1/5/15 - Local officials are encouraging residents to make sure they can safely heat their homes during cold weather this winter. Fowlerville Fire Chief John Wright says furnaces and space heaters need to be kept in good working order to prevent fires from starting. He encourages residents to make sure new heaters are properly installed and that old ones have not suffered any damage or wear. Damaged heating elements or heat exchangers can lead to fire hazards, and preventing them with inspections and replacement is an important step to preventing that. Fire is not the only hazard when it comes to keeping the winter chill at bay. Worn-out or damaged heaters or furnaces can cause a buildup of deadly carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and it is created by the incomplete combustion of fuels like wood or gas as well as by defective heaters. Wright reminds residents to make sure heaters are in good working order, approved for indoor use, and placed in well-ventilated areas. Wright says the county building department is an excellent source to get furnaces and heaters examined for safety. Carbon monoxide detectors are available for little or no cost from most local fire departments. (TD)
Officials Urge Caution When Heating Home In Winter MonthsOfficials Urge Caution When Heating Home In Winter Months
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2015 Will Be Busy Roadwork Season In Livingston County2015 Will Be Busy Roadwork Season In Livingston County
1/5/15 - The New Year is bringing significant roadwork for Livingston County. The Michigan Department of Transportation completed a number of smaller projects and rehabilitation work in 2014 according to spokeswoman Kari Arend. She says the big project planned in 2015 and 2016 in the area of I-96 and US-23 aims to improve bridges, capacity and safety. Arend says that project has been in the planning phase for a while and involves major interchange improvements and re-alignment. Spencer Road is also part of the project and work will be done on that road early on. It will involve a full closure for approximately 42-days with a detour posted, which Arend says will likely have the biggest impact on area residents when it does kick off. Despite a slightly delayed start, she says work should ideally begin in the spring, with some prep work and tree clearing potentially taking place this winter. Arend says the public will start to see more information about the upcoming project at I-96 and US-23 as we move into the spring. As for last year, resurfacing and bridge work wrapped up on a busy stretch of eastbound I-96 in Oakland County. More locally, Arend says a smaller project was completed at M-59 and Hacker Road in which a center turn lane was installed. A large resurfacing project was also done late in the season on M-36 from Pinckney to US-23. (JM)
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New Legislators Sworn In By State Supreme Court JusticeNew Legislators Sworn In By State Supreme Court Justice
1/5/15 - A swearing-in ceremony was held yesterday for Livingston County's two newest legislators. State Rep. Lana Theis, who will be representing the 42nd House District, and State Rep. Hank Vaupel, who will represent residents for the 47th District, took their oaths of office Sunday at the historic Howell courthouse. The oath was administered by State Supreme Court Justice David Viviano. Theis and Vaupel are replacing term-limited legislators Bill Rogers and Cindy Denby, respectively. Sundayâs ceremony was attended by residents of both districts as well as friends and family of both representatives. Theis, who was most recently the Brighton Township treasurer, said she looked âforward to advocating for the residents of Livingston Countyâ and working with her new colleagues. Vaupel, who stepped down from his position as Handy Township Supervisor, also expressed an eagerness to get to work, saying he would work to the best of his ability âto make Michigan a place where our kids and grandkids want to stay.â The first official day of the 2015-16 session is Wednesday January 14th. (JK)
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Two Men Rescued After Falling in Icy Lake While Trying to Save DogTwo Men Rescued After Falling in Icy Lake While Trying to Save Dog
1/5/15 - Two men attempting to rescue a dog that wandered out onto the ice of Briggs Lake ended up having to be rescued themselves Sunday afternoon. The Green Oak Township Fire Department was called out around 3:15pm on a report of two persons that went through the ice. Upon arrival, Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Gentry tells WHMI they found two individuals in a boat in the middle of ice in the lake. He says apparently one man chased a dog out onto the ice and fell through. Then in an attempt to rescue the first individual, a second man took a boat out but also fell through the ice. Gentry says the men were able to get back in the boat, which is where they were found approximately 110 feet from shore when the department arrived. Gentry says the result was two cold, wet men in a boat and personnel used ice rescue equipment to retrieve them and brought them to shore along with the dog. There were no significant injures and Gentry says last they heard, the dog was recovering well. He adds that due to the exceedingly warm temperatures for the season during December, the ice while quickly frozen over is still dangerous and it will take a long period of cold to make it safe enough to hold the weight of a person. (JM)
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Ruling Ends Lawsuit From 1992 Hamburg MurderRuling Ends Lawsuit From 1992 Hamburg Murder
1/5/15 - A federal appeals court has effectively ended a federal lawsuit filed by a former Brighton man who spent more than 15 years in prison for murder. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit in 2012 by 47-year-old Daniel Albert Newman, who was convicted of murder in 1992 for the shooting death of Harry Chappelear in his Hamburg Township home. Newman was accused of killing Chappelear in the course of a robbery. But in 2008 a federal appeals panel ruled that because there was no eyewitness or direct evidence that could place Newman at the murder scene, there were not sufficient grounds to sustain a conviction, and he was eventually released. The suit originally targeted Hamburg Township and two former police officials; Officer Patrick Debottis and Lt. Eric Calhoun. But the township and Debottis were removed from the lawsuit, leaving Calhoun as the sole defendant. He then appealed to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati seeking a decision on whether or not he has qualified immunity in the case as he maintains that there was probable cause for Newman's arrest and that he acted in good faith. Following oral arguments last month, the appeals panel agreed and reversed the earlier decision. Calhounâs attorney, Josephine DeLorenzo, said she was gratified the appeals panel followed the law. "There was probable cause to arrest Mr. Newman and they actually said it in the opinion. There's a different standard whether there's sufficient evidence to convict beyond a reasonable doubt. That was not the issue here. It was just whether he had probable cause to arrest and they found there was probable cause to arrest. You can't maintain an action for malicious prosecution when there's probable cause to arrest." DeLorenzo says the decision drops her client from the lawsuit and brings it to an end as he was the last defendant. (JK)
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Howell Opera House Still Taking Entries For Runway RepurposedHowell Opera House Still Taking Entries For Runway Repurposed
1/6/15 - Local fashion designers are running out of time to take part in the 7th annual Runway Repurposed competition. Registration for Runway Repurposed began on Monday and will continue today and Wednesday at the Howell Opera House. Each year, participants in Runway Repurposed select some of the thousands of garments donated by local businesses and spend about five weeks turning them into a custom-designed outfit. All of the entries are then modeled at a fashion show, where judges select their favorites in five categories: young beginner, beginner student, beginner adult, advanced, and the new Avant Garde. Organizers say the new category gives designers the freedom to create something expressive and artistic rather than be limited by practicality or tradition. This yearâs fashion show will take place at Crystal Gardens on February 15th. The winner in the advanced category will get a $500 cash prize. Adult designers can sign up for the event for $30 between the hours of 4pm and 8pm tonight and on Wednesday at the Howell Opera House. The fee for teen designers is $15. (TD/JK)
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Probable Cause Hearing Scheduled For Marion Man In Gun IncidentProbable Cause Hearing Scheduled For Marion Man In Gun Incident
1/6/15 - A new court case has begun for the Marion Township man who was first charged with fleeing police pursuit after he was arrested for threatening family members with guns. 22-year-old Brandon Gale is facing charges of fleeing a police officer, driving an unregistered vehicle, and possession of marijuana in Livingston County Circuit Court following an incident the afternoon of October 20th. He allegedly led police on a chase while riding his motorcycle through yards and fields before being cornered and turning himself in. He was released on bond, but police say he was arrested again in late December after two incidents in which his family says he threatened them with firearms. Gale allegedly also led police on a high-speed chase during that incident and had to be immobilized by responding Michigan State Troopers. In that case, he is now charged with armed robbery, assault with intent to rob while armed, discharging a firearm at a building, carrying a concealed weapon, fleeing police, and felony firearms. He was scheduled for a probable cause hearing today. Gale is also facing two other criminal cases in Livingston County District Court, one for retail fraud and another for possession of marijuana. (TD)
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Another Break-In Reported at BP Gas Station in Lyon Township Another Break-In Reported at BP Gas Station in Lyon Township
1/6/14 - Police are investigating another gas station break-in in Lyon Township. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Lyon Township substation were dispatched to the BP gas station at the corner of Grand River and New Hudson Road on Sunday morning for a breaking and entering alarm. Due to a previous break in at the business, the front door had been boarded up. However, police say there was an opening between the door and the plywood, which was used to gain entry to the store. Lottery tickets and cigarettes were taken. A K-9 deputy was able to track from the store to a nearby mobile home park. Deputies reviewed the in-store camera and were able to obtain descriptions of the two suspects, and are following up at this time. Police say the first suspect was wearing a light blue hoodie under a navy blue jacket with white stripes on the sleeve and black pajama style pants. The second suspect was described as wearing a dark ball cap, black jacket and hoodie with tan pants. (JM)
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Motorists Reminded To Brush Up On Winter Driving SkillsMotorists Reminded To Brush Up On Winter Driving Skills
1/6/15 - With subzero temperatures and wintry conditions expected to linger across Livingston County this week, motorists are being reminded to drive like it. Michigan weather is unpredictable any time of year, but especially during the winter months. AAA Michiganâs Susan Hiltz reminds local motorists to prepare their vehicles, plan for the trip and use precaution when driving. Hiltz says road conditions can quickly change for the worse during the winter months and when that happens, itâs important to slow down, allow for more distance and avoid using cruise control. Hiltz says it also important for motorists to prepare their vehicles for the winter. She suggests having your car battery tested, brakes checked, tires properly inflated, replace windshield wipers, switch over to a winter washer solvent that wonât freeze and make sure your gas tank is kept half full. As Michigan winters can produce extremely cold temperatures, large amounts of snow and bursts of freezing rain; Hiltz says having an emergency preparedness kit in a vehicle can also help in the event of an emergency. More tips on winter safety can be found through the link or attachment below. (JM)
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Family Makes Big Donation In Memory Of DaughterFamily Makes Big Donation In Memory Of Daughter
1/6/15 - The tragic loss of a loved one has prompted a local family to provide hope for others. Livingston Promise recently received a $15,000 donation from the Bartsch Memorial Trust in honor of Madeline Richard. The daughter of Adam and Michelle Richard of Howell, she passed away last May from a tragic accident. The Richards said they made the donation because there was no better way to honor Madeline's memory than to help other children in the community access a high quality early learning experience like those offered through the Livingston Promise. The organization is committed to supporting and promoting high-quality early education that is accessible and affordable. The couple said it was very important to them to find a high quality child care option for their daughter and they are honored to be able to support an organization that's working to improve the lives of young children and families. (JK)
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Local Health Officials Promote Radon Testing In JanuaryLocal Health Officials Promote Radon Testing In January
1/6/15 - The Livingston County Public Health Department is encouraging residents to test their homes for a dangerous gas this month. January is Radon Action Month, and the health department is offering free short-term test kits through the 31st. Radon is a tasteless, odorless, colorless gas that produces no symptoms in the short-term. However, it is also radioactive and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon is produced by uranium in the soil and can build up to dangerous levels in the basements of buildings. While approximately 13% of homes in Michigan are likely to have an elevated radon level, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality estimates that 40% of Livingston County homes contain elevated levels of the gas. Radon enters buildings through openings in the foundation, such as cracks or sump openings, but can usually be fixed at a cost of between $500 and $2,500. The test kits can be picked up for free from the Department of Public Heath office on Grand River in Howell. They are also available for purchase at many hardware stores and other retailers. For more radon information, contact the Livingston County Department of Public Health at (517) 546-9858, or the State of Michigan Radon Program at 1-800-RADON-GAS. (JK)
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Long Term Fix Sought For Brighton Twp. Sewer Problems Long Term Fix Sought For Brighton Twp. Sewer Problems
1/6/15 - It appears residents dealing with recurring sewer problems in a Brighton Township neighborhood got a little bit of a reprieve over the holidays and work to resolve issues long term continues. There have been ongoing sewer issues in the Northwinds subdivision located off of McClements Road near Old US-23. Township Manager Brian Vick provided an update to the board on the situation during Monday nightâs meeting. He says there has been an uptick in sewer related problems in that neighborhood over the last five or six months. Vick says they believe problems could be related to the fact that the development is not fully built out yet and only half occupied but theyâre continuing work to try and find a solution to the concerns voiced by residents during a December meeting. Since that time, officials have met with the township engineers, the developer and engineers for developer and it was determined to begin flushing the sewer system. That was done twice to ensure that no problems over the holiday period and Vick says they have since received a positive response from some residents and point people in the neighborhood following the flushing and will continue working to develop a long term solution. (JM)
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Order of Eviction Executed at Brighton Big Boy Order of Eviction Executed at Brighton Big Boy
1/6/15 - The Big Boy restaurant in Brighton closed its doors this afternoon. Customers and employees were sent home at around 1:00 and court officers from the 53rd District Court in Brighton confirmed that an order of eviction was executed at the restaurant on Grand River. The locks on the building were also changed. A notice posted on the door of the business states that $6,000 in rent was received that allowed the defendant to operate for the month of December. The notice lists Brighton BB Incorporated and Rainbow Management Company as the defendant. Calls have been placed with that company by WHMI, as well as with the attorney representing the plaintiff - Macati Investment Company.(JM)
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Deputy's Patrol Vehicle Hit By Motorist Traveling 75mphDeputy's Patrol Vehicle Hit By Motorist Traveling 75mph
1/6/15 - A deputyâs patrol vehicle was hit while at the scene of an accident near the Livingston County line this morning. A two-car accident happened at around 10:15am on I-96 by Wallace Road in Leroy Township, near the county line. An Ingham County Sheriffâs Deputy was policing the accident and his patrol vehicle, as well as the others involved in the accident, had pulled to the shoulder of the highway. The department says while policing the accident, the deputy's vehicle was struck from behind by a vehicle traveling at around 75 mph. The deputy was evaluated at a local hospital and released a short time later, un-injured. The driver of the vehicle that struck the deputy was not injured but was cited for careless driving. Todayâs incident could have resulted in another potential tragedy for the department as it happened almost a month after Deputy Grant Whitaker lost his life in the line of duty while pursuing a vehicle December 7th. The Ingham County Sheriffâs Department is reminding drivers that Michigan Law requires them to move over one lane or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles, including tow trucks. (JM)
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Group Plans Meeting & Film Spotlighting Sex TraffickingGroup Plans Meeting & Film Spotlighting Sex Trafficking
1/7/15 - An event Thursday night aims to educate the local community about the horrific realities of sex trafficking and how to stand together with others who are fighting it.
The Livingston County Abolitionist Project will be presenting âChosen: An Anti-Trafficking Documentary" at Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Hilton Road in Brighton Township. Kim MacDonald is a mom of six who lives in Brighton and heads up the local group, which is a branch of the Michigan Abolition Project. She tells WHMI the 20-minute film tells the true story of two "all-American" teenage girls deceived into trafficking and both were âchosenâ to be manipulated and exploited. MacDonald says Amy Savin with the A-21 campaign will offer 21 ways to easily get involved and a woman will speak who recently returned from Thailand where she worked with a ministry started by a woman who was trafficked. The event will begin at 6:30pm Thursday and the film will be followed by discussion. (JM)
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Florida Man Jailed For Alleged Unlawful Imprisonment, StrangulationFlorida Man Jailed For Alleged Unlawful Imprisonment, Strangulation
1/7/15 - A $300,000 bond has been set for a Florida man accused of attempting to strangle a Holly woman on New Yearâs Day. 41-year-old Billie Gene Tobler of Tampa is charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault by strangulation in Livingston County District Court. The charges stem from an incident on January 1st involving a Holly woman. He is scheduled for a probable cause conference in Judge Carol Sue Readerâs courtroom on January 13th, followed by an exam on January 20th. His bond comes with a number of stipulations, including that he not contact the victim and that he not leave the state of Michigan. (TD)
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Brighton Big Boy Closes Doors Following Eviction NoticeBrighton Big Boy Closes Doors Following Eviction Notice
1/7/15 - The lights were turned off and the locks were changed after an order of eviction was executed Tuesday afternoon at the Brighton Big Boy restaurant. Randy McGarry was an 18-year employee and former manager of that Big Boy and remains an avid customer. He was there eating when it happened and says when he looked around, he noticed a police officer and court personnel. He told WHMI the person running the place came in to say they were closing down and a locksmith was already changing the locks, waiting for everybody to get out of the building. Court records show a complaint was filed by Macati Investment Company against the defendant, Brighton BB Incorporated c/o Rainbow Management Company. The complaint was filed for non-payment of rent and on December 2nd, a consent judgment was signed awarding the plaintiff possession of the property. The notice on the front door states no payment was made on the judgment, other than $6,000 in rent allowing the defendant to operate for the month of December. (JM)
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Howell Recall Group Seeks Expedited Appeal Howell Recall Group Seeks Expedited Appeal
1/7/15 - The organizers of an effort to recall three members of the Howell Schools Board of Education have filed an emergency appeal to speed up the legal process so they can begin collecting signatures. While the petition language filed by the Howell Recall Committee was approved December 22nd by the Livingston County Elections Commission, an appeal filed by two of the targeted board members, Vice President Mike Yenshaw and Trustee Mike Moloney, has delayed the signature gathering process. But on Tuesday, both Yenshaw and Moloney received paperwork that the committee is seeking an emergency hearing to decide on the appeal, which Moloney previously told WHMI was based on the factuality of what the petition alleges, namely that they authorized the expenditure of $5,000 to investigate more than $300 in mileage reimbursements to former Superintendent Ron Wilson and then later fired him. Board members say the firing came after they determined Wilson sought the reimbursements knowing he was not entitled to them and then lied about them afterward. Recall organizers only have until January 30th to gather the requisite petition signatures in order to get the recall onto the May 5th election ballot. But until the appeal by Moloney and Yenshaw is decided, they cannot begin circulating petitions. Wilson, meanwhile, has since filed a lawsuit alleging a breach of contract against the district and the school board. That is set for trial later this year. (JK)
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Livingston County's Administrator Set To Retire This SpringLivingston County's Administrator Set To Retire This Spring
1/7/15 - After 15 years of service, Livingston County Administrator Belinda Peters has announced her upcoming retirement. Board Chairwoman Carol Griffith says Peters was hired in 2000 and brought three decades of leadership experience to Livingston County. Peters served as the county's finance director and deputy administrator before assuming the administrator role in 2010 with the retirement of Bob Block. Griffith added that Peters focused on strategically prioritizing and maximizing county resources while also managing county business to mitigate financial and planning issues in the midst of a recession. She said Peters also played an integral role in strategic planning efforts for the county, which resulted in a five year roadmap to improve collaboration, partnerships, and delivery of services. Peters says she has truly enjoyed the past fifteen years with Livingston County and is looking forward to spending more time with her family and grandchildren upon retirement this spring, as well as traveling. Griffith says Petersâ success was evident in her dedication to delivering quality services within the constraints of sound fiscal policy, effectiveness in long-term strategic planning, and her commitment to creating an effective and efficient organization with a focus on enhancing provided services. The Livingston County Board of Commissioners plans to work with a hiring firm to find an applicant to continue the momentum started by Peters. (JM/JK)
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South Lyon Man Accused Of Stealing Pizza Delivery CarSouth Lyon Man Accused Of Stealing Pizza Delivery Car
1/7/15 - A man is in custody after allegedly stealing a pizza delivery car in South Lyon last weekend. The car was stolen at about 4pm on Sunday when the 23-year-old driver parked it in front of the restaurant to pick up an order for delivery. He told police that while he was inside, someone hopped in and stole the vehicle. According to the South Lyon Herald, the manager of the store recognized the thief as a friend of his, a 20-year-old South Lyon man. While police searched for the suspect they were contacted by his father, who indicated the man had a drug problem. The suspectâs mother then called to report she had found her son at a home he was known to frequent in Green Oak Township. The pizza delivery car was found in a nearby field with the keys locked inside. It was towed, and police arrested the man. They report he was acting strangely, muttering things they could not understand, and beating his head against a wall. A breath test was negative for alcohol. Police say they are seeking charges for unlawful driving away of a vehicle. (TD)
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