11/24/14 - As the Howell Schools Board of Education will vote tonight to form a committee that will begin the process of finding a new superintendent, a group that wants to have former Howell Superintendent Ron Wilson reinstated and recall four board members held a town hall meeting this past weekend. Wilson was present at the Saturday meeting to answer the public's questions. The Recall Howell Committee is hoping, with changed board dynamics to be in place after the first of the year, that the new board to be seated will vote to reinstate Wilson. Three new board members will be sworn in at the Jan. 13 board meeting, including Brent Earl, Grace Trudell and Greg Gilligan. After the meeting Wilson told WHMI that â while he is grateful for the groundswell of community support - if there is no action to reinstate him by that time he will file a lawsuit against the district and the board of education. But even if he is reinstated, the committee says it will still attempt to recall the four board members for allegedly poor decision-making and stewardship of the school district. The four trustees who will still be on the board after the first of January include Stacy Pasini, who voted against sacking Wilson. The reason is that she voted for other, earlier actions against Wilson. The three outgoing board members - President Mike Witt, board Secretary Kim Witt and Trustee Doug Moore - are not included in the recall effort because they leave office at the end of the year. Paul Streng, who served several terms as the mayor of Howell, was at the forum and told WHMI he believes the board acted without justification in firing Wilson. Even if Wilson is reinstated, the Recall Howell Committee says it intends to press forward with the recall effort against the four board members. The committee needs to garner about 5,100 signatures for each board member asking for his or her recall, and each trustee must be treated separately in the recall petitions. The earliest the election could be held is next May, and the school district would have to foot the approximately $30,000 bill. Meanwhile, the Howell Board of Education will vote tonight to create a committee consisting of Mike Witt, Mike Yenshaw and Mike Moloney that will be tasked with starting the process to find a new superintendent.(TT)
Howell School Board Starts Search For New Superintendent As Recall Committee Continues Its Efforts To Reinstate Fired Ex-SuperHowell School Board Starts Search For New Superintendent As Recall Committee Continues Its Efforts To Reinstate Fired Ex-Super
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County Eyes Improvements to Historic Courthouse GroundsCounty Eyes Improvements to Historic Courthouse Grounds
11/24/14 - The Livingston County Board of Commissioners may not be interested in a splash pad or ice rink, but it is planning some improvements to the grounds of the historic County Courthouse. Last week, the board authorized the Facilities Services and Planning Department to apply for the Michigan Heritage Restoration Program grant. The county is seeking $108,000 for the project, which will install pavers, perform landscaping, make electrical upgrades, and purchase some street furniture for the area between the courthouse and the county administration building, including the amphitheater. Commissioner Steve Williams says the proposed splash pad project made it apparent to the county government that this area is in poor repair, and loose pavers have even caused performers in the amphitheater to stumble. That project is no longer being considered for that location, but the board is still interested in making the repairs outlined in the proposal. Williams says it was Planning Department Director Kathleen Kline-Hudson, who made presentations on behalf of the splash pad project, who actually found the grant opportunity for the new improvement project. (TD)
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Local Man Arraigned in Circuit Court in Road Rage Shooting DeathLocal Man Arraigned in Circuit Court in Road Rage Shooting Death
11/24/14 - A local man charged in an alleged road rage death has been arraigned. Martin Edward Zaleâs case was bound over after an exam Friday to Livingston County Circuit Court, where he was arraigned this morning and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. He's facing multiple charges in the shooting death of Derek Flemming after an alleged road rage incident in September. Flemming is said to have exited his vehicle to confront Zale at the intersection of Grand River and Chilson Road in Genoa Township, when police say Zale rolled down his window and shot Flemming. The 69-year-old Zale of Marion Township remains held without bond in the Livingston County Jail. A December 19th pre-trial has been scheduled before Judge Miriam Cavanaugh. (JM)
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Resident Escorted Out Of Council Meeting After Cemetery RantResident Escorted Out Of Council Meeting After Cemetery Rant
11/25/14 - The call to the public portion of Monday nightâs Howell City Council meeting was a lot more colorful than usual. Council received a complaint in October from resident Jeff Kane, who was back last night to express concerns about dogs not being on leashes in Lakeview Cemetery and the waste that is left behind. Kane says itâs not a park and dogs donât belong in the cemetery, although basically every word he used to express his frustration was profane. Kane swore repeatedly despite warnings from the mayor and was eventually escorted from the meeting by Howell Police Chief George Basar, although not forcibly. The remainder of the meeting progressed per usual once Kane was removed but at the conclusion, members commended Chief Basar for how he handled the situation. The city has also taken the opportunity to remind pet owners about current regulations and that dogs are not allowed to run loose in public places. Owners are also required to clean up all waste. The information has been posted on the city website and via electronic newsletter, along with details about the countyâs dog park. The police department has also been asked to increase enforcement. (JM)
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Howell Council Rejects Potential Offer on Highland-Howell ParcelHowell Council Rejects Potential Offer on Highland-Howell Parcel
11/25/14 - Thanks but no thanks. That was the feeling of the Howell City Council Monday night about a potential proposal for a large piece of property itâs looking to sell. Council agreed earlier this month to put the undeveloped Highland Howell property on the market with a $5 (m) million asking price, although negotiable. The parcel is located on the south side of the city near Lucy Road and has a number of favorable characteristics, although there are some access issues. The City received an initial $3 (m) purchase offer of sorts for the property, which was discussed during Monday nightâs meeting but members agreed they werenât interested. Council was not receptive to so many terms being proposed and agreed the potential purchaser could come back with something better. Howell Mayor Phil Campbell was not happy with the proposal and told WHMI it would take almost five years to complete in a changing economy and tie up the property. Councilman Doug Heins also wanted to members bide their time since this was only the first offer but felt it was fishy. The potential purchaser preferred to remain anonymous and proceeded with the offer through Rescue LLC, a business specializing in real estate acquisitions. Heins called the proposal a back door sales agreement designed to tie up the property while someone goes around looking for a buyer. Other members also felt it was a bad offer, adding itâs only been on the market for a short time. (JM)
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Howell School Board Begins Search For Interim SuperintendentHowell School Board Begins Search For Interim Superintendent
11/25/14 - Three members of the Howell School Board were identified as a new committee to find and hire a new interim superintendent. Earlier this month, the board terminated the employment of Ron Wilson following an investigation into $309 into a number of issues, primarily over $309 in questionable mileage reimbursements the board says were improperly sought by Wilson, who they say then misled officials when asked about them afterward. Wilson denied that. Labor Relations Director Cassandra Harmon-Higgins has taken over Wilsonâs duties, but has since requested that a full-time interim superintendent be hired. Harmon-Higgins is in line to take a similar position with the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, with a vote set for her hire on the agenda for the WISD board tonight. Last night the Howell board selected board President Mike Witt as well as board members Mike Yenshaw and Mike Moloney to serve on the committee to find that interim superintendent. They will seek recommendations from the Michigan Association of School Boards, choose the candidate they think best suits Howell Schools, and make their recommendation to the full board. Witt tells WHMI the interim superintendent will buy the school board time to consider who should take the position permanently. Wilsonâs firing remains controversial, and a group of citizens has formed a committee to seek the recall of all four board members who will remain in office through January. That committee also seeks to reinstate Wilson as superintendent, and Moloney commented on that goal during last nightâs meeting. He said reinstating Wilson would be an egregious error since several employees in the past decade have resigned from the district under similar circumstances. He claimed the district would be exposed to legal liability if Wilson were allowed to return to his old job. (TD/JK)
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Company Files Protest Over County Jail Expansion ProjectCompany Files Protest Over County Jail Expansion Project
11/25/14 - County officials are not commenting on a protest lodged by one of the companies that bid on portions of the new jail expansion. Bids opened on October 23rd and the Pauly Jail Building Company were named the winning bidders on one phase of the project, with Steel Cell winning out for another. But JAILS Correctional Products filed a bid protest claiming they are the undisputed lowest bidder on the first phase and a lower bidder on the other. JAILS Correctional Products say their bids on the bid packages in question were more than $600,000 less than the winning bids. The Pauly Jail Building Company was awarded the bid for one part of the project, though their bid was $118,000 higher than JAILS. The second package was awarded to Steel Cell, though their bid was $468,265 more than JAILS bid. JAILS Correctional Products points to the countyâs purchasing policy states that the intent is to âmaximize the purchasing power and value of public fundsâ and question why their company was not chosen. Attorney Christopher McMahon came before the countyâs Construction Committee at their Monday night meeting as a representative for JAILS Correctional Products. McMahon says he wanted to make the committee aware of the bid protest, and request that the bidding process for this specific project be examined. The bid protest claims the county never provided reasons or basis for why the company was not awarded the bid packages, nor has any public record been provided with an explanation. McMahon also believes the managers for the project âviolated their own procedures.â County officials declined to provide representatives for JAILS Correctional Products a reason for rejecting their bids and county officials, including Administrator Belinda Peters, refused to comment to WHMI afterward.
(DK/JK)
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Brighton Swimmers Have State Champion; Finish 4th in StateBrighton Swimmers Have State Champion; Finish 4th in State
11/25/14 - The Brighton High School has had a top-notch athletic program for many years, and statistics rolled out by Athletic Director John Thompson bear that out. Thompson addressed the board of education Monday night about the program, telling members that the Bulldogs have amassed more championships than any other team since the formation of the KLAA in 2008. Members of several girlsâ fall sports teams were given âShining Starâ awards at the meeting Monday night for bringing honor to their school. In addition, Thompson said that 76% of the student athletes enrolled in fall sports at Brighton are also scholar-athletes because of having a high grade point average. After the meeting Thompson told WHMI that Brighton has put a major emphasis on girlsâ sports, and has an equal number of girls competing in sports compared to boys competing in boysâ athletic programs. Thompson also reported that Brighton finished 4th in the state division I girlsâ swim and dive meet â the highest it has ever placed â and had a state champion in one event. She is Taylor Seaman, just a sophomore, who took first place in the 100 freestyle in the state Division I tournament. Thompson says Brighton will likely host regional meets and possibly the KLAA conference meet next year after the new swimming pool and related facilities are completed. (TT)
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Fowlerville Heroin Dealer Sentenced To PrisonFowlerville Heroin Dealer Sentenced To Prison
11/25/14 - Itâs off to prison for a man busted after delivering heroin in Fowlerville. 22-year-old Matthew Place was recently ordered to serve between 17 months and 20 years behind bars for his earlier guilty plea to multiple counts of delivering/manufacturing less than 50 grams of narcotics and possession of marijuana. Place was given credit for 72 days already served. His co-defendant, 24-year-old Paige Lorraine Akers of Sault St. Marie, faces similar charges and is set for trial December 8th in Livingston County Circuit Court. Place and Akers were arrested September 9th after a traffic stop in the Fowlerville area in which police recovered 58 bindles of heroin and a small amount of marijuana. Place, who was driving the vehicle, reportedly tried to pass the drugs to Akers, who unsuccessfully attempted to conceal them. (JK)
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Brighton School Board Told It's On Track To Erasing DeficitBrighton School Board Told It's On Track To Erasing Deficit
11/25/14 - The Brighton Area Schools Board of Education was told at its meeting Monday night that it is making great strides in eliminating its legacy deficit. CPA Bruce Dunn of the auditing firm Maner Costerisan said Brighton is one of the few bright spots in the state when it comes to districts that are having financial problems but are successfully addressing them. Dunn also praised Assistant Superintendent of Finance Marie Gistinger for preparing a 2013-14 budget of $60.5 million that was less than one percent off in its projection of revenues and expenditures, something he said is exceptionally hard to do since educational forecasting is based on a lot of variables. Brighton Board of Education President Nick Fiani tells WHMI that the board, Superintendent Gray and Gistinger have worked hard to eliminate the deficit and itâs encouraging to hear a report like Dunnâs. The 2014-15 budget projects Brighton at not only erasing the long-term deficit but ending the fiscal year with a small fund balance. (TT)
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Suit Filed Against Local Judge Seeking Access to Videos DismissedSuit Filed Against Local Judge Seeking Access to Videos Dismissed
11/25/14 - A Howell attorneyâs lawsuit filed against 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan after he was denied access to video and audio recordings of courtroom proceedings has been dismissed. Judge Clinton Canady III was assigned to the case and determined that he did not have the authority to grant Kizerâs original request because Brennan was no longer the chief judge and did not issue the denial of the access to video/audio records. Kizer sought to add Chief Judge David Reader to the lawsuit, which Canady denied, saying he would have no jurisdiction because it would have to go before the Court of Appeals anyway. Kizer says he wanted somebody independent and unconnected to the local judiciary and Judge Brennan to weigh in on what they thought of the administrative order, which he feels is a deliberate effort to keep video copies of court proceedings from the public. Kizer says he was pleased that Judge Canady felt this was a suit that had purpose. Kizer also wrote a letter to Judge Reader, who he says responded the next day to say that they are working on trying to give more public access to the videos. To that extent, Kizer thinks his lawsuit has had some effect although he's sorry he had to pursue that avenue and has better things to do with his time than try to get judges to do what they're paid to do. A copy of Kizerâs letter may be viewed below, along with a partial brief he filed. (JM)
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Driver Arraigned In Tyrone Township Traffic DeathDriver Arraigned In Tyrone Township Traffic Death
11/26/14 - The driver police say was responsible for killing a Mount Morris man in Tyrone Township last February has been arraigned. 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. He was later released pending the return of toxicology tests. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office finally authorized a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing death against Ostapchuk earlier this month. He was arraigned in 53rd District Court on Tuesday with a $25,000 bond set. 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. Ostapchuk was ordered to stay away from alcohol and illegal drugs and informed that he was subject to random toxicology screenings. An exam conference in the case was set for December 5th. (JK)
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Local Study Feedback Gives Road Commission Project PossibilitiesLocal Study Feedback Gives Road Commission Project Possibilities
11/25/14 - A recent access management study has created a âwish listâ of sorts for local municipalities in regards to the roadways. The survey, conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, looked for input from community officials and residents. The feedback was then presented to the Livingston County Road Commission to uncover what area motorists believe are the highest priorities. Though many project ideas were provided, there unfortunately isnât guaranteed funding attached to them. Mike Craine, Managing Director for the Livingston County Road Commission, tells WHMI there are a few courses of action to possibly cover the cost. The goal is to find a way to lessen accidents while maintaining the same amount of traffic volume. Much of the response was directed towards non-motorized paths, which Craine says many communities are pushing. Brighton Township highlighted pedestrian pathways as a priority, looking for completion and connectivity to the Kensington Metro Park. Howell Township discussed potentially funding and providing a trail head near the loop on M-59 heading towards Highlander Way. As the Road Commission believes they are up to date on safety and traffic control, some of these proposals could be granted if there are means for funding. (DK)
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Crowded Airports For Thanksgiving But No Pain At The Pump Crowded Airports For Thanksgiving But No Pain At The Pump
11/26/14 - An improving economy and the lowest gas prices seen in years will give Michiganders plenty to be thankful for this holiday season. Thanksgiving marks one of the busiest travel times of the year, with most going by vehicle. The statewide and national average price of gasoline has fallen below $3 per gallon for the first time since December 22nd of 2010 - a welcome gift for travelers as they head into the busy holiday travel season according to AAA Public Affairs Director Susan Hiltz. Travel volume for the Thanksgiving holiday is expected to reach the highest level since 2007. Hiltz tells WHMI nearly 1.5 Michiganders will be hitting the roads to celebrate with family, friends, food and football. Most travel budgets go toward transportation, food and shopping. Hiltz says travelers will encounter moderately higher prices with airfares being 1% higher, mid-range hotels up 8% and car rentals costing 10% more. Hiltz says local residents should make sure their Thanksgiving to-do list includes wearing a seat belt, designating a sober driver and avoiding distractions like talking on a cell phone while driving. Local motorists will also have visual reminders as the Michigan Department of Transportation will display safe driving reminders on freeway message boards and at rest areas throughout the busy travel weekend. (JM)
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Refinancing Old Bond Issues To Save District ThousandsRefinancing Old Bond Issues To Save District Thousands
11/26/14 - The Brighton Area Schools will be able to save about $112,000 in interest after the Board of Education voted recently to refinance a previous bond issue. According to Assistant Superintendent of Finance Maria Gistinger, the bond is actually a combination of several old bond issues that were rolled into one. The original bond was from 1976, and another bond issue was approved in 1990. The two bonds were combined into one issue and refinanced in 1995, and again in 2005. Such bonds can only be refinanced once every 10 years. The school district had been paying 4% interest on the bonds, but Gistinger is confident she can get an interest rate of 2.15% by going to the bond market and refinancing. The majority of the bonds have now been paid off, and Gistinger says the remaining principle totals $2.3 million. (JK)
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Thompson Lake Dam Pipe Will Require Thousands In RepairsThompson Lake Dam Pipe Will Require Thousands In Repairs
11/26/14 - In a proactive movement, the Livingston County Drain Commission is tackling what could be a serious issue within the Thompson Lake dam. Over time, wear and tear on a pipe that is just upstream from the dam is causing it to sag. Repairs are needed now before it progresses further. Brian Jonckheere, Livingston County Drain Commissioner, tells WHMI the structure has been around since the 1990's. Jonckheere appeared before the Public Safety and Infrastructure and Development committee Monday night with what he hopes will solve the problem. Jonckheere asked for a resolution to authorize him as the âDelegated Authorityâ to exceed the expense limit for the Thompson Lake dam. The yearly expense limit comes in at $10,000 for maintenance. Due to the Drain Commissionâs findings, the request was to surpass the expense limit for a total of $70,000 in repairs. Anyone who has access to the lake because of their residence is a part of the Special Assessment District, which is where the funds will come from. Jonckheere says the enormous amount of people in the district works out well because so many people will share the cost. Work on the pipe is set to begin early next year once the full county board gives final approval next week. (DK)
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Extra Patrols To Curb Drunk Driving During Thanksgiving HolidayExtra Patrols To Curb Drunk Driving During Thanksgiving Holiday
11/26/14 - Livingston County residents have a lot to be thankful for but getting arrested for drunk driving the night before a big holiday is probably not on the list. As many prepare for a Thanksgiving holiday filled with travel, food and family; they can also expect to see a heavier police presence on local roads over the next few days. Law enforcement agencies will be out in force targeting drunk drivers to prevent traffic crashes and fatalities so that everyone can celebrate a safe holiday. Thanksgiving is the second deadliest holiday in Michigan for traffic crashes. In 2013, there were 12 traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday â marking a 30% increase from nine fatalities in 2012. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI they will be working hard to keep drunk drivers off the roads but will also be on the lookout for drivers on their cell phones and those not wearing a seatbelt. The Thanksgiving holiday has gotten busier in general and Black Friday has expanded so those who would have normally stayed home with friends and family to eat and drink now go out and shop, which also increases the likelihood of drinking and driving. Bezotte says the bottom line is anyone who decides to drink alcoholic beverages should get a designated driver or find another way home. (JM)
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12 Days of Gleaners Exceeds Goal Of Providing 1,000 Holiday Meals12 Days of Gleaners Exceeds Goal Of Providing 1,000 Holiday Meals
11/26/14 - Today is the final day in WHMIâs collaboration with the Gleanerâs Community Food Bank of Livingston County to help make sure local families in need get a holiday meal. The goal of the 12 Days of Gleaners was to raise enough money to put a quality Thanksgiving meal on the table for 1,000 local families that are in need this season. Julie Beamer is the Director of Gleaners Livingston Distribution Center and says the response has been overwhelming, with monetary donations of $29,000, which surpasses the goal to provide 1,000 local families with a full holiday meal. Beamer adds that with the matching dollars provided by Ford Motor Co. on Monday, Novemebr 17th, Gleaners has raised funds enabling them to provide more than 2,000 holiday meals. She also singled out St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brighton for donating more than 3,000 pounds of food. But while that is great news for holiday meal needs, Beamer says continued community support, both financially and through volunteering, will be imperative to help everyone that needs it after teh holiday season. You can find details and donation options through a link at the upper right. (JK)
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Howell Interim Superintendent Hired For Washtenaw PositionHowell Interim Superintendent Hired For Washtenaw Position
11/26/14 - Howell Schools Interim Superintendent has made it official; she is leaving the district for a new position, but says that decision was made long before the current conflict over the firing of her predecessor. Cassandra Harmon-Higgins has been the Interim Superintendent since the board placed Ron Wilson on paid leave in October to investigate several issues, mostly mileage reimbursements they say he wasnât entitled to and then lied about afterward. Wilson was subsequently fired by the board November 12th. In a 5-0 vote last night, however, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District voted to hire Harmon-Higgins to be their Director of Human Resources and Legal Services. The news that she was up for the job created speculation that the current turmoil surrounding Wilsonâs firing may have led to her decision to seek employment elsewhere. But in an e-mailed statement to WHMI, Harmon-Higgins made clear that was not the case. She said that âAn effective leader has integrity and is transparent; the decisions he or she makes in private mirror those made in public,â adding that those philosophies influenced her decision several months ago to âdo what I witnessed other administrators do while under the leadership of Supt. Wilson...seek employment elsewhere.â In fact the person she is replacing at the WISD is Kristen Clark, who held the same position in Howell previously and also left during Wilsonâs tenure. Harmon-Higgins says when she was presented with the opportunity to work at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, under what she called âthe well-respected leadership of Supt. Menzel, the decision to leave Howell became less difficult.â She added that, although Howell Public Schools is currently immersed in conflict, it is her hope everyone's focus returns to that of educating students. Harmon-Higgins then thanked the Board of Education and staff for working towards that goal and promised a smooth transition with the new Interim Superintendent. Her full statement is posted below. The search for a new Interim Superintendent was begun at Mondayâs meeting when a committee of three board members was formed to search out candidates and make a recommendation to the full board. But School Board President Mike Witt made clear that the districtâs next permanent superintendent will be chosen by the new board which will take office in January, including three new members; Brent Earl, Grace Trudell and Gregg Gilligan. (JK)
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Huron Trail Communities To Host DIA's 'Inside/Out' ExhibitHuron Trail Communities To Host DIA's 'Inside/Out' Exhibit
11/27/14 - An annual art exhibit that brings masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts to communities around the state will be coming to the Huron River Trail next year. The DIAâs Inside|Out program has announced the communities it will visit in 2015, and the summer itinerary includes several communities along the Huron River Trail, including Milford and Dexter. South Lyon was also identified independently as one of the communities that will get to take part in the program. Each year, the DIA chooses the communities for Inside|Out and sends representatives to choose locations around those communities where reproductions of artwork in the DIA will hang. The specific locations are chosen for aesthetics and visibility, and the matching artwork is selected for its thematic appropriateness. Howell and Brighton have both participated in the program in recent years. The Huron River Trail and South Lyon will have the artwork on display from August to October of next year. (TD)
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