11/18/14 - Bittersweet well wishes were offered to the outgoing Brighton Township treasurer during Monday nightâs board meeting. Lana Theis was elected to Michiganâs 42nd District State Representative seat earlier this month and therefore must resign from her municipal position, which takes effect December 31st. Members wanted to discuss the process to appoint a replacement sooner than later in hopes of avoiding any vacancy in the department. Theis has served as treasurer for nearly six years and got a little teary-eyed during the meeting when board members reluctantly accepted her resignation; saying they wished her the best and sheâll do well in Lansing but also joked that theyâll know where to find her. Theis told WHMI itâs an incredible team and it has been an incredible blessing and gift to serve, and that it was with a combination of joy and sorrow she put forth her resignation. The position and requirements will be posted on the Brighton Township website, with applications to be submitted to the township clerk no later than noon on December 4th. The board is looking to conduct interviews December 9th and 11th and will proceed with the hiring process from there. The board is hoping to appoint a new treasurer by January 1st to avoid any vacancy within the department. The deputy treasurer position also becomes vacated with the resignation of the treasurer so a new one will need to be appointed by whoever is selected. (JM)
Resignation Bittersweet for Brighton Twp. TreasurerResignation Bittersweet for Brighton Twp. Treasurer
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Firefighters Rescue Victims Of Carbon Monoxide PoisoningFirefighters Rescue Victims Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
11/18/14 - A buildup of dangerous carbon monoxide gas sent one man to the hospital this weekend before being addressed by the Hartland-Deerfield Fire Authority. Fire Marshal Mike Bernardin says the department was called out to the home at about 1:30pm on Sunday. Carbon monoxide is produced by burning fuels, especially in poorly-ventilated areas, and when inhaled binds with red blood cells and prevents them from delivering oxygen to the body. This can lead to headaches, fatigue, flulike symptoms, unconsciousness, and death. The home had four residents inside when firefighters arrived. Two were coaxed out of the building, and they told fire officials that another resident had passed out in the basement. Firefighters were able to retrieve him from the basement using breathing apparatuses, and he was transported to the hospital by Livingston County EMS. Bernardin say he was later taken to a hospital in Toledo, Ohio for treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, which lets the body absorb more oxygen than is normally possible. He was last known to be in critical condition. The fourth occupant appeared unaffected by the gas and was treated at the scene. Bernardin says the likely cause of the leak was a boiler and heater in the basement, which was either improperly ventilated or had formed a leak in its exhaust system. The fire department ventilated the home and left the residents with two carbon monoxide detectors that will warn them of any potential problems in the future. They also replaced two smoke detectors in the home. Bernardin encourages residents to get carbon monoxide detectors as we enter colder weather and to make sure smoke detectors are in working order. (TD)
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Process Changed Since Last Attempt At Howell School Board RecallProcess Changed Since Last Attempt At Howell School Board Recall
11/18/14 - As a recall effort gets under way against four members of the Howell Board of Education, officials say that law has changed since the last time a recall was organized in the district. The four members targeted for recall, Vice President Mike Yenshaw, Treasurer Stacy Pasini and Trustees Mike Moloney and Deborah McCormick, are under fire for their votes involved in the eventual firing of former Superintendent Ron Wilson. Itâs not the first time Howell school board members have been the target of a recall over the dismissal of a superintendent. In 2010, an attempt was made to recall three board members, Debi Drick, Ed Literski and Jeannine Pratt, for their votes to fire former Superintendent Ted Gardella. While that effort failed to make the ballot, had it done so, a special election would have been scheduled to recall the members and then a second election to fill the vacancies. But due to 2012 changes in state law, the recall election process was streamlined into one date at the ballot box instead of two. The election would include the names of those being targeted for recall along with other interested candidates, who would be given ten days to file for the office after the date of the recall election is set. Whoever received the most votes would win the office. The earliest such an election could take place would be May 5th, assuming the recall process gains approval for a recall petition, gathers the requisite number of signatures to place the recall on the ballot and then has those signatures validated. Organizers of the current recall, which is being led by Don Cortez, owner of First Impressions Printing in Howell, will hold two public meetings to discuss the issues surround the firing of Wilson, who will be present at both gatherings. The first will be tonight at 6:30pm at the Howell Carnegie District Library. A second will take place there on Saturday at 10am. Cortez says because space is limited, anyone interested in attending is asked to register at the groupâs website; howellrecall.com. Cortez says recall supporters are angry at the arbitrary way in which Wilson was dismissed, with the primary stated reason being just over $300 in mileage reimbursements he received. Wilson maintains the firing was in retaliation for his harassment complaint against School Board President Mike Witt. An independent investigation of those claims determined they were unfounded. Witt is not targeted in the recall because his term ends December 31st. Trustee Mike Moloney, who is included in the recall, says the firing was based on the lack of ethics by Wilson in seeking reimbursement for mileage he knew he was not entitled to and then making false statements when asked about it afterward. Details of the new recall election process are posted below. (JK)
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Home Prices Tick Up In October As Sales Spurt Levels OffHome Prices Tick Up In October As Sales Spurt Levels Off
11/18/14 - Home sale prices in Livingston County continued their year-over-year upward trend in October, although the trend may be leaning towards a less active market. Data released Monday by Farmington Hills-based Realcomp, indicates that the median price for a home or condo in Livingston County increased 17.5% from October of last year. It is currently just under $214,000, up from $182,000 in 2013. While housing prices have steadily risen in Livingston County since bottoming out in mid-2011, they are still 10% off the late 2005 peak of $237,000. A tight supply of homes sent prices on an upward spiral over the past year and a half, but with more people trying to take advantage of the new housing prices, the once-hot seller's market is showing signs of cooling off. Realcomp reported that the number of listings was nearly 18% higher in Livingston County last month than from the year before, while sales were only up about 3%. (JK)
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Community Support Sought to Help the Homeless This Winter Community Support Sought to Help the Homeless This Winter
11/18/14 - Every year, the week before Thanksgiving is recognized as National Homeless Awareness Week and community support for local efforts is needed to help keep people warm and safe this winter. The Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care has launched a week-long campaign to raise awareness about the issue and donations according to Chairperson Jeff Duke. Itâs made of up locally-based non-profit organizations that work together to raise awareness and funds in the pursuit of ending homelessness. Direct homeless service providers include the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, the Salvation Army of Livingston County, LACASA and the Connection Youth Services. Duke is also OLHSAâs assistant director for Homeless and Community Services and tells WHMI even though it might not be visible; homelessness is a real issue in Livingston County. The donations raised allow for additional funding to provide shelter to individuals and families and fill the gap that occurs in the winter when other shelter funding runs out. A $100 donation will provide someone in need with half a week of shelter. As part of activities planned during the campaign to spread awareness and seek donations, there will be 127 homeless silhouettes displayed on the lawn of the historic Livingston County courthouse in downtown Howell this Wednesday and Thursday - which represents the number of households homeless on any given night in Livingston County. Also on those days, there will be a student art show at the Howell Opera House and the Historic Howell Theatre will be showing The Fisher King. To learn more about the local campaign or donate to the participating organizations, click on the link below. (JM)
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County Board Reaffirms Call To Legislators To Fix State RoadsCounty Board Reaffirms Call To Legislators To Fix State Roads
11/18/14 - A resolution passed by the County Board of Commissioners last night reaffirms the sentiment of a different resolution from last year, calling for the state to come up with a solution for Michiganâs deteriorating roads. In May of last year, the board approved a motion calling on the state legislature to decide on and put into action a plan to fix the chronic lack of adequate road funding in the state. They said in the resolution that Livingston is losing economic opportunities due to the poor condition of roads, enduring unsafe driving conditions, and paying locally for road repairs that should be funded at the state level. Neither the original resolution nor the reaffirmation last night specify what mechanism the state should use to raise the necessary funding for roads. While Commissioner Steve Williams says he would like the sales tax on gasoline to be put toward road repair, he says it is the legislatureâs job to figure out the best way to get the money. The resolution will also be shared with local township governments to let them know the county is calling for action on road repair. It comes just days after the Michigan Senate passed a bill that would gradually increase the state gas tax over several years to produce an estimated $1 billion for road repair. That measure still needs to clear the House of Representatives. Governor Rick Snyder has said road funding is a top priority for the lame duck session that will end with the calendar year. (TD)
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Four Car Crash on US-23 in Fenton Claims Life of Indiana ManFour Car Crash on US-23 in Fenton Claims Life of Indiana Man
11/18/14 - Slippery roads are believed to have been a factor in a fatal freeway crash involving four vehicles this morning in Fenton. The accident was reported at around 9:30am on southbound US-23, south of Silver Lake Road. Fenton Police say initial investigation indicates a Ford pick-up was northbound on US-23 when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to hit the median guard rail and vault over it into oncoming southbound traffic. The pick-up truck then struck both a Chevy van and an International box truck on southbound US-23. A third vehicle, a Chevy Malibu struck the rear end of the box truck as it came to a stop on the shoulder of the roadway. The driver of the Chevy van has been identified as a 73-year-old Monroeville, Indiana man and he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. A passenger in the van was hospitalized with what were described as serious injuries. Police say the drivers of the Ford pick-up, the Chevy Malibu and the box truck were not injured. Slippery road conditions are believed to have been a factor in the crash, which shut down southbound US-23 for more than four hours. (JM)
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Illegal Burn May Have Sparked Massive Fire In MilfordIllegal Burn May Have Sparked Massive Fire In Milford
11/19/14 - Officials are now saying a fire that burned for nearly four days in Milford Township last week was probably started by an illegal burn nearby. On Tuesday, the Milford Fire Department was called out to Childs Lake Road on a report of a fire on an industrial property. Firefighters found a field of waste and debris the size of a football field fully engulfed in fire. The material included construction, landscaping, and other organic waste piled 15 feet high, according to the Milford Times. Attempts to extinguish the fire on Tuesday and Wednesday failed despite hundreds of thousands of gallons of water being thrown on the fire. A final assault including seven local fire departments and specialists from the Department of Natural Resources finally extinguished the blaze on Friday. Milford Fire Chief Larry Waligora says it now seems that an illegal burn was taking place near the debris field and spread to the organic waste. An investigation is ongoing. Picture courtesy of WDIV. (TD)
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Time to Prepare for Winter Weather in Livingston County Time to Prepare for Winter Weather in Livingston County
11/19/14 - Like or not, Old Man Winter appears to have arrived and itâs time for Livingston County residents to start preparing for bouts of snow, cold temperatures and hazardous driving conditions. A number of crashes were reported on area roads Tuesday and thereâs more wintry weather in the forecast. Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rich Pollman with the National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac Office recommends having an extra heating source on hand in case of ice storms or power outages. Pollman tells WHMI itâs also a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle in case youâre caught in a storm or are involved in an accident and it will be a few hours before you can be rescued or towed out. Pollman advises carrying extra blankets in your vehicle, along with a shovel, sand or kitty litter. He says itâs also a good idea to have a have first aid kit on hand and some non-perishable high calorie foods to stay warm if stranded. As more crashes occur during the winter months, AAA Michigan advises motorists to prepare their vehicles, plan trips and use caution on the roads as inclement weather poses challenges for even the most experienced driver. A detailed brochure is available for download in the attachment below. (JM)
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Former Superintendent Speaks At Recall Committee MeetingFormer Superintendent Speaks At Recall Committee Meeting
11/19/14 - About 50 people gathered last night for an informational meeting held by the committee dedicated to reinstating Ron Wilson as superintendent of Howell Schools and getting every member of the Board of Education replaced. The Recall Howell Committee held its first meeting last night in the Howell Carnegie Library. The group formed after the Howell School Boardâs decision last week to dismiss Wilson over accusations of misconduct. Those charges revolve mainly around the claim that Wilson misappropriated about $309 in mileage reimbursements. Wilson is not part of the committee, but he was the main speaker at last nightâs meeting, where he gave his side of the story and answered the accusations against him. Wilson said he was never given an opportunity to repay the money in question and had he been asked, he would have done so. Several board members have already said the option to repay the funds was not an issue as they believe Wilson knew he was not entitled to the reimbursements and filed for them anyway. They say Wilson should be held to the same standard as any other district employee. Wilson also disputed the notion that the district was in decline. Wilson said that Howellâs MEAP scores were up under his tenure and that he helped broker the sale of the former Latson Road Elementary School property which will bring $5 million into the district. Three members of the board, President Mike Witt, Secretary Kim Witt and Trustee Doug Moore, did not run for reelection in November and so are not included in the recall. The Recall Howell Committee has the dual goals of reinstating Wilson as superintendent and recalling the remaining four members of the board. This includes Stacy Pasini, the only member of the board to vote against firing Wilson last week. Committee co-chair Matt Ikle says while they appreciate Pasiniâs last-minute support, they still hope to recall her for her earlier actions including supporting the resolution to place Wilson on paid administrative leave in October. Reinstating Wilson as superintendent would require the support of Pasini prior to any potential recall election in May. As to the possibility of returning as Howellâs superintendent, Ikle was asked why Wilson had placed his Marion Township home up for sale on November 7th, five days prior to his termination hearing. He said Wilson and his wife were looking to downsize and were looking for a condo or apartment in Howell. The committee must file different recall petitions for each board member, and each petition must get 5,100 signatures to get that recall on a special election in May. Ikle says committee members have spoken with some of the new board members, who have so far expressed support for Wilson. Another informational meeting is planned for Saturday at 10am in the lower meeting room of the Howell Library. (TD/JK)
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Local Planning Group Prepares To Reinvent Fowlerville Local Planning Group Prepares To Reinvent Fowlerville
11/19/14 - The Village of Fowlerville will be receiving a facelift, due to the efforts of a locally formed group. Hoping to freshen up and highlight the community, The Fowlerville Strategic Planning Committee came together earlier this year. Chairperson Mark Wilson says the group is aware of Fowlervilleâs âwonderful assetsâ and creating a way to best market them. Wilson tells WHMI the members hope to brand and leverage Fowlervilleâs resources. Wilson went before the Fowlerville Village Council Monday night with assurance that the Committee is âunlike anything the area has seen in a long time.â Individuals from the school system, church representatives, and business owners are just some of the members that are actively pursuing Fowlervilleâs success. Wilson tells WHMI it's a vibrant group that âhit the ground runningâ. The Strategic Planning Committee has recovered a value statement for Fowlerville from years ago. They hope to revitalize what was once important to the community and mold that to its future prospects. (DK)
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Charges Filed In Fatal Tyrone Township CrashCharges Filed In Fatal Tyrone Township Crash
11/19/14 - The driver police say was responsible for killing a Mount Morris man in Tyrone Township when he rear-ended his car last February has finally been charged. 50-year-old Theodore Ostapchuk was arrested at the scene of the February 21st crash along US-23, south of White Lake Road after a preliminary breath test indicated he had a blood-alcohol content of .16%, twice the stateâs legal limit for driving. But he was released pending the return of toxicology tests. But the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office recently authorized a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing death against Ostapchuk. Heâs due for an arraignment in 53rd District Court on Tuesday, November 25th. Killed in the crash was 31-year-old Leroy Leon Batson. Police in the Fenton area had earlier issued a âbe on the lookoutâ bulletin for Batsonâs car after motorists reported he was driving erratically. A medical examiner concluded Batson died from injuries related to the crash. (JK)
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Tyrone Man Recovering After CO PoisoningTyrone Man Recovering After CO Poisoning
11/19/14 - After almost being killed by carbon monoxide poisoning, a Tyrone Township man is recovering. Cedar Butler was rescued from a home on Tipsico Lake Road Sunday afternoon by firefighters. The Hartland-Deerfield Fire Authority was called to the home about 1:30 in the afternoon. Two occupants were able to walk outside under their own power. They indicated that Butler was in the homeâs basement and unconscious. Firefighters then donned breathing apparatus and were able to remove him. Butler was initially taken to the University of Michigan Medical Center, but was then transferred to the University of Toledo Medical Center for treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, which allows patients to receive higher amounts of oxygen than their bodies would normally be able to absorb. Butler was initially listed in critical condition, but a spokesperson for the hospital in Toledo tells WHMI that he is now is fair condition. The carbon monoxide was determined to have likely come from the homeâs furnace. The home has since been provided with CO detectors and new smoke alarms. (JK)
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Cornerstone Project Moving Forward in Fenton Cornerstone Project Moving Forward in Fenton
11/19/14 - The first floor of a large development project in the City of Fenton should be completed soon. The Cornerstone Building is located at the corner of LeRoy Street and Silver Lake Road and was a collaborative project between the city and developers involving state grants and loans. Officials say the project marks another step in the continued revitalization of the downtown district. Fenton Assistant City Manager Mike Burns tells WHMI the project has been in the works a long time and creating a lot of buzz in the community so heâs excited about the building opening up. The goal is to complete the first floor within a couple weeks but Burns says some of the businesses are moving right along and could actually open sooner than that. Burns says the Cornerstone Building will house a new Sagano Japanese Steakhouse, a bar, a salon and a jewelry store. Café Aroma, a popular Fenton restaurant, will be moving in and expanding. The top three floors are residential and work to complete those will continue throughout the winter. (JM)
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Police Identify Indiana Man Killed in Freeway Crash Police Identify Indiana Man Killed in Freeway Crash
11/19/14 - Fenton Police have identified an Indiana man killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning. The accident involved four vehicles on southbound US-23, south of Silver Lake Road and shut down the freeway for four hours. The driver of the 2008 Chevrolet van has been identified as 73-year-old Larry Ehrman of Monroeville, Indiana. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. The passenger of the van was transported to Hurley Medical Center in Flint with serious injuries but police said she was expected to be released today. Slippery road conditions were believed to be a factor in Tuesdayâs crash. Continued snowfall led to multiple spin-outs and minor crashes being reported across Livingston County today. This afternoon, all three lanes of westbound I-96 near Latson Road were blocked while crews cleared an accident that involved a pick-up truck and trailer. (JM)
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District Limiting Schools Of Choice OptionsDistrict Limiting Schools Of Choice Options
11/20/14 - The Brighton Area Schools will have very limited schools of choice for the second semester. Superintendent Greg Gray told the board last week that the reason for the severe limitations is that classrooms are very tight right now, and there is essentially no or very little room for more students. He says anyone wanting to enter the district will have to go on a waiting list and they'll be accommodated as spaces become available. Gray says there will be no schools of choice at the kindergarten level at all for the second semester. The reason is that the classes are full right now and thereâs no room for more students. Gray says if they opened up schools of choice to kindergartners, that would present the possibility of having to establish additional classrooms and hiring more teachers, posing an additional expense for the district. (TT/JK)
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Township To Prioritize Road Plan After Successful Millage Township To Prioritize Road Plan After Successful Millage
11/20/14 - Hartland officials will be spending the winter preparing to begin road construction projects that will begin next year thanks to a new millage passed by voters. On Election Day, voters approved a 1.5-mill, 10-year property tax to enact the Safer Roads Plan. That was the recommendation of the citizensâ task force organized by the township to determine how best to address the question of deteriorating roads in the county. The plan will cost an estimated $9 million over the next 10 years, and the millage should collect very near to that amount. Township Manager James Wickman tells WHMI much preliminary work remains on the specific projects, and it will be done before the next construction season. He says there was a lot of planning to get done, but officials did not want to begin work before the millage passed. Township officials will speak with the Livingston County Road Commission and other agencies over the winter to line up the projects, put bond funding in place, and be ready to go in the spring. Most of the work included in the plan calls for rejuvenating existing paved and gravel roads, although some specific roads will see changes in chloride treatments or improvements to drainage. Only one section of gravel road, Hacker Road from M-59 to Golf Club, will be paved as part of this plan. Updates from the township will be posted at HartlandRoads.com.(TD)
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Kickoff Held For New Livingston County Veterans' CourtKickoff Held For New Livingston County Veterans' Court
11/20/14 - Local veterans will be getting some additional assistance in the criminal justice system beginning in December. A kickoff event for the Livingston County Veterans' Treatment Court was held on Wednesday. The program is designed to help veterans resume their law-abiding lives after being sentenced for a crime in 53rd District Court. Local Veterans benefits counselor Joshua Parish says the program has been in the works for years, during which time he visited veteransâ courts in nearby counties. A proposal was put before Judge Carol Sue Reader and Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt, who agreed that the court would be a valuable service to the community. The Veterans' Treatment Court will hold its first session next month. Parish says veterans who have heard about the new program are excited for the benefits it can bring to Livingston Countyâs veteran population. He credits the programâs creation to interdepartmental cooperation, and included members of the County Board of Commissioners among those he credits with making the court a reality. (TD)
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Charges Dropped Against Whitmore Lake Man In Alleged Road RageCharges Dropped Against Whitmore Lake Man In Alleged Road Rage
11/20/14 - Charges have been dismissed against an area resident filed after an alleged run-in on the roads that police said was an act of road rage involving a gun. 38-year-old Horacio Juarez-Lara of Whitmore Lake was arrested after police say he fired a handgun into another vehicle while driving in Ann Arbor. He was subsequently arraigned on charges of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, felony discharge of a firearm from a moving vehicle and felony firearms. However, court records show those charges were dismissed on November 13th. Chief Assistant Prosecutor for Washtenaw County Steve Hiller tells WHMI the case was dismissed by the court because they were unable to proceed. Hiller said âthe reason for that is that essential civilian witnesses did not appear to testify.â Juarez-Lara is alleged to have fire the gun from inside of his van on the night of October 20th near US-23 and the Arborland Shopping Center. No one was injured. A 38-year-old Ypsilanti man says his vehicle was fired upon after he tried to merge in front of Juarez-Lara. He says after both vehicles came to a stop, Juarez-Lara drove off and fired a single shot into his car door. Juarez-Lara, who has a concealed pistol license, turned himself in after police impounded his van the day after the alleged incident. (JM)
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Work Continues To Fix Flooded City Hall Basement Work Continues To Fix Flooded City Hall Basement
11/20/14 - It looks like the basement of the Howell City Hall will be out of commission through the end of the year. Restoration work continues after flooding in October. A water line break resulted in about an inch of water on the basement floor of the building, which is also where the council chambers are located. City Manager Shea Charles says theyâve been working through the mitigation but there was extensive water damage to drywall throughout the basement. He tells WHMI the facility is dried out now but some smaller issues came up so it looks like it will be January before they can move back in. Charles says the water damaged the base of the drywall so it all has to be replaced and at this point, theyâre almost looking at a complete remodel. Since the flooding and repairs, council meetings have been moved to the Paul Bennett Recreation Center located on West Grand River in Howell. (JM)
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