9/19/14 - A Detroit man charged in Livingston County District Court as part of a mortgage-rescue scam has elected to withdraw his earlier plea. 43-year-old Rolondo Sage Campbell was scheduled to be sentenced as a third time habitual offender Thursday but instead withdrew the plea that he entered in August. Campbell had pleaded no contest to charges of uttering and publishing, larceny by conversion and violating the Credit Services Protection Act. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors had agreed to dismiss a separate count of obtaining money under false pretenses of between $1,000 and $20,000. That plea was taken under advisement by the court and Campbell exercised his legal right to withdraw it. A pre-trial in the case has now been scheduled for October 17th. Campbell is among four southeast Michigan individuals and three companies charged by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuetteâs office for allegedly operating fraudulent mortgage-rescue or loan-modification schemes. Authorities say that from October of 2010 to December of 2011, Campbell operated a company in Detroit, E3A, that claimed to be a nonprofit that could rescue people from bad mortgages by arranging short sales of their homes. A Howell woman is among his victims. Campbell faces similar criminal charges in Macomb County District Court. In addition, his business also faces charges in both counties. (JM)
Detroit Man Withdraws Plea in Local Mortgage Rescue Scam Case Detroit Man Withdraws Plea in Local Mortgage Rescue Scam Case
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County Support of Proposed Ice Rink/Splash Pad Questioned County Support of Proposed Ice Rink/Splash Pad Questioned
9/19/14 - Local democrats are questioning county support for a combination ice rink and splash pad project proposed on the grounds near the historic courthouse in downtown Howell. A presentation on the plans was made by the Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority to a subcommittee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. No formal recommendation was made to move the matter to the full board, prompting local Democratic candidates to issue a press release urging commissioners to take another look at the project. Howell Township Trustee Mike Tipton is running for the District 5 seat and says the DDA did its homework. Tipton says the project has overwhelming business and citizen support, a firm budget and a financing plan without using tax dollars and feels at a minimum, the plan should be further vetted and brought to the county commission for final action. County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Carol Griffith says the DDA was on a tight time frame to try and gain approvals to apply for a grant, which did not allow commissioners ample time for appropriate vetting. She tells WHMI they needed to consider a number of issues including liability, the use of the grounds and any potential deed restrictions on the historical property, as well as parking and accessibility for citizens and employees at the county administration building. Griffith says this was not a political move but based on business and good common sense. The project has attracted widespread support from county residents and the Howell business community. DDA officials previously said the concept that was created is one that will be sympathetic to the great history of Howell and the courthouse, and the intent was to work with the county and city to create a year round attraction. (JM)
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Howell Planning Commission Postpones Action on Pizza Shop SignHowell Planning Commission Postpones Action on Pizza Shop Sign
9/20/14 - A simple pizza sign has morphed into a rather complex conversation for the Howell City Planning Commission. After being told to move a handmade temporary sign placed near Grand River, John Kinnunen who operates Dukeâs Pizza decided to strap it on top of his personal vehicle thatâs used for deliveries. That ultimately prompted more communication from the city. Itâs a competitive business and signage doesnât come cheap so Kinnunen approached the Howell City Council on the matter. The request to utilize portable signs along Grand River was referred to the planning commission, which in August indicated it was not willing to amend the current ordinance but encouraged the owners to apply for a Special Land Use Permit. That was discussed during a meeting last week but the matter ended up being postponed to the October 6th meeting, with commissioners saying there was no guarantee of anything but it would give staff time to try and find a solution. Howell City Manager Shea Charles stated that they went down the special land use route because it was the only avenue for any kind of appeal, since the commission did not want to amend ordinance. The conversation shifted a bit duirng the last meeting so staff will be working over the next three weeks to try and come up with options. Commissioners all expressed a desire to help support small businesses but felt granting the request would lead to unintended consequences, be precedent setting and lead to increased requests from other businesses desiring the same exceptions. (JM)
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Genoa Township Helps Subdivision Prepare For Streets ProjectGenoa Township Helps Subdivision Prepare For Streets Project
9/20/14 - Now that solid numbers are known, homeowners within a Genoa Township subdivision will need to decide if they still want to proceed with a street reconstruction project. The roads within the Timberview subdivision were installed in the 1970âs or 80âs and have held up over the years but have basically reached the end of their useful life. Homeowners in the subdivision have been trying to establish a special assessment district for the past few years to fix their streets but determining the scope of the project proved to be a challenge. They solicited bids and quotes on their own but there were other estimates floating around that differed significantly. Genoa Township Supervisor Gary McCririe tells WHMI the board earlier approved an engineering services proposal to come up with solid numbers for the project to provide to residents. McCririe says the township will now be asking if the homeowners want the project to move forward, and if so, those residents will need to re-circulate petitions at the new amount. The board also decided it would be proper to explore a seven year payback term instead of six for any assessment, should the residents decide to move forward with the project. (JM)
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Alleged Heroin Dealer Bound Over To Livingston Circuit CourtAlleged Heroin Dealer Bound Over To Livingston Circuit Court
9/20/14 - A man busted for allegedly delivering heroin in the Fowlerville community is headed to trial. 22-year-old Matthew Place was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court this week on heroin delivery charges and possession of marijuana. Court records list him as being homeless and he remains held on a $150,000 cash or surety bond. Officers were able to recover 58 bindles of heroin and a small quantity of marijuana during the September 9th traffic stop. At the time of the traffic stop, police say the driver, identified as Place, passed the drugs to the passenger who attempted to conceal them from the officer. Police say the officers recovered the drugs and arrested Place. A warrant has since been issued for the passenger and it remains active against 23-year-old Paige Lorraine Akers of Sault St. Marie. She faces the same charges as Place. (JM)
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Livingston Residents Get Healthy Smiles At 6th Annual Free Dental DayLivingston Residents Get Healthy Smiles At 6th Annual Free Dental Day
9/21/14- Dentists are helping put a huge smile on local residentâs faces. Kellogg Dental of Howell welcomed community members in need on Saturday for the 6th annual Free Dental Day. 5 dentists and one oral surgeon performed extractions, fillings and cleanings for those who do not have the insurance or finances to regularly see a dentist. Dentist Tom Kellogg, whose father began Kellogg Dental, says the idea for this community outreach began over 8 years ago during the recession. Kellogg was involved in over sea missionsâ trips, performing dentistry services. Staff members approached Kellogg with the idea of a similar program for the community. Kellogg tells WHMI it is easy to sometimes underestimate the need for dental work. Up to 200 patients received the care they needed, and filled out cards to let the dentists know how thankful they were. Kellogg says they have been âvery fortunateâ and tells WHMI those serviced often âleave in tearsâ. Kellogg attributes the eventâs success to the help of over 70 volunteers, donations from local businesses and media promotion. He says Free Dental Day is "so easy to doâ and âso powerfulâ. (DK)
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Local- And State-Level Candidate Forums Start TuesdayLocal- And State-Level Candidate Forums Start Tuesday
9/21/14 - Voters will get a chance at three different forums in the next month to hear from various candidates running in November for local and state offices. The Brighton, Hartland and Howell chambers of commerce have teamed up with Voters Voice and the Livingston County Association of School Boards to present the candidate forums in advance of the Tuesday, Nov. 4, general election. The first is set for this Tuesday, September 23rd at the Hartland Educational Support Services Center on M-59 and will feature Republican Mike Bishop and Democrat Eric Shertzing, candidates for the 8th Congressional District. Also featured will be the candidates for the 22nd state Senate seat: Republican incumbent Joe Hune and his Democratic challenger Shari Pollesch. The second forum will take place a week later on Tuesday, September 30th at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. It will feature candidates for the 42nd District state House seat: Democrat Timothy Johnson and Republican Lana Theis. Also set to appear are candidates in the non-partisan judicial race for the 53rd District Court: Incumbent Theresa Brennan and her challenger, Dennis Brewer. The final forum will take place on Tuesday, October 7th in the Howell High School auditorium. It will feature candidates for the 47th House district: Democrat Jordan Jenso and Republican Hank Vaupel; as well as the candidates for the 22nd state Senate seat. All of the forums begin at 6:30pm. (JK)
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Sign Language Interpreter Assigned to Deaf Pursuit Suspect Sign Language Interpreter Assigned to Deaf Pursuit Suspect
9/22/14 - A deaf Howell man who was involved in a pursuit with police will appear in court later this month. 62-year-old David Thomas Self was charged with fleeing and eluding police, operating while intoxicated and having an improper license plate after an incident around 3:30am on September 7th. Police spotted Self traveling at nearly 100 mph on a motorcycle on M-59 near Michigan Avenue before turning onto Curzon Street, where he lives. He reportedly slowed down but was zipping through neighborhoods and making circles in an attempt to try and lose officers, but eventually pulled over and surrendered without incident. Self was arrested and taken to a hospital for a blood draw. The pursuit involved two Howell police officers and one Livingston County Sheriff's Deputy. Self is deaf and court records show that a sign language interpreter will need to be present for local court proceedings. His next hearing in 53rd District Court has been scheduled for September 30th. (JK)
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Road Presentation Will Kick Off County Board MeetingRoad Presentation Will Kick Off County Board Meeting
9/22/14 - The future of Livingston County roads will be the focus of a community presentation tonight. The educational presentation will be delivered during tonightâs meeting of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. 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. Commissioner Steve Williams tells WHMI the presentation will be specific to Southeast Michigan. He says the goal is to get factual information out to citizens about transportation funding shortfalls statewide, how roads are funded, as well as how M-DOT and county road commissions have worked to make the money go as far as possible. Tonightâs featured speakers will be Carmine Palombo, the Deputy Director of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and Managing Director of the Livingston County Road Commission Mike Craine. The Future of Livingston County Roads presentation will begin at 7:30pm in the board chambers of the Livingston County Administration Building. (JK)
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Meeting Will Discuss Ann Arbor/Whitmore Lake School MergerMeeting Will Discuss Ann Arbor/Whitmore Lake School Merger
9/22/14 - Officials from Whitmore Lake Public Schools will hold a special meeting early next month to introduce Northfield Township voters to the proposed merger between the school district and that in Ann Arbor. The informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 8th at the Northfield Township Hall beginning at 7pm. Voters in the two school districts will decide on November 4th whether to merge the two school systems. The details of the plan will be presented by members of the Whitmore Lake School Board with the goal of letting voters make an informed decision on election day. The public is welcome to attend. The annexation, which would occur at the end of the upcoming school year, would help Whitmore Lake avoid going into deficit and possible state takeover, while Ann Arbor would get a larger student body, new properties and access to the US-23 corridor. Officials say the tax rate for the combined district would be 8.3942 mills. That represents a .2 mill decrease for Whitmore Lake district taxpayers and a .5 mill increase for Ann Arbor. However, officials are hoping to obtain $4.3 million in consolidation grant funding from the state. (JK)
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Winans Lake Paving Project To Start TodayWinans Lake Paving Project To Start Today
9/22/14 - Paving of Winans Lake Road - part of the 1.66-mill, 15-year millage levy passed by township voters in 2012 - is expected to begin today, weather permitting. The road will be paved from Rickett Road west to the Hamburg Township line, a distance of just under two miles. Green Oak Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles says the road will have to be closed to "through" traffic because it's too narrow to accommodate one lane of traffic while the road work is being done. However, he tells WHMI that those who live along that stretch of Winans Lake Road will be able to get to their homes, despite the road closure. Closing of Winans Lake Road during the construction period means a considerable detour for commuters who use the road to get to the US-23 and I-96 freeways. The supervisor says with good weather, the road shouldn't be closed more than five days to a week. Since the forecast calls for clear weather the next several days, he expects the project to be completed on time. The original project estimate was $896,000, but St. Charles says the actual figure is expected to be lower, since all of the road projects completed so far as part of the township road millage have been lower than the estimates. (TT)
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Kensington Metro Park Hosts Suicide Awareness WalkKensington Metro Park Hosts Suicide Awareness Walk
9/22/14 - Over 1,500 community members walked for a national cause at Kensington Metro Park on Sunday. For 15 years, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has held its âOut of Darknessâ community walks to raise awareness and funds for their campaign to create a world without suicide. Major walks take place in Metro Detroit including Ann Arbor, Westland, Livingston and Oakland County and the downriver area. Laura Edwards, chairperson for the 2014 Out of Darkness walk, says in addition to the registered walkers, over 400 âwalk-upsâ were expected. She tells WHMI Livingston and Oakland County has currently raised over $94,000 for AFSP. Edwards says the fundraiser brings community members together for the drive to educate about suicide prevention. She tells WHMI her personal experience of losing her 12-year-old son Chase to suicide reminds her of the need to connect and support one another. Some participants walked in teams in recognition of a loved one lost to suicide. One such team was Team Lowry who honored Justin Lowry, a beloved son and friend to many. After losing Justin just over a year ago, his mother and family friend stressed the need for resources to attend to mental illness and to remove the stigma about it. They both reiterated that it is nothing to be ashamed of and that suicide is a permanent decision to a temporary problem. (DK)
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Hartland Township Flushing Hydrants Beginning TodayHartland Township Flushing Hydrants Beginning Today
9/22/14 - Residents on the Hartland Township water system are being advised that the township will be flushing its hydrants through October 2nd. All of the townshipâs hydrants are flushed twice a year to remove the buildup of rust that accumulates in the mains and may clog pipes. Beginning today, different parts of the system will be flushed over the next week and a half, which may cause customers on that part of the system to experience discolored water. Residents are encouraged not to do laundry when hydrants are being flushed near them, and that if their water appears rust-colored they should let it run for 10-15 minutes to clear their pipes. Crews today will flush hydrants in the area of M-59 to Cullen Road and at Oakbrook Apartments. Tomorrow, they will cover M-59 from the old high school to US-23 as well as the Autumn Woods subdivision. A full schedule can be found by following the link below. If residents experience a sustained loss in pressure, or the discoloration does not go away, they should contact United Water at (810) 632-9405 or Hartland Township Department of Public Works at (810) 632-7498 ex. 224. (TD)
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Michigan Cold Case Detectives Gather in HowellMichigan Cold Case Detectives Gather in Howell
9/22/14 - Cold case detectives from across Michigan gathered Friday in Livingston County. The gathering, which took place at the Livingston County Public Safety Complex on Tooley Road in Howell Township, was organized by Livingston County Sheriffâs Detective Ed Moore, who helps coordinate the countyâs Cold Case Team, a three-member panel of retired detectives that works to close local unsolved murders. In all, 19 detectives from 10 agencies attended the meeting, thought to be the first of its kind in Michigan. While officials wonât discuss specific details of what was presented during the gathering, they did say they hope it will become a regular event and perhaps lead to the formation of a statewide network of cold case teams. The Livingston County Cold Case Team recently created a Facebook page "to get the word out" about cold cases in the county, most notably, the 1982 murder of Kimberly Louiselle, the 1983 murder of Christina Castiglione and the 1990 disappearance and presumed murder of Paige Renkoski. Anyone with information on those cases or other unsolved crimes can call the team anonymously at 517-546-TIPS. Youâll also find a link to the teamâs Facebook page below. (JK)
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Grand Opening Planned For Howell's New Dog Park This WeekendGrand Opening Planned For Howell's New Dog Park This Weekend
9/23/14 - A grand opening event will be held for Howellâs new dog park this weekend. The Countryside Veterinary Dog Park, formerly the Howl and Bark Dog Park, officially opened on August 9th after years of planning, fundraising, and red tape. The grand opening event will be held this Saturday from 11am to 2pm to celebrate the new facility. The event will provide refreshments for humans and dogs alike, vendors, microchipping for $20, and a dog photographer. Residents will also be able to adopt dogs from the Humane Society of Livingston County as well as Animal Control. Participants must bring proof of current rabies, distemper, and bordatella vaccines as well as a current dog license. (TD)
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Howell Nature Center Brings In Hundreds For Annual 5k EventHowell Nature Center Brings In Hundreds For Annual 5k Event
9/23/14 - Hundreds of people participated in the Howell Conference and Nature Centerâs 6th annual Save the Wildlife 5k Trail Run/Walk on Saturday. The center reports that more than 250 took part in the event, which included the 5k as well as a one-mile Little Critter walk through the facilityâs grounds. While the race was not competitive, the winners for men and women were posted by a race service online and all participants were entered into the lottery for the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Run for 2015. Roughly 50 volunteers also turned out to help make the 5k possible by setting up, providing refreshments, and guiding the runners through the winding trails surrounding the Nature Center. (TD)
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Lawmakers And Candidates Gather For Road Funding PresentationLawmakers And Candidates Gather For Road Funding Presentation
9/23/14 - The Livingston County Board of Commissioners devoted most of their meeting last night to a presentation on the state and future of road funding in Michigan. The presentation was given by Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine as well as Carmine Palombo, the deputy director for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. They described the poor state of roads in Michigan and Livingston County, the disparity between the funding provided and the amount needed, and what needed to happen in the future to reverse the damage. Palombo tells WHMI we cannot continue to rely on the gas tax in an era of decreased demand and increasing fuel efficiency. Among those in attendance were outgoing state representatives Bill Rogers and Cindy Denby as well as Republican and Democratic candidates for several races. State House seat candidate Hank Vaupel says he supported a recommendation by the presenters that lawmakers look at the possibility of diverting some of the sales tax on fuel to road repairs. His opponent, Democrat Jordan Genso, said he would have to examine the impact of such a move before endorsing it, but he was glad both sides agree that more needs to be done about road funding. The presenters said the number of states that actually charge sales tax on fuel is actually very small, and diverting some of that to roads would increase repair funding without costing residents more at the pump. (TD)
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Resident Alleges Proposed Charter School is "Anti-Science"Resident Alleges Proposed Charter School is "Anti-Science"
9/23/14 - Again, the hot-button issue of the planned Lindbom Classical Academy came up for discussion at Monday nightâs Brighton Board of Education meeting. Sue Ellen and Glen Ikens both spoke at the public comments portion of the meeting, criticizing the pending purchase of the vacant Lindbom School for conversion into a charter school. Glen Ikens is a Dearborn teacher who lives near Lindbom with his wife, whoâs been a regular critic of the purchase. The Brighton Board of Education has approved an offer by the American Classical Academies to buy the school and property for $1.45 million, pending completion of legal and financial aspects of the purchase. The building â at Sixth and State streets in Brighton - would then be converted into a charter school and renamed the Lindbom Classical Academy. Ikens told the board that ACA plans to have Responsive Education Solutions of Texas ârunâ the school. He said that according to Slate Magazine, the true agenda of RES-run schools is masquerading as a public school to gain tax dollars, while actually fostering an anti-science, pro-creationism, fundamentalist school agenda. However Dick Streetman, representing the Lindbom Classical Academy board, disagrees, and told WHMI its role would be âminor,â adding that the proposed school is âpublicâ in every sense of the word. The Ikens also pleaded with the board to look into rescinding acceptance of the purchase offer, saying RES is anti-public education. RES operates 65 charter schools in Texas, Arkansas and Indiana. There is a backup offer to the one by ACA, by Granger Land Acquisition LLC, which would convert the property into a senior assisted living development. However, the board has already voted to accept the ACA offer and the alternate proposal would be considered only if the ACA offer falls through. That happened with the first offer, by Robertson Brothers, whose proposal for a housing development fell by the wayside.(TT)
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Legal Analysis: Superintendent's Policy Conclusions Are IncorrectLegal Analysis: Superintendent's Policy Conclusions Are Incorrect
9/23/14 - The Howell Board of Education on Monday received a legal analysis regarding certain district policies, one of which is at the heart of a harassment complaint filed by Superintendent Ron Wilson against School Board President Mike Witt. The written opinion from the Thrun Law Firm was requested by the board regarding Policies 3112 and 4112, which deal with communications between board members and district staff members. Policy 4112 was specifically cited by Wilson in his harassment complaint in which he interpreted it to mean that communication between staff and board members should solely go through the superintendent. In an April 22nd staff directive, Wilson states; âThe board has one employee, and everyone else works for the superintendent.â However, the analysis concludes that Wilsonâs interpretation of that policy is incorrect and that no such prohibition is intended. The analysis also says Wilsonâs blocking of email communications from the board to staff members is inconsistent with district policy. It then provides a copy of a blocking notice Board Secretary Kim Witt received when she tried to send an email to district staff. The analysis was made public following a closed session of the board during last nightâs meeting. A copy of the analysis is posted below. In a statement released today, Wilson said, "...the opinion issued by the Thrun Law Firm is not congruent with the opinions of NEOLA (the firm that advises the district on board policy), the Michigan Association of School Boards and the Varnum Law Firm who advise NEOLA. âI feel that seeking this opinion was an unneeded expense by the district. After meeting with Board President Witt and Board Vice-President Yenshaw on June 3, it was my understanding that we had resolved this issue and were moving forward." Meanwhile, the outside attorney retained to investigate the harassment complaint, Robert Schindler, updated the board on his progress. Schindler says participants have been âextremely cooperativeâ and timely in his analysis of the case. He revealed that the bulk of his interviews are complete, with only a few more intended for this week. Schindler hopes to wrap up the investigation soon and have a final preparation of his research for the board by their next meeting. (DK/JK)
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Howell Board Of Education Votes To Rename AuditoriumHowell Board Of Education Votes To Rename Auditorium
9/23/14 - Rod Bushey, a widely admired local educator, will be remembered even after his planned retirement in 2016. The Howell School Board of Education on Monday unanimously voted to rename the Howell High School Auditorium after the High School Director of Choirs. Bushey plans to retire in 2016, having served over 40 years in the district. The proposal will rename the âRod Bushey Performing Arts Centerâ and will be revealed closer to Busheyâs official retirement date. Howell High School Principal Jason Schrock says though he has begged Bushey to stay longer, they will respect the long-esteemed teacherâs request. Schrock tells WHMI a plan is in the works to cover the cost for the renaming. Schrock notes that the band and drama program has already decided to use the audience they will perform to over the next year to advertise fundraising for the project. Busheyâs list of credentials is not only long, but impressive. However, Schrock tells WHMI it is Busheyâs spirit that is most touching. The plaque and signage will cost over $9,000 but colleagues and students all agree it is well deserved. Schrock says they plan to âhonor him and his memory with thisâ. (DK)
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