12/9/14 - Congress will honor several dozen heroes from the World War II-era, including a retired Livingston County doctor. 90-year-old Harlan Petersburg of Brighton was just 17 when he initiated a cadet program for the Civil Air Patrol that trained high school students to assist in protecting the nationâs borders from deadly German U-boat attacks during World War II and carrying out other vital wartime domestic missions. On Wednesday, he will be among 40 individuals who were part of the CAP that will be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol. Petersburg was a 17-year-old high school senior in Minneapolis in 1942 when he learned about the Civil Air Patrol. He then helped form and lead what was the first cadet squadron in the Minnesota Wing, and possibly in the entire Civil Air Patrol. Petersburg, whose son is Brighton dentist Dr. Brian Petersburg, became one of the first CAP cadets to join the Army Air Corps. As a second lieutenant, he flew in combat in the Pacific Theater. After the war, Petersburg became a doctor and later joined the Air Force as a flight surgeon before retiring in 1992 as a Lt. Colonel. (JK)
Brighton Doctor To Receive Congressional Gold MedalBrighton Doctor To Receive Congressional Gold Medal
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City of Howell Hires New Community Development Director City of Howell Hires New Community Development Director
12/9/14 - Howellâs new community development director is looking to bring energy and experience to the city. Council members confirmed Timothy Schmittâs appointment during Monday nightâs meeting. He is currently the City of East Lansingâs Community Development Analyst - a position he has held since 2007. While it will be a little bit of a change to get adjusted to small town life, Schmitt says itâs a great downtown and city in general and feels heâll bring a lot to the table when it comes to pushing the city forward into the 21st century. Schmitt told WHMI heâs been in the field for twelve years now and is excited to move into a management role and do whatâs best for the community. Heâll have code enforcement, building and planning under him and oversee a number of different aspects from new construction in the residential, commercial and industrial arenas to historic preservation. Thereâs really not much room to move up in his current role so Schmitt says this provides a great opportunity to stretch his legs professionally. Prior to his work in the Lansing area, Schmitt was a planner for the City of Novi and holds a masterâs degree in city and regional planning from Ohio State University. An initial salary of $70,000 was proposed and Schmittâs expected start date will be January 5th. He currently resides in downtown Lansing and plans to commute for a bit while he gets settled in. (JM)
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Santa Claus Scheduled For Photo Op At Hartland Fire StationSanta Claus Scheduled For Photo Op At Hartland Fire Station
12/10/14 - The Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority is inviting residents to come out and meet the big man in red this weekend. Santa Claus will be stopping by the authorityâs fire station on Hartland Road on Saturday from 12 to 4pm. Activities and a winter wonderland will be available for visitors, who can also pose to get their picture taken with Santa. The fire department is asking for a $5 donation for each picture, or $10 will get all of the pictures on a flash drive with one printed out to take home. More information can be found on the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authorityâs Facebook page, or call the station at (810) 632-7676. (TD)
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Brighton Township Board Begins Interviews For New TreasurerBrighton Township Board Begins Interviews For New Treasurer
12/10/14 - Most of the candidates for the post of Brighton Township treasurer were interviewed by the township board last night. Treasurer Lana Theis will be leaving the township government in January to take over as the new state representative for the area. The township received eight applications from people who wanted to finish out the rest of her term, but one was disqualified for not being a township resident, leaving seven candidates to interview. Among them is Trustee Lucy Weaire and Deputy Treasurer Deborah Hawk. Weaire was asked and agreed to excuse herself from the interview process until it was her turn to be interviewed, fulfilling the boardâs request that candidates not attend one anotherâs interviews as a professional courtesy. Four of the candidates, including Hawk, were interviewed last night, each being asked a series of similar questions covering their experiences, leadership attributes, and how they plan to combine the duties of leading a department with sitting on the board as a policymaker. The township board will interview the three remaining candidates on Thursday, with a plan to hire a new treasurer either that night or the following Monday. Whoever is hired will take over the job in the middle of the winter tax collection, and Supervisor Tom Murphy says the board will help the new hire through that challenging time. (TD)
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Triple Money Monday Returning To Livingston County Next WeekTriple Money Monday Returning To Livingston County Next Week
12/10/14 - Holiday donation dollars will reach their full potential at an annual fundraiser for the Livingston County United Way taking place next week. The seventh annual Triple Money Monday will be held on December 15th. All year long the United Way uses economies of scale and professional leveraging to turn every dollar donated into about two dollarsâ worth of food, goods, and services for local families in need. However, every year the organization finds sponsors who are willing to match donations from the rest of the community for one day, turning each dollar donated into three dollarsâ worth of benefits, up to a donation cap of $75,000. United Way Executive Director Nancy Rosso tells WHMI there will be several different ways residents can make their donations. The United Way offices will be open and taking donations from 7am to 7pm, but residents who cannot make it out to the office will also be able to donate at numerous partners around the community. They can also donate online at the link below or over the phone by calling (810) 494-3000. Last yearâs Triple Money Monday event generated $130,000 in donations, and Rosso says it is one of the larger annual fundraisers for the Livingston County United Way. (TD)
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Police Release Photo of Suspected SUV Involved in Deputyâs DeathPolice Release Photo of Suspected SUV Involved in Deputyâs Death
12/9/14 - Investigators are working around the clock in hopes of identifying the vehicle and occupants involved in a pursuit that ultimately led to the death of an Ingham County Sheriffâs Deputy. 25-year-old Grant Whitaker was killed in a single vehicle crash that occurred during a vehicle pursuit in the area of M-52 and Dexter Trail near Stockbridge at approximately 2am Sunday. Michigan State Police Detective First Lieutenant Sean Furlong tells WHMI the investigation is very active and they are working around the clock to identify the vehicle and occupants. When asked about the surveillance image of the vehicle that was captured, Furlong told WHMI they obviously have some video related to this investigation but heâs not stating where they got it from at this time, nor is he confirming or denying whether any in-car video exists. Furlong also cautioned that early on, some information went out that they were looking particularly for a white SUV. While itâs definitely in the range of vehicles theyâre looking for, he canât say with 100% certainty its white. Furlong says it could be a range of lighter colors such as silver or gray and theyâre looking for information inparticular about an SUV, which would the cover the vehicle categories of a Suburban, Tahoe or Yukon. Furlong says they are responding to any tips received so they have a complete understanding of all the events that occurred late Saturday night and early Sunday morning surrounding this crash and encouraging the public to reach out. He says the team will take any and all information people might have - which they can look into and determine if itâs related to this crash or not. Individuals can remain anonymous and anyone with information regarding the vehicle or occupant(s) of the vehicle is asked to call the MSP Lansing Post tip line at (517) 331-5634. (JM)
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Milford Man Sentenced To Time Served In Child Accosting CaseMilford Man Sentenced To Time Served In Child Accosting Case
12/10/14 - A Milford man charged following an incident involving female students has been sentenced in the case. 33-year-old Jordan Kent Walters was ordered to spend a year in jail Tuesday for his no contest plea to a count of accosting a child for immoral purposes and one count of failing to register as a sex offender. However, he was given credit for 448 days already served. Walters was also given five years of probation and ordered to have no contact with minors, undergo therapy and random drug testing and not possess any firearms or other dangerous weapons. The charges stem from an incident in September of 2013 at the Milford Starbucks when three female students became uncomfortable with Walters behavior. One of the girls texted her grandfather, who came to pick up the girls, He then reported the incident to the police. Officers recognized the description given to them, and three days later they arrested Walters.
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Pinckney To Celebrate Wreaths Across America On SaturdayPinckney To Celebrate Wreaths Across America On Saturday
12/10/14 - Veterans from the Pinckney area will be remembered this weekend during a special wreath-laying ceremony. The Pinckney Historical Cemetery is the only official Livingston County cemetery participating with the national non-profit Wreaths Across America program. Pinckney Village Clerk Amy Salowitz says theyâre hosting a remembrance ceremony this Saturday at noon honoring local veterans and all those who have served the nation. Afterward they will be placing more than 50 wreaths on headstones either designated by a purchaser or the cemetery board. Linda Van Blaircum, the board chair, is making sure to identify veterans from every war represented in the cemetery from the American Revolutionary War through current military activities. Salowitz says that while the deadline for online ordering is past, Ed Bock Feeds & Stuff is matching the 22 inch wreaths for $15 for anyone that wants to purchase one and place it on their own veteranâs site. Saturday is National Wreaths Across America Day and live, balsam remembrance wreaths will be placed at the headstones of fallen veterans at nearly 1,000 locations across the country and overseas. More information is available through the link below. (JK)
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Police Investigating Breaking & Entering at New Hudson Pharmacy Police Investigating Breaking & Entering at New Hudson Pharmacy
12/10/14 - Information is being sought by police after thieves broke into a pharmacy in Lyon Township Sunday morning and stole large amounts of medication and cash. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Lyon Township substation responded to the New Hudson Pharmacy on Grand River following a report of a burglary. Police say the suspect or suspects cut a hole through the roof to gain entry to the business, and that the pharmacy door was pried open. In addition, the communication/alarm and surveillance camera wires were cut and the stores DVR was taken. Thousands of dollars in cash, medication and unknown amounts of narcotics were taken from the business. Police believe that the suspects exited through the hole cut in the roof and say the scene was processed by an evidence tech. A hatchet was found inside the business and was taken as evidence. The investigation continues and detectives are asking that anyone with information or tips come forward and contact the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office at 248-858-4911. (JM)
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Former Brighton DPW Director Files Federal Lawsuit Against CityFormer Brighton DPW Director Files Federal Lawsuit Against City
12/10/14 - A former employee has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Brighton, City Manager Dana Foster and the Brighton City Council alleging he was unlawfully terminated after taking leaves to care for his wife when she became ill. The complaint, filed by former DPW Director Matt Schindewolf and his wife in U.S. District Court in Detroit, alleges he was discharged in July of 2013 in retaliation for exercising his rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Schindewolf says his wife has been battling a serious health issue since April 2011 and he took leaves from work to care for her. He further alleges he was discriminated against because of a perceived mental impairment â Major Reactive Depressive Disorder â which resulted in the prescription of an anti-depressant. The complaint states that City Manager Dana Foster placed Schindewolf on a forced medical leave in May of 2013. He returned to work June 26th after providing requested documentation from his doctor, but was then terminated less than a month later. The complaint says Foster said he had âlost confidenceâ in Schindewolfâs ability to perform his role and while he was given the option to resign or be terminated, he wasnât allowed to speak with his attorney beforehand. Schindewolf maintains that he was never disciplined or given a negative performance evaluation during his twelve years a Brighton employee. The suit seeks damages in excess of $25,000 for loss of compensation and employment opportunities, as well as mental and emotional distress. While the cityâs attorney, Paul Burns, had no comment on the pending litigation, a filing from the city indicates they deny violating the Family & Medical Leave Act and that the termination of Schindewolfâs employment had nothing to do with his diagnosis of a depressive disorder. Schindewolfâs complaint and cityâs response may be viewed below. (JM/JK)
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LESA Accepts Grant From Kellogg Foundation For Autism TechLESA Accepts Grant From Kellogg Foundation For Autism Tech
12/10/14 - A grant from the Edward and June Kellogg Foundation was awarded to the Livingston Educational Service Agency yesterday. The grant was presented by Thomas Kellogg with the goal of creating a âlending libraryâ of technology designed to help students with autism in the elementary and middle school buildings of Howell Public Schools. Autism consultant Michelle Charron-Witt says the $18,490 in grant money will go toward the creation of a âlending libraryâ of technology for elementary and middle schools that will help autistic students as well as the student body in general. Witt adds that the Kellogg Foundation plans to continue donating to the lending library and increasing the opportunities for local students to take advantage of it. The Edward and June Kellogg Foundation was established to provide funding and support to organizations that encourage dental service, missionary outreach, and educational opportunities in the community and around the world. (TD)
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Sale of Old Highland Howell Property Complex Venture for Council Sale of Old Highland Howell Property Complex Venture for Council
12/10/14 - After shooting down the first informal offer on a large parcel of land the Howell City Council is looking to sell, members have decided to enlist some assistance from a professional. Council previously decided to put the former Highland Howell property on the market with a $5 (m) million asking price, although negotiable. Members were not receptive to some terms being proposed in the first informal offer received and agreed the potential purchaser should come back with something better. The property was again the subject of discussion during Monday nightâs meeting with some talking points being how to best go about selling the parcel and different areas that should be considered when it comes to counter offers. City Manager Shea Charles has been authorized to retain the services of a property acquisition professional to help put together something to guide Council in the coming weeks with what a counter offer might look like. Mayor Phil Campbell tells WHMI large scale property sales are very complicated so the nature of the discussion is complex with a number of considerations, different terms and timelines. The undeveloped 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. Another layer to the conversation is that members must discuss the sale in open session. (JM)
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Annual Brighton School Board Organizational Session SetAnnual Brighton School Board Organizational Session Set
12/11/14 - After some debate on when to hold the meeting, the Brighton Board of Education voted this week to hold its annual organizational session on Jan. 12 at 7:01 p.m. The vote was 6-1 with Board President Nick Fiani voting no. Fiani had wanted the meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, but some said that would present a potential schedule conflict not only for them but for anyone among the public who would like to attend. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI the decision on what day and what time to hold meetings is entirely up to the board. It was pointed out that board meetings have generally been held at 7 in the evening, when people are home from work and have the time to attend, but Fiani argued that it was time for a change. However, others said if any change in board meeting dates and times was needed, it was something that the new board should be looking at. Newly-elected David Chesney and Ken Stahl will be sworn in at the organizational meeting after having been elected to four-year terms. (TT)
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Firefighters Find Smoke, But No Flames, At Local Auto Service ShopFirefighters Find Smoke, But No Flames, At Local Auto Service Shop
12/11/14 - Firefighters in Brighton responded to an auto service business on Old US-23 last night, but damage to the structure was minimal. Brighton Area Fire Authority Deputy Chief Matt Smith says they were called out to the business at about 8:15pm by a passerby who saw that the building was filling with smoke and dialed 911. Firefighters responded and found smoke filling the interior and pouring out of the vents, but there were no visible flames inside or out. Crews entered the building and found a malfunctioning furnace. Several fire trucks had responded to the scene, and they brought water hoses inside for protection while they worked to get the heater shut down. The operation went smoothly, and no additional firefighting measures were needed. Smith says the business stored lots of waste oil, and there was a stack of tires outside in a parking lot, so an actual fire could easily have gained traction in the building. Michigan State troopers and Livingston County EMS assisted at the scene. (TD)
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Candlelight Vigil Set Tonight for Fallen Ingham County DeputyCandlelight Vigil Set Tonight for Fallen Ingham County Deputy
12/11/14 - A candlelight vigil is taking place tonight for an Ingham County Sheriffâs Deputy who lost his life in the line of duty. This vigil is open to all law enforcement and the public to show their support to the Ingham County Sheriffâs Office and the family of Deputy Grant Whitaker, who was killed after his patrol car crashed during a vehicle pursuit early Sunday morning. The vigil will be held at 6pm around the Ingham County Police Memorial in front of the Sheriffâs Office located at 630 N. Cedar Street in Mason. Parking will be available around the Sheriffâs office. Meanwhile, Whitaker will be laid to rest Friday following a funeral mass that will be celebrated at 11am. Public visitation begins today at the Saint Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, as well as on Friday from 10-11 am before Whitaker is laid to rest. (JM)
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Organizers Re-File For Recall Of Howell School Board MembersOrganizers Re-File For Recall Of Howell School Board Members
12/11/14 - Organizers of an effort to recall Howell school board members for their votes to fire former Superintendent Ron Wilson are giving it another shot. The Howell Recall Committee earlier filed language to recall four members but the Livingston County Elections Commission determined it was unclear. New petitions were filed Wednesday targeting Vice President Mike Yenshaw and Trustees Mike Moloney and Deborah McCormick. Committee member Matt Ikle filed the petitions and says this time they included motions that were made and voted on, different facts and the November 12th votes to terminate Wilson. Absent from this attempt, however, was Treasurer Stacy Pasini. Ikle tells WHMI because of the community support they received for Pasini, they are no longer targeting her. Pasini was the lone no vote to fire Wilson, but did verbally agree that he his actions were intentional and constituted major misconduct. Pasini told WHMI that she appreciated âthe decision of the recall committee, and am humbled by the outpouring of support of our community. I look forward to helping move our district forward by continuing my work for our staff, and the children and families in our district." Yenshaw declined to comment on the re-filing, as he had not yet seen the new petition language. Moloney had also not yet seen the language, but told WHMI heâs "sorry that this small group is continuing to promote disharmony in the district." Ikle says the committeeâs goal has always been and remains to get the recall onto the May 5th ballot, and believes they will be successful in doing so despite only having until late January to gather the nearly 5,700 signatures needed for each petition. He feels it will be positive from this point on, saying procedures of the new law are very clear and they already have over 200 people that have signed up to deliver petitions and gather signatures. The Livingston County Election Commission will rule on the submitted language as to its factualness and clarity during a hearing on Monday, December 22nd. (JM/JK)
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Free Photos w/ Santa Offered for Local Veterans & Families FridayFree Photos w/ Santa Offered for Local Veterans & Families Friday
12/11/14 - Livingston County Veterans and their families will be able to get free photos with Santa this Friday. Livingston County Veteran Services will be providing free Santa pictures for children of Veterans. Organizers encourage Veterans and families to stop by from 3 to 6pm on Friday, no appointment is needed. The Livingston County Veteran Services office is located at 2300 East Grand River, in Suite 109. (JM)
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Lawmaker Honored By Military Group For Early Education EffortsLawmaker Honored By Military Group For Early Education Efforts
12/11/14 - A local lawmaker who is stepping down from his elected position has received a military salute for his efforts. Mission: Readiness - Michigan, a nonpartisan national security organization of more than 500 retired admirals, generals, and other retired senior military leaders, honored State Representative Bill Rogers with the 2014 âStar Awardâ during a ceremony in Lansing. Retired Air Force Major General Thomas Cutler, who headed up the Michigan National Guard from 2003 until 2011, and Retired Air Force Brigadier General Ronald Seely presented the award. Both are members of Mission: Readiness â Michigan, which has been calling for smart investments in Americaâs children. Cutler says they honored Rogers for his leadership to enhance the Great Start Readiness Program, which seeks to expand opportunities for high-quality preschool. Rogers is the Chairman of the K-12 Appropriations subcommittee and shepherded the passage of the preschool funding. In the past two years lawmakers added $130 million to the Great Start Readiness Program, ensuring that all eligible 4-year-olds have access to high-quality preschool. The Department of Defense estimates that 75% of young Americans are unable to serve in the military for three primary reasons: they are too poorly educated, they are physically unfit, or have a criminal record. Mission: Readiness â Michigan says that high-quality early learning has been proven to have a crucial impact on helping children succeed in school, become healthy adults and avoid criminal involvement. The group believes that will open doors to college, careers and, if desired, military service. (JK)
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New Chief Medical Examiner For Livingston County Taking Over New Chief Medical Examiner For Livingston County Taking Over
12/11/14 - A candidate to fill the position of Livingston Countyâs Chief Medical Examiner has been authorized. The Health & Human Services Subcommittee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved the appointment of Dr. Michael Markey as the new Medical Examiner. Jeff Boyd, who serves as the countyâs Coordinator of Medical Services, tells WHMI they are looking forward to working with Dr. Markey. He says Dr. Markey has a lot of experience and the department fully supports his appointment as Chief Examiner. Markey Dr. Joyce DeJong, the previous Chief Medical Examiner, recently resigned to move forward with an opportunity in education in the Kalamazoo area. Boyd says Dr. DeJong has been Chief Medical Examiner for as long as he can remember, and she has simply decided to pursue another path. Boyd says this is just âgeneral housekeepingâ and he believes Dr. Markey will do a âgreat jobâ. (DK)
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Deputy Fire Chief Fired Following Domestic Violence ChargesDeputy Fire Chief Fired Following Domestic Violence Charges
12/11/14 - A trial date has been set for a local fire official, who was fired after being charged with domestic violence. Former South Lyon Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Hammon was arrested last month for domestic assault. On Monday, he was terminated from that position, with Fire Chief Mike Kennedy saying they hold their command staff to a high standard. The 35-year-old Hammon is alleged to have punched his girlfriend at a bar on Thanksgiving and later grabbed her by the neck at home. Hammon denied the story to officers, who took him into custody despite a request by the alleged victim not to press charges. A preliminary breath test indicated Hammon had a blood alcohol content of 0.18%, more than double the stateâs legal limit for drunk driving. The 15-year veteran firefighter was in court Tuesday and waived his right to a jury trial on the charges. A bench trial in front of a judge is now set for January 20th in Novi District Court. (JK)
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