10/30/14 - Wolverine fans may have agonized over their teamâs play on the football field, but they can cheer their own performance in a recent fundraising event. University of Michigan fans were singing âHail to the Victorsâ at the VINA Dental Clinic Tailgate last week at Cleary Universityâs Johnson Center. After two years of Spartan victories, Wolverine fans raised the most money for the Brighton-based clinic that provides dental services to low-income and uninsured residents. The win evens out the series at three wins apiece. Organizers say the 300 people who attended the tailgate party contributed just under $48,000; more or less matching last yearâs total. Since it opened in 2008, the VINA Dental Clinic has treated nearly 1,900 patients, typically treating up to 20 new patients a month. (JK)
Wolverine Fans Capture Win in Dental Clinic FundraiserWolverine Fans Capture Win in Dental Clinic Fundraiser
↧
↧
Loft Apartments & Homes Proposed On Former School SiteLoft Apartments & Homes Proposed On Former School Site
10/30/14 - Plans to transform a vacant elementary school into a residential development are moving forward. Jeff Doyle and Geof Greeneisen are the co-owners of real estate and management company Rescue LLC. On Monday they presented a preliminary version of their plan to redevelop the former Pinckney Elementary School building and 14-acre property. The pair has a contract to purchase the vacant school for $325,000 if they can get their proposal through the village's site-planning process. Doyle says their concept is to convert the vacant school on West M-36 into 31 loft-style apartments and then surround it with 30 single-family lots. They would also retain the schoolâs five large play structures. Variances would be needed for the project, including permission to exceed the villageâs limit of just eight multi-family units in a building. The school closed in 2012 due to declining enrollment. A previous offer from Trinity Lutheran Church for $295,000 was rejected by the Pinckney Community School Board due to concerns a charter school might locate there and compete with the district for students. (JK)
↧
Huron Valley Schools Examining Open Carry Issue Huron Valley Schools Examining Open Carry Issue
10/30/14 - The prospect of having guns in schools isnât sitting so well with one area district. A parent approached officials within the Huron Valley Schools district about his intent to open carry in a couple of buildings. Due to loopholes in state law, so long as a person has the proper permits and licenses, they are within their legal rights to open carry a gun in a public school building. The parent has a proper license but regardless, Superintendent Jim Baker told the Detroit Free Press he doesn't like the idea of guns in schools. Baker credited the parent with being very forthright and explaining his intent in advance, but said that doesnât change how he feels. The board of education discussed the matter earlier this month. Trustee Jeff Long indicated he would look into the matter further and intends to put forth a resolution that would prohibit the open carrying of weapons on school properties. While he did not object to open carry rights, he said he didnât see a need for a parent to open carry a weapon in any of their buildings. (JM)
↧
Fireworks Explode During Green Oak Township Fire
10/30/14 - A fire late last night in Green Oak Township sent fire and smoke into the sky as firefighters worked into the early morning hours to extinguish the flames. Green Oak Township Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Gentry says they were called just before midnight to a car fire on Avon Drive in the Island Lake Subdivision. Firefighters arrived to find a fully involved car and garage fire that was extending into the house. First responders, which included Green Oak police, awakened and evacuated four residents of the house who were unaware of the fire, removing them and several dogs and a bird from the home. Green Oak firefighters, assisted by units from the Brighton, South Lyon, Lyon Township and Hamburg Township departments, extinguished the fire, which destroyed the garage and car and left the home standing but severely damaged. The cause of the fire, which appears to have originated from the car, is under investigation. Livingston County EMS and the countyâs Disaster Assistance Response Team assisted firefighters at the scene and the Red Cross is aiding the displaced residents, who were renters and without insurance. The home did not appear to have functioning smoke detectors. Gentry says that if it wasnât for the neighbor noticing the blaze and calling 911 the outcome could have been much worse. He reminds residents that with the coming fall time change, everyone needs to replace the batteries in their smoke detectors. (JK)
↧
Union Says Howell School Board Candidate Hijacked Email SystemUnion Says Howell School Board Candidate Hijacked Email System
10/30/14 - The Howell teacherâs union is accusing a board of education candidate of hijacking its email distribution list. Howell Education Association President Zachary Kasprzak says write-in candidate Brent Earl sent a political message to members via the union's list of teacher's home email addresses. Kasprzak says the union does not typically allow political candidates to make direct contact with members through their email system and members were upset by Earl's use of it. He says the email from Earl was addressed directly to all HPS teachers and came from Brentâs email address, which was not on the teacher distribution list. He says Earl was basically lobbying members to support his candidacy and gave reasons why they should. He added that the email also contained information regarding Earlâs wife, who is a teacher in the district. But Kasprzak told WHMI he doesnât feel comfortable releasing that information to the general public and thatâs why heâs withholding the email. Earlâs wife withdrew from the union during the opt-out window in August, which was reportedly communicated via email to members and prompted Earlâs response â something Kasprzak would not disclose as union their communications are considered private. He did say they have constant contact with members on various issues and topics to keep them informed. Earl tells WHMI that he respects the HEA and his email was intended to clarify questions he was getting. He says they received an email that had all of the email addresses CCâd and in essence, he replied to all. Earl says heâs trying to do the right thing and provide a positive message to do good things for the district. As for the decision of his wife to withdraw from the union, Earl says it was a family consideration and it had absolutely nothing to do with the HEA or its values. Earl says while some may not agree with the decision, hopefully they can understand and respect their right to make it. (JM)
↧
↧
Sex Offender Sweep Held in Livingston & Washtenaw CountiesSex Offender Sweep Held in Livingston & Washtenaw Counties
10/31/14 - More than 100 law enforcement and public safety officers from Livingston and Washtenaw counties participated in a multi-agency sex offender fugitive sweep this week. Officers targeted sex offenders having outstanding arrest warrants for violations of the Michigan Sex Offenders Registration Act and conducted residence checks to verify registered sex offenders were in compliance and living at their reported address. A total of approximately 100 residences were checked and 12 arrests were made by the end of the sweep that was conducted October 28th and 29th. Various charges included failure to register, failure to verify address, failure to change address, living within 1000 feet of a school zone and failure to register internet profiles with the Michigan Sex Offender Registry. The multi-agency sex offender task force was comprised of a large number of law enforcement and public safety agencies. Locally those included the Brighton, Howell, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Green Oak, Hamburg and Unadilla Township Police Departments as well as the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and the Michigan State Police Brighton Post. (JM)
↧
Local Law Enforcement Receives Top Of The Line Defense TrainingLocal Law Enforcement Receives Top Of The Line Defense Training
10/31/14 - A five day defense class held at Howell High School this week provided law enforcement officials with top of the line training. Instructor Ryron Gracie of the Gracie Academy headquarters in Los Angeles, taught survival tactics specifically for military and law enforcement. With Jiujitsu as the courseâs foundation, the students learned a significant amount of maneuvers in a short amount of time. Deputy Mark Click of the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department was instrumental in bringing the program to the area, along with Sheriff Bob Bezotte and Undersheriff Mike Murphy. He tells WHMI the defensive system is beneficial as it does not inflict unnecessary damage. Instructor Gracie has made the skill set information available so that the officials are able to revisit what they learned and potentially pass the training along. Though the class was full with members of local law enforcement, the group was not exclusive to this area. Individuals from as far as Holland, Texas, Canada, Illinois, and Indiana attended to get what Klick believes is the best training around. Gracie, whose family is well rooted in the art of Jiujitsu, says the Gracie program travels around the country, teaching to those eager to learn. (DK)
↧
Former Brighton City Councilman and BAS Attorney Dies at 85Former Brighton City Councilman and BAS Attorney Dies at 85
10/31/14 - Bill McCririe, long-time Brighton attorney, former Brighton City Council member and past Brighton school board attorney, passed away Thursday at a long-term care facility in Howell. He was 85. McCririe was a city council member during the 1980s, and the Brighton Board of Education attorney for 40 years, according to Board Secretary Starr Acromite. He was also a long-time Brighton Rotarian. McCririe had a law practice with attorney Doug Cameron at 317 W. Main St. in downtown Brighton. Genoa Township Supervisor Gary McCririe, one of his five sons, says his father began to go downhill when Barbara, his wife of 55 years, passed away four years ago. He also broke his femur during a skiing trip and never completely recovered. He was also the father of former Assistant Livingston County Prosecutor Bill McCririe III, now a private attorney, and father-in-law of District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis. Gary McCririe says his dad eventually started to experience the first signs of dementia, and was eventually placed in the long-care residential program at Ashley Court in Brighton before being moved to the Howell facility. McCririe was particularly proud of his Scottish heritage and kept the family crest, including a coat of arms, on prominent display at his home. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time. (TT)
↧
Online Post Led Police To Suspect in 2011 Iosco Murder Online Post Led Police To Suspect in 2011 Iosco Murder
10/31/14 - A former Webberville man accused of a Livingston County murder in 2011 became the prime suspect after an online posting. 25-year-old Anthony Sean Duke was bound over to circuit court for trial on a charge of first-degree murder in the December 2011 shooting death of Ronald Hauser in his Iosco Township home. If convicted, he would face life in prison without parole. Heâs also charged with nine other counts, including home invasion, felony firearms and larceny in a building. During testimony Thursday, Livingston County Sheriffâs Detective Mark Klein said a 2012 Facebook post by Duke in which he speculated about how he should spend $30,000 brought him into focus as a suspect in the killing of the 47-year-old Hauser, who was known to carry large quantities of cash for use in his tree-trimming business. Klein said he also tried to verify Dukeâs alibi for the night of the murder in which he said he had left his girlfriendâs house to get gas for his vehicle, but no receipt or other evidence of that transaction was found. Dukeâs attorney argued that only circumstantial evidence linked his client to the murder, and that police were unable to locate the murder weapon or provide any physical evidence of his clientâs guilt. Despite that, 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader determined there was enough evidence to proceed to trial and bound the case over. (JK)
↧
↧
Howell Parks & Rec Authority Focused on Future Howell Parks & Rec Authority Focused on Future
10/31/14 - The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority is working on plans for the future. The authority board received the audit report for the fiscal year that ended on June 30th 2014 which showed a budget deficit, although Director Paul Rogers tells WHMI it directly correlates to three different endeavors. The authority assumed control of the Howell Melon Festival and the Legend of Sleepy Howell as well as the Howell Sea Serpents last year. Rogers says all three are proving to be very successful and turning profits but there were some big outlays of money last year when the authority first took over. The Sea Serpents was a club sport before and Rogers says itâs grown very rapidly in the last couple months with a new coach who brings a strong background and numerous certifications â adding people are coming back to the program who left a few years ago. Rogers says they are already on the path to eliminating the deficit and a plan to address it was put together to submit to the state as required. He says their auditor also reported to the authority board that corrections had been made and the organization was good going forward. The authority is funded by contributions from the City of Howell as well as Genoa, Oceola and Marion Townships but it will be exploring future conversations with Howell Township about potentially joining. Rogers is more than confident about where the authority is headed and says exciting things are happening so his next goal will be to work on developing the future direction of the organization. He says that will involve evaluating facility needs and financing because as the population begins to grow again, recreation is always at the top of the list of things considered when people move to a community. (JM)
↧
Event to Gather Input & Guide Future Growth in Pinckney Event to Gather Input & Guide Future Growth in Pinckney
10/31/14 - Ideas on economic development and residential growth will be sought from Pinckney residents during an event later this year. The Village of Pinckney is sponsoring a Master Plan Open House to receive input from the public regarding the 2014 Village Master Plan update. Officials say the villageâs Master Plan articulates a vision for future growth and development and is a guiding document for future decision-making. They are encouraging residents to exchange ideas by outlining the goals and objectives for the villageâs activities in the coming years. The Open House will be informal and will cover growth and development in both the downtown business district and residential areas, as well parks and other recreational opportunities. The Open House will be held on Monday, December 1st from 5:30-7pm in the Village Hall. Call the village offices for details. (JK)
↧
State Appellate Court Rules in Favor of Brighton in Bonner CaseState Appellate Court Rules in Favor of Brighton in Bonner Case
10/31/14 - The Michigan Court of Appeals has rejected a coupleâs appeal of a ruling that the city of Brightonâs dangerous homes ordinance was not applied to them in an unconstitutional manner. The state appellate court on Thursday handed down a ruling in the case of Leon and Marilyn Bonner, who own two houses on North Street at the edge of Brightonâs downtown. The Bonners sued the city in 2009 over an ordinance which requires the demolition of unsafe homes whose value is less than the cost of repairing them. The city had ordered the homes demolished on the basis that they pose a danger to public health and safety. A unanimous opinion overturned a decision by the state Court of Appeals, which ruled in December of last year that portions of the city ordinance violated due process. The city subsequently filed an appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court, which reversed the appellate court decision. The Bonners then appealed to the Court of Appeals, saying that the dangerous homes portion of the ordinance was applied to them unconstitutionally. On Thursday, the appeals court rejected that argument. Assistant Brighton City Attorney Brad Maynes tells WHMI he couldn't comment on the case because it is still pending, but says he is "gratified" that the court had ruled in the city's favor. The Bonners, represented by attorney Dennis Dubuc, initially took their case to the county circuit court, and after that failed to resolve the dispute in their favor, appealed to the state Court of Appeals. The Bonners insist they merely want to repair the homes to bring them up to code, and continue to argue that the cityâs ordinance is unconstitutional. Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear arguments by the Bonners challenging the constitutionality of the city ordinance. (TT)
↧
Workforce Programs & Individuals HonoredWorkforce Programs & Individuals Honored
11/1/14 - The Livingston County Workforce Development Council presented fifteen awards to outstanding workforce programs, program alumni and employers at its 23rd Annual Awards Celebration. Last weekâs ceremony featured State Representatives Cindy Denby and Bill Rogers, along with representatives from U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Mike Rogers. Among the award winners are several county residents who have successfully completed workforce development programs. Bill Sleight, the Director of Livingston County Michigan Works!, said the recipients exemplify the high quality of talent in the community and that it is possible for those with âcourage and persistence to achieve their goals even in the face of overwhelming challenges and obstacles.â The Pinckney Robotics Program was named as this yearâs Outstanding Workforce Development Program. Officials noted that the nationally recognized program provides students with a real world, true to industry needs, experience. Michelle Otis, Director of Hartland Community Education, and Doris Stromer, Site Manager for Mott Community College Livingston Center, were recognized as Outstanding Workforce Development Professionals. Outstanding Service Awards were also given to Lee Becker of Carsonâs Department Store and Camper-Trailer Parts & Repair for their service in providing training opportunities for adults with disabilities. Also honored was Dennis Lee, an 18-year-old who has been volunteering in the service of others since he was a small child. The Livingston County Workforce Development Council provides oversight for publicly funded workforce development programs operating in Livingston County. It also directs the services provided at the Michigan Works! Livingston Service Center in Howell. (JK)
↧
↧
Milford Man's Statements Can Be Used At TrialMilford Man's Statements Can Be Used At Trial
11/1/14 - A Milford man is heading to trial after a judge refused to toss out statements he made to police following his arrest for behaving inappropriately towards three young females. 32-year-old Jordan Kent Walters is charged with one count of accosting a child for immoral purposes and one count of failing to register as a sex offender. The charges stem from an incident in September of 2013 at the Milford Starbucks when three female students became uncomfortable with Walters behavior. One of the girls texted her grandfather, who came to pick up the girls, He then reported the incident to the police. Officers recognized the description given to them, and three days later they arrested Walters. He had been set to go to trial in May, but that was adjourned after his attorney made a motion to suppress the statements Walters made to police because he has been diagnosed with autism. Prosecutors argued that police had no knowledge of that diagnosis and that Walters statements were made freely and without coercion. Oakland County Judge Leo Bowman recently denied the motion and set a December 4th trial date. Walters remains free on bond. (JK)
↧
Trooper & Deputy Injured In Separate Black Ice CrashesTrooper & Deputy Injured In Separate Black Ice Crashes
11/1/14 - Two local law enforcement officers were injured Saturday after black ice accidents led to their patrol vehicles being hit. The first accident happened around 7am when a State Police trooper from the Brighton Post was hit in the area of I-96 and Grand River in Brighton. The trooper was reportedly just banged up and didnât require any hospitalization. That wasnât the case for a Livingston County Sheriffâs deputy who was injured when his vehicle was struck just before 8am on US-23 at M-59. Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI that the deputy was blocking traffic for another deputy who was working an accident at the scene when a driver lost control of their vehicle and rear-ended the deputy's patrol car. The deputy was treated and released after several hours. Thereâs no word on the condition of the driver that hit him. The accident is being investigated by the State Police. Murphy says both crashes serve as a reminder that with cold weather upon us once again, drivers need to reacquaint themselves with winter driving and always be aware of conditions that might produce black ice, such as when light rain or drizzle falls on a road surface that is at a temperature below freezing. Because black ice is highly transparent, itâs very difficult to see as compared with snow, frozen slush, or thicker ice layers. (JK)
↧
Free Concert Honors Military Veterans at Area Church Free Concert Honors Military Veterans at Area Church
11/2/14 - A free concert honoring military veterans will be held in the Highland Township area this month. âThe Vacant Chair: Remembering Our Heroesâ will be held at 7pm on Sunday, November 9th at West Highland Baptist Church on Hickory Ridge Road in Milford. The fourth annual veteransâ concert will feature moving, war-era songs performed by local musicians and Milford Music students. The concert will highlight the ultimate sacrifice of veterans lost in service to their countryâas symbolized by the vacant chair. Organizers say the evening of music and memories will give audience members an appreciation for military veteran heroes and for those men and women currently serving in the armed forces. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Donations will be accepted to support local American Legion Post 216. For more details about the performance, visit the church's website. A link is below. (JM)
↧
Brighton DDA Moves Forward With Lease Of CSX LotBrighton DDA Moves Forward With Lease Of CSX Lot
11/3/14 - The Brighton Downtown Development Authority plans to enter into a long-term lease agreement with the CSX Railroad to utilize the unpaved space just west of the railroad tracks as a parking lot. City officials say the area is already used as a âde factoâ parking lot by many motorists for special events, when parking is full in the regular city parking lots. However, according to DDA Director Matt Modrack, they are technically trespassing on private property, since the land is owned by the railroad. Modrack says the lot is desirable for the city because it makes for good overflow parking for special events. DDA Board member Scott Griffith, who is past president of the Michigan Association of Realtors, tells WHMI the DDA needs a formal agreement with CSX so that the proper improvements can be made. Griffith says preliminary talks with CSX officials have been favorable, and Brighton already has a lease agreement with CSX for the parking lot on the east side of the railroad tracks. Modrack says the city plans to execute the lease agreement sometime next spring. Improvements planned to be made include paving the front portion of the lot, putting in a fence, gates and lighting, and connecting the parking lot to the Second Street lot with a sidewalk. In addition to a gate at the entrance facing West Main, he says the city would like a gate at the back end to prevent drivers exiting the parking lot via Third Street, which is a residential area. Picture from Google Street View - August 2014. (TT/JK)
↧
↧
Author's Visit Begins Events Honoring Veterans DayAuthor's Visit Begins Events Honoring Veterans Day
11/3/14 - An event this week in Howell will serve as the unofficial kickoff to a week of activities honoring Veteranâs Day. Author Teresa Irish will discuss her book, âA Thousand Letters Home,â this Wednesday at 7pm at the Howell Carnegie District Library. Following the 2006 death of her father, Aarol W. âBudâ Irish, Teresa Irish opened the Army trunk that had resided in the family home her entire life. She told WHMI that it contained a gift more precious to her than anything she ever could have imagined. There, nestled in row after row, were her dadâs nearly 1,000 letters from WWII. Visited only by him over the course of six decades, the letters were postmarked from Nov. 1942 to Dec. 1945. The letters were written to Budâs parents, who lived in Hemlock, near Saginaw, and to the sweetheart who would later become his wife. Irish says going through the letters she was able to gain insight into her parentâs courtship, but also into the perspective of war written from a soldier who fought it. Her father would go on to receive the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. She says while he shared some of his experiences with his children, it was nothing like the detailed reminisces in the letters. Sheâll share some of those insights during her presentation on Wednesday in the libraryâs Meabon Room. Other activities leading up to Veteranâs Day include the display of service photos from over 100 county veterans currently on display at the library. Then on November 11th, the Leadership class of Howell High School will host a meet and greet coffee hour at 8:30am in the lobby of the high schoolâs auditorium. It will feature retired Captain Kathleen Winegar Nelson, a Howell High School graduate. All county veterans are welcome. That will be followed a tribute assembly for all veterans in the high school auditorium. Please rsvp at veteranhonors@gmail.com or call 517-540-8300 so seating can be reserved. An official Veterans Day Tribute Ceremony will take place at 11am at the Livingston County Court House Veterans Memorial with the Marine Corps League providing the honors. There will then be a Veterans Day Luncheon beginning at 12:30pm at the American Legion Deveraux Post 141 at M59/Grand River. The luncheon will be put on by the ladies auxiliary with dessert provided by Village Manor of Hartland. (JK)
↧
Confession Ruled Admissible For Home Invasion TrialConfession Ruled Admissible For Home Invasion Trial
11/3/14 - A suspectâs confession to police will remain admissible at his trial for taking part in an armed home invasion in Oceola Township. 18-year-old Cody James DeBruyn in charged in Livingston County Circuit Court with 26 criminal counts including 1st degree home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, larceny in a building and various felony weapons charges. On Friday, he tried to have his confession to police ruled as inadmissible, claiming among other things that he had not taken his medication for bipolar disorder. Judge Michael Hatty, however, ruled the confession was given free and fairly and that DeBruyn had been apprised of his Miranda rights. Debruyn remains held on a $2 (m) million bond. Three other suspects, 39-year-old Ronald Morrell, his wife, Rebecca Morrell and 28-year-old Richard Quam, face similar charges. Police say the three men were armed with handguns when they stormed a home on Hughes Road last June and confronted the owner looking for drugs and money. Previous testimony from Livingston County Sheriffâs Detective Gary Childers indicated the defendants were at a cookout in Grand Rapids where Quam and Morrell were discussing $50,000 needed to start a business. DeBruyn allegedly started throwing out names including the local victim, at which point Quam and Morrell were said to have immediately started gearing up, putting on camouflage and arming themselves with guns and knives before driving to the victimâs home with Morrellâs wife and children. A November 10th trial date is set for DeBruyn and Quam, while the Morrells are due for a pre-trial hearing November 14th.
↧
District's Audit On Track For Elimination Of Budget DeficitDistrict's Audit On Track For Elimination Of Budget Deficit
11/3/14 - The Brighton Area School District will be getting a good report card when its auditors present their annual audit report to the Board of Education this month. Superintendent Greg Gray says the audit will show that the district chopped its long-term deficit of $8 million in half during the previous year. He tells WHMI that bodes well for the future of the Brighton School District. "We can see the light at the end of the tunnel and we're looking forward to getting there." Gray says the budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year ending next June projects the complete elimination of the long-term, legacy deficit. He credits Assistant Superintendent of Finance Maria Gistinger for getting the district out of debt with her aggressive approach in pursuing the Shared Services program. Shared Services, in which a public school district provides certified, non-union teachers who teach non-core curriculum subjects, will provide the district with a projected additional $4 million in revenue this year. With over 15,000 students enrolled from private schools in seven counties, Brighton operates the largest Shared Services program in the state, surpassing even the Grand Rapids School District. (TT/JK)
↧
