10/28/14 - Local health officials say with autumn here, not only are we seeing the arrival of cooler temperatures but also the arrival of the flu season. The Livingston County Department of Public Health is asking for everyoneâs help in preventing the spread of seasonal flu. Medical Director Dr. Don Lawrenchuk tells WHMI there have already been confirmed cases of Influenza in Livingston County and across Michigan. He says itâs a serious, life threatening disease that is vaccine preventable and they want people to stay healthy and protect themselves to prevent the flu. Lawrenchuk stressed the importance of simple hand washing and immunization during the colder months, saying the CDC recommends everyone six months of age and over get a flu shot every year. Lawrenchuk encourages the public to protect themselves and practice healthy habits to help cut down on the spread of the flu by getting a flu shot, covering coughs, washing hands, and staying home if sick. Flu shots will be given during the regular walk-in immunization clinics at the local health department on Wednesdays from 8:30am until 4:30pm. Extended hours are offered until 7pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month and the clinic is located on East Grand River near Chilson Road in Howell. Details about immunization clinics and other tips to stay healthy this flu season are available through the link below. (JM)
Flu Season Here; Officials Stress Vaccination & Healthy HabitsFlu Season Here; Officials Stress Vaccination & Healthy Habits
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Injured Bald Eagle Rescued in Marion Township Injured Bald Eagle Rescued in Marion Township
10/28/14 - A Bald Eagle is recovering after being discovered in Marion Township with injuries that could be the result of criminal activity. An adult bald eagle was rescued by Howell Nature Center staff on Saturday on Grass Lake off Coon Lake Road. Officials say Jim Brown had noticed the eagle while out for a trail run on an island behind his home Friday night. The eagle was on the ground and could not fly so he waited until morning to lead nature center staff to the island. The eagle was located, captured and transferred back to the center. After initial treatment, the bird was taken to a veterinary hospital in Howell for x-rays, which showed no fractures to the wing. While they also did not show led, experts at the nature center say they suspect that the injuries may be gunshot wound. Law enforcement with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have been notified as the bird's injuries could be the result of criminal activity. Officials say the male eagle has good weight at 8-and-a-half pounds and has been placed on antibiotics and cage rest. The center hopes he will eventually move to a 100 foot flight pen to recondition his flight muscles. Another eagle, presumably his mate, was seen in a tree on the same island Friday night. (JM)
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BHS Student Rep Seeks To Address Bullying On School BoardBHS Student Rep Seeks To Address Bullying On School Board
10/28/14 - One of two student representatives on the Brighton Board of Education says she wants a place on the agenda at the next board meeting to give a presentation on the district policy against bullying - and not just by students. However, Board of Education President Nick Fiani says the only way student representative Bethany Warren could give a presentation at the next meeting would be if she spoke at call-to-the-public. The reason is that she alternates as student representative with the representative from the Bridge Alternative High School, who will sit at the board table at the Nov. 10 meeting. As a result, Warren says she will probably ask to be put on the agenda for that meeting. Warren - who is also the Brighton high senior class president - says she will first discuss the idea of giving the presentation to her Brighton High School leadership class. Warren says she would like to address not only the policy against bullying as it pertains to students, but also board members. She tells WHMI that bullying by board members against others on the board has taken place at past meetings, and she thinks it is improper. Warren was not specific about who she alleges does the bullying on the board, but may have been referring to comments made by Fiani directed at trustee Bill Anderson, blaming him and a previous board for the district getting into deficit. The idea for a bullying presentation came out of a request by Dave Chesney, a University of Michigan professor and district parent, who is also a candidate for the board on November 4th. He said that October is National Bullying Prevention Month and that a presentation should be made to the board. (TT/JK)
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Board Keeps Howell Superintendent On Paid LeaveBoard Keeps Howell Superintendent On Paid Leave
10/28/14 - Despite a board room packed with supporters of Superintendent Ron Wilson, the Howell Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Monday night to keep Wilson on paid non-disciplinary administrative leave. While the specific reasons for the continued leave have yet to be publicly disclosed, board members indicated they were assembling a list of charges, but said Wilson would have a full opportunity to address them. Among those who spoke in Wilson's favor was Sandra Moore, the district's former deputy of instructional services. She said she knows all the history and "back door politics" of the district and accused the board of micro-managing and dragging out with legalities what could be the termination of yet another superintendent. Moore said Wilson was hired in 2010 to heal a highly dysfunctional district at a time when the board had terminated its second superintendent in less than five years due to disconnect between roles. Moore suggested if issues are found with expense accounts, vouchers the board approved, then it should review and correct its own policies and guidelines for oversight. The board has so far declined to disclose the specific reasons for putting Wilson on leave, other than to say they were looking into questionable mileage reimbursements. However, there have been strained relations between Wilson and Board President Mike Witt. Wilson earlier accused Witt of bullying and creating a hostile work environment. Witt denied those allegations and a $10,000 investigation carried out by an independent law firm determined no wrongdoing on Witt's part. Last night, board members said the first phase of their investigation into Wilson's reimbursements was complete and a report was issued but would not provide any details citing attorney-client privilege. Trustee Doug Moore said despite the public's perception, the investigation was nothing personal and was being carried out in an entirely professional manner. He asked the public to keep an open mind and get the facts before casting judgment as nothing has been decided. Board members Stacy Pasini, Doug Moore and Mike Witt also urged the public to not cast judgment before having all the facts. Wilson attended Monday nightâs meeting but declined to comment after saying he has been in contact with an attorney. Meanwhile, a presentation on an audit of the district presented to the board last night confirmed Wittâs assertion that an accounting of the districtâs fire academy program was not a concern to the auditing firm and that it was only brought to their attention after Wilson had filed his complaint against Witt. Wilson cited his request of an accounting of the program to Witt as a factor in what he has termed retaliation by the board. Witt says the auditing firmâs conclusion completely contradicts Wilsonâs earlier statements. (JM/JK)
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Pinckney Cemetery Cleanup Moved To November 8thPinckney Cemetery Cleanup Moved To November 8th
10/28/14 - The Village of Pinckney and volunteers will be sprucing up one of its oldest features next month. The clean-up day was originally scheduled for this Saturday, but has now been re-set for 9am to noon on Saturday, November 8th due to anticipated weather and conflicts with other scheduled activities in the area. The Village hosts the clean-ups to maintain the community cemetery but also help honor its local history. The cemetery dates back to the mid-1800âs and includes hundreds of burial sites. Officials say the project is a great opportunity for families, youth groups or seniors to contribute to the community as well as students who might need to log volunteer hours. Volunteers are asked to bring whatever cleanup equipment they can although itâs not required such as gloves, rakes, wheelbarrows, leaf blowers, and hedge clippers. The cemetery is located on M-36 just west of downtown Pinckney and anyone with questions should contact the Village Offices at (734) 878-6206. (JK)
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Fiani Reiterates Criticisms of LESA Board and Superintendent Fiani Reiterates Criticisms of LESA Board and Superintendent
10/28/14 - Despite a letter from the LESA Board of Education distributed at Monday nightâs Brighton school board meeting, board President Nick Fiani is refusing to soften his position in regard to LESA finances, the granting of a bonus to LESA staff and the LESA superintendent. The letter was presented to each board member by Brighton school board secretary Beth Minert. The letter explained the budget and why the one-time bonus of $350 was given to LESA staff. After the meeting, however, Fiani, in speaking with WHMI, reiterated his criticisms of the LESA Board and its superintendent, Dan Danosky. One of Fianiâs criticisms has been that Danosky is allegedly a poor money manager and put the Pinckney District into debt before he became LESA superintendent. The LESA Boardâs response is that they have, quote, âcomplete confidence in our superintendent, his administrative team and the processes and procedures used to produce and administer all of the budgets.â Another criticism by Fiani has been that LESA didnât send a representative to Brighton to explain the budget this past spring, instead sending a video presentation. The LESA Boardâs response is that an offer was made to have a representative attend a school board meeting but that was rejected as unnecessary. In response to Fianiâs criticism of the $350 one-time payment to its 600 staff members, the LESA Board said its employees have had to sacrifice so that it could âweather recent economic turndownsâ and the amount was a âtoken of its appreciation.â (TT)
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Attorney Wants Local Judges Added to Suit That Seeks RecordingsAttorney Wants Local Judges Added to Suit That Seeks Recordings
10/28/14 - A Howell attorney is looking to potentially add all of Livingston Countyâs judges to a lawsuit filed after he was denied access to video and audio recordings of courtroom proceedings. Attorney Tom Kizer originally filed the complaint against 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan, who is up for re-election. Kizerâs latest motion to add Chief Judge David Reader and/or the entire judiciary to the suit is scheduled to be heard on November 3rd. The suit seeks audio and video records of courtroom proceedings, which Kizer says is nothing more than what can already be obtained in writing and technology is advancing so thereâs more opportunity for the public to be aware of what happens in court. Kizer tells WHMI he tried to obtain the records two years ago well before any election although it has relevance because now is when the public wants to make an informed decision. He says written transcripts fail to show a judgeâs demeanor or actions and the suit is not intended to be an attack on Judge Brennan but about the public's right to see what elected officials are doing. Lansing Judge Clinton Canaday III was assigned to hear the case after local judges recused themselves. The court is expected to determine whether or not the complaint filed by Kizer should proceed or not on November 19th. Brennanâs Attorney Joe Seward is seeking to have the case dismissed calling it âfrivolousâ. A copy of the brief filed by Kizer is attached below. (JM)
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New Arson Detectives Trained at MSP Fire Investigation SchoolNew Arson Detectives Trained at MSP Fire Investigation School
10/29/14 - Some area police departments are taking part in a basic fire investigation school that trains new arson detectives. The 69th Basic Fire Investigation School is being hosted at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing. The MSP Brighton Post and the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office are among participating departments with officers attending the school. Veteran detectives and experts will provide students with instruction concerning fire scene preservation and investigation training. Some of the topics covered in the school include fire chemistry, origin and cause determination, explosions, wild land and vehicle fires. Officers will also participate in mock crime scene scenarios to practice their skills in crime scene preservation, evidence collection, fire investigation and media relations. Completion of the Basic Fire Investigation School is the first step in the process of becoming a certified fire investigator. The MSP is the only school in the state that is nationally accredited. The two-week school concludes on Friday. (JM)
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Snow Could Fly Friday But NWS Predicts Better Winter Than Last Snow Could Fly Friday But NWS Predicts Better Winter Than Last
10/29/14 - Halloween could be a rather chilling night in more than one way as the first flurries of the season may fly Friday. There have been some grumblings that this winter will be worse than the last and many likely arenât ready to hear the âSâ word or about any polar vortexes but officials with the National Weather Service White Lake Township Office feel we are looking at a winter season not as harsh as last. Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rich Pollman says the forecast is leaning toward slightly colder temperatures but not as harsh as last winter. Temperatures could be a slight bit below average for the entire season with less than average precipitation, meaning both snow and rain. Pollman says that means while we may have less than average precipitation, we could still have average snowfall. So what goes into the predictions? Pollman says for much of the country, the El Nino and La Nina forecasts tend to be drivers for the winter outlook. In Michigan, he says the winter weather is lot of times dictated by elements that can really only be forecast about two to four weeks in advance so itâs a bit tough to gauge any outlook with a lot of precision for the Great Lakes regions. When you combine the harsh temperatures and snowfall experienced last winter, Pollman says the only one even comparable out of 140 years of data for Southeast Michigan was in 1880 and 1881. There was a record amount of snowfall for the region but especially the Howell, Flint and Detroit areas. Pollman says it was accompanied by a lot of cold air, making it the top 6th coldest winter on record for southeast Michigan. Ultimately, Pollman says the one thing we can be sure of is that this winter will bring snow storms and cold weather so regardless of how it all plays out, itâs important to be prepared. (JM)
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Brighton Man Charged w/ Killing Kittens Bound Over for Trial Brighton Man Charged w/ Killing Kittens Bound Over for Trial
10/29/14 - A Brighton man believed to be responsible for stomping half a dozen kittens to death in Hartland Township last month is heading to trial. An exam conference for 20-year-old Cody Michael Tyler was held in 53rd District Court, which had been delayed a week after his attorney requested more time to prepare his case and carry out the discovery process. It was determined there was enough evidence to send the case to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial, where Tyler faces six felony counts of killing or torturing animals. 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 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. (JM)
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Howell City Council Approves Structural Study Of City HallHowell City Council Approves Structural Study Of City Hall
10/29/14- Howell City Council is taking necessary steps towards correcting an issue that has caused concern for some time. Monday evening, City Council approved a study for the structural soundness of City Hall. Staff members at City Hall have noticed vibrations throughout the building, as well as cracks in the stairways throughout the years. While many speculate that the traffic from Grand River is the root cause of the problem, City Council believes more concrete evidence is needed. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI that the vibrations and cracks have become more noticeable as of late. The study, done by HRC Inc. engineers, will cost just over $11,000. Charles, who spoke with an architect just last week, says in general, buildings built during the time period that City Hall was, have similar issues. While a specific date has not been set, Charles says the study will take place âsoonâ. City Council also made a decision on an analysis for Isbell Street Bridge. The analysis would determine the safety of the wooden bridge, as well as the means necessary to repair or reinforce it. Council, however, decided to table the study until planning for the upcoming budget. (DK)
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Meet & Greet Today to Welcome New Salvation Army LeaderMeet & Greet Today to Welcome New Salvation Army Leader
10/29/14 - The Salvation Army of Livingston County is welcoming its newest leader and the community is invited to do the same today. Envoy Prezza Morrison has served the Salvation Army all over the Midwest for the last thirty years and arrived in Howell with her 14-year-old son earlier this month. Sheâs been settling in and spending time getting acquainted with the organizations and groups that work with the Salvation Army in the community. When it comes to strengths, youth have always been close to her heart but she also has a knack for finances. The public is invited to a meet and greet with Morrison from 4 to 6pm at the Livingston County Corps Community Center at 503 Lake Street in Howell. (JM)
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State & County Officials Release Northern Pike Into Thompson LakeState & County Officials Release Northern Pike Into Thompson Lake
10/29/14 - Officials with both the State of Michigan and Livingston County have released 400 northern pike fish into a Howell lake. The state Department of Natural Resources helped release the 12-15 inch fish Tuesday into Thompson Lake. Livingston County Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere says the release comes from the fact that the county lowers the lake level by 3 feet every two years to accommodate lake residents in maintaining their beaches and taking their docks out for the winter. But he tells WHMI that the DNR was concerned about how the change would affect fish spawning areas. The county is now under court order to add fish to the 260-acre lake. Northern pike is one of 15 fish species in the lake, where black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass are most common. The new northern pike were purchased from a hatchery in Imlay City. Jonckheere says the cost for purchasing the fish is split up among those who belong to Thompson Lake's special assessment district, with the City of Howell paying the largest portion. (JK)
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Competency Exam Ordered for Local Man Charged in Police Pursuit Competency Exam Ordered for Local Man Charged in Police Pursuit
10/29/14 - A local man arrested after leading local authorities on a motorcycle chase has been ordered to undergo a competency exam. 22-year-old Brandon Gale of Marion Township was charged with fleeing a police officer, driving an unregistered vehicle and possession of marijuana following the incident the afternoon of October 20th. Gale appeared in 53rd District Court Tuesday for an exam, where the court requested that he be referred for an evaluation to determine criminal responsibility and competency. A Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputy had attempted to stop a blue and white Yamaha motorcycle traveling westbound on Mason Road from Norton Road for equipment violations. When the deputy turned around, Gale is alleged to have fled â traveling through yards and cutting through fields. Authorities say he ran the stop sign at Burkhart Road and did a wheelie after the intersection before driving onto a farm west of Truhn Road. A perimeter was established by responding deputies with assistance from Fowlerville Police and Michigan State Police. Police say Gale eventually walked out of the woods and turned himself in. (JM)
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Heroin Prevention Seminar Informs Local Professionals Heroin Prevention Seminar Informs Local Professionals
10/29/14 - Area professionals received a harsh education this morning about heroin in Livingston County at the Livingston Educational Service Agency. The Human Services Collaborative Body Substance Use Disorders Treatment and Prevention work group has created the âWake Up to the Truthâ series. This informational workshop encourages change and works to reduce opiate use in the county. Guest speaker Fred Brason who implemented the prevention program, The Lazarus Project, says heroin use begins with prescription medication abuse. He stressed that misuse and dosage are the real killers. To make a profit, dealers are cutting the heroin with other substances, which alters a userâs fix amount as they move from dealer to dealer. Taking their normal dose amount which will vary can lead to an overdose and potentially death. Executive Director of the Key Development Center, Anne King-Hudson, tells WHMI the entire system must attack the problem. Brason put the issue into perspective using another recent health concern. He says there has been one death in the U.S. from Ebola, which has received millions of dollars as a means to find a solution. The U.S. has legally defined drug abuse as an epidemic for the last ten years, yet has not received the same amount of attention or support, despite the significantly more fatalities it produces. Brason says âto understand addiction, look at it from a disease perspective.â A public education event will take place this evening at LESA, beginning at 6 oâclock. (DK)
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South Lyon Teen Injured in Accident Involving School Bus Tuesday South Lyon Teen Injured in Accident Involving School Bus Tuesday
10/29/14 - An accident involving a teen and a school bus Tuesday morning remains under investigation. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Lyon Township substation responded to the incident that occurred at 9 Mile and Pontiac Trail shortly before 7:13am. The office reports a 14-year-old female from South Lyon ran into the side of a school bus as it was turning a corner. The school bus was turning from westbound 9 Mile onto northbound Pontiac Trail. Police say the teen had the right of way crossing the street but the bus driver didnât see her due to the rain and darkness. The teen struck the side of the bus between the door and the front mirror. Police say she received a bump on her head and complained of shoulder pain. The juvenile was transported to Providence Hospital in Novi and was subsequently released. The driver of the school bus has been identified as a 49-year-old Redford woman and the sheriffâs office says the investigation continues. (JM)
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New Salvation Army Leader Focusing on Youth & Collaboration New Salvation Army Leader Focusing on Youth & Collaboration
10/30/14 - Community members had their first official opportunity to meet the new officer of The Salvation Army of Livingston County. A meet and greet was held Wednesday at the Corps Community Center on Lake Street. Envoy Prezza Morrison and her son arrived in Howell in early October. She told WHMI people in the community have been very friendly and outgoing and sheâs looking forward to helping shape the youth programming of the Corps but also collaborating to help fill any potential gaps in services. Advisory board member Nancy Johnson said its exciting looking to the future and the community will find that Envoy Prezza is organized and easy to relate to. Itâs getting to be the busy time of year for the non-profit and board member Bryan Wallace stressed the importance of the local Corps, its community focus, volunteers and ability to touch the lives of so many families â adding there would surely be a gap in services without it. Christmas fundraising will begin soon with a soft red kettle kick-off planned November 7th. The funds collected help the local corps provide programs and services throughout the year including food, utilities, rent and housing needs. One common public misconception is the Salvation Army Thrift Stores, which are actually run through the organizationâs Adult Rehabilitation Centers. The Livingston County Corps is not directly affiliated with the thrift store but it does receive some donations and vouchers to help support local services. Complete details about upcoming fundraising, volunteer and giving opportunities to help provide hope to those in need this holiday season is available through the link below. (JM)
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Local Voters Should "Get to Know" Their Ballot Before Election DayLocal Voters Should "Get to Know" Their Ballot Before Election Day
10/30/14 - This marks the final weekend before the general election and a busy ballot will be greeting local voters. In an effort to reduce wait times and long lines at the polls, election officials are encouraging local voters to familiarize themselves with their ballot - a sample which can be viewed online via the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote. A link is below. Livingston County elections coordinator Joan Runyan says it will benefit everyone if voters take some time to get familiar with the issues and candidates ahead of time. For those who will be voting absentee, Runyan says the deadline to take a ballot home is no later than 2pm this Saturday. After receiving one, individuals have until 8pm on election day to complete the ballot and return it to their clerk's office. (JM)
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Linden Charter Academy Loses Appeal Over $535K VerdictLinden Charter Academy Loses Appeal Over $535K Verdict
10/30/14 - The Michigan appeals court won't upset a $535,000 verdict for a teacher who said he was illegally fired for making a racial comment at an area charter school. During an exchange about desks, Craig Hecht told another staffer at Linden Charter Academy that white tables were better and "brown should burn." There was no dispute that Hecht made the racial comment but his lawyer said he quickly apologized to a black teacher's aide who heard him. Hecht, who is white, worked at Linden Charter Academy for more than eight years until he was fired in November 2009. Hecht sued, saying black staff at the school had made racial jokes but were never punished like him. The appeals court agreed there was evidence that Hecht was treated differently. In dissent, Judge Kurtis Wilder says Hecht wasn't treated differently because there were no complaints about comments made by black employees. The school is run by National Heritage Academies, which at the time said it was disappointed by the verdict. (JM)
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Pinckney New Tech High Named National Demonstration SitePinckney New Tech High Named National Demonstration Site
10/30/14 - Pinckney New Tech High School has been named a national demonstration site for a new approach to education that has re-imagined teaching and learning. The school earned the designation from the New Tech Network, one of only 26 schools across the country to achieve the honor. Located inside Pinckney High School, the school is focused on project-based learning through the use of technology. Every New Tech student has their own laptop, while utilizing hundreds of smartboards throughout the school. New Tech Network officials say Pinckney was chosen because it exemplifies the New Tech mission to help students gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life, college and the careers of tomorrow. Currently in its fifth year, Pinckney New Tech High saw its first class of freshmen graduate this year. As a National Demonstration Site, the school will play a key role in the development of the New Tech Network, hosting tours for national, state and local organizations. The school will also participate in critical trainings, educating teachers and administrators from districts around the country as they prepare to open their own New Tech schools. Leadership summits, teacher shadowing and leadership residency will all be offered as part of Pinckneyâs National Demonstration Site activities. (JM/JK)
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