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Two Howell High Students Among Top in State Math CompetitionTwo Howell High Students Among Top in State Math Competition

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12/19/14 - Two Howell High School students progressed as finalists in a state math competition. Junior Nigel Armstrong, pictured on left, and sophomore Austin Red Wing qualified as finalists in the 58th Annual Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition. They were among the top 1,170 students who competed in the first part of the exam, which was a 40 question multiple-choice exam given at 143 high schools throughout Michigan. Students who advanced as finalists then took the Part II Exam, consisting of five challenging mathematical problems. The finalists were required to write out solutions to each problem and provide mathematical proof justifying that their solutions were correct. Both Armstrong and Red Wing agreed that the competition was more than memorization and required both prior knowledge and outside-of-the-box thinking. They said the competition was different from others in that it involved solving puzzles using intuition; not just doing a formula. Students with the top 100 scores in the two parts of the competition will be honored at an awards banquet in March and the top 50 will be presented with scholarships. (JM)

Details Released On Livingston Traffic Stop Of Robbery RingDetails Released On Livingston Traffic Stop Of Robbery Ring

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12/20/14 - More details are emerging about the arrests of six men in Livingston County last week who authorities say were responsible for a string of credit union robberies. A state and federal violent crime task force, including FBI agents, requested that the State Police make a traffic stop on two vehicles along I-96 near Kensington Road. Multiple officers blocked in the vehicles and were seen by motorists with their weapons drawn. According to federal court records, the suspects used a combination of wigs, makeup and tattoos to obscure their identity during the robbery spree, which began September 9th in Lansing. At the time of the traffic stop on December 11th, agents believe the suspects were en route to robbing a ninth credit union, again in Lansing. In all, more than $150,000 was stolen from eight credit unions. Charged were Angelo Mitchell, Allante Williams, Terrell Reese, James Steen, Defonta Howard and Jonathan Daffin. All six are residents of Detroit, A seventh suspect, Scantavia Isaac, remains at large. Mitchell, who is considered to be the ringleader, was identified from a tip. That led police to his car, which the FBI put under surveillance. When agents saw the men get into that vehicle and another and head towards Lansing, they made the decision to stop the suspects. An FBI affidavit indicates that Mitchell admitted to 7 of the 8 robberies and that they were on their way to rob the Dearborn Federal Credit Union on Lake Lansing Road in Lansing. (JK)

Clarity Hearing on Proposed Howell Recall Language MondayClarity Hearing on Proposed Howell Recall Language Monday

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12/20/14 - The Livingston County Election Commission will meet on Monday to review recall language filed against three Howell Board of Education members. The Howell Recall Committee is looking to oust Vice President Mike Yenshaw and Trustees Mike Moloney and Deborah McCormick for their actions that resulted in the termination of former superintendent Ron Wilson. Organizers earlier filed language to recall four members but the Livingston County Election Commission determined it was unclear so the three new petitions were filed. The Howell Recall Committee said it decided to not target Treasurer Stacy Pasini this time around, because of the community support they received for her. Livingston County Elections Coordinator Joan Runyan tells WHMI the hearing on the clarity factualness of the submitted language is scheduled to begin at 8:30am Monday in the second floor courtroom in the historic Livingston County courthouse. The Livingston County Election Commission is made up of the probate court judge, county clerk and treasurer and they will rule on submission of the language as far as its factualness and clarity. The Howell Recall Committee’s goal remains to get the recall onto the May 5th ballot. If the language is approved during Monday’s hearing, organizers would have until late January to gather the nearly 5,700 signatures needed for each petition. (JM)

Purple Rose Gets New Rehearsal Facility

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12/21/14 - Actors and crew for productions at the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea have a new location to rehearse. The theater has needed a new location to rehearse their shows after the Chelsea Center for the Arts closed due to budget issues earlier this year. The Chelsea Standard reports the new location has 3,000 square feet, which is a bit small for the theater, but the cast and crew are happy for a place to rehearse upcoming productions while the current shows take up the theater itself. The theater has secured the building with a three-year lease. A ribbon-cutting for the new facility was held on December 12th. The theater company will build a replica of the performance stage at the new location. (TD)

Michigan State Police Host Annual Toys for Tots Collection Drive Michigan State Police Host Annual Toys for Tots Collection Drive

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12/21/14 - The Michigan State Police – Brighton Post is thanking the community and everyone who assisted with this year’s collection drive for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. The Brighton Post was again a collection point for toy donations. Since 1991, the mission of the Marine Corp – Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the local community. The Toys for Tots headquarters is located near the Marine Corps base at Quantico Virginia, which is just outside Washington D.C. Troopers at the Brighton Post worked with former Marine Sergeant Mike Lenahan, who is also a retired Michigan State Police- Detective Sergeant, to collect the toys and then to deliver them to the Toys for Tots depot for distribution to area families. Officials say the generosity of Livingston County residents in the number and variety of toys that were dropped off at the Brighton Post was very much appreciated. Pictured on left is Brighton Post Commander First Lieutenant Joel Allen, accompanied by Lenahan. (JM)

Gold For Food Lets Dentists Donate Thousands To GleanersGold For Food Lets Dentists Donate Thousands To Gleaners

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12/21/14 - A partnership with local dentists and a Michigan refinery will allow Gleaners Community Food Bank to put food on the table for thousands of people in Livingston County this holiday season. Some dental patients choose to keep the bits of gold, palladium, or other precious metals removed from their old dental work, although some dentists choose to just pocket these bits of metal. However, all year long, eighteen local dentists have been offering patients the chance to donate their precious metals to a good cause. The Gold for Food program collects those bits of metal and sends them to Casady Refining Services, a Michigan refinery that is able to turn the old crowns and gold teeth into purified metal for sale. The money from that metal then goes to Gleaners, which uses it to provide meals to Livingston County families in need. This year the dentists and refiners were able to provide Gleaners with a check for $8,645, which will be doubled by an anonymous donor. That will provide Gleaners with the purchasing power to provide about 100,000 meals on the table for Livingston County families in need. Dentists interested in becoming part of the Gold for Food program in 2015 can contact the offices of Dr. Fred Bonine, who was the first dentist to take part. (TD)

Man Charged After Twice Fleeing From Police Enters Plea Man Charged After Twice Fleeing From Police Enters Plea

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12/22/14 - A man facing felony charges after twice fleeing from police has accepted a plea deal from prosecutors. 28-year-old Martin Brock pleaded guilty as charged to assaulting/resisting police, fleeing from a police officer and driving on a suspended license. He entered the plea in Livingston County Circuit Court as a fourth-time habitual offender and in exchange, prosecutors agreed to recommend a 2 to 15 year prison sentence. The deal also stipulates that either party cab withdraw if the court does not agree with the sentence handed down February 5th. The charges against Brock were filed after a chase on September 25th, which began after he drove past a deputy’s patrol vehicle on Nicholson Road at a high rate of speed. The deputy attempted to pull him over but Brock refused to stop and fled at speeds reaching 100 mph. He lost control near Fowlerville Road in Conway Township and crashed but then fled on foot from his vehicle, which had caught on fire. As firefighters worked to put the car fire out, deputies and officers with the Fowlerville Police Department set up a perimeter around nearby cornfields to try and capture Brock. He then reportedly called his mother, who picked him up. When police stopped his mother’s minivan near Vogt Road, Brock again fled. However, police used a K-9 to track him down and take him into custody. (JM)

Appeals Court Says Suit Can Proceed Against Deputy Over Dog BiteAppeals Court Says Suit Can Proceed Against Deputy Over Dog Bite

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12/22/14 - An appeals court won't free a Livingston County sheriff's deputy from a lawsuit by a woman who was bitten by a police dog after attending a self-help conference. The decision Friday means the case can continue in Detroit federal court and Deputy Anthony Clayton isn't entitled to immunity. Terry Greco of Old Lyme, Connecticut, was attending a conference in Howell in 2011. She became lost on her way to a hotel, and her car got stuck on the side of a road. There's no dispute that Greco earlier had been drinking wine. Greco says deputies approached her while she was urinating in bushes and released a police dog named Diago. But the deputy has a different story. Clayton says he slipped on a log and almost landed on Greco. He says the dog released her thigh after he confirmed that Greco didn't have a weapon. The appeals court says a jury can sort out whether the dog bite was intentional or an accident. (JM)

Fenton Planning Commission OK's New ChurchFenton Planning Commission OK's New Church

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12/22/14 - The City of Fenton Planning Commission has given its blessing to a new church planned for construction in the spring. Trinity Lutheran Church is currently located on Main Street in the city, and it submitted a site plan to the planning commission to build a new church about two blocks to the east. The church has outgrown its current location, and the city was opposed to its previous proposed plan of buying neighboring lots and turning them into additional parking. The new church building (a rendering of which is pictured here) will hold nearly 400 people, be two stories tall, and will include a brick and decorative masonry façade. Thursday night, the planning commission held a public meeting and gave approval for the project’s site plan and special land use. Church Building Committee Chair Phil Price says the new building will be in a traditional cruciform design with some modern elements based on a statewide tour of church buildings. Some residents brought up concerns during the public hearing, mostly regarding access, lighting, and the green barrier between the building and surrounding homes. Most of the questions were answered on the spot, and the planning commission eventually granted approval. Price says church officials plan to begin building with the spring thaw and be ready to move into the new building for Christmas of 2015. (TD)

LACASA Receives $1 Million Endowment GiftLACASA Receives $1 Million Endowment Gift

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12/22/14 - Christmas came a few days early for a local nonprofit agency that provides services for victims of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. LACASA Center announced today it recently received a $1 million endowment. Bobette Schrandt, president and CEO of LACASA, said the donor, who wished to remain anonymous, made the gift with the stipulation that the $1 million endowment remain intact to create a source of ongoing income for LACASA. Schrandt said depending on the market, the endowment could bring in up to $50,000 a year in usable income for the organization. However, she said while the gift is a much-needed shot in the arm for LACASA’s efforts, it by no means ends their need to raise funds throughout the year. "It's not the end, it's only the beginning. The deficit budgets that we've run, last year it was over $86,000. So we still need our fundraising events, special events and donations because, again, this is not cash in hand. It's an asset, so the operation still needs the cash flow. It's not an either/or. For sustainability, the goal is to have both because our grants have been continuously cut." Schrandt says the bequest is the largest known single endowment made by an individual to a nonprofit organization in the history of Livingston County. She added that the donor, whom she referred to as an “angel funder” is a supporter of other regional charities, but forged a strong relationship with LACASA after visiting the organization and witnessing the work that it does for abused children, foster children and victims of interpersonal violence. “I chose to give this endowment to LACASA because of the amazing support and services it provides for women and children,” said the angel funder. “This agency’s programs are beyond anything I have ever seen in a community, or anywhere for that matter. LACASA serves people in the best way possible way…from beginning to end.” This is the second time in Livingston County’s history that LACASA has achieved a fundraising milestone. In 2000, LACASA’s “Raise the Roof” capital campaign earned more than $2.8 million for the construction of the agency’s current facility. (JK)

Howell Vietnam Veteran's War Trophy Set To Appear On Pawn StarsHowell Vietnam Veteran's War Trophy Set To Appear On Pawn Stars

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12/22/14 - A local veteran will get his shot at stardom tonight when he’s featured on “Pawn Stars.” Joe Ostervik of Howell was a member of the 1st Cavalry Division in May of 1970 when the U.S. invaded Cambodia during the Vietnam War. After helping to clear out an enemy bunker complex, the then-21-year-old Ostervik came across an oil painting of North Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh. Without really thinking about it, he rolled it up and brought it home with him. Fast forward to this past September when he and his wife traveled to Las Vegas and brought the painting to be appraised at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop, home of The History Channel's Pawn Stars reality show. Ostervik says they originally told him the segment would air in February, but he found out this weekend, it’s actually set to air tonight. Ostervik said while he technically can’t reveal what happened during the taping until it airs, he is able to say he didn’t get as much as he would have liked. The Pawn Stars episode will air at 9:30 tonight on The History Channel. (JK)

Police Follow Drag Marks to Track Down Fleeing Suspect Police Follow Drag Marks to Track Down Fleeing Suspect

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12/22/14 - A Green Oak Township man has been charged after sideswiping two cars and fleeing the scene while driving on only three wheels last weekend. The 27-year-old man, who has not yet been identified, was charged with failure to stop after a property damage accident that happened around 8:30pm Saturday, according to the South Lyon Herald. Police say the man sideswiped two cars parked on Lake Street near 10 Mile and McMunn in South Lyon, which sustained extensive damage on the driver side. Witnesses reported that the suspect fled on three wheels and police discovered a wheel hub assembly and tire near the accident scene. Officers then followed drag marks and noticed a vehicle matching the suspect description parked in a garage in the Greenock Hills subdivision. The owner reportedly told police he dropped a drink and struck a curb when retrieving it while driving but lost the vehicle tire and then coasted his vehicle home. However, further investigation revealed the man panicked and fled after the accident. The man’s vehicle was ultimately impounded and he was cited pending a court hearing on January 6th. (JM)

Howell Schools Recall Petition Language Approved Howell Schools Recall Petition Language Approved

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12/22/14 - A clarity hearing this morning approved the language of a petition to recall three Howell School Board of Education members. Matthew Ikle, the Co-Chair of the Howell Recall Committee, filed the language for the recall petition for the second time to the Livingston County Election Commission. The petition seeks to recall Vice President Mike Yenshaw and Trustees Deborah McCormick and Michael Moloney for their role in the termination of former Howell Superintendent Ron Wilson. The language that was approved states the reason for recall is that each board member authorized up to $5,000 in public funds to investigate Wilson’s mileage reimbursement on October 2nd and each member voted to discharge Wilson on November 12th. The board members argued that there was “just cause” to fire Wilson and the statement about the $5,000 is misleading. Moloney tells WHMI while the $5,000 was authorized, it was never spent. Ikle says the Recall Committee listened “very well” to the Election Commission’s comments at the last clarity hearing and readjusted their wording in the petition accordingly. Though the Election Commission unanimously approved the language that was filed, Livingston County Clerk Margaret Dunleavy said in regards to the petition’s wording, “truthfulness and factualness are very different.” Moloney says they plan to look into filing an appeal to the Livingston County Circuit Court. They have ten days to make such a filing, meaning the latest they could do so would be Tuesday, December 30. Meanwhile, the recall organizers cannot begin collecting signatures until after that ten day period is complete and will have to gather the requisite number of valid signatures and have them turned in by January 30th in order to achieve their stated goal of getting the recall onto the May 5th ballot. Treasurer Stacy Pasini, who was targeted in the initial recall attempt, was omitted this time by recall organizers who said they were responding to the public's desire that she remain on the board. (DK/JK)

Area Fire Crews Respond to Large Blazes in South Lyon and MilfordArea Fire Crews Respond to Large Blazes in South Lyon and Milford

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12/22/14 - Structure fires were reported at two businesses in the South Lyon and Milford areas today. Crews were called out to a fire at Milford Salvage Iron & Metal Company located on Buno Road near Childs Lake Road. Large plumes of black smoke could be seen throughout the area and there was also some concern about electrical lines that was in close proximity to the fire. Meanwhile, Hometown Life reports that the Pullum Window building on Lafayette Street in South Lyon also caught fire and firefighters battled that blaze this afternoon. Some of the responding fire crews that assisted included the Green Oak Township Fire Department and Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority. Photo Credit WXYZ Detroit. (JM)

Manufacturing Company Brings New Jobs to Fenton Township Manufacturing Company Brings New Jobs to Fenton Township

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12/23/14 - A manufacturing company is poised to bring new jobs to the Fenton area. Enihcam Corporation opened a newly expanded facility on Thompson Road in Fenton Township. Enihcam sells machine tools and manufacturing equipment such as CNC machines but is also Michigan’s exclusive distributor of SMTCL machine tools through a partnership with the China-based company. That company is said to be looking to open a manufacturing facility in the United States, possibly Michigan. The renovated facility totals 35,000-square-feet and represents a $1.5 million investment that is expected to result in 30-50 new jobs over the next three years, depending on demand. The company moved from Saginaw and the close proximity to I-69, I-75 and US-23 corridor made the location attractive. Fenton Township officials have said they were excited by the projected growth of the company and the creation of new jobs in the community, adding Enihcam has done a great job renovating and updating an abandoned facility. (JM)

Howell Choir & Band Members Host Special Holiday PerformancesHowell Choir & Band Members Host Special Holiday Performances

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12/23/14 - Some students in the Howell district have been busy spreading holiday cheer from caroling outside around local neighborhoods to singing inside of the Governor’s mansion. Members of Howell High School’s Highlander Chorale traveled to Lansing for a special holiday performance at Governor Rick Snyder’s private holiday party. Director of Choirs Rod Bushey says it was an honor and students received numerous compliments regarding their performance, adding the governor and first lady were gracious hosts. Members of the Parker Middle School bands also volunteered their time to spread some holiday cheer around a local neighborhood this month. Fifty band members from sixth, seventh and eighth grades spent over an hour visiting homes and playing holiday songs in the Hometown Village subdivision. Band Director Jeff Stimson says he’s hoping to make holiday caroling an annual event and would like to expand it to include other neighborhoods and possibly some retirement communities. (JM)

Christmas Ceremony Honors Loved Ones Who Have PassedChristmas Ceremony Honors Loved Ones Who Have Passed

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12/23/14 - A local organization dedicated to helping young people cope with the loss of a loved one held its annual tree lighting ceremony last night. Ashley’s Friends is a support program for people aged five to 18 who have lost a loved one, as well as for their caregivers. It is a peer support group, with small groups of attendees of similar age sharing their experiences and memories. Last night, dozens of people involved in the organization gathered at the Oceola Township Fire Station for the annual tree lighting ceremony. They enjoyed a holiday meal together, lit candles in remembrance of their loved ones, and sang Christmas carols together. Participants have said that the Ashley’s Friends program has helped them get through the grieving process and honor the memories of those they have lost. The program has helped more than a hundred young people since its creation in 2002, and some have even joined the group of volunteers that run Ashley’s Friends to contribute to the healing of others. (TD)

Howell Council Approves Bennett Rec Center Ice RinkHowell Council Approves Bennett Rec Center Ice Rink

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12/23/14 - While there isn’t an ice rink in the City of Howell now, there may be two in the future. Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority Director Paul Rogers approached City Council Monday night about using the tennis courts behind the Bennett Recreation Center to install an ice rink, which was approved. Thai Summit America Corporation had already budgeted funds to sponsor a project of some sort and wrote a $3,000 check to purchase a removable rink. Simultaneously, the Howell Downtown Development Authority has been working to secure partnerships and a location for a permanent splash pad and ice rink after Livingston County officials decided against allowing the project on the grounds of the historic courthouse. DDA Board President Eric Conn told Council he was surprised and a little upset and felt this was basically another opportunity to submarine the project and idea that began 13 months ago. Conn said he felt another rink would hinder the DDA’s ability to secure sponsorships at a critical time, and asked that council hold off and allow them time to finalize a deal. Some council members felt it should be viewed an opportunity and potential partnership to increase demand for a permanent facility, not competition. Mayor Phil Campbell, who sits on the DDA board, shared in Conn’s concerns and voted against the approval, along with Mayor Pro Tem Al Schlittler. Mayor Phil Campbell agreed with Conn that it could detrimentally impact the project and some council members were reluctant because of the DDA concept. Others liked the idea and felt they were two completely different projects considering cost and long term perspective, adding they understood the passion but felt there was room for two. Rogers pointed out that the recreation authority encompasses the city, three surrounding townships and possibly a fourth next year and the rink could be installed just as easily within those jurisdictions. The ice rink is expected to be installed before the end of this year and usable very soon thereafter at no cost to the public. (JM)

Public Input Sought On Huron Valley Schools Budget ProblemsPublic Input Sought On Huron Valley Schools Budget Problems

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12/23/14 - The public is being asked for input on how to handle the budget shortfall of Huron Valley Schools. The district is expecting a budget shortfall of about $3 million each year. The Milford Times reports the district needs about $5 million annually to address problems with its 22 buildings, such as aging roofs and parking lots. About $2 million of that is covered by the district’s sinking fund, which will continue through 2019, but voters turned down about $3 million in additional tax revenue last year. The district has now scheduled two town hall meetings in January to discuss the needs of its buildings and get voter perspective on possible solutions. The first meeting will take place on January 8th at Lakeland High School, and the second will be January 14th at Milford High School. A new request for funding could go before voters as soon as May. (TD)

Dunnage Engineering Owner Alleges Violations at Corrigan Site Dunnage Engineering Owner Alleges Violations at Corrigan Site

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12/23/14 - Dunnage Engineering owner Jerry Joseph is alleging that Corrigan Oil and Corrigan Construction haven't complied with Brighton city ordinances involving an expansion project on Advance Street, and wants the city to enforce the rules. Joseph, whose company abuts Corrigan's property, addressed Brighton City Council at its meeting last week about the situation. Corrigan co-owner Mike Corrigan denies that his company is in violation of city ordinances and says they bought the adjacent land to provide additional parking and storage space. But Joseph charges that the dust from the crushed asphalt blows over his parking lot and the adjacent residential areas, and is picked up by Corrigan trucks, which carry it onto Advance and Second streets. Corrigan admitted to WHMI that his company is behind on its expansion project, mostly, he says, because the company this year was given the construction contract on the huge, $51 million expansion project at the Eberspaecher plant in Brighton. Corrigan says he is not aware of any city ordinance violations, but concedes he has fallen behind on the revised site plan requirements. He says he’ll correct the situation and get up-to-date by next spring. City Manager Dana Foster says if Corrigan fails to do so, as well as complete all construction activity within the next year, he’ll issue a second cease and desist letter requiring him to remove all parking or storage on "unimproved surfaces." One was previously issued on Nov. 5th, requiring Corrigan to complete the second layer of asphalt paving for phase 1 and 2 of the current site plan approved in 2013. He says both sides have agreed to meet with him at the site over the matter to discuss it face-to-face. A date and time for that meeting had not been set by the end of the day on Monday. (TT/JK)
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