12/17/12 - The Brighton Board of Education voted last week to approve $3 million in new technology infrastructure as part of the bond issue passed by voters in May. The bids were prepared by Barton Malow, which is handling the technology aspect of the $88 million bond issue. The bid requests were for wired network infrastructure, wireless network and a new phone system. The district received 11 different bids across three categories, and Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI all of them were within the budget established. A major reason for pursuing the bond issue in the first place was that the Brighton district has fallen far behind other area districts in technology. Gray says the purchase is but a prelude to a bigger one in January that will result in the purchase of 1,100 new computers for students. (TT)
Brighton School Board Approves Technology BidsBrighton School Board Approves Technology Bids
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Mt. Brighton Seeks Sanctions in Accident LawsuitMt. Brighton Seeks Sanctions in Accident Lawsuit
12/17/12 - A lawsuit against Mt. Brighton and one of its employees that was supposed to go to trial earlier this month is on hold while various motions in the case are worked out. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit in January 2011 by the family of Austin Miles, alleges that Robert Sturgis, who was driving a snow groomer at the time of the January 30th, 2008 incident, was negligent and reckless in his operation of the machine when he ran into the then 12-year-old boy and dragged him while his leg was snagged. Miles was on a school field trip and had just skied down a beginner slope when the snow groomer ran over him. The lawsuit claims Sturgis continued for another 200 feet despite several bystanders yelling at him to stop. It also claims the grooming machine had a cracked mirror and inadequate visibility through the windows. In addition, it alleges Mt. Brighton failed to post required notices warning skiers of snow grooming operations. The lawsuit, which seeks damages in excess of $75,000, had been set for trial on December 4th, but that was adjourned after a motion was filed by Mt. Brighton seeking sanctions against the plaintiffs for sending lawyers to the resort who were taking pictures for use as evidence without first contacting the resort or its attorneys. They also allege the lawyers misrepresented their purpose in being on the premises when they were confronted by a staff member. A hearing is set for January 23rd for arguments on the motion for sanctions. (JK)
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Fenton Native Survives Sandy Hook Shooting; Local Vigil Planned Fenton Native Survives Sandy Hook Shooting; Local Vigil Planned
12/17/12 - A Fenton native and two co-workers at Sandy Hook Elementary School stayed hidden in a supply closet for hours until after the massacre had ended. A total of 20 children and six adults were killed last Friday and Lisa Marlin, a 1987 Lake Fenton High School graduate, knew many of them well. The teaching assistant works primarily in the math department but also in the lunchroom everyday with the 1st graders. Marlin said she was very scared while hiding in a tiny supply closet with co-workers. She says they prayed for everyone while hearing the âpopsâ of gunshots. Local residents will be honoring the memory of Sandy Hook victims at a candlelight vigil being organized in Hartland this Wednesday. It begins at 7pm on the south lawn of the Cromaine District Library in the Village. (JM)
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Update: Donations Top $64,000 At Local United Way Offices Alone Update: Donations Top $64,000 At Local United Way Offices Alone
12/17/12 - The Livingston County United Way is hosting another Triple Money Monday today in an effort to address the most critical needs of those within the community. All cash, check, charge and text contributions made to the organization will be tripled in value today thanks to the Ted and Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation, along with two additional donors who wish to remain anonymous. United Way Executive Director Nancy Rosso tells WHMI the turnout so far has been fantastic and she is very impressed with the generosity of Livingston residents. She says donations at their Dorr Road offices exceeded $64,000 this afternoon, and that's not including any gifts made online or off-site. All of the monies raised will be designated specifically to provide local families and individuals with basic needs and services such as food, shelter and utility assistance along with budgeting and financial education. Because of the United Wayâs ability to leverage every dollar in donations to $2.12 means that the true impact of a $100 donation today becomes $636 that goes directly back into important services for those in need. Donations are 100% tax deductible and can be made by calling the Livingston County United Way at 810-494-3000, on-line through the link below or the more tech-savvy can also text âuwmichâ to 85944 to make a one-time donation of $10 billed to your cell phone bill. Others who prefer to drop off donations in person can do so at locations throughout Livingston County or at the United Way offices on Dorr Road until 7pm. There will also be a family-friendly gathering today from 4-7pm at the Howell Opera House with a visit from Santa Claus. There will also be face-painting, popcorn, cotton-candy, origami and cookies. (JK/JM)
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Opera House Party Celebrates Triple Money Monday SuccessOpera House Party Celebrates Triple Money Monday Success
12/18/12 - Donations to the Livingston County United Way were tripled all day yesterday as part of the 5th annual Triple Money Monday event. The Ted and Jane Von Voightlander, along with two other anonymous donors, matched every dollar donated yesterday with two of their own. That money goes to United Way programs that provide local families in need with things like food, utilities, and gasoline. A total of $84,700 was collected yesterday, not counting online donations which are still being tallied. The United Way leverages all of the money it receives year-round by more than double, so every dollar donated yesterday will bring more than six dollars of value to programs that provide essential support to local families in need. Donations were accepted at banks, chambers of commerce, and other locations around the county. The Von Voightlander Foundation also threw a party with face-painting, Christmas treats, and a visit from Santa Claus for local kids at the Howell Opera House yesterday to help get the community involved in the fundraising event. (TD)
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Reception Honors Career Of CMH Director Mac MillerReception Honors Career Of CMH Director Mac Miller
12/18/12 â Dozens of people attended a retirement party in Genoa Township last night to honor the man who has led Livingston County Community Mental Health for more than 25 years. CMH Director Mac Miller is retiring from his position this week. He first came to Community Mental Health as a therapist in 1977, when the department only had about 20 employees. He was later promoted to program director, and in 1986 he took over the department as executive director. He tells WHMI that some of the achievements he is most proud of from his time in office include bringing mental health services in-house, developing programs to keep children in their homes rather than out-of-home care, and the local mental health court which allows qualifying offenders to seek mental health treatment along with or in lieu of jail time. Miller says the reception last night was humbling, and he considers himself to be a lucky man who happened to be in the right place at the right time to help Community Mental Health grow. (TD)
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Howell Council Talks Safety After Tragedy at Connecticut SchoolHowell Council Talks Safety After Tragedy at Connecticut School
12/18/12 - Public safety concerns have been heightened following a mass shooting that left more than two dozen dead at a Connecticut elementary school. In light of recent events, the Howell City Council discussed safety at the end of its meeting Monday night. Councilman Scott Niblock suggested a report be brought forward about current safety plans and presented in a closed session if deemed necessary for security purposes. Niblock said the goal would be to review safety procedures and determine whether any changes would be warranted to best protect the community. City Manager Shea Charles explained that plans are in place but staff will reach to management within the school systems to review items and see if there are any areas for improvement, noting that school staff and various officials completed a mass training exercise at the Parker school building a couple of years ago. Discussion on the topic and subsequent mention of legislation headed to Governor Snyder that would allow concealed weapons in churches and schools led to a slight tiff between council members Doug Heins and Steve Manor. The bill would allow someone who gets extra training to have a concealed weapon in a gun-free zone. Manor, who has a teaching background, mentioned experiences dealing with angry parents and said itâs intimidating enough when a person carrying a weapon is threatening or being aggressive toward someone. Heins quickly spoke up to say he carries a concealed weapon and found Manorâs comment offensive, and felt it suggested that those who carry are not of sound mind. (JM)
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Clarkston Union Owner Eyes Custard Stand Near Fenton Fire HallClarkston Union Owner Eyes Custard Stand Near Fenton Fire Hall
12/18/12 - When the new Fenton Fire Hall restaurant opens this spring, a small custard shop could be opening along with it. The Fenton Fire Hall is being renovated into a new dining establishment by Curt Catallo, owner of the Clarkston Union. He says while working on the Fire Hall they noticed the small brick pump house that used to serve the fire trucks but has stood unused for the past 40 years. He is now in talks with city officials about turning that structure into a frozen custard stand as a satellite business to the restaurant. Catallo says he and his wife have been making and selling custard and liquid nitrogen ice cream in their restaurants for about 15 years. If it is approved, the custard stand will probably be renovated and opened in the same time frame as the Fenton Fire Hall, which is scheduled to open by April 1st. (TD)
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Brighton Minister & Congregation Ask Governor to Veto Gun Bill Brighton Minister & Congregation Ask Governor to Veto Gun Bill
12/18/12 - Members of a local congregation say legislation that would allow weapons in public places such as schools, churches, sporting arenas and libraries only puts communities at an even greater risk during what it calls an epidemic of violence. 68 members of the Community Unitarian Universalists in Brighton, which is led by The Rev. Yvonne Schumacher Strejcek, signed a petition during its Sunday service asking that Governor Rick Snyder veto what they feel is very dangerous legislation. The petition, which Strejcek delivered Monday, says they do not want guns in their congregation and feel the places included in the legislation are places where weapons should be banned. The group says the shooting deaths of so many innocent school children in Connecticut occurred right after the Michigan legislature passed Senate Bill 59, making both their anguish and anger acute. Governor Snyder has said that he's giving close scrutiny to the gun legislation and that his public safety concerns have been heightened and "deserve extra consideration" following the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. A complete copy of the petition sent by CUUB can be viewed below. (JM)
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Cohoctah Woman to Stand Trial on Horse Neglect ChargesCohoctah Woman to Stand Trial on Horse Neglect Charges
12/18/12 - A Cohoctah Township woman has been bound over for trial on animal cruelty charges involving a dozen horses. 70-year-old Velva Jean Wainscott was charged with a single count of abandoning or cruelty to 10 or more horses after authorities raided her Byron Road home November 8th (pictured) and seized the horses. The director of Livingston County Animal Control, Debbie Oberle, said the raid followed an investigation that began in September, after Animal Control officers responded to a complaint of a loose stallion that belonged to Wainscott. However, Oberle says there have been dozens of complaints against Wainscott that date back more than ten years. The horses were alleged to have been deprived an adequate source of water and a proper diet of food, with all but one said to have worms. Wainscott has denied neglecting the horses and previously said the raid was due to an overly-zealous Animal Control department. Meanwhile, a hearing will continue next month to determine if Wainscott must forfeit ownership of the horses, which are being housed at the Chase Lake Equine Center. (JK)
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County Commission Honors Three Outgoing MembersCounty Commission Honors Three Outgoing Members
12/18/12 - Three members of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners who will not be resuming their positions next year were honored at last nightâs meeting. Board Chair Maggie Jones (seated, far left) and Commissioners Jim Mantey (standing, at right) and Jack La Belle (seated, middle) will all leave the board in January. Earlier this month a special reception was held for the retirement of La Belle, who is the longest-serving county commissioner in Michigan history. The board chose to honor Jones and Mantey last night with plaque recounting their service and accomplishments from their time in office. Mantey says he was proud to continue the tradition of fiscal prudency and help the county get through the rough economy of the past five years, and Jones says it was a privilege to serve with and learn from the other members of the board. When the board first meets in January it will include the three candidates who won Republican nominations from the three outgoing commissioners in the August primary. (TD)
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Local Firefighters Collecting Items For LACASALocal Firefighters Collecting Items For LACASA
12/18/12 - The Hartland Deerfield Firefighters Association is asking for community support in collecting basic needs items for a non-profit that assists survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. The association has posted LACASAâs âWish Listâ at various fire departments, which can also be viewed through the link below. Its asking community members to collect basic items LACASA uses every day that are in high demand such as laundry detergent, toilet tissue, bottled water, along with kids items and toys. Hartland/Deerfield Firefighter and Association Board Member Tamara Johnston says they wanted to find a way to assist LACASA, which works around the clock 365 days a year to help those in need in the community. She says they intend to collect items on a monthly basis for LACASA but any Christmas items or kidâs toys should be dropped off no later than Thursday so they can be delivered in time. Items can be dropped off in donation boxes that have been set up at Fire Station 61 in Hartland and Fire Station 63 in Deerfield. (JM)
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Jury Finds Jeffrey Pyne Guilty of 2nd Degree MurderJury Finds Jeffrey Pyne Guilty of 2nd Degree Murder
12/19/12 - An Oakland County Circuit Court jury has found 22-year-old Jeffrey Pyne guilty of 2nd degree murder in the death of his mentally ill mother. The court received a note from the jury Tuesday morning indicating that it reached a verdict. Prior to it being read aloud, Judge Leo Bowman advised everyone in the courtroom to maintain proper decorum for the integrity of the system. When questioned by Judge Bowman, a jury spokesman indicated that the verdict reached finding Pyne guilty of the lesser offense of 2nd degree murder was unanimous. 51-year-old Ruth Pyne was found dead on May 27th, 2011 inside the garage of the familyâs home in Highland Township. Prosecutors said Pyne killed his mother because he was tired of dealing with her mental illness and abuse. Defense lawyer James Champion called the case a "rush to judgment" and said a stranger or a jilted lover likely killed her. Prosecutors requested that bond be cancelled for Pyne, which Bowman granted before setting a sentencing date for Tuesday, January 29th. Under state sentencing guidelines, he faces up to 30 years in prison. (JM/JK)
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Hartland Township Will Hire Part-Time Urban PlannerHartland Township Will Hire Part-Time Urban Planner
12/19/12- Hartland Township plans to expand their Urban Planning and Development Department in the New Year.
The township will hire an additional part-time planner to help the existing team work more efficiently to complete their goals in the community. Township Manager James Wickman tells WHMI that the Hartland areaâs rapid growth is the reason additional staff is necessary. The planner will help with projects such as sidewalks, parks, and other developments in the area. Compensation for the new position is already covered in the townshipâs budget as one of the existing full-time employees will be switching to part-time status. (SO)
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Brighton Minister Surprised but Glad Snyder Vetoed Gun Bill Brighton Minister Surprised but Glad Snyder Vetoed Gun Bill
12/19/12 - Legislation that would have allowed concealed weapons in churches, schools and daycare centers was rejected on Tuesday by Republican Governor Rick Snyder. The legislature approved the bill last week but it quickly became the subject of heated debate since the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School happened shortly thereafter. The Reverend Yvonne Schumacher Strejcek, Parish Minister with the Community Unitarian Universalist in Brighton, said she was surprised the Governor actually vetoed the bill in the face of considerable pressure from his political party but was very happy he decided to take a higher road. However, she tells WHMI it might have been a different story had tragedy not struck in Connecticut. She says the events at Sandy Hook Elementary and having the shock of losing so many young children in everyoneâs face probably did make a difference in the Governorâs decision. Senate Bill 59 would have allowed those with Concealed Pistol Licenses who receive additional training to bring firearms into schools, day care centers, sports arenas, bars, places of worship, hospitals, dorms and large entertainment facilities. Private-property owners and public universities would have been given an opportunity to prohibit the weapons, but public schools would not have had that option. Governor Snyder is now calling for a "more comprehensive review of issues relating to gun violence." He has also ordered a multi-department assessment of the stateâs services and needs regarding at-risk children. (JM)
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Local Vigil Planned for Victims of Connecticut Shooting TragedyLocal Vigil Planned for Victims of Connecticut Shooting Tragedy
12/19/12 - A vigil is planned tonight in Hartland Township for the victims and families affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut. Organized through a Facebook group called Hartland Moms, the event will begin at 7pm on the south lawn of the Cromaine District Library on North Hartland Road. Participants are asked to bring their own candles. There will be musical performances with the Rev. Kelley Runion of Genoa Township-based 2|42 Community Church and the Rev. Terry Prisk of The River Community Church in Hartland Township officiating the vigil. Cards and letters of support will also be gathered for distribution to the families of the victims. (JK)
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Fowlerville Board Approves Contract for Incoming SuperintendentFowlerville Board Approves Contract for Incoming Superintendent
12/19/12 - Its official, Wayne Roedel will be the next Superintendent of the Fowlerville Community School district. Thatâs after the Fowlerville Board of Education approved a three-year contract at its meeting last night. School Board President Mike Brown tells WHMI that Roedel, who is currently the Assistant Superintendent, will be paid $128,000 per year for the next three years beginning July 1st of 2013 when he takes over for current Superintendent Rich Heinrich, who is retiring to enter the private sector. The deal is the same one reached four years ago when Heinrich took over for long-time Superintendent Ed Alverson. Roedel began his career in Fowlerville as an assistant principal at the high school in 2004, becoming the principal in 2005. He became the districtâs assistant superintendent in July. (JK)
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United Way Lauds Success of Triple Money MondayUnited Way Lauds Success of Triple Money Monday
12/19/12 - Officials with the Livingston County United Way say that once again, the community has stepped up to make a big difference in the lives of those in need in the community. Donations on Triple Money Monday earlier this week were over $110,000 from more than 1,000 residents. Because of the generosity of the Ted & Jane Von Voigtlander Foundation and two other donors who wish to remain anonymous, those dollars will be tripled to $330,000. But because of the way the United Way can leverage donated dollars, Executive Director Nancy Rosso says the true impact will be more like $700,000 that will now be available to assist the United Way in funding programs that will help to provide basic needs such as housing, utility and food assistance. And donors can be assured those funds will be well spent. A recent article in Forbes Magazine ranked the United Way as the most efficient charity organization in the U.S., with only 1% of local donations trickling up to the national level. (JK)
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Local Judge Sues For Payment in Negligence CaseLocal Judge Sues For Payment in Negligence Case
12/19/12 - A local judge is suing to recoup a $400,000 legal fee from an injury case he originally oversaw that later resulted in a multi-million dollar settlement. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty is suing Detroit Attorney Richard Goodman for what he claims is his share of the $3.6 (m) million awarded in the case of 21-year-old Catherine Logan-Brown. She sustained a closed head injury when she was 3-years-old after falling from a bunk bed that was allegedly not assembled correctly at an Art Van Furniture store in Clinton Township on March 11th, 1995. Hatty was hired to represent her at that time but relinquished the case in 2009 when he was appointed judge by then-Governor Granholm. The Macomb Daily reports that he originally turned it over to attorney Donald Lewis but the case changed hands multiple times and was eventually passed to Goodman. Goodman represented Logan-Brown when she sued years later in 2010 and gained the settlement claim, paid by the insurer for Art Van. Hatty is seeking one-third of Goodmanâs $1.2 million fee for his work. The suit claims Hatty was never discharged by Dawn Logan-Brown, the girlâs mother, and she never objected to the referral with the understanding that Hatty would be paid a contingent attorney fee. Goodman alleges Hatty never spoke with anyone after relinquishing the case and Dawn Logan-Brown considered her relationship with Hatty severed once he withdrew, noting few lawyers would have even taken a 14-year-old case and even fewer could have settled it years later for $3.6 million. Hatty is declining to comment on the case, which is being heard in Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens and calls placed by WHMI with Goodmanâs law office were unreturned. (JK)
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Howell Superintendent Says Safety & Security Being ReviewedHowell Superintendent Says Safety & Security Being Reviewed
12/19/12 - Outrage and concern for the safety of students following the deaths of 20 elementary school children in Newtown, Connecticut has spread across the country, prompting local school officials to re-examine safety, security and crisis procedures. In addition, some school administrators like Howell Superintendent Ron Wilson are asking that any potential review of procedures also include an assessment of the adequacy of mental health services being provided to local students. Wilson pointed out to WHMI that the recent string of school shootings has one thing in common â a degree of mental illness in the shooters â and that restoring adequate mental health funding might allow schools to better detect students in need of mental help. The Sandy Hook killings coincided with news that the Michigan legislature had sent Governor Snyder legislation allowing people with concealed weapon permits to carry weapons inside Michigan schools and other public places. Although Wilson was pleased the Governor rejected the legislation, he isnât attributing the tragedy as the sole reason for the veto and didnât think the bill was a good idea in the first place. Wilson says the Howell district will continue upgrading campus security, and he is also pushing for the Board of Education to adopt the installation of an electronic system that would allow staff to control entry into the school after a certain time. (AV/JM)
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