11/20/14 - Probation has been ordered for a father and son from Hamburg Township who police say chased and assaulted another man in a road rage incident. 28-year-old Nathan Marcum pleaded guilty to charges of throwing an object at a motor vehicle, which was reduced from aggravated assault, and one count of reckless driving was dismissed. He was sentenced yesterday to 2 months of non-reporting probation. His father, 52-year-old Daniel Marcum, pleaded no contest to the aggravated assault charge brought against him. He was sentenced to 6 months of non-reporting probation, 3 days of community service, and anger management and substance abuse counseling as directed. Both men were also ordered to pay restitution and will be back in court for a hearing on that on December 15th. The charges stem from an incident June 28th that began in the vicinity of westbound Grand River and Latson Road in Genoa Township. Witnesses reported seeing a pick-up truck traveling at high speeds, weaving in and out of traffic. Police say a 56-year-old Howell man tried to get away and ran a red light before pulling into the parking lot of a business near Grand Oaks Drive. The Marcums cut across Grand River, exited their vehicle, and proceeded to assault the victim. They fled a short after being advised that police were coming, but were later arrested. (TD)
Father And Son Charged In Road Rage Incident SentencedFather And Son Charged In Road Rage Incident Sentenced
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Fire in Marion Township Deemed Fatal Fire in Marion Township Deemed Fatal
11/20/14 - Crews are battling what has become a fatal fire in Marion Township. The fire was reported at a home on Brent Drive. Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless tells WHMI there is at least one fatality. Crews remain on scene and are still fighting the fire but have it under control. Further details will be provided as they become available on this developing story. (JM)
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Livingston County Smokers Can Kick Some "Butts" TodayLivingston County Smokers Can Kick Some "Butts" Today
11/20/14 - Livingston County smokers are encouraged to get a jump start on their New Year's resolutions by joining in the Great American Smokeout and quitting for the day. Today could be the first day in a smoke-free life for those who take part in the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout - but only if they're ready to take the steps necessary to commit to quit. Experts and former smokers agree that having a plan and support are the keys to kicking the habit for good. Keith Whittemore started smoking when he was a teenager serving in the Navy and kept up a pack-a-day habit for decades, until finally quitting about two years ago. He says breaking the smoking habit meant breaking lots of other habits, as he had to clear his life of all the things he associated with cigarettes. Quitting doesn't happen overnight and Whittemore says reaching out to others was what finally helped make the difference. According to a recent study, Michigan has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation, with more than 23% of adults lighting up. The American Cancer Society recommends that anyone trying to kick the smoking habit should check with their doctor first to discuss the options and figure out what method will work best for each individual. Many communities, employers and health-care plans also offer smoking-cessation programs and assistance. For those who are ready to quit, The American Cancer Society has tools and resources available on its website. That link is below. (JM)
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Farmers Seek Updated Enforcement Of Loose Animal LawsFarmers Seek Updated Enforcement Of Loose Animal Laws
11/21/14 - Cows have a way of getting out of their fences, and that is causing some conflict between local farmers and Livingston County Animal Control. At Monday nightâs meeting of the County Board of Commissioners, more than half a dozen residents spoke at the call to the public to complain about the policies and practices of Animal Control. They claimed Animal Control agents routinely go onto property when the owner is not home, harass farmers with little evidence of wrongdoing, and write hefty tickets for livestock owners when their animals get outside their enclosures. One of the farmers who spoke was Matt Germaine, a Hartland Township trustee and current president of the Livingston Farm Bureau. He says that organization has been looking into the concerns of local farmers after one livestock keeper near Fowlerville got a $900 ticket because a tree fell on his fence and let three of his animals get out. Germaine says he wants to improve communication between farmers and non-farmers and develop rules that better address the issue of escaped livestock. He says the current rules are designed to punish people who allow dangerous animals, like dogs, to escape rather than livestock, which often do not leave the ownerâs property. The complaints of the farming community were taken to heart by members of the board, who said they would look into the farmersâ claims. Meanwhile, Animal Control Director Debbie Oberle says they always respond to calls about an animalâs welfare, adding they donât want to see any person or any animal injured due to an animal in a public roadway. Oberle told WHMI public safety is a priority and they are happy to have discussions with the Farm Bureau on regulations to create a safe environment for Livingston County, adding that being able to respond to the publicâs needs are âwhy we are hereâ. (TD/JM)
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Elderly Couple Killed in Marion Township House FireElderly Couple Killed in Marion Township House Fire
11/21/14 - The investigation continues into yesterdayâs fatal house fire in Marion Township. Firefighters with the Howell Area Fire Authority were called out about 1:20 in the afternoon Thursday to the home on Brent Drive, south of Coon Lake Road. Upon arrival, crews found the house engulfed in flames. After battling the blaze, the bodies of an elderly couple, a 67-year-old man and his 70-year-old wife, were found inside. They are believed to be the homeowners. Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless says a dog also perished. Pless tells WHMI crews were able to get the fire under control relatively quickly considering how involved it was but remained on scene for hours. The Brighton and Putnam Township fire departments assisted at the scene. There's no word yet on a possible cause, although it does not appear to be suspicious in nature. However, because it was a fatal fire, an arson team including a sheriffâs detective is investigating the fire. The names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. (JK)
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Brighton CIty Council Member Cooper Resigns Effective Jan. 1Brighton CIty Council Member Cooper Resigns Effective Jan. 1
11/21/14 - Chad Cooper, who has less than a year to go in his second term on the Brighton City Council, announced his resignation - effective Jan. 1st - at Thursday nightâs meeting, Cooper became involved in city government before being elected to council, sitting on various committees. Since that time, he has been a member of - and at times the cityâs representative on - the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority, the City Planning Commission and City Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as other committees and commissions. Cooper tells WHMI he feels he has done his best to help Brighton get through the difficult periods, and now itâs time to pass the baton on to somebody else. Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin says Cooper has been an invaluable asset to the city, particularly during the austere years in the first decade of the 21st Century. Cooperâs current term is set to expire after the general election in November of 2015. Muzzin says the city will be accepting applications to appoint a city resident who is interested in filling the soon-to-be-vacant seat until the general election next year. Information on the application and selection process will soon be available on the cityâs website, and a press release will be issued at that time. (TT)
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Fashion Show Draws Hundreds To Support Arc of LivingstonFashion Show Draws Hundreds To Support Arc of Livingston
11/21/14 - Attendance was in the hundreds at a fundraiser last night for a local organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities. The 21st annual Celebrity Holiday Fashion Show was held last night to benefit the Arc of Livingston. For the past 60 years, the Arc has worked to advocate for people with developmental disabilities by providing resources, services, information, and training to help maintain their quality of life. Last year, the organization was able to provide assistance to more than 900 families, but Executive Director Patty Nowak says their goal is to reach all 4,000 families in the county eligible to benefit from their services. More than half of the organizationâs annual budget comes from the fashion show. Organizers hoped to raise $100,000 at last nightâs event through a combination of tickets sold, jewelry raffles, live and silent auctions, and other events held throughout the night. The items auctioned off and raffled were donated to the cause by local businesses. They ranged from childrenâs toys to overseas vacation packages and even a puppy. The main attraction, though, was the fashion show, which paired Arc members with celebrities and civic leaders from around Southeast Michigan. More information about the Arcâs services and how to donate to the organization can be found through the link below. (TD)
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Local Girl Scout Troop Making A Difference, Tab by TabLocal Girl Scout Troop Making A Difference, Tab by Tab
11/21/14 - A local Girl Scout troop is making a difference in the community one tab at a time. Fowlerville Junior Girl Scout Troop 31626 is collecting aluminum pull tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Lansing. Their goal is to collect one million tabs, which are then exchanged for money to help people in need a place to stay when their children are in the hospital. The girls have collected 250,000 tabs over the past school year and are pushing forward with their goal. However, theyâve realized that accomplishing such a big goal means reaching out to others to help too. The scouts have placed collection containers at several Fowlerville locations where community members can drop off tabs, including the Fowlerville Senior Center. Containers have also been placed in Smith and Kreeger Elementary Schools for students to bring them in. More information and contact information for the troop leaders is available in the attachment. (JM)
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Brighton City Mgr. Gets Glowing Evaluation; Pay to Be HikedBrighton City Mgr. Gets Glowing Evaluation; Pay to Be Hiked
11/21/14 - Long-time Brighton City Manager Dana Foster has passed his latest performance evaluation with flying colors. It was announced at Thursday nightâs City Council meeting that Fosterâs evaluation took place in a closed session during the city goal-setting session earlier this month. Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI that Foster is held in high esteem by council members and is respected both in the local community and elsewhere in Michigan. Muzzin says comments by council members after Foster's evaluation included that âHe has the ability to keep up with a changing business atmosphere,""He is respectful and professional to all with whom he comes in contact" and âHe bleeds Brighton blue.â Although no salary adjustment was made at the meeting, council is expected to increase Foster's salary by 6% after a study showed that he receives less than city managers in nearly all comparably-sized small cities in Michigan. It was acknowledged that Foster experienced four consecutive years of pay freezes during the lean years and his salary fell in comparison. He also took a voluntary 5% pay cut. He currently earns about $86,500 per year. The recommendation to give Foster a 6% raise will likely be acted on at the next council meeting. Muzzin says a 6% raise would bring his salary to about $91,700 â which would still be lower than the average city managerâs salary in a Michigan community of similar size. (TT)
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Widow: Husband Like Puppet Whose Strings Were CutWidow: Husband Like Puppet Whose Strings Were Cut
11/21/14 - A Howell-area man charged in a fatal road rage case is heading to trial. 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale appeared in 53rd District Court in Howell today, where he is charged with a count of open murder after allegedly shooting Derek Flemming in the face at the intersection of Chilson and Grand River in Genoa Township in September. Evidence was presented before Judge Carol Sue Reader and after hearing from three witnesses, she made the decision to bind Zale over to circuit court for trial. Among the witnesses called to the stand was Flemmingâs wife, Amy, who recounted her version of the incident. Amy says her husband did approach Zaleâs truck with his hands in the air, but fell to the ground âseconds afterâ along with a loud pop. She says she saw Zaleâs face when she ran towards her husbandâs body, which she described as âemotionlessâ and âstoicâ. Amy says while at the scene, she called her sister in law and her childrenâs school, as well as posted a prayer request on Facebook. Zaleâs Attorney Melissa Pearce questioned her emotional state and if she had the presence of mind to do these things, as Amy previously had said she was âin shockâ. One piece of evidence presented was the 9 mm gun Zale allegedly used to shoot Flemming, which was found in the center console of Zaleâs truck at the scene. Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputy Ray Marino appeared as a witness as he was a first responder on scene and says the gun was in its holster when he found it. Another witness was the lead investigator of the case, Detective Marc King with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. He also responded to dispatchâs calls that day and told the court he inspected the gun which had a 7 round capacity. He says he found 5 bullets in the magazine and one in the chamber, leaving a single bullet unaccounted for. Attorney William Moore appeared as a representative for the Flemming family and told WHMI he was âhappy with the ruling of the courtâ and that they will now âgo on to the next levelâ. When WHMI asked Pearce if her client believed his life was in danger enough to warrant the use of deadly force, she declined to comment but has repeatedly said that the truth will come out during trial. An arraignment date is expected to be determined within the next couple of weeks. (DK/JM)
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Recall Petition Language Filed Against Four School Board MembersRecall Petition Language Filed Against Four School Board Members
11/21/14 - Organizers of a recall campaign targeting Howell school board members have begun the process. The Howell Recall Committee filed petition language with the Livingston County Clerkâs Office this afternoon. The group wants to recall four board members for their votes that ultimately led to former Superintendent Ron Wilson being fired - Michael Moloney, Stacy Pasini, Michael Yenshaw and Deborah McCormick. The committee is comprised of community and business leaders who support Wilson and say he desires nothing more than to be reinstated after being wrongfully terminated. Board President Mike Witt and his wife Kim, who also serves on the board, as well as Doug Moore also voted to fire Wilson but did not seek re-election and will be leaving in January. Filing the petition marked only the first step in a long process for the committee and a clarity factualness hearing on the proposed petition language will be next. Thatâs scheduled to take place on December 4th in the historic county courthouse. Meanwhile, the Howell Recall Committee has scheduled another town hall meeting with Wilson this weekend. It will begin at 10:30am Saturday at the Howell Carnegie District Library. (JM)
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Storefront Contest Helps Kick Off Holiday Season in HowellStorefront Contest Helps Kick Off Holiday Season in Howell
11/22/14 - Several businesses throughout the downtown Howell area are already known for their decorative displays but organizers are hoping a new contest will further enhance the festive atmosphere and magic of the holiday season. The Howell Downtown Development Authority is hosting its first annual âDeck the Windowsâ storefront decorating contest. It aims to unify the district and grow excitement leading up to the annual Fantasy of Lights parade in downtown Howell. Howell Main Street DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly tells WHMI the goal is to get people out around the downtown and traffic in storefronts while encouraging some friendly competition. The public will determine the winner through online voting, and will receive cash and the Golden Traveling Tree award. All participating businesses will be judged on the decorated storefronts visible from the street and the community and visitors are being encouraged to vote for their favorite. Online voting kicks off at 8am Monday, November 24th and will run through 8pm on December 1st through the link below. (JM)
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Building Boom Behind Expansion of Lyon Twp. Municipal CenterBuilding Boom Behind Expansion of Lyon Twp. Municipal Center
11/22/14 - Increased activity within the Lyon Township building department is said to be driving an expansion of the municipal building that houses it. Lyon Township has been dubbed one of the fastest growing communities in Oakland County and a building boom has led to the need for increased space. The South Lyon Herald reports that the municipal building would be extended 1,000-square-feet to the east, while adjoining offices would be remodeled. Building permits are said to be up from last year and thereâs been a steady flow of single family housing permit requests. Two large development projects will be constructed in multiple phases and township officials say the boom within the building department supports the expansion. Plans call for hiring three more inspectors and one additional office worker. Architectural work is already underway for the addition and revenues generated within the department would pay for it. $200,000 has been included in the proposed 2015 budget, which is up for board approval at the December 1st meeting. (JM)
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Lansing Man Sent To Trial In Local Overdose DeathLansing Man Sent To Trial In Local Overdose Death
11/22/14 - A Lansing man is headed for trial in Livingston County Circuit Court after being charged in the overdose death of a woman in Howell last year. 28-year-old Ryan Aubrey Tyus is charged with delivery of a controlled substance causing death in the July 2013 death of Dorothy Brock. On Thursday, he was bound over to circuit court to be tried in Judge Michael Hattyâs courtroom. A Howell Police officer testified Tyus admitted to selling heroin to Brock and her fiancé. Brock was discovered dead over the July 4th weekend in 2013 at the Kensington Inn on D-19 in Howell. An autopsy determined she died from the combined effects of heroin and a prescription painkiller. Her fiancé, Ryan David Devellis, previously testified he bought heroin from Tyus to celebrate her birthday. Devellis is currently serving 3 to 20 years after being convicted of delivery of a controlled substance causing death in the same case earlier this year. (TD)
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Three Businessmen to Offer Leadership Insight During Next Power LunchThree Businessmen to Offer Leadership Insight During Next Power Lunch
11/23/14 - Leadership insights from heads of business and industry in the local area will be showcased during the next installment of a power lunch series in Brighton. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce hosts an informative power lunch program on the first Tuesday of most months, which is designed to provide updates on economic and political issues trending locally and statewide. The next event December 2nd will feature Mike Corrigan of Corrigan Oil, Lorne Darnell of Lorne Darnell and Associates, and Mike Lowry of Lowry Computers. There will be a panel discussion about their secrets to success overcoming economic challenges. Brighton Chamber President & CEO Pamela McConeghy says the event will offer valuable insight about their methods of operation as all three are well known and have had significant businesses in the area. The First Tuesday Power Lunch will take place December 2nd from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Oak Pointe Country Club in Genoa Township. The cost to attend is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for guests. To RSVP, contact the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce at 810.227.5086 or info@brightoncoc.org no later than November 25th. (JM)
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Upcoming Dodgeball Tournament Will Help Local FamiliesUpcoming Dodgeball Tournament Will Help Local Families
11/23/14 - An unusual sporting tournament will be held early next month to help local families in need and support efforts to stamp out substance abuse locally. The 3rd annual Dodging Drugs Charity Dodgeball Tournament will be held in the gym at Pathfinder School in Pinckney on December 2nd at 6pm. The event is held every year by the Pinckney Coalition to raise money which will be used to help fight drug abuse in Livingston County and help local families in need. Teams of six can sign up at the Pathfinder school office or online at the website posted below, and the tournament will be divided according to age group. The cost per team is $60. The public is invited to attend the tournament and cheer for their favorite teams. (TD)
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Freedom Songs Inspire Annual Huron Valley MLK Jr. Day ContestFreedom Songs Inspire Annual Huron Valley MLK Jr. Day Contest
11/23/14 - An annual contest with a powerful message is again underway in the Milford area. The Huron Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee is again seeking submissions for its annual art, writing and multi-media contest Itâs part of the 10th annual array of community events that celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom songs is the 2015 contest theme and open to artistic interpretation of music or musicians associated with freedom, equality, or civil rights. Individuals are encouraged to use any medium including music to create something new and original or reinterpret something that already exists. Entries for the contest are due January 9th. Committee Chair Isaac Perry tells WHMI they were very inspired by the role that music has played in numerous struggles against oppression throughout the years. He tells WHMI the committee felt the idea behind freedom songs had a nice universal appeal for artists of all different backgrounds and styles. The winners and submissions will be on display in storefront windows in Milford for the week leading up to the 10th annual March on Main Street. There will be some overall changes with the event, which has always been held on the Monday of the actual holiday but has been moved to Sunday, January 18th in hopes of drawing a larger crowd. The march will also end at a heated, indoor environment for the first time in a decade. Complete details about the contest and related celebrations are available through the link below. (JM)
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Lyon Twp. Business Set To Move Into Former School Facility
11/24/14 - The former bus garage for a local school district will be given new life after an established Lyon Township business agreed to buy it. Lawn and garden equipment dealer Bader and Sons plan to move early next year from their current location on Pontiac Trail north of 11 Mile Road to the former South Lyon Community Schools bus garage on Pontiac Trail, just north of Eight Mile. A deal for the purchase was recently closed on. Bader and Sons officials say the move will give them more space and an updated showroom. The 6.5 acre bus garage property, which sold for $954,000, has been vacant since the South Lyon district moved its transportation operations in 2007 to a location on Griswold. (JK)
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New Year Brings New Leadership To St. Joe Mercy Health SystemNew Year Brings New Leadership To St. Joe Mercy Health System
11/24/14 - There will be leadership changes within St. Joseph Mercy Health System next year. Rob Casalou has been selected as the new regional president and CEO of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Casalou is currently president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and St. Joseph Mercy Livingston. Heâll succeed longtime Regional President and CEO Garry C. Faja, who will retire December 31st after 32 years. Casalou is said to have played a key role in developing innovative partnerships since 2008. Under his leadership, St. Joseph Mercy hospitals have expanded outpatient services with a freestanding emergency department in Brighton and new surgery centers in Canton and Ann Arbor. The hospitals have also undergone significant renovation and upgrades, notably the 2010 opening of the North Tower at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and the 2014 patient room renovations at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston. Casalou also spearheaded the development of the first hospital-based farm in the United States. A full search process was conducted over a three-month period. Casalou will be working with Faja over the upcoming weeks to ensure a smooth transition to his new role. There will be a posting shortly for a president position to lead St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals. (JM)
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Vaupel Assigned To Committee To Decide CommitteesVaupel Assigned To Committee To Decide Committees
11/24/14 - He has not yet taken office after being elected to the 47th State House seat, but Hank Vaupel already has an assignment for when he gets to Lansing. Kevin Cotter, who will serve as the speaker of the house in the new legislative session, appointed Vaupel to the Houseâs Committee on Committees. While the name may seem strange, that committee has a wide-reaching impact on the House by formulating the committee assignments for the next legislative term, with the goal of filling other committees with the legislators who have the knowledge and interests to make them successful. Vaupel says he is honored to be chosen for the position. The Committee on Committees will be dissolved as soon as its work for the next legislative session is complete, with its results likely to be read sometime in January. (TT)
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