1/27/15 - The chances that the Brighton Area Schools will charter a new school that will be housed in the vacant Lindbom Elementary School are now very slim, with a consensus by the board of education that it has no interest in sponsoring a charter school. After the original purchase offer on Lindbom fell through, the school district sold the school on Jan. 7th for $1.45 million to ACA Brighton Holdings LLC, which plans to operate an academy called the Lindbom Classical Academy at the site. The sale has drawn fire from many in the Brighton community because of what they feel is an attempt by the schoolâs operator, American Classical Academy, to covertly use public education dollars to teach Christian religious values and philosophies. In addition, some charge it will siphon off students, and associated state funding, from the Brighton district. Glenn Ikens, who has been a regular critic of the proposal, told the board Monday night that the charter school has been a divisive issue and itâs time to put it to rest. After considerable discussion and public comments - both for and against the school - the board reached consensus that it was against chartering not just the Lindbom Classical Academy, but any charter school. John Conely was the only board member who voiced support for chartering the school. After the meeting, LCA Development team spokesman Dick Streetman told WHMI that those supporting chartering the academy were unable to communicate the message that Pasquale Battaglia, who has made statements construed by some as racist and inflammatory, is merely the landlord of the Lindbom property and will have nothing to say about policy or programs. However, the organization was known as American Christian Academies until fairly recently and while their website is AmericanClassicalAcademy.com, it still contains references to American Christian Academy. The board did take a vote to put the issue on the agenda as an action item for the next meeting, but it appears the chartering proposal now has little support. Thatâs because of the makeup of the new board, which has a very different outlook and philosophy than the former board. Streetman says his group is not deterred, and is looking at other options for chartering the school. (TT/JK)
Brighton School Board: Consensus Not To Charter AcademyBrighton School Board: Consensus Not To Charter Academy
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Unadilla Store & Nearby Home Destroyed By FireUnadilla Store & Nearby Home Destroyed By Fire
1/27/15 - A massive blaze destroyed a historic general store in rural Livingston County this afternoon. The Unadilla Township Fire Department was dispatched to the Unadilla Store shortly before 1pm following reports of smoke coming from the second floor. Fire Chief Mark Schroeder told WHMI a group of three firefighters arrived first on scene and went upstairs. He says they attempted an interior attack but a brick wall collapsed and part of it fell on a firefighter. He sustained minor injuries but is said to be in stable condition at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. Multiple departments helped fight the fire, which was far from adequate water supplies and large plumes of smoke were visible in the area. Schroeder says they were able to protect part of the adjoining residential structure but the store was completely destroyed. Both buildings are considered a total loss. The cause is unknown and remains under investigation. The Unadilla Store is one of the oldest in the county and opened in 1873. (JM)
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Wrong Way Driver Injured in US-23 Crash Remains in Intensive Care Wrong Way Driver Injured in US-23 Crash Remains in Intensive Care
1/28/15 - Police say a Brighton man that drove the wrong way on southbound US-23, resulting in a serious multi-vehicle accident that injured three people and shut down southbound US-23 for hours Monday will be hospitalized for a while. Green Oak Township Police Chief Jason Pless tells WHMI the driver is currently in the intensive care/trauma unit at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, where he is expected to be for a while. However, Pless says he will most likely recover after an extended hospital stay. Pless said that there is nothing new to report otherwise and the incident remains under investigation. It all began after a 911 caller reported that the 42-year-old Brighton man was driving a black pickup truck erratically on southbound US-23 near Lee Road at about 5:15pm. When Green Oak Township Police attempted to pull him over at Whitmore Lake Road and 8 Mile, the man drove away onto the freeway at 8 Mile Road, traveling northbound in the southbound lanes. The wrong-way driver immediately crashed into a semi-truck hauling milk and three other vehicles. He was pinned inside of his vehicle and had to be extricated before being flown via helicopter to the hospital. The semi driver was uninjured, while the two other drivers sustained just minor injuries. Meanwhile, the semi-truck that rolled over lost 200 gallons of diesel fuel that had to be cleaned up and the 7,000 gallons of milk it was hauling had to be off-loaded before it could be flipped upright. As a result, southbound US-23 was completely shut down at M-36 for hours and traffic diverted. Photo credit WXYZ Detroit. (JM)
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Milford Woman Killed in Crash By Suspected Drunk Driver
1/28/15 - A Milford Township woman was killed in a fiery crash in Commerce Township after being rear-ended by a suspected drunk driver. The fatal crash occurred shortly after 7:30pm on West Pontiac Trail near Addington Drive on Monday, according to the Oakland County Sheriffâs office. Police say the 44-year-old Milford Township woman was traveling westbound on West Pontiac Trail in a GMC Jimmy and preparing to turn left when she was rear ended by a Chevy Traverse, which was being operated by a 41-year-old Farmington Hills resident. After being rear ended, police say the GMC overturned and caught on fire, trapping the Milford woman. The victimâs name was being withheld and there were no other occupants in the either vehicle. Police believe alcohol use by the driver of the Chevy was a factor in the crash and obtained a search warrant for a blood draw at a hospital. The results are pending and the suspect remains jailed in the Oakland County Jail. Police said the victim in this tragic accident worked as a delivery person for Pizza Hut and was on the job at the time of the crash. The Oakland County Medical Examiner has ruled the cause of death a combination of thermal burns and smoke/soot inhalation. The Sheriffâs office said the case was expected to be presented to the prosecutorâs office today. The in-car video of Deputy Russell arriving on scene of the fatal crash was provided by the Oakland County Sheriff's office.(JM)
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New Hartland Township Clerk Chosen And Sworn InNew Hartland Township Clerk Chosen And Sworn In
1/28/15 - Accountant Larry Ciofu has been chosen to serve out the remainder of the current term as Hartland Township Clerk. The previous clerk, Larry Hopkins, passed away of a sudden illness last month. The township had only 45 days from then to find a new clerk, and a total of seven residents applied for the position. The township board narrowed the field to three finalists following an initial round of interviews, and those finalists were interviewed for a second time at last nightâs meeting. In the end, Ciofu was selected as the new township clerk. Supervisor Bill Fountain says he has been a notable figure in the community and on the chamber of commerce for years. Ciofu says he and Hopkins became interested in the clerkâs position at the same time years ago, but he has since been impressed with Hopkinsâ performance. Ciofu says at this time he plans to run for additional terms as the township clerk. (TD)
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Blaze Destroys Unadilla Store & Adjacent Home TuesdayBlaze Destroys Unadilla Store & Adjacent Home Tuesday
1/28/15 - Multiple agencies from Livingston, Washtenaw and Ingham Counties responded to a fire that completely destroyed the historic Unadilla Store Tuesday. The blaze broke out around 1pm at the store, which was built in 1873 and sits on Unadilla Road. A plume of black smoke was visible for miles. Three firefighters attempted an interior attack upon arrival but a brick wall collapsed. Part of it fell and injured one firefighter, who was hospitalized but is expected to be okay. Unadilla Township Fire Chief Mark Schroeder told WHMI a cause has not been determined and the fire remains under investigation. Due to the magnitude of the fire, Schroeder says they called in tankers from everywhere they could get them due a lack of an adequate water source, but were eventually able to get some water supply established from a creek. Schroeder says the Unadilla Store was occupied by one of the owners and an employee when the fire started. He says they noticed light smoke and tried to go upstairs with extinguishers but couldnât because of how thick the smoke was and managed to get out safely. The fire spread to a residential home adjacent to the store and although still standing, Schroeder believes it will be total loss. It was occupied by two adults, who also escaped safely. Schroeder added that the fire crews that initially tried to extinguish it did a great job and in addition to the tankers, they had to bring in an excavator to pull debris out of the basement, where there was still a lot of fire to fight. Crews remained on scene until almost 9pm. (JM)
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LACASA's Teen Council Kicks Off Teen Dating Violence CampaignLACASA's Teen Council Kicks Off Teen Dating Violence Campaign
1/28/15 - Local high school students are reaching out to their peers to address an ongoing issue amongst teens. Members of LACASAâs Teen Advisory Council met yesterday afternoon to prepare the launch of their campaign against teen dating violence. The ambassadors for the program are young women from high schools throughout Livingston County who are determined to put an end to this problem by raising awareness. The councilâs campaign launches at the beginning of February, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, with the message âDonât Be Blind To Loveâ. The group has created informational posters that resemble the popular âe-cardsâ, which are known for their clever sayings. The postersâ pithy message has a deeper meaning that indicates an example of an abusive relationship. Bailey Brown, a senior at Fowlerville High School and a member of the teen council, says the group will be visiting area high schools during lunch time over the next few weeks to publicize the movement. The representatives will have an informational table at each school, as well as an online campaign to promote speaking out against abusive relationships. Brown says the main goal is to spark a conversation about the issue which she believes has the power to ignite change. (DK)
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Rogers Joins Washington Think Tank As Policy ExpertRogers Joins Washington Think Tank As Policy Expert
1/28/15 - Mike Rogers may have walked away from one job at the end of 2014, but heâs now holding down at least three positions. The Howell Republican retired from Congress after seven terms, announcing that he would be taking on the role of a nationally-syndicated radio talk show host. On Tuesday it was announced Rogers was joining a Washington-based think tank as an expert on national security issues, including cyberwarfare and counterterrorism. The former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee is now a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute. He also serves as a contributor to CNN. Rogers will be joining a policy team at the Hudson Institute comprised mainly of conservatives, including former Vice President Dick Cheneyâs Chief of Staff Lewis Libby and Douglas Feith, a former undersecretary of defense for policy under President George W. Bush. (JK)
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Jury Finds Brighton Man Guilty Of Child AbuseJury Finds Brighton Man Guilty Of Child Abuse
1/28/15 - A Brighton man has been convicted on child abuse charges that were filed after injuries were discovered on his 11-week-old daughter. After deliberating for more than ten hours, a Livingston County Circuit Court jury came back Tuesday with a guilty verdict against 38-year-old Joshua Quincy Burns. He was charged with 2nd degree child abuse for the March 15th, 2014 incident. Burns claimed that the child accidentally fell off of his lap, but he caught her. He testified that while he noticed a scratch on his daughterâs head, he didnât believe her head had hit either the floor or table. But when Burns and his wife took the baby to the hospital multiple times in the next few days after she became ill, doctors discovered head and eye injuries consistent with abusive head trauma. While defense testimony at trial included a child abuse expert from Detroitâs St. Johnâs Hospital who said Burns version of events was one possibility, he could not rule out abusive head trauma as the cause of the injury. The prosecution also presented an expert from C.S. Mott Childrenâs Hospital who said the childâs injuries were consistent with child abuse. Burns faces ten years in prison when he is sentenced March 19th. He is also facing an abuse and neglect proceeding in Livingston County Probate Court February 6th to discuss the termination of his parental rights. (JK)
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Charges Authorized in Fiery Crash That Killed Milford WomanCharges Authorized in Fiery Crash That Killed Milford Woman
1/28/15 - Criminal charges have been authorized against a suspected drunk driver involved in a crash that claimed the life of a Milford woman. The Oakland County Prosecutorâs Office authorized a two count felony warrant for the suspect this afternoon in connection with the fatal crash on West Pontiac Trail Monday evening. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office says a 41-year-old Farmington Hills resident is facing charges of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death. Both are 15-year felonies if convicted. The suspect is scheduled to be arraigned via video on Thursday at 10:30am in the 52nd District Court in Novi. Police say the victim has been tentatively identified as Janet Marie Reed but the Oakland County Medical Examiner will not be able to positively identify her until receiving DNA test results, which could take several months. The cause of death was ruled a combination of thermal burns and smoke/soot inhalation. Police said the Milford Township woman worked a delivery person for Pizza Hut and was on the job at the time of the crash when she was rear ended by the suspect. The impact caused the victimâs vehicle to overturn and catch on fire, trapping her inside. Image Credit Oakland County Sheriff's Office. (JM)
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Cause of Fire That Destroyed Unadilla Store Tough to DetermineCause of Fire That Destroyed Unadilla Store Tough to Determine
1/28/15 - Officials say it could be difficult to come up with a cause of Tuesdayâs massive fire that burned the Unadilla Store to the ground and severely damaged an adjacent home. Unadilla Township Fire Chief Mark Schroeder tells WHMI they were back on scene this morning and started the preliminary investigation with several inspectors and representatives from Consumers Energy and insurance companies but thereâs a great deal of fire damage and not a whole lot of evidence left to go on. The occupants of the apartment above the store and those in house next door are being assisted by the American Red Cross. Schroeder says they will possibly try to further the investigation on Friday as Consumers Energy will need more access and that will require the demolition of some walls in order to get in to where the natural gas lines and meters come into the structures. He says a pressure test will be done on the underground line to make sure there are not any faults. The third floor is where the fire appears to have originated. Schroeder says 13 different fire departments assisted along with the American Red Cross and DART teams, Unadilla and Pinckney Police as the Livingston County Road Commission. He says they used approximately 100,000 gallons of water before the fire was extinguished. (JM)
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Howell May Avoid Litigation Over Unsafe StructuresHowell May Avoid Litigation Over Unsafe Structures
1/30/15 - The city of Howell may be able to avoid legal action against a mobile home development as part of efforts to remove eleven structures that pose public safety concerns. In early January, the Howell City Council authorized litigation against Howell Estates and the appropriate parties to clean-up and remove the assorted mobile homes deemed to be uninhabitable. The cityâs building official had attempted to work with Howell Estates to remove the structures and despite granting an extended time period, the park never complied with requests so litigation was the next step. To date, the units remain on site and in the same condition but are now marked with orange condemned notices. However, it was noted during this past Monday nightâs council meeting that the entire property/park is in bankruptcy proceedings and the receiver is working to bring in a contractor to have the units demolished. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the trustee or receiver for the property reached out to the city and theyâve been working with that individual to remove the trailers so it looks like they will be able to avoid litigation. Charles says theyâre hoping to have them demolished in the very foreseeable future but cautioned that if there is not compliance in a timely fashion, then the city will begin the litigation process. (JM)
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Crews Make Repairs After Water Main Break In BrightonCrews Make Repairs After Water Main Break In Brighton
1/29/15 - A water main break occurred in Brighton late yesterday afternoon. Crews with the city's utilities department worked to make repairs following the break on East Street, near Beaver Street. The break was reported sometime after 5pm, with visible water over the roadway. Not long after, City Manager Dana Foster told WHMI the job would likely entail some excavating work to make the repair, after the various utility and underground utility lines were staked for safety purposes. Traffic detours were implemented and East Street was closed to through traffic from Beaver and St. Paul Street during the repair process. (JM)
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Police Seeking Tips On Tyrone Food Center Break-InPolice Seeking Tips On Tyrone Food Center Break-In
1/29/15 - The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is asking for the publicâs assistance in identifying three suspects in a Tyrone Township burglary. The Runyan Lake Food Center on Hartland Road was robbed just before 2:00am on Wednesday. Sheriffâs deputies responded to the retailerâs alarm and found that the front door had been pried open with a blue pry bar. Video surveillance shows three suspects wearing masks entering the store and stealing a safe, cash, change, and a bottle of vodka. Anyone with information related to this crime is asked to contact Detective Novara at the Sheriffâs Department or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (TD)
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New Feasibility Study Underway For Howell-Ann Arbor TrainNew Feasibility Study Underway For Howell-Ann Arbor Train
1/29/15 - A representative from the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority gave a presentation to the Howell Downtown Development Authority last night to discuss the progress on a proposed north-south commuter train. Strategic Planner Michael Benham told the DDA that a strategic plan has begun for the commuter line, sometimes called WALLY, which would connect Ann Arbor and Howell with stops in Whitmore Lake, Hamburg, and Genoa Township. That feasibility study will look at the cost effectiveness of the new rail line, which would run along existing and rarely-used freight lines. It will cost about $800,000, with $640,000 coming from the federal government and the remainder coming from local government matching. Benham says while the trainâs primary benefit would obviously be to those who commute between Livingston and Washtenaw counties, local people will benefit from the train even if they never use it. He says commuter rail lines increase property values, stimulate the local economy, reduce traffic on main commuter routes like US-23, and provide an alternative to driving in case of inclement weather. He expects the feasibility study to be finished in the next 14 months. (TD)
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Runners, Diners & Volunteers Sought For Lunar New Year EventsRunners, Diners & Volunteers Sought For Lunar New Year Events
1/29/15 - Both volunteers and participants are being sought for the 2nd annual Howell Lunar New Year Festival next month. The celebration involves a number of family-friendly activities, but organizers are focusing on the two biggest attractions, the Dragon Run 5k race at the Howell High School campus and the dinner event planned for the Howell Opera House. So far 53 people have signed up for the race, which includes a costume competition, and organizers are hoping to beat last yearâs total of 93 runners. The dinner will include food from three of Howellâs Asian cuisine restaurants, a demonstration by the Great Foodini Renee Chodkowski, and a performance by Michigan State Universityâs Silk Road Orchestra. Outreach coordinator Kate Litwin says while runners and diners are certainly being sought, the DDA is also looking for people to assist with these events. A link has been posted below. (TD)
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Guilty Plea For Indecent Exposure Gets Green Oak Man Jail TimeGuilty Plea For Indecent Exposure Gets Green Oak Man Jail Time
1/29/15 - A brief stay in jail has been ordered for the Green Oak Township man charged with indecent exposure in both Livingston and Oakland counties. 30-year-old Nathanael Armstrong pleaded guilty to one count of indecent exposure in Livingston County Circuit Court. On Wednesday, he was sentenced to 20 days in jail with credit for one already served, plus 24 months of probation and substance abuse and sexual offender counseling. The charge stems from incidents in July at the Green Oak Village Place Mall. One count of indecent exposure and three counts of aggravated assault in Oakland County stem from incidents in South Lyon and Novi. The Livingston County incidents went unreported until Armstrong was publicly identified in the Oakland County cases in which witnesses reported the suspect drove a Dodge Dart. Police then interviewed many of the areaâs Dart owners including Armstrong. However, when a surveillance photo showed the suspect in medical scrubs, South Lyon Police Lt. Chris Sovik remembered interviewing Armstrong and learning that he indicated he worked a traveling nurse. Further investigation then led to Armstrongâs arrest. (TD)
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'Cunningham Legislation' May Affect County Revenue'Cunningham Legislation' May Affect County Revenue
1/29/14 - The Legislative Committee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners spent their first meeting of 2015 focusing on state-wide legislation that will affect the local courts financially. Circuit and District Courts will now be allowed to institute assessments to those that are convicted and have to pay part of the cost to prosecute their own case. This legislation was signed last October by Governor Rick Snyder. The money will cover part of the cost to operate the court system, which has been budgeted for by including those fees, since 2011. A Michigan Supreme Court case, regarding defendant Frederick Cunningham that fought against his court fees, limited the charges made against those convicted. The bill will make the results of this case null. Steve Williams, chair of the Livingston County Legislative Committee, says the legislation sunsets in three years. Williams tells WHMI the committee is hoping to meet with county judges to create a strategy together. The committee plans to track their incoming revenue to see how the new bill is affecting it. They believe it is necessary for the statute to be amended if the revenue stream is significantly out of balance from its state before the legislation. The committee says the main concern is the three year time constraint they are working against, and the legislation causing the judges to become âcash cows of the court.â The committee is looking for the judges opinion on what position the county should take to fund the courts while being fair to people going through the system. (DK/JK)
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Man Arraigned on Charges in Fiery Crash That Killed Milford Woman Man Arraigned on Charges in Fiery Crash That Killed Milford Woman
1/29/15 - A man has been arraigned on criminal charges in connection with fatal crash that claimed the life of a Milford Township woman. 41-year-old Goran Djordjevski of Farmington Hills was arraigned today in 52-1 District Court in Novi on charges of operating while intoxicated causing death and failure to stop at the scene of an accident when at fault resulting in death. Both charges are 15-year felonies and were filed in connection with the accident that occurred in Commerce Township on Monday, January 26th near the intersection of Pontiac Trail and Addington Drive. Police said the victim was on a pizza delivery run when she was rear ended by Djordjevski. The impact caused the victimâs vehicle to overturn and catch on fire, trapping her inside. Police are still investigating but tentatively identified the victim as Janet Marie Reed since DNA test results will likely be pending for a few months. Meanwhile, Djordjevski is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing February 11th before Judge Robert Bondy. His bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety, with no 10% option. As part of conditions, he must have an alcohol monitoring tether in place prior to his release from jail, surrender his passport and cannot leave the state, and submit to random drug testing. (JM)
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Outdoor Ice Rink in Howell Opens SaturdayOutdoor Ice Rink in Howell Opens Saturday
1/30/15 - With the recent winter weather, community members are being invited to lace up and enjoy a new outdoor attraction in Howell. This Saturday marks the official opening of the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authorityâs outdoor ice skating rink. The portable rink has been installed at the Bennett Recreation Center located at 925 West Grand River and was sponsored by Thai Summit America Corporation. The official ribbon cutting will be held on Saturday from 4-6pm and feature music, an ice skating demonstration by the Livingston Skate Club, a fire pit and refreshments at the 'snowflake cafe'. Attendees are asked to bring their own skates and reminded to bundle up for the free event. (JM)
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