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Crash Snaps Power Pole; Blocks Latson RoadCrash Snaps Power Pole; Blocks Latson Road

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12/11/14 - A suspected medical incident is being investigated as the cause of a crash this morning in Oceola Township that snapped a power pole and sent a woman to the hospital. State Police Sgt. Charles Bachmeier tells WHMI that at approximately 10:40am, a female driving a Ford Explorer was reported to be passing drivers along Latson Road on the right shoulder until she ran into the power pole, north of Golf Club Road. Bachmeier says witnesses reported she did not appear to be fully conscious. Livingston County EMS transported the victim to the hospital. While her condition is unknown, officials say it doesn't appear her injuries were life-threatening. Latson Road was closed off until about 12:30pm while a Detroit Edison crew worked to restore the power lines, which were lying across the roadway. (JK)

Flags to Fly Half Staff Friday for Fallen Ingham County Deputy Flags to Fly Half Staff Friday for Fallen Ingham County Deputy

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12/11/14 - Governor Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. flags within the state Capitol complex and on all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff on Friday in honor of former Ingham County Sheriff’s Deputy Grant William Whitaker. The 25-year-old lived in Stockbridge and died in the line of duty Sunday as the result of injuries sustained from a car crash during a high-speed pursuit. The vehicle and occupants being pursued by Whitaker have not been positively identified and Crime Stoppers has since announced a reward of $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case. A tip line has been set up for the public to report information, which can remain confidential, by calling or texting (517) 331-5634. Governor Snyder said Deputy Whitaker was a brave young man lost much too soon who risked his life daily to protect the lives of others and offered his condolences to Whitaker’s family, friends and fellow officers. Flags should be returned to full-staff on Saturday. Meanwhile, funeral services will take place Friday. Public visitation is being held from 6 to 8 this evening as well as tomorrow morning from 10-11 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Chelsea. A funeral Mass begins at 11am. Whitaker previously served with the Stockbridge and Waterloo Township Police Departments and had worked as a deputy in the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office for the past 18 months, where a candlelight vigil was being held tonight. (JM)

Hamburg Firefighters Helping Ring Bells For Salvation ArmyHamburg Firefighters Helping Ring Bells For Salvation Army

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12/12/14 - The Hamburg Township Fire Department will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign this weekend. Firefighters will be at the Chilson Commons Kroger store on Saturday from 1:30 to 5:30 ringing bells and asking for donations to the campaign, which supports Salvation Army programs and assistance for those in need all year long. The firefighters will also be bringing out Teddy the Reindeer Dog to greet customers and thank donors. Red kettles are in place all around Livingston County, and Salvation Army officials say while this year’s fundraising goal is $362,000, they are below where they should be at this point in the campaign. The money from the Red Kettle campaign will pay for a variety of needs for local families, including housing assistance, food, heating, and electricity. Donations can also be dropped off at the Salvation Army’s headquarters building on Lake Street in Howell. (TD)

Deb Hawk Appointed As Next Brighton Township TreasurerDeb Hawk Appointed As Next Brighton Township Treasurer

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12/12/14 - After two nights of interviews, the Brighton Township Board has chosen a treasurer to replace Lana Theis. Beginning in January, Theis will be taking over her new post as state representative for the area. After finishing the last two candidate interviews and engaging in lengthy debate, the township board last night approved appointing Deputy Treasurer Deb Hawk to fill her seat on the board and take over the treasury department. That approval came from a 5-to-1 vote, with Theis prohibited by law from voting on her replacement and board member Lucy Weaire, who was also seeking the position, voting against the appointment. The township is in the middle of collecting winter taxes, and with a number of state statutes to fulfill through that process the township board thought the deputy treasurer was the best equipped candidate to handle the challenge. Regardless, Township Supervisor Tom Murphy tells WHMI the township had a great field of candidates. There were originally eight applicants to the position, but one was found to be ineligible because they did not meet residency requirements. Murphy says one candidate declined to be interviewed after reading a newspaper article which led her to believe the township board had all but decided on which candidate to appoint. (TD)

Presenter Speaks Against Bullying At Scranton Middle SchoolPresenter Speaks Against Bullying At Scranton Middle School

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12/12/14 - The students of Scranton Middle School in Brighton heard a lesson on bullying from a special presenter at an assembly yesterday. Ron Bachman grew up in Detroit, but a medical condition forced doctors to amputate his legs at the age of four. Throughout his life he has faced adversity and bullying, but he uses that experience to give presentations against bullying and self-harm at schools, organizations, and churches around the country as Ronnie "Walk This Way" Bachman. At yesterday’s assembly he told students they must learn to love and respect themselves, treat others with kindness, and remember that they will have to live with their own choices for the rest of their lives. He tells WHMI it is important for students to learn early on that the things they do and say have impact far beyond the present. Dozens of students inspired by Bachman’s story gathered around him following the presentation, and he spent time meeting and speaking with them. Bachman is leaving soon for a tour of the eastern United States beginning in Florida, but he promised the students he would return to Scranton in a couple of months. (TD)

Vigil Held For Fallen Ingham County DeputyVigil Held For Fallen Ingham County Deputy

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12/12/14 - About 300 people turned out last night for a candlelight vigil in honor of an Ingham County Sheriff's deputy killed in the line of duty. Deputy Grant Whitaker was remembered at the vigil, held at the Ingham County Police Memorial in Mason (pictured). The 25-year-old died early Sunday during a high-speed pursuit near Stockbridge. His funeral this morning is expected to bring more than 1,500 law enforcement officers from around Michigan and the country. Officials say that before the funeral, set for 11am in Chelsea, a procession of law enforcement vehicles will travel the route from Mason to Stockbridge that Whitaker normally drove at the end of his shift each day. The procession will then drive past Whitaker's parents' home on Brogan Road before heading back through Stockbridge to M-52 and then to Chelsea for the funeral mass. Flags are also at half-staff at state buildings today in Whitaker's honor. Meanwhile, a $10,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the high-speed pursuit that led to Whitaker’s death. The vehicle is described as a light-colored, full-size SUV. A tip line has been set up at 517-331-5634. . Anyone with information is asked to call or text and all information can remain confidential. (JK)

Howell & Brighton School Board Members Say Farewell Howell & Brighton School Board Members Say Farewell

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12/12/14 - Three members of the Howell School Board bid farewell to the position this week after declining to seek reelection in November. Meanwhile, two long-time Brighton school board members also sat in on their final meetings. In Howell, board President Mike Witt and his wife, board Secretary Kim Witt, both chose to leave the board when new conflict-of-interest legislation prevented them from voting on teachers’ contracts because Kim’s sister is a teacher in the district. That inability to vote on a contract led to the district’s last negotiation process being drawn out for months and divided the board. However, new challenges seem to have brought cohesion to the board, and at this week’s meeting board member Mike Moloney, who was once the most prominent rival to the Witt's, publicly praised their service to the district. Also leaving the board is Doug Moore, who chose to explain his decision during his closing statements at the meeting. Moore says his youngest son was adopted from Russia and has fetal alcohol syndrome, which presents some physical and mental challenges. Some members of the board have drawn criticism for having some or all of their children in other districts. Moore said at the meeting he does not plan to take his son out of his current school/therapeutic facility to attend Howell Schools like his other children, and this decision was made long ago. The other members of the board thanked the outgoing members for their service, and all of them thanked Interim Superintendent and Labor Relations Director Cassandra Harmon-Higgins for her work in running the district during the paid leave and then firing of ex-superintendent Ron Wilson over questionable mileage reimbursements. She will be leaving the district to work for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. Dr. Jeremy Hughes was hired by the board to take her place. Meanwhile, two members of the Brighton Board of Education attended their last meeting Monday night; Trustees Bill Anderson and Miles Vieau. Anderson has served on the Brighton school board for 13 of the last 17 years, missing one term during that time. He is considered something of a fiscal expert on the board, having done extensive work with the Michigan legislature. Anderson was previously the legislative liaison from the Michigan Townships Association and currently works in the executive office of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, specializing in the areas of finance and operations. He is also a former board member and supervisor on the Brighton Township Board of Trustees. Vieau, who was unavailable for comment after the meeting, was first elected to the board in 1994 and served 19 years. Both Vieau and Anderson were given enthusiastic rounds of applause by the board and audience for their long service. (TD/TT/JK)

Flint Man Jailed In Severe Beating of Highland Township ManFlint Man Jailed In Severe Beating of Highland Township Man

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12/12/14 - A hearing is set next month for a suspect charged with the severe beating of an elderly Highland Township man. 30-year-old Mark Wisenbaugh of Flint is charged with multiple counts, including assault with intent to commit murder, killing or torturing of an animal and auto theft. Deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff's Highland Township substation say they were summoned to a home in the 1500 block of Highland Park just before 7am on November 10th after a neighbor discovered the 70-year-old victim bleeding and unconscious in the home. His truck was also missing. Wisenbaugh, who had reportedly been staying in a camper on the victim’s property, was later located with the truck in Flint. The victim was hospitalized with serious head trauma. His dog was also killed in the attack. Police believe the attack followed an argument over money. Wisenbaugh is lodged in the Oakland County Jail without bond pending a January 14th hearing in Novi District Court. (JK)

Attorney Again Appeals Bonner Case to Michigan Supreme Court Attorney Again Appeals Bonner Case to Michigan Supreme Court

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12/12/14 - Appeal options have nearly been exhausted in the case of two homes the City of Brighton has been trying to tear down for more than five years. The homes are owned by Leon and Marilyn Bonner, who are in their 80’s and being represented by attorney Dennis Dubuc. The Bonners sued in 2009 over an ordinance which requires the demolition of unsafe homes whose value is less than the cost of repairing them. The case has been tied up in one court or another for years. Most recently in October, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court ruling that the residential homes be demolished as nuisances – marking a victory for the city. Dubuc is now appealing that decision to the Michigan Supreme Court and says it’s a property interest case that will be precedent setting, and the Bonners have always wanted to repair the homes. In 2009, the city revoked the residential use of 116 and 122 North Street due to non-use. Dubuc maintains the city disconnected water service in 1978 to retaliate against the Bonners for challenging the city’s code enforcement actions. He says the city has refused to turn the water service back on for over 30 years, which has prevented normal use and occupancy of the homes, although the Bonners did maintain the homes, cut the grass and paid taxes. City attorney Paul Burns has consistently maintained the homes are not safe and should be razed. Now that Dubuc has filed a leave for appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court, it can either choose to hear the case or not, with or without reason. (JM)

Fundraising Continues for Family of South Lyon Man Killed in Crash Fundraising Continues for Family of South Lyon Man Killed in Crash

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12/12/14 - A South Lyon man who lost his life in a car accident will be laid to rest this weekend while online fundraising efforts continue to support the family he leaves behind. 36-year-old Robert DeBlock was ejected from his vehicle during a single-vehicle crash on December 6th on westbound M-14, at the southbound US-23 interchange in Ann Arbor Township. Known to most as Bobby, he leaves behind his wife and 11 month old son. Friends of the DeBlock family have started an online fundraiser to support what they describe as an amazing family that has suffered an unimaginable loss. The Go Fund Me page says although no time is good for a loss so great, it is exceptionally tragic right before Christmas and his son’s first birthday. As of today, the account had raised more than $42,000 of a $50,000 goal. DeBlock did not have life insurance so the funds raised will help his family with funeral expenses and monthly bills during their grieving process. A memorial gathering will take place Saturday afternoon at Phillip’s Funeral Home on Lake Street in South Lyon, followed by the funeral service at 3pm. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the gofundme account. A link to the page is available below. (JM)

Alleged Burglar Arraigned In Connection To Fenton Break-InAlleged Burglar Arraigned In Connection To Fenton Break-In

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12/13/14 - A Fenton man has been arraigned after police say he broke into and robbed a local home. 30-year-old David Stidham of Fenton was arraigned on Tuesday on three counts of stealing credit cards and one count of auto theft, according to the Tri County Times. He remains jailed on $50,000 bond for each of the four counts. On December 4th, Fenton Police responded to a report of a burglary at a home on Briarwood Lane. The homeowner told police someone had broken into his house between the hours of 12:00 and 8:00am while he was sleeping. The perpetrator reportedly stole credit cards, cash, and jewelry before taking the owner’s 2015 Ford Explorer. Evidence suggests the burglar even entered the homeowner’s bedroom during the incident. Police arrested Stidham the following day. The victim’s car was found outside an apartment complex off of Torrey Road, and several of the stolen credit cards were later used at businesses on Flint’s east side. Police say Stidham is suspected in several other larcenies in the area. (TD)

Lyon Man Hospitalized After Being Struck Crossing Eight Mile RoadLyon Man Hospitalized After Being Struck Crossing Eight Mile Road

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12/13/14 - A Lyon Township man remains in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle while getting his mail. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, assisted by the Lyon Township Fire Department, responded to the crash on Eight Mile Road at 6:19pm on Thursday. The pedestrian, a 70-year-old male, was struck while crossing the road to get his mail. He was transported to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, where he remains in critical condition. Police say that stretch of Eight Mile is unlighted and the pedestrian was wearing dark clothing. The driver of the vehicle was a 72-year-old South Lyon woman, and police say alcohol was not a factor in the crash. The incident remains under investigation. (TD)

Brighton Man Enters Plea To Breaking And Entering ChargesBrighton Man Enters Plea To Breaking And Entering Charges

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12/13/14 - A Brighton man pleaded guilty in Genesee County linked to multiple break-ins in there and in Livingston. 33-year-old Robert Markus was arraigned on two separate counts of breaking and entering with intent. This week, he agreed to plead no contest to the charges in exchange for the incidents being combined into just one count of breaking and entering with intent. Prosecutors did not outline any guidelines for sentencing, which will take place on January 5th. Argentine Township Police say Markus is responsible for three break-ins on Bird Road last month. Officers reportedly learned someone broke into a barn and several items were stolen November 1st. Later that same evening, they responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle with no lights on at a home also on Bird Road. They found the vehicle unoccupied but noticed the garage had been broken into and there were suspected stolen items on the floor. Police believe they interrupted the suspect and heard someone running through a wooded area, but were unable to locate anyone. The vehicle was impounded and a trace of a cell phone left behind led to Markus. Police have since linked him to a break-in on Silver Lake Road and one in Pinckney. More than $10,000 worth of stolen items have since been recovered and returned to the rightful owners. (TD/JK)

Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Extended in Howell Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Extended in Howell

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12/13/14 - The Howell City Council has decided to extend its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries pending action in Lansing. Action was taken in August to extend the moratorium in anticipation of the Legislature amending state law regulating those types of facilities. That never happened and while it’s possible during the lame duck session, Howell Mayor Phil Campbell tells WHMI it appears the legislature won’t be taking action until next year. Council originally enacted the moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries in March in response to case law and a couple of inquiries. Mayor Campbell says it has now been extended to January 30th of 2015 and the City is looking at a regulatory approach. He says they're not encouraging the opening of dispensaries but rather trying to get framework in place so that if they do become fully legal everywhere, something will be in place to regulate them in the community. Discussion surrounding medical marijuana continues to be a complex subject for many municipalities, not just Howell. Community members on both sides of the aisle weighed in on the issue, prior to Council extending the moratorium. A local substance abuse specialist cautioned that allowing medical marijuana dispensaries is nothing to take lightly, and raised concerns about the potential perception and impact on youth. A local attorney specializing in Medical Marihuana law told members regulation in an open licensed manner is the safest option, especially for those who are truly sick and suffering. She agreed that clarification at the state level is needed but reminded members that the use of medical marijuana is legal. (JM)

Bill Creating Charity License Plate For Public Safety Officers PassesBill Creating Charity License Plate For Public Safety Officers Passes

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12/13/14 - The House has passed legislation to create a license plate honoring Michigan’s first responders. Republican State Representative Bill Rogers of Genoa Township commented on Wednesday's passage of his Thin Blue Line specialty license plate legislation. The legislation will allow the Secretary of State to issue a fundraising license plate recognizing the non-profit organization The Thin Blue Line of Michigan, which provides assistance to public safety officers and their families in their time of need. He says Michigan has numerous public safety officers and the Thin Blue Line is a great organization that helps them and their families. It provides assistance with finances, legal issues, counseling, funeral and college stipends as well as many other areas for families of injured, ill, disabled or deceased public safety officers. (JM/TD)

Event Funds Thousands Of Meals Through Gleaners Food BankEvent Funds Thousands Of Meals Through Gleaners Food Bank

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12/14/14 - Gleaners Community Food Bank of Livingston County will be able to provide lots of meals this holiday season with the funding from a holiday fundraiser. The event, hosted by the Livingston County Democratic Party, raised about $700 for the organization in addition to donated food items. Gleaners estimates that 2,162 meals will be put on the table for local families in need as a result of the donation. Gleaners works year-round to combat hunger in Livingston County, but steps up its efforts during the holiday season with programs like the 12 Days of Gleaners in November and partnerships with local businesses around the county. Its offices are located on Sterling Drive near Dorr Road in Genoa Township. (TD)

Sanilac Lighthouse Purchased By Enthusiast From FentonSanilac Lighthouse Purchased By Enthusiast From Fenton

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12/14/14 - A Fenton man with a historic interest in lighthouses has purchased a piece of Michigan history. Jeff Shook paid $855,000 last week for the Port Sanilac Lighthouse, a 128-year-old tower and house located on the eastern shore of Michigan’s Thumb. The building was put up for sale with an asking price of $1 million last year. Shook’s ancestors were lighthouse keepers on the Great Lakes, and his grandmother was the first female lighthouse keeper in Michigan. He is founder of the Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy, but says this purchase was a private acquisition and he plans to use the lighthouse for vacations. However, he told the Times Herald of Port Huron that he may hold public events at the historic and well-known lighthouse. (TD)

Pinckney Residents Lay Wreaths In Honor Of VeteransPinckney Residents Lay Wreaths In Honor Of Veterans

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12/14/14- A ceremony in Pinckney yesterday afternoon honored the memory of past and present veterans. Community members gathered at the Pinckney Historical Cemetery to lay over 50 wreaths on the headstones of veterans buried throughout the cemetery. This ceremony is part of the national movement, National Wreaths Across America, which began on the East coast in Arlington. The act of remembrance has since grown and last year, Pinckney requested to become one of the organizations that participates in this yearly event and is the only cemetery in Livingston County that is officially a part of the program. Pinckney Village Clerk, Amy Salowitz, coordinated the ceremony and tells WHMI it is a significant reminder about the cost of freedom. The names of Veterans from each war that are laid to rest in the cemetery were read, as well as names of those who are currently serving. Wreaths provided by the Wreaths Across America organization were presented to speak for each branch of military and were laid by local residents with a family member that is a veteran. The American Legion Honor Guard of Hamburg Township closed the ceremony with the playing of taps and gun salute. The Village of Pinckney is already planning the same tribute for next year on the second Saturday in December. (DK)

Prior Incident Inadmissable At Child AbuseTrial of Brighton ManPrior Incident Inadmissable At Child AbuseTrial of Brighton Man

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12/15/14 - A Brighton man headed to trial on child abuse charges that were filed after injuries were discovered on his 11-week-old daughter has won a victory that will prevent a previous domestic assault accusation from being mentioned. The attorney for 38-year-old Joshua Quincy Burns successfully convinced a judge to bar the mention of an incident 18 years ago involving his sister when he goes on trial next month. Prosecutors had sought to be able to bring up the prior incident to establish a pattern of behavior by Burns, who is charged with 2nd degree child abuse. But Judge Miriam Cavanaugh ruled the incident could unfairly prejudice a jury and ruled it was inadmissible. Burns’ current charge came about after the mother of his child reportedly discovered marks and bruises on the child after leaving her in Burns’ care on March 15th. The child was examined and doctors discovered head and eye injuries as well as others consistent with abusive head trauma. The charge followed a criminal investigation. (JK)

"100 Women Who Care" Donates $13,000 To VINA Program"100 Women Who Care" Donates $13,000 To VINA Program

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12/15/14 - The VINA Community Dental Program of Brighton is receiving a helping hand from a local women’s organization. “100 Women Who Care Livingston County” works to raise funds for eligible charities in the area with the goal of raising over $10,000 for each charity. The group presented a check to the non-profit dentistry program, VINA, on Saturday morning. Mary Novak, a member of 100 Women Who Care, tells WHMI this is the 2nd time VINA has been the recipient of the group’s donation. The dentistry is located in a former parsonage of the First United Methodist Church in Brighton and has been providing dental care to low-income local residents who are without insurance since its creation in 2008. Patients are seen by VINA’s staff for any range of oral procedures. VINA’s personnel consist of many volunteers, a surgeon, and University of Michigan dental students. VINA will use the funds they received for supplies such as dental instruments, filling materials, and disposable hygienic products. (DK/JK)
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