10/9/14 - Student volunteers are once again taking part in Project Sticker Shock to help combat underage drinking ahead of homecoming in Pinckney. The initiative from the Pinckney Coalition takes place twice every year ahead of times when underage drinking typically spikes: homecoming and prom. Students place brightly-colored stickers on packs of alcoholic beverages to convey to the adults who buy them that there are serious penalties to furnishing minors with alcohol. Those include fines of up to $2,500 and/or 90 days in jail. Community Prevention Specialist Amy Johnston says alcohol negatively impacts the brain development of teenagers and could encourage them to continue experimenting with substance abuse. About a dozen local retailers are participating in the Pinckney Coalitionâs efforts this year, and while corporate stores often cannot participate smaller retailers often have no problem taking part. One retailer, rather than having students apply the stickers, has printed off flyers with the message and is including them in shoppersâ bags. For more information about Project Sticker Shock, visit the website below. (TD)
Project Sticker Shock Hitting Pinckney Area Ahead Of HomecomingProject Sticker Shock Hitting Pinckney Area Ahead Of Homecoming
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Fundraiser to Help Family of Young Pinckney Boy Battling LeukemiaFundraiser to Help Family of Young Pinckney Boy Battling Leukemia
10/9/14 - An upcoming fundraiser will assist the family of brave young boy from Pinckney who was just recently being diagnosed with Leukemia. 8-year-old Michael Grossmeyer has started treatment but will be in the hospital for the next six months after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia or AML, which is primarily a cancer of bone marrow and lymph nodes. Although itâs described as the second-most common form of Leukemia in children, only 500 are diagnosed each year. The family received the news recently and is said to be both heart broken and shocked. The community is coming together to help Michaelâs family with medical bills and other expenses during his six month treatment. A spaghetti dinner is planned on Friday, November 14th from 4 to 7pm at the St. Mary School on Dexter-Pinckney Road. The price is a free-will donation. An event flyer is attached below. (JM)
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Overflow Crowd Attends Howell Library Sanatorium ProgramOverflow Crowd Attends Howell Library Sanatorium Program
10/9/14 - An unexpectedly large throng of over 200 persons packed the Meabon Room at the Howell Carnegie District Library Wednesday night to hear a presentation on a long-gone Howell area landmark: the old Michigan State Sanatorium. The presentation included a film with archival photos that was prepared by Joyce Cash Fisher of the Howell Area Archives and other volunteers. The sanatorium, which opened its doors in 1907, was a facility used to house tuberculosis patients for 54 years, until it was repurposed as the Howell State Hospital â a facility for the mentally ill â in 1961. It morphed into the Hillcrest Regional center for Developmental Disabilities a decade later and finally closed its doors in 1982. The main buildings and outbuildings were eventually razed to make way for an upscale subdivision. At one time the facility had about 400 employees âmost of them from the Howell area â to serve a peak of 500 patients. When âThe Sanâ, as it was known to locals, closed its doors the loss of employment was a big blow to the local economy. Still, those who attended the presentation Wednesday recalled fond memories of working there, calling it a warm, friendly place where everybody knew everybody and all got along with each other well. One of those who attended the presentation was Jessica Trotter of Lansing. Trotter, herself a librarian at the Lansing Library, said she started researching the facility because her grandparents, who were patients, met there. Howell Carnegie Library Reference Librarian Donna Olson tells WHMI that she and other staffers were flabbergasted at the huge turnout. Olson says the response was so great that they are going to have an encore presentation on the sanatorium and its history, although the day, time and location have not been determined. (TT)
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Volunteers Needed for Tree Planting Project in Milford SaturdayVolunteers Needed for Tree Planting Project in Milford Saturday
10/9/14 - Community volunteers are being sought to help plant trees with a purpose this weekend in Milford. The Village of Milford Parks and Recreation Commission plants trees in Central Park every fall and spring but this Saturdayâs project will be a bit different. Around 30 able-bodied volunteers are needed to plant more than a dozen birch trees along the Pettibone Creek to stabilize the riverbank. The job will likely take a couple hours and those interested in helping should bring work gloves and shovels but also be prepared to dig holes and move trees. The Milford Times reports that the root structure of the older trees located there now are not solid enough so thereâs basically nothing holding the riverbank together. Organizers are hoping that by planting new trees, strong roots will develop and eventually help stabilize the waterâs edge. Volunteers are asked to meet at 9am Saturday in Milfordâs Central Park. Registration is requested but not required and can be done by contacting the village offices. (JM)
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Fundraiser Will Help Sheriff's Deputy Fundraiser Will Help Sheriff's Deputy
10/9/14 - A fundraiser is set this weekend to benefit a Livingston County Sheriffâs deputy diagnosed with a rare disease. The Livingston County Deputy Sheriff's Benevolent Society is holding the Deputy Adam Hart dinner and silent auction this Saturday at the American Legion Post 141 in Howell Township. Hart was diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that is caused by an immune reaction to an infection or some other trigger, but continues long after the initial reaction is over. The resulting inflammation can damage almost any organ in the body. As a result of the disease, Hart is no longer able to serve as a sheriff's deputy after more than eight years with the department. In August, county employees donated some of their vacation time to Hart after he had expended all of his. Saturdayâs benefit will be held from 2pm until close. The cost is $10 per person, with all of the proceeds benefitting Hartâs family, including three children. Anyone unable to attend the dinner is asked to make a donation in Hartâs name to the Livingston County Deputy Sheriff's Benevolent Society, 150 S. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843. Write "Adam Hart" in the memo section of the check. (JK)
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Hartland Officials Set More Meetings On Proposed Road MillageHartland Officials Set More Meetings On Proposed Road Millage
10/9/14 - A proposed road millage will go before Hartland Township voter this fall, and the township board wants to keep up its campaign to educate the public on the issue. The township has been holding informational meetings on the topic for months, but at its regular meeting last night, it was the consensus of board members to try and hold two more before the November 4th election. The first will be held during the boardâs next regular meeting on Tuesday, October 21st at 7pm, with a second meeting held the following day for anyone who could not attend the first. Citizens who attend will have a chance to learn about the proposed millage and have their questions answered by township officials. In response to deteriorating local roads and the inability of the Livingston County Road Commission to make the necessary repairs, the township formed a citizenâs task force to examine what could be done. That task force worked for several months, and in the end decided to recommend a 1.5-mill, 10-year property tax to pay for road repairs. That would cost the average Hartland homeowner $150 per year, but allow the township to make a total investment of $9 million for road work. During last nightâs meeting, board members discussed the experiences of other townships in getting road millages passed, including Green Oak Township. (TD)
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Fire Claims Tyrone Township Home ThursdayFire Claims Tyrone Township Home Thursday
10/9/14 - A Tyrone Township home was completely destroyed by fire yesterday despite the best efforts of three fire departments. Fenton City Fire Department Chief Robert Cairnduff says his department was notified of the fire at about 3:45pm on Wednesday. He tells WHMI the home was nearly 1,600 feet back from the road, and winds that day averaged 22 miles per hour with gusts up to 35. Both of these factors hindered efforts to fight the fire. The owner of the home was working in Lansing at the time, and there were no pets or animals in the home, so no injuries were reported. The Fenton Township Fire Department and Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority assisted at the scene, and the North Oakland County Fire Authority covered the Fenton area during the operation. The building was a single-story home with a large, two-story garage, but Cairnduff says it is a complete loss. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. (TD)
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Ex-Romulus Cop From Brighton Enters Corruption PleaEx-Romulus Cop From Brighton Enters Corruption Plea
10/9/14 - Sentencing is set later this month for a former Romulus police officer from Livingston County. 52-year-old Richard Balzer of Brighton was among half a dozen Romulus officers who were charged in a corruption probe. He had been set to go to trial Monday, but instead he and two other ex-detectives pleaded no-contest to embezzlement charges in a deal with prosecutors to wrap up a corruption case that also brought the convictions of the Romulus chief and his wife. Balzer had been charged with counts of conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy, embezzlement by a public official, uttering and publishing, misconduct in office and neglect of duty. Authorities allege the 25 year department veteran submitted false police reports and fake expense records involving fraudulent undercover work at strip clubs in Romulus and Southgate. Former Romulus Police Chief Michael St. Andre and two other co-defendants were also arrested in 2012 on allegations that thousands of dollars were stolen from the departmentâs drug forfeiture accounts. St. Andre entered a plea in the case and will be sentenced October 17th. His wife was previously sentenced to 7 to 20 years in prison for her part in the scheme. Balzer, along with Richard Landry and Donald Hopkins, will be sentenced October 29th. (JK)
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Third Home Invasion Suspect Bound Over For TrialThird Home Invasion Suspect Bound Over For Trial
10/10/14 - The third male suspect in an Oceola Township home invasion has been bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial, and his case consolidated with those of the other two suspects. 39-year-old Ronald Johnny-Wayne Morrell was bound over for trial on October 6th, with a trial date set for November 10th. His case was consolidated with those of 18-year-old Cody DeBruyn and 28-year-old Richard Quam, who were previously bound over. All three men face multiple charges, including home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, armed robbery, and felonious assault stemming from an incident on June 10th. They are alleged to have stormed inside armed with handguns, where they confronted the homeowner. At one point a shot was fired, and while no one was injured from the weapon, one of the seven people in the residence at the time of the attack was kicked in the mouth and lost some teeth. Morrellâs wife, 27-year-old Rebecca Morrell, is also facing felony charges related to the case. Police say she and her children rode along with the men, who took her car to the robbery, and that she participated in the scheme via walkie-talkie. She is due for an examination in Livingston County District Court on October 17th. An evidentiary hearing was scheduled for DeBruyn for October 31st for a motion to suppress evidence. (TD)
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Concert To Benefit Scholarship In Memory Of Late Chorale LeaderConcert To Benefit Scholarship In Memory Of Late Chorale Leader
10/10/14 - A concert this weekend in Brighton will highlight singing as a lifetime skill while raising funds for an annual scholarship competition. In all, more than 300 singers will perform during The Livingston County Chorale Family's "United in Song - Singing in the Spirit" concert. The concert will feature world famous educator and conductor Dr. Eugene Rogers from the University of Michigan while showcasing several talented chorale groups. Some performances include The Livingston County Chorale Ensemble, Woman's Chorus, Howell High School's Highlander Chorale, South Lyon High Schoolâs Lyon Singers and Brighton High Schoolâs Advanced Women's Ensemble and Concert Choir. The concert is free but donations will be accepted to help raise funds for the Dr. Marilyn S. Jones Scholarship Competition, the late founder of the Livingston County Chorale. For that, Livingston County high school singers compete to win scholarship money that can be used for summer music camps, private voice lessons or college music classes. "United in Song - Singing in the Spiritâ starts at 4pm this Sunday at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts Center. (JK)
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Whitmore Lake-Ann Arbor School Merger Explained At MeetingWhitmore Lake-Ann Arbor School Merger Explained At Meeting
10/10/14 - The question of whether to merge the Whitmore Lake and Ann Arbor school district will go before voters in November, and last night leaders from both district held an informational meeting in the Green Oak Township Hall. Despite outsourcing, salary cuts, and even the de-unionization of its transportation workers, the Whitmore Lake school district has been in decline for several years. Falling revenues due to a shrinking student body have left the district with less than $50,000 in funds, and it is likely to enter deficit in the near future. A proposal approved by both districts would allow the fiscally-healthy Ann Arbor district to annex Whitmore Lake, pumping new funding into the schools and avoiding state takeover. In the new combined district, state funding for Whitmore Lake students would jump from about $7,200 each to more than $9,000. At the same time, property taxes in Whitmore Lake would drop by about .3 mills for residences and more than 4.5 mills for businesses. Residents at last nightâs informational meeting asked the officials questions, including whether the increased per pupil funding would actually be spent in Whitmore Lake classrooms and whether the districtâs unique functions will be allowed to continue. Officials assured them that there would be investment in Whitmore Lake, and that it would remain a distinct division of the Ann Arbor district. While there are numerous benefits to Whitmore Lake, the major hurtle to the annexationâs approval by voters is the fact that taxes will go up in Ann Arbor as a result. Residences will see an increase of about .25 mills and businesses will pay an increase of about .3 mills. Officials are trying to communicate that the Ann Arbor district stands to gain from the deal as well. By absorbing Whitmore Lake the district will see major student growth, but even more significantly, it will gain a border with the Brighton, Pinckney, and South Lyon school districts. Without the annexation, student growth and school-of-choice potential were both expected to drop, but if the annexation passes both will increase significantly. (TD)
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M-36 Construction In Pinckney, Hamburg Area Set For Next Week M-36 Construction In Pinckney, Hamburg Area Set For Next Week
10/10/14 - A much needed repair and resurfacing project on a main artery through the southern portion of Livingston County is scheduled to begin next week. The Michigan Department of Transportation will oversee a resurfacing project this fall on M-36 between US-23 and the east village limits of Pinckney. Itâs tentatively set to begin Monday. Michigan Department of Transportation Spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI the construction will be done during daylight hours only and in stages to minimize impact to motorists. One lane of traffic on M-36 will be maintained under flag control during the work and will be limited to one mile at a time. The resurfacing project is expected to be complete by mid-November. (JM)
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Economic Development Organization Looks To Renew Contract Economic Development Organization Looks To Renew Contract
10/10/14 - An economic development organization is looking to renew their contract with Brighton Township. The Economic Development Council of Livingston County in partnership with Ann Arbor Spark is a group that promotes economic prosperity in the region. Members from both organizations came before the Brighton Township Board of Trustees Monday night with the hope of another three year agreement to continue their work. A slideshow highlighted some of the results of the partnership as well as possibilities for the future. The EDC also has contracts with the majority of surrounding municipalities and continues to reach out to those in Livingston County that they are not contracted with. Local business owners were present at the meeting to give testimonies of the growth and positive results of expanding their business in Brighton Township, which they attribute to the work of EDC. The EDC believes they offer opportunities and a level of professional development a region cannot achieve on its own. The Brighton Township board was not quite ready to renew the deal without further discussion. Township Supervisor Tom Murphy tells WHMI they plan to review several facets of the proposal before making a decision. The I-96/US-23 corridor makes Brighton Township a perfect geographic location and employer expansion will bring in employees and job creation. However, Murphy says looking into other municipalities success with the program will aid in their final decision if it is in the townshipâs best interest to renew.(DK)
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Brighton High School in Teen Driving Safety Contest for Grant Funds Brighton High School in Teen Driving Safety Contest for Grant Funds
10/10/14 - Brighton High School could benefit big from a campaign and contest designed to encourage safe teen driving and help new drivers build confidence on the road. Grant money will be awarded to schools to use toward awareness efforts to encourage safe teen driving as part of Celebrate My Drive. Students 14 years of age or older and the community at large is encouraged to register under Brighton High School and pledge safe driving habits October 15th through the 24th. The effort is about celebrating the new life of freedom that comes with a driverâs license but also about helping teens make smart choices behind the wheel to prevent tragedy. Joy Rozanski is on the security team at BHS and helping coordinate the effort. It coincides with National Teen Driver Safety Week and Rozanski tells WHMI theyâre championing the motto 2N2 - two eyes on the road and two hands on the wheel. Individuals can pledge once per day through the website below. Depending on the number of entries, the possibility exists for Brighton High School to win anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 and a free concert by The Band Perry. (JM)
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Dairy Queen Hacked; Hartland Township Location AffectedDairy Queen Hacked; Hartland Township Location Affected
10/10/14 - Dairy Queen is the latest retailer to reveal a security breach and hack of its customer data, with one local store affected. Ice cream chain Dairy Queen confirmed that malware installed on cash registers at some 395 stores resulted in the theft of customer credit and debit card information. A press release states that the Hartland Township location on M-59 was affected between Tuesday, August 5th and Sunday, August 31st. Dairy Queen said the affected systems contained customersâ names, payment card numbers and expiration dates. The company says thereâs no evidence that other customer personal information, such as Social Security numbers, PINs or email addresses, were compromised as a result of the malware infection. An investigation revealed that the attackers used compromised account credentials from a third party vendor to get into the companyâs systems. (JM)
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Howell Woman Sentenced For Hitting Cop CarHowell Woman Sentenced For Hitting Cop Car
10/10/14 - A Howell woman has been sentenced to probation after hitting a Hamburg Township Police patrol car while driving drunk in July. 27-year-old Sarah Marae Robson pleaded no contest to having a blood alcohol content over .17% and failing to stop. In return, prosecutors dismissed a count of operating while intoxicated and changed a count of 4th degree fleeing a police officer to a lesser charge, to which Robson pleaded guilty. Robson was sentenced to 12 month of probation, as well as 3 days in jail already served and 3 days of community service. She has also been ordered to pay hundreds of dollars in fines and restitution and attend substance abuse counseling. She is also prohibited from entering bars or using drugs, alcohol, marijuana, or mood-altering substances. The incident happened on July 11th when Robson was traveling eastbound on M-36 and sideswiped the patrol car while the officer was conducting a separate traffic stop on M-36. The officer, who was not injured, activated his sirens and attempted to pull over Robson, who fled the scene. Police say she continued on for about a quarter mile down M-36 and through the Chilson Commons shopping center before finally coming to a stop. (TD/JK)
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Lease Approved for Firefighter Officer Training Center & LabLease Approved for Firefighter Officer Training Center & Lab
10/11/14 - A lease has been approved for the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authorityâs firefighter officer training center. Township Board Member and HDFA Chair Joe Petrucci tells WHMI the agreement approved this week is the first agreement between the township and the authority for the center, which opened in June. The lease allows the HDFA to lease part of the HERO center for its Blue Card training lab, which certifies fire officers in techniques for taking command of fire operations. Construction on the lab began in March, and the first round of trainees visited it for a grand opening in mid-June. The department has invested about $80,000 in the training system, and a federal grant contributed another $65,000. The three-year lease has the fire authority paying $4,400 per year for use of the building. The lab includes computers, equipment, and even the front end of a truck so firefighters can train to effectively manage major fire operations. The setup can simulate a number of different scenarios in a variety of structures ranging from single-family residences to large commercial buildings. Officials expect all local departments to see major savings with this lab in place, since otherwise their officers would have to travel across the state or to Indiana for recertification every three years. (TD)
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State Program Helps Howell Students Report Safety Threats State Program Helps Howell Students Report Safety Threats
10/11/14 - Students in Howell Public Schools have a new way to speak up against bullying, self-harm and safety threats. The district has signed up to participate in the State of Michiganâs new student safety initiative OK2SAY - a confidential reporting system that is monitored by the Michigan State Police. Reports can be made online, via phone, text message, email or mobile app. Howell Director of Safe Schools Patrick Sidge says students are sometimes afraid to speak up because it can be viewed as snitching but the OK2SAY removes that stigma by allowing students to report their concerns in a fully confidential manner. The OK2SAY program is offered at no cost to Michigan school districts. Once the state police have received a tip it is forwarded to the appropriate responding agency such as a local police department, mental health agency or the school district. Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day; 365 days a year and can include multi-media attachments. Reports of possible safety threats can be made online through the below link or via phone to 1-855-565-2729, via text to 652729, via email to ok2say@mi.gov or by downloading the OK2SAY mobile app from the iTunes of Google Play stores. (JM)
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Most Charges Dropped Against Ex-Cop Accused in Alleged AssaultMost Charges Dropped Against Ex-Cop Accused in Alleged Assault
10/11/14 - The majority of felony charges have been dismissed against a former police officer who lives in Hartland Township and was accused of sexually assaulting a neighbor. After further investigation by Michigan State Police at the request of the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office, three charges were dismissed against 32-year-old Jordan Andrew Keilman. Those included 1st degree home invasion, 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct during a felony and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI subsequent interviews by the Michigan State Police revealed new information about the allegations being made. After reviewing that additional information, Vailliencourt says it was concluded that there was no longer a basis to proceed with some of the charges and those were dismissed accordingly. He added because that new information has no impact whatsoever on the charge of resisting or obstructing a police officer, that charge remains pending against the defendant. Keilman was alleged to have entered a female neighborâs home without permission on September 2nd, assaulted her, and later threatened arresting officers. Keilman is a former U.S. Army Ranger who worked for the Apex Police Department in North Carolina in 2012, but was reportedly terminated for behavioral issues on the job. Keilman was previously referred to the state forensic center to determine his competency and criminal responsibility and that report is pending. (JM)
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Schauer Fires Up Hometown Crowd During RallySchauer Fires Up Hometown Crowd During Rally
10/12/14 - A fired up crowd of nearly 200 teachers, union supporters and others filled the Operating Engineers Local 324 facility in Howell Township Saturday night as Democratic Gubernatorial hopeful Mark Schauer keynoted a candidate lineup. Almost the entire slate of Democrats that will be on the ballot November 4th were present, including Attorney General candidate Mark Totten, Supreme Court challenger Richard Bernstein and 8th Congressional District nominee Eric Schertzing. Also appearing were legislative nominees Shari Pollesch, Timothy Johnson and Jordan Genso, as well as several candidates for the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. But it was Schauer they came to hear and he didnât disappoint those Democrats opposed to the policies of Republican Governor Rick Snyder. "It is a fact that when he took office, he cut a billion dollars from education and we're going to call him out on it...When I'm governor, I know exactly what I'm about and what I'm going to do. We're going to first put the money back he took from our schools." The charge that Snyder cut a billion dollars from education has been hotly contested by the governor's campaign, which says per-pupil spending has increased every year he's been in office. Schauer's billion dollar figure refers to revenue losses in the education fund Democrats say are related to Snyder's elimination of the Michigan Business Tax and diversion of funds to higher education spending. Regardless, the message sat well with the many Livingston County educators in attendance, including Dawn Lewkowicz, who teaches in Hartland. "I love that he's for education. He's going to do some great things for this state and I can't wait to see him win in November." Schauer ended his 20 minute speech with an exhortation for Democrats, both locally and across Michigan, to get to the polls and vote, leading the crowd in a chant of, âWe vote, we win!â (JK)
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