10/15/14 - More than 50 people braved the rain yesterday to gather in front of the historic downtown courthouse in Howell for a rally against heroin abuse last night. The rally was organized by local anti-drug agencies as well as partners in law enforcement and judicial offices. It opened with the story of Judy Tonak, formerly of Howell, who lost her daughter Nikki to heroin abuse. She said she did not know Nikki was abusing heroin until the night police officers came to her door and said she had been found dead with a needle in her arm. Tonak encouraged parents to get educated, pay close attention to their children, talk to them about opiates, and not to presume that abuse cannot happen in their family. The other speaker was Matt Beckerson, a local man who is recovering from heroin addiction and is almost two years clean and sober. He says Livingston County is a natural hotbed for opiate addiction because of its central location and relative affluence, which means many homes have spare prescription medications, especially painkillers. For both Tonakâs daughter and Beckerson, the path to heroin addiction began with prescription drug abuse, and Beckerson says he has never known someone to abuse prescription medications without eventually turning to heroin. The emcee for the rally was Terry Murray, the Livingston County Community Alliance Big Red Barrel project director, who took the opportunity to talk about his project. The Big Red Barrel gives residents an anonymous, environmentally-friendly way to dispose of their prescription drugs. An informational meeting for residents who want to know more about opiate addiction will be held at the Livingston Educational Service Agency building on October 29th. (TD)
Crowd Gathers To Rally Against Opiate Abuse, For EducationCrowd Gathers To Rally Against Opiate Abuse, For Education
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Health Officials Calm Vaccination Fears Amid Mumps OutbreakHealth Officials Calm Vaccination Fears Amid Mumps Outbreak
10/15/14 - A third case of a highly infectious disease is being investigated in Livingston County. Two individuals within the Pinckney Community School district recently tested positive for mumps through blood tests. Dr. Don Lawrenchuk is the Medical Director of the Livingston County Department of Public Health and tells WHMI they are now investigating a third possible case in the area. He says the current outbreak started at Ohio State University but has been spreading ever since - with the most cases in the United States emerging since the 1960âs. The spread is largely attributed to increasing rates of parents avoiding routine vaccination for their children. Lawrenchuk says mumps can be transmitted through the air, person to person and those that havenât received recommended vaccines will be at risk. To put things in perspective, he uses the current climate of fear about the Ebola virus. Lawrenchuk says mumps is at least five times more communicable than Ebola. Many parents cite concerns over a rumored link between vaccines and autism. But according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, exhaustive studies have found no such link. The CDC also reminds parents concerned about vaccine side effects that that the vast majority are temporary and minor, while the diseases they seek to prevent have much more serious effects that can be life-threatening. Meanwhile, Pinckney Superintendent Rick Todd says they have contacted the parents of the 10-20 kids in their district who havenât received the mumps vaccine and offered them a choice of either getting their kids vaccinated or remove them from the schools for 25 days. He says in every case, parents opted to get the vaccine. Both Michigan and Livingston County have a higher percentage than the national average of children in the schools that obtain waivers to opt out of vaccinations. Because of the increasing number of people in the state opting out, Lawrenchuk says the state is reexamining that. (JM/JK)
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New Leader Named for Salvation Army of Livingston CountyNew Leader Named for Salvation Army of Livingston County
10/15/14 - The community is being invited to an upcoming meet and greet to help welcome The Salvation Army of Livingston County's newest leader. Originally from Michigan, Envoy Prezza Morrison returns with many years of experience serving The Salvation Army around the country. The faith-based, non-profit organization gives hope to people in need without discrimination and Envoy Morrison will lead the Livingston County Corps Community Center at 503 Lake Street in Howell. Thatâs where the public is invited to a meet and greet with Morrison Wednesday, October 29th from 4 to 6pm. The Michigan native has served The Salvation Army since 1985 and most recently held the office of Director of Youth Ministry in Holland. Morrison resides in Howell and two of her four children also work for The Salvation Army in a South Carolina homeless shelter and the Kentucky outreach ministry. (JM)
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Local Woman Charged in Fatal Crash to Undergo Competency Exam Local Woman Charged in Fatal Crash to Undergo Competency Exam
10/15/14 - A local woman charged in connection with a Howell Township crash that claimed the life of an unborn child will have her mental competency tested. 34-year-old Angela Murphy-Spare of Brighton is charged with one count of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death, a 15-year felony, and one count of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury, a five year felony. Court records show that she was recently referred for a mental health evaluation to determine her competency to stand trial. Police say that Murphy-Spare was driving westbound in an eastbound lane of M-59 near Durant Road in Howell Township on May 7th when she struck a Saturn driven by 29-year-old Michelle Richards of Howell. Murphy-Spare was deemed the at-fault driver and initial testing indicated she had a blood-alcohol content of .12 percent. The legal limit is .08 percent. The prosecutorâs office had been awaiting additional medical reports before deciding on charges in the case. Both women suffered significant injuries as a result of the crash. Murphy-Spare was taken by Survival Flight to the University of Michigan Hospital. Richards, who was seven months pregnant at the time of the crash, was also hospitalized and ultimately lost her child. (JK)
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Hune Calls Conflict Of Interest Accusation Political "Crap"Hune Calls Conflict Of Interest Accusation Political "Crap"
10/15/14 - Republican State Senator Joe Hune is blasting an effort by local Democrats as âbelow the beltâ politics, while his opponent defends it as a perfectly legitimate examination of his voting record. On Tuesday, the Livingston County Democratic Party launched a website; www.noshowjoe.net, featuring a picture of an empty chair and highlighting his absence at several recent forums in the 22nd State Senate District. Hune says that charge carries no weight, as he has never missed a vote in the state Senate. But itâs another accusation made on the website that he takes great exception to. On the page, it says while Hune sponsored legislation preventing school board members from voting on employee contracts that involve a relative, he has set up a double standard by regularly voting on legislation sponsored by the lobbying firm Governmental Consultant Services, where his wife Marcia works. GCS represents the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, which sought a prohibition on bars and restaurants from using glasses, coasters, and napkins with beverage company logos. Hune says his vote on that particular bill had nothing to do with his wifeâs employment, but instead because it was in the best interest of small, craft brewers, many of which are located in the district. He also rejected any comparison to the school board conflict of interest law as that legislation specifically refers to voting on contracts involving relatives, while contracting is handled by the Michigan Office of management & Budget. His opponent on November 4th, Democrat Shari Pollesch, says that explanation doesnât square with the notion of avoiding a conflict of interest because it assumes there is no financial interest involved with Hune's vote, while a clear case can be made that his wife's job as a lobbysist is enhanced by her success in getting client-sponsored bills through the legislature. Pollesch also dismissed Huneâs indignation that this is an attack on his family, saying it is fundamentally about challenging him on his voting record. Hune says the accusations are âcrapâ and that while he expects further attacks in the next few weeks, he has every expectation of prevailing November 4th. (JK)
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OLHSA Celebrates 50 Years of Helping People & Changing Lives OLHSA Celebrates 50 Years of Helping People & Changing Lives
10/16/14 - Today marks 50 years that a community action agency has been providing services and working to help local low-income residents. The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency and hundreds of other Community Action Agencies nationwide began with President Lyndon B. Johnsonâs War on Poverty in 1964. OLHSA has changed over the last 50 years and taken many opportunities to reach out to the community, convey the importance of poverty alleviation and encourage residents to support the cause. OLHSA CEO Ron Borngesser says Oakland and Livingston Counties have 8.3% of Michiganâs low-income residents - over 115,000. OLHSA works to improve the quality of life for people facing crisis while strengthening families, communities, seniors and youth by providing services such as emergency and utility assistance, housing, foreclosure prevention, job readiness and placement. The annual Walk for Warmth event raises funds to heat homes while a weatherization program helps individuals save on their utility bills through energy efficient home upgrades. To learn more about OLHSA, it's work over the last 50 years and programs, visit the website below. (JM)
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Fenton Police Say Suspect Sketch Is IncorrectFenton Police Say Suspect Sketch Is Incorrect
10/16/14 - Some media sources are circulating a composite sketch supposedly depicting the man who tried to abduct a Fenton teen last week, but police say it is a fake. On Friday, Fenton Police were notified that a high school student had been walking to a bus stop near the intersection of Hillview Terrace and South Adelaide that morning when her arm was grabbed by an unknown person. She described the suspect as a male, about six feet tall, wearing a dark hoodie, dark clothing, and a cloth over his face. The student was able to free her arm, kick the suspect, and get away without injury. The suspect did not follow and was not seen again. Several media sources that posted the story included a composite sketch supposedly released by the Fenton Police, but the department has released a statement indicating that they did not release the image and it has nothing to do with the abduction. The victim reportedly could not see her attackerâs face. Police are investigating the incident and monitoring the area for added safety. Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect is asked to contact the Fenton Police. (JK)
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U.S. Supreme Court Declines Challenge To Brighton Blight LawU.S. Supreme Court Declines Challenge To Brighton Blight Law
10/16/14 - An elderly couple asked the U.S. Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of an ordinance in the City of Brighton, but the highest court in the land is not interested in examining that issue. Leon and Marilyn Bonner own two homes on North Street that the city ordered demolished in January of 2009 on the basis that they pose a danger to public health and safety. However, the coupleâs attorney, Dennis Dubuc, says they always wanted to fix up the homes and have the funds to do so. They sued the city over an ordinance that requires the demolition of unsafe homes whose value is less than the cost of repairing them. Local courts upheld the constitutionality of the ordinance. That opinion was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals, but the Michigan Supreme Court upheld the lower courtâs decision. The Bonners appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, but that court declined to hear the issue, so the decision by the Michigan Supreme Court will stand. The ordinance was not found to be unconstitutional on its face, but the Bonners insist it was still applied to them in an unconstitutional way. That was the argument Dubuc made last week to the Michigan Court of Appeals, where the Bonnersâ case is currently being heard. The city provided its arguments as well, and the court should issue a written opinion on the case in the next 90 days. (TD)
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District Says Right-to-Work Lawsuit Filed by Teacher BaselessDistrict Says Right-to-Work Lawsuit Filed by Teacher Baseless
10/16/14 - Officials in the Brighton Area Schools district say theyâre baffled by a lawsuit filed by a teacher that alleges violations of Michiganâs Right-to-Work law. Brighton High School Teacher Adam Neuman resigned from the Brighton Education Association and its parent group, the Michigan Education Association, during the August opt-out window. The Mackinac Center Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the BEA and the Brighton Board of Education on Neumanâs behalf, alleging violation of laws tied to the teacher contract. Vice President for Legal Affairs at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy Patrick Wright tells WHMI Neuman is being required to pay for release time, which grants union officials time during the school day to work on union business, and the funds are being taken out of his paycheck. BEA President Ellen Lafferty told WHMI Neuman has not had one conversation with her and âit would behoove Mr. Neuman and the Mackinac Center to check their facts before filing and publicizing this lawsuit that is 100% untrueâ. She says the contract language states the cost of additional release time will be reimbursed by the association through a payroll deduction plan but since Neuman is not a member, the language does not pertain to him. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI in the past, teachers have paid for that release time and had dues deducted from their pay that offset the cost of the union presidents time but itâs against the law now so they canât and donât. Neuman is seeking an injunction and declaratory judgment, a $500 fine against each defendant pursuant to state law and reimbursement of his legal fees. A link to more information provided by the Mackinac Center is available below, along with Lafferty's complete statement. (JM)
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Former CIA Officer To Speak In Brighton On ISISFormer CIA Officer To Speak In Brighton On ISIS
10/16/14 - The volatile situation in the Middle East will be the topic of an appearance this weekend from a former Congressional candidate and one-time CIA officer. Jim Marcinkowski will be the guest speaker Sunday during an event at the Community Unitarian Universalists in Brighton. The 2006 Democratic candidate for the 8th Congressional district will speak on âTerrorist Trends and a Changing Middle East.â The talk is set to focus on emerging groups such as ISIS and how they fit into a religious landscape that includes Sunnis, Shites, Kurds and others. Marcinkowski is currently an adjunct professor at the Michigan Institute for Public Safety Education. He has also appeared as a commentator on security issues on various media outlets including CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. Before that he spent 28 years in law enforcement and national security including service with the FBIâs Computer Systems Division and as an overseas clandestine Operations Officer with the CIA. Marcinkowskiâs talk will begin Sunday morning at 10:30 at the church on Old US-23. (JK)
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Railroad Crossing Work Delayed Until Next Week In ChelseaRailroad Crossing Work Delayed Until Next Week In Chelsea
10/16/14 - Reconstruction work on a railroad crossing in Chelsea has been delayed until next week. Originally, M-52 was set to be closed this morning at the railroad tracks, north of Middle Street in Chelsea. But the Michigan Department of Transportation now says the work wonât begin until Monday, October 20th. M-DOT and Amtrak plan to rebuild the M-52 railroad crossing to improve safety and rideability. The crossing will be reconstructed as part of an effort to upgrade the entire corridor to accommodate higher speed train travel between Chicago and Detroit. Signal work will include installation of new cantilevers with gates, while the circuitry at adjacent crossings will also be modernized to provide preemption with the traffic signals on M-52 at Middle and Park/South Streets. Despite the delay, officials still expect to have all of the work complete and M-52 reopened by noon on Friday, October 31st. When M-52 is closed the detour will be: Southbound M-52: North Street to Hayes Street to Middle Street to Wilkinson Street to Old US-12 to M-52. Northbound M-52: Old US-12 to Freer Road to Dexter-Chelsea Road to McKinley Street to Dewey Street to M-52. Dexter-Chelsea Road and Freer Road will be a three-way stop during the detour. (JK)
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Oceola Twp. Resident Files To Run As School Board Write-InOceola Twp. Resident Files To Run As School Board Write-In
10/16/14 - As controversy continues to embroil the Howell school district and Superintendent Ron Wilson, another area resident has decided to enter the race as a write-in candidate for the school board. Oceola Township resident Sam Gerardi filed this week to run for one of the open seats that will be on the November 4th ballot. He is now the fourth write-in candidate to seek a seat on the board in addition to two others who filed in time to actually have their names on the ballot. Gerardi tells WHMI that his decision to run is not based on any one particular person or incident, but a desire to try and help the district overcome its current state of affairs. "It just gets to the point sometime where I felt they were arguing about their stance more than they were arguing about the topic. I got kids. I'm a family man and currently the president of a larger HOA, Hidden Creek. I'm used to dealing with a host of issues that need or require a sound thought to make sure its good for everybody and not just a few people." A harassment complaint filed by Superintendent Wilson against School Board President Mike Witt was determined to have no merit by an independent investigator hired by the board. However, Wilson remains on a paid, non-disciplinary leave unanimously approved by the board after questions arose over expense reimbursements. A report on those expenses is expected at the boardâs next meeting on October 27th. 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 Gerardi will join Deborah Drick and Adam Hukkala as write-in candidates. Another write-in candidate, Jeanine Spencer, filed to run and then later withdrew.(JK)
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Suit Filed Against Ex-Deputy & County by Former Inmates SettledSuit Filed Against Ex-Deputy & County by Former Inmates Settled
10/16/14 - A settlement has been reached in a federal lawsuit filed by five women who were sexually assaulted by a former Livingston County sheriffâs deputy. The suit was filed in 2009 in U.S. District Court in Detroit by five female plaintiffs against Livingston County and former road patrol Deputy Randy Boos. The case was set to go to trial this week but has now been settled. The claims against the County are being dismissed, with the agreement that the plaintiffs will not pursue any appeals of the earlier dismissals of Sheriff Bob Bezotte and Lt. Tom Cremonte. The suit alleged the defendantâs failure to provide proper training or supervision allowed the 2008 assaults by Boos as he transported them from the jail to various court facilities. Boos, who served three years and seven months in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct, asserted in a deposition that he didnât know his actions were criminal because he believed the sexual acts were consensual, and that he never received training on proper conduct when transporting detainees. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte previously called it a frivolous lawsuit and told WHMI when they learned what was going on, immediate action was taken to suspend Boos while Michigan State Police investigated. He has also said there was never any knowledge of Boosâ illegal conduct or crimes being committed. (JM)
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Howell Choir Students Prepare for Concert & Renaissance FeastHowell Choir Students Prepare for Concert & Renaissance Feast
10/17/14 - An upcoming choir concert will transport guests to the 16th century. Howellâs Parker Middle School seventh and eighth grade choirs will host a Madrigal Dinner on November 7th. The dinner is a recreation of the renaissance feasts held throughout England during the 16th century. Those who were lucky enough to be invited to these feasts enjoyed pageantry, music and vast amounts of fine foods. The dinner will feature elaborate costumes, music, acting and a feast prepared by Howell High Schoolâs student run Highlander Restaurant at Parker Middle School, which will be transformed into Parkerâs Castle. For ticket information, contact Parker Middle School at 517-552-4600 or email fallsk@howellschools.com. Tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for students/seniors, children under five are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance of the event; there will be no ticket sales at the door. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Attendees should enter the building from the Wright Road entrance. Parker Middle School is located at 400 Wright Road, Howell, MI 48843. (JM)
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Brighton Council OKs Rezoning for New DevelopmentBrighton Council OKs Rezoning for New Development
10/17/14 - The Brighton City Council has given conditional approval to the rezoning of a site planned for a new business complex on West Grand River at Orndorf Drive. The site was formerly the Davis Office Center, which was demolished earlier this year in a consent judgment between the former owner and the city, after he was cited for several code violations. Approval will change the zoning of the 3-acre property from office service to general business. Juniper Development Director Stephen Alexander tells WHMI that his firm had been looking at Brighton for a long time as a prime location for a project. Thom Dumond of Boss Engineering Co., the project engineers, says the two buildings will be contemporary in styling and of decorative brick material. The preliminary site plan for the new development includes two multi-tenant buildings totaling about 18,000 â19,000 square feet. Alexander says they plan to bring in restaurants and retail businesses at the site. The terms of the conditional zoning approval give the new owner two years to develop the site, after which, if not developed, it would revert to its former zoning. The matter now goes to the City Planning Commission for site plan approval and then back to council for final approval. Given that, Alexander says he plans to start construction in the spring and have all the new tenants in by the end of next year. (TT)
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Kitten Stomping Suspect Located & ArraignedKitten Stomping Suspect Located & Arraigned
10/17/14 - Police have located and arraigned the Brighton man who is the prime suspect in the stomping deaths of half a dozen kittens in Hartland last month. 20-year-old Cody Michael Tyler is facing six felony counts of killing or torturing animals. Police put out a warrant for his arrest on October 6th, but it was not until Wednesday that he was located, arraigned, and lodged in the Livingston County Jail on a $300,000 bond. He is due back in District Court for an exam conference on October 21st. 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. (TD)
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Historic Howell Theater Holds Ribbon Cutting For Grand OpeningHistoric Howell Theater Holds Ribbon Cutting For Grand Opening
10/17/14 - The grand opening of the Historic Howell Theater was marked with a ribbon cutting and special screenings last night. The theater was reopened earlier this year to be revamped as a restaurant, but that deal later fell through. It was later purchased by Ohio film buff Tyler DePerro, who says he searched for months to find a location for a theater that had the right combination of community and walkability. Guests included local residents and officials, who got to look around the theaterâs new interior and enjoy a couple of screenings. In one of the theaters DePerro played the original 1954 version of Godzilla with subtitles, and in the other he played âWrinkles,â an animated drama based on a Spanish graphic novel. DePerro says he got a lot of requests for Godzilla, and so decided to give the community what it wanted, but chose to play the more obscure film to set the tone for the theaterâs future. DePerro plans to show classic movies, independent films, documentaries, and even locally-produced films in the theater to create an alternative to mainstream cinema in Livingston County. For information what is showing, follow the link below. (TD)
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Brighton School Board President's Political Posts Questioned Brighton School Board President's Political Posts Questioned
Some parents in the Brighton Area Schools district are raising concerns with increasing social media postings by the Board of Education president that are political in nature. Board President Nick Fiani has been publicly promoting incumbents Miles Vieau and John Conely on his personal Facebook page and urging voters to cast ballots for those two only on November 4th, despite three total seats being up for election. He also asks voters to keep the board Republican and pro-life. Parent Alison Cox has two students in Brighton schools and says sheâs been paying a lot more attention to the school board race since witnessing what she feels is Fianiâs inappropriate and unprofessional behavior towards parents and board members. Cox told WHMI she further feels that a school board should try to remain as least political as possible and is concerned Fianiâs political views will somehow sway the curriculum being taught in schools, as well as the health benefits or insurance teachers are provided when pro-life is something the board is standing behind. Fiani told WHMI he has been publicly advising people to vote for only Conely and Vieau to help boost their chances of winning, as he feels they are the most qualified. Fiani says any elected position inherently becomes political and in this case, there are two conservative incumbents so it will be interesting to see which three are elected. He also stated that he feels itâs perfectly fine for an individual to adhere to certain political affiliations when running for a non-partisan position. The Michigan Association of School Boards says the comments are considered free speech issues and told WHMI Fiani is within his legal free speech rights to support or endorse specific candidates, just so long as there is no public expense involved. School board races are considered non-partisan but there is no indication of political party that appears next to a candidateâs name so the MASB says the issue is really for voters to decide at the ballot box. The four other candidates running in the Brighton school board race are Jerilyn Gilleylen, Kenneth Stahl, Dr. David Chesney and Andy Burchfield.
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Brighton Gets Excellent Marks in Annual Audit ReportBrighton Gets Excellent Marks in Annual Audit Report
10/17/14 - The city of Brighton passed its annual audit report with flying colors. it marks the 27th straight year that Brighton has received an unqualified opinion from auditors. Auditors from the accounting firm Plante and Moran were present at Thursdayâs City Council meeting to present their findings. Outgoing Plante & Moran Partner Wes Pulver says the city scored an excellent audit report for the 2013-14 fiscal year ending June 30th. Pulver says the city also had a 15% undesignated fund balance at the end of the fiscal year, which he calls remarkable. Pulver tells WHMI that with the decline in property tax revenues in cities and townships all over the state, many communities have difficulty maintaining a fund balance of even 10%. One factor that could further exacerbate the revenue problem in the coming years is that the personal property tax ended on June 30th for personal property valued at less than $40,000. However, Pulver says local governments have been assured by the state that they will be reimbursed for their loss, a promise about which he says he retains some skepticism. (TT)
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Brighton Man's Arson Conviction Nets Jail Time & ProbationBrighton Man's Arson Conviction Nets Jail Time & Probation
10/17/14 - The victim of a Brighton manâs arson expressed her frustration with the court system at his sentencing Thursday. 19-year-old Travis Cottrill was ordered to serve 90 days in the Livingston County Jail and three years of probation for his guilty plea to a single charge of 4th degree arson. Police say Cottrill set his ex-girlfriendâs car on fire June 14th, after she broke up with him. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived but also caused some damage to another vehicle in the driveway, which belonged to the victimâs parents. As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to have Cottrill sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. That will allow his record to be wiped clean upon successful completion of his sentence. In court Thursday, however, the victim said Cottrill didnât deserve to have his record erased and accused police of not supporting her after the incident. She also said prosecutors had failed to notify her of court dates. Cottrillâs lawyer said his clientâs age and the nature of the crimes made him more than eligible for Holmes Youthful Trainee status. (JK)
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