2/26/15 - A local angler who has no problems braving the cold took the top prize in an annual fishing tournament on Lake Fenton. 32-year-old Lee Asbel took first place with 27-inch northern pike at the 2015 Lake Fenton Ice Fishing Tournament. The tournament, hosted by the Loyal Order of Moose in Fenton, brought around 225 competitors out to Lake Fenton last Saturday, February 21st. The state Department of Natural Resources tags a $5,000 fish as part of the tournament, which again managed to escape capture. However, reeling in the largest catch of the day won Asbel the top prize of $750. Organizers said the number of anglers who took part was lower than previous years but suspect the cold weather may have kept some people away. MLive.com reports Asbel was also the only ice fisherman who braved Lake Fenton a week earlier when temperatures plummeted well below zero. Asbel said he never expected to win with a 27-inch fish because there are so many others much larger in the lake, but the unexpected money was awesome and will be going in the bank. Photo Credit MLive. (JM)
Local Angler Takes Top Prize In Lake Fenton Fishing Tournament Local Angler Takes Top Prize In Lake Fenton Fishing Tournament
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Brighton Library To Host DNA Geneology SeminarBrighton Library To Host DNA Geneology Seminar
2/26/15 - A presentation on using DNA testing to learn more about family history will be hosting by the Brighton District Library next month. Genealogy: Finding Family with DNA Testing features presenter Richard Hill, who has researched modern methods of DNA testing as part of his successful attempts to find the identities of his birth parents. The libraryâs Genealogy and local history Librarian Mark Mullinax says DNA testing is becoming much more common for people trying to track down their family history, and several local people who have come to him searching for their birth parents have asked about the technology. He adds that Hill has given talks on the subject at numerous other venues, and is often well-received because he makes this very technical topic easy to understand for attendees. The seminar will be held on March 10th from 7:0 to 8:30pm. There is no cost to attend, but the library does prefer that residents call ahead to reserve a spot if they are interested. (TD)
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Lawmaker Sponsors Bill For Spouses of KIA Military PersonnelLawmaker Sponsors Bill For Spouses of KIA Military Personnel
2/26/15 - A local lawmaker has introduced legislation to clarify the property tax exemption for spouses of military personnel killed in action. The Disabled Veterans Exemption included in Public Act 161 of 2013 created a property tax exemption for disabled veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses who have received the requisite determination from the Department of Veteran Affairs. The amendment introduced by State Representative Lana Theis of Brighton Township would add clarification language specifying the âun-remarried spouse of a Michigan veteran who died from service-related causes while serving in the armed forces of the United States in a war or war condition in which United States was a participantâ. Theis says disabled veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices and the legislation helps ensure security for those currently serving as well as families that have lost a loved one serving on active-duty. (JM)
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Brighton Super Says Available Snow Days Dwindling For DistrictsBrighton Super Says Available Snow Days Dwindling For Districts
2/26/15 - There have been a number of days in which schools in the area such as Brighton have been closed this winter due to snow and cold weather, and the question has arisen whether the district will have to make up any snow days. Superintendent Greg Gray says that while they've got a little "wiggle room", there isn't much. He tells WHMI most schools have two more "snow days" that they can use up before the lost classroom time will have to be made up. Buildings with two days remaining before the lost classroom time has to be made up include Hilton, Hornung and Spencer elementary schools, Scranton Middle School, Maltby Intermediate and Brighton High School. One school - Hawkins Elementary in Brighton - has only one day left before having to start making up snow days. Hawkins lost a day of classroom instruction recently due to a power outage. Gray says it's becoming harder to meet the requirements set by the legislature for instructional time because the minimum number of hours keeps rising. Beginning with the current school year, all public school districts in Michigan are now being required to have at least 175 days of instruction each year, and by 2016 the number of required instructional days will rise to 180. (TT)
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Former Congressman Files For BankruptcyFormer Congressman Files For Bankruptcy
2/27/15 - Ex-Republican Congressman Kerry Bentivolio has filed for bankruptcy. Attorney W. Kent Clarke Jr. says Monday's filing came after his client failed to reach a settlement in a lawsuit by the manager of his 2012 campaign. Robert Dindoffer later worked on Bentivolio's congressional staff and won a $120,000 court ruling for fees and other expenses against the Milford Republican. Clarke says "the suit could not be resolved" and the award is more than Bentivolio's assets. The bankruptcy petition says Bentivolio's monthly net income is $298 after his bills are paid. His congressional salary was $174,000. Bentivolio failed to regain his congressional seat as a write-in candidate in November. Dindoffer's attorney Kevin Stoops says he'll evaluate his client's options in the filing. (JK)
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Grand Rapids Man Gets 15 Years For Oceola Home InvasionGrand Rapids Man Gets 15 Years For Oceola Home Invasion
2/27/15 - A man has been sentenced in connection with in an armed home invasion in Oceola Township last year. 29-year-old Richard Quam pleaded no contest earlier this month to 28 criminal counts including 1st degree home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, larceny in a building and various felony weapons charges. On Thursday, he was sentenced to serve 15-40 years in prison by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty. He must also serve a mandatory two years in addition to that sentence for his felony firearm conviction. Two of the three other suspects charged in the case - 39-year-old Ronald Morrell and 18-year-old Cody James DeBruyn previously entered pleas and are awaiting sentencing March 19th. Police say the three men were armed with handguns when they stormed a home on Hughes Road last June and confronted the owner looking for drugs and money. Police testified the defendants were at a cookout in Grand Rapids where Quam and Morrell were discussing $50,000 needed to start a business. DeBruyn allegedly started throwing out names including the local victim, at which point Quam and Morrell began putting on camouflage and arming themselves with guns and knives. Police say the trio, along with Morrellâs 27-year-old wife Rebecca and their kids, then drove to the victimâs home. Mrs. Morrell and her kids are alleged to have waited in the car while the home invasion took place. Rebecca Morrell is accused of participating in the action through the use of a walkie-talkie. She is facing six charges in the case and is set for trial in April. (JK)
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Meeting Highlights MDOT Traffic Management Plan For US-23Meeting Highlights MDOT Traffic Management Plan For US-23
2/27/15 - The Michigan Department of Transportation held a meeting in Northfield last night to collect public comment on proposed improvements to US-23. MDOT has been working for some time on how to reduce traffic congestion along US-23 during peak times, specifically southbound during the morning rush hour and northbound during the evening. Last nightâs meeting was part of the formal comment period that follows the completion of the projectâs environmental assessment, which looked at several different options and plans to address the congestion. The recommended plan, as outlined in previous MDOT meetings, is for an active traffic management system similar to those used in other states. This system allows a third lane of traffic to flow in the inside lane, southbound in the morning and northbound at night. While it is used in other states, active traffic management is new to Michigan, and as such several residents told MDOT officials that they were concerned about the project, the sort of impact it would have on the surrounding area, and whether other traffic mitigation plans had been examined. Officials responded as best they could, but more importantly the comments were taken down by an official court reporter to be put on record. The plan and environmental assessment are available online for residents to review, and comments on the project can be made through MDOTâs website through March 17th. (TD)
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Past Incidents Of Both Suspect & Victim Will Be Heard At TrialPast Incidents Of Both Suspect & Victim Will Be Heard At Trial
2/27/15 - The past behaviors of the Marion Township man charged in a fatal road rage incident will be introduced at trial, along with others that will aim to paint the character of the alleged victim. 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale has been held without bond since the September 2nd incident in which police say Derek Flemming was shot and killed in the middle of the intersection at Grand River and Chilson Road in Genoa Township. Judge Miriam Cavanaugh ruled on various defense motions during a Thursday hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court. One sought to exclude evidence related to other acts, crimes or wrongs by Zale, which was denied, and filed pursuant to prosecutorsâ notice of intent to introduce four prior instances at trial. Zaleâs Defense Attorney Melissa Pearce argued that by doing so, there was the danger for unfair prejudice. Prosecutors will be relying on four past instances to show that Zale allegedly engaged in similar confrontational and aggressive driving behaviors including one that involved a Livonia man in a McDonaldâs parking lot. Judge Cavanaugh ultimately determined the probative value substantially outweighed the danger of unfair prejudice with Zaleâs past behaviors. Meanwhile, another motion was granted to allow character evidence of the victim as the probable aggressor by the defense. A final motion was granted to allow Zale to wear civilian clothing during his May trial and remove his handcuffs. Cavanaugh required that his ankle shackles remain for safety, but that they would be hidden from the view of jurors. (JM)
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Intoxicating Tale Featured in 2015 Livingston Reads ProgramIntoxicating Tale Featured in 2015 Livingston Reads Program
2/27/15 - A story of immense wealth and power accompanied by a barrelful of scandal is being featured as part of a county-wide reading project. Bitter Brew: The Rise and Fall of Anheuser-Busch and America's Kings of Beer from critically acclaimed journalist William Knoedelseder is the 2015 Livingston Reads selection. Itâs described as a cautionary tale about the blessings and dark consequences of success. The narrative captures the Anheuser-Busch saga through five generations while simultaneously telling a broader story of American progress and decline over the past 150 years. Livingston Reads is a "one book, one community" project now in its eleventh year that works to create community by promoting the joy of reading, the exploration of ideas, knowledge and a love of Michigan. All six public libraries in Livingston County participate, including Cromaine District Library in Hartland. Director Ceci Marlow, who will be a featured guest on WHMIâs Viewpoint program this Sunday morning at 8:30, says Bitter Brew is a very compelling story and while considered historical non-fiction, it definitely reads like a family saga. She says planning was inspired by the number of breweries opening up in Livingston County, as well as the increased popularity of craft beer and home brewing. Book discussions, culinary presentations, crafts and different events are planned at local libraries throughout March and April. Some of the special programming will focus on Michiganâs beer history, local connections to rum-running and bootleggers during prohibition as well as how to grow, harvest, and use hops to brew your own beer. Details can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Meetings Set On Proposed Downtown Brighton Parking StrategyMeetings Set On Proposed Downtown Brighton Parking Strategy
2/27/15 - A series of meetings have been scheduled on the proposed downtown Brighton parking strategy. A subcommittee of the Downtown Development Authority has been working toward finalizing a parking program to alleviate downtown parking issues. The purpose is to try and reserve the premium spaces for customers. The parking enforcement plan will be rolled out in the spring, although the exact date will be predicated on hiring a part-time enforcement officer through the Brighton Police Department. Informational tickets will be issued to educate violators during the first month of the program but after that, parking tickets that carry fines will be given out. A final series of informational meetings specifically target the owners and employees of downtown retail stores and restaurants to explain the proposed program but are open to the public. Letters will also be sent to all downtown businesses. The meetings on Tuesday, March 10th; Tuesday, March 17th and Wednesday, March 18th have morning, afternoon and evening sessions scheduled. All of the meetings will be held in the council chambers at Brighton City Hall. Further details and the proposed parking map are available in the attachment below. (JM)
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Livingston County Boosts Public Vaccine SupplyLivingston County Boosts Public Vaccine Supply
2/27/15 - A blanket spending order for $34,000 in vaccines was approved for the Department of Public Health by the County Board of Commissioners last week. The vaccines will be purchased from several different suppliers and offered through the Department of Public Health through its weekly Immunization Clinic. That program is offered for residents who have insurance, but cannot get immunizations from their physicians. Those who do not have insurance, or who have Medicaid, qualify instead for the Vaccines for Children program from the Department of Public Health. Although the program is available to people of all ages, Deputy Health Officer Elaine Brown says they are seeing an increase in the number of adults who take advantage of it since children today are mostly encouraged to get their vaccines from physicians while getting a checkup. Brown says adults are especially reminded that pertussis boosters for adults are available, since the disease is preventable but still on the rise in Livingston County. (TD)
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Brighton Man Admits to Stomping Kittens to DeathBrighton Man Admits to Stomping Kittens to Death
2/27/15 - A Brighton man responsible for stomping half a dozen kittens to death in Hartland Township has entered a plea in the case. 20-year-old Cody Michael Tyler pleaded guilty to three felony counts of killing or torturing animals during a hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court today. In exchange, three counts of the same were dismissed by prosecutors. The charges were related to a September 20th incident in which six kittens aged three to four weeks appeared to have been intentionally stomped to death inside of a home in the area of US-23, south of M-59. When asked why he did what he did, Tyler said the kittens just werenât being taken care of. The incident was reported to Livingston County Animal Control through a 911 call and officials said there was a grown cat in the same home that appeared to be the mother of the kittens, but it was unharmed. Tyler will be sentenced March 26th. (JM)
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Residents Asked For Input On Proposed Community CenterResidents Asked For Input On Proposed Community Center
2/28/14 - Residents of South Lyon are being asked to give input on a proposed community center to be located in McHattie Park. The city has been examining the possibility of creating a new community center to share with residents of Green Oak and Lyon Townships, and one location which has stood out for the project is the park. On a Facebook page set up by the committee researching the project, residents were asked whether they believe McHattie Park is a suitable location. It cited the parkâs central location and access to trails, utilities, and main roads as advantages, and said exiting facilities like sports field would remain at the park. Residents have mainly been supportive of the proposition, although some bring up concerns about parking and increased traffic in the area. The committee responded to say those issues would be examined, and if they could not be properly addressed a new location would be sought. A link to the discussion can be found on our website. (TD)
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Brighton Works To Prevent Frozen Pipes In Homes & BusinessesBrighton Works To Prevent Frozen Pipes In Homes & Businesses
2/28/15 - The City of Brighton is working to prevent frozen water lines in homes and businesses. With the continuing cold temperatures, officials warn that water pipes can freeze and cause pipes to burst. Slow flowing and very cold water can be signs that water pipes are beginning to freeze but the city says taking some steps when symptoms are first noticed could prevent them from completely freezing. Those who notice the water pressure in their home or business has decreased significantly and water is coming out of faucets very slowly or seems to be very cold, are asked to contact the City of Brightonâs Utilities Department at 810.227.2968 and report a water emergency. The city says a representative from the Utilities Department will visit your home or business to determine if your water pipes are beginning to freeze or and further advises opening a faucet and running a pencil-wide stream of cold water continuously. (JM)
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Brighton School District Taxpayers Save From Bond RefinancingBrighton School District Taxpayers Save From Bond Refinancing
2/28/15 - The Brighton Area School District will save some big bucks after the board approved refinancing a $60 million 1995 bond issue. The bond was last refinanced in 2005. Such bonds can only be refinanced every 10 years. The school districtâs bond experts from Umbaugh and Associates of Okemos appeared before the Board of Education Monday night with results of the bidding. The CPA firmâs Jesse Nelson tells WHMI the school district will save over $400,000 in interest costs. The low bid, submitted by Huntington National Bank, was at 2.36% interest, with Capitol One submitting the second-low bid of 3.6% interest. The huge saving was achieved in part by the sale of the Lindbom School, with a portion of the proceeds to be used to reduce the size of the bond. And the application of over $200,000 from the Lindbom sale to the remaining bond reduces the remaining amount owed, resulting in another $190,000 in interest savings. Nelson stresses that all of the savings go back to the taxpayers and not to the school district. Nelson says the reduced interest rate is a break for Brighton area taxpayers because it will mean less millage will be required to pay off the bond, which will be retired in 2019. (TT)
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Road Commission Sued Over Accident Caused By PotholeRoad Commission Sued Over Accident Caused By Pothole
2/28/15 - The Livingston County Road Commission is the target of a lawsuit filed by an Ohio man involved in a motorcycle accident. The lawsuit was filed in Livingston County Circuit Court in connection with an accident last April on Hamburg Road, near the Sheldon Road intersection. Doug Walton and a female passenger were ejected from the motorcycle after hitting a large pot hole. The lawsuit alleges the road commission failed to maintain the road, which was in an overall dangerous state of repair with uneven concrete and a large area full of potholes. The complaint states Walton suffered âserious physical, mental and emotional injuries and impairmentsâ as a result and has undergone extensive medical care and treatment. However, police have said only âminor injuriesâ were involved and that both parties refused transportation to an area hospital. The complaint states that the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000. Calls have been placed by WHMI with Waltonâs Attorney Neil Davis of the Davis Law Center but have so far gone unreturned. (JM)
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Vaupel Sponsors Bill To Increase School Snow DaysVaupel Sponsors Bill To Increase School Snow Days
2/28/15 - Legislation co-sponsored by newly-elected State Representative Hank Vaupel would increase the number of days school districts can cancel each year. If House Bill 4157 becomes law, it will amend the School State Act of 1979 to increase the number of forgiven school days each year from six to nine. That includes days canceled for inclement weather like snow or cold, as well as for other unavoidable reasons like a power outage. The past two winters have brought several Livingston County school districts near or over that limit, resulting in extra school days added to the end of the year. Vaupel says he spoke to local educators about his decision to sponsor the bill, and learned that the days tacked onto the end of the school year are often unproductive, so losing them would result in no detriment to students. Livingston Educational Service Agency Superintendent Dan Danosky says he appreciates Vaupelâs efforts, and he is in favor of this bill and the flexibility it will provide school districts. However, he hopes they will not have to use those extra three days too often, since classroom time is a precious commodity. (TD)
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United Way To Honor Volunteers At Annual MeetingUnited Way To Honor Volunteers At Annual Meeting
3/1/15 - Celebrating the power of community will be the theme of an event later this month for the Livingston County United Way. The organizationâs Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Breakfast will be held Tuesday, March 17th beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Howell. The event will include a celebration of the community partnerships and successes from the past year, recognition of exceptional leadership and volunteers and the introduction of the 2015 Board of Directors. Select individuals and area youth will be also recognized with awards that include the Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service Award, Charles W. Itsell Volunteer of the Year Award and the Randy Rudisill Business of the Year. (JK)
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Livingston County To Host Town Hall Meeting On Road FundingLivingston County To Host Town Hall Meeting On Road Funding
3/1/15 - The Livingston County Legislative Committee will be hosting an informational meeting open to the public later this month, regarding a road funding ballot proposal. The session will be held March 18th, 6:30 p.m. at the Livingston County Emergency Medical Services facility. The committeeâs intention is not to convince voters which way to vote on the ballot, but rather to education the community about the proposal itself, and what it would mean for local residents. The ballot proposal language was recently approved by the Michigan Board of Canvassers, and will appear for the statewide election on May 5th. Chair of the Legislative Committee, Steve Williams, says Director of the Livingston County Road Commission Mike Craine will be present at the meeting, along with a representative for the South East Michigan Council of Governments. Williams says the Committee is hoping the Michigan Department of Transportation will make an appearance at the event to offer additional information as well. (DK/JK)
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Prescription Abuse Prevention Project To Hold WorkshopPrescription Abuse Prevention Project To Hold Workshop
3/1/15 - A workshop will be held this month by a local group trying to address factors contributing to substance abuse across different sectors of the community. The Human Services Collaborative Bodyâs Substance Use Disorder Workgroup is hosting the Project Lazarus workshop at the Howell Opera House March, 12th. Workgroup Chair Anne King-Hudson tells WHMI local stakeholders from different community sectors have been invited so they can examine how those sectors are impacted by substance abuse and what they can do to combat it. One of the main goals of the project is to reduce the number of patients who become addicted to pain medication by developing prescription guidelines that take into account the connection between opiate medications and addiction. The workshop will run from 8:30am to 4:30pm on Thursday, March 12th. Although invitations were sent out to various community members, the public is welcome to attend. Organizers ask that those interested in participating call ahead to schedule a reservation. To RSVP, contact Lisa Marchall at lmarshall@keycenters.org. (TD)
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