1/1/13 - An apparently intoxicated, wrong-way driver caused a serious accident in the Brighton area on New Year's morning. Green Oak Township Police say the 25-year-old Brighton woman was southbound â in the northbound lanes - on US-23 south of Lee Road at about 3 a.m. when the Jeep Wrangler she was driving hit a Ford Focus head-on. The woman, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the vehicle and the driver of the Focus was trapped in his vehicle. The 25-year-old Highland man was removed by Green Oak Township firefighters and airlifted to the University of Michigan Hospital with serious injuries. The other driver was taken by Livingston County EMS to the Ann Arbor hospital for treatment of her injuries. Both driversâ names are being withheld at this time. Police believe drinking on the part of the wrong-way driver was a contributing factor in the accident. (TT)
Two Hurt in New Year's Day Head-on Crash South of BrightonTwo Hurt in New Year's Day Head-on Crash South of Brighton
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Lake, Stream Ice Too Thin for Venturing Out, Says ChiefLake, Stream Ice Too Thin for Venturing Out, Says Chief
1/1/13 - The Brighton Area fire chief advises people to stay off the ice of area lakes and streams. Fire Chief Mike OâBrian says the ice is too thin to safely support the weight of humans and animals. OâBrian reports that a couple of ice fishermen had to be rescued by their neighbors on lakes in the Brighton and Hartland-Tyrone area of eastern Livingston County Monday. The ice fishermen apparently suffered no ill effects other than being extremely cold. O'Brian says a couple of animals â a deer and a dog â were also rescued after falling in last week. OâBrian says itâs too early in the season to venture out onto the ice to go ice fishing, snowmobiling or ice skating. He suggests people wait for an extended cold snap occurs before taking a chance on plunging through thin ice and risking hypothermiaâ¦or worse. (TT)
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State Supreme Court Rejects Appeal of Brighton ManState Supreme Court Rejects Appeal of Brighton Man
1/2/13 - A Brighton man serving prison time for holding four people at gunpoint in his home for several hours in 2010 has had a bid for a retrial rejected. 24-year-old Coty Lee McCauley was sentenced to serve between 10 and 22 ½ years in prison on various unlawful imprisonment and felonious assault charges. He was also ordered to serve separate two year prison sentence on felony firearms charges. The Michigan Court of Appeals rejected a motion for an appeal of his conviction and sentence in May of 2012, saying there was no merit to his claims of prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective defense counsel. McCauley then appealed that decision to the Michigan Supreme Court. It issued an opinion denying the application last week as the high court justices said they were not persuaded the questions presented should be reviewed. McCauley is serving his sentence at a facility in Saginaw County. The earliest he could be released is 2022. Brighton Police said McCauley held four acquaintances against their will at his residence on Second Street after becoming upset that someone had called police about an incident in Howell that day in which he assaulted a longtime friend with a steak knife. The Brighton standoff ended when he put the gun down, at which point one of the four victims fled and called police. (JK)
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Vaccinations Urged as Flu Season Spikes EarlyVaccinations Urged as Flu Season Spikes Early
1/2/13 - Flu activity is spiking sooner than usual both in Livingston County and across the state and health officials says the best form of defense is to get vaccinated. Two influenza-associated deaths of a 6-month-old and a 13-year-old were reported recently in the state. The Michigan Department of Community Health recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year. The Livingston County Department of Public Health says that for every confirmed case that gets reported, there are at least ten times as many that are not and therefore, the true number of cases in Livingston County is actually much higher. The Livingston County Health Department offers flu vaccines at its offices located at 2300 East Grand River in Howell. The health department hosts regular flu shot clinics every Wednesday from 8:30am to 4:30pm with extended hours until 7pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. The charge for the flu shot is $30, which is covered under some insurance plans. (JK)
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Fundraiser Set for Local Soccer Coach as He Fights CancerFundraiser Set for Local Soccer Coach as He Fights Cancer
1/2/13 - A Livingston County coach is fighting for his life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 30-year-old Mark Howell, a long-time Brighton High School and Michigan Alliance soccer coach, was recently diagnosed with the dreaded disease and underwent a complex surgery in which the top of his pancreas, half of his stomach, his gall bladder, part of large intestine, and a piece of the colon was removed. Howell will soon begin chemotherapy treatment at the MD Anderson Cancer and Research Center in Texas for development of a chemo-cocktail treatment specific to his needs. Friends of Howell are holding a fundraiser to help the family with the mountain of medical bills that have occurred and will continue to mount up. The event will be held at 6:30pm on Thursday, Jan. 31st, at the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township. There will be hors dâoeuvres, music, live and silent auctions and a cash bar will be available. Tickets go on sale Thursday and will be available at First Impressions, Cooper & Binkley Jewelers, Bink & Babs Boutique, Brighton Physical Therapy and Soccer World. Ticket prices are $40 for adults and $25 for youths 17 and under. Contributions for the auction may be dropped off at Cooper & Binkley Jewelers in Brighton. (JK)
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Fenton Fire Hall Opening Could Be Delayed By Two MonthsFenton Fire Hall Opening Could Be Delayed By Two Months
1/2/13 - Construction on the new Fenton Fire Hall restaurant could go on for up to two months longer than planned. Fire Hall owner Curt Catallo tells WHMI that the delay will allow for the inclusion of a new planned addition to the building that will include vital equipment such as bathrooms and elevators. He says the addition will require extra planning, approval, and construction, and he wanted to get permission for any delays in advance rather than have to ask for extensions later in the project. The April 1st completion date was always considered aggressive by both Catallo and city officials. The addition is expected maintain and incorporate into the original building as much as possible. Work on the foundation will begin in the coming weeks. Catallo also plans to open a custard shop in the small pump station on the property, but there has been no official approval for that yet. (TD)
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Ceremony Planned Friday for Traveling Smithsonian ExhibitCeremony Planned Friday for Traveling Smithsonian Exhibit
1/2/13 - A Grand Opening ceremony is set later this week in Livingston County for a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution. âThe Way We Workedâ is on display at Hartlandâs Cromaine District Library, where the exhibit will be featured through the first week in February. The traveling exhibit explores the importance of work in American culture by tracing the many changes that affected the workforce and work environments over the past 150 years. Using large-format pictures, objects and interactive components, the exhibit shows how we identify with work, as individuals and as communities. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Friday from 6-8pm at the library on Hartland Road that will include refreshments and music from local singer Neil Woodward. Known as Michigan's Troubadour, Woodward is expected to perform folk songs paying tribute to Michigan's working men and women. After coming to Hartland, the exhibit will move on to Escanaba, Clare and Hart. (JK)
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Drivers Recovering After Head-On Crash on US-23Drivers Recovering After Head-On Crash on US-23
1/2/13 - Two drivers in a head-on crash that police say likely involved alcohol are recovering. Green Oak Township Police say a 25-year-old Brighton woman was southbound â in the northbound lanes - on US-23 south of Lee Road at about 3 oâclock New Yearâs morning when the Jeep Wrangler she was driving hit a Ford Focus head-on. The woman, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the vehicle while the driver of the Focus was trapped in his vehicle. The 25-year-old Highland man was removed by Green Oak Township firefighters and airlifted to the University of Michigan Hospital with serious injuries. The other driver was taken by Livingston County EMS to the Ann Arbor hospital for treatment of her injuries. Both drivers are listed in good condition today. Police believe drinking on the part of the wrong-way driver was a contributing factor in the accident. However, the investigation will remain open pending completion of toxicology reports, which is expected to take several weeks. (JK)
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Rogers Votes for Deal to Avoid Fiscal CliffRogers Votes for Deal to Avoid Fiscal Cliff
1/2/13 - Livingston Countyâs voice in Congress joined with members of both sides of the political aisle late Tuesday night as the Republican-led U.S. House overcame deep partisan divisions and crafted a temporary measure to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff. Republican Mike Rogers (pictured here talking with reporters at the Capitol on New Year's Eve) was among 5 of the stateâs 8 GOP House members who voted for the deal which places higher taxes on the wealthiest Americans. Many Republicans were angry it didnât include deeper spending cuts and voted against the plan. The vote passed 257-167 including 85 GOP votes, while only 16 Democrats voted against it. The Michigan delegation voted 12-3 on the legislation, with all seven Democrats favoring it and Republicans split 5-3 in favor. Joining Rogers in voting for the plan were fellow Republicans Candace Miller, Dan Benishek, David Camp and Fred Upton. Justin Amash, Bill Huizenga and Tim Walberg voted against it. While President Obama praised leaders of both parties for the deal, Rogers is among many Republicans who feel the way the President handled the process will make it harder for much else to get done in the next session. Rogers told the Wall Street Journal that Obama (quote) âdoesn't play well with others" and is in âfor a bumpy road, given his tactics" which he says have focused on railing against Congress and Republicans in particular instead of launching a dialogue. Picture courtesy of REUTERS-Jonathan Ernst.
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Inspection Of Fireworks Vendors Taken Over By Green Oak FDInspection Of Fireworks Vendors Taken Over By Green Oak FD
1/3/13 - State officials are asking local municipalities to take over the inspection of fireworks vendors, and last night the Green Oak Fire Department got permission to do just that. Last year the state legislature approved the sale of larger fireworks by licensed vendors, and the state fire marshallâs office was in charge of inspecting establishments seeking licenses. The number of applicants far exceeds the capacity of the state to inspect them, so local municipalities are now being offered compensation to perform the inspections themselves. Green Oak Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Gentry says his department has been inspecting the fireworks vendors already as a matter of public safety, so accepting state money to do it was an obvious move. He says last year only three vendors sought licenses to sell large fireworks because the law was passed just before fireworks season. With more time to prepare, Gentry expects the number of vendors seeking licenses this year to be in the double-digits. Gentry says the department should get about $5,000 to $8,000 for performing the inspections, which should make the operation cost-neutral. (TD)
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Former Long-Time Register of Deeds Passes AwayFormer Long-Time Register of Deeds Passes Away
1/3/13 - The woman who served as Livingston Countyâs Register of Deeds for nearly three decades has passed away. 77-year-old Nancy Haviland of Brighton died at her home on New Yearâs Day. Haviland was the Livingston County Register of Deeds for 28 years before retiring in 2004. She was also a member and past president of the Michigan Association of Register of Deeds. She is survived by her husband of 47 years Dale, two daughters and two grand-children. Visitation for Haviland will be held Saturday from 2-6 p.m. with memorial services on Sunday, January 6th at 1:30 p.m. at MacDonaldâs Funeral Home in Howell. (JK)
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Governor Snyder To Speak At Brighton Chamber LuncheonGovernor Snyder To Speak At Brighton Chamber Luncheon
1/3/13 - Governor Rick Snyder will be returning to Livingston County this month to attend a meeting held by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Pam McConeghy tells WHMI the visit will be take place at a luncheon on January 17th, the day after the governorâs state of the state address. She says the governor will speak for about 10 minutes on the state of the state, then field questions from the audience for another fifteen minutes. She says she has been working for nine months with the help of Senator Joe Hune and the governorâs staff to arrange the appearance. The luncheon will take place at Crystal Gardens, and members of the public are welcome to purchase seats and take part in the meeting. The annual state of the chamber meeting was scheduled for the same day, but has been moved to February 28th so as not to conflict with the governorâs visit. (TD)
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Hearing for Alleged I-96 Shooter AdjournedHearing for Alleged I-96 Shooter Adjourned
1/3/13 - Court-ordered mental evaluations of a Wixom man suspected in a series of roadway shootings near I-96 remain incomplete, which forced an adjournment of a hearing yesterday in his case. 43-year-old Raulie Wayne Casteel was arraigned last week in Livingston County on charges of domestic terrorism and assault with intent to murder for an incident in Howell Township. Those charges, and any others that might arise out of alleged incidents in Ingham and Shiawassee counties, are being handled by the Michigan Attorney Generalâs Office. Casteel, who remains jailed on a $2 million bond, is also charged with 60 separate counts in Oakland County, including assault with intent to murder and firearms-related charges. Because court-ordered mental examinations for Casteel are still underway at the state forensic center in Ypsilanti, a forensic exam hearing was adjourned Wednesday until January 30th. The tests will try and determine if Casteel is mentally competent to aid in his defense and understands the charges against him. Authorities remain unclear about what led Casteel to carry out the shooting spree, which only injured one motorist, but put area residents and motorists into a state of fear for weeks and prompted the creation of a task force of federal, state and local police. Casteelâs attorney, Doug Mullkoff, has entered not-guilty pleas to the charges, which carry a penalty up to life in prison. (JK)
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Howell-Based Railroad Sold to Kansas CompanyHowell-Based Railroad Sold to Kansas Company
1/3/13 - A Livingston County-based short-line railroad company has been sold. Watco Companies LLC of Kansas says it has a deal to buy the Ann Arbor Railroad, which is owned by the Ann Arbor Acquisition Corporation of Howell. The sale is pending approval from the Surface Transportation Board, which is expected in late January or early February. The Ann Arbor Railroad operates 50 miles of track between Ann Arbor and Toledo where it has terminals that serve General Motors, Chrysler and the Ford Motor Company. Meanwhile, Watco officials say once they take over the Ann Arbor Railroad, they will be open to discuss cooperation in the proposed WALLY line. WALLY, which stands for the Washtenaw and Livingston Line, has been proposed commuter rail line that would operate daily service between Howell and Ann Arbor. According to AnnArbor.com, plans for both WALLY and the City of Ann Arbor's proposed Allen Creek Greenway, which would develop a system of walking and biking trails along the tracks, hinge on acquisition of railway right-of-way from the company. Ann Arbor officials also have said the current ownership of the company has been an obstacle in the WALLY project and they look forward to the new owners taking over. (JK)
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Fenton Fire Chief: Ice Still Too Weak For Recreational ActivitiesFenton Fire Chief: Ice Still Too Weak For Recreational Activities
1/3/13 - It may be chilly outside, but Fenton Fire Chief Robert Cairnduff is telling residents not to go out on the ice just yet. The Tri-County Times reports that Cairnduff cited recent incidents of people and animals falling through the ice on lakes and ponds, including a 63-year-old man who died recently while ice fishing in Groveland Township. He encouraged residents to use common sense and wait for local water bodies to freeze more thoroughly before venturing out on the ice. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recommends residents wait for at least four inches of snow for recreational activities and eight inches for ATVâs and snowmobiles. Cairnduff adds that residents should not go out on ice to try and rescue animals that have fallen through the ice, which probably will not support a person if it could not support an animal. If an ice rescue is needed residents should call their local fire department, which is properly equipped to do it. (TD)
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Green Oak Township Board Plans First Work Retreat In YearsGreen Oak Township Board Plans First Work Retreat In Years
1/3/13 - For the first time in more than a decade, the Green Oak Township Board will be taking a work retreat this month. Supervisor Mark St. Charles tells WHMI that the retreat is designed to encourage open communication on the board. St. Charles says work retreats are common among local municipalities, the Green Oak board has not had a retreat for at least 12 years. He says his own priorities focus mainly on things like road repair, trails, rivers, and the township website, but these might be very different from the priorities of the other board members. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments will provide a moderator for the retreat, which will take place on January 12th. A location has not yet been determined, although SEMCOG may help with that as well. St. Charles says he would prefer for this to become an annual event to help encourage open communication on the board. (TD)
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Livingston County First to Get New Tow PlowLivingston County First to Get New Tow Plow
1/3/13 - Motorists on I-96 and US-23 in Livingston County may a bit surprised when they see a new kind of snow plow, possibly this month if mother nature pulls through. Thatâs because at first glance it appears to be trailer in the process of jackknifing. But in fact, itâs a Tow Plow, a patented, tandem-style machine that is essentially a snowplow towed by a standard plow truck. The Tow Plow can plow widths up to 25 feet - up to two full lane widths in one pass - allowing MDOT to save on equipment costs and personnel. When activated, the wheels of the Tow Plow turn as much as 30 degrees, causing the Tow Plow to steer right of the plow truck. The first Tow Plow in Michigan will be used in Livingston County on I-96 and US-23 starting this month. A demonstration of the device is scheduled for the media on Friday, January 11th at the Island Lake State Recreation Area. By using the Tow Plow, crews can clear both the travel lane and shoulder in one pass, thus reducing the time needed to clear the freeway during a winter storm event. MDOT officials say that will improve service while reducing labor costs and fuel consumption on busy roadways with high traffic volumes. The cost of the new Tow Plow is $93,000. With regular maintenance, the Tow Plow has an average service life of 30 years, compared to a 10-year average for a standard plow. (JK)
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Jobless Rate Drops In Livingston County Jobless Rate Drops In Livingston County
1/4/13 - Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates declined slightly in the majority of regional labor markets in November, including locally. The individual jobless rate for Livingston County stood at 7.6% in November, marking a decrease from Octoberâs rate of 8.1%. Regional jobless rate declines were mostly minor but the largest November drop of eight-tenths of a percentage point was recorded in the Detroit-Warren-Livonia region, which includes Livingston County. Livingston Countyâs ranking in terms of unemployment has also improved to 37th among Michiganâs 83 counties. The state says unemployment rates declined over the month throughout Michigan, mostly due to a reduction in the number of individuals actively seeking employment in November. Retail jobs did rise seasonally as merchants hired for the holiday season but the state says that was offset by job cuts in other seasonal industries. (JM)
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Hamburg Pump Station Project Receives Final Payment Hamburg Pump Station Project Receives Final Payment
1/4/13 - The final payments have been made on the Winans & Ore Lake Pump Station Improvement project as discussed in the Hamburg Township Board meeting on Thursday. The repairs on the pumps including redirecting sewage flow, new pipes and a larger generator. The repairs were completed as of November 5th, 2012. Pat Hohl, a supervisor on the Hamburg Township board says that the project âputs waste water treatment where it needs to be.â Also, in Thursdayâs meeting, Police Officer Anthony Wallace was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was presented with his badge by his wife and received an identification card indicating his rank. Sergeants Jeff Young and Jase Lawyer of the Hamburg Township Fire Department were promoted to the rank of lieutenant. (DK)
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Gleaners Says Many Still In Need Despite Leveling Pantry DemandsGleaners Says Many Still In Need Despite Leveling Pantry Demands
1/4/13 - Although the demand may not appear as severe as a few years ago in Livingston County, consistent and continued support is essential to making sure that everyone has access to the food they need, when they need it. Thatâs according to Gleaners Program Coordinator Michelle Ounanian, who tells WHMI theyâre serving 1,300 families every month at Gleaners Shared Harvest Pantry on Sterling Drive in Genoa Township. This past year, the pantry served an estimated 1.7 million meals to local residents and families in need. Thatâs about the same as in 2011. Although the demand appears to be leveling off, Ounanian says many local families and residents are still struggling to put food on the table. She adds that 10% of those who visited the pantry last year were identified as being ânewly in needâ, noting many pantry referrals involve children and senior citizens. Meanwhile, the Livingston Hunger Council is continuing work to help end hunger in Livingston County while also recognizing the importance of emergency food for a food secure community. The Council is a collaborative body dedicated to making the local community a place where everyone has access to the nutritious food they need, when they need it. (JM)
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