9/6/14 - The Howell Area Fire Department rescued a horse on Thursday after the animal got itself stuck in deep mud. The crews from Stations 20 and 23 was dispatched to a trail in a Marion Township field Thursday evening and found the horse up to its chest in mud. A veterinarian sedated the animal while emergency crews worked to get ropes around its body. Once it had been securely rigged, the horse was pulled from the hole using a haul team and guided to solid ground. The horse was washed down and evaluated by the veterinarian, who determined that it was not harmed. The Livingston County Technical Rescue Team also assisted at the scene. (TD)
Howell Fire Department And Vet Free Horse Trapped In MudHowell Fire Department And Vet Free Horse Trapped In Mud
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Wife of Road Rage Victim: "He Was Trying to Protect Me"Wife of Road Rage Victim: "He Was Trying to Protect Me"
9/6/14 - A donation fund has been set up for the family of the Howell man fatally shot by another motorist Tuesday. Open murder charges have been filed against 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale of Marion, who police say shot 43-year-old Derek Flemming at the intersection of Chilson Road and Grand River. While the court case continues, the attorney for the victimâs family, William Moore, has issued a press release conveying the familyâs emotions and current situation. Flemmingâs wife Amy is a stay-at-home mother, and he had no life insurance, so the family has no source of income. More than $13,000 in donations have already been raised, which is enough to cover burial costs and keep the family going for a bit, but more are being sought. To make a donation, follow the link below, or mail a check to, âDerek Flemming Family Memorial Fund, PO Box 1107, Brighton MI, 48116.â In the press release, Amy says she believes her husband was only trying to protect her when he went to speak with Zale, and that the alleged shooter could have chosen to ignore her husband or drive away. She says she feels for his family, but hopes he stays behind bars. (TD/JK)
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Thousands Without Power After Strong, Gusty Storm FridayThousands Without Power After Strong, Gusty Storm Friday
9/6/14 - In what utility officials are calling one of the strongest storms so far this year, more than 15,000 DTE and Consumers power customers in Livingston County are without power today. Severe storms swept through the state Friday night, bringing heavy rain and strong winds of up to 75 mph. DTE says 15,000 of its Livingston County customers have lost power, while Consumers Energy estimates more than 700 local outages. They are among 427,000 outages reported across the state. The National Weather Service in White Lake Township issued multiple weather warnings and watches throughout the day. In addition to strong wind gusts, some areas saw quarter sized hail. DTE spokesman Scott Simons says that given the size and impact of the storm, some customers could be affected for several days. DTE already has enlisted the help of more than 300 linemen from utilities in Ohio, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, and is trying to get more to assist the restoration effort. Consumers spokesman Roger Morgenstern says most of their customers should be restored by the end of the day Sunday, although in the harder hit areas, some customers may not have their power restored until Monday. Both utilities remind residents to stay at least 20 feet away of all power lines and anything theyâre in contact with, and consider them live. Submitted photo is of lightning on Friday night near Dorr Road in Genoa Township. Submitted video is of a power line coming down near a home off of Dorr Road in Genoa Township. (JK)
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Annual 5k In Brighton Pays Tribute To 9-11Annual 5k In Brighton Pays Tribute To 9-11
9/7/14- With just a few days before the 13th anniversary of 9/11, Livingston County is remembering the lives lost during a tragic time in our countryâs history. A 5k in downtown Brighton raised thousands of dollars with 226 participants. County officials, residents and local firefighters were among those that ran or walked Saturday morning. Michael OâBrian, Fire Chief with the Brighton Area Fire Authority, tells WHMI the funds raised will help complete the commemorative structure in front of the station. The 5k began at the Mill Pond and finished near the memorial, with prizes awarded to those in the top of their category. The idea for the event came from the Raceâs Director Katy Kerch and her husband. Kerch says they are both passionate about 9-11 as well as the military. She tells WHMI this year was the 3rd annual race. The Fire Department needs to raise $20,000 to finish the memorial. Though the final tally for funds raised has not yet been determined, PNC Bank will match all donations made. (DK)
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Brighton Man Pleads Guilty To Setting Ex-Girlfriend's Car On FireBrighton Man Pleads Guilty To Setting Ex-Girlfriend's Car On Fire
9/7/14 - A Brighton man has pleaded guilty to charges of arson in Livingston County Circuit Court. 19-year-old Travis Cottrill pleaded guilty as charged to single charge of 4th degree arson on Friday. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors have agreed to have Cottrill sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. That will allow his record to be wiped clean upon successful completion of his sentence, which will be handed down by Judge Michael Hatty on October 16th. Cottrill is alleged to have set his girlfriendâs car on fire June 14th, after she broke up with him. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived but also caused some damage to another vehicle in the driveway, which belonged to the victimâs parents. (TD)
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Sheriff's Department Helps Save Suicidal Gunman In HowellSheriff's Department Helps Save Suicidal Gunman In Howell
9/7/14 - The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department responded to a barricaded gunman threatening to take his own life Saturday in Howell. Undersheriff Mike Murphy says the incident took place in the Hickory Hills subdivision off of M-59. The man had a handgun and was threatening to kill himself, but his wife was able to exit the building and he did not threaten anyone but himself. Deputies were called out to the scene at about 6:30pm Saturday, and Murphy says they talked to the man until about 2:30 Sunday morning, when the incident was resolved peacefully. The man was placed in protective custody and transported to a hospital. Because no criminal activity took place and nobody else was threatened, Murphy says no charges will be filed against the man. (TD)
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New Group Promotes Commerce HolisticallyNew Group Promotes Commerce Holistically
9/8/14 - A new business organization has come to Livingston County hoping to represent local businesses with a holistic bent. The Holistic Chamber of Commerce has started a Brighton chapter, and will be hosting its first meeting later this month. President Sherri Richards says holistic chambers are emerging around the nation, and seek to represent businesses that try to balance making profits with being responsible toward the community and the planet. She says these kinds of chambers of commerce originally focused on holistic health professionals, but have branched out into all sectors and now focus more on the business model than the products or services being offered. The Brighton chapter will hold its first meeting at 2|42 Community Church beginning at 6:30pm on September 16th. The kickoff meeting for the holistic chamber is free to attend. However, one established organization is trying to make sure it remains distinct from the new holistic chamber in the public mind. Pam McConeghy, president and CEO for the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, says she did not get notice that the holistic chamber was coming to the community until after the fact, and that it is in no way a division of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. (TD)
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Meeting To Examine Male Military Sexual AssaultMeeting To Examine Male Military Sexual Assault
9/8/14 - A meeting tonight in Brighton will examine military sexual assault from a different angle; that of the male victim. Women Serving Women Vets will hold its monthly meeting at the 2/42 Community Church featuring guest speaker Kevin Watson, a male military veteran who will talk about his Military Sexual Trauma, or MST. Records show that one in every 100 male veterans treated by the VA reported being sexually traumatized by fellow servicemen during their military careers. Victims are most often young, low-ranking enlistees who fall prey to peersâ and superiorsâ desire to demean or humiliate others. Women Serving Women Vets Director Arlene Callaghan says given that 18 million of the 24.5 million veterans donât use the VA health system and that the majority of sexual assaults go unreported, the numbers are undoubtedly much higher. She says that because sexual assault is often misperceived as a âwomenâs issue,â men may be afraid to appear âweakâ in the eyes of their comrades. Rather than jeopardize the career theyâve worked so hard to build or make themselves a target for retaliation, most men stay quiet. Kevin Watson is one veteran who has not. His presentation will take place tonight at 7pm at the 2/42 Community Church on Grand River. While there is no charge to attend, an RSVP is requested. Call 810-599-6014 or email wswvets@gmail.com (JK)
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64th Annual Dawn Patrol Serves Up Breakfast And Entertainment 64th Annual Dawn Patrol Serves Up Breakfast And Entertainment
9/9/14 - Pilots directed their helicopters and airplanes towards Fowlerville Sunday morning with breakfast on the brain. The Maple Grove Airport hosted the Fowlerville Rotary Clubâs 64th Annual Dawn Patrol yesterday, and had perfect weather to boot. A big breakfast draws in the crowd, including pilots from all over Michigan, and even some from out of state. Dennis Bowdoin, the Maple Grove Airport Manager, turns the airport over to the club each year without fail, knowing it is always a success. He tells WHMI the origin of the event comes from a part of our countryâs history. Doug Burnie, Chairperson of Dawn Patrol for the Fowlerville Rotary Club, has been working the breakfast fly in for 50 years. The club prepared for the gathering expecting to feed around 1,500 people. He tells WHMI the 38 acres welcomes something that has turned into much more than a fundraiser. All funds raised will stay within the area, whether they are used towards local parks or community events. (DK)
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February Trial Set For Man Accused in Dismemberment MurderFebruary Trial Set For Man Accused in Dismemberment Murder
9/8/14 - A long-delayed murder case will head to trial early next year, more than three years since a grisly discovery in a Livingston County field. 30-year-old George Tanner will go to trial on February 2nd for his part in the murder of Christopher Townsend on October 15th of 2011. Authorities say he and a co-defendant, Brian Stafford, dismembered and then burned the body of the 40-year-old Oakland County man on a wooded property owned by Tannerâs uncle in Green Oak Township. Police say Tanner confessed to the crime while in custody, but the defense argued the confession was inadmissible because while a lawyer previously requested by Tanner was waiting to see him, police did not inform him of that fact. Circuit Court Judge David Reader agreed with that claim, which was backed up by a previous Michigan Supreme Court ruling in the case of the People v. Bender, which said a suspect must be told promptly when an attorney attempts to contact them. Prosecutors appealed that decision to the stateâs highest court which by a 5-2 vote in June overturned People v. Bender, saying Tanner knowingly waived his Miranda rights when he reinitiated contact with police to make his confession. The February 2nd trial date was set after a hearing Friday in front of Judge Reader. Stafford, meanwhile, was previously sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to 2nd degree murder. (JK)
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Workshop Will Discuss Grant Process For Local Artists & GroupsWorkshop Will Discuss Grant Process For Local Artists & Groups
9/8/14 - Thousands of dollars in state grant funding will be the topic of discussion next week at an event in Howell open to all local artists and non-profit arts and cultural organizations. The Livingston Arts Council, which owns and operates the Howell Opera House, will be hosting a mini grant workshop put on by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The council is an agency of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves to âencourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative, cultural activity in Michigan.â Those interested in applying to the Council for grant funds are highly encouraged to attend to learn the basics on eligibility and on the best ways to write grant requests for the 2015 fiscal year. Last year, the Community Theatre of Howell was the only Livingston County group to receive funding in the form of a $7,500 grant for operational support. The free workshop will be held next Wednesday, September 17th from 6-7pm at the Opera House on Grand River in Downtown Howell. Youâll find details online through the link below. (JK)
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Organizers Praise Scope And Success Of 13th Day Of CaringOrganizers Praise Scope And Success Of 13th Day Of Caring
9/8/14 - Organizers are calling this yearâs Day of Caring a success, with more than a thousand volunteer shifts filled at more than 100 community projects. The one-day volunteering blitz identifies local projects to benefit families, nonprofits, churches, and governmental organizations in the Livingston County Area. They range from home repairs and ramp construction to painting, redecorating, and spending time with seniors. Event Chairman Pete Lindhout said in a press release that the 13th annual Day of Caring on August 20th was the largest ever, with a total of 1,425 volunteer shifts filled at 110 job sites. Based on state guidelines for volunteer hours, that totals an investment of $110,500 in the Livingston County community. Those volunteers included more than 500 local high school students, who responded to the Day of Caring Challenge. (TD)
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Hartland Land Sale Wipes Delinquent Sewer Assessment Off BooksHartland Land Sale Wipes Delinquent Sewer Assessment Off Books
9/8/14 - The sale of two parcels by Hartland Township will cover the delinquent sewer assessments on the properties. Lansing-based residential developer Mayberry Homes purchased the land, which consists of 78.5 acres on the southwest corner of Pleasant Valley and M-59 as well as 30 acres on the northwest corner of Fenton Road and M-59. The developer identifies Hartland as a growing market for residential growth. The township had acquired the properties after the previous owner could not meet the sewer assessment obligations. The township always planned to sell the property when it could cover the roughly $1.5 million in delinquencies. Manager James Wickman this system accomplishes all of the townshipâs goals, recouping their losses and getting the properties back on the market. The township made a similar land sale in February, when two parcels on Clyde Road were sold for $342,000 plus an additional $500,000 to cover the assessments. (TD)
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Tickets Available for Brighton's Farm to Table Experience Tickets Available for Brighton's Farm to Table Experience
9/8/14 - An upcoming dining experience aims promote local farming and reconnect the Livingston County community with its rich agricultural roots and tradition. Livingston County is home to a large number of farms that produce fruits, vegetables, livestock as well as cottage industry products and that will be the focus of Brightonâs 2nd annual Farm to Table Experience on Saturday, September 20th. The outdoor dinner held on the grounds of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce is designed to taste, promote, and educate about farming and agriculture in Livingston County. This yearâs menu will have an international flair to showcase the versatility of local farmers and artisans. Money raised will provide funding for the enhancement of the Brighton Farmersâ Market and continue to support the implementation of bridge card technology and materials at the market. A portion of funds will also benefit the Livingston County Hunger Council, a coalition committed to finding sustainable solutions to end hunger in Livingston County. Tickets for Brightonâs Farm to Table Experience are available through Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and details are can be found in the attached press release. The chamber is also currently looking for volunteers for the event, including servers and set up and tear down crews. (JM)
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Outdoor Ampitheater Project Nearing Completion in MilfordOutdoor Ampitheater Project Nearing Completion in Milford
9/8/14 - A project to construct an outdoor amphitheater in Milford is nearing completion. Work began in mid-July on the AMP in Central Park project, which is funded through community and business donations. Organizers expect completion of the terraces and pavilion by the end of the month. It's in an area of the park where a natural slope occurs in the land and already functions similar to an amphitheater according to Milford Downtown Development Authority Director Ann Barnette. Able-bodied volunteers are being sought for a work session next weekend to install irrigation components of the amphitheater. Although the project should be complete by the end of the month, Barnette says it wonât be ready for use until next spring since they will be seeding the lawn and giving the site some time to establish. The AMP in Central Park project is a three-fold partnership between the Milford DDA, the Rotary Club of Milford and the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce. Fundraising efforts are continuing for the second phase, which will address a long-term community goal to provide public restrooms for visitors that Central Park currently lacks. Details on how to volunteer or donate are available through the link below as well as the AMP in Central Park Facebook page. (JM)
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Alleged Flasher Rejects Plea Deal For Local ChargesAlleged Flasher Rejects Plea Deal For Local Charges
9/8/14 - A Green Oak Township man facing charges of indecent exposure in Livingston and Oakland Counties has rejected a local plea deal. 30-year-old Nathanael Armstrong is facing indecent exposure charges in two separate court cases in Livingston County. He rejected a plea offer in both cases during a pretrial hearing today, and is now scheduled for jury selection on October 10th. In Oakland County, Armstrong is charged with three counts of aggravated indecent exposure for incidents in South Lyon and one count of indecent exposure alleged to have occurred in Novi. After the three South Lyon incidents, which occurred between April 15th and June 25th, South Lyon Police Lt. Chris Sovik noticed a press release from Novi Police about a July 14th incident at a Target store that included a surveillance photo of a suspect. He noticed the suspect looked similar to Armstrong, who he had interviewed previously. Further investigation by both departments led to a positive identification. Armstrong also faces two counts of indecent exposure in Livingston County related to alleged incidents in July at the Green Oak Village Place mall. Those incidents went unreported to police until Armstrong was publicly identified in the South Lyon cases. Each count of aggravated indecent exposure is a two-year misdemeanor, while the simple indecent exposure charge carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in prison. (TD)
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Former Lieutenant Sentenced & Must Register as Sex Offender Former Lieutenant Sentenced & Must Register as Sex Offender
9/9/14 - A former Genesee County Sheriff's Lieutenant who lives in Milford has been sentenced on criminal sexual conduct and stalking charges tied to alleged on-the-job incidents. Former Lt. Michael Chatterson was sentenced to five years of probation on Monday by a Genesee County Circuit Court judge and ordered to have no contact with the victims. He must also register as a sex offender for the next 15 years, attend treatment and is not allowed to have a computer or smartphone. Chatterson was originally charged with one count of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of stalking after an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Department. Prosecutors had sought to increase the severity of the CSC charge against Chatterson and filed a notice of intent to add five counts of misconduct in office. However in July, a deal was reached with prosecutors in which Chatterson pleaded no contest to the reduced charge of 4th degree criminal sexual conduct by force/coercion and a single count of stalking. The 45-year-old Chatterson lives in Milford and oversaw the sheriff's paramedic program but was terminated after the accusations surfaced. He was alleged to have inappropriately grabbed a female deputy in his office in November of 2012. Genesee County earlier agreed to pay $500,000 to settle a civil lawsuit filed by three female deputies who claimed not enough was done to stop the alleged on-the-job conduct, which involved threats and remarks. Chattersonâs attorney told MLive.com that his client accepted responsibility for his actions and he never intended to specifically harm anyone involved. (JM)
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LACASA Again Sponsoring Cinderella's ClosetLACASA Again Sponsoring Cinderella's Closet
9/9/14 - A twice-annual non-profit boutique offering formal dresses at affordable prices will return to Livingston County this week. Cinderellaâs Closet will take place at Snedicorâs Cleaners in Brighton over the next two weekends. The program, operated by LACASA, collects new or gently-used formal dresses over the course of the year and sells them for a mere $25 apiece to high school girls before prom and homecoming. The boutique opens its doors from Thursday through Saturday this week and next week, operating between 3pm and 8pm on Thursdays and Fridays, then from 11am to 4pm on both Saturdays. No reservations or sign-up are required. Students who participate are also informed by LACASA staff about the links between substance abuse and dating violence. They are asked to sign the âParty Promiseâ to avoid drugs and alcohol during the events. In addition to providing affordable formalwear and educating the students, Community Education Director Nicole Matthews-Creech adds that the event is also very eco-friendly, reusing formalwear rather than throwing it out. Dresses that go out-of-fashion are also donated to nonprofits, drama classes, and theater troupes in need of costumes. More information about Cinderellaâs Closet can be found through the link below. (TD)
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Parent Input Sought on Balanced Calendar OptionParent Input Sought on Balanced Calendar Option
9/9/14 - Howell Schools officials are looking for parents who want to help examine the possibility of implementing a new calendar for elementary students. Of the large issues scheduled to be reviewed by committee in the Howell Public Schools district, the one chosen to be examined first was the balanced calendar. Under that system, students would have a shorter summer break of about six weeks, but one- or two-week breaks would be scattered throughout the school year. The goal of the program is to reduce the amount of material lost by students over the extended summer break, and School Board President Mike Witt says it has been shown to improve test scores in districts where it has been implemented. Last night, school board members called on residents to make their opinions known to the district about the proposed program. Witt tells WHMI the district is forming a parent group to contribute to the examination and discussion of balanced calendar. Parents of elementary students are being sought to be part of a committee and voice their opinions, for or against, while participating in an aggressive schedule of committee work and site visits. Witt emphasized that even if the district implements balanced calendar, it will be an opt-in program only. Traditional calendar will still be available in the district, and nobody will be forced to take part in the balanced calendar program. (TD)
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Brighton School Board President Fiani Criticizes Citizen CommentsBrighton School Board President Fiani Criticizes Citizen Comments
9/9/14 - The Brighton Board of Education meeting Monday night got a little heated, with the board president taking exception to comments by a resident. Sue Ellen Ikens spoke at both the opening and closing public comments portions of the meeting, criticizing the pending purchase of the vacant Lindbom school building by a group that plans to turn it into a charter school. Among other things, Ikens said the private sector should not be in charge of educating children, any more than it is for responsible for the military, police or fire departments. Ikens stated further that since charter schools use public tax dollars by which they operate â and yet have school boards not elected by the public or open to public scrutiny âit amounts to âtaxation without representation.â Board President Nick Fiani took exception to Ikensâ statements, saying some of them were inaccurate. He tells WHMI that her comments â at Mondayâs meeting and at previous meetings - verge on being âdefamatoryâ in regard to the board and to himself as board president. Fiani says he would be glad to meet with Ikens at her convenience to discuss her statements and criticisms, possibly with Superintendent Greg Gray sitting in. The board this summer gave the green light to the American Classical Academies to purchase the building and property for $1.45 million, provided all the criteria and deadlines are met. A local group plans to lease the building and call it the Lindbom Classical Academy. The ACA has about four months to perform its due diligence before closing on the property can take place. If it falls through, the Grainger Construction Company has a backup offer of $1.6 million waiting. Grainger proposes to convert the property into a senior citizen assisted living development. (TT)
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