7/23/14 - Genesee County authorities have closed Lake Fenton to the public as they search for a missing boater. Fenton Township fire officials say the lake is closed because a boater was reported missing on the lake overnight. The township's dive team has been called to help with the search. Michigan State Police is also expected to assist. Authorities haven't released any information on the identity of the missing person. Crews responded to the lake late Tuesday but the search was called off until 8:00 this morning. (JM)
Search Underway for Missing Boater on Lake Fenton Search Underway for Missing Boater on Lake Fenton
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Tyrone Covers Lost Taxes And Adds To Coffers With Land SaleTyrone Covers Lost Taxes And Adds To Coffers With Land Sale
7/23/14 - A land sale by Tyrone Township has eliminated some back taxes while making the municipality some extra money. The property consists of 43 acres on US-23 north of White Lake Road. It went to tax sale last fall after three years of being delinquent, and the township bought it for $65,000. Clerk Keith Kremer says buying the land ensured that it would not go into delinquency under new owners, which would add to the $300-400,000 in lost taxes from its special sewer assessment. Last week, the township closed on a deal to sell the property for $700,000. With the cost of the property and its back taxes paid, the extra money will go into the townshipâs fund balance. Kremer tells WHMI the land is zoned for commercial development, but it is not clear whether they plan to develop or resell the property. Kremer adds that the township was able to refinance its sewer bond debt last year, reducing interest payments by about $450,000. Combined with the revenue from the sale, he estimates that the township is one or two years ahead in its 20-year plan to eliminate that debt. (TD)
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Fenton Police Get Numerous Tips To Identity Of Beer ThiefFenton Police Get Numerous Tips To Identity Of Beer Thief
7/24/14 - More than a dozen people provided tips to the Fenton Police when they released surveillance images of a man suspected of stealing beer. On July 14th, police responded to the VGâs on Silver Parkway for a larceny complaint after employees say they saw a man stealing beer just after 2am. Police released surveillance footage of the man, hoping the public could help identify him, and according to the Tri County Times numerous local people called in and gave police the same name. Police say the manâs vehicle also matches the white pickup from surveillance footage. The case is now being presented to the Genesee County Prosecutorâs Office so an arrest warrant can be issued. The suspect lives in a different precinct, and Fenton police are working with the department in that area to locate the man. (TD)
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Woodland Inmate To Stand Trial Locally For AssaultWoodland Inmate To Stand Trial Locally For Assault
7/24/14 - A Livingston County District Court judge has found an inmate of the Woodland Correctional Facility competent to stand trial for an assault allegedly committed while in prison. 34-year-old Eddie Deans Jr. was sentenced to 12 to 50 years for 2nd degree murder in December of 1995 and is currently lodged in the Woodland Correctional Facility. He is now facing charges in Livingston County of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, stemming from an incident in December of 2012 while he was still incarcerated. Despite previously having been found incompetent to stand trial, on June 11th a report was submitted stating that Deans had been uncooperative during his most recent exam, and the authorities had no alternative but to find him competent. He is now scheduled for an exam in front of District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader on August 12th. (TD)
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Writer Hopes To Make Book About Local Pet Whitetail DeerWriter Hopes To Make Book About Local Pet Whitetail Deer
7/24/14 - A writer is raising money to publish a book about a Fenton-area family and their pet whitetail deer. The family raised Lilly the Deer in their own home after finding her dying mother, who had been hit by a car. After years of peaceful habitation, a complaint was lodged about the deer, which did not qualify as a typical pet and was therefore not allowed to live at the home. A legal battle ensued, in which the family fought to keep the deer rather than give her up to the Detroit Zoo or other facilities, and online petitions to allow Lilly to remain with her family were filed. Eventually, a deal was reached to allow the family to keep their pet deer. Now, a writer and a photographer are trying to compile and self-publish a book about Lilly, her family, and the ethical and legal questions raised by the situation. A Kickstarter page has been set up, seeking $10,000 to produce and publish the book. So far, more than $1,500 has been raised. The full amount must be reached by August 8th to be successful. To visit the fundraiser page, click on the link below. (TD)
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New WSC Residential Services House In Howell Provides Hope New WSC Residential Services House In Howell Provides Hope
7/24/14 - The Brighton Work Skills Corporation held a ribbon cutting and open house at its 4000 square foot residential services home in Howell. Work Skills Corporation helps people with barriers to employment find jobs in the community and provides training services. The expansion of WSC residential services will create greater opportunities for WSC to fulfill their mission of optimizing human potential. Originally a 3 bedroom home, the property has been converted into living space for people with disabilities and other barriers. The beautifully appointed six-bedroom six-bathroom house is situated on 2.5 acres at 1265 N. Michigan Avenue in Howell. Residential Services Administrator Amy Sheibar tells WHMI the program offers specialized care for adults with brain injuries through a variety of programs and everyone has a niche. Sheibar says âthe WSC program can accommodate just about any skill level, and we help people get jobs in the community.â The 40-year-old Brighton based organization provides a new approach to residential rehabilitation, with the end goal being independent living. More about the program is available through the link below. (LR)
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Brighton Police Catch Four Suspects In Novi Retail FraudBrighton Police Catch Four Suspects In Novi Retail Fraud
7/24/14 - Four suspects sought by the Novi police were captured by Livingston County law enforcement agents yesterday afternoon. Police in Novi put out a broadcast at about 4pm, telling nearby police agencies they were on the lookout for four suspects, two men and two women, who they believe were involved in retail fraud at a department store. Less than half an hour later their vehicle was spotted by Brighton Police headed west on I-96. A traffic stop was made, and the suspects pulled over near the Latson Road exit. Livingston Central Dispatch reports about half a dozen police cars, including those from other departments, convened on the site of the traffic stop. Brighton Police Chief Tom Wightman says that is not surprising, since local agencies often collaborate when a felony traffic stop is made. They held the suspects at the scene until Novi police were able to collect them. The four are now being held in Novi pending charges. Wightman says local authorities were not advised as to the nature of the alleged crimes for which the suspects were wanted. (TD)
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Hearings Adjourned for Trio Charged in Jewelry Store Smash & Grab Hearings Adjourned for Trio Charged in Jewelry Store Smash & Grab
7/24/14 - Court hearings for three men charged in connection with a smash and grab robbery at a jewelry store in downtown Brighton have been delayed. 19-year-old Darvon Smith of Kalamazoo, 18-year-old Elijah Henderson of Belleville and 19-year-old Devon McCloud of Warren were charged with armed robbery after the theft last Monday. Police released surveillance video showing two of the men breaking the glass of a jewelry display case at Rottermond Jewelers after several blows from a mini sledge hammer and then grabbing several high end watches. Smith and Henderson also face charges of resisting police as they managed to elude police for a few hours before finally being captured hiding in a dumpster. McCloud, the alleged getaway driver, has also been charged with fleeing and eluding. After turning the wrong way onto the northbound US-23 ramp to I-96, a Green Oak Township officer blocked their path and Smith and Henderson fled but McCloud was quickly apprehended. All the stolen watches were recovered. Attorneys were recently appointed for the men, which led to their court hearings being adjourned this week. Records show they are now scheduled to appear in 53rd District Court August 5th. (JM)
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Art Going Up Outdoors in City of Wixom for DIA Inside/Out ExhibitArt Going Up Outdoors in City of Wixom for DIA Inside/Out Exhibit
7/24/14 - Workers are scheduled to start the installation process as part of a project that will take art to the streets in the City of Wixom. This marks the fifth year of the Detroit Institute of Arts popular Inside/Out exhibit. High-quality reproductions of masterpieces from the museum's collection will be clustered within walking or bike-riding distance at outdoor venues in eight communities this summer, including the City of Wixom where installation begins today and should be completed by the end of the month. Seven works of art are going up in Sibley Park, Mack Park, Gibson Park, Wixom City Hall and in the Wixom & Old Wixom Road Pocket Park. The formal kickoff and DIA presentation of the art pieces is planned August 7th, prior to the Thursday night concert series and in conjunction with Wixom Art Squared. The parks & recreation department is inviting local artists to display their work at the local art show that day from 3â8pm. The DIA will be providing a judge for the various categories. Public viewing for Inside/Out exhibit will take place from August through October and an interactive map of the art and locations will be available on the DIA's website. A link is below. (JM)
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City of Brighton Recognized for Downtown Redevelopment EffortsCity of Brighton Recognized for Downtown Redevelopment Efforts
7/24/14 - The City of Brighton has been selected as one of six success stories for downtown redevelopment in the State of Michigan. The Michigan Idea Exchange and Alliance Program selected Brighton as one of several notable downtown development success stories, which are being highlighted during a conference today. It offers an opportunity to explore success stories and trade ideas in Michigan and Brighton DDA Director Matt Modrack will detail the DDAâs commitment to public and private partnerships, as well as the impact of the Cemetery Parking Lot project. The construction helped facilitate the development of a former lot as a multi-use office building; a church expansion; and the demolition of an old building and construction of an office building. Modrack says the Brighton DDA has subscribed to the idea of leveraging the private market by providing public parking, streetscape improvements, demolition funds, and whatever tools it can wield. He says the approach is comprehensive with expertise enlisted from various community and business groups so the DDA can stay focused on building streetscapes and parking lots, removing blight and purchasing property to facilitate private development. $4.9 (M) million was realized in new public and private investment in downtown Brighton from 2008 to 2013 by partnering with Michigan Economic Development Corporation for infrastructure grants and committing approximately $330,000 in DDA grant match funds. The press release from the city is attached below. (JM)
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Hartland Man Struck by Truck While Riding Bicycle TuesdayHartland Man Struck by Truck While Riding Bicycle Tuesday
7/24/14 - A Hartland Township man considers himself lucky to be alive after being hit by a truck while riding his bicycle and says without a helmet, he probably wouldnât be here. Mark Horning was wearing bright fluorescent green and a helmet while riding his bike on Clyde Road near US-23 when he was struck around 3pm Tuesday. Horning suffered a broken back and compression fracture among other injuries but says heâll survive and was in good spirits today when he spoke with WHMI. The last thing he remembers is making a turn and getting ready to go over to the other side of the road when all of a sudden he was in the air. He recalls hitting his head and says he has a vivid memory of the helmet hitting the pavement but was knocked unconscious and doesnât remember being carried off to the side of the road. Horning says heâs in pain but it could be worse - noting protective gear is there for a reason and that helmet probably saved his life, which heâll be keeping as a memory. Horning doesnât harbor any hard feelings toward the person who hit him since he was unconscious and doesnât know exactly what happened but itâs possible they may have made a wide turn and sideswiped him and didnât realize it. Horning is well known in the community having served 16 years on the Hartland Consolidated Schools Board of Education. Heâs also married to Hartland Township Treasurer Kathie Horning. They both commended the trauma team at Genesis Regional Medical Center, where he was transported following the incident, which remains under investigation by Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post. (JM)
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Body Of Boater Missing On Lake Fenton Located This AfternoonBody Of Boater Missing On Lake Fenton Located This Afternoon
7/24/14 - The body of the fisherman who went missing Tuesday evening on Lake Fenton has been found. Family members reported the 61-year-old James Lehmkuhle of Flushing missing since he went out fishing on the lake Tuesday. They say he was very familiar with Lake Fenton, and the boat was in neutral and not running when it was discovered Tuesday night. Authorities found his body shortly after 12:30 this afternoon with the aid of sonar and dive teams. Fenton Township Fire Chief Ryan Volz tells WHMI the search was difficult, but the advanced technology provided by a number of departments made it possible. It is still not known how Lehmkuhle died. Relatives say he had diabetes and his insulin supplies were found in his boat, along with his cell phone and wallet. Regular activities on the lake were suspended until the search was completed. (TD)
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Fenton Township Residents Want To Protect Local Mute SwansFenton Township Residents Want To Protect Local Mute Swans
7/25/14 - Fenton Township officials are trying to figure out a solution for a problem involving mute swans on local lakes. Mute swans are an invasive species in Michigan, brought over from Europe about 150 years ago. They compete with native wildlife for food and resources, including the native and threatened trumpeter swan, and they have been known to attack humans and animals. The Department of Natural Resources has stated that it seeks to stop the growth of Michiganâs mute swan population as well as reduce it to a fraction of its current size using methods including euthanizing adults and destroying nests. Problems with aggressive swans have been reported on Ponemah, Squaw, and Tupper lakes in Fenton Township, according to the Tri County Times. Residents on the lakes visited the township board on Monday, but rather than their own safety, they were concerned about the mute swans that might be destroyed by the state. They were afraid the complaints about the swans would bring the DNR to the lake, and that they would destroy all of the local nests rather than just the ones causing trouble. They argued that the swans brought natural beauty to the area, even if they do chase people and boats. No action was taken by the board, but the issue will be discussed again in mid-August. (TD)
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Body of Missing Fisherman Found Thursday Body of Missing Fisherman Found Thursday
7/25/14 - The body of a Flushing man who disappeared on Lake Fenton has been found. The search had been ongoing since Tuesday and authorities located the body of 61-year-old James Lehmkuhle shortly after 12:30 Thursday afternoon with the aid of sonar equipment and dive teams. Fenton Township Fire Chief Ryan Volz tells WHMI it was a difficult search but advanced technology and assistance provided by a number of departments helped to locate his body, which was found in 43 feet of water, north of Cases Island in Lake Fenton. Volz added that the search also took place on land, since authorities were not sure exactly what had happened. It is still not known how Lehmkuhle died. Family members say he was an angler and very familiar with the lake. He had diabetes and his insulin supplies were found in his boat, which was in neutral, along with his cell phone and wallet. Regular activities on the lake were suspended until the search was completed. (JM)
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Melonteers Needed for Howell Melon Festival in August Melonteers Needed for Howell Melon Festival in August
7/25/14 - "Melonteers" are needed for the Howell Melon Festival and organizers say there's a job for everyone. Melonfest will take place August 15th through the 17th in downtown Howell. Organizers say they rely on the generosity of time and knowledge that volunteers bring to the table and there are a number of ways to help out. Opportunities range from cutting melons or answering phones to set-up or tear-down, chalking the streets for vendors, acting as crossing guards at major intersections or as a security guard. A mandatory volunteer meeting is scheduled at 6pm Wednesday, August 13th at the Bennett Recreation Center on West Grand River. Official "Melonteer" t-shirts will be handed out at the meeting and responsibilities and roles assigned. There will also be snacks and door prizes for those who attend. A volunteer application is available for download through the link below. (JM)
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Two Pinckney Teens Turn In Handgun Tied To Vehicle Break-InsTwo Pinckney Teens Turn In Handgun Tied To Vehicle Break-Ins
7/25/14 - Two local teenagers are being credited for doing the right thing after turning in a handgun tied to a young suspect in a string of vehicle breaking-and-enterings. The Pinckney teens called police on July 17th to report they had found a 9mm handgun in Veterans Park. An investigation led police to a 15-year-old who had run away from his home in Jackson County. Police say he has been traveling along the Lakeland Trail, breaking into nearby vehicles and stealing their contents. They say this is how he came into possession of a stolen credit card as well as the 9mm handgun, with which he reportedly planned to begin robbing people. Stockbridge Police arrested the runaway on Wednesday, and they say he admitted to stealing the gun and breaking into vehicles. He was wanted by the Jackson County Family Court Juvenile Division for probation violations, and is currently being held in the Jackson County Youth Facility. The Pinckney Police are seeking charges against him for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a stolen handgun, and unlawful possession of a financial transaction device. They are asking anyone who experienced a vehicle break-in within the past two weeks in the Stockbridge, Gregory, or Pinckney areas to contact them with information. (TD)
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Local Dems Add Voice To Criticism Of GOP Spying TacticsLocal Dems Add Voice To Criticism Of GOP Spying Tactics
7/25/14 - A bungled attempt at political espionage in Michigan has some political factions crying âfoul,â including the local Democratic Party. On July 16th, a staffer and an intern for the Michigan Republican Party attended a campaign event for Mark Shauer, a Howell High School graduate and Democratic gubernatorial candidate. At least one of the two was wearing a spy camera hidden in a pair of glasses in an attempt to gain information that could be of use in Republican Governor Rick Snyderâs reelection campaign. The scheme was uncovered when the memory card for the camera got left behind at the event, where Democrats found it and viewed the footage. The state Democratic Party has condemned the tactics as underhanded, saying the use of spy cameras brings political campaigning to a new low. Locally, Livingston County Democratic Party Chair Judy Daubenmeier says a Republican involved in the scheme visited a local Democratic event under a false name, but was found out. She tells WHMI the most offensive part of the scheme is the fact that Republicans conceal their identities or use false names when attending these events. She says Republicans would be welcome to attend if they were honest about their identities. However, Republicans say the process of monitoring or recording political opponents, known as âtrackingâ in political circles, is nothing new and that both parties do it. Livingston County Republican Party Chair Dan Wholihan says Democrats have even been caught spying at local Republican activities using cell phone cameras, and that they usually do not sign in when attending. He adds that he believes most voters are more concerned with the real issues, like the economy, than with the internal mechanics of political campaigning. Trackers gather information to help political candidates plan their campaigns around those of their opponents, as well as to catch the opposition saying something off-color when they think they are not being recorded. Rick for Michigan Communications Director Emily Benavides told WHMI "these individuals are employees of the Michigan Republican Party, they are not affiliated with Governor Snyder's re-election campaign in any way." (TD/JM)
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One Of Two Men In St. Pat's Day Brawl Sentenced To ProbationOne Of Two Men In St. Pat's Day Brawl Sentenced To Probation
7/25/14 - A sentence has been handed down for one of the two co-defendants in a St. Patrickâs Day bar fight in Hartland Township. 39-year-old Andrew Coleman on Howell was sentenced on Thursday to three days in jail already served as well as 12 months of probation. He must also pay almost $4,700 in restitution. He and his co-defendant, Oakland County Sheriffâs Deputy Thomas Knasiak, were arrested on St. Patrickâs Day on a felony count of resisting or obstructing a police officer. They pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge of attempted resisting or obstructing a police officer. While that is not a legal admission of guilt, it is treated as such for sentencing. The incident began when Livingston County Central Dispatch received a call from OâMalleyâs Irish Pub at about 8pm for a report of a man being assaulted. A Michigan State Police trooper was the first on the scene, and Knasiak and Coleman were pointed out as the two men involved. The pair was subdued and taken into custody. Knasiak was placed into a ânon-deputizedâ position with the Corrections Division, and had his gun, badge, and identification taken away pending the outcome of an internal investigation and criminal charges. It is not known if his status has changed. (TD)
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Milford Man Threatens Police Officers In Their Own StationMilford Man Threatens Police Officers In Their Own Station
7/25/14 - A Milford man is facing charges of disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct after allegedly confronting and threatening officers in the police department. Police were called to the 34-year-old manâs residence on Friday evening on reports that he was highly intoxicated, swearing loudly outdoors and trying to start a fight. The Milford Times reports the man told officers to take him to jail so he could fight someone. They issued him a citation for disturbing the peace before turning him over to a relative. However, about an hour later, the man appeared at the Milford police station, disturbing normal operations and demanding to be taken to jail. According to reports, he told police to fight him and made references to attacking neighbors with an automatic weapon or committing arson. Officers eventually did take the man to jail, but he continued causing a disturbance during the booking process and threatened to shoot the arresting officers. Police Chief Tom Lindberg arrived and was able to calm him down. The man was arraigned on Saturday and released on a $10,000 bond. He is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on August 5th. (TD)
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Genoa Approves Spending To Begin Grand River Sidewalk WorkGenoa Approves Spending To Begin Grand River Sidewalk Work
7/25/14 - Work on new sidewalks in Genoa Township can begin now that design and inspection fees have been approved. Earlier this week, the township board voted in favor of a proposal from the design firm TetraTech to design a sidewalk roughly from Latson Road to Sunrise Park along Grand River at a cost of $21,000. The proposal also included $3,000 for construction inspection over the townshipâs entire ongoing sidewalk project. Supervisor Gary McCririe tells WHMI the township has a broad plan to add sidewalks to major arterial roads, and that this expansion is the next phase. He says the township has a commitment to recreation, both active and passive, and that expanding the sidewalks to connect commercial areas as well as residential areas helps further that goal. McCririe adds that the construction cost of the sidewalk has already been approved, and construction could begin sometime in the coming days. (TD)
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