2/4/15 - City of Fenton officials are opposed to the proposed merger of district courts in Genesee County and the City of Flint. The two municipalities are currently working to merge their courts as a way to reduce costs and confusion among residents. However, at its work session this week, the Fenton City Council denounced the merger, which would close the nearby district court office and force local residents to travel to Flint for legal matters. A resolution expressing the cityâs official opposition to the merger will go before the city council at its regular meeting next week. City Manager Lynn Markland tells WHMI the local district court office receives enough use to justify the cost of keeping it open for the convenience of local residents. He says the move would not only cost the police department more for transportation and overtime, but would also reduce the departmentâs ability to protect the community. Genesee County and Flint may be able to consolidate their district court systems as early as 2016. (TD)
Fenton Officials Oppose Merger Of County And Flint CourtsFenton Officials Oppose Merger Of County And Flint Courts
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Supreme Court Won't Grant New Trial for Man in Beating of WWII Vet Supreme Court Won't Grant New Trial for Man in Beating of WWII Vet
2/4/15 - There will be no new trial for one of the two men convicted in the vicious beating of a Livingston County World War II veteran following a decision by the stateâs highest court. 38-year-old Noah Richard Lovell III has been working to get a new trial since his co-defendant, 43-year-old Harry Riley, filed a signed affidavit claiming Lovell did not plan or participate in the incident. Both were convicted in the robbery and beating of John Pickett in his Oceola Township home in 2008. Based on Rileyâs affidavit, Lovell filed a motion asking for a new trial but that was denied, leaving Lovell to serve out his 50 to 95 year sentence. Lovellâs efforts to appeal through the Michigan Court of Appeals were unsuccessful and he later appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court. In an order dated February 3rd, the high court denied Lovellâs application for leave of appeal, saying the âdefendant has failed to meet the burden of establishing entitlement to reliefâ. Riley and Lovell were both convicted of armed robbery, unlawful imprisonment, torture, and first-degree home invasion. Authorities say Riley, who was sentenced to a term of 88 to 135 years in prison, posed as a utility worker when he approached Pickett and lured him outside his home in October 2008. They say Lovell then entered the residence and looked for cash and valuables. Picket was beaten when he returned inside. Lovellâs earliest date for release from the Lakeland Correctional Facility in Branch County is in 2059. (JM)
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Clerk Applauds Governor's Decision on Same Sex MarriagesClerk Applauds Governor's Decision on Same Sex Marriages
2/4/15 - A county clerk who married the first same sex couple in Michigan says she applauds Governor Rick Snyderâs decision to recognize the more than 300 same-sex unions performed during a brief window when they were allowed last year. The Republican governor announced today that he won't appeal a ruling that the state must recognize the marriages. Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum says she just happened to have the opportunity to marry the first same sex couple in Michigan on the morning of Saturday, March 22nd. Byrum tells WHMI itâs a memory she will forever hold dear and the joy that entered the courthouse when they unlocked the building was amazing with so many loving couples showing up to marry the love of their life. Byrum says she applauds Governor Snyder for making the right decision and is grateful the court ruled in favor of equality. A different federal judge struck down Michigan's gay marriage ban last March. Same-sex couples in four counties married the next day, before an appeals court suspended the decision and blocked additional marriages. The U.S. Supreme Court has since decided to consider the legality of Michigan's 2004 voter-approved ban. (JM)
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South Lyon High School Student Found With THC WaxSouth Lyon High School Student Found With THC Wax
2/5/15 - Charges may be field against a South Lyon High School student who was found to be in possession of THC wax at school last week. THC wax is made from marijuana using butane lighter fluid as a way to concentrate its active ingredient, THC. Also known as "butane honey oil,""hash oil," and "earwax," the substance is an oily brownish wax that can be disguised as myriad objects such as candles or lip gloss. The 16-year-old student from New Hudson was pulled aside by a teacher on Friday after he appeared to be under the influence of drugs. According to the South Lyon Herald, the matter was brought to the attention first of administrators and later of police. The student turned over to administrators a pill box that was found to contain four antacid tablets as well as a red rubber ball containing a piece of THC wax. Testing in the field confirmed the content of the substance. The case has been forwarded to juvenile court, which will follow up with the family. (TD)
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Donations Sought By Fowlerville Woman To Save Rescued DogDonations Sought By Fowlerville Woman To Save Rescued Dog
2/5/15 - A Fowlerville woman is seeking help from the public at large to save the life of a husky she rescued from euthanasia last month. On January 22nd and 23rd, Elissa Patterson traveled to St. Paulâs, North Carolina and rescue Annie the Husky, then called âSnowflake,â who was slated for euthanasia in a seven-day shelter. However, when she got the dog back to Michigan, it began to show signs of serious illness. Patterson took it to the Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where it was put into quarantine for canine parvovirus. The disease is highly contagious and often fatal for dogs. Annie is currently being fed through a tube and has a low blood cell count. To help with the mounting medical bills, Patterson is asking for donations on a crowd-funding website. So far she has received more than half of her $4,000 goal. For more information about Annieâs journey or to donate, follow the link below. (TD)
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Vehicle Decals Pay Tribute to Fallen Hamburg Twp. Police SergeantVehicle Decals Pay Tribute to Fallen Hamburg Twp. Police Sergeant
2/5/15 - The memory of a fallen police sergeant who âlived everyday like it was his lastâ will ride on. All patrol cars in the Hamburg Township Police Departmentâs fleet are being outfitted with the new tribute decal on both sides of the vehicle in memory of Sgt. Jim Sanderson. He was a 20-year veteran of the department and off duty at the time of an early morning motorcycle crash in September that took his life. He had been heading to a police memorial event in Canada. Sanderson was described by those who knew him best as a good cop and father, but also a man who took his job seriously and had the community at heart. He was also said to be a true ambassador who worked to foster cooperation throughout the law enforcement community. Deputy Police Chief Dariusz Nisenbaum says Sanderson was the first active duty officer in the departmentâs history to pass away. Although he wasnât technically on duty at the time, he says Sanderson was on his way to a memorial for fallen officers and representing the department at a function. During Sandersonâs time with the department, he served as an undercover officer with the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team and had most recently been on assignment with a federal task force. The first of the departmentâs new Ford police interceptor patrol cars went into service this past week and the markings include the addition of the tribute to honor Sanderson. (JM)
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Concerns w/ Work at Waldenwoods Resort Spurs DEQ InterventionConcerns w/ Work at Waldenwoods Resort Spurs DEQ Intervention
2/5/14 - The owners of the Waldenwoods Family Recreation Resort say theyâre working to address a number of state violations associated with work on the property for which permits were never obtained. Work has been ongoing at the property located north of M-59 on Old US-23 in Hartland Township, bringing about environmental concerns from some members. The Michigan Department of Environmental Qualityâs Water Resources Division was contacted and conducted an inspection of the property in December. A letter states staff observed that the shoreline of Lake Walden had been dredged or excavated, an existing storm water outlet pipe had been removed and a new storm water outlet was constructed to discharge storm water below the ordinary high water mark of the lake. A possible shrub wetland was also filled at the east of the pond. The letter says considering the requirements, the Water Resources Division determined that a permit would not have been approved for the project. Waldenwoods Chief Operations Officer Brian Crouse tells WHMI they viewed everything as property maintenance and didnât think it fell under the purview of the MDEQ or required permits. He believes theyâre working in the right direction with engineers, the DEQ, the township and the Livingston County Drain Commissionerâs Office to address concerns, get plans submitted and hopefully approved but will fix whatever they arenât allowed to keep. Crouse says they re-created what was a designated beach area for decades but they let grass grow up around it which limited access. He says conceptually, their goal is to create a better outdoor event location with nice views and access to Lake Walden so they opened up the site by cutting down some trees and shrubs by the Friendship Lodge. Crouse says they engaged an architect after that and plans were still being designed when they ran into issues with the DEQ. Crouse added that his family has gone to extremes to protect and preserve Lake Walden and this is no exception. (JM)
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Rogers Plans Announcement In Iowa This AfternoonRogers Plans Announcement In Iowa This Afternoon
2/5/15 - Former Congressman Mike Rogers generated speculation about a run for the White House following word that heâs planning an announcement in Iowa this afternoon. But sources are indicating todayâs announcement will not involve a run by the Howell Republican, who left Congress for a stint in talk radio, but instead an opportunity to shape the debate among GOP contenders. The Hill, a Washington D.C.-based publication, reports that Rogers will announce that he is organizing a foreign policy forum for 2016 White House contenders that will take place in Iowa later this year. The 51-year-old Rogers, who formerly chaired the House Intelligence Committee, is reportedly teaming up with former Iowa Republican Party Chairman Matt Strawn and Sam Clovis, an influential Iowa conservative, to organize the event. Rogers has suggested in the past that he might make a run for the White House at some point to draw attention to national security. When he sent out a press release Tuesday announcing "a significant announcementâ that would impact the 2016 Republican Presidential Primary, speculation began that he would be joining the field. But a source involved in the event told The Hill that Rogers is âlooking at shaping the GOP debate rather than participating in it.â In addition to being the host of the nationally-syndicated âSomething to Think About with Mike Rogersâ on Westwood One, he is also a CNN national security commentator. Rogersâ announcement is set this afternoon in the Iowa State Capitol, and will include a press conference. (JK)
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Florida Man Bound Over on Assault by Strangulation ChargeFlorida Man Bound Over on Assault by Strangulation Charge
2/5/15 - A Florida man accused of strangling a Holly woman on New Yearâs Day is heading to trial after one of two charges against him was dismissed. 42-year-old Billie Gene Tobler of Tampa was originally charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault by strangulation in 53rd District Court. However, the unlawful imprisonment charge was dismissed during a recent hearing and Tobler was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial on the assault by strangulation count. The charges stem from an incident on January 1st in which Tobler allegedly choked the Holly woman twice while they were visiting her friend in Brighton. The two left but proceeded to argue in a vehicle and the victim told police she tried to escape but Tobler prevented her from doing so. The victim claims she eventually convinced Tobler to stop at store so she could use the restroom, which is when she contacted authorities. Tobler is charged as a fourth time habitual offender and remains held in the Livingston County Jail on a $300,000 bond. Heâs scheduled to appear in court for a pre-trial hearing March 6th. (JM)
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Unscheduled Weather Siren Test Sounds False Alarm In HamburgUnscheduled Weather Siren Test Sounds False Alarm In Hamburg
2/5/15 - Two emergency warning sirens sounded in Hamburg Township yesterday, despite there being no inclement weather and no scheduled testing. The municipality is currently in the process of installing enough emergency warning sirens to cover the entire township in the event of a weather emergency. It is also working to integrate its system with that of Livingston County as part of a larger effort to create uniform standards for the sounding of sirens. In November, a company installed two new warning sirens for the township, but there were no plans to test them until this spring. However, on Wednesday, representatives from the company made an unannounced test of the new sirens. Fire Chief Mark Hogrebe says his department will be looking into why that test was conducted, and apologizes to any residents who may have been upset by it. He tells WHMI it is important for residents to know when tests will occur so when the real warning sounds, people take it seriously. Hogrebe says the test may have been improperly conducted, but it did verify that both sirens are working properly. (TD)
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MDOT Grant To Support Company's $13M Expansion In BrightonMDOT Grant To Support Company's $13M Expansion In Brighton
2/5/15 - More than 200 full-time jobs will be supported through a grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The grant, which comes from the Transportation Economic Development Fund, totals just under $380,000. But state officials say more importantly, it will trigger a nearly $13 (m) million private investment by TG Fluid Systems. Currently located on Advance Street, the subsidiary of Toyoda Gosei North American Corp. of Troy plans to move into the former Magna Atoma plant on Brighton Interior Drive. The investment is expected to retain 175 existing jobs and add 36 new full-time employees. MDOT officials say that Brighton Interior Drive between Challis Road and Nemco Way is in very poor condition and in need of reconstruction to accommodate the additional employee and commercial traffic that will be generated by the development. The City of Brighton will reconstruct Brighton Interior Drive, as well as make drainage improvements as necessary. Those improvements will be part of the cityâs 40% match in the project, coming in at just over $253,000. Brighton Planning and Zoning Director Amy Cyphert previously said she expects the improvements to Brighton Interior Drive to occur by this fall. (JK)
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Recall Petition Language Receives Approval On Third AttemptRecall Petition Language Receives Approval On Third Attempt
2/5/15 - A successful third attempt approved petition language that would recall three Howell School Board of Education members. The Howell Recall Committee is seeking to recall board President Mike Yenshaw, Treasurer Mike Moloney and Trustee Deborah McCormick for their votes to terminate the employment of former Superintendent Ron Wilson. The basic wording was approved this morning at a Livingston County Elections Commission meeting, which took place in the courtroom of Probate Judge Miriam Cavanaugh. While the recall targets did not contest the factualness of the petitionâs basis, they did state they feel the petition has been tainted with misinformation. Moloney requested the Elections Commission take the Recall Committeeâs course of conduct into consideration when making their decision. Moloney tells WHMI he believes the committeeâs website contains deceitful information to voters. Judge Cavanaugh, who sits as a member of the Elections Commission, reminded Moloney that the commissionâs job is to strictly confirm that the proposed petition language is clear. She believes to investigate the committeeâs conduct throughout the process would be outside of the commissionâs jurisdiction. Matt Ikle, a member of the Recall Committee and the petition's sponsor, says the next step is to obtain the signatures necessary before June. Should the petition be successful in that endeavor, the recall would appear on the November ballot. Though Ikle believes an appeal from the Board Members would be unnecessary, Moloney says they are keeping that option open. (DK/JK)
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Small Spill Leads to Strong Gas Smell in Pinckney Area Small Spill Leads to Strong Gas Smell in Pinckney Area
2/5/15 - A strong gas smell continued to permeate the Pinckney area today but should be subsiding. Consumers Energy was doing work in an area of M-36 near Farley Road late Wednesday afternoon when a small spill of the additive used to give the natural gas its distinctive egg smell, Mercapton, occurred. Consumers Energy Spokeswoman Debra Dodd tells WHMI just a little bit can create a big stink and unfortunately the smell has been hanging around in the area due to the cold weather conditions and a lack of wind. Dodd says crews were out working all day and removed several loads of dirt from the area, adding a masking agent was also used to help to neutralize and alleviate the smell. Dodd says the smell should be subsiding; adding they recognize it can be a taxing matter and appreciate the patience of the police and fire departments in the area. Dodd further encouraged customers to report any concerns directly to Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050. (JM)
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Brighton Council OKs Consent Judgment On Springhill CondosBrighton Council OKs Consent Judgment On Springhill Condos
2/6/15 - The city of Brighton has reached a consent judgment with the developers of Springhill, a site condominium development on Flint Road next to I-96 related to problems caused by severe erosion last year. City Council approved the court agreement at Thursday nightâs meeting. Residents had complained last year that boulder walls had failed, back yards were being washed away, retaining walls had been compromised and a drop off between the sidewalk and a steep slope posed a safety hazard. Since then, the developer - SDG Homes and its owner, Trevor Surdu - have installed new pavement, a new retaining wall behind the most seriously affected units, upgrades to the storm and sanitary sewers, installed new boulder walls and new walls behind two units and a sidewalk on Flint Road. However, other problems have remained, and the city filed suit against the company last August, demanding that additional corrections be made. The court agreement was discussed in detail at Thursday nightâs city council meeting. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI that two of the main aspects of the consent judgment pertain to drainage work and landscaping. One thing emphasized at the council meeting is that the developer will be required to get the approval of the individual home owners to come onto their property to perform the drainage and other work. City council member Jim Bohn said the city should notify the property owners about what kind of work will be performed. It was agreed the city would send the affected owners copies of the consent order indicating specifying what work will be done. The consent judgment means that the developer has agreed to all of the cityâs demands, and all that remains to be done from a legal standpoint is for Livingston County Circuit Judge Michael Hatty to sign the document. (TT/JK)
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MSP Brighton Post Available For Personal BusinessMSP Brighton Post Available For Personal Business
2/6/15 - The Michigan State Police Brighton Post is inviting residents to use its lobby and parking lot as a safe place to conduct business with strangers. Post Commander Joel Allen says the service is being offered in response to crimes such as assault, robbery, and fraud that occur when people try to conduct business with strangers they meet online. He cites the case of a Georgia couple that was recently murdered while trying to purchase a vehicle advertised on Craigslist. The post has always allowed such transactions to occur in its lobby or parking lot upon request, but this is the first time it has advertised that availability for the safety of residents in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties. The lobby of the Brighton Post is open from 8am to 4pm on weekdays, except for state holidays, and the parking lot is open 24 hours a day with video surveillance. (TD)
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Rogers Announces Group To Focus GOP On National SecurityRogers Announces Group To Focus GOP On National Security
2/6/15 - Despite speculation that he might announce his own run for the White House, former Congressman Mike Rogers instead says he is leading an effort to promote more foreign policy discussion among Republican presidential hopefuls. The Howell Republican, who hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, unveiled a plan Thursday to boost foreign policy conversation in advance of the 2016 election. Rogers is leading a group called Americans for Peace, Prosperity and Security, which held a kickoff event in Des Moines. When Rogers earlier this week said he would make an announcement in Iowa, always a key battleground state in presidential politics, there had been talk he might announce his own interest in running. But Thursdayâs event was strictly about the new organization, which he says aims to build support among Iowa voters and hold candidate events, including a forum in the fall. Rogers plans to organize similar programs in New Hampshire and South Carolina. Rogers served in the U.S. House for 14 years before retiring at the end of last year. As the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, he was an outspoken defender of National Security Agency surveillance programs. Photo courtesy of TheIowaRepublican.com (JK)
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Volunteers Needed for Heart Hunt Challenge Volunteers Needed for Heart Hunt Challenge
2/6/15 - Community members are being encouraged to join the Heart Hunt Challenge and help save a life. Every year 1,000 people in Livingston County die from Sudden Cardiac Arrest, which is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. The swift use of an Automated External Defibrillator or AED greatly improves the chance of survival, and a community project is underway to locate and map the devices around Livingston County. The Cleary University Leadership Livingston class is coordinating the Heart Hunt Challenge, which asks volunteers to sign up and help find and report AED locations in different municipalities from February 7th through the 21st. Josephine Jabara is one of the class participants and tells WHMI the objective is to map the locations so that first responders arriving on scene can quickly and easily find the closest AED since time is of the essence in emergencies. Jabara says team leaders have been assigned to all areas in the county and are waiting for their volunteers to join them. During the Heart Hunt Challenge, volunteers 16 and older are asked to find AEDâs in publicly accessible buildings and then log the locations in a free cell phone app. Volunteers will need an Android phone or iPhone. All of the information collected will be used to make a map with Livingston County EMS that will show where additional AEDâs are needed. The locations can also be mapped and connected with the software and interfaces of the 911 Central Dispatch service. Meanwhile, donations are also being accepted as part of the project to purchase AEDâs for identified gap areas and the Livingston County Community Foundation has committed to match donations up to $10,000. Complete details about the project can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Gardner Is Brighton City Council's Choice for Vacant Seat Gardner Is Brighton City Council's Choice for Vacant Seat
2/6/15 - The Brighton City Councilâs newest member is Susan Gardner. She was sworn in by City Clerk Diana Lowe at Thursday nightâs meeting. Gardner was appointed on a unanimous vote after all three candidates were interviewed for the seat left vacant by the resignation of Chad Cooper. There were originally four applicants for the seat, but Muriel Kaier â who had also been a candidate for a seat on the Brighton Board of Education â dropped out. Gardner tells WHMI that now that she is on council she would like to have a discourse with citizens and find out what they want for the city of Brighton. Gardner, who is married and whose children are grown, will serve until this yearâs November election. She works as a civilian employee at the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command in Warren. Gardner and her husband reside in a condominium in downtown Brighton. She indicated at the meeting that she is seriously considering running for a full, 4-year term on council in the fall general election. (TT)
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Cause of Blaze that Destroyed Unadilla Store UndeterminedCause of Blaze that Destroyed Unadilla Store Undetermined
2/6/15 - Officials say a cause will likely never be determined for the massive fire that burned the Unadilla Store to the ground and severely damaged an adjacent home. Unadilla Township Fire Chief Mark Schroeder says there was a great deal of damage from the January 27th fire and much debris left at the scene, but not a whole lot of evidence left to go on. He tells WHMI they probably wonât be able to pinpoint a cause and at this time, and are labeling it undetermined. He says they were finally able to meet with Consumers Energy at the site Wednesday morning to conduct a pressure test on the natural gas line. Schroeder says they were on site for about five hours, with the main focus being to secure the remaining portion of brick wall between buildings so it was safe for Consumers Energy workers to get in between them and safely test the natural gas line, which was accomplished. He says the pressure test on the natural gas line passed with flying colors and it has been determined that natural gas had no role in the fire at all. Schroeder says itâs his understanding that the structure next door to store will be rebuilt and he thanked all of the agencies involved from the day of the fire up until Wednesday including all of the investigators, the DART Team, American Red Cross and the Livingston County Road Commission. (JM)
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Church School In Hartland Offers Free TuitionChurch School In Hartland Offers Free Tuition
2/6/15 - A private Livingston County school that's run by a church has decided to stop charging tuition. Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Hartland Township began sending refunds to parents Jan. 1. The school is for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Officials say 90 percent of the school's expenses are fixed costs. Our Savior pastor the Rev. Christopher Thoma says "whether ... we have two or 90 kids, we just have to compensate for the 10 percent of expenses." Thoma anticipates more students will apply once word gets out about free tuition. The school has 70 students but capacity for more than 200. Before the change, children of church members attended tuition-free and those of nonmembers were required to pay. (JK)
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