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Casteel Arraigned On I-96 Shooting Charges Including TerrorismCasteel Arraigned On I-96 Shooting Charges Including Terrorism

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12/27/12 - The man accused of shooting at dozens of vehicles along I-96 in October was arraigned in 53rd District Court in Howell this afternoon. 43-year-old Raulie Wayne Casteel is facing seven charges from Michigan Attorney General Bill Schutte in the cases, including terrorism. His attorney filed not-guilty pleas on all counts during today’s three-minute hearing. Casteel attended the hearing through a live video feed. Further action on the case will depend on the results of a forensic competency exam currently being conducted. Schutte took over the prosecution of the cases against Casteel in Livingston, Ingham, and Shiawassee Counties at the request of local prosecutors. Ingham County Sheriff’s Department Major Joel Maatman served on the task force that tracked down Casteel. After today’s arraignment he told reporters that the terrorism charge is justified because of the fear caused by the shootings, which caused people to alter their daily lives. Photo courtesy WLNS. (TD)

Linden City Levels Extra Sewer Fines At Some BusinessesLinden City Levels Extra Sewer Fines At Some Businesses

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12/28/12 - The City of Linden will be leveling some additional fees against 21 businesses that have had their sewer usage reassessed. MLive.com reports property owners in the city pay a one-time hookup fee when they connect to the sewer system. The fee is charged in multiples of $3,000 units based on the property’s expected sewer usage. However, if the usage of the property changes additional sewer units can be charged. The city completed a sewer audit of its 80 commercial properties in the fall and discovered that 21 commercial properties had increased their usage by a total of 80 sewer units. Two of the properties were short by more than 15 units. It has been several years since the city has completed a sewer audit and officials say they will be carried out annually from now on. The city set up a payment plan in the summer that will allow property owners up to 15 years to pay the new sewer fees with no interest so long as a minimum annual payment is made. (TD)

Book By Brighton High School Twins Set For Publication FridayBook By Brighton High School Twins Set For Publication Friday

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12/28/12 - A children’s book written and illustrated by two Brighton High School seniors has hit bookstore shelves. The book, called “The Monkey and the Star,” was written by twin brothers Blair and Mitchell Brooks who are seniors at Brighton High School. Mitchell provided the illustrations with the help of a colorist in Indiana. Blair says he and his brother were working on a video production project for school about two years ago when they were inspired by commentary from a television show. They wrote a story and later a book based on their ideas from the project. The finished story is written in the same poetic structure as most of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Blair says the story is meant to help children grow and learn to accept themselves. It was released recently by a Michigan-based publisher. (TD)

Anyone In Snow Removal Business Reminded of New State LawAnyone In Snow Removal Business Reminded of New State Law

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12/28/12 - The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department is reminding anyone in the business of removing snow and ice from parking lots about a new law that took effect last July. Michigan Motor Vehicle Code states that “a person shall not operate a commercial snow removal vehicle to remove snow or ice from a public street, highway or parking lot unless it has at least one flashing, rotating, or oscillating yellow or amber light”. It states the light must be clearly visible in a 360-degree arc from a distance of 500 feet when in use. Violations are a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or up to a $500 fine. The Sheriff’s Department is also reminding those with oversize plows or other large equipment that a permit may be required to travel on public roadways in the county. Those permits can be obtained through the Livingston County Road Commission. (JM)

Brighton Woman Representing USA In Cross County Challenge Brighton Woman Representing USA In Cross County Challenge

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12/28/12 - A Brighton woman will be representing the United States in an international race in the new year. Sarah Boyle is an admissions advisor for Cleary University in Genoa Township and the women’s cross country coach. She’s been selected as one of nine women to represent the United States at the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross County Challenge in Scotland January 5th. Teams from across Europe compete at three different distances, although no American has ever won any of the three races since the event began in 2005. High-level competition is nothing new for Boyle as a former NCAA Division 1 track and cross country standout. Boyle says she never thought about putting on a Team USA uniform but is extremely excited and proud to represent her country. This marks her first international race and Boyle says she plans to give it everything she’s got to help Team USA win the title. (JM)

Hartland Township Remarking Grave SitesHartland Township Remarking Grave Sites

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12/28/12- The discovery of inaccurate grave sites has led to an evaluation of Hartland area cemeteries. Hartland Township is working towards remarking the plots at Hartland, Hodge, Parshallville, and Smith cemeteries where the grave sites on record may not correspond with the actual resting places. Township Clerk Larry Hopkins tells WHMI the issue was brought forth when a grave site that was thought to be vacant was actually in use. The process of correcting the plots begins with a survey of the lots and an approximation of where the grave sites are thought to be. Ground penetrating radar follows this step to show exactly where the burial spaces are. At the end of the process the township hopes to have all of the resting places accurately marked and recorded. (SO)

Supreme Court Denies Hartland Township Woman's Appeal Supreme Court Denies Hartland Township Woman's Appeal

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12/2/12 - The Michigan Supreme Court has rejected an appeal filed by a Hartland Township woman who was convicted of home invasion, fraud and theft charges in both Livingston and Oakland Counties. 56-year-old Debra Ann Gladish was ordered to serve a minimum of two years and a maximum of 22 ½ years in prison for 2nd degree home invasion in Livingston County. In Oakland County, Gladish received 221 days of jail time already served for credit card fraud and receiving and concealing stolen property. An identity theft charge was dropped in that case. An appeal filed by Gladish was denied by the Michigan Court of Appeals in June. She then appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court, which also denied her request. Gladish remains incarcerated at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti. She was arrested in July of 2010 after the owner of a Milford restaurant discovered she had used a stolen credit card to pay her bill and obtain cash. When police took her into custody, they found jewelry, clothing and other items from a Hartland Township break-in earlier that day. (JM)

Judge: Brighton Man Can't Question Witnesses During Fraud Trial Judge: Brighton Man Can't Question Witnesses During Fraud Trial

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12/28/12 - A Brighton money manager accused of using his marketing skills to fool investors out of millions won't be allowed to personally question them at his fraud trial. Federal judge Paul Borman has denied John Bravata's request to cross-examine witnesses, saying he has excellent attorneys who can handle the job. The government opposed Bravata's effort to question witnesses, with prosecutors saying he shouldn't be given a "soapbox" in front of jurors. Bravata, of Brighton Township, is charged with securities fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering. Authorities say he collected $53 million from clients that was supposed to be invested in real estate, but was instead used for personal expenses including jewelry and travel. Bravata denies any wrongdoing or fraud and says he invested the money in real estate that simply turned sour during the Great Recession. He was jailed in May of 2011 after authorities said he had a strong motive to flee the country. Also charged is his son Antonio and Bravata’s business partner, Richard Trabulsy, who previously entered a guilty plea to wire fraud and is expected to testify at the trial. It has been delayed multiple times but is currently scheduled to start January 28th in Detroit federal court. (JM)

Former County Commissioner Parker Hopes To Return In 2013Former County Commissioner Parker Hopes To Return In 2013

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12/28/12 - Attorney and former County Commissioner Don Parker announced today that he plans to seek appointment to the County Board of Commissioners in the new year. Commissioner Jay Drick is currently poised to take over as the new magistrate of the 53rd District Court, and Parker tells WHMI he would like to take over for him once that happens. He says he loves public service and with three new faces on the board his experience on the board would be helpful. Parker says he did not seek reelection in 2010 because he had just finished a screenplay and had extensive travel plans to promote it which would have interfered with his work on the board. It is not known at this time when Drick will file his formal resignation. Parker says an appointment process should follow to fill the seat, but the exact timing and procedure of that process is up to the board. An election to finish Drick’s term will eventually be held. With Drick’s departure there will be no attorneys on the board of commissioners, and Parker says his skill set would help fill that gap. (TD)

Howell High School To Host Miss Mid-Michigan Competition Howell High School To Host Miss Mid-Michigan Competition

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12/29/12 - The first Miss Mid-Michigan competition will take place at the Howell High School Auditorium next month, giving young women the chance to qualify for higher titles. The competition will feature 16 contestants from around the mid-Michigan area. They will compete in talent, sportswear, interview, evening gown, and question-and-answer phases of the contest. They will also be asked to speak on their chosen platform, which will be a social or community issue they wish to advocate. The winner of the competition will be awarded a $500 scholarship and eligibility to compete for the title of Miss Michigan in June. She will also take time during her year of service to speak to officials, community leaders, and community groups about her chosen platform. The Miss Mid-Michigan Scholarship Organization is a not-for-profit affiliate of the Miss America Organization. (TD)

Registration Approaches For Runway Repurposed DesignersRegistration Approaches For Runway Repurposed Designers

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12/29/12 - Local fashion designers will get the opportunity to sign up for the 5th annual Runway Repurposed event early next month. Registration will take place at the Howell Opera House on Monday and Tuesday January 7th and 8th. It will be open from 4 to 8pm to designers of all ages at a cost of $20 for adults and $10 for students. Designers will be allowed to take pieces of donated clothing at registration. Designers will have four to five weeks to create their outfits after registration. Outfits featured in the Runway Repurposed fashion show on February 10th must consist of at least 70% recycled material. This year’s fashion show will take place at the Cleary University Johnson Center and feature for the first time a silent auction for art made from recycled materials. Details can be found in the link below. (TD)

Low Property Values Blamed For Lyon Township DeficitLow Property Values Blamed For Lyon Township Deficit

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12/30/12 - Lyon Township is facing a projected deficit of almost $600,000 next year, which will take a bite out of its $3 million fund balance. The township budget approved last month for 2013 includes about $2.4 million in revenue and about $2.9 million in expenditures for a projected deficit of $586,000. The budget includes $66,000 for police services to shore up the revenue from the township’s two police millages. It also includes a 1.7% cost of living raise for all full-time personnel, who have not had a raise in five years. Township officials say they have been fiscally conservative, but decreasing property values have taken a toll on revenues. Officials are also expecting high levels of building permits to bring in fresh revenue in two to three years’ time. (TD)

Fire Chief Encourages Throwing Out Trees And Testing DetectorsFire Chief Encourages Throwing Out Trees And Testing Detectors

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12/30/12 - If you haven’t done so already, the Brighton Area Fire Authority says it is time to throw out your live Christmas tree. Fire Chief Mike O’Brian tells WHMI that it’s a best to get the trees out of your home as soon as possible and eliminate the potential fire hazard. He encourages local residents to discard trees during their normal garbage pick-up or at a community tree collection site. He adds that residents never burn old Christmas trees in fireplaces or indoor furnaces, but they might be suitable for burning outdoors. With everyone getting ready for a new year and the recent winter weather, O’Brian says now is a good time to practice fire safety. He says it is important to have working smoke alarms, which will be provided and installed by most local fire departments, as well as carbon monoxide detectors. Anyone planning to take down Christmas decorations and lights outside should use caution because ladders, roofs and other surfaces are starting to get slick. He adds that it’s also a good time to re-inspect cords and lights to make sure that they are not damaged. (TD)

Sheriff Plans Extra Drunk Driving Patrols For New Year's EveSheriff Plans Extra Drunk Driving Patrols For New Year's Eve

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12/30/12 - Those who chose to drive home after drinking on New Year’s Eve can expect to run across patrols from the sheriff’s department. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI his department will be increasing its presence on the main roads around Livingston County that night with an extra four patrol cars on the county’s major roads specifically looking for drunk drivers. Bezotte says the patrols will be moving along the Grand River, M-59, I-96, and other major roads from 7pm through 4am when incidents of drunk driving tend to happen. He says New Year’s Eve, like Thanksgiving, is one of a handful of holidays when drunk driving peaks. He reminds everyone who plans to drink on the holiday to plan their night and arrange for sober transportation in advance. (TD)

One Year Later, The Search For Iosco Man's Killer ContinuesOne Year Later, The Search For Iosco Man's Killer Continues

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12/31/12 - It has been one year to the day since 47-year-old Ronald Hauser was found shot to death at his home in Iosco Township, and the investigation continues even after the sentencing of a man identified as a person of interest. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department previously named 23-year old Anthony Sean Duke as a person of interest in Hauser’s murder. As a convicted felon, Duke was not allowed to possess any firearms. However, he was discovered in possession of weapons on March 30th during the course of the investigation. He was sentenced in early December to nine months in jail with no credit for time served after pleading guilty to a single count of possession of a weapon by a felon in March of 2011. Meanwhile, authorities continue to search for Hauser’s killer. Sheriff Bob Bezotte would not release many current details of the ongoing investigation, but he tells WHMI that they believe someone in the community knows more about the case. That person is encouraged to come forward and assist investigators find the killer. Hauser owned a tree-trimming service and police have speculated that whoever did kill him probably knew that he often carried large amounts of cash on his person and in his home. (TD)

Police & Fire Department Promotions Before Hamburg Twp. BoardPolice & Fire Department Promotions Before Hamburg Twp. Board

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12/31/12 - The Hamburg Township Board will meet later this week to formally recognize some individuals being promoted within the police and fire departments. The Township Board recently authorized the promotion of Officer Anthony Wallace to the rank of Sergeant to replace a retiring sergeant. Since this week’s meeting will be the last prior to the retirement, a presentation of credentials is on the agenda and Officer Wallace publicly presented with his Sergeant’s badge and new department identification card indicating his rank. Meanwhile, the Hamburg Township Fire Department is seeking board approval to promote Sergeants Jeff Young and Jase Lawver to the rank of lieutenant. The board will meet this Thursday at 2:30pm in the township hall off Merrill Road. (JM)

Pure Michigan Presentation Set For Hartland Chamber Luncheon Pure Michigan Presentation Set For Hartland Chamber Luncheon

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12/31/12 - The Livingston County Convention and Visitors Bureau will present a program on the Pure Michigan campaign and destination marketing when the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking luncheon next week. The 2013 Hartland Chamber of Commerce “Lunch and Learn” event will take place Thursday, January 10th at Waldenwoods Resort & Conference Center on Old US 23. LCCVB Executive Director Barb Barden will discuss various ways to draw visitors to the community during the “Pure Michigan & Destination Marketing” presentation. The luncheon begins at noon and will run until 1:30pm. Registration information can be found by calling 810-632-9130 or clicking on the link below. (JM)

January Marks National Blood Donor Month; Local Drives Set January Marks National Blood Donor Month; Local Drives Set

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12/31/12 - The local chapter of the American Red Cross and others are asking those eligible to donate blood and help patients in need at a number of upcoming community blood drives. January is National Blood Donor Month and the American Red Cross says thousands of blood donations are needed every day to help meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. A number of drives have been scheduled this week and throughout the month in Livingston County and surrounding areas. Blood drives will take place this Thursday at the American Spirit Centre on Grand River in Brighton Township and also in the activity center of St. Johns Church in Fenton. The Howell American Legion Post 141 has scheduled a drive on January 10th which will be followed by another in Hartland on January 11th at the Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church and School on West Highland Road. Appointments are preferred but walk-in donors are welcome. For more information and a complete listing of drives scheduled in the Livingston County area, click on the link below. (JM)

First National Bank In Howell Files Re-Capitalization Plan With Feds First National Bank In Howell Files Re-Capitalization Plan With Feds

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12/31/12 - Following the market crash a few years ago and economic uncertainty, a Howell-based bank has a $27 (m) million plan for future financial security. First National Bank is the only bank headquartered in Livingston County with locations in Brighton, Howell, Fowlerville, Whitmore Lake, Hamburg and Hartland. It filed paperwork for the re-capitalization plan recently with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The bank's primary regulator determined that it needed to raise capital following net losses in 2008 and 2009. First National Bank expects to finalize the sale of its publicly held securities to investors sometime during the first quarter of 2013. The $27 (m) million would put into operations as part of the pending plan and $23 million will be held in an escrow account until required federal regulatory approvals are complete, finalizing the deal. (JM)

Federal Aid Committee Approves Millions For Local RoadsFederal Aid Committee Approves Millions For Local Roads

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12/31/12 - More than $1.5 million in federal funds were approved by the Huron Valley Federal Aid Committee in December to make repairs to Whitemore Lake Road beginning in 2016. Green Oak Township Clerk Mike Sedlak says the project will run from 8 Mile to Winans Lake Road. The repairs will have a price tag of $2.1 million, but with the federal money the local cost will only be 20% of the project cost, or about $400,000. Sedlak says the approval will free up funds from the township’s recently-approved road millage to use on other projects. The committee also approved funding for a number of other projects, including improvements to Pinckney Road in 2015 and the replacement of the bridge on Grand River over the Red Cedar River in 2014. (TD)
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