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7/1/14 - Thousands of Livingston County homes and businesses remain without power after heavy thunderstorms moved across the area early this morning and it could be awhile before service is completely restored. The thunderstorms, which triggered emergency sirens at about 2:30am, left dozens of tree limbs down, pulling down associated power lines in the area. The most recent update from DTE states that service has been restored to 50,000 customers and there are approximately 90,000 that remain without power in southeast Michigan because of the high-winds from the storm. About 15,000 of those outages are in Livingston County, with the vast majority in the Brighton and Hamburg Township areas. The Green Oak Township hall and Brighton City hall were both closed today along with some businesses in the Pinckney area because of the outage. DTE estimates that the vast majority of customers are expected to have their electric service restored by late Thursday night. Spokesman Scott Simons says strong winds of up to 70mph caused approximately 200 power lines to come down across the region. Meanwhile, Consumers Energy reports about 1,500 of its customers in Livingston County also lost power, many of them in the Tyrone Township area. Most of the outages occurred shortly after 3am. There is no estimate on when power will be restored as crews are still assessing the situation. (JK/JM)

Report Finds Brighton Woman Legally Drunk During CrashReport Finds Brighton Woman Legally Drunk During Crash

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7/1/14 - Toxicology reports have revealed that a Brighton woman was over the legal limit for driving at the time of a head-on crash that claimed the life of a woman’s unborn baby. The accident happened May 7th on M-59 near Durant Road. A 34-year-old Brighton woman in a Chevy Malibu was traveling westbound in an eastbound lane of M-59 when she struck a Saturn driven by a 29-year-old Howell woman. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI they have since received toxicology reports for the Brighton woman, who was deemed the at-fault driver. He says the results came back positive for alcohol, to the extent that she was legally drunk at the time of the crash. Both women suffered significant injuries. The Brighton woman was taken by Survival Flight to the University of Michigan Hospital while the Howell woman, who was seven months pregnant at the time of the crash, was also hospitalized. She ultimately lost her child. Murphy says the results of their investigation and reports were sent over to the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office today, which will review the case and make a decision as to whether any criminal charges will be filed. At the time of the crash, investigators said that the pregnant woman was wearing a seatbelt but the at-fault driver was not. It took cleanup crews more than two hours to fully re-open local roads. (JM)

Firefighters Put Out Blaze Following Garage Explosion MondayFirefighters Put Out Blaze Following Garage Explosion Monday

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7/2/14 - The Hartland-Deerfield Fire Authority battled flames after a garage explosion that damaged nearby structures on Monday. Crews were called at about 6:30pm to the 11000 block of Crosby Road, where they found the garage fully involved in fire. They were assisted at the scene by crews from Linden, Argentine, and Fenton Township as they fought the flames, which were contained within 40 minutes. Unfortunately, the garage and everything inside it was destroyed by the fire, and several nearby structures were also damaged in the explosion. Nobody was injured, and there were no vehicles in the garage. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. Neighbors say small flames were visible just before the explosion. (TD)

Unadilla Firefighters Cooking For a Special Cause This 4th of JulyUnadilla Firefighters Cooking For a Special Cause This 4th of July

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7/2/14 - An annual tradition during 4th of July festivities in Unadilla Township is taking on a greater meaning this year. Every year, the Unadilla Township Fire Department hosts a barbeque and sells slow cooked chicken dinners starting around 11am. It’s part of the 4th of July festivities at the Unadilla Township Hall in Gregory, which includes a parade, family activities and fireworks at dusk but also serves as a fundraiser for the Unadilla Firefighters Association. This year, all of the proceeds will go toward ongoing fundraising efforts for Unadilla Township Fire Chief Mark Schroeder and his wife Suzi, who was diagnosed with both lung and brain cancer in 2013. After exhausting all treatment options and suffering complications following recent brain surgery, doctors have decreased her prognosis and she was to be transferred to a 24-hour care facility. Deputy Unadilla Township Fire Chief Dave Curtis tells WHMI the chicken barbeque gets going around 11am and is open to the public, along with all of the 4th of July activities. He says the financial obstacles the Schroeder’s face are significant so members of the fire service and community will continue to come together to support them. In addition to the annual 4th of July chicken barbeque fundraiser, donations can also be made through the website www.gofundme.com. A links to the donation page and details is available below. (JM)

Primary Candidates Discuss Issues At Brighton Forum Primary Candidates Discuss Issues At Brighton Forum

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7/2/14 - Just a week after a similar event in Howell, a candidate forum for local state House and U.S. Congressional primary races was held in Brighton last night. The forum was divided into segments, grouping together the candidates from both parties in the races for the 42nd state House seat and the 8th Congressional District. More than 100 residents gathered in the Brighton Center for Performing Arts in Brighton High School for the forum. In the state House primary race, Democrat Tim Johnson is running unopposed and therefore did not take part in the discussion. However, he was allowed to give a brief address to the audience, in which he blamed House Republicans for inadequate education and road funding. The Republicans in that race were asked a variety of questions on topics ranging from medical marijuana to regulations on fracking. They included Brighton School Board President Nick Fiani, who advocated for small government and said he was a strong pro-life supporter, retired newspaper executive Rich Perlberg, who expressed support for Gov. Snyder's revitalization efforts, Brighton Township Treasurer Lana Theis, who touted her experience at shrinking government and teacher Dale Rogers, who spoke to his experience as preparing him to face the state's education problems. Dale Rogers is unrelated to incumbent Bill Rogers, who is leaving office due to term limits. For the 8th congressional district, former State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and State Representative Tom McMillin will duke it out for the Republican nomination. Both agreed that changes in fiscal policy were needed at the national level. There are four candidates on the Democratic side, though last night about half the audience left when it came time for their discussion. They include economist Ken Darga and Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing, both of whom expressed support for increased bipartisanship. Also running on the Democratic side are Central Michigan University Professor Susan Grettenberger and attorney Jeffrey Hank, who focused more on social and domestic justice issues. The 8th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives is being left vacant by Mike Rogers, brother of Bill Rogers, at the end of his current term so he can pursue a career in talk radio. (TD)

Power Restoration May Be As Late As Friday AfternoonPower Restoration May Be As Late As Friday Afternoon

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7/2/14 - A day after a storm system swept through with high winds that brought down dozens of power lines, thousands of Livingston County homes and businesses are still without power. The most recent update from DTE says there are approximately 42,000 customers across Southeast Michigan that remain without power, 10,000 of them in Livingston County. Most of the outages are in the Brighton area and for the second day in a row, the Green Oak Township hall is closed. DTE estimates that the vast majority of customers are expected to have their electric service restored by late Thursday night, although some may not be restored until Friday afternoon. (JK)

Murder Suspect Objects to Revolving Door of AttorneysMurder Suspect Objects to Revolving Door of Attorneys

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7/2/14 - A long string of conflicts of interest among local defense attorneys is getting tiresome for the suspect accused of killing a man in Iosco Township in 2011. 25-year-old Anthony Sean Duke is scheduled for an exam conference July 8th in front of 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader. On Tuesday, Duke’s most recent court-appointed attorney was excused from the case based on conflict of interest, and a new attorney was appointed. This was the fifth attorney to leave Duke’s case, and the defendant addressed the court to object to the numerous conflicts of interest. He made a motion for the court to seek an out-of-county attorney for his case. Duke was charged with first-degree murder in the December 2011 shooting death of Ronald Hauser in his Iosco Township home. Authorities say Duke killed the 47-year-old Hauser in the course of a home invasion or larceny. He faces a mandatory life sentence without parole if convicted. (TD)

Recycle Livingston Seeking Volunteers For SaturdayRecycle Livingston Seeking Volunteers For Saturday

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7/2/14 - Volunteers are being sought to assist Recycle Livingston with their weekend collection. Because of the 4th of July holiday weekend, officials say they are concerned about having enough people on hand to handle recycling drop-offs. While they always welcome past volunteers to turn out, Recycle Livingston officials say they also welcome those who have never done it before. First time volunteers will be instructed on how to unload incoming vehicles and sort the recyclables. Those interested in pitching in will be needed Saturday, July 5th from 8:30am to 1:30pm at their location on Catrell Street, about one mile east of downtown Howell, behind the Dollar General Store. Clothing suitable for outdoor work is recommended such as enclosed boots or shoes and loose clothing in hot weather. You’ll find details through the link below. (JK)

County Officials Consider Handy Twp. Rezoning Plan County Officials Consider Handy Twp. Rezoning Plan

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7/2/14 - A plan to rezone more than 200 acres of Handy Township land into an industrial zone will go before county officials tonight. Handy Township officials are requesting the rezoning of recently-acquired parcels at the southwest corner of Grand River and Nicholson Road from agricultural residential to general industrial. The township’s planning commission already approved the plan, which is now before the Livingston County Planning Commission. A previous meeting by the commission had to be adjourned after a lack of a quorum was in attendance. That meeting has been rescheduled for tonight in Howell. Township officials say an industrial zoning would not be unique to the area, with three other industrial parcels around Fowlerville. They also say it is in keeping with the county and township master plans. Several nearby residents are concerned that such a rezoning would drastically alter the rural character of their land. The zoning change would allow a variety of manufacturing uses from plastics to light sheet metal products. It would also include access to the railroad, which has prompted concerns that heavy industry would be attracted to the land. Township Supervisor Hank Vaupel says they have received several inquiries about the land for industrial purposes, but no concrete offers. Tonight’s meeting will be at 6pm in the county administration building. (JK)

Hartland Township Approves Parks and Recreation Master PlanHartland Township Approves Parks and Recreation Master Plan

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7/2/14 - Summer is here and the rising temperatures have children and adults of all ages headed for the parks, and the Hartland Township Board in mind to improve them. At their meeting Tuesday night, the board passed a motion to approve a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the first time since 2008. This plan is intended to be in effect for the time period 2015-2018, and public interest in the matter has grown to be quite high due to requests for projects such as additional public restroom facilities, and an additional playground for the community. It was this community interest that prompted two additional motions to be presented before the board by Township Manager James Wickman. These motions, one for a creative public park design workshop and another for a public vision session were not approved due to budget concerns, but the board is hopeful for a high level of community involvement nonetheless. (KT/JK)
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