2/12/15 - Its tax time again and area residents are being put on alert about some IRS scams circulating in local communities. The Northfield Township Police department is advising residents to be aware of scams perpetrated by people posing as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents. In one scenario, the caller tells a person that they owe a large sum of money to the IRS and failure to make a timely payment of the debt will result in a warrant being issued for their arrest. The scammer then tells the resident that they must purchase pre-paid or GreenDot money cards, which have a unique tracking number printed on the back. The scammer then advises he or she will call back in a couple hours to record the tracking number. Once they have the tracking number, he or she is able to access the funds. A second scam involves a pre-recorded call claiming to be the IRS saying itâs their final attempt to reach you and threatens legal action if the call is not returned. Authorities advise that the IRS will never contact individuals by phone to collect on debts. To help avoid becoming a victim, they say simply hang-up on the caller and directly contact the IRS, never provide any account or other personal information and never wire money to a person or company you donât know. (JM)
Internal Revenue Service Scams Circulating In Local Communities Internal Revenue Service Scams Circulating In Local Communities
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Howell Welcomes Back Robotics CompetitionHowell Welcomes Back Robotics Competition
2/12/15 - Thousands of people are expected to gather at Parker Middle School this month for the FIRST Robotics Competition Howell District Event. This will be the second year the school has hosted the event, where teams of high school students compete using robots they have built themselves. The teams typically compete as alliances to accomplish simple tasks using only their robots. Howellâs home team, the S.C.O.T.S. Bots, are hosting the event, and they expect to exceed last yearâs attendance of more than 4,000 participants and spectators. The theme competition this year is Recycle Rush, where teams will be combined into alliances that must use their robots to dispose of pool noodles in recycle bins. Inspection and practice matches will take place beginning at 5pm on Thursday, February 26th. Qualification matches will take place beginning Friday, with the final rounds and awards ceremony taking place on Saturday. The entire event will be live-streamed online. Team entries and event sponsors are still being accepted. For more information, follow the link below. (TD)
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Howell School's Exercise Option Featured In National MagazineHowell School's Exercise Option Featured In National Magazine
2/12/15 - Highlander Way Middle School and Tricia Clark, the school's physical education teacher, are included in a story in the March edition of Parents magazine. The schoolâs mobile fitness labs created by Clark are mentioned in an article that explores different ways schools are promoting and incorporating physical activity into the school day. Clark created the mobile fitness labs based on research presented in Dr. John Rateyâs book âSPARK, The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain.â Ratey determined that engaging in physical activity encourages brain cells to bind to one another, creating the ideal situation for learning. Armed with that research, Clark secured a grant from the Howell Education Foundation to purchase equipment such as BOSU balance balls, kettlebells and resistance bands to create the mobile fitness labs. For the main fitness lab Clark secured a grant from Tanger Outlets to purchase stationary bikes, an Apple TV system and iPad mini. Additionally, Clark received a technology grant to purchase eight Google Chromebooks for the main fitness lab. Students use the Chromebooks to track their nutritional habits using myNutratek. Each mobile fitness lab has eight stations that students rotate through, performing different exercises at each one. General education teachers sign up for the labs and determine how much time they wish to spend in the lab before heading back to class to work on academics. The issue of Parents magazine featuring Clarkâs labs is on the newsstand now. (JK)
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WALLY Line Could Extend Through Howell To Traverse CityWALLY Line Could Extend Through Howell To Traverse City
2/12/15 - A group out of Traverse City is looking at whether a planned commuter rail between Howell and Ann Arbor could be feasibly extended to the northern part of the state. Known to many as WALLY, the commuter rail project would include several stops between the University of Michigan campus and Howell, including one in Hamburg, as a way to increase local connectivity and reduce traffic on US-23. Right now, organizers like the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority are working on a feasibility study that would determine how much the project would cost and whether there would be sufficient demand to support it. Strategic planner Michael Benham says that should be completed within six months. Meanwhile, a group called the Michigan Land Use Institute has gotten some grant money to conduct its own feasibility study to determine whether it would be economical to extend the rail line through Howell and on to Traverse City. Benham says he is not opposed to the change in principle, but his organization is withholding their final decision about it until the feasibility study determines whether it would be economical. Earlier this week, the Michigan Department of Transportation had to defend its decisions surrounding the project to the House Infrastructure and Transportation Committee. MDOT has spent millions of dollars leasing and refurbishing cars for the rail line, and legislators wanted to know why that kind of money was being spent when it still was not clear whether the commuter rail project would even come to fruition. (TD)
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Fowlerville Couple Recognized with Special Legislative Tribute Fowlerville Couple Recognized with Special Legislative Tribute
2/12/15 - Local legislators recently honored the long-time service of a Fowlerville couple. The Fowlerville News & Views recently marked its 30th anniversary, having released its first issue on January 17th, 1985. To mark the occasion, State Senator Joe Hune and State Representative Hank Vaupel collaborated on a special legislative tribute for the paperâs owners, Steve and Dawn Horton. Mary Helfmann, who serves as a Fowlerville Council Trustee as well as a legislative aide to Senator Hune, tells WHMI the recognition is well deserved. "For 30 years, the Hortons have been a major part of all kinds of community activities including fundraisers for people who were critically ill, for community services...they were always there." Hune and Vaupel made the presentation of the proclamation, which was signed by Governor Snyder, to the Hortons at a recent Fowlerville council meeting. Pictured left to right; Senator Hune, Dawn Horton, Steve Horton, Representative Vaupel.
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Event Helps Local Women Become Heart Healthy & Reduce Stress Event Helps Local Women Become Heart Healthy & Reduce Stress
2/12/15 - An educational event helped raise awareness about heart disease while inspiring local women to make changes in their lives, reduce stress and become heart healthy. The second annual Brighton Go Red for Women luncheon was held today, with many attendees wearing red to recognize February as Heart Month. The event was hosted by the Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce Professional Womenâs Club of Michigan and Michigan Heart, a member of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Michigan Heart Cardiologist Mark Bernstein discussed the impact of stress on the heart and how to manage it in a healthy way. Bernstein tells WHMI coronary disease typically develops later in women than men and itâs important to know the warning signs and symptoms because they may not be the same for men and women. He says modifying behaviors helps lower the risk of developing coronary heart disease but acknowledged it's easier said than done. Bernstein says it can be difficult in contemporary society with how busy people are because you actually have to make time and an appointment for yourself. Bernstein says reducing stressors and being heart healthy comes down to a proper diet, decreasing or eliminating smoking, less drinking, less over-eating and exercise. Additional information about Heart Disease and the Go Red for Women movement is available through the link below. (JM)
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Council Denies Sidewalk Waiver for Livingston County Jail Project Council Denies Sidewalk Waiver for Livingston County Jail Project
2/11/15 - In keeping with its long term strategic vision to improve walkability and pedestrian safety throughout the community, the Howell City Council is requiring that sidewalk be installed along a portion of Grand River near the Livingston County Jail project. Council voted unanimously to deny the waiver during Mondayâs meeting, with members Scott Niblock and Steve Manor absent. Work is ongoing to renovate and expand the existing jail at Grand River and Highlander Way. The county had concerns about permitting a pedestrian traffic route along the south side of Grand River, which is the northern border of the jail complex and serves as an emergency inmate refuge area. Itâs already fenced but is not a major security perimeter. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI anytime a property is expanded or constructed, ordinance requires sidewalks to be put in for public use but it does allow waivers. A separate sidewalk waiver was previously granted by the City but was specific to the jail expansion in 1994. Some of the discussion Monday night centered on possibly using the countyâs portion of funding for the sidewalk as potential leverage for sidewalk-related grant opportunities. While members recognized the potential benefit of doing that, many voiced larger safety concerns and a desire to keep with the strategic vision of adding sidewalks and making a more walkable, pedestrian friendly community. Members pointed to the large amount of kids and pedestrians that already walk through that area and the importance of making it safe for them to do so. Being that the jail construction is ongoing; members commented that perhaps other security mechanisms, design alternatives or signage could be explored to serve as deterrents to help keep individuals away from the area of concern. As for the $16.7 (m) million jail renovation and expansion project, it was noted that work should be completed in late summer, followed by additional site work in the fall. There would be about a month time lapse in which inmates would be moved before renovations begin on the other portion of the facility.(JM)
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Former South Lyon City Manager Hired by City of Wayne Former South Lyon City Manager Hired by City of Wayne
2/12/15 - The former manager of two local municipalities has been hired to run the City of Wayne. The Wayne City Council voted to approve a six month contract with David Murphy during a recent meeting. The city has been through a series of different interim managers since late 2013 and Murphy is said to be the first hired on a permanent basis in more than a year. He was said to be favored for his budgetary expertise when hired for the interim post last October. Murphy was among a list of candidates willing to serve on an interim basis provided to the city by the Michigan Municipal League. A Hometownlife.com article says a council committee proposed a one-year agreement, while Murphy proposed six months or three years for a contract term. The six-month contract is expected to give Murphy a chance to see what transpires with the cityâs financial stability. Heâll receive a $2,000 weekly salary, healthcare benefits and a pension contribution. Also under the agreement reached with the City of Wayne, Murphy would receive three months pay and benefits if terminated. Murphy has filled in different interim manager positions over the past couple of years and was formerly employed as the Brighton Township manager until he was hired for the South Lyon city manager position in 2008. He remained in that role up until October of 2013, when he was terminated in a contentious 4-3 vote of council. (JM)
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Northfield Woman Gets Jail Time For Green Oak Hit-And-RunNorthfield Woman Gets Jail Time For Green Oak Hit-And-Run
2/12/15 - Jail time has been ordered for a woman who entered a plea to a fatal hit and run in Green Oak Township last year. 34-year-old Candice April Soerries of Northfield Township pleaded no contest to a charge of failure to stop at a personal injury accident causing serious impairment or death. A no contest plea is not a legal admission of guilt but was treated as such during her sentencing today. Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says Soerries was ordered to serve 30 days in jail and one year of probation. Green Oak Township Police say Soerries was the driver of an SUV that hit 27-year-old Kevin Douglas Simon at the intersection of Rickett Road and Meadow Farm Drive in the early morning hours of March 30th last year and then drove off. Simon, who was wearing dark clothing while walking in the southbound lane in an area with no street lights, was pronounced dead at the scene. Soerries only called authorities after she had arrived at home. (TD)
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston County Changing Lives Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston County Changing Lives
2/13/15 - The work of a non-profit organization to help make a difference in the lives of local children is being highlighted ahead of an upcoming fundraiser. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston County has been providing children with mentors since 1980. The local mentoring organization helps build one-on-one relationships between a volunteer and a child in need of a friend. Executive Director Shari Davis-Schoech says itâs all about making good things happen for kids. The non-profit strives to not only make kids successful but make sure the parents and volunteers are comfortable and supported during the entire relationship and experience. Asking for help can be tough but itâs resulted in a great experience for the single mother of a young man in the program currently. Kirsten Eichhorn is a Hartland school teacher who lost her father and didnât have a lot of family nearby or male influences in her son Kadenâs life. However, she says when her father passed away, that tipped the scale and she reached out to BBBS. Eichhorn says while at first she felt embarrassed or like she was failing somehow, that has all changed and the program has truly been a blessing. She says her son now has new experiences that she most likely would not be providing from help with scouting to fishing, sports and building things. Davis Schoech says individuals from all walks of life find themselves seeking out the organization although there does tend to be a higher percentage of women and single parents that lack a strong, male focus in their childâs life for whatever reason. She says mentors and children typically stay matched until the child graduates from high school or turns 18 whichever comes latter. She says they can always use more volunteers to help in the program, as well as participation in the non-profitâs biggest fundraiser, Bowl for Kids Sake at Striking Lanes in Hartland in March 20th, 21st and 22nd. Both Eichhorn and Davis Schoech will also be the featured guests on this Sunday morningâs Viewpoint program at 8:30. (JM)
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Cohoctah Officials Hear From Residents About Tree RemovalCohoctah Officials Hear From Residents About Tree Removal
2/13/15 - The Cohoctah Township Board last night heard from several residents unhappy about the tree cutting done earlier this week along Chase Lake Road. The Livingston County Road Commission and a contractor had cleared out a row of trees along the side of the road between Antcliff and Oak Grove Roads. Nearby residents were upset about the project, saying the old trees were a part of local history and provided visual screening for the adjacent cemetery. They were also unhappy that they had not been properly informed about the project before it began. The Road Commission has said that the trees posed a safety hazard and were shedding branches, but residents questioned the reasons given for the project when they brought their concerns to the township board last night. Among them was resident John Linton, who tells WHMI he would like the township to replace the lost foliage, and to do a better job protecting trees and informing residents in the future. Township officials told residents they plan to plant new trees on the other side of the cemetery fence, which should restore the visual screen even if the trees are much younger than those cut down. Supervisor Mark Fosdick says they also plan to go out of their way to ensure residents are better informed in the future, including on another planned project along a stretch of Oak Grove Road. Residents also questioned what the work crews were doing with the wood from the old maple trees they harvested, and whether it was being sold off at a profit. (TD)
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Frigid Temps Force Closure Of Recycling CenterFrigid Temps Force Closure Of Recycling Center
2/13/15 - The cold temperatures and associated wind chills are prompting a local recycling operation to close its doors again this weekend. The forecast for Saturday calls for windy, frigid conditions and as such, Recycle Livingston in Howell will be closed. Officials say whenever questionable weather conditions exist, the safety of their volunteers comes first. They apologize for the inconvenience, but they are planning to be open next Wednesday, February 18th, weather permitting. They also remind residents that they have changed their Wednesday hours, which are now 10am to 4:30pm. Additional information can be found through the link below. (JK)
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Suspect In Drunk Driving Death Free After Posting BondSuspect In Drunk Driving Death Free After Posting Bond
2/13/15 - A man charged in connection with a fiery crash that killed a Milford Township woman is free after posting bond. 41-year-old Goran Djordjevski of Farmington Hills is charged with 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, identified as Janet Marie Reed, was on a pizza delivery run when she was rear ended by Djordjevski. The impact caused Reedâs vehicle to overturn and catch on fire, trapping her inside. In court yesterday, Djordjevski posted his $100,000 bond. As part of conditions for his release, the judge ordered that he have an alcohol monitoring tether in place and submit to random drug testing. He also had to surrender his passport and cannot leave the state. Djordjevski is due back in court for a preliminary exam on February 18th. (JK)
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It's A Helluva Deal; Hell For Sale For $999,666It's A Helluva Deal; Hell For Sale For $999,666
2/13/15 - Strange things happen on Friday the 13th, and today marks a strange chapter in Livingston County as Hell goes up for sale. John Colone, who for years has operated the landmark businesses and facilities in the Putnam Township hamlet of Hell, has decided to sell it all off. Pinckney-based relator Rick Beaudin is helping handle the sale and says it includes not only the businesses, such as Screams Ice Cream and Diner, the miniature golf course, the chapel, and the souvenir shop, but also the rights to merchandise, marketing, and slogans for the location. The only business in Hell not included in the deal is the Dam Site Inn. In keeping with the dedicated theme of Hell, the asking price is $999,666. Beaudin says the actual listing will become official next week, but heâs hoping that a business interest with some money to fully promote the tourist attraction will turn it into something along the lines of Bronnerâs Christmas Village in Frankenmuth, although certainly with a completely opposite theme. Under Coloneâs ownership, Hell has gained international attention through the years for playing off the underworld theme. Perhaps its biggest moment came on June 6th of 2006, or 6-6-06, when thousands of people crowded into the tiny hamlet to celebrate the devilish date. Since then it has become the host to numerous other events, including the Blessing of the Bikes and an annual Hearse parade. (JK)
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Bond Denied Again for Man Charged in Fatal Road Rage IncidentBond Denied Again for Man Charged in Fatal Road Rage Incident
2/13/15 - A judge has once again denied bond for a Marion Township man charged with killing another motorist in an alleged road rage incident last September. 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale has been held without bond in the Livingston County Jail since the shooting of Derek Flemming on Grand River in Genoa Township. Judge Miriam Cavanaugh noted the seriousness of the crime and said she considered all factors before making the decision to again deny bond during todayâs hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court. In arguing for his release ahead of trial, Defense Attorney Melissa Pearce said that Zale poses no danger to the community and suggested a tether and restricted travels. The request was also made in part due to health reasons as Zale suffers from a heart condition. Testimony was heard from some of Zaleâs family members and friends, who were questioned about his general behaviors and community involvement. Pearce plans to use a self-defense strategy at trial, which was scheduled to begin in March. The date was adjourned out to May though after prosecutors disclosed in court that they were still awaiting the results of lab testing on DNA evidence in the case. That evidence is said to be critical to Zaleâs defense. Meanwhile, another hearing to address three motions from the defense is scheduled February 26th. (JM)
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Alleged Knifepoint Robber Bound Over For TrialAlleged Knifepoint Robber Bound Over For Trial
2/14/15 - A Milford man who police say robbed a retailer at knifepoint last year has been bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court for trial. 24-year-old Jonathan Truran was bound over on February 6th on a charge of armed robbery. His next appearance in court will be February 18th. According to the Milford Times, Truran is accused of showing a knife to the cashier of the Dollar General store in Farmington the morning of November 26th. He is alleged to have demanded money and left the store with an undisclosed amount of cash. A local trash hauler provided a tip to police after seeing the suspect leave the store, and Truran was arrested later that day in a nearby house. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison. (TD)
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Public Tips Lead To Arrest Of Retail Fraud Suspect In FentonPublic Tips Lead To Arrest Of Retail Fraud Suspect In Fenton
2/14/15 - The Fenton Police Department says trips from the public allowed officers to find a suspect believed to be involved in a retail fraud. The department released photos this week taken from the VGâs store on North Leroy Street at about noon on January 20th. The photos show a man in a tan jacket, a grey hoodie, blue jeans and black shoes entering the store with a shopping basket. Police said they were looking for the individual in connection with a retail fraud that happened at the store that day. In less than two days, the department announced that tips called in by the public had led them to the person responsible. Heâs described a 26-year-old Fenton Township man. Police say they are wrapping up their investigation and will turn it over to the Genesee County Prosecutorâs office for possible charges. (TD/JK)
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No Bond for Marion Twp. Man Charged in Fatal Road Rage IncidentNo Bond for Marion Twp. Man Charged in Fatal Road Rage Incident
2/14/15 - The Marion Township man charged in a fatal road rage incident last September will remain behind bars until trial. 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale is charged in the shooting death of Derek Flemming in the middle of the intersection at Grand River and Chilson Road in Genoa Township on September 2nd. Zale has been held without bond since that time and in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday, Judge Miriam Cavanaugh again denied a request to allow Zale the opportunity to be free pending trial. Pearce asked that the court take into account testimony heard Friday from Zaleâs family and friends and set a bond that would not be excessive, noting Zale has health issues related to a heart condition and they were willing to accept any restrictions imposed by the court, whether house arrest or travel. In making the ruling, Cavanaugh said she considered all factors and noted the seriousness of the crimes. Prosecutor Dan Rose pointed to different factors and statutes that applied when assessing bail, specifically whether the proof of guilt is evident or the assumption is great. Rose also said it was already established during the preliminary exam that the defendant fired the shot that led to Flemingâs death. Zaleâs Defense Attorney Melissa Pearce argued that while the statute indicates that bond would not apply in the charge of murder, the preliminary exam only presented one side of the story. She maintains that Zale acted in self-defense and was not the first aggressor. Pearce says that defense, if a jury found him not guilty, would justify his actions that day, even though they would violate a criminal statute. Following the hearing, Pearce told WHMI she was disappointed bond was not set but the law is what it is. She says everyone who knows Zale is shocked by the whole process and that he is not out on bond, again encouraging the public to not base an opinion until all of the evidence is heard and that it has not all come out yet. Meanwhile, prosecutors disclosed that DNA evidence collected has still not yet been analyzed by the lab. Pearce said that evidence is critical to Zaleâs defense and as such, Judge Cavanaugh agreed to adjourn the trial to May. Additionally, three defense motions will be heard February 26th. The first request is to exclude evidence related to other crimes, wrongdoings or acts by the defendant. Another motion seeks to admit character evidence while the third is trial related and requests that Zale be allowed to wear civilian clothes and that his handcuffs and shackles be removed. (JM)
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Students Shave Heads For Howell High's St. Baldrick's FundraiserStudents Shave Heads For Howell High's St. Baldrick's Fundraiser
2/14/15- Though there may be a lack of hair at Howell High School, there is more than enough heart. The fourth annual fundraiser for St. Baldrickâs Foundation to support childhood cancer research raised more money for the cause than ever before. School Board members, several students, and even Howell Highâs Principal Jason Schrock and his wife, are donning a new do, thanks to the successful charity event. Professional stylists shaved the contributorâs heads at Howellâs Winterfest pep rally yesterday, and the student body blew past their goal of raising $5,000. The total donations have come in at $7600, and funds are continuing to be collected until next Friday. Chair of the fundraiser, Howell High School Junior Sarah Cortez, says Howellâs Interact Club began the event in 2012, and the student body has raised over $20,000 for St. Baldrickâs since then. Howell High Junior Sarah Cortez is the fundraiser chair this year and says the âshaveesâ are able to collect donations by selling St. Baldrickâs t-shirts and bracelets, baked goods, and through an online donation form. Cortez says the fundraiser is a reminder that cancer affects everyone in some way, and there is something that can be done about it. (DK)
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Construction Starts Tuesday on I-96 in Ingham County Construction Starts Tuesday on I-96 in Ingham County
Construction and lane closures start next week on I-96 in Ingham County that could cause delays for area motorists.
The Michigan Department of Transportation will install temporary supports at various overpasses along I-96 in Ingham County at Elm Road, Williamston Road, Zimmer Road, Meridian Road and Hagadorn Road. The contractor plans to move east to west, with approximately one week of construction needed at each bridge. M-DOT says there will be intermittent single-lane and shoulder closures during construction in each direction, between 9am and 3pm each day. In addition, some short-term ramp closures will occur at Williamston Road to complete the work. The eastbound I-96 exit ramp will be closed, with Williamston Road traffic directed to use eastbound I-96 to southbound Williamston Road. Additionally, the northbound Williamston Road loop ramp will be closed, with traffic detoured east on I-96 to M-52, back to westbound I-96. The work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, February 17th and be completed in late March. (JM)
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