1/21/15 - A Howell doctor initially charged after a raid by the DEA has been found guilty by a local jury on separate counts of writing prescriptions without a license. Howell-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Holda was found guilty on two counts of delivery of a prescription form for incidents on August 19th and December 18th of 2013. His trial started Tuesday in Livingston County Circuit Court and the jury returned a guilty verdict after deliberating for roughly half an hour this afternoon. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI they were pleased with the very quick jury verdict finding Dr. Holda guilty and the conviction is the result of a very thorough investigation done by a local sheriffâs deputy who was assigned to a DEA special task force at the time. Vailliencourt says it was a pretty straightforward case, and Holda was found guilty of two counts of delivery of a prescription form for a controlled substance when he was not authorized by law to be prescribing controlled substances. Holda will be sentenced March 5th by Judge Michael Hatty. Holda had turned in the license following a raid on Livingston County Orthopedics on Byron Road in May of 2013 by the Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA agents, who were acting as patients, testified Dr. Holda prescribed pain medications and other drugs, including Xanax, beyond what would have been medically necessary. Holda insisted that he wrote the prescriptions in good faith and properly questioned them about their symptoms. Despite that, he was charged with seven counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana. Those charges remain pending against Holda in a separate case that has been set for trial March 30th. (JM)
Jury Convicts Howell Doctor of Writing Prescriptions w/out LicenseJury Convicts Howell Doctor of Writing Prescriptions w/out License
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Brighton Twp. Maintains Current Sewer Rates For Upcoming YearBrighton Twp. Maintains Current Sewer Rates For Upcoming Year
1/22/15- Brighton Township will be maintaining the current sewer rates for the 2015-2016 Fiscal Year. The Brighton Township Board of Trustees passed a motion to retain the current rate structure at their meeting Monday night. The current sewer rate is $437.44 per 1,000 gallons for residential and commercial use. This rate has not seen an increase since 2012, which the Board voted for in an effort to stabilize the systemâs funds. At that time, the Board discussed looking to refinance in 2015. Township Supervisor Tom Murphy tells WHMI this will probably not be necessary. The Township analyzes the sewer rates yearly and bases each yearâs rate on their debt obligation. The decision to not adjust the rates means the Townshipâs financial model is in good standings. Murphy says the Capital fund has been normalized and their next project is to bring balance to the Sewer Operation and Maintenance Fund. The reserves should hold around $700,000 and Murphy says there is about half of that. The Board of Trustees is expecting to see a quarterly report for the system at the beginning of March and are feeling âvery positive at this timeâ. (DK)
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Brighton Planning Commission Announces Project & Design AwardsBrighton Planning Commission Announces Project & Design Awards
1/22/15 - A microbrewery, a new downtown building and two home improvement projects comprise the annual Noeker, Ewing and Greimel design and engineering project award winners for 2014 in the City of Brighton. The awards were presented at a recent city Planning Commission meeting. The Karl D. Greimel award was given to Brewery Becker, owned by Matt and John Becker, at West Main and First Streets. The Beckers, who are father and son, completely renovated the old brick building commonly known as the Pink Hotel into a modern microbrewery with an authentic German-style beer garden outside the entrance. The award is named after former long-time city planning consultant Karl Greimel. It is awarded for the project which exemplifies overall excellence in the areas of best "fit" and proper utilization of land, innovation and creativity, attention to architectural detail and non-building-related details such as landscaping, lighting, and passive recreational facilities. The Beckers ended up spending over $2 million on the project, after running into numerous unexpected problems including a crumbling foundation that had to be completely rebuilt. The Noeker Award, named after the late Planning Commission member Sally Noeker, was awarded to 225 West Grand River, a new, 1-story office building that is now the home of Liberty Title Company. The building is a project of Tom Mitchell, who owns AA Muffler, located adjacent to the new office building. The award is for a recent commercial construction, remodeling or redesign project which exemplifies the city's standards of appearance and community betterment. The Ewing Award, for residential construction, went to Andrew Koryzno of 116 Leith Street for a porch and garage addition and to Melanie and Jace Bachelor of 1220 Brighton Lake Road for the addition of a second story. The award is given to the home project which demonstrates a commitment to Brighton through its pleasing aesthetics and the quality of its design and construction. A Power Point presentation of the nominees is attached below.(TT)
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Cromaine Library Again Asking Voters to Approve May Bond Issue Cromaine Library Again Asking Voters to Approve May Bond Issue
1/22/15 - After a bond proposal to fund needed renovations to the Cromaine District Library in Hartland failed to pass by 95 votes in November, officials plan to give it another go come May. The $12 (m) million bond issue carries a 20-year term and will appear on the May 5th ballot. If approved, the funds could only be used to build, update, and equip the Cromiane location in the Village. The cost based on an average taxable value of $110,000 would equate to $83 annually or $7 per month. Officials say there would be no increase in the operating millage. Cromaine Director Ceci Marlow tells WHMI the library was founded in 1927 and intended as a cultural hub for the community and it goes beyond just books, offering experiences for all ages. The original roof from 1980 needs to be replaced and there are numerous other building and handicap accessibility issues to address. The library is also well used and has seen a big jump in event attendance, which Marlow says is an increasing trend for public libraries. Marlow says the need for more space has been apparent for some time as theyâre limited to just one meeting room for different uses and constantly shuffling between groups. The bond is specifically to renovate and add on to the Cromiane location in the Village, as the Crossroads location is a leased, rented property. After the November bond proposal failed, the library board reduced the operating hours of the Crossroads branch to help free up operational funding and plan for the next steps at both locations. Should the bond fail again, Marlow says they would continue to serve the growing community from the old building in the Village and the Crossroads branch would close for good. She says the cost to the community if that happens would be the loss of a very convenient location on Old US-23, south of M-59. Details about the bond proposal can be found through the link to the library's website below. (JM)
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Hartland Twp. Home Invasion Remains Under InvestigationHartland Twp. Home Invasion Remains Under Investigation
1/22/15 - Police are working to ease worries in the Hartland Township area after an out-of-the-ordinary home invasion that was reported last weekend. 20-year-old Kallie Garza told WHMI she and her boyfriend were at her mother and stepfatherâs home in the Whispering Meadows subdivision Saturday night when two masked intruders broke in and attacked her boyfriend. She says they tied her and her boyfriend up with electrical tape, and told them they had a gun, but one was armed with some sort of a baton. She said her stepfather came downstairs and when the suspects were fighting with him, she was able to escape and call police. Garza said the intruders never made any demands before fleeing the residence and to her knowledge, did not take anything. Her younger brothers were also home but not harmed. Few details about the investigation have been released but as to neighborhood concerns, Sergeant Mark Thompson told WHMI the crime continues to be under investigation by Troopers and Detectives from the Michigan State Police - Brighton Post. He says anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Trooper Christopher McIntosh at 810-227-1051. Investigators also suggest home owners communicate with their neighbors, if available utilize their neighborhood watch organizations, be vigilant and report suspicious persons. (JM)
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Local Bakers Create Big Pie for Michigan's 178th Birthday Local Bakers Create Big Pie for Michigan's 178th Birthday
1/22/15 - A Brighton bakery has created a big pie to help celebrate the state's 178th birthday. The pie is 20-inches in diameter, feeds 100 people, and with crumbs and the pie tin, weighs about 30 pounds. It's topped with cutouts showing Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas and was created at Grand Traverse Pie Company in Brighton, where free samples will be given out Monday. Owner Gail Denski bakes from the heart, as do those in her shop off Grand River. She tells WHMI she was contacted by corporate to represent Grand Traverse Pie Company in a baking contest for Michiganâs birthday on Monday, likely based on the past creativity of her staff. Bakery Manager Kelly Gaither and baker Stephanie Krogstad created the giant ABC crumb pie together, which includes 15 pounds of fruit. All of the shopâs fruit is locally sourced so the giant pie features northern Michigan spy apples, cherries from Montmorency County and blueberries from Grand Haven. The pair cut out the upper and lower peninsula from pie dough, along with hearts to represent the locations of all the Grand Traverse Pie Company stores in Michigan. They also cut out little mittens and used them to line the outside edge of the pie. It took a total of 2 and 1/2 hours to bake and is featured as part of The Awesome Mittenâs Bake Off contest. Denski says everyone is excited and the shop has also been extra busy baking for not only the contest but for Friday, which is National Pie Day. The photo with the most "likes" online will win a cash prize. Voting ends Monday at midnight and a link is available below. (JM)
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Howell Truck Driver Happy To Be Alive After 1-75 Bridge Collapse Howell Truck Driver Happy To Be Alive After 1-75 Bridge Collapse
1/22/15 - A Howell truck driver says he's blessed to have survived the recent collapse of an interstate overpass that killed one person in Ohio. Eric Meyers of Howell said that time felt like it slowed and he thought he was dead right before his semi-trailer crashed into the Cincinnati expressway overpass that collapsed as he was driving along I-75 on Monday morning. Meyers says he thought the overpass was going to go right through his head when it dropped in front of him. Debris crushed the front of his vehicle and emergency workers told Meyers he's lucky to have walked away with minor injuries. Meyers says he received a bumped head and remains a little sore but is happy to be alive. (JM)
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Pipeline Representatives Field Questions in Putnam TownshipPipeline Representatives Field Questions in Putnam Township
1/22/15 - The Putnam Township Board met Wednesday night and heard from representatives with a proposed pipeline project, as well as frustrated and concerned residents. The ET Rover Pipeline Project would total more than 800 miles to supply natural gas to manufacturing businesses, utilities and distributors throughout the Midwest, Gulf Coast and Great Lakes Region. The pipeline is expected to cross through different parts of Livingston County and a lack of communication with the company has been a big sticking point with residents in numerous municipalities, who have questions they want answered. One affected resident in Putnam Township said he didnât expect to be forced and strong-armed into surrendering his land for someone elseâs profit and also feared for his children's safety. Two representatives who work for the company and have been in contact with the township attended the meeting and fielded general questions from residents and the board, but stressed anything related to specific pieces of property must be discussed privately. The audience was informed that previous project representatives were let go and acknowledged a lack of communication with municipalities and some property owners. They noted that Energy Transfer does not set the pipeline routes, just proposes them and the federal government has the final say. Project Manager Micah Morris said the exact route has not yet been finalized and maps are constantly changing based on survey data and there are many different mechanisms that drive the routing of the pipeline. Last month, the Putnam Township Board approved a resolution affirming that the project would decrease property values in the township. Supervisor Ron Rau told WHMI concerned members and residents were given the opportunity to sit down and talk privately with representatives last night. The company intends to file its application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or FERC by the end of January but is also in the process of securing easement contracts with property owners. Rau says all of the information provided about the ET Rover Pipeline Project and associated draft maps are available on the Putnam Township website. A link is below. (JM)
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Pothole Investigated As Possible Cause Of Fatal CrashPothole Investigated As Possible Cause Of Fatal Crash
1/22/15 - A pothole is being looked at as a possible cause for a fatal crash earlier this week that claimed the lives of a New Hudson man and his son. The crash happened just after 8am Tuesday on Pontiac Trail near Silver Lake Road in Lyon Township when 36-year-old Pedro Montanez was en-route to Kent Lake Elementary School with his three children. Police say Montanez was traveling westbound on Pontiac Trail when he lost control on the snow covered roadway, went left of center and crossed into the eastbound lanes of Pontiac Trail, into the path of a pickup truck and trailer. The Road Commission for Oakland County reportedly patched up that section of roadway last Friday and then again after the crash on Tuesday. Nearby residents say that area has been a trouble spot for years and if filled with water could cause vehicles to pull hard to the right. Montanez was pronounced dead at the scene, while his 9-year-old, a rear seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the hospital. His 10-year-old brother and 6- year-old sister remain in intensive care. Meanwhile, an account to help the family has been set up at First Merit Bank in South Lyon. Donations can be made in person at the bank, located at 419 S. Lafayette. They can also be mailed to Kent Lake Elementary School, 30181 Kent Lake Rd., South Lyon MI 48178. Make checks out to the Kent Lake Elementary PTO Montanez Family Savings Account. A GoFundMe account has also been set up to benefit the family. That link is below. (JK)
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Man Charged Locally w/ Running Mortgage Scam Sentenced To JailMan Charged Locally w/ Running Mortgage Scam Sentenced To Jail
1/23/15 - A Detroit man was sentenced to jail time and probation for his role in a mortgage scam involving a local victim. 43-year-old Rolondo Sage Campbell was ordered to serve seven months in the Livingston County Jail and two years of probation. He earlier pleaded no contest in Livingston County Circuit Court to charges of uttering and publishing, larceny by conversion, violating the Credit Services Act, and being a 4th-time habitual offender. In exchange, one count of obtaining money under false pretenses between $1,000 and $20,000 was dismissed. Campbell was among four southeast Michigan individuals and three companies charged by Attorney General Bill Schuetteâs office for allegedly operating fraudulent mortgage-rescue or loan-modification schemes. A Howell woman was among his victims and a letter from the single mother was read aloud detailing how Campbellâs promises and lies ruined her life and led to the loss of the home she shared with her children. Campbellâs defense attorney said his client legitimately tried to help people settle mortgage issues and didnât know the business he was engaging in was illegal. Campbell also apologized during his sentencing saying he lost his own home, which led him to the business, and he recognized that ignorance of the law was not an excuse. Campbell faces similar criminal charges in Macomb County District Court, and his business is also facing charges in both counties. (JM)
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Extension Granted For Company Developing Pinckney Elementary Extension Granted For Company Developing Pinckney Elementary
1/23/15 - The fate of the vacant Pinckney Elementary School is undecided, as the original development plans for the building may not follow through. The real estate and management company Rescue LLC made a purchase agreement last year for the property for $325,000. The company requested an extension on the agreement from the Board of Education for Pinckney Community Schools, which was granted at the Boardâs meeting Thursday night. Rescue LLC had initially planned to develop the 14 acres of land into residential units, though are backtracking with the concern for a lack of profit. Pinckney Schools Superintendent Rick Todd says the Board is âexcitedâ to see what the company will do, as they are some interesting options on the table. One of Rescue LLCâs partners also works with a veteranâs group that is looking for property to build an Assisted Care Facility for disabled veterans. Though the two have not met yet to discuss possibilities, Todd is already brainstorming volunteering opportunities between Pinckney Schoolâs students and the veterans group, if their facility was constructed there. He tells WHMI it would be a good match for the community. Todd says the cost of the lot is a feasible price point for the group, which would allow Rescue LLC to focus strictly on developing, making the project profitable. Rescue LLCâs purchase agreement was extended until the 25th of April. Todd says whatever the end result may be, the company has been âgreat to work withâ. (DK)
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Pinckney Schools Approve School Bus CamerasPinckney Schools Approve School Bus Cameras
1/23/15 - The Pinckney Community Schools district is moving forward with a plan to mount cameras inside 10 of its school buses. The purchase of the camera kits was recently approved by the Pinckney Board of Education. Superintendent Rick Todd says the kits cost a little more than $21,000. He says it's a good time to invest in the technology because the price of cameras has dropped dramatically over the past decade. Each kit includes four little cameras that will be placed in different spots throughout the bus. Todd says the cameras will record situations that may occur on the bus and improve safety for students. The cameras are expected to arrive within the next couple weeks. (AP)
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Livingston Undersheriff Named Howell Chamber Citizen of the YearLivingston Undersheriff Named Howell Chamber Citizen of the Year
1/23/15 - Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy was named â2014 Citizen of the Yearâ at the 58th annual Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Dinner, held Thursday night at Crystal GardensâLivingston. Murphy has been with the sheriffâs department for 25 years. In 1994, he was voted young Law Enforcement officer of the year by the Howell and Michigan Jaycees. He is active in a plethora of community non-profit and charitable organizations, for which he participates in in a number of fund-raisers. Organizations in which Murphy is active include the Livingston Sunrise Rotary Club, Work Skills Corporation, Leadership Livingston, Genesis House, LACASA, and OLHSAâs Walk for Warmth. Chamber President Pat Convery tells WHMI that the award to Undersheriff Murphy is much deserved. Five other awards were presented. They include the Jobs and Prosperity Award, which went to Thai Summit America for the $64 million expansion of its Howell campus; the Life Member Award, to Rich Perlberg, who retired as publisher of the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus but still remains active in the community; the Young Professional Award, to Courtney Tarara, co-owner of the Frontal Lobe Coworking facility; the Architectural Investment Award, to Heart of Howell for investing in a multi-million dollar project that combined three historic buildings into a single multi-use facility that is now home to several downtown businesses and the Community and Educational Impact Award, presented to soon-to-retire Cleary University President Tom Sullivan for taking the institution from a business college to university level with a masterâs program. Photo courtesy Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. (TT)
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New Grants Being Pursued to Help Develop Fillmore County ParkNew Grants Being Pursued to Help Develop Fillmore County Park
1/23/15 - Plans for the future development of Fillmore County Park are progressing. The property encompasses 198 acres in Genoa Township but is owned by Livingston County and features lots of open space. County Planning Director Kathleen Kline-Hudson says there has been a lot of progress made with community recreational needs determined, a comprehensive master plan and design concept completed for the park and full renderings from a landscape architecture consultant. She says natural features on the site have also been inventoried and there is a good multi-phase approach to developing the park. The site is accessible via Kellogg or Euler Roads and Kline-Hudson told WHMI they have a good collaborative group working on the project. The first phase of the park to be developed is located at the northeast corner of Kellogg and McClements Roads and would essentially serve as the focal point or starting point of a traditional county park with an entrance and parking lot, restrooms. Multi-use athletic fields are planned based on identified need from local recreation organizations. There would also be some accessible paved trials and a 5k natural surface trail that could be used for races and cross country teams. Kline-Hudson says itâs possible they could develop the 5K trail this spring or summer but the public should start looking for signage that will be put up around the boundary of the park. She says the piece of land is not really known as being a county property so this will be a good way to begin identifying it as a future park. Kline-Hudson says the first phase is also an eligible project for a grant funding opportunity with the Community Foundation for Livingston County so that application will be submitted by February 15th. (JM)
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Suspects Sought After Stealing ATM From Inside Gas Station Suspects Sought After Stealing ATM From Inside Gas Station
1/23/15 - Two suspects are being sought after breaking into a gas station and stealing the ATM. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Lyon Township substation responded to a building alarm at the BP Gas Station on Grand River at around 4:23am. Sergeant Mark Venus says upon arrival, deputies observed the front entry/exit doors had been forced open and damage had been done to an ATM located just inside the business. Deputies, along with business representatives, reviewed the surveillance video which had captured the incident. The video recorded a white colored Ford 4X4 pickup truck, with yellow running lights on top back up to the main doors of the business. The men were wearing gloves, winter hats and coats. Video showed that they exited the vehicle and proceeded to force the double entry doors open by hand. Venus tells WHMI the subjects hooked up a chain to the ATM, connected it to the truck and pulled the ATM out, smashing the doors of the building and causing some damage to the structure. Police say the suspects were able to remove the safe that contained approximately $4,000 in $20 denominations. The suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction of travel, possibly entering onto I-96. A be-on-the-lookout advisory on the suspect vehicle was broadcast to area departments and the investigation continues. (JM)
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Assistant MSP Brighton Post Commander Accepts New PositionAssistant MSP Brighton Post Commander Accepts New Position
1/23/15 - A man described as one of the Michigan State Police Brighton Postâs most dedicated and hardworking personnel will be moving on to new opportunities. Assistant Post Commander and Lieutenant Michael McCormick accepted a transfer to the Lansing Headquarters to put his skills to use for the department in another area. Sergeant Michael Sura said in his weekly article that unfortunately because of all the opportunities the department presents, as well as continued training and education, people donât stay put and personnel tend to come and go at Michigan State Police posts. He says it could be that a promotional opportunity presents itself, a chance to work in another field within the department, a special assignment or a transfer to another part of the state. Lieutenant McCormick started working at the Brighton Post in 2012 and Sura says his enthusiasm for the Brighton Post and area as well as his leadership and dedication to serving the public will be missed. Lieutenant McCormick is also apparently a Civil War buff and shared many stories during his time with the Brighton Post. Sura says theyâll miss McCormickâs war stories because he would literally tell Civil War stories but they were more than that and contained lessons of respect, perseverance, sacrifice, and hard work. Sura says those teaching moments were not lost on the troopers or sergeants at the post. (JM)
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Former Fire Official Enters Reduced Plea In Assault CaseFormer Fire Official Enters Reduced Plea In Assault Case
1/23/15 - A plea deal has been arranged for a former local fire official. Former South Lyon Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Hammon had been charged with domestic violence, but entered a plea Tuesday to a reduced count of disorderly conduct. Heâll be sentenced February 23rd. Police say the 35-year-old Hammon punched his girlfriend at a bar on Thanksgiving and later grabbed her by the neck at home. Hammonâs girlfriend and her sister told responding officers that they were drinking with Hammon at a bar on Thanksgiving when they got into an argument, which led to the punch. They then allege he grabbed her later after they returned home. Hammon denied the story to officers, who took him into custody despite a request by the alleged victim not to press charges. A preliminary breath test indicated Hammon had a blood alcohol content of 0.18%, more than double the stateâs legal limit for drunk driving. The 15-year veteran firefighter was later fired by the South Lyon Fire Chief Mike Kennedy, who said they hold their command staff to a high standard. (JK)
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Event Schedule Released for First Annual Hartland Family WinterfestEvent Schedule Released for First Annual Hartland Family Winterfest
1/24/15 - The first Hartland Family Winterfest is planned next weekend and will feature everything from figure skating demonstrations to fireworks. A complete schedule of events was recently released by the township. The Hartland Family Winterfest will take place on January 31st at Hartland Heritage Park, located on M-59 just west of Fenton Road. It will include outdoor activities like ice skating, sledding, snowman building, and a bonfire. All of the activities are free and will be held from noon until 8pm on the park grounds. Activities will also be held indoors at the adjacent All Saints Lutheran Church, including musical performances and a craft show. Visitors will also be able to utilize a complimentary shuttle from the Hartland Meijer to the event. The complete schedule of activities for next Saturdayâs Hartland Family Winterfest is available in the attachment below. (JM)
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County Commissioners Recognize 4H Key Club Award Winners County Commissioners Recognize 4H Key Club Award Winners
1/24/15 - The Livingston County Board of Commissioners recognized four area youth who recently received the highest award possible as part of the 4H program. 4-H offers programs help prepare young people to work well with others, set goals, practice leadership and plan for the future. The 4H members who received the Key Club Award include Ekateryna LaViola, Alexis Marsh, Brendan Baumann and Tammy Barringer. 4-H Program Coordinator for Livingston County Sarah McKinney says the Key Club Award is the highest that can be received and only one half of 1% of members are eligible to win. McKinney says the four students have really gone above and beyond in all areas of leadership, educational projects, community service and achievement in the club. McKinney says theyâre looking forward to a great 4H year and enrollment will be opening soon. Details can be found through the Livingston County MSU extension website. A link is below. (JM)
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Deputy Convicted on CSC Charges for Incidents Involving InmateDeputy Convicted on CSC Charges for Incidents Involving Inmate
1/24/15 - A veteran Oakland County Sheriff's deputy has been found guilty of having sexual relations with a jail inmate in the county jail. Jurors convicted 54-year-old Garry Jackson after deliberating for about four hours on Thursday. Investigators said the encounters with the 24-year-old inmate occurred in the Oakland County Jail in August of 2013 and were likely consensual but it is still a felony under state law for an officer to have a sexual relationship with an inmate. The inmate died from a drug overdose before she could testify, about a year after the incidents occurred. Jackson, who had been with the department for 16 years, was fired shortly after the allegations surfaced in September of 2013. This was his second trial. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict during the first trial last September and a mistrial was declared. Jackson faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced in Oakland County Circuit Court February 13th. (JM)
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