The head of a nearby school district has made the cut to be a finalist for the position of state superintendent. Scott Menzel, the current superintendent of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, is among three finalists identified by the Michigan Board of Education to move on to the next round of consideration. Menzel, who was interviewed Tuesday afternoon, spent four years as superintendent of the Livingston Educational Service Agency before accepting the Washtenaw ISD post. Prior to that, he served as the superintendent of Whitmore Lake Public Schools. The two other finalists include Vickie Markavitch, the Superintendent of Oakland Schools in Waterford and Brian Whiston, the Dearborn Public Schools superintendent. All three will be interviewed next week by the board in Lansing. Officials say that following those interviews, the board may possibly announce then its selection. Current state superintendent Mike Flanagan is retiring at the end of June. (JK)
Educator With Local Ties Is Finalist For State Superintendent PostEducator With Local Ties Is Finalist For State Superintendent Post
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Howell's Deputy Fire Chief Les Rodwell Retires Howell's Deputy Fire Chief Les Rodwell Retires
After 37 years of dedicated service, a well-respected deputy chief and fire marshal is retiring. The Howell Area Fire Department's Les Rodwell has had a notable career as both a local police officer and firefighter, and his passion for both fields began at a young age. The Howell High School graduate moved up the ladder from firefighter to lieutenant and assistant chief before moving into his current rank within the Howell Area Fire Department, where heâs been serving at since 1978. Rodwell has also had a very active law enforcement career, having spent more than ten years with the Howell Police Department where he started out as a reserve officer. He also spent more than 14 years with the Pinckney Police Department and retired last July. From emergency calls to evolving technology, first responders have a tough job and Rodwell has seen a lot during his time in the fire service. He says theyâre here to serve and told WHMIâs Mike and Jon in the Morning there have been some memorable calls over the years - laughing about having to rescue a cockatoo-type bird from a tree once that was reported by a frantic caller. In addition to the numerous positions Rodwell has held professionally, heâs also known for his involvement in the community and with multiple fire safety organizations. Rodwell was an active member of the Michigan Fire Service Coalition, The Michigan State Firemanâs Association and Michigan Arson Prevention Committee, and served as treasurer of the Livingston County Fire Chiefs Association for the last 35 years. Rodwellâs final day at the Howell Fire Department will be next Friday, March 20th and a community open house is planned from 1 to 4pm at the main fire station on Grand River.(JM)
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Animal Shelter Offers St. Patrick's Day Discount On Pet AdoptionAnimal Shelter Offers St. Patrick's Day Discount On Pet Adoption
Livingston County Animal Control is holding a cat-adoption event this weekend to celebrate St. Patrickâs Day. The 3rd annual St. PAWtrickâs Day Adopt-a-thon will take place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday at the Pet Supplies Plus South Lyon location. Normally, adopting a cat from Livingston County Animal Control costs $80 for cats over four months of age or $90 for kittens under four months, with a $1 fee for a second cat or kitten. During the adoption event on Saturday, it will only cost $60 to adopt a cat under one year old or $40 for cats over one year. All of the cats are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations, tested for feline leukemia, de-wormed, and micro-chipped. For more information, contact Livingston County Animal Control. (TD)
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New Website Unveiled For Hartland Township CommunityNew Website Unveiled For Hartland Township Community
Thereâs a lot going on in Hartland Township and a new website is said to celebrate everything that makes the community distinct. The new website www.HartlandLiving.com is part of the community branding initiative launched in 2014. The site will give residents and visitors an overview of whatâs happening in the Hartland from upcoming community events and activities to volunteer opportunities. It will also include a spotlight on the business community. The Hartland: Friendly by Nature branding initiative is a joint venture between Hartland Township, Hartland Consolidated Schools, the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce and Cromaine District Library. Hartland Township Manager James Wickman says itâs truly a community site and if organizations and individuals share whatâs happening around town, it will serve as a comprehensive, single source for local entertainment and other information. The community is invited to contribute by submitting information on upcoming events and volunteer needs to be featured on the new website, but also on Hartland Townshipâs community cable access channel. Those wishing to submit events and other information for www.HartlandLiving.com should do so through Hartland Township Communications Director Colleen Rosso at crosso@hartlandtwp.com. (JM)
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Local Warning System Evaluated Ahead of Severe Weather Season Local Warning System Evaluated Ahead of Severe Weather Season
Since April showers sometimes bring more than just flowers, local efforts are underway to ensure Livingston County is prepared for the upcoming severe weather season. Livingston County EMS and 911/ Central Dispatch Emergency Management Director Jeff Boyd says some preliminary discussion took place at a recent 911 board meeting. He tells WHMI the county, fire chiefs, and local jurisdictions will be getting together to take a look at the weather siren policy, which helps warn the public of impending bad weather. He says the group will be evaluating the current weather siren policy to make sure itâs up to date and different triggers for activation but also examine the siren testing policy. In the past, the weather sirens were activated by their respective fire departments or agencies but are now tied together as part of a uniform system across Livingston County. While the sirens used to sound for only tornado warnings, they will now also sound for severe thunderstorm warnings with sustained winds over 70mph. Boyd says the big push this year will be a public awareness campaign designed to educate residents about the countyâs weather warning system, what the sirens are, what they mean and what to do if activated. He says that will also likely coincide with Severe Weather Awareness Month in April and the public can expect further notifications. As for weather siren testing, Boys says preliminary discussions indicate theyâll likely remain the same as last year and stick with testing on the first Saturday of every month at noon from April through October. (JM/JK)
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Meeting Features Criticism Of Proposed WALLY ProjectMeeting Features Criticism Of Proposed WALLY Project
Members of the public spoke out both in favor and against a proposed commuter rail project between Ann Arbor and Howell at a meeting last night. The gathering was the first community meeting for the feasibility study being conducted for the North-South Commuter Rail, also known as the Washtenaw And Livingston Line or WALLY. The study is being undertaken to understand public opinion about the proposed project, determine the costs, estimate ridership, and gauge community interest along the proposed line. The meeting opened with a presentation by officials involved in the feasibility study about what the proposed rail line actually is and why it is being considered. They said in addition to providing increased connectivity between the communities along the proposed route, the commuter rail would increase local property values, boost local business, and reduce the heavy traffic along US-23 caused by commuters who live in Livingston and work in Ann Arbor. However, while some members of the public supported the project, it drew its share of critics at the meeting as well. Several residents argued that the line would not reach the projected 1,200 riders per day, and that even if it did it still would cost more to maintain than it would take in. They said the rail would be an expensive project that would only benefit a handful of people. Another community meeting to gather input for the feasibility study will take place on Monday at the Ann Arbor District Library. Those interested in learning more, or who would like to leave comments, can follow the link below. (TD)
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August Trial Set For Suspect In Highland Township BeatingAugust Trial Set For Suspect In Highland Township Beating
A summer trial date has been set for a suspect charged with the severe beating of an elderly Highland Township man. 30-year-old Mark Wisenbaugh of Flint is charged with multiple counts, including assault with intent to commit murder, killing or torturing of an animal and auto theft. An August 3rd trial date was set this week in Oakland County Circuit Court. Deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff's Highland Township substation say they were summoned to a home in the 1500 block of Highland Park just before 7am on November 10th after a neighbor discovered the 70-year-old victim bleeding and unconscious in the home. His truck was also missing. Wisenbaugh, who had reportedly been staying in a camper on the victimâs property, was later located with the truck in Flint. The victim was hospitalized with serious head trauma. His dog was also killed in the attack. Police believe the incident followed an argument over money. Wisenbaugh remains lodged in the Oakland County Jail without bond. (JK)
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Applications For Howell City Council Vacancies Due WednesdayApplications For Howell City Council Vacancies Due Wednesday
Those interested in applying for two vacant Howell City Council seats have until Wednesday to do so. The vacancies follow a surprising turn of events at last weekâs City Council meeting. Councilman Nick Proctor was appointed Mayor but members also accepted the resignation of Mayor Pro-Tem Al Schlittler. Schlittler submitted his resignation letter right before the start of the meeting last Monday but did not include any reason as to why. Council ultimately felt it would be best to advertise both positions and is currently seeking qualified applicants. Whoever is chosen to fill Proctor's former seat would serve until 2017 while the person appointed to fill Schlittler's seat would serve until the November election. Those looking to apply must be a city resident, a registered voter, and cannot be in default to the city. The deadline to submit applications is 5pm this Wednesday and candidates will be considered at the next council meeting following interviews. Applications are available for download through the link below. (JM)
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Local Author Tells His Story Of Being An Academic ForgerLocal Author Tells His Story Of Being An Academic Forger
A local author is telling his personal story of becoming an academic forger in the hopes of waking up the educational community about the practice and how to combat it. Jeffrey Ruth of Howell recently wrote âPapers for Pay: Confessions of an Academic Forgerâ which details the six months he spent writing term papers and other academic documents for others in exchange for pay. Ruth says one of the biggest mistakes people make is to confuse academic forgery with plagiarism, which is just essentially copying someone elseâs already published work and calling it your own. Academic forgery involves writing original works and then selling them for someone else to put their name on. Because it is an original work, he says it is immune to detection by the usual methods used to root out plagiarism. He acknowledges it is completely unethical and that aspect eventually convinced him to stop. But he says the rewards for being an academic forger are pretty enticing, earning between 8 and 70 dollars a page depending on the topic. Ruth is hoping his story, which will be featured on Viewpoint this Sunday morning at 8:30, can help convince not only colleges and universities, but high schools as well, that this practice is widespread and very difficult to detect if youâre not specifically looking for it. (JK)
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Repairs Underway After Water Main Break in Brighton TownshipRepairs Underway After Water Main Break in Brighton Township
3/13/15 - A precautionary boil water notice is being issued following a water main break in the Brighton area. The water main break happened around 11:30am on Van Winkle Street, just north of Burson Street - affecting approximately 32 to 34 homes. The scheduled repair to the water system is in conjunction with repair of a fire hydrant and a broken water main. The estimated time of the shutdown was two to three hours to make necessary repairs. However, due to the fact that water pressure was being taken down to zero, a precautionary boil water advisory is being issued for 72 hours or until otherwise noticed. Further information provided by The Livingston Community Water Authority is attached. (JM)
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Trustee Alleges Boiler Rebidding May Have Been "Illegal"Trustee Alleges Boiler Rebidding May Have Been "Illegal"
A Brighton school board member is asserting that a department head may have committed an illegal act in connection with a $5,000 credit the district received, but administration denies that. Board of Education Trustee Bill Trombley contends that the Lochinvar Company, which has boilers at several schools in the district, lost a bidding procedure last year to a competitor. According to Trombley, the district was told it would receive a $5,000 credit if it approved Lochinvar, and subsequently, BAS Director of Operations Matt Marino approved a re-bidding, with the contract going this time to that company. But according to Assistant Superintendent of Finance Dr. Maria Gistinger, the credit was not generated through the bidding process or related to the current construction, but instead was granted by the company for future repairs as a good faith effort to maintain the Lochinvar equipment that already existed in the district. Gistinger went on to say that when Great Lakes Mechanical was awarded the bid, they subsequently purchased Lochinvar products as that company was the supplier of choice. She says Trombley is trying to link that bid with the credit, but the two are exclusive of each other and is evidenced by the bid letting to Lochinvar that was not, in any way, altered, re-bid, or subject to a vendor credit. Trombley disputes that and insists the contract was never bid direct to Lochinvar and says that if any credit was given it should have gone to the mechanical contractor who held the purchase order with the Macomb Group and not BAS. He also asked why Marino would have known about the credit since Dr. Gistinger, Superintendent Greg Gray, any of the BAS Bond Committee members, or Auch Construction know nothing about it until the March 9th board meeting. He said he just wanted to make sure everything is done with complete transparency. Gray agreed with Gistinger that there was nothing illegal or unethical about the procedure, but said if there is anything subject to question it is the "communication" aspect, with Marino, as operations director needing to communicate with himself and Gistinger in a timelier manner when such issues arise. He said that if any disciplinary action is deemed necessary, it would be handled internally since Gray, as superintendent, is in charge of all district employees. As an aside, Gistinger says the new boilers were installed last August and are working according to specifications. (TT/JK)
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Spencer Road Entrance Ramp to Eastbound I-96 Closed Tuesday Spencer Road Entrance Ramp to Eastbound I-96 Closed Tuesday
A ramp closure is planned on I-96 in Brighton next week as part of a large construction project. The Michigan Department of Transportation says on Tuesday, the eastbound I-96 entrance ramp from Spencer Road will be closed between 9am and 2pm. M-DOT began site work earlier this month as part of the large improvement project at the I-96/US-23 interchange in Brighton Township. Intermittent lane and shoulder closures have been ongoing in each direction on I-96 and US-23 so that crews can haul material and remove trees from the construction site. M-DOT says Tuesdayâs closure of the Spencer Road ramp to eastbound I-96 will be for the one day only and a detour will be posted. (JM)
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Colon Cancer Awareness Event to Feature Inflatable "Super Colon"Colon Cancer Awareness Event to Feature Inflatable "Super Colon"
An educational and interactive event about colon cancer will offer a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors next week. St. Joseph Mercy Brighton has partnered with the American Cancer Society for Tuesdayâs event in recognition of National Colorectal Awareness Month. Leading colorectal surgeon Dr. Robert Cleary will be on hand and important screening information available but the main draw will be a life-size, 20-foot long inflatable super colon in the hospital lobby. Visitors will be able to walk through the tunnel-type structure and see the progression of colon disease as it evolves along with information about risks for cancer and how itâs detected. Colon cancer usually begins with a precancerous growth called a polyp, which if found early can be removed. Brynt Ellis, executive director of St. Joseph Mercy Livingston and Brighton, tells WHMI theyâve done a good job increasing screenings but still have more work to do. Ellis noted that survival rates for colon cancer are up to nine times higher if detected early, and both men and women age 50 and older should be tested regularly. Tuesdayâs event will be held from 10am to 2pm in the main lobby of St. Joseph Mercy Brighton on Grand River. Ellis will kick things off by walking through the super colon and says it's truly something to see. (JM)
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Local Lottery Scam Targets Elderly Individuals Local Lottery Scam Targets Elderly Individuals
Authorities are warning the local community about another lottery scam that appears to target senior citizens. An elderly couple approached Catholic Charities about how to redeem a bogus Capital One check issued from a banking institution in Delaware. The couple apparently thought it was legit since the company did not ask for anything up front and did not request any personal information. The correspondence stated that no bank account details were needed and that payment of winning prize money would be made via a certified check that would be presented in person. The letter further states that the enclosed check of nearly $4,000 was provided to pay processing fees associated with winnings. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy says for the most part, it tends to be older individuals who fall for this type of scam and asks that community members inform loved ones about the scam. The letter and fake check may be viewed in the attachment below. (JM)
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Brighton Art Guild Offering Scholarships For Students Of Visual ArtsBrighton Art Guild Offering Scholarships For Students Of Visual Arts
The deadline is approaching to apply for the Brighton Art Guildâs scholarship program. The Brighton Art Guild supports art among local and statewide students by awarding two scholarships every spring. Both are competitively awarded based upon an applicantâs merit and goals in the visual arts. All applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 25. All college undergraduate and graduate students who are full-time residents of the state of Michigan are eligible to apply for the Norma Gray Scholarship. All Livingston County high school seniors who are full-time Livingston County residents are eligible to apply for the $500 High School Scholarship and the Norma Gray Scholarship. All applicants must complete and sign the official scholarship application and submit by the March 31st deadline.
There is no cost to apply. More information and applications available for download can be found on the Brighton Art Guildâs website. (JM)
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Brighton School Board Votes for 10% Annual Fund Equity GoalBrighton School Board Votes for 10% Annual Fund Equity Goal
The Brighton Board of Education voted last Monday night to have a goal of a set fund equity at the end of each fiscal year. Right now, the board and administration are working to eliminate a legacy deficit that at one time was $15 million. By the beginning of the current school year, the shortfall had been whittled down to about $4 million. It is a deficit the board is optimistic about eliminating completely by the end of the current fiscal year. And now that the district is talking fairly comfortably about getting in the black in the near future, theyâre also setting their sights on a minimum fund balance. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI the goal of the board is for a minimum 10% fund balance at the end of each fiscal year. While most auditors may say the ideal fund balance for a local government is 20%, for a school district, they admit a more realistic figure would be 10%. Thanks in large part to the success of the Shared Services program, the district expects to have a modest fund balance by the end of the fiscal year on June 30th. In Shared Services, certified teachers hired by Brighton teach classes in private and parochial schools. The school district now operates the largest Shared Services program in the entire state, serving about 1,500 students in several counties. The district gets revenue from the program by receiving a pro-rated share of the state aid the private school receives for courses which qualify. The Brighton Area Schools expects to earn about $5 million in revenue from Shared Services this year after deducting teacher pay and other expenses associated with the program. (TT)
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Howell Opera House To Exhibit Local Student Artwork at GOT ARTHowell Opera House To Exhibit Local Student Artwork at GOT ART
A collection of artwork from Livingston County students will go on display this week at the Howell Opera House. The 16th annual GOT ART is a program of the Livingston Arts Council highlighting the art of students from Livingston County. Last year, approximately 900 pieces of art were exhibited and more than 2,000 people attended the exhibit. Schools participating this year are Howell, Fowlerville, Brighton, Hartland, St. Joseph Schools, Flex Tech, and Kensington Woods. GOT ART coordinators, and former Howell teachers, Gail Carter and Marsha Noble, encourage the public to visit the exhibit and enjoy the unique opportunity of observing the exceptional creative work of community youth. The GOT ART exhibit will be open to the public starting this Tuesday, March 17th to Sunday the 29th with art from grades Kindergarten through12. Admission to the exhibit is free. Details are online at the link below. (JK)
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Unadilla Couple Saved From Frigid Lake By Fire DepartmentUnadilla Couple Saved From Frigid Lake By Fire Department
The Unadilla Fire Department rescued two people who fell through the ice on Woodburn Lake Friday night. The department was called out to the residents on the south side of the lake a few minutes before 8pm Friday. The first rescue truck arrived to find the pair, a man and a woman in their 50âs or early 60âs, still in the water. The male was extracted from the frigid water with the use of a rescue sled, while the female was rescued with the help of some nearby residents who had a boat. Fire Chief Mike Schroeder estimates that the pair was in the water for about half an hour. They were transported by ambulance to the Chelsea Hospital. Schroeder did not know their condition, but said both were alive and conscious when they were rescued. The fire department was assisted at the scene by the Unadilla Township Police Department. Schroeder reminds residents that warmer temperatures have left lake ice very thin and fragile, especially near channels of running water. (TD)
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Pinckney Celebrates With 11th Annual St. Patrick's Day ParadePinckney Celebrates With 11th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
3/15/15- Downtown Pinckney was a sea of green this weekend at the 11th annual St. Patrickâs Day parade.
Mass at St. Maryâs Catholic Parish kicked off the Irish festivities yesterday morning, followed by the 5K Run for the Gold race and a childrenâs run. A cutest leprechaun contest, OâHare Irish dancers, and the Paddy Wagon Bed Race all preceded the yearly parade, which began at the historical Pinckney cemetery and traveled through Main Street. This yearâs parade had almost 15 participants, one such group being the Detroit United Irish Societies. The group represents and supports Irish heritage in the greater Detroit area by attending festivals and promoting the culture. Queen of the Irish Society Court, Ashling Magolan, marched in Pinckneyâs parade. Accompanying her was her first and second runner ups on the Court, Caiti Houlihan and Marie Brosnan. Houlihan tells WHMI the group encourages their generation to revere the Irish customs. Government officials, the American Legion Post 419 and Color Guard, and the Little Irish Peoples Group were among those walking in the parade. Community members were able to donate to St. Maryâs Community food bank which was set up in the park downtown. Even local eateries participated by debuting menus with Irish food favorites. Though it may be a small town, the large turnout suggests there is no shortage of love for celebrating the holiday, Irish or not. (DK)
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Owners Of Dilapidated Howell Township Home Agree To Tear It DownOwners Of Dilapidated Howell Township Home Agree To Tear It Down
The owner of a home in ruins located in Howell Township has until the end of April to tear the building down. The house, located at 700 West Highland Road, has been deemed unsafe for many years now and the Howell Township Board recently decided to seek the official removal process. Clerk and Zoning Administrator for Howell Township, Carolyn Eaton, says the home was first labeled dangerous in 2011, but became even worse after a fire last year. Eaton tells WHMI the long awaited removal must happen within the next couple of months. Eaton was happy to announce at the Townshipâs board meeting last week that the buildingâs owners have agreed to take the building down. This will save Howell Township a lot of money that would have been used for attorney and engineer fees, along with public hearings in the legal process of removal. Those fees would have then appeared on the taxpayerâs bill, should the owners have refused to tear the home down. While it is unclear what caused the fire that caused irreparable damage to the house, Eaton says it is beyond fixing and must come down. Picture courtesy of Google Street View.(DK)
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