10/7/14 - Local charges have been filed against a man accused of two party store hold-ups in Livingston County who is already facing charges for a similar crime in Ingham. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office authorized two charges yesterday, each for one count of armed robbery, against 38-year-old Brian Thompson McCollum of Fowlerville. McCollum is already facing a robbery count in Ingham County, where he was scheduled for a preliminary exam today. Police say McCollum went on a robbery spree September 24th, holding up the Webberville Village Drug Store in Ingham County and then crossing into Livingston County to rob the Countryway Party Store in Iosco Township and Angeloâs Party Store near Howell. He was arrested by Ingham County deputies several days later just hours after his description and surveillance photos of his vehicle were released by authorities. No date has been set yet for an arraignment in Livingston County. (TD/JK)
Charges Authorized Against Fowlerville Man In Robbery SpreeCharges Authorized Against Fowlerville Man In Robbery Spree
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Informational Meeting Held To Explain Tyrone Public Safety SADInformational Meeting Held To Explain Tyrone Public Safety SAD
10/7/14 - Tyrone Township officials held an informational meeting last night to explain the public safety special assessment that will go before voters on the November ballot. The current assessment was approved by voters a few years back to pay for dedicated police protection from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and establish a fire contract with Fenton area fire departments, but it is expiring. The new SAD being proposed is very similar, but it was increased slightly and includes a surcharge for multi-use properties like manufactured home parks and multi-use commercial properties. It charges residential properties $175 per year, vacant properties $75, and commercial properties $300, with a $20 surcharge for multi-use parcels. There were only a few residents at the meeting at The Rock Church in Fenton last night, but they did ask questions about how the money is used. Officials clarified for them that the leftover funds from the current assessment would roll over into the next, and in fact they lowered the assessment a couple years ago because they did not need the whole amount approved by voters. Public Safety Committee spokesman Jim Kolhoff tells WHMI if township voters did not approve the new assessment, services would return to the level they were at prior to the current SAD, with no dedicated sheriffâs deputy and no contract with the local fire departments. He says this would increase response times from police for 911 calls, and without a contract fire departments may not even respond within the township. Even if they did, it would be up to the individual resident to pay for the call, which can cost about $1,300. Another informational meeting will be held at the churchâs student center on Thursday at 7pm. (TD)
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Lane Closures Scheduled on US-23 & I-96 This WeekLane Closures Scheduled on US-23 & I-96 This Week
10/7/14 - The Michigan Department of Transportation has scheduled lane closures this week that could impact travel for area motorists. M-DOT says lane closures are needed on I-96 in Livingston County so that crews can crack seal the pavement. There will be lane closures on I-96 between US-23 and the Oakland county line starting Friday night and lasting through Saturday. A single lane closure is planned between 8 and 10pm Friday, followed by a double lane closure between 10pm and 5am Saturday. For those that commute along US-23 in Washtenaw County, overnight lane closures are also planned this week. There will be a single lane closure in each direction on US-23 between M-17 and M-14 through Wednesday. There will then be a single lane closure in each direction on M-14 between US-23 and the Wayne county line from Wednesday through Friday. (JM)
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School Board Candidate Stuck in Campaign Sign Controversy School Board Candidate Stuck in Campaign Sign Controversy
10/7/14 - A Brighton Board of Education candidate is using his sense of humor to make the best out of a technically sticky campaign sign situation. David Chesney says he received a call informing him that a complaint had been made to the Livingston County Clerkâs Office about the wording on his campaign signs placed around town. They read âpaid for by the candidateâ but should have actually been more specific per campaign finance rules, which Chesney acknowledged was a mistake interpreting the rules on his part. Little stickers have been printed up to correct the mistake ahead of the November election and Chesney has been going around trying to sticker all of the signs handed out, but also trying to determine where they are all located. Chesney says the signs struck him as an odd place for someone to focus but in the spirit of making lemonade out of lemons, Chesney has made his new found project to correct the signs into a humorous contest of sorts, with the winners receiving a free campaign t-shirt. Chesney says he came into the school board race with an open mind, wanting to serve the community but itâs getting to be kind of partisan and petty in a lot of ways. Chesney told WHMI that for this to be a big enough issue for someone to bring up detracts from whatâs really important. He says the Brighton district is coming out of a budget deficit and has been in crisis mode for a while now but feels new leadership would help set a vision for the future, rather than living in the crisis of the moment. Chesney says he would much rather spend time helping work on a future vision for the district, than driving around putting stickers on signs. He is among six candidates running for the three open seats in the November 4th election. They include incumbents John Conely and Miles Vieau, as well as Andy Burchfield, Ken Stahl and Jerilyn Gilleylen. An open letter issued by Chesney to the community and his contact information are available through the attachment and link below. (JM/JK)
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Emergency Response Volunteers Recognized For EffortsEmergency Response Volunteers Recognized For Efforts
10/7/14 - The efforts of the members of the Livingston County Medical Reserve Corps were recently recognized at a volunteer appreciation event put on by the Livingston County Department of Public Health. The group is made up of 250 medical and non-medical professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to help strengthen public health and emergency preparedness in Livingston County. Local Medical Reserve Corps volunteers have given 650 hours towards emergency preparedness activities in the past year. These include taking part in the 2013 Cities Readiness Initiative Regional Exercise, psychological first aid training, the 2014 MI-TESA Regional Exercise, volunteer orientation training and online training opportunities. Jennifer Kramer, who works with Emergency Preparedness for the health department, is the groupâs coordinator. She says itâs an invaluable asset to the community by helping it stay ahead of developments in the world of emergency preparedness and response. She added that without their time and commitment, the health department wouldnât be able to meet the communityâs needs in the event of a public health emergency. (JK)
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Revenue Sharing Program Considered By Brighton TownshipRevenue Sharing Program Considered By Brighton Township
10/7/14 - A program has rather abruptly been brought before the Brighton Township Board of Trustees to consider adopting. The City, Village and Township Revenue Sharing Program will provide money to the township should they meet a list of requirements. While the Board of Trustees knew the state was exploring statutory revenue sharing, Brighton Township has not always been eligible for it. The hoops the township must jump through in order to obtain the funds was not provided until mid-September and demands a submittal by December 1st. Township Supervisor Tom Murphy tells WHMI the board does have a few reservations. There are some concerns regarding related programs as the board has disagreed with certain requirements in the past. The $47,000 that the township would obtain is a one-time funding and if the deadline is not met, the amount available will decrease.
The board agreed at their meeting last night to gather more information before proceeding. (DK)
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"Big Red Barrel" Unveiled At Howell Police Department"Big Red Barrel" Unveiled At Howell Police Department
10/7/14- A new installment at the Howell Police Department is aiding in the fight against drug abuse. The Livingston County Community Alliance, an anti-drug coalition, has brought the 9th Big Red Barrel to the area. The red barrels collect prescription and over the counter medication, no questions asked, in order to prevent abuse. The barrels have received 1.5 tons of unused and unwanted medication thus far, with 35 barrels spread across 10 counties in Michigan. Coordinator for the Livingston County Community Alliance Kaitlin Fink says the community barrels are purchased through donations. The barrel was unveiled at the police department this morning which would be the final step in blanketing the area with the containers. Fink says it is commonly unknown that abusing prescription medication can lead to heroin use. She believes the barrels will reduce the number of drug-related incidents, which numerous deaths in Livingston County were attributed to. Medications or pills need to be taken out of original package, then put into zip lock bags for disposal into the BRB. Liquids can also be put into zip lock bags with paper towels to absorb all the liquid for disposal. The program is free and available to anyone at any time. (DK)
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Portion of Rushton Road Closed for Construction Wed. & ThursdayPortion of Rushton Road Closed for Construction Wed. & Thursday
10/7/14 - A stretch of Rushton Road in Northfield Township will be closed this week and travel delays are possible. The closure is needed for limestone resurfacing on Rushton Road between Seven Mile Road and Eight Mile Road. Through traffic will be prohibited during the daytime activities on Wednesday and Thursday and alternate routes are being advised. The Washtenaw County Road Commission says local access for properties within the road closure will be maintained but delays are possible. All of the work is weather dependent and subject to change but itâs anticipated the job should be completed by the end of the workday on Thursday. Motorists are asked to be mindful of workers and construction equipment both days and reduce speeds accordingly. (JM)
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Bond Denied For Accused Shooter As Zale Family Speaks OutBond Denied For Accused Shooter As Zale Family Speaks Out
10/7/14 - The family of a Marion Township man charged in the shooting death of another motorist last month is speaking out in his defense. 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale, who is charged with open murder in the death of 43-year-old Derek Flemming, was in 53rd District Court this morning for an exam conference in front of Judge Carol Sue Reader. Zaleâs attorney, Melissa Pearce, requested a bond be set for her client. But that motion was denied after prosecutors brought forth details of Zaleâs involvement in a 2008 incident of road rage in Livonia. Pearce has indicated her client will be claiming self-defense, a stance echoed in a statement posted on a website set up by his family; http://www.martinzaledefensefund.com/. On it, they claim Zale âwas attacked in a space where he had a right to beâ¦had no duty to retreat andâ¦every right to stand his ground, including (using) deadly force as he reasonably believedâ¦necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself.â They also said they "have faith in the legal process to work through the details of this tragic case." 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 faces up to life in prison if convicted. A preliminary exam was set for November 21st. (JK)
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Former Fowlerville Woman Enters Plea In Child's DeathFormer Fowlerville Woman Enters Plea In Child's Death
10/8/14 - A former Fowlerville woman has already been sentenced after entering a plea in the Florida death of her infant daughter. 24-year-old Kylee Jean Copeland pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated manslaughter in Polk County Circuit Court for the death of her 3-month-old daughter Nataley Jade Agee, who was found dead in her crib in 2011. Copeland was then immediately sentenced to 15 years in prison. She was also ordered to serve five years of probation and to complete a psychological evaluation and any treatment that was recommended. An autopsy determined the child had been dead for at least eight hours due to blunt force trauma to the head. When that contradicted Copelandâs initial account that she fed her daughter that morning and put her back in the crib, she changed her story, saying she dropped the baby, whose head struck the coach. She said she lied because she didnât want to lose her other children. The arrest report indicated the childâs body was covered with cockroach bites. Ageeâs death was not the first incident of child neglect for Copeland. She and Trevor Agee, the father of her three children, were pulled over by a Michigan State Police trooper in 2008 on I-96 near Fowlerville. The trooper saw a baby boy sitting sideways in a car seat with duct tape over his mouth, which Copeland and Agee admitted to placing there to hold his pacifier in place. Authorities declined to press charges and shortly afterwards, the pair moved to Florida to live with Agee's mother. (JK)
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Vaupel, Genso Face Off in Howell Candidate ForumVaupel, Genso Face Off in Howell Candidate Forum
10/8/14 - Although the two candidates for the 47th District State House seat on Nov. 4 have very different views on a myriad of subjects, it was a very gentlemanly forum Tuesday night at Howell High School. The candidates were Republican Hank Vaupel, the Handy Township supervisor and local veterinarian, and Democrat Jordan Genso, a Howell realtor. The two opponents â at opposite ends of the political spectrum - disagreed on virtually every question posed to them, but never engaged the other in a debate. One of the points of contention was fracking, the extraction of oil and gas from below the surface by a hydraulically pressurized liquid, usually water mixed with sand and chemicals. Fracking has become a hot potato in Livingston County primarily because of fracking that was proposed by a company in Conway Township, something vehemently opposed by local residents. Vaupel says that fracking can be done safely if properly monitored. Genso, on the other hand, says he is opposed to fracking â not only for safety reasons but also because of the huge quantities of fresh water required plus the lack of local control over whether a fracking site is located in an area. One hot-button issue that came up during the forum was public school funding. Genso suggested that one way of increasing state funding to public schools would be by legalizing marijuana, as Colorado has done. Vaupel, who didnât directly respond to Gensoâs legalized pot idea, criticized the method by which public education currently is funded, saying the base foundation grant, known as âper pupilâ state aid, is lacking. Vaupel says thatâs because it penalizes schools which are losing enrollment â which is most public schools in Michigan. The two candidates also differed on several other subjects: Charter schools, minimum wage, Michiganâs Right-to-Work law, how to fund road improvements, and redistricting. The forum, like previous ones held this fall, was sponsored by Voters Voice and several other organizations in Livingston County. The 47th District includes the city of Howell and 11 townships in Livingston County. (TT)
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Rainbow Shines Over Annual Vigil to End Domestic ViolenceRainbow Shines Over Annual Vigil to End Domestic Violence
10/8/14 - The sounds of the Howell High School a Capella Choir echoed throughout the amphitheater of the historic Livingston County Courthouse Tuesday evening as the rain subsided and a rainbow emerged just before the start of LACASAâs 18th Annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and survivors and supporters gathered to raise awareness about the community issue that they say should never be swept under the rug, show support for courageous survivors and hope for change. The silhouettes lining the amphitheater served as a solemn reminder of lives lost at the hands of domestic violence but the vigil is also held to support and honor the many who have survived. Candles were lit before survivors shared their stories and Mike Dikeman spoke through tears. He wrote a book about his experiences as a severely abused child and his ability to break the cycle, overcome the pain and raise a loving family and grandchildren. Another survivor named Terry shared her story of renewed faith and the personal journey that came after finally escaping an abusive relationship. Various speakers emphasized the need to be vigilant in recognizing and combating domestic violence in the community to bring about change. Domestic violence and sexual assault are happening in Livingston County and itâs something that Assistant Livingston County Prosecutor Angela Delvero sees it every day. She told the crowd thatâs why the efforts of organizations like LACASA are needed more now than ever. The vigil ended with a prayer and a request that the community dedicate itself to preventing tragedy and changing attitudes so that others have the strength and support to come forward and bring offenders to justice. (JM)
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Defense Attorney:Truth Will Come Out About Road Rage Shooting Defense Attorney:Truth Will Come Out About Road Rage Shooting
10/8/14 - A Marion Township man charged in the shooting death of a motorist during an alleged road rage incident will remain behind bars as his case moves through the court system. A local judge ruled on Tuesday that there will be no bond set for 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale, who police say shot and killed 43-year-old Derek Flemming in the middle of the intersection at Grand River and Chilson Road September 2nd following a road rage incident. The incident happened as Flemming and his wife were headed to pick up their children on the first day of school. Attorney William Moore says the Flemming family is surviving and doing as best as anyone could expect or hope for but still hasnât gotten through the grief part, which will take time. But he says their two small kids are back in school. Moore told WHMI they were more than happy with the ruling to deny bond and donât think itâs appropriate in light of what happened and Zaleâs propensity for violence, which he feels, is demonstrated by this case and a similar road rage incident. Moore says copies of a Livonia Police Department report involving Zale were read onto the record and an arrest warrant for assault and battery remains active there. More details about what happened are expected to come out during a preliminary exam thatâs been scheduled for November 21st in 53rd District Court in Howell. A website and defense fund has since been set up by Zaleâs family and supporters; http://www.martinzaledefensefund.com/. It states Zale was attacked and had every right to stand his ground and protect himself. Zaleâs Attorney Melissa Pearce told WHMI it was disappointing that no amount of bond was set but added it wasnât totally unexpected. She declined to comment about any self-defense claim, saying that will come out in court. Pearce says Zaleâs family and friends are rallying behind him, waiting for his story and the truth to come out. She says the family also wants the public to keep an open mind because not everything has been told yet. Zale faces up to life in prison if convicted. (JM)
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Howell 5th Graders Gather for Lunar Eclipse Viewing PartyHowell 5th Graders Gather for Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party
10/8/14 - While many were still fast asleep, more than two dozen local elementary students and their parents gathered to watch the Lunar Eclipse. It was an early morning for more than 25 Hutchings Elementary fifth graders and their parents who gathered for a Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party at the school starting at 5:30am. Officials say the timing of the eclipse tied in perfectly with the schoolâs fifth grade curriculum and the students were able to get an up close view of what they have been studying in class using telescopes and binoculars. Students have been learning about the different phases of the moon, how the moon can affect tides and lunar eclipses. The optional viewing party was organized by teachers Jason DeLand and Greg Prince and open to all fifth graders and their parents. (JM)
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Alleged Armed Robber Bound Over For Trial In InghamAlleged Armed Robber Bound Over For Trial In Ingham
10/8/14 - The case of a local man charged with a string of robberies in September has been bound over for trial in Ingham County. 38-year-old Brian Thompson McCollum of Fowlerville was bound over to Ingham County Circuit Court on a single count of armed robbery during a proceeding on Tuesday. A second count of felony firearms was dismissed by prosecutors at the district court level. Earlier this week, the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office authorized two counts of armed robbery against McCollumin in two separate cases. Police say McCollum went on a robbery spree September 24th, holding up the Webberville Village Drug Store in Ingham County and then crossing into Livingston County to rob the Countryway Party Store in Iosco Township and Angeloâs Party Store near Howell. He was arrested by Ingham County deputies several days later, just hours after his description and surveillance photos of his vehicle were released by authorities. No date has been set yet for an arraignment in Livingston County. (TD)
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Congressman Rogers Throws Support Behind New Tyrone Zip CodeCongressman Rogers Throws Support Behind New Tyrone Zip Code
10/8/14 - A U.S. Congressman has pledged his support to Tyrone Townshipâs efforts to get a unique zip code to distinguish between its residents and those in the Fenton area. For years, township officials have been concerned that state-level fees from residents that should be going to fund Livingston County road repairs are instead being sent to Genesee County because the 48430 zip code is tied to Fenton. Additionally, Tyrone residents are being lumped in with Genesee County when their car and homeowner insurance is calculated, affecting their rates. Township Supervisor Mike Cunningham has been tasked with researching the process of filing for a distinct zip code with the United States Post Office. He says he contacted the office of US Congressman Mike Rogers of Brighton, and was told that he would support Tyroneâs bid for a new zip code when the township board made the formal request. Cunningham says in the course of researching this process he has only heard two negative comments on the plan, mostly to do with the inconvenience of changing the number, and the majority of residents are in favor of the plan. Before an official request is made, township officials plan to hold a public meeting to get feedback from residents. A date has not yet been set, but it should take place in the next couple of months. (TD)
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Group Tours City of Brighton During 2014 Transportation Odyssey Group Tours City of Brighton During 2014 Transportation Odyssey
10/8/14 - The City of Brighton was one of the featured stops along a statewide tour of six communities being recognized for innovation in transportation. The 2014 Transportation Odyssey is an annual event that highlights good street design and projects that promote accessible, safe, and economically vibrant communities. The Transportation for Michigan group kicked off their tour Tuesday morning at Brighton City Hall for a presentation with city officials. The four topics of focus included the lighted pedestrian crosswalks, the roundabout located at Third and Main Streets, the tridge construction throughout the Mill Pond area as well as innovative ideas the city is putting in place to deal with transitional and overflow parking in the downtown area. City Planning and Zoning Director Amy Cyphert told WHMI she felt the group that participated took away some really interesting ideas in terms of transportation and downtown areas. Other cities and towns featured during this yearâs Transportation Odyssey included Detroit, Ferndale, Midland, Lansing and Sault Ste. Marie. (JM)
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Fenton Township Officially Opposes Proposed ET Rover PipelineFenton Township Officially Opposes Proposed ET Rover Pipeline
10/8/14 - One local township has officially taken a stance opposing a new natural gas pipeline currently proposed to cross mid-Michigan. On Monday, the township board unanimously passed a resolution that will send a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in opposition to the ET Rover pipeline. The new pipeline as proposed would cross Livingston County along a north-south line between Howell and Fowlerville. It then turns east, heading through Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, including Fenton Township. According to the Tri-County Times, Fenton Township officials believe the pipeline is not a public necessity, would decrease local property values, and could even endanger the lives of township residents. FERC has not yet given final approval to the pipeline project, and is currently accepting comments from the public. The township can make comments, but has no authority to prevent the pipeline from going through. (TD)
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Report Details Local Drunk Driving Enforcement EffortReport Details Local Drunk Driving Enforcement Effort
10/9/14 - Thanks to a grant, local law enforcement agencies were able to step up patrols and combat drunk driving in their respective communities this summer. In June of this year, six municipal police agencies accepted a Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning Operating While Impaired Grant. The grant provided funds to the Brighton, Fowlerville, Green Oak, Hamburg, Howell and Pinckney Police Departments. The total amount awarded was $19,896 and covered overtime hours for extra drunk driving patrols from July 1st through September 30th. Pinckney Police Chief Jeffrey Newton coordinated the grant effort and released a final report detailing activities. The six agencies conducted 729 traffic stops, equating to 463 hours of overtime. Nearly 30 arrests made involved either drugs or alcohol, but the majority of others were traffic related. Of the citations issued, 190 were for speeding. A breakdown of the enforcement efforts of local participating agencies is attached below. (JM)
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Northfield Woman Bound Over On Local Hit-And-Run ChargesNorthfield Woman Bound Over On Local Hit-And-Run Charges
10/9/14 - A Washtenaw County woman has been bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court on charges after police say she hit and killed a Brighton-area man who was walking in the road. 34-year-old Candice April Soerries (Soar-eez) of Northfield Township was arraigned in circuit court yesterday on a charge of failure to stop at a personal injury accident causing serious impairment or death. A $10,000 personal recognizance bond was set and posted. Green Oak Township Police say Soerries was the driver of an SUV that hit 27-year-old Kevin Douglas Simon at the intersection of Rickett Road and Meadow Farm Drive in the early morning hours of March 30th and then drove off. Simon, who was wearing dark clothing while walking in the southbound lane in an area with no street lights, was pronounced dead at the scene. Chief Jason Pless said their investigation indicated Soerries struck Simon as she neared Meadow Farm Drive. After arriving home she called Livingston County Central Dispatch to report she had hit someone. Neither speed nor alcohol is thought to be factors in the death. Soerries could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. No circuit court dates have yet been set. (TD)
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