An art show this week and a spaghetti dinner in April will raise funds to further capital campaign efforts and bring a permanent youth center to the Pinckney area. The Pinckney Community Youth Development Initiative or P-CYDI has been working to not only support youth but also give them a voice. The non-profitâs mission is to create meaningful and supportive community partnerships that empower youth to make healthy, positive choices. PCYDI Treasurer and Event Coordinator Lyzelle Dunn tells WHMI itâs an important mission and theyâre grateful for all of the community support. She says the first fundraiser this Thursday will be an art show at the Howell Opera House, featuring work created by youth in Livingston County. That will be followed by a community noodles dinner and raffle event April 18th at the Livingston County Wildlife and Conservation Club. Dunn says the events will help raise funds for a permanent location for a community youth center but also help expand programs. Dunn says they currently offer youth programming out of the old senior center in downtown Pinckney, which was made possible through the generosity of Putnam Township. Youth nights are currently taking place out of there for middle and high school students. A site previously being considered was scraped due to feedback and accessibility issues so the board is now investigating the old St. Maryâs site as a possible location for a permanent home but Dunn says they need to raise funding first. Details about the upcoming fundraisers are available at WHMI.com, along with a link to the Go Fund Me page started for the Youth Center Capital Campaign. (JM)
Fundraisers to Benefit Pinckney Community Youth Development InitiativeFundraisers to Benefit Pinckney Community Youth Development Initiative
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Third Suspect Sentenced For His Role In Oceola Township Home InvasionThird Suspect Sentenced For His Role In Oceola Township Home Invasion
Three of four suspects charged in an armed home invasion in Oceola Township last year have now been sentenced. 39-year-old Ronald Morrell was ordered to serve 30-60 years in prison by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty Monday for his part in the armed home invasion last June at a home on Hughes Road. Morrell was sentenced on 26 total counts including home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, larceny in a building and felonious assault but must serve an additional two years on felony firearms charges consecutively. Restitution was reserved and Morrell must also forfeit any weapons in his possession. Police testified 18-year-old Cody James DeBruyn of Shelbyville was at a cookout in Grand Rapids when co-defendants Richard Quam and Morrell began discussing trying to acquire $50,000 to start a business. Thatâs when DeBruyn mentioned he knew someone in Livingston County that was a drug dealer and would have lots of money, 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 set for trial in April on six charges. DeBruyn was previously sentenced to at least 22 years in prison while Quam was given 15-40 years. (JM)
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Early Morning Fire Destroys Williamston BarnEarly Morning Fire Destroys Williamston Barn
A large fire that lit up the pre-dawn sky over Williamston has destroyed a barn. Crews responded just after 5am to a fire in the 1000 block of Noble Road south of Williamston. Several departments got the blaze under control. According to WLNS, firefighters say two cats died in the fire and equipment inside the building was damaged or destroyed. There are no reports of other injuries and a cause of the fire remains under investigation. Image courtesy of WLNS. (JK)
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Police: Man on US-23 Overpass Had Emotional DifficultiesPolice: Man on US-23 Overpass Had Emotional Difficulties
Actions by local authorities in getting a possibly suicidal subject down from a freeway overpass were said to be a safe solution to a dangerous situation Monday evening. Sergeant Mark Thompson with the Michigan State Police Brighton Post tells WHMI it was a good team effort of public safety responders and they were assisted by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department on scene. He says at approximately 6pm, troopers were dispatched to the area of M-59 and US-23 in Hartland Township for a report of a person on the bridge, appearing ready to jump into traffic. Trooper Adam Henderson arrived first on scene and was able to communicate with the individual, identified as a 22-year-old male from Livingston County. Thompson says the subject was having an emotional difficulty and after a short period of time, Henderson was able to grab the man and pull him back from the bridge to safety. The man was subsequently transported to the University of Michigan Hospital for evaluation. The police situation resulted in partial closures of northbound US-23 and M-59 in the area, leading to traffic back-ups and delays. (JM)
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Howell Public Schools Fire Academy Hosting Open House April 12th Howell Public Schools Fire Academy Hosting Open House April 12th
An upcoming open house event will introduce high school students to a program and careers in firefighting. The Howell Public Schools Fire Academy program is expanding and incoming juniors and seniors from any high school in Livingston County are now eligible to apply for the 2015/2016 school year. Parents, students and community members are invited to learn more about the fire academy, careers in firefighting and speak with past and current academy cadets during an open house on Sunday, April 12th. Students in the academy have the opportunity to earn the state certification needed to become a full or part time firefighter and the course covers the same material any college fire academy class would. The academy is believed to be the first of its kind in the state. Lead instructor Tim Kiurski is a lieutenant with the Brighton Area Fire Department and tells WHMI itâs a lot of work but there are already students serving on local fire departments who graduated from the program. Kiurski says a number of local departments are run on a part time basis, where firefighters will either work or go to school and then perform firefighting duties as the need arises or to fill in shifts. He says it can be a rewarding path and the academyâs open house will showcase that, while also offering a chance to speak with current year students and graduates. Students must be at least 16-years-old to enroll in the program and in addition to receiving firefighters training, they also earn high school credit for taking the course. Applications and details can be found online in the link below. Applications will also be available during the open house from 10am to 1pm on Sunday, April 12th and attendees are encouraged to utilize the west entrance to Howell High School off Highlander Way. (JM)
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Tyrone Board Extends Special Assesment District Following Public HearingTyrone Board Extends Special Assesment District Following Public Hearing
The special assessment that funds fire and police protection in Tyrone Township was extended by the board of trustees last night following a public hearing on the matter. The SAD pays for fire runs into the township from surrounding municipalities as well as a contract for dedicated patrols by a deputy from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. Without it, township officials say rates for homeowners insurance would go up, response times would be slower, and in some cases fire departments might not respond at all. Voters in November rejected a proposed six-year extension that would have increased the rates on the SAD and given the township the power to change those rates as needed. In response, the township board voted on a resolution last night that would extend the current rates by three years just to make sure emergency services did not go unfunded. A public hearing preceded that vote, and of the more than 60 residents in attendance, a total of 29 chose to speak. Seven were against the resolution, saying either they did not support SAD or they were opposed to how the board was going about enacting it. Two of those who spoke were neutral about extending the resolution, while the remaining 20 were in favor of it. Supporters said the public safety services were valuable to township residents, and that the cost of the SAD is less than the increase in homeownerâs insurance premiums that would occur without it. In the end, the board voted unanimously to extend the SAD with the current rates. Another public hearing will be held at the boardâs May 19th meeting to determine the assessment roll for the SAD. (TD)
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Probation Ordered For Woman Charged In Fatal Hartland CrashProbation Ordered For Woman Charged In Fatal Hartland Crash
A sentence of probation was handed down for a Burton woman charged in a fatal collision last summer in Hartland Township. 36-year-old Sheila Ann Kopek of Burton pleaded no contest in February to a moving violation causing death stemming from the crash. While thatâs not legally considered a guilty plea, it is considered at such at sentencing. However, in court yesterday, 53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis sentenced Kopek to two years of probation. On August 7th of last year, Kopek was traveling in her 2008 Jeep Commander eastbound on Clyde Road near Cullen Road when she became distracted by her 2-year-old daughter and lost control. She struck a bridge abutment, which caused her to veer into oncoming traffic and collide with a 2002 Mercury Sable. The driver of the Sable, 35-year-old Kevin Kramer of Pinckney, was hospitalized for nearly two months, undergoing multiple surgeries, before he passed away October 2nd. Kopek was also ordered to serve 30 days of community service, complete an advanced driving safety course, participate in a victimsâ impact panel and to work with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department on publicizing the dangers of distracted driving. (JK)
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Hamburg Township Open Burn Season Begins TodayHamburg Township Open Burn Season Begins Today
Open burn season starts today in Hamburg Township. A local ordinance allows for the burning of trees, logs, and leaves within a controlled environment during the months of April, May, October, and November. Fires must not be larger than eight feet in diameter, or be within 25 feet of a lake, stream, or river. Open burns must also take place at least 25 feet from any building, and 10 feet from any property line. Open campfires for cooking or recreation are allowed as long as they are in a pit made of stone or metal. For full information follow the link below. (MK)
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Eastbound Spencer Rd Ramp to I-96 to Close April 13th Eastbound Spencer Rd Ramp to I-96 to Close April 13th
The Michigan Department of Transportation is gearing up for the next phase of a large construction project that will bring ramp and lane closures on I-96 and US-23 in Brighton. M-DOT says on Monday, April 13th the eastbound I-96 on-ramp at Spencer Road will close for the remainder of the construction season. A detour will be posted when the ramp is closed and itâs expected to re-open in mid-November. Also starting on Monday the 13th will be daytime, intermittent single-lane closures on I-96 and US-23 in each direction. In addition, there will be one lane maintained on Old US-23 at I-96 with a flagging operation. M-DOT says the closures will be needed as the contractor resumes construction that will add new lanes in each direction, allowing for express travel through the interchange and safer ramp traffic. The projectâs biggest disruption will likely be the closing of the Spencer Road bridge over I-96, which is expected to shut down in mid-June for 40 days. M-DOT says more information on that operation will be available closer to the start of the closure. Picture courtesy of Google Street View. (JM/JK)
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Team Still Hopes to Open Charter in Vacant Elementary School This Fall Team Still Hopes to Open Charter in Vacant Elementary School This Fall
Those looking to open a proposed charter school in Brighton this coming fall acknowledge there is a tight time frame to do so but say that remains the goal. A development team has been working to open up the Lindbom Classical Academy in the now-vacant Lindbom elementary school in Brighton. It had unsuccessfully pursued a charter through Brighton Area Schools, but the board of education ultimately decided against even entertaining the idea. There are a number of things that need to be in place before a charter can begin operating according to Dan Quisenberry, President of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies. For a school looking to open in the fall, he says they need to have things falling into place including an authorizer that has agreed to give a charter. Quisenberry says itâs a rather extensive process to negotiate the actual contract and have it approved, have board members approved and allow for department review. Quisenberry says thatâs followed by actual implementation, securing a facility, hiring staff and getting things ready. LCA Development Team Chairman Dick Streetman tells WHMI theyâre now in the negotiation process with one potential authorizer and should know soon. If things donât pan out in time for a fall opening, Streetman says they have other potential authorizers and will just focus on opening the following year. He says they remain very optimistic, noting theyâve already secured a building in a good location, have financial backing and a number of interested families that continues to grow without any real marketing efforts. Meanwhile, a court hearing is approaching later this week for a critic of the proposed charter school who was arrested after showing up for a public curriculum meeting, although he was never disruptive. The buildingâs owner, Pat Battaglia, said he asked Glenn Ikens to leave based on his past criticism of both Battaglia personally and the proposed school. When Ikens refused, the police were called. Ikens, who lives less than two blocks away from the school, will be arraigned Friday on the misdemeanor trespassing charge. (JM)
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Hearing Adjourned For Man Charged In Death Of Hamburg Police SergeantHearing Adjourned For Man Charged In Death Of Hamburg Police Sergeant
A local man involved in a crash that claimed the life of a Hamburg Township Police sergeant has been granted a one-week delay for a key hearing. Steven Mark Kelty of Oceola Township is charged with driving while license suspended causing death and operating a motor vehicle with the presence of a schedule one substance causing death, in this case marijuana. Sergeant Jim Sanderson, a 20-year veteran of the Hamburg Township Police Department, was off-duty but headed to a police memorial event when the motorcycle crash occurred at the intersection of Latson Road and Figurski Drive in Genoa Township September 26th. A probable cause hearing set yesterday for Kelty was adjourned until April 7th, allowing his attorney additional time to prepare. Probable cause hearings are a relatively new procedure in Michigan courts aimed at streamlining the court process by allowing defense attorneys to work out issues before trial, including waiving a preliminary exam and working on a plea bargain. It is scheduled between a defendantâs arraignment and preliminary examination, where a judge hears testimony to determine whether there is enough evidence to send the case to trial. Kelty is also charged as a third time habitual offender for prior operating while intoxicated convictions that happened in 2002 and 1995. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison. Kelty remains lodged in the Livingston County Jail on a $1 (m) million cash/surety bond.
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Tyrone Township Supervisor's Involvement In PSA's ApprovedTyrone Township Supervisor's Involvement In PSA's Approved
Tyrone Township is teaming up with local youth to spread the word on fire safety. A regular meeting of the Township Board of Trustees approved of Supervisor Mike Cunninghamâs involvement in student-produced public service announcements. Cunningham explains that public education grants have made it possible to inform residents on the importance of burn permits and safety. These PEG funds allow the schools to buy equipment for public education, which they will use to produce PSAâs to be aired on local cable. Students from Fenton and Linden will get to show the importance of burn permits, how to acquire them, and the hazards of improper burning. The studentâs filming with Cunningham is already underway, and the PSAâs will air on Charter Cable channel 191, as well as on Tyrone Townshipâs website. (MK)
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Burn Bans Ordered For Hartland Area And Tyrone TownshipBurn Bans Ordered For Hartland Area And Tyrone Township
More local municipalities are ordering burn bans as Livingston County continues to experience weather conducive to brush fires. The Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority has put a ban on open burning until further notice due to high winds and dry brush. Tyrone Township has also put a burn ban in effect, which has been reinforced by authorities in Fenton. They urge anyone who sees someone burning to call 911 or report it to a nearby fire department. Prior burn bans issued for the coverage areas of the Howell Area Fire Authority and the Green Oak Fire Department are still in effect. There is currently no burn ban for residents served by the Brighton, Hamburg, or Putnam Township fire departments. (TD)
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Howell Native In Food & Wine Magazineâs Peopleâs Best New Chef ContestHowell Native In Food & Wine Magazineâs Peopleâs Best New Chef Contest
An executive chef with local roots, secret karaoke talents and a Patrick Swayze tattoo is among those featured in an online contest to be named one of the best new chefs in America. Food & Wine Magazine names Americaâs ten most brilliant up-and-coming chefs every year but this time is asking the public to vote for their favorite chef in ten different regions across the country. Howell native James Rigato is in the running in the Great Lakes region. Heâs the executive chef of The Root Restaurant in White Lake, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients and a farm-to-table experience. Rigato was a contestant on season 12 of Bravoâs Top Chef competition and also founded the Young Guns collaborative dinner series, which showcases up-and-coming chefs at different locations to help bring attention to the expanding metro-Detroit food scene. The concept took off in popularity and tickets typically sell out within minutes of going on sale. Public voting for Food & Wine Magazineâs 2015 Peopleâs Best New Chef Award goes until 5pm on April 8th. The winner will be announced online the following day and also be featured in the magazineâs July issue. A link to the voting site is below. (JM)
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Pinwheels For Prevention Kicks Off April As Child Abuse Prevention MonthPinwheels For Prevention Kicks Off April As Child Abuse Prevention Month
The 5th grade choir from Howell's Voyager Elementary School kicked off LACASAâs annual Pinwheels for Prevention event yesterday with empowering music selections. The ceremony, held at the Howell Carnegie Library, invited children and adults to plant a pinwheel garden in front of the building to honor April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The blue pinwheels represent a joyful youth, which Bobette Schrandt, President and CEO of LACASA, says every child deserves. Schrandt tells WHMI the eventâs theme this year is âThe Power of One". Schrandt says unfortunately confirmed cases of child abuse have risen since 2005 to 2013. She says this raises the question of whether child abuse incidents are occurring more frequently, or if more people are willing to speak up and report them. If it is the latter, Schrandt believes it is progress as a nation and community. The Child Abuse Prevention Council intends to plant over 60 pinwheel gardens across Livingston County throughout the month of April. Every public school and McDonaldâs in the county, the Department of Public Health and Human Services, and the Community of Mental Health will all be partaking in the awareness efforts by hosting pinwheel gardens of their own. (DK)
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One Dead Following Afternoon Crash In Hartland TownshipOne Dead Following Afternoon Crash In Hartland Township
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is investigating a fatal crash that took place on M-59 near Pleasant Valley Road yesterday. Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI the collision took place at about 4:00pm. According to police, a 25-year-old White Lake man was driving a Ford F-150 eastbound on M-59 when the driver of a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix headed north on Pleasant Valley pulled out in front of him. The F-150 struck the Grand Prix on the driverâs side. The driver of the Grand Prix, who was from Fenton, was declared dead at the scene. Murphy did not release any other details about his identity. The driver of the F-150 was treated for injuries at the scene by emergency responders. Murphy says both drivers were wearing the seatbelts, and at this time it does not appear that drugs or alcohol were factors. The crash closed both eastbound lanes of M-59 for more than three hours during rush hour traffic. The investigation into the incident is ongoing. (TD)
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Brighton Passes Parking Ordinance AmendmentsBrighton Passes Parking Ordinance Amendments
The Brighton City Council held a special meeting Wednesday night to approve second and final reading of ordinance changes which will provide more parking for cars in the downtown area. The meeting was the second reading of the ordinance amendment, which has also gone for review before the city Planning Commission. Two types of parking will be addressed in the ordinance amendment: Transitional parking and overflow parking. Planning and Zoning Director Amy Cyphert tells WHMI that overflow parking is the kind that is allowed for special events â when large crowds overwhelm the regular downtown parking spaces - such as the Jazz and Blues Festival and the Taste of Brighton. Cyphert says the other reason the ordinance amendment is needed is transitional parking, which she describes as that which will eventually be used for other purposes. As a result of councilâs action, the city will be able to get going quickly on the CSX West parking lot, located on the west side of the railroad tracks. Cyphert says the amendment will become effective in 15 days. (TT)
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MDOT Grant Will Allow Safer Pathways For Dexter StudentsMDOT Grant Will Allow Safer Pathways For Dexter Students
Walking to school is about to become a more viable option for Dexter students. The city has received a grant worth $216,000 from the Michigan Department of Transportationâs Safe Route to School Program. The program is part of an international movement to improve road and sidewalk conditions for students who may walk or ride a bike to school. Highlights of the project include construction of sidewalks, as well as intersection repairs on Lexington Drive, Baker, and Dan Hoey Roads near Bates Elementary. Plans are also in place to create two mid-block pedestrian crossings near the school. Additionally, the bike path on Dan Hoey, near the St. Joseph Cemetery, will be connected by sidewalk to the rear of Bates. Construction begins next week, and is expected to be completed in early June. (MK)
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Development District Brings Expanding Company Closer To Tax ExemptionDevelopment District Brings Expanding Company Closer To Tax Exemption
Green Oak Township approved the creation of an industrial development district last night to encourage growth and job creation by a local business. CNC Tool was founded in 2007 and has seen significant growth ever since, including 30% growth per year for the past two years. The company is now expecting to double in size by 2020, and to accommodate that it will move from the facility it is currently renting into a new building off of Eight Mile Road in Green Oak. The new facility will be 10,500 square feet, and the design will allow for another 10,000 square feet to be added in the future. That growth is also expected to create another 15 local jobs. Representatives of CNC went before the Green Oak Township Board last night to request an industrial development district for the new site, which will be on an industrial drive near Eight Mile Road. That district is the first step to granting the company an industrial tax exemption, which would reduce the economic barriers to the companyâs expansion. The board approved that district unanimously following a public hearing, in which no members of the public spoke. A second public hearing will be held before the board votes on the industrial tax exemption. (TD)
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Authorities Identify Fenton Man Killed in M-59 Crash Authorities Identify Fenton Man Killed in M-59 Crash
4/2/15 - The name of a local man killed in a crash on M-59 in Hartland Township yesterday has been released by authorities. 40-year-old Darrell Cleland of Fenton was pronounced dead at the scene of Wednesdayâs crash, which happened at around 4pm on M-59 near Pleasant Valley Road and shut down both eastbound lanes for more than three hours. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department reports 25-year-old Noah Murphy of White Lake was traveling eastbound on M-59 in a Ford F-150 when Cleland, who was traveling northbound on Pleasant Valley in 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, pulled out in front of him. Police say the F-150 struck the Grand Prix on the driverâs side. Cleland was declared dead at the scene while Murphy was treated for injuries. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI both drivers were wearing seatbelts and drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors but the crash remains under investigation and lab tests are pending. (JM)
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