9/15/14 - The new protocols and procedures implemented this year to deal with security threats were presented to the Howell School Board last week. Howell Safe School Director Patrick Sidge says ever since the Columbine shooting the protocols for dealing with threats in schools has been a constantly-evolving discipline. With that in mind, all five major school districts in Livingston County gathered to create an ad hoc committee tasked with developing a new security plan that could be implemented county-wide. Sidge said officials knew it would behoove all of the school districts to know they are on the same page. The committee looked at the best practices and most important tactics from a number of school safety protocols. This included sending representatives to get certified in Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate, or ALICE, training. They took the best portions of the different programs to create the new protocol, which has been implemented in all of the school districts in the county. The results of their research were coordinated with the Emergency Management Division of the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department to make sure they are congruous with the law enforcement efforts that will be undertaken in case of a real school shooting incident. Sidge says it will be beneficial for law enforcement to know what a schoolâs response to a shooter incident will be regardless of the district. (TD)
New Security Protocols Outlined for Howell SchoolsNew Security Protocols Outlined for Howell Schools
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Trio Competing For Singing Stardom & Grant MoneyTrio Competing For Singing Stardom & Grant Money
9/15/14 - An online contest to sing at a Detroit Tigers game and win money for a police, fire or military organization features a trio of residents from Livingston County. The Comerica Cares Home of the Brave National Anthem Contest was open to Metro Detroit police, firefighters/EMTs, military members and veterans. Seven finalists have been chosen and among them are three with Livingston County connections; Walter Johnston of the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority, Lane Meurer of 1462nd National Guard Transportation Company based in Howell and Army veteran Tim Spink of Brighton. Voting is open to the public through this Saturday, September 20th on the Comerica Cares Facebook page. Johnston was a finalist in last yearâs competition and placed second. In addition to being offered the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at the September 27th Tigers game at Comerica Park, the winner will receive 35 tickets to the game and a $10,000 grant to their police station or fire station, military unit or one of two military nonprofit organizations â Wounded Warrior Project or The John D. Dingell VA Medical Center. Youâll find details and videos of the three local finalists below. (JK)
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Forum Will Feature Brighton School Board CandidatesForum Will Feature Brighton School Board Candidates
9/15/14 - A candidateâs forum later this month will feature six candidates running for seats on the Brighton Board of Education. The six candidates running for the three open seats in the November 4th election include two incumbents; Treasurer John Conely and Trustee Miles Vieau. They are being challenged by four parents in the district; Andy Burchfield, who has spoken often during the âCall to the Publicâ at school board meetings; David Chesney, a parent and district volunteer who is on the faculty at the University of Michigan College of Engineering; Ken Stahl, who previously ran for the board in 2012 and served as the Steering Chair for the Yes For BAS committee to pass the Brighton School Bond and finally Jerilyn Mulholland Gilleylen, a member of the Hornung Elementary School PTO. The forum will take place at Scranton Middle School on Wednesday, September 24th at 7:30pm. District voters are encouraged to attend and learn more about the slate of candidates, each of whom will give a two minute introduction, answer five to ten questions and then provide a closing statement. All three of the open seats on the board are for four-year terms. (JK)
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LACASA's 'Denim & Diamonds' Hits $50k Fundraising GoalLACASA's 'Denim & Diamonds' Hits $50k Fundraising Goal
9/15/14 - An event this weekend achieved its goal of getting $50,000 in grant funding to help fight domestic violence. LACASA Center made it official on Sunday with an announcement on their Facebook page that they had earned a minimum $50,000 from Denim & Diamonds, its annual western-themed fundraiser, which was held Saturday night on the private ranch of Gwen Haggerty-Bearden and Stephen Bearden in Marion Township. Because they reached that goal, $25,000 challenge grants from the Wheeler Family Foundation and the Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation were activated, meaning the countyâs domestic violence prevention agency and shelter has gained at least $100,000 in funding. LACASA officials say the organization depends on individual donations from members of the community and that the money earned from Denim & Diamonds will go directly to local victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. (JK)
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South Lyon Rail Crossings To Be RepairedSouth Lyon Rail Crossings To Be Repaired
9/15/14 - Commuters through South Lyon are finally seeing some relief from ongoing frustrations over railroad crossings. The poor condition of the CSX Railroad crossings has been a point of contention for some time. City officials requested the Michigan Department of Transportation conduct a construction and safety review of the tracks in 2012. As a result of that effort, MDOT issued a requirement for CSX to make the repairs by the end of the current construction season. When it appeared the railroad was leaning towards delaying the work until next year, the city put out a request for residents to let their frustrations be known. In response, work is expected to take place this week at the rail crossings at East Street and Nine Mile Road, both east of Pontiac Trail. The work should take about a week, but will require both crossings to be closed. Detours will be posted. Depending on the exact start date, both crossings should be completed by next Monday, September 22nd. (JK)
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Voters to Decide Millage Renewal for Howell Schools in NovemberVoters to Decide Millage Renewal for Howell Schools in November
9/15/14 - As the Howell school district will again go to voters this fall for a renewal of its non-homestead property tax, the district is hosting a community meeting to answer any questions from taxpayers. District officials say the 18-mill renewal is the exact same amount as the current non-homestead millage which is expected to expire next year. But because it provides the Howell district with approximately 17 percent of its operating budget, the district will hold a community meeting Tuesday, October 7th at 7pm in the administration boardroom to answer any questions on the 12-year renewal request. Non-homestead millages are not assessed against a familyâs primary residence, but instead are applied strictly to commercial properties, rental properties and second homes. Rick Terres, Howell Public Schools associate superintendent for business, says if the millage fails, the district would lose approximately $11.5 million from its budget. Additional information on the non-homestead millage renewal is available online through the link below. (JK/JM)
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Howell City Council Discusses Future of Isbell Street BridgeHowell City Council Discusses Future of Isbell Street Bridge
9/15/14 - Efforts continue to try and preserve an old wooden bridge in the City of Howell that continues to see steady deterioration. The Isbell Street Bridge is a topic that resurfaces from time to time before the Howell City Council but the hands of members are basically tied. The bridge is owned by CSX Corporation and falls under its authority. It would be costly to address all of the structural issues and discussions have most recently centered on trying to gain a historical designation to help the Cityâs push with CSX to preserve the bridge and gain possible tax credits. Staff previously presented options to address questions about the future of the bridge. Howell City Manager Shea Charles says the ultimate direction from Council was to continue work with CSX to try and retain it as a pedestrian crossing while exploring the possibility of gaining federal and state historical designations as an incentive for CSX to make repairs. The Isbell Street bridge remains closed as itâs considered a safety hazard and dangerous to walk on. The bridge is said to be too far gone to make it structurally sound for vehicles in the future and the City has been at an impasse with CSX for a few years. The City has no legal rights other than pressure tactics and incentives to try and get CSX to repair the bridge for pedestrian access but the company has been very non-responsive. Some members want to do everything possible to save the existing bridge while others want to possibly try and trade it for a graded crossing further to the west, meaning CSX could take down the Isbell Street Bridge but install a crossing that would connect to walking and biking trails. (JM)
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Educational Presentation Planned on Future of County RoadsEducational Presentation Planned on Future of County Roads
9/15/14 - The future of Livingston County roads will be the focus of a community presentation next week. The presentation will be made during next week's Livingston County Board of Commissioners meeting. It will focus on current and future funding that will be invested to support the transportation system in Michigan, funding shortfalls and the impact on local roads. The featured speakers will be Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine and Carmine Palombo, the Deputy Director of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. Commissioner Steve Williams tells WHMI it's intended to be educational and will last 30 to 45 minutes. The three current legislators representing Livingston County as well as the local winning Democratic and Republican candidates from the August primary election have been invited to the presentation. The Future of Livingston County Roads will begin at 7:30pm on Monday, September 22nd in the board chambers of the Livingston County Administration Building. (JM)
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Trial Delayed in Fatal Drug Overdose of Local WomanTrial Delayed in Fatal Drug Overdose of Local Woman
9/16/14 - The trial of a Detroit man suspected of selling drugs to a Brighton Township woman shortly before she fatally overdosed has been delayed until at least next year. 31-year-old Sofronzo Eric Horne is charged with delivering a controlled substance causing death. The charge was filed in connection with the July 4th, 2013 death of 28-year-old Deidre Alvis in Genoa Township. Horne had been set for trial this month but court records indicate that it has been adjourned until January. A hearing was held in August to update the court on the progress of witnesses. Previous testimony from a friend of Alvisâ indicated that they twice purchased heroin from Horne, using it first in a garage at a home in Detroit and then again in their car as they returned to his home in Livingston County. The friend said Alvis nodded off while they were watching a movie. When he couldnât wake her, he had his parents call 911. She was later pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy determined Alvis died from multiple drug intoxication including heroin and cocaine. Horne has been in custody since the Michigan State Police Fugitive Apprehension Team arrested him last September at his Detroit residence. (JM)
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Township Receives Very Favorable Audit Report Township Receives Very Favorable Audit Report
9/16/14 - Genoa Township has received a very favorable audit report for the 2014 fiscal year. The board met Monday night and approved a motion to accept the audit report for the fiscal year that ended March 31st and send it on to the state. Auditors determined the townshipâs finances are in excellent shape and it has a very favorable fund balance. Auditors commented during a presentation that it was pretty remarkable the township was able to complete projects totaling more than $1 (m) million dollars, without eating away too much at fund balance. It stands at roughly $4.37 (m) million, compared to $5.1 (m) million the year prior. Supervisor Gary McCririe doesn't foresee any significant challenges or issues moving forward and says the township took on some pretty sizable projects over the last year, which did not negatively impact fund balance. Those projects included the installation of pathways along Nixon Road, a parking lot addition and new playground equipment at the township hall property on Dorr Road, a new DPW van, road projects in the Red Oaks neighborhood and an overlay project on Coon Lake Road. Board members did briefly discuss the percentage of funds that are insured or collateralized. Genoa Township already has an investment policy but it doesnât have any specific percentage requirement for funds. McCririe says the struggle Genoa Township and most municipalities face is the placement of funds in various financial institutions and whether those funds are fully insured or not. He says in the not-too-distant past, the federal government lowered the amount of federal insurance on accounts to half a million dollars. McCririe says that means money has to be spread over multiple institutions, which isnât always possible, so the township moves money around between accounts to make sure itâs as safe as possible. Treasurer Robin Hunt commented during the meeting that the funds and different accounts are monitored closely and constantly, adding the percentage insured or collateralized changes frequently and has everything to do with timing, payments and tax collections. (JM)
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Brighton Twp. Approves PlanTo Clear Woodland Lake EasementBrighton Twp. Approves PlanTo Clear Woodland Lake Easement
9/16/14- The emergency access easement for Woodland Lake Estates is finally receiving a much needed clean up. The road, currently blocked by vegetation and a berm over eight feet tall, is currently out of commission. In the event of an emergency, vehicles would not be able to use the road in its current state. The Brighton Township Board of Trustees met Monday night and accepted a proposal from Against the Elements LLC to clear the path. The township originally invited between 15-20 people to bid on the project, receiving only 2 submissions. Township Manager Brian Vick says Against the Elements came in with the lowest bid, at just over $5,000 including contingencies. While he is confident they will perform the necessary task well, he says the board is ârelying on references, thereâs no doubt about thatâ when it came to accepting the companyâs proposal. The responsibility for paying for the removal of the berm and greenery will fall onto the townshipâs shoulders. Though it is an unexpected cost, the township believes clearing the existing easement is a priority. Brighton Township Supervisor Tom Murphy tells WHMI the board explored other possible access points to Woodland Lake Estates. The road has been blocked for almost two decades and Murphy believes a developerâs recent interest in building on the property has generated the incentive to clean up the easement. The board of trustees will have their next meeting October 6th to review the contract from Against the Elements LLC. (DK)
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Lawsuit Seeking Judge's Court Recordings Moves ForwardLawsuit Seeking Judge's Court Recordings Moves Forward
9/16/14 - An out-of-county judge has been appointed to preside over a case filed by local attorney against a sitting judge. Howell attorney Tom Kizer filed suit against 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan after he was denied access to video and audio recordings of courtroom proceedings for multiple cases that have been before her. The complaint was filed September 4th in Livingston County Circuit Court and an order of disqualification for all local judges was filed, requesting the matter be referred to the Supreme Court Administrators Office. Court records show that Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Clinton Canady III will preside over the civil litigation and a status conference has been set for March of next year. Kizer says the videos might reveal nothing at all, but they could also show that Judge Brennan is not even tempered or respectful of people. He says the suit was filed as a last resort and he sent Judge Brennan a letter requesting access to the recordings but was denied by Chief Circuit Court Judge David Reader per a local court order. Kizer says the order preventing him from accessing public information is not only selective but discriminatory and needs to be reviewed. (JM)
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Brighton Man Resigns Position After Police Stop in AlbionBrighton Man Resigns Position After Police Stop in Albion
9/16/14 - A stop by police in Albion has led to the resignation of a Livingston County man from his position as head of the Jackson and Calhoun county road departments. Police records show that 43-year-old Gerald Peterson of Brighton had cocaine in his car when he was stopped by police on September 8th for a traffic violation. Peterson, who resigned from his post last Friday, was not arrested. However, WLNS reports that officers found two rocks of cocaine in Peterson's car and he admitted he had paid a man $80 to "buy a hooker." Police say they made the stop because Peterson drove over the speed limit after leaving a house known for drugs and prostitution. A 54-year-old man was in the car at the time and told officers he had taken Peterson to three houses looking for drugs and a prostitute. Peterson told police the drugs werenât his and that he had "made a bad decision and was just trying to give a poor homeless person a ride." The Calhoun County Prosecutorâs Office is reviewing the report to determine what, if any, charges will be filed in the case. (JK)
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Congressman Mulls Over Write-In CampaignCongressman Mulls Over Write-In Campaign
9/16/14 - An area Congressman, who once served as a teacher at Fowlerville High School, may possibly attempt a write-in campaign. U.S. Representative Kerry Bentivolio has confirmed that he is considering a write-in bid for re-election. The Milford Republican, who taught English in Fowlerville for one year until he left the district in 2012 following multiple reprimands, was elected later that year after the surprise resignation of former Congressman Thaddeus McCotter. But he was defeated in the Republican primary this past August by Commerce Township foreclosure attorney David Trott, who was backed by the GOP establishment. Over the weekend, Bentivolio said he and his family will write in his name on the ballot in November and that he is still considering filing for an official write-in campaign. Write-in candidates have until October 21st to file their intent to run in the November election. Bentivolio told the Michigan Research & Information Service that heâs trying to decide whether to send Trott a âcongratulations or receipt for the purchase of the 11th Congressional District." His only concern is that by waging a write-in campaign, he could tip the race to Democrat Bobby McKenzie, a counterterrorism expert from Canton, who is running against Trott in November. McKenzie has attacked Trott's history as a foreclosure lawyer who he says has profited from the housing crisis. The Republican-leaning 11th Congressional District includes parts of western Wayne and Oakland counties. (JK)
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Program Helps Local Young Adults Advance in the Workplace Program Helps Local Young Adults Advance in the Workplace
9/16/14 - A program is working to prepare Livingston County's future workforce by providing young adults with the learning tools it takes to be successful and advance. The Livingston County Michigan Works! Youth Advance Program helps Livingston County residents age 19 to 21 qualify for and maintain employment positions, including those who face socio-economic challenges, although that is not mandatory criteria. Youth Advance Program Coordinator Austin Turner tells WHMI theyâre hoping to reach out these residents as well as their parents and better inform them about the support programs available. The program provides educational/training opportunities, paid work experiences and internship opportunities along with skills, mentoring and community involvement to help lead individuals in different career paths or technical programs. Those interested are asked to contact Turner at (517) 552-2153 or awturner@rossprov.com. A link to the programâs Facebook page is also provided below. (JM)
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Local Residents Saved by AED's Spearhead Fundraising CampaignLocal Residents Saved by AED's Spearhead Fundraising Campaign
9/16/14 - Two local individuals who have experienced the lifesaving benefits of Automated External Defibrillators are helping coordinate a fundraising campaign to purchase more of the devices for law enforcement agencies across Livingston County. 33-year-old Courtney Alexander of Hamburg Township, who is pictured, is a featured 2014 âheart heroâ by the American Heart Association and will be participating in the Detroit Womenâs Half Marathon this weekend. She has never had any health problems or family history of heart issues but ended up going into cardiac arrest in the driveway of her babysitterâs home after a full day of skiing last February at Mount Brighton. The mother of three says luckily, a responding Hamburg Township police officer had an AED the day she went into cardiac arrest and was able to deliver two shocks to restart her heart. Alexander and 61-year-old Glenn Wilt of Brighton Township are hoping their lifesaving stories will spur community action and are coordinating efforts with Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post. Wilt, who has a lengthy family history of heart issues, suffered a heart attack while unloading his van in his driveway on June 9th, 2013. His wife and daughter started CPR and called 911 and he says a MSP trooper had an AED in his patrol vehicle and arrived within minutes of hearing the call, before EMS and other responding agencies. Doctors told him it was the quick actions of everyone that saved his life and helped prevent permanent heart damage. He firmly believes that he wouldn't be here today had the trooper not responded so quickly and had the AED. His father passed away from an enlarged heart, as did his son at the age of 26 in 2010. Wilt says on the day he buried his son, his cousin died in her sleep with an enlarged heart. His brother passed away last May from a blood clot. While its been a rough few years, heâs come a long way. Wilt has completed cardiac rehab and says he feels good, walking around three miles every day and that he tries to work out and eat as healthy as he can. A crowd funding website has since been set up, with a goal to raise $25,000 county wide for the purchase of 25 AEDâs in vehicles. A link to that site is available below. (JM)
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New Executive to Lead Renovation of Two Local Health FacilitiesNew Executive to Lead Renovation of Two Local Health Facilities
9/17/14 - An executive director has been named to oversee operations and a revitalization program at two Livingston County health facilities. Brynt Ellis has been appointed executive director of St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital and St. Joseph Mercy Brighton Health Center. Ellis will be responsible for daily operations but will also play a role in the renovation and expansion efforts taking place at both locations. A $25 million revitalization program was launched recently to add private patient rooms and expand the surgery center at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston hospital while developing a new short stay service that includes a 28-bed unit at St. Joseph Mercy Brighton. It will be led by physicians and provide overnight care for outpatients who require extended treatment and recovery. Ellis brings a background in both nursing and large scale project management; a combination that officials feel will be beneficial and enable him to ensure the upgrades at the local facilities are well-designed. Ellis says the innovative health care options will complement the comprehensive services already provided by St. Joe's locally but also position Livingston County well to meet the health care needs of the growing population. His new executive director role will be effective October 13th. (JM)
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Free Dental Day in Howell to Help Local Residents in Need SaturdayFree Dental Day in Howell to Help Local Residents in Need Saturday
9/17/14 - Livingston County residents in need have an opportunity to receive free dental services this weekend. Dr. Thomas Kellogg, his staff and others offer a Free Dental Day each September in honor of his parents, June and Edward Kellogg, to help those without insurance or those who just donât have the money. An oral surgeon, five dentists and hygienists will be performing fillings, extractions and cleanings in addition to family friendly activities and refreshments. Dr. Kellogg says itâs a very heartfelt event that has grown significantly over the past six years. He tells WHMI dental problems can be debilitating for a lot of people and itâs intended as a bridge to help them get back on their feet. Saturdayâs Free Dental Day is first come, first served but Kellogg says they try to help everyone who comes out. Kellogg says they were able to take care of everyone who came out last year and typically try to see around 150 people, thanks to everyone who helps out for the event. He adds that they always appreciate volunteers and anyone interested should contact their Byron Road office. This Saturdayâs event will run from 8am until 1pm. Details are available through the link below. (JM)
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Accused Shooter & Victim Had Prior Road Rage Run-InsAccused Shooter & Victim Had Prior Road Rage Run-Ins
9/17/14 - Both the man charged with murder in a Genoa Township traffic confrontation and the man he is accused of shooting to death had prior experiences with road rage. The Detroit Free Press reports that 69-year-old Martin Zale of Marion Township, who is charged with open murder and firearms counts in the September 2nd fatal shooting of Derek Flemming, was involved in a run-in with a motorist in Livonia in November 2008, an incident in which he remained wanted on an assault and battery complaint. According to the report, Zale told officers he and another motorist exited their cars in a McDonaldâs parking lot and began yelling at one another following a traffic dispute near 7 Mile and Farmington Roads. He reportedly believed the motorist was about to hit him, so Zale said he slapped the man in the face. The Free Press also reports that Flemming, the Oceola Township 43-year-old father of two that Zale is charged with killing, was a victim in a previous road rage incident along M-59 in Hartland Township. In that encounter, Flemming told police he was pushed to the ground and hit his head after approaching the car of a motorist who had boxed in his vehicle while making a left turn. Police say the fatal encounter with Zale occurred after Flemming also approached his vehicle to complain about his driving. Police records also show that Flemming is alleged to have threatened to shoot Enbridge Energy employees in 2012 while they were installing a gas pipeline. Zale remains jailed without bond as he awaits his next court appearance on October 7th. (JK)
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Grants Help Protect Drinking Water in Several Local CommunitiesGrants Help Protect Drinking Water in Several Local Communities
9/17/14 - State grants to help protect drinking water will include more than half a dozen area communities. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced on Tuesday that 46 communities across the state will split more than $525,000 under the Source Water Protection Grant Program. Of the local recipients, the MHOG Water Authority, which provides service to Marion, Howell, Oceola and Genoa townships, was granted just over $8,500. The City of Fenton received nearly $8,400 while the Village of Fowlerville got $6,400. Also getting money were Hartland Township, Pinckney, Milford and Dexter. The program aims to help safeguard public water supply systems by providing communities with matching grant assistance. Communities define the area contributing drinking water, identify potential contaminants and implement management strategies. The largest recipient in Michigan was the City of Detroit, which got $50,000 to develop and implement a source water protection program for three of its intakes. (JK)
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