10/3/14 - A one-time Fowlerville High School teacher, and current Congressman, says he will wage a write-in campaign to remain in Washington. U.S. Representative Kerry Bentivolio has confirmed that he will run 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. Bentivolio plans to file as a write-in candidate today in Lansing. Many Republicans fear a write-in effort will split GOP votes and allow Democratic candidate Bobby McKenzie, a counterterrorism expert from Canton, to win the race. McKenzie has attacked Trott's history as a foreclosure lawyer who he says has profited from the housing crisis. Bentivolio says his campaign isnât meant to derail Trott, although he believes Trott "slandered and libeled" him during the primary. He says he was left feeling "a little bitter" and "betrayed." The Republican-leaning 11th Congressional District includes parts of western Wayne and Oakland counties. (JK)
Bentivolio Will Run As a Write-In Candidate For CongressBentivolio Will Run As a Write-In Candidate For Congress
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Officer's Beloved Partner Will Be Laid to Rest Saturday Officer's Beloved Partner Will Be Laid to Rest Saturday
10/3/14 - A trusted and beloved member of the Fowlerville Police Department will be laid to rest with full military honors during a ceremony this weekend. K-9 Quinn served with the department for nearly a decade and passed away in September, more than two years after being forced into retirement because of a nerve disorder. Quinn was imported in 2003 from Germany to train with Fowlerville Police Officer Jeff Soli. They were then assigned to the Fowlerville Community Schools as liaison officers. In the first six months that K-9 Quinn worked at the schools, Soli says there was a 92% decrease in drug related reports. Over the years Quinn had several narcotic finds, caught several fleeing felons and assisted every police department in Livingston County. Soli says Quinn was mostly known for his temperament, having been loved and petted by several hundred kids in the Fowlerville community. Soli said Quinn was a remarkable K-9 and absolutely the best friend and partner heâs ever known. He will be interred at the Michigan War Dog Memorial on Milford Road in Lyon Township this Saturday at 11am. The public is invited to attend and show respect for K-9 Quinn's service to the community, as the final good-byes are said for a well-trained and loyal police dog. (JM)
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Brighton Council Told It Has No Control Over Charter School Brighton Council Told It Has No Control Over Charter School
10/3/14 - The Brighton City Council has been told it has no enforcement powers over the location of a charter academy at the site of a former public school that is now vacant. Attorney Brad Maynes, who is employed in the office of City Attorney Paul Burns, issued a legal opinion in the question of whether the city council has any legal standing in the placement of a charter school in the city. The Brighton Board of Education recently approved an offer by the American Classical Academies to buy the vacant Lindbom School property for $1.45 million to become the Lindbom Classical Academy. City Manager Dana Foster asked for the opinion at the meeting two weeks ago when city resident Sue Ellen Eikens asked council to explore whether it had any enforcement powers in the matter. Eikens predicted major traffic problems if the school opens, saying there is virtually no parking there and the narrow street doesnât have curb-and-gutter. In his legal opinion, Maynes said a section of state law gives the superintendent of public instruction in Michigan sole jurisdiction over the approval of plans and specifications for public schools in the state. Maynes says case law has interpreted that as indicating the state superintendent has complete immunity from the provisions of local zoning ordinances. On a related matter, Maynes says the academy could not be compelled to participate in any potential future special assessment districts that might be established for the purpose of making street or other infrastructure improvements. Maynes also said the academy could not be compelled to help pay for any potential future street or other infrastructure improvements. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI that he will monitor the situation and, if the school opens, will look into the possible enforcement of local traffic laws and ordinances.(TT)
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Drama Fueling Former Howell School Board Member's CampaignDrama Fueling Former Howell School Board Member's Campaign
10/3/14 - A former board member says four years later, its back to the controversy and drama in Howell Public Schools and she wants to return. Howell resident Deb Drick currently serves as the Chief of Staff for Republican Senator Mark Jansen of Kent County, who will be termed out at the end of 2014. The former Howell school board president feels she will be once again able to serve the district and help navigate through what again appears to be troubled waters. On Thursday, there was a surprise board vote to place Superintendent Ron Wilson on paid administrative leave while it investigates some questionable claims for reimbursement on his expense account and Drick told WHMI recent events did play a role in her decision to run as a write in candidate this November. Drick says she entered the race back in 2009 because there was a great deal of controversy within the district and wanted to help eliminate it. Drick also stated â I worked as part of a team that eventually had Howell School sailing on calm waters. Evidently, the seas are boiling again, and Iâm offering to again be part of a team that gets us sailing smoothly again.â Three seats are up for grabs on the Howell board of education as incumbents Kim Witt, Mike Witt and Doug Moore are all stepping down. Candidates Gregg Gilligan and Grace Trudell will appear on the ballot while Drick joins two other write-in candidates, Jeanine Spencer and Adam Hukkala. Drick told WHMI she feels her past school board experience, as well as her experience of hiring a superintendent and working with a new superintendent, could be of benefit to the district as opposed to someone new coming in that has never served before. Drick added sheâs happy to see people taking interest and stepping up but thinks experience lends more during times of crisis. (JM)
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Howell Superintendent Put On Leave While Expenses InvestigatedHowell Superintendent Put On Leave While Expenses Investigated
10/3/14 - The Howell Board of Education has placed Superintendent Ron Wilson on paid administrative leave while it investigates some questionable claims for reimbursement on his expense account. At a special meeting last night, the board held a closed session for more than half an hour before coming out to discuss the claims, which included meals and mileage for reimbursement. They spanned a period from June of 2010 to the present. Wilson had unsuccessfully attempted to get mileage compensation added to his contract when it was last renegotiated. Trustee Mike Moloney said last night that he had brought the claims to Wilsonâs attention, and he was aware of them. The board unanimously approved a motion last night placing Wilson on paid, nondisciplinary leave while the district investigated the expenses. Wilson was not present at the meeting. Board President Mike Witt and his wife, Board Secretary Kim Witt, did not vote on the motion to place Wilson on leave. Witt and Wilson have formally accused one another of creating a hostile work environment, and an independent investigation into those claims is ongoing. The decision of the Witts not to vote was likely to avoid the appearance of retaliation against Wilson. Other motions approved by the board last night included an order for administrative staff to cooperate with the investigation and avoid contacting Wilson while it is ongoing. Moloney estimated that it would take one or two weeks for the investigation to be completed. Cassandra Harmon-Higgins, the districtâs executive director for labor relations, will serve as interim superintendent in the meantime. (TD/JK)
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Luncheon Aims to Inspire Women While Building Community Unity Luncheon Aims to Inspire Women While Building Community Unity
10/4/14 - An upcoming fundraiser benefiting a group focused on creating unity in the community aims to help local women change the way they view the world. The 1st Annual Womenâs Empowerment Luncheon is centered on building a stronger community while providing an uplifting and inspiring message. Proceeds will benefit From The Ground On Up, a horse-interactive community outreach that partners with organizations to increase non-verbal communication and self-awareness. The non-profit is dedicated to creating unity in the community through the interaction with horses and promotes self-discovery, personal growth and development. Founder and Facilitator Brigette Patton tells WHMI that can be done through providing volunteers to other organizations that need help accomplishing their vision; or programs they create directly working with horses to help people improve their self-awareness and in turn, their self-esteem. The theme of the luncheon is collaboration over competition. Patton says the energy around an event like this can create and stimulate lots of conversation so questions will be explored around self-reflection and what gifts an individual has to offer the world. The 1st Annual Womenâs Empowerment Luncheon will be held Tuesday, October 14th at the Cleary University Johnson Center in Genoa Township. The cost is $30 per person and includes a healthy gluten-free lunch, organic loose leaf tea that has been handmade for the luncheon as well as speakers and a silent auction. The registration deadline is Friday, October 10th. Details are available through the link below. (JM)
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Green Oak Road Work Completed For 2014Green Oak Road Work Completed For 2014
10/4/14 - With the construction season over, Green Oak Township officials say they are happy with the road projects completed this year. The townshipâs new road millage kicked in last year, and Supervisor Mark St. Charles says the township went after the easy road repair projects in that first year. This year, road projects were completed on Fieldcrest, Winans Lake, and 9 Mile Road, all of which presented challenges to road crews. However, St. Charles says with the completion of the Winans Lake work completed in the last week, all of the projects the township wanted to finish this year have been done. He says the design work has been done for the paving of Rushton between Doane and Silver Lake Roads, and township officials are waiting to hear from utility companies how they will move their lines over the coming months to facilitate that work. They are also working with the Livingston County Road Commission on the planned rehabilitation of Whitmore Lake Road between 8 Mile and Winans Lake Road. Those are the two main projects for the township in the coming construction year. (TD)
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Forums Set For Public Safety Tax ProposalForums Set For Public Safety Tax Proposal
10/3/14 - In order to continue to provide police and fire services, a public safety assessment will need to be renewed in Tyrone Township. Public safety services are funded through a five-year assessment passed by voters in Tyrone Township in 2010. The townshipâs Public Safety Committee reviewed options and offered recommendations to provide ongoing fire and dedicated police services. The board has decided to place the public safety assessment renewal on the November ballot, which also helped the municipality eliminate the cost of a special election. The renewal would be for a period of six years, beginning in April of 2016. Tyrone Township will be hosting two informational meetings next week to answer questions and review details of the renewal proposal. The meetings are open to the public and will be held on Monday, October 6th and Thursday, October 9th. They both start at 7pm and will be held in the student center of the Rock Church located on Linden Road in Fenton. (JK)
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Nearby Districts Struggle To Find School Board CandidatesNearby Districts Struggle To Find School Board Candidates
10/5/14 - Several local school boards in Genesee and Oakland counties are having difficulty finding candidates to run in November. The school districts in Lake Fenton, Linden, and Holly were all one registered candidate short of a full board as of the July 22nd filing deadline. School board members serve six-year terms, but according to the Tri County Times the terms offered in Linden and Lake Fenton are both for only four years as the districts try to synchronize their election cycles. It is still possible to file as a write-in candidate in those races, but the deadline for that is October 24th. Board members in Lake Fenton and Linden earn up to $30 per meeting, including committee meetings they attend, but no compensation is offered in Holly. (TD)
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Habitat For Humanity Plans World Habitat Day EventHabitat For Humanity Plans World Habitat Day Event
10/5/14 - Monday is World Habitat Day, and Livingston Conty Habitat for Humanity is taking part for the first time. The international holiday was created by the United Nations to recognize the need for affordable, available housing around the world. The local Habitat for Humanity is inviting residents out to its Re-Store on Grand River in Genoa Township from 10am to 2pm. In addition to providing activities and treats, Resource Development Coordinator Karla Macelli tells WHMI they would like to communicate with the community during this event, particularly those who may not be familiar with their organization. Residents are invited to stop by their location, learn more about what Habitat for Humanity does in the community, and sign up to donate or volunteer toward the organization. At noon, organizers will take part in a prayer for the sake of housing that will be held simultaneously at locations across the country. Macelli says the Livingston County chapter has not been able to create a new house in a couple of years, but they are hoping increased support from the community will allow them to create a new home every year. The homes are then sold to a local family in need with an interest rate of 0%, providing them with affordable housing and creating an additional source of revenue that will be put toward the creation of the next house. (TD)
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Howell Superintendent's Forced Leave "Normal Protocol"Howell Superintendent's Forced Leave "Normal Protocol"
10/5/14 - More details are emerging about the circumstances that led up to the Howell Schools Board of Education placing Superintendent Ron Wilson on a paid leave of absence. At a special meeting Thursday night, the board unanimously voted to place Wilson on what was called a "non-disciplinary" leave so they could conduct an investigation into reimbursement claims submitted by Wilson for mileage and meals. Trustee Mike Moloney, who made the motion to place Wilson on leave, tells WHMI that the action should in no way interfere with the day-to-day operation of the district or the education of its students. As for the perception by many in the community that the move was in retaliation for a harassment complaint previously filed by Wilson against School Board President Mike Witt, Moloney said the investigation is completely unrelated to that issue and that the district is following normal protocol. He said that in cases like this, placing the person on paid non-disciplinary administrative leave, with the standard instructions not to have contact with district employees, preserves the integrity of the investigation and also protects the employee. He also emphasized that there is currently no accusation of wrong-doing, but that a preliminary review was held to determine if there was enough data to warrant an investigation. Moloney says that following that review, the board all decided it had to be formally investigated in order to fulfill their fiduciary responsibility to the district. Wilson, who has made no comment on the board's action despite repeated requests, had unsuccessfully attempted to get mileage compensation added to his contract when it was last renegotiated. Cassandra Harmon-Higgins, the districtâs executive director for labor relations, is serving as interim superintendent in Wilson's absence. (JK)
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Rally Seeks Awareness For Opiate Addiction & Dangers
10/6/14 - A rally in Howell this month aims to inform residents about the status of heroin addiction in Livingston County and encourage discussion about the topic. District Court Chief Probation Officer Francine Sumner tells WHMI the rally on October 14th is meant to provide education on opiate abuse to local parents and remove some of the stigma associated with the subject of addiction. Jail administrator Tom Cremonte says a third of the inmates in the Livingston County Jail have admitted to being addicted to opiates, including heroin and prescription drugs. He says many would never have been in jail were it not for the cost of feeding their addiction. The rally on October 14th will begin at 7pm on the front lawn of the historic courthouse in downtown Howell. It will feature a presenter from local anti-drug collaboration alliances, who will explain the sort of work being done to combat heroin addiction. That includes the Big Red Barrel that will have been installed at the Howell Police Department. Other speakers will include a local mother who lost her daughter to heroin, as well as a former addict who is now 15 months clean and sober. The rally will also include a moment of silence for those lost to opiates and a glow-stick vigil. (TD)
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Local 10 Year Old Leads DSO At Free Brighton ConcertLocal 10 Year Old Leads DSO At Free Brighton Concert
10/6/14 - âStars and Stripes Foreverâ finished out Sundayâs free concert by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at the sold out Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. The John Phillip Sousa classic closed out the more than hour long show with a twist as local 10-year-old Ben OâBrien was allowed to take the podium (pictured) and after a brief lesson from DSO Conductor Leonard Slatkin, led the orchestra in the finale. The concert was one of several free shows the DSO is putting on in communities across Southeast Michigan to promote the orchestra and bring classical music to those who might not otherwise have an opportunity to experience it. While tickets were free, residents had to reserve them in advance. All of the tickets were gone within a week. Picture courtesy of Detroit Symphony Orchestra. (JK)
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Fowlerville Police Department's K-9 Quinn Laid To Rest Fowlerville Police Department's K-9 Quinn Laid To Rest
10/6/14 - A well-known member of the Fowlerville Police Department was laid to rest this weekend in South Lyon. K-9 Quinn, who worked as a certified narcotics dog for 8 years, passed away from a nerve disorder last month. He retired two years ago from the department which so much of his life was devoted to. Quinnâs owner and partner, Police officer Jeff Soli, says Quinn was adored by the Fowlerville community. He tells WHMI Quinn had a huge impact in his work. Quinn was bred and his grandson was present at the funeral. The grandson is now a family pet of the Soliâs and may be trained to work in a similar field as his grandfather. Quinn and officer Soli were paired up when Quinn was a year and a half old. He says Quinn could easily switch from his police dog form to a kid-friendly nature. Soli tells WHMI he and Quinn had a strong bond. Quinn was laid to rest at the Michigan War Dog Memorial in Lyon Township and was honored for his years of hard work. Many of the dogs present howled on command together as a farewell salute to K-9 Quinn. The large turnout of mourners at his service is indicative that the watchful guardian served his purpose and will be missed. (DK)
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Accused Road Rage Shooter Back In Court TuesdayAccused Road Rage Shooter Back In Court Tuesday
10/6/14 - The Marion Township man accused of a fatal road rage shooting last month is expected to be back in court tomorrow. 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale, who is charged with open murder in the death of 43-year-old Derek Flemming, is due for an exam conference Tuesday in front of 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader. The hearing was delayed nearly a month to allow Zaleâs attorney, Melissa Pearce, additional time to prepare. Pearce previously indicated that her client will be claiming self-defense. Flemmingâs wife claims that Zale was driving erratically as she and her husband headed eastbound on Grand River September 2nd to pick up their children from the first day of school. Amy Flemming says Zale passed them at one point and then began braking and accelerating multiple times. When they got to the intersection of Grand River and Chilson, she says her husband got out of his vehicle and approached Zaleâs pickup to ask what his issue was. Thatâs when police say Zale lowered his window and shot Flemming in the face, killing him. Zale, who remains jailed without bond, faces up to life in prison if convicted. (JK)
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Linden Farmer Makes His Mark With Rare PumpkinsLinden Farmer Makes His Mark With Rare Pumpkins
10/6/14 - An area farmer is putting a spin on a classic fall icon by offering rare long-stemmed pumpkins. 70-year-old Dwight Eichelberg of Linden grows about 30 to 40 types of pumpkins, including the twisty long-stemmed variety. Their stems can grow up to three feet long. Eichelberg has been farming since 1978 and started growing pumpkins in 1994. He says most of his pumpkins were created through cross pollinating and experimenting. His main pumpkin harvest is in September, and the last of this season's crop is now out of the field and ready to be taken home. (JK)
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Hartland Confirms Housing Report Details Ahead Of Land Use PlanHartland Confirms Housing Report Details Ahead Of Land Use Plan
10/6/14 - A video conference took place recently between the Hartland Township Planning Commission and a housing market consultant in California in anticipation of the townshipâs new future land use plan. Earlier this summer, the township hired the consultant to examine the housing market in Hartland and the demographics of potential new residents. That study was delivered, and the video conference gave planning commissioners a chance to clarify a few points with the consultant. They were surprised to learn that a large percentage of those who would move into the community were singles and childless couples under the age of 40, who are highly mobile and whose attraction to the area has little to do with the quality of its school system. The report was optimistic about Hartlandâs housing market, which should be able to absorb another 500 housing units over the next 5-6 years. Campbell says the planning commission will use the information from the study over the next five or six months to update the townshipâs future land use plan and map. Public hearings for residents to weigh in on the plan will be held sometime in the spring. (TD/JK)
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Howell Board Write-In Candidate Drops Out; Endorses DrickHowell Board Write-In Candidate Drops Out; Endorses Drick
10/6/14 - At one point the race for the Howell Board of Education had too few candidates, now it has enough so that a previously announced candidate is withdrawing. Jeanine Spencer, who only last week announced that she was seeking a write-in candidacy for the board, says today she is pulling out and requesting that voters endorse former School Board President Debi Drick, who is also running a write-in campaign. "I encourage all voters, regardless of their political affiliations, to support Debi Drick as their write-in candidate. She has the experience that will be otherwise lacking in our newly elected board." Spencer, who plans to focus instead on her current role on the PTO at Challenger Elementary, said that one of the key reasons she initially decided to run was because she thought âit sets a bad exampleâ for kids and schools when a school board seat goes uncontested. Only two names will appear on the November 4th ballot, despite three seats being open on the board. They are Gregg Gilligan and Grace Trudell, who filed to run before the deadline. Recent graduate Adam Hukkala then announced he would seek a write-in candidacy. Spencer added her name just days prior to the surprise move last week by the school board to place Superintendent Ron Wilson on a paid non-disciplinary leave while it investigated what were termed âquestionableâ expense reimbursements for meals and travel. The following day, Drick, who left the board in 2011, announced she would also seek a write-in bid. The three open seats on the board are due to incumbents Mike Witt, Kim Witt and Doug Mooreâs decision not to seek new terms. (JK)
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Public Health & Fenton School Officials Monitoring Enterovirus Public Health & Fenton School Officials Monitoring Enterovirus
10/6/14 - Public health officials say thereâs no cause for panic among parents after reported cases of the Enterovirus in Fenton Area Public Schools. Although it has gained a lot of attention locally and nationally, Superintendent Timothy Jalkanen stressed that itâs actually a very common virus in a letter that was sent home with students last week. The letter says the district was notified of two children with confirmed cases of the virus - one at the Ellen Street Campus that houses the districtâs early childhood programs and one at State Road Elementary, which is a kindergarten through grade five building. The two children are said to be doing fine and are back in school. The letter further emphasized that care should always be taken to avoid illness during cold and flu season, as well as steps to do so. At this point though, only one of the two reports has been confirmed according to Epidemiologist Shurooq Hasan with the Genesee County Health Department. She tells WHMI that as of right now, there is only been one confirmed case of EV-D68 in Genesee County, although they do expect the number will probably increase as they receive more results from the Centers for Disease Control. A copy of the letter that was sent home with students is attached below. (JM)
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Charges Approved Against Alleged Kitten-StomperCharges Approved Against Alleged Kitten-Stomper
10/6/14 - A Brighton Township man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after police say he stomped half a dozen kittens to death in the Hartland area. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office has approved six counts of killing or torturing an animal against 20-year-old Cody Michael Tyler. A warrant has been issued for Tyler, but he has not yet been arraigned. The incident was reported to Animal Control through a 911 call on September 20th. Six kittens aged three to four weeks appeared to have been intentionally stomped to death with a large shoe or boot inside a home in the area of US-23, south of M-59. Animal Control Director Debbie Oberle says there was a grown cat in the same home that appeared to be the mother of the kittens, but it was unharmed. She adds that anyone with an unwanted litter of kittens can contact Livingston County Animal Control or the Humane Society of Livingston County as well as other animal shelters and local rescue groups for help in getting rid of them humanely. (TD)
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