12/20/12 - A shooting hoax prompted school officials to cancel classes and activities in Genesee and Lapeer county school districts today and tomorrow. State Police say the shutdown in Genesee County, which includes Fenton and Linden schools, was launched when a student at Grand Blanc High School texted his mother Wednesday about shots being fired there. She called authorities, who quickly responded to the school. Despite learning the threat was a false one, the Genesee County Intermediate School District and other county school districts canceled classes. In an open letter, Fenton Superintendent Timothy Jalkanen announced that there were a number of unique factors that influenced local superintendents to close all of the county's schools. He cited local rumors and isolated threats against districts that caused concern for the safety of students. Lapeer County schools also are expected to be closed after officials there said numerous rumors about potential threats of violence and the popular perception that the Mayan calendar predicts the world ending Friday. Schools across the country, including Michigan, have stepped up security in the wake of the massacre Friday of 20 schoolchildren and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. (JK)
Genesee & Lapeer Schools Closed Due to Rumors of ViolenceGenesee & Lapeer Schools Closed Due to Rumors of Violence
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Teens Place Stickers For Campaign Against Youth DrinkingTeens Place Stickers For Campaign Against Youth Drinking
12/20/12 - More than a thousand bright orange stickers will be reminding residents that providing minors with alcohol is illegal, thanks to a group of Fowlerville teens and the Livingston County Community Alliance. In conjunction with Livingston County Catholic Charities, Project Sticker Shock involves placing the stickers on beer and wine coolers stocked by participating retailers around the county. The stickers inform purchasers that providing the alcohol to minors is illegal and carries a possible fine of $2,500 and up to 90 days in jail. Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Kaitlin Fink tells WHMI that the project occurs throughout the year, but it is especially relevant in December when adults might be tempted to provide alcohol to minors to celebrate a holiday or New Yearâs Eve. Five members of the Fowlerville High School Students Leading Students organization distributed the stickers to retailers in Hartland, Howell, Brighton, and Hamburg. (TD)
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Candlight Vigil Held In Honor Of Connecticut School ShootingCandlight Vigil Held In Honor Of Connecticut School Shooting
12/20/12 - Members of the Hartland community held a candlelight vigil to honor the memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting. Dozens of people attended the vigil, which was organized by residents Amy OâDea and Jenifer Thomas. OâDea says she got the idea for a vigil after seeing the aftermath of the shooting and wanting to rally some community support both for the survivors and for those affected locally. Music at the vigil was provided by local musicians Walter Johnson and Trey McLaughlin. River Community Church Prayer Ministry leader Jon Miller provided spiritual support for the vigil, and he tells WHMI that local people are hurting after the shooting even if they had no direct connection to the school. Organizers accepted donations for the Sandy Hook School Support Fund during the event. To donate to that fund, visit the United Way of Western Connecticut website at the link below. (TD)
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Judge Hatty Drops Suit Seeking $400K Legal Fee From Attorney Judge Hatty Drops Suit Seeking $400K Legal Fee From Attorney
12/20/12 - The lawsuit filed by a local judge against a Detroit attorney has been dismissed. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Hatty filed suit earlier this month against Detroit-based attorney Richard Goodman in Macomb County Circuit Court. Hatty sued in an effort to recoup a portion of Goodmanâs $1.2 million legal fee from a recent settlement reached in a case he originally handled. Hatty claimed he was owed $400,000 for his years of work on the case involving then 3-year-old Catherine Logan-Brown. The girl fell off a bunk bed at an Art Van Furniture store in Clinton Township and suffered a closed head injury. Hatty took the case in 1995 but relinquished it when he was appointed judge in 2009. It then passed through the hands of various lawyers before Goodman took it on, suing the company in 2010. The $3.6 (m) million settlement was awarded in September. Hattyâs attorney Theodore Metry confirmed for WHMI that the judge has voluntarily dismissed his suit and is seeking resolution through alternative means. The case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning that it could be re-filed again in the future. He also confirmed that the decision to do so came after a Macomb County judge ruled that a distribution of the settlement could proceed. (JM/JK)
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Former Linden Police Officer Heading To Trial On CSC Charges Former Linden Police Officer Heading To Trial On CSC Charges
12/20/12 - A former Linden police officer facing criminal sexual conduct charges involving young victims is headed to trial. 37-year-old Wade Clayton Dilley of Fenton is charged in two separate cases and recently appeared in Genesee County Circuit Court. Records show that no mutual resolution has been reached and the case will continue to trial in late January. Dilley is charged with three counts of 2nd degree CSC involving a person under the age of 13 from an incident that allegedly occurred in Mundy Township in September of 2009. Two other counts of 2nd degree CSC with relation stem from alleged incidents in Fenton on April 1st of 2011. Dilley faces up to 15 years in prison on each felony count and two of the charges were reduced from 1st degree CSC with relation prior to the cases being bound over. Dilley was employed with the Linden Police Department from 2002 until late February of 2011, when he resigned. Since the complaints involved both jurisdictions, the Fenton and Mundy Township police departments conducted a joint investigation. (JM)
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Abortion Legislation Subject of Debate at State & Local Levels Abortion Legislation Subject of Debate at State & Local Levels
12/20/12 - The effects that new abortion-related legislation will have on women across Michigan is being debated locally. Among other things, House Bill 5711 imposes new restrictions and rules on certain facilities that perform abortions, new screening requirements and other provisions for doctors. Opponents call it a backdoor attempt to restrict abortions and regulate abortion clinics out of existence. However, supporters such as Director of Community Outreach Ann OâReilly with Pregnancy Help Clinic in Brighton say the measures keep women safe while making sure medical practices are up to the same expectations as others. She calls the changes common sense, standard requirements for any facility engaged in surgical procedures. She says a separate insurance bill provision allows individuals and businesses to obtain insurance without automatic abortion coverage in it but says nothing stops them from purchasing a rider for the additional coverage. Planned Parenthood Mid & South Michigan President/CEO Lori Lamerand tells WHMI that while the legislation may be less detrimental than originally proposed, it still combines several of the worst attacks on womenâs reproductive freedom and itâs disappointing lawmakers chose to interfere with womenâs comprehensive healthcare at this time. She says instead of matching licensing regulations to whatâs necessary, it did an over-reach. She says the provision lawmakers tacked on the non-related Blue Cross Blue Shield bill is an all-out ban of abortion coverage within routine healthcare policies for women who traditionally have had it. Michigan lawmakers moved quickly to push through the legislation during the lame duck session last week. Republican Governor Rick Snyder is expected to sign it into law. (JM/JK)
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"Home for the Holidays" To Benefit Hartland Family & Gleaners"Home for the Holidays" To Benefit Hartland Family & Gleaners
12/20/12 - A portion of proceeds from an original holiday musical this weekend will be going to help those in need in the community. This marks the final weekend of the âHome for the Holidaysâ production, presented by The Dionysus Theatre and Performing Arts Academy. Co-Owner/Artistic Director Steve DeBruyne the show offers an original story with festive entertainment and holiday music, both old and new. He tells WHMI a portion of proceeds this weekend will also be going to Gleaners Community Food Bank as well as the family of Hartland man who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is faced with mounting medical bills. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to meet with kids following the shows. Performances run through Sunday and in an effort to keep the show budget friendly heading into the final weekend before Christmas, DeBruyne says anyone who purchases an adult ticket will receive a free ticket for a child age 5 to 12. All of the shows take place in the new Hartland High School auditorium on Dunham Road. Details can be found in the link below. (JM)
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Multi-Vehicle Accident Blocks M-59 & Michigan Avenue
12/21/12 - The unfavorable weather yesterday led to crashes throughout the day, including one significant crash in the city of Howell. Commuters reported a multi-vehicle crash involving a commercial truck that occurred at around 6:30 last night. It took place at the intersection of M-59 and Michigan Avenue north of downtown Howell. The intersection was cleared for traffic by road crews by 7:30. It is not clear at this time whether there were any injuries. The Michigan Department of Transportation reminds motorists to pay careful attention while driving during inclement weather and that limited visibility may require drivers to move at a speed below the posted limit. (TD)
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Suspected I-96 Shooter Now Charged With Felony TerrorismSuspected I-96 Shooter Now Charged With Felony Terrorism
12/21/12 - The man accused of shooting at vehicles on and around the I-96 corridor has been charged with terrorism. 43-year-old Raulie Wayne Casteel of Wixom is now facing seven felony charges in 53rd District Court, which were filed by State Attorney General Bill Schuette. The charges previously filed against Casteel in Livingston County have been dismissed and replaced with those filed by the state. They include one count of terrorism for knowingly and deliberately committing violent felonies with pre-meditation based on 21 attacks. Others include assault with intent to murder, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, discharging a firearm from a vehicle and felony firearms. Three of the shootings happened on I-96 in Livingston County with others reported in Oakland, Ingham and Shiawassee Counties. Casteel faces 60 counts in Oakland County for incidents alleged to have occurred there and the state says the case will move forward once the results of a previously ordered competency exam for Casteel are available. Photo courtesy of WLNS. (JM)
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Ribbon Cutting Welcomes New Businesses in Downtown HowellRibbon Cutting Welcomes New Businesses in Downtown Howell
12/21/12 - The Howell Downtown Development Authority welcomed three of six new businesses into downtown Howell Thursday with a ribbon cutting. The businesses vary in taste and age demographics but Diane Larkin, Director of Howell Main Street DDA says all benefit the entire community. Opening just in time for the Christmas shopping season is Briannaâs Mexican Store, Main Street Brew Shoppe, Squire Architects, Casa De Bella, Integrative Veterinary Services of Southeast Michigan and Something Blue Bridal Salon. Larkin and the DDA board cut a ceremonial green ribbon at Main Street Brew Shoppe, Casa De Bella salon and Squire Architects. Larkin tells WHMI that downtown Howell is a hot spot for new business. Squire Architects, which opened its doors on October 1st, is located at the west end of Grand River and has been receiving a lot of business despite its fairly new location. Shawn Squires, architect and founder of Squire Architects, says everyone in the trinity has been very supportive in his new venture.
All six businesses are now open to the public. (DK)
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Judge Keeps Green Oak Manufacturer Open, Orders ImprovementsJudge Keeps Green Oak Manufacturer Open, Orders Improvements
12/21/12 - At a show cause hearing yesterday, Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty chose not to issue an injunction to shut down Liquid Manufacturing in Green Oak Township. The company is in an ongoing legal battle with the township government over alleged violations of the local safety, building, and sewer ordinances. On Wednesday, the township board denied a request by the company to allow a partner company from Houston to utilize part of its facility. Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles says that request will only be entertained once they bring their plant into compliance with local ordinances. In yesterdayâs hearing, Judge Hatty did not grant Green Oakâs request for an injunction to shut down Liquid Manufacturing, but he did issue some orders to have the company bring its wastewater discharge into compliance with local ordinance. He gave the company eight weeks to construct a temporary wastewater pre-treatment facility and just over six months to build a permanent facility, which should reduce the strain put on the local wastewater treatment plant. St. Charles tells WHMI that Hatty ordered the company to remain in compliance with the sewer ordinance with respect to testing and notifications, and to pay any costs above and beyond the norm associated with treating its wastewater. The parties will be back in court for a show cause hearing on January 31st to review their progress. (TD/JK)
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Stout Irish Pub In Brighton to be Bought by ManagerStout Irish Pub In Brighton to be Bought by Manager
12/20/12 - Stout Irish Pub in downtown Brighton is being purchased by the general manager of the bar-restaurant. Owner Mike Abrams bought the pub in 2007, which is now in the process of being purchased by Dave Norman, the general manager of both Stout and Lu & Carl's. Norman says heâs wanted to purchase Stout for a number of years and was finally able to make it happen. The purchase is almost complete, with the exception of the liquor license transfer and closing. The Brighton Downtown Development Authority approved a 10-year extension on the lease of DDA property which comprises part of the patio area and Norman says he wanted to make sure that lease extended well into the future before he purchased the pub. Norman has worked for 27 years for Abrams, who owns several sports bars and restaurants in the metro Detroit area. He says in addition to assuming ownership of Stout, he will continue to serve as the general manager of both Stout and Lu & Carl's. Norman says he doesnât plan to make any drastic changes or major renovations, but says there may be some "subtle" changes. He intends to bring back some of the traditional Irish menu items the pub formerly featured but the current brew selection will remain, as will the outdoor patio. Norman has about 35 full-and-part time employees at Stout and says he will continue with the same staff. Norman says he hopes to assume ownership of the pub and restaurant by February 1st. The purchase price has not been disclosed. (JM/TT)
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Howell Schools Increase Security Due To Rumors Of ViolenceHowell Schools Increase Security Due To Rumors Of Violence
12/21/12 - Howell Public Schools will see an increased police presence today in response to rumors of violence tied to the end of the Mayan long-count calendar. In an open letter on Thursday, Superintendent Ron Wilson told residents that the district was working with law enforcement to investigate rumors that students could be planning violence to coincide with the date which some fear will mark the end of the world. Undersheriff Mike Murphy told Wilson that he believed the rumor was not a legitimate threat, but every hint of potential violence is taken seriously by the district. In addition to the increased police presence, the district will implement a secure-in-place policy that keeps all exterior and interior doors locked except when necessary to allow students to move through the buildings. For a link to the open letter, click the link below. (TD/JK)
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Howell Rec Authority Looking To Hire Howell Rec Authority Looking To Hire
12/21/12 - The Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority is looking to hire new building/site supervisors. The individual hired would oversee and maintain the use of various facilities during parks and recreation activities, rentals, sports activities, along with work at special events. The authority says those applying should be mature, over 18 years old, able to do manual labor and have basic "fix it" skills along with a good customer service attitude. Applicants must be available for both day and evening events as well as weekend work, which can fluctuate daily. Applications must be received by December 31st and the authority says anyone hired should be prepared to begin work immediately after the holiday. Applicants can download an application through the link below and send it along with an email cover letter to the attention of Authority Director Debbie Mikula at dmikula@howellrecreation.org. (JM)
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Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty To Pulling Gun On ClerkMan Sentenced After Pleading Guilty To Pulling Gun On Clerk
12/21/12 - A Deerfield Township man police say threatened a convenience store clerk while demanding beer was sentenced yesterday. On Friday, 49-year-old Daniel Todd Hogan pleaded guilty as charged to a single count of felonious assault as a 2nd time habitual offender. Prosecutors agreed to a sentencing agreement that recommends Hogan for a treatment program for nonviolent offenders. He was sentenced to 81 days in jail already served as well as 12 months of probation. Hogan was charged after authorities say he walked into the Venture Corners store on October 1st and demanded beer from the clerk. When the clerk refused to sell to Hogan, who he says was visibly intoxicated, he refused to leave and reportedly showed off a gun in his waistband, which later turned out to be a BB gun. The clerk pulled out his own gun and held Hogan until police arrived. (TD)
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Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign Could Use Community Boost Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign Could Use Community Boost
A local non-profit that serves those struggling and most in need in Livingston County is now turning to the community for support. The Salvation Army of Livingston County places red kettles at stores all over Livingston County every Christmas season, with bell ringers collecting donations to support its year round service programs. Donations are down significantly this season but officials say the needs of those served by the local Corps are greater than ever before. Local residents are encouraged to donate whatever they can when out and about or shopping this weekend. Individuals can also give of their time and sign up for a bell ringing shift at one of the many red kettle locations. They include Walmart (Howell, Fowlerville & Hartland), Kroger (Howell, Hartland, Brighton & Hamburg), VGâs (Howell & Brighton), Buschâs, Walgreens (Howell, Hartland & Brighton), TJ Maxx, JCPenney, Jonnaâs Market and Big Lots. To volunteer to ring a bell at one of the kettles, visit www.registertoring.com or call the Salvation Armyâs Kettle Coordinator Liz at 517-546-4750 x107. Monetary donations may be brought in to: The Salvation Army; 503 Lake Street; Howell, MI 48843; sent to The Salvation Army P.O. Box 647, Howell, MI 48844 or click on the link below to donate online. (JM)
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Rogers; Mental Health Treatment Should Be Focus After TragedyRogers; Mental Health Treatment Should Be Focus After Tragedy
12/21/12 - As the nation's largest gun-rights lobby is calling for armed police officers to be posted in every American school to stop the next killer "waiting in the wings," Livingston Countyâs voice in Congress is advocating a look at the nationâs mental health treatment as opposed to new gun laws. The National Rifle Association broke its silence today on last week's shooting rampage at a Connecticut elementary school that left 26 children and staff dead. The group's top lobbyist, Wayne LaPierre, said "The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun." But for Congressman Mike Rogers, the core issue in many of these mass shootings concerns the mental state of the shooter. The Howell Republican says an examination of the nation's mental health system, most importantly early intervention, is a much more effective way to try and avoid tragedies like what happened in Connecticut. President Obama this week launched an interagency task force led by Vice President Biden and called on Congress to take action to ban assault weapons and high capacity ammunition clips by renewing the Assault Weapons Ban, which expired in 2004. But Rogers said there needs to be a cooling-off period before any legislative efforts are made on gun control and that simple (quote) âdusting off old legislationâ, isnât the best way to move forward. (JK)
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Officials Make Plans For Properties Acquired By Fenton Township
12/22/12 - Fenton Township is receiving 55 tax-foreclosed properties at no cost from the Genesee County Treasurerâs Office. The township must now consider what to do with the properties, most of which are part of existing subdivisions. MLive reports that due to the timing of the acquisition, the township has no restrictions on what it can do with the properties or what it can do with the money generated from their sale. The township currently plans to sell off the properties at a profit with a couple of exceptions. Police say the former Frankâs Tavern building on Eastview Drive has become a site of frequent drug activity, so the township fire department plans to burn it down to provide training for firefighters. A property near Petts Lake that is dominated by wetlands could be sold to the Michigan Nature Association. The other properties are divided among five locations and will likely be sold. (TD)
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Brighton Council Rejects Class "C" Liquor License RequestBrighton Council Rejects Class "C" Liquor License Request
12/22/12 - A divided Brighton City Council Thursday night approved one liquor license matter on the agenda but rejected the other. A third item on the agenda â approval of a redevelopment liquor license â was later removed when it became moot. Up for consideration were requests for approval of a liquor license transfer from Scotty Simpsonâs Fish & Chips and Lynnâs Café to Stonefire Bistro, which recently underwent a change in ownership and had its liquor license placed in escrow. The transfer was approved on a unanimous vote. The next item on the agenda was consideration of a class âCâ liquor license application, called a âquotaâ license because of population growth in the city of Brighton in the last census. Jim Starnes, owner of Two Brothers Coffee Shop, had originally requested a redevelopment liquor license, costing $20,000. But later he was informed that a class âCâ quota license was available and withdrew his redevelopment liquor license application, applying instead for the class âCâ license. However, by that time the partners who had bought Stonefire â who are also the property owners of the Lynnâs Café and Scotty Simpsonâs building - had applied for the class âCâ license for the latter. The motion under consideration was to approve a quota liquor license for Scotty Simpsonâs and Lynn's Cafe, and some council members were uncomfortable with choosing one business over another, the result being a 3-3 tie vote. Council then decided it would be more fair if they put the word out that there is a class âCâ quota liquor license available for $600, in case any other local restaurants are interested. Council directed City Manager Dana Foster to put out a notice stating that the license is available and to contact city hall in a timely manner in order to be considered along with the other two businesses. The matter will be on the agenda at the Jan. 17 meeting. (TT)
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FEMA Funds Split Between Two Local Shelter ProgramsFEMA Funds Split Between Two Local Shelter Programs
12/22/12 - A pair of Livingston County non-profits will split nearly $16,000 in federal funds to supplement emergency shelter programs in the county. Livingston County received $15,878 from Michigan Set-Aside funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be spent for emergency food or shelter before March 31st, 2013. A recommendation to spend the funds all on emergency housing was recently ratified by the local FEMA board via an email vote. The recommendation was to split the total in half, so that $7,939 would go to both LACASA and the Livingston Family Center for use in their respective shelter facilities, but also for hotel and rental shelter costs as needed. LACASA operates a shelter in Howell Township for survivors of domestic violence and their children, while the Livingston Family Center hosts a shelter through Connection Youth Services, providing safe housing for young people from 12-21. (JK)
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