10/1/14 - An elementary school within the Howell district has earned a national honor that few schools receive each year for making great academic gains. Voyager Elementary School has been honored as a National Blue Ribbon School â the only school in Livingston County to make the 2014 list. The announcement was made by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Tuesday afternoon. Voyager Elementary is one of 337 schools nationwide and one of eight in Michigan to earn the recognition. Schools are selected based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in making notable improvements in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Voyager Elementary was honored as an Exemplary High Performing School, which are among their stateâs highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Specifically for the 2013-2014 award year, there was a strengthened focus on student subgroup performance criteria and improving graduation rates for all students. Voyager Elementary School Principal Mindy McGinn said it was an honor to be recognized for the hard work and dedication of staff and students but at the end of the day, they are all there because of their love for teaching and learning. (JM)
Voyager Elementary Named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon SchoolVoyager Elementary Named a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School
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Judicial Race One Of Three Contests Highlighted At ForumJudicial Race One Of Three Contests Highlighted At Forum
10/1/14 - Six candidates running for local, state, and federal offices took part in a political forum at the Brighton Center of Performing Arts last night. More than 100 people were in the audience to hear the candidates answer questions on a variety of topics. The match-up that perhaps garnered the most interest was between 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan and Dennis Brewer, who is challenging her for the office. Brewer pointed out that Brennan was appointed by former Governor Jennifer Granholm and asked, "How confident are you that she represents your values?" He also claimed Brennan is too partisan and emotional to sit on the bench. Brennan responded by discussing her efforts to improve court services and save taxpayer money. Brennan said she may be impatient with people who break the rules, but she has always put her politics aside on the job. She also pointed out that no higher authority has ever reprimanded her for her conduct. Also featured at the forum were Republican Lana Theis and Democrat Timothy Johnson, who are squaring off for the 42nd State House seat that will be vacated by term-limited Bill Rogers. The two sharply disagreed on several topics, with Johnson denouncing fracking and supporting higher minimum wage while Theis defended frackingâs economic benefits and safety record while calling for the free market to set wages. The final debate was between the candidates for the 8th Congressional seat being given up by Mike Rogers. Republican Mike Bishop and Democrat Eric Schertzing agreed on a few points, such as the need to offer a strong response to the Islamic State and prevent Ebola from becoming an epidemic. However, they differed strongly on other topics, particularly when it came to finance. Schertzing was in favor of reinvesting in infrastructure and education, which he said were ignored during Bishopâs tenure as the state house majority leader. Bishop criticized this plan, saying government excess had to be reduced before taxes could be levied. Not included in the debate was Green Party candidate Jim Casha, who tells WHMI he wants to see improvement in the foster system as well as the process of federal oversight. Casha is a resident of Ontario, but says if it looks like he has a shot at the office he would become a resident of Michigan ahead of the election. (TD/JK)
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Traintrack Detour Derails Truck Trying To Avoid Festival TrafficTraintrack Detour Derails Truck Trying To Avoid Festival Traffic
10/1/14 - Two local men trying to avoid Pumpkinfest traffic took to a local rail line, leading to criminal charges and thousands of dollars in damages. Charges of trespassing, reckless driving, and malicious destruction of property have been filed against a 24-year-old man from South Lyon and a 20-year-old man from Lyon Township. The South Lyon Herald reports the Lyon man admitted to police that he tried to traverse the railroad tracks near the Pontiac Trail, but his truck ended up stuck due to local wetlands. While officers were on the scene, the South Lyon man came driving down the tracks with the intention of towing the stuck driver. Both men received citations, and a tow truck was called to extract the vehicle. The tow truck itself became stuck, and a second tow truck was called to remove it. That attempt failed, and a back hoe was finally called in to extract the vehicles. Train traffic on that line had to be halted during the extraction attempts, and a railroad inspector said thousands of dollars in damage was done to the tracks. (TD)
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Alleged Heroin Dealers Head to Trial Alleged Heroin Dealers Head to Trial
10/1/14 - The cases against a man and woman busted for allegedly delivering heroin in the Fowlerville community are moving forward. 22-year-old Matthew Place and 24-year-old Paige Lorraine Akers of Sault St. Marie were charged after Fowlerville Police officers recovered 58 bindles of heroin and a small quantity of marijuana during a September 9th traffic stop. Police say Place passed the drugs to Akers, who was a passenger and attempted to conceal them but officers ultimately recovered the drugs and arrested Place. He has two criminal cases pending in Livingston County Circuit Court, where he is scheduled to appear for pre-trial hearings later this month. Place faces four counts of delivering/manufacturing narcotics less than 50 grams and possession of marijuana following incidents in August and September. Akers faces the same delivery of heroin and possession of marijuana charges. She was lodged in the Livingston County Jail after a warrant for her arrest was issued but she has since been arraigned. Her case was recently bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial. (JM)
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State Police Secretary Spearheads Dog's Return HomeState Police Secretary Spearheads Dog's Return Home
10/1/14 - A secretary with State Police at the Brighton Post helped a lost dog find her way home. Sgt. Mark Thompson said a small black and white terrier-type of dog was found Monday morning in the parking lot at the post, which is located off of Buno Road in Brighton Township. The dog had a collar but no identity tag. Thompson says it appeared that the three pound dog was house broken, so they let it inside of the post, where she became friendly with troopers, who named her Thor. While conducting an area check of residences around the post for Thor's owner, a resident asked to take a picture of the dog as she sat on the lap of Brighton Post secretary Rhonda Cole inside a police cruiser. Cole then used that picture to contact several sources, including Town and Country Animal Hospital, whose staff had received a call from the dogâs owner reporting her missing. After providing the address, troopers confirmed the missing dog was Thor, whose real name is Kia. Sgt. Thompson says Kia was reunited with her owners who were very happy to have their dog returned. Authorities remind pet owners to have an ID tag on their pet's collar to assist efforts at returning them home if they are lost. (JK)
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Lingenfelter Collection Fall Open House to Benefit The Pink FundLingenfelter Collection Fall Open House to Benefit The Pink Fund
10/1/14 - October marks the start of breast cancer awareness month and Livingston County residents will have an opportunity to check out a rare car collection this weekend while raising funds and breast cancer awareness. The Lingenfelter Collection Charity Fall Open House is planned this Saturday and will benefit the Pink Fund, which assists breast cancer patients in active treatment. Some of the expenses supported include health insurance premiums, housing, transportation and utilities. The Pink Fund helps patients meet basic needs and decrease stress levels to help strengthen their fight and improve survivorship outcomes and quality of life. The Lingenfelter Collection is hailed as one of the best rare car collections in the world, consisting of than 200 vehicles including corvettes, muscle cars and exotics. It's normally a private collection but Ken Lingenfelter tells WHMI they like to do a lot of charity fundraisers and have been hosting events around the breast cancer awareness theme for the past few years in the fall. The Lingenfelter Collection fall open house is scheduled from 10am to 5pm on Saturday in Brighton. Admission is free and donations will be accepted at the entrance. Details can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Rogers Defends GOP Education Spending RecordRogers Defends GOP Education Spending Record
10/1/14 - Today marks the start of a new fiscal year for the state but an even more crucial day for school districts across Michigan. The fall student count occurs on the first Wednesday in October, when districts take official population counts. The fall count represents the majority of state funding - roughly 90% - compared to Februaryâs winter count at 10%. Enrollment determines the amount of per-pupil funding provided by the state. But for Democrats, the real issue of education funding in Michigan is the loss of more than a billion dollars from K-12 spending they claim has taken place under Republican Governor Rick Snyderâs administration. That figure refers to $700 million in revenues lost to education because of the elimination of the Michigan Business Tax in 2011 and the diversion of $400 million from the fund to higher education spending. Snyder and GOP leaders say K-12 spending has increased from $11.1 billion in fiscal year 2012 to $12.1 billion in 2015. Republican State Representative Bill Rogers is the Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. He says not only is there is more money being invested in education, but itâs being invested in areas that have long been neglected such as early childhood education and shoring up teacher retirement plans. Rogers says the budget has been done ahead of the October 1st deadline for the past few years, which in turn helps other entities budget accordingly such as schools and local governmental units that operate on different fiscal cycles. (JM/JK)
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Livingston County IT Employee Terminated; Three Others Resign Livingston County IT Employee Terminated; Three Others Resign
10/1/14 - Livingston County officials say there was no threat to security or the integrity of the network following an investigation into the actions of four former employees within the Information Technology department. An internal investigation was performed regarding potential misconduct and misuse of county property/resources and officials say information and situations were uncovered that simply could not be ignored but appropriate actions were taken. After the investigation was launched, three employees resigned prior to any decision while one employee was terminated. Another two employees were found to have not directly engaged in any sharing of copyrighted materials. It began after allegations surfaced of a few IT employees storing copyrighted materials on the county network and possibly sharing them with others in the department. Officials say this file was only accessible by certain IT employees and there was no selling of software. The files were stored behind firewalls and security that were only accessible by persons with knowledge of the shared address and protected password. Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Steve Williams says they have been increasing the use of e-commerce to give people 24-7 access to county services and none of that is at risk. Williams tells WHMI they recognize that this is a very sensitive matter and recent events with Target and Home Depot have people on edge. However he assures the public, all county employees and municipal partnerships that the network is secure and has not been breached. He says no data, records or communications have been compromised and no persons without authorization are accessing information on the server. Williams says the investigation has been proper and professional and they are involving any outside entities as appropriate to assist and make sure they are thorough and fair. A copy of the letter that was issued by the county is attached below. (JM)
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Local Wildlife Chapter Receives State GrantLocal Wildlife Chapter Receives State Grant
10/2/14 - The Livingston County chapter of a national wildlife organization is among groups splitting nearly $1.1 million in grants to improve habitats for game animals. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced the grants Wednesday for about 20 conservation and nonprofit organizations as well as local governments and landowners. Among the awardees was the National Wild Turkey Federationâs Howell-based chapter known as the Longbeards. They will receive $20,800. The organization, which is made up primarily of hunters, helps restore wild turkey populations throughout North America with an emphasis on habitat restoration, education, sportsmanship, and outreach programs. The grants are funded with revenue from state hunting and fishing license sales. DNR Wildlife Division chief Russ Mason says the program helps manage Michigan's woods and waterways and ensures there are "quality hunting opportunities" throughout the state. He says hunting generates more than $2.3 billion for the state's economy. Projects receiving grants include expanding wetlands to improve waterfowl habitat and increasing food and shelter for white-tailed deer. (JK)
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Attack Victim's Co-Workers Testimony Tossed From Dog HearingAttack Victim's Co-Workers Testimony Tossed From Dog Hearing
10/2/14 - The fate of two dogs that severely injured a Whitmore Lake woman and killed her dog was again addressed during a court hearing Wednesday, where two of her co-workers failed to show up after changing their stories. 26-year-old Adam Bater and his father, 54-year-old Douglas Bater, recently pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of having unlicensed dogs and allowing dogs to stray. They were ordered to pay $900 in fines for their responsibility in the July attack on 44-year-old Ellen Mohan in the Northfield Estates mobile home park. Mohan suffered severe injuries to her hands requiring five days of hospitalization, while her dog Zoey was killed. The two dogs in question, a pit bull and a Rhodesian ridgeback-boxer mix, were subsequently ordered to be euthanized by a judge. But then the attorney representing the Baters filed a motion to save the dogs after being contacted by two of Mohanâs co-workers at a digital marketing agency in Ann Arbor who claimed she lied during the initial hearing in which the dogs were ordered to be put down. But at a hearing yesterday in Washtenaw County Trial Court, the two women failed to show up despite being subpoenaed. They have also since retracted their statements that Mohan told them her dog had initiated the attack and that majority of the wounds to her hands were caused by her own dog as she rushed her to the veterinarian. The judge ruled their statements as inadmissible as hearsay because they were not present during the attack. However, the Baterâs attorney is still appealing the original decision to put down the dogs, which remain under the care of the Huron Valley Humane Society. Mohan has filed a $1 million lawsuit against the Baters, Adamâs girlfriend and Northfield Estates, alleging the park was negligent and failed to enforce its own rules regarding dangerous pets. A separate half-million dollar lawsuit was also filed against the Baters by another neighbor who claims the dogs bit his young daughter and permanently scarred her. (JM)
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Work Moving Along on Two Bridge Projects w/ Lengthy Detours Work Moving Along on Two Bridge Projects w/ Lengthy Detours
10/2/14 - There appears to be some relief in sight for motorists dealing with bridge work and detours. Thereâs been a six mile detour as a result of work on the Grand River bridge between Webberville and Fowlerville. Managing Director of the Livingston County Road Commission Mike Craine says they have a fantastic contractor building it and should be able to wrap that up well ahead of schedule at the end of October. The deck of the bridge has already been poured and had curing time. The work that will be done today, which is weather dependent, will involve pouring the concrete bridge railings. Craine says the other good news involves the Jewel Road bridge project. Craine says that same contractor with the good track record of getting projects done on time or early is handling the replacement of the bridge. It's been closed since February and affecting travel for those in the Marion Township area but should be done by mid-December. The Jewell Road bridge spans the Cedar River and is between Cedar Lake Road and Sexton Road. The load-carrying beams in the 80-year-old bridge were damaged over time by heavy vehicle traffic, which led to serious deterioration. Inspections ultimately led the road commission to conclude that it was in the publicâs best interest to shut it down. Since then, motorists have been taking a 4.8-mile detour along Cedar Lake Road, Norton Road, and County Farm Road to get around the closure. (JM)
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Kroger Sued Over Firing of Howell Twp. WorkerKroger Sued Over Firing of Howell Twp. Worker
10/2/14 - A lawsuit has been filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit against the Kroger Company of Michigan stemming from the firing of an employee at the retailerâs Howell Township location. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the suit on Tuesday after a settlement on the matter could not be reached. It alleges that the Howell Township Kroger originally made reasonable accommodation for Jarydith Mannella, who worked as a stock person until she suffered a back injury in June of 2010. Mannella was moved out of the stock room and became a cashier, scanning items in customersâ carts using a hand-scanner. However, after more than a year in this capacity, she was let go. According to the EEOC, Kroger says it fired Mannella because she could not perform the essential duties of her job, but they believe it was actually done because the retailer learned her disability would be permanent. The suit seeks back pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress, and punitive damages against Kroger. Calls were placed by WHMI with media contacts for the Kroger Company, but no response was received. (JK)
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Schauer Plans Howell Township Rally With Democratic SlateSchauer Plans Howell Township Rally With Democratic Slate
10/2/14 - A rally next weekend in Howell will be a homecoming for the man trying to be Michiganâs next governor. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer plans to hold a campaign rally on Saturday, October 11th at the Operating Engineers Local 324 facility off of M-59 in Howell Township. Schauer, a 1980 graduate of Howell High School, will keynote the event which is expected to include many other statewide candidates as well as local Democratic office seekers. Judy Daubenmier, chair of the Livingston County Democratic Party, said the rally will be a ârousing welcome homeâ and serve as a reminder that Schauerâs roots are in Livingston County. Also set to appear at the rally are the full slate of Democratic candidates for statewide office, and those running for local offices, including State Senate, State House and Livingston County Commission. Doors to the Operating Engineers Local will open at 6:30pm, with the rally starting at 7pm. (JK)
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Township Revises Adult Business OrdinanceTownship Revises Adult Business Ordinance
10/2/14 - Green Oak Township officials are working on updating the ordinance that regulates adult businesses. Supervisor Mark St. Charles tells WHMI the issue came up as they were reviewing their master plan. The topic of theaters came up, which led to the topic of adult theaters and the production of adult films. St. Charles says this opened Pandoraâs Box, revealing that the townshipâs ordinance regulating sex-based businesses had not been updated in quite some time. A new text amendment has been drafted imposing major changes to the existing ordinance. St. Charles says a large number of cases have been decided in Michigan since the last time Green Oak updated its rules on adult businesses, so the new text amendment is incorporating those decisions. It was scheduled for action on last nightâs board of trustees meeting agenda, but the county planning department is still reviewing the changes and has not returned its recommendations. St. Charles says even if the document is returned to the township before their next meeting there is no guarantee it will be put on the agenda, since any large recommendations by the county would have to be sent back to the planning commission for review and approval. (TD)
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Brighton Post Top MSP Collection Site During Drug Take-Back Day Brighton Post Top MSP Collection Site During Drug Take-Back Day
10/2/14 - Although itâs not a competition, the Michigan State Police Brighton Post was the top collection site among others during the recent National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. All 29 MSP posts participated in the one-day effort on Saturday, September 27th - with a total of 515.7 pounds of prescription drugs being collected. The MSP Brighton Post on Buno Road surpassed all other posts this year, collecting a total of 148 pounds. That compares to last yearâs collection of 40 pounds, when the Brighton Post had the third-highest total among other posts. MSP partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration and other local law enforcement agencies for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to provide a safe, convenient and responsible venue for citizens to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. Other local drop off sites included the Brighton, Fowlerville and Hamburg Township Police Departments as well as the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. (JM)
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Large Turnout at Farewell Service for Local Sgt. Mirrors His ImpactLarge Turnout at Farewell Service for Local Sgt. Mirrors His Impact
10/2/14- A large community turnout represented one local officerâs impact at his funeral this morning. Sergeant James Sanderson of the Hamburg Township Police Department was killed in a motorcycle accident this past Friday. A healing farewell ceremony was held for him at the St. Mary Catholic Parish in Pinckney. Family and friends at the service spoke about his effect on the lives of many, saying he was âaddicted to helping peopleâ. He is remembered for his honesty, strength, integrity and generous soul. Hamburg Police Chief Richard Duffany shared a story about Sandersonâs welcoming nature. He relayed feeling unsure about accepting the Chiefâs position on one of his first days with the Department. Duffany says it was Sanderson who welcomed him by offering his assistance in anything the Chief needed, and letting him know the department was glad he was there. Sanderson was hired as a full-time officer with the Hamburg Police Department in May of 1994. He was promoted to the supervisory position of Sergeant in 2003. He will be laid to rest at the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens in Battle Creek. (DK)
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Improperly Set Beam Forces Repair of Latson Road BridgeImproperly Set Beam Forces Repair of Latson Road Bridge
10/2/14 - Less than a year after officials cut the ribbon on the Latson Road interchange, workers are back on the bridge over I-96 removing whole sections of concrete because of a mistake in the initial construction. Michigan Department of Transportation spokeswoman Kari Arend says one of the main beams settled incorrectly when they poured the initial deck. That resulted in a gap which created "ride quality issues." She says they realized that the work needed to be done as soon as possible as snow plows could potentially make the problem worse. Arend says because the interchangeâs contract was still officially open, the cost of the repair will be covered by state and federal funds and then added onto the original project cost. She says the repair will keep a lane open in each direction and should be completed by early November. (JK)
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Brighton to Make Pavement Repairs on Several City StreetsBrighton to Make Pavement Repairs on Several City Streets
10/3/14 - The city of Brighton will perform street maintenance work next week involving patching damaged pavement at scattered locations and on several streets throughout the city. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI that the project is necessary to repair streets in which the pavement was damaged by last winterâs severe weather. The work will take place from next Wednesday, October 8th, through Friday, October 10th, weather permitting. Specifically, the projects involve Rickett Road from Summit Street to Sisu Knoll, Church Street from Grand River to Rickett, Challis Road from Library Drive to Grand River, Library Drive from the library entrance to Orndorf Drive, and Fairway Trails from Brighton Lake Road to Peppergrove. Foster says there will be no detours or major traffic interruptions. Anyone with questions about the road work is asked to call the city Department of Public Works at 810-225-8001. More information can also be obtained on the city's website at www.brightoncity.org. (TT)
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Registration Deadline Monday for November General ElectionRegistration Deadline Monday for November General Election
10/3/14 - Livingston County residents who want to have their voice heard at the ballot box this November will need to first make sure theyâre registered for the upcoming General Election. Thereâs a busy ballot this fall and time is running out to register to vote as Monday, October 6th marks the deadline. Voters are able to register by mail or in person at their county, city or township clerk's office, or by visiting any Secretary of State office. Livingston County Elections Supervisor Joan Runyan tells WHMI those looking to register must be a U.S. citizen, 18-years-old by Election Day and a resident of the city or township they wish to register. Runyan says first time voters who register by mail must vote in person for their first election, unless they hand deliver the application to their city or township clerk, are 60 years of age or older or are disabled. Runyan also reminds that absentee voter ballots are available to those that qualify and anyone who is uncertain about their registration status can visit the Michigan Voter Information Center. A link has been posted below. (JM)
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Green Oak Man Pleads Guilty In Indecent Exposure CasesGreen Oak Man Pleads Guilty In Indecent Exposure Cases
10/2/14 - Guilty pleas have been entered in both Livingston and Oakland Counties by a Green Oak Township man charged with indecent exposure in both municipalities. Two cases were filed against 30-year-old Nathanael Armstrong in Livingston County District Court, each with one count of indecent exposure. He pleaded guilty in one of the cases Thursday, and in exchange the other was dismissed. He will be sentenced on October 29th. Armstrong also faced one count of indecent exposure and three counts of aggravated indecent exposure in Oakland County Circuit Court. He pleaded guilty as charged on Wednesday, and is scheduled for sentencing on November 5th. The Oakland County charges stem from alleged incidents in South Lyon and Novi. He was arraigned on those charges in September. The Livingston County charges stem from alleged incidents in July at the Green Oak Village Place mall. Those incidents went unreported until Armstrong was publicly identified in the Oakland County cases. Each count of aggravated indecent exposure is a two-year misdemeanor, while the simple indecent exposure charge carries a maximum penalty of one year behind bars. (TD)
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