A hearing is set this week for a Brighton mother who says she is being illegally harassed by the Michigan Department of Human Services in their effort to gain control over her daughter. Brenda Burns was cleared of child abuse allegations after her husband was accused, and later convicted, of second degree child abuse of their 11-week-old daughter Naomi. Despite a recent decision by the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office not to continue with efforts by Child Protective Services, a division of DHS, to have access to the girl and know her whereabouts, CPS is continuing in the process, with a hearing scheduled Thursday in front of Probate Judge Miriam Cavanaugh. Brenda Burnsâ attorney Elizabeth Warner has filed a motion seeking to dismiss the case and end all CPS supervision of Naomi. Warner previously told WHMI that Brenda is spending time with loved ones out of state and wants to return to Michigan but doesnât feel safe to do so because of the continuing actions by DHS, the agency that took her daughter in the first place. Warner says if the petition against Brenda is not dismissed, then a second jury trial would result and ultimately if she is not relieved of constant CPS supervision, she really doesnât see a path for the mother to return to Michigan anytime soon. Joshua Burns, Naomi's father, is now serving one year in the Livingston County Jail after being convicted of 2nd degree child abuse following an incident in March of 2014. Burns, who worked as a commercial airline pilot for 15 years before the familyâs legal problems began, maintains Naomi accidentally fell off his lap while he was on the phone but that he caught her by the face to keep her from hitting the floor. Dr. Bethany Mohr, who serves as the director of the child-protection team at the University of Michigan Medical Center, testified the injuries constituted child abuse. However, multiple doctors for the defense concluded they were the result of birth trauma. Despite that, a jury convicted Joshua Burns after ten hours of deliberations. (JK)
Hearing Set This Week For Brighton Mother Targeted By DHSHearing Set This Week For Brighton Mother Targeted By DHS
↧
↧
Scholarship Applications Sought In Memory Of Beloved Chamber AssistantScholarship Applications Sought In Memory Of Beloved Chamber Assistant
The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is again accepting nominations for the annual Margaret Starkey Scholarship program. Named in honor of the chamberâs executive assistant for more than 30 years, Starkey retired from the chamber in 1987 and passed away in 2002. The foundation will award a total of up to $15,000 in scholarships to worthy students who are nominated by their employers. Some of the criteria used to evaluate candidates will include self-motivation and creativity, customer service, leadership and self-confidence. Nominees must have been employed with the nominating company since at least September 2014. The nominating company must also be located within Livingston County. Applications are due May 15th and are available through the link below. (JK)
↧
Art Comes to Life During New Event at Howell Opera House Art Comes to Life During New Event at Howell Opera House
A new art auction event will showcase artists while raising funds to eventually restore a historic landmark in downtown Howell. Opera Art Live will be held at the Howell Opera House on April 25th. Attendees will watch as around 20 Michigan artists create different pieces within a two hour time frame and then bid silently on whatever catches their eye. After the winners of each piece are announced, an Artist Afterglow event will allow attendees to mingle and talk with the artists. All proceeds will go toward continued maintenance of the Opera House and what is described as hopefully the last push needed to get restoration of the upper level going. Livingston Arts Council Representative Joanna Varnavas tells WHMI the Opera Hosue is only one of 28 left in the state, when there used to be 3,000 so it's important they get it restored. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door. Food is included and a cash bar will be available. Tickets can be purchased through the link below. (JM)
↧
Exhibit Will Honor Events & Heroes From 9/11Exhibit Will Honor Events & Heroes From 9/11
A special traveling exhibit honoring the heroes of the September 11th attacks will be open to the public during the 10th annual Hamburg Family Fun Fest in June. Organizers recently announced that the Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization, or HERO, and the Hamburg Township Firefighters Association were successful in booking the 9/11 Never Forget Exhibit for the festival. The mobile exhibit travels all over the country as a tribute to the heroes of 9/11 and those who were lost in the attacks. HERO President Joanna Hardesty says they wanted to bring the exhibit to the Fun Fest because many younger people were not even born when the attacks happened, and they wanted to make sure everyone understood the importance of that historic day. The exhibit includes interactive displays, artifacts from the terror attacks and rescue efforts, and audio and video recordings made by first responders at the site. Organizers are also flying in two New York City firefighters who were at Ground Zero and can tell visitors about their experiences. The exhibit will fit in with the theme for the Fun Fest this year, which is âhonoring our heroes.â The Fun Fest will take place in late June, and the 9/11 Never Forget Exhibit will be on display from 2pm to 8pm on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20th. For more information about the exhibit or the festival, follow the link below. (TD)
↧
Retired Assistant Chief w/ Hartland Fire Department Passes Away Retired Assistant Chief w/ Hartland Fire Department Passes Away
A retired assistant chief with the Hartland Area Fire Department who was always laughing and had a smile on his face has passed away. Ralph Monroe passed away at the age of 64 on March 31st. The department says the community benefited from his service as a firefighter and he started with the department in 1987, before retiring as an assistant chief in September of 2000. Monroe served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged following a combat injury. He later worked for General Motors and retired from the GM Proving Grounds in 2005. Memorial donations may be made in the name of the family and can be mailed in or dropped off at the Hartland Area Fire Department at 3205 Hartland Road, Hartland MI 48353. (JM)
↧
↧
Handy Township Crash Sends Five To The HospitalHandy Township Crash Sends Five To The Hospital
A Wayne County woman was critically injured in a crash Sunday night along I-96 in Handy Township. The Livingston County Sheriff Department says deputies were dispatched at about 11pm Sunday to a three vehicle crash in the westbound lanes of I-96, west of Nicholson Road. A preliminary investigation indicates that a 1994 Ford Ranger was broken down on the shoulder of the roadway being assisted by a 2014 Ford F-150 pickup truck parked behind it, when both vehicles were rear-ended by a 2015 Nissan Altima. A 25 year old Canton resident, who was between the pickup trucks, was thrown into the grass shoulder, while the driver of the Ford F-150, a 47 year old, also from Canton, was thrown from the vehicle. The Nissan Altima had three occupants; a 33 year old driver, 27 year old passenger, and a 1 ½ year old passenger all from India. Everyone involved was taken to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing by Livingston County Ambulance. Both the 27 year old and 1 ½ year old suffered broken arms, while the 25 year old who was driving the Ranger suffered minor injuries. However, the 47 year old driving the F-150 remains listed in critical condition. Police say while alcohol does not appear to be a factor, it appears both passengers of the Nissan Altima were not wearing seatbelts or using a child seat. The roadway was partially closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which remains ongoing by the Livingston County Sheriff Department Traffic Safety Bureau. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Fowlerville Area Fire Department and Livingston County EMS. (JK)
↧
Fifth-Grader From Fenton Working For Trail CreationFifth-Grader From Fenton Working For Trail Creation
The Linden-Argentine-Fenton Trails Coalition is working to develop multi-use pathways in their area and is reporting a large amount of support from the community. The LAF Coalition worked a stand at Fentonâs Chamber Expo last month to educate attendees about their project. The nonprofit organization had some help from fifth-grader Mike Crane of Fenton, who has been involved as a result of what began as a school project. Mike sent letters home to the parents of his fellow classmates, looking for signatures in support of the LAFâs trail project. He presented the signatures to Fentonâs City Council at their work session meeting on Monday, having received 130 of the letters back. Mike and the LAF Coalition also acquired 600 signatures at the Chamber Expo and believe local residents would greatly benefit from the pathways. Fenton City Manager, Lynn Markland, says the cityâs Parks and Recreational Authority has always âconceptually supportedâ the trails and the next step is to find ways to fund the project. Council members agreed to discuss the issue at their next budget meeting and potentially create a resolution to support the project if it would help in grant efforts. Mike says he received the letters back âeasily and fastâ and thinks it would make more people want to live in the Linden, Argentine, and Fenton area. (DK)
↧
Free Teen Distracted Driving Course Offered to Area Students in May Free Teen Distracted Driving Course Offered to Area Students in May
A course is being offered for free to local parents and students in an effort to teach young drivers the dangers of distracted driving first-hand. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is providing the course in conjunction with FT Techno of America on Saturday, May 16th. The course allows teens to operate a vehicle under the direct supervision of sheriff and police personnel in several distracted driving scenarios, which include texting while driving and the use of fatal vision drunk driving goggles. Two sessions are being offered, with each lasting four hours. The teens will be provided with a short classroom discussion and video presentation before the supervised driving scenarios on the FT Techno test track in Fowlerville. Space is limited to 20 students and a parent per class. Attendees must possess a valid driverâs license and be enrolled in high school. To sign up, contact the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department at 517-546-2440 Monday through Friday, between 8am and 4pm. (JM)
↧
Local Public Health Efforts Highlighted This WeekLocal Public Health Efforts Highlighted This Week
The local Department of Public Health is highlighting the work it performs throughout the year this week in honor of National Public Health Week. The observance is held every year by the American Public Health Association as a way to motivate and inform residents about the public health services and programs available in their areas. Livingston County ranks in the top 10 healthiest counties in Michigan, but DPH Health Educator Chelsea Moxlow says they are working to improve the health of residents even further. She says health is greatly impacted by income and education, which are difficult for the DPH to improve, but programs and services offered by her department are working to close the gaps. Specific areas they are targeting include youth obesity, mental health issues, and substance abuse. The theme of this yearâs National Public Health Week is to become the healthiest nation on Earth by 2030, overcoming the various foreign countries that are ranked above the United States. Different themes have been assigned to each day this week, such as building momentum and broadening connections in support of the overall goal of improving health in the United States. Moxlow says Livingston County excels in each of those areas, and the DPH is working to build on that foundation. More information on those specific efforts can be found by visiting the Department of Public Health offices on Grand River in Howell. (TD)
↧
↧
Fenton Discusses Contract For New Solid Waste Removal SystemFenton Discusses Contract For New Solid Waste Removal System
The city of Fenton may be seeing some changes when it comes to taking out the trash. At a work session on Monday, Fentonâs City Council discussed a Solid Waste Contract with Republic Services, a waste and recycling company based out of Flint. If approved, the contract would transition Fenton residents to a two-cart system, providing a barrel for trash and another for recyclable items from Republic Services. Community members currently dispose of their waste with a bag and tag system, which is part of a pay-as-you-throw program. Recyclables would be collected every other week as opposed to weekly and yard waste would still be collected on a weekly basis. Gary Hicks, Municipal Services Manager of Republic Services, tells WHMI he believes there are many benefits to adopting the system. Mayor of Fenton, Sue Osborn, is eager to begin the system and mentioned beginning as soon as July 1st of 2015, the start of the cityâs fiscal year. However, council members believe October 1st would be most appropriate as it would allow for the needed time to educate residents of the changeover. Though much of the council is in support of the two-cart program, some residents present at the work session expressed disapproval. Though the final cost of the carts and administration fees have yet to be configured, one citizen stated the current estimation would quadruple what she currently pays in waste disposal. City Council tabled further discussion of the contract until their next meeting on Monday, April 13th. (DK)
↧
Online Contest Featuring Chef From Howell Wraps-Up WednesdayOnline Contest Featuring Chef From Howell Wraps-Up Wednesday
The deadline is approaching to vote for an executive chef with local roots featured in an online contest as one of the best new chefs in America. Food & Wine Magazine names Americaâs ten most brilliant up-and-coming chefs every year, but this year is also 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. Rigato is the executive chef of The Root Restaurant in White Lake, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients and a farm-to-table experience. He was also most recently a contestant on Season 12 of Bravoâs Top Chef competition and is the founder of 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. Public voting for Food & Wine Magazineâs 2015 Peopleâs Best New Chef Award goes until 5pm Wednesday. The winner will be announced online the following day and then featured in the magazineâs July issue. Youâll find a link to vote below. Photo Credit: James Lewinski (JK)
↧
Brighton Township Preparing to Overhaul Municipalityâs WebsiteBrighton Township Preparing to Overhaul Municipalityâs Website
Two firms that specialize in revamping government websites made presentations to the Brighton Township board during a work session Monday night. CivicPlus is headquartered in Kansas while Revize is based in Troy. Both walked board members through typical features, different possibilities and demonstrations showcasing some recent redesigns. Both companies provide training, regular or rolling upgrades, and strive to get a user to the information they seek in two clicks or less. Township Manager Brian Vick told WHMI he felt positive as the two vendors are familiar with what their users are looking for but also focused on the interests and needs that the board is looking for to put forth a better image. The current site has been described as old and stale. Members said theyâre hoping to develop a site focused on residents thatâs easy to use, secure, information rich when it comes to documents and services, and helps streamline government operations. It was noted that the township does not anticipate incorporating any social media aspects into the site during the first phase of the redesign project. The two recommendations were provided to the board by the townshipâs website committee after a request for proposals went out and resulted in a number of applications being received. The board could possibly award a contract to one of the vendors during its next meeting on April 20th. (JM)
↧
Another Livingston Horse Diagnosed With Deadly VirusAnother Livingston Horse Diagnosed With Deadly Virus
A state quarantine of horses in four counties, including Livingston, continues as another local case is diagnosed of a deadly strain of equine herpes virus. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development issued quarantines last month involving more than 20 horses in Livingston, Barry, Ionia and Saginaw Counties. That was after a horse from a stable in Livingston County tested positive for EHV-1 and was later euthanized after its condition worsened. It had not been vaccinated for the disease. Now, state officials say two additional horses have tested positive and are under veterinary care. One of them is from the same Livingston County stable previously affected. The second additional positive horse is at a separate stable in Saginaw County. There are currently four facilities under quarantine, including the two facilities to which the EHV positive horses reside, that are monitoring horses for signs and symptoms of illness. The disease poses no harm to humans but can cause partial paralysis and death in horses. The department says the Livingston County horse that had to be euthanized traveled for competitions and shows in Barry County on February 28th and March 7th. The horse also traveled for training to a facility in Livingston County on March 9th, 11th and 14th. Horse owners are being urged to vaccinate their animals and isolate any that might have had contact with the animal. Additional details can be found on the Michigan Department of Agricultureâs Facebook page and weâve put that link below. (JK)
↧
↧
Man Injured After Crashing 1999 Yamaha During High Speed Police ChaseMan Injured After Crashing 1999 Yamaha During High Speed Police Chase
A Genoa Township man was hospitalized after leading police on a high speed chase and crashing his fatherâs 1999 Yamaha on Monday afternoon. The chase began around 1:30pm when a Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputy clocked a 20-year-old man traveling at speeds of 100mph on westbound I-96 near Dorr Road. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI the suspect exited by Lake Chemung and proceeded eastbound on Grand River at speeds of well over 100 mph. The chase went into the Brighton Village mobile home park, where the suspect eventually lost control and ran into one of the trailers toward the back. Bezotte says the suspect went underneath the trailer and broke his leg but was luckily wearing a helmet. The suspect was transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor by ground ambulance and Bezotte says theyâll be seeking warrants against the suspect through the prosecutorâs office. The YZR6 Yamaha was totaled and had no insurance or proper plates. Bezotte says itâs not worth running from the police or risking your life for a minor traffic or speeding ticket. He also reminds the public that with the weather warming up, more motorcycles will be on the road and asks that motorists use extra caution. Brighton firefighters, Livingston County EMS and Michigan State Police assisted at the scene. (JM)
↧
Brenda Burns to Appear on Dr. Phil Show Next WeekBrenda Burns to Appear on Dr. Phil Show Next Week
A local woman is expected to share her story and on-going struggle to reunite her family on national television next week. Joshua and Brenda Burns had their then 11-week-old daughter taken from their Brighton home by Child Protective Services after an incident in March of 2014 and numerous trips to the hospital. Brenda was cleared of abuse allegations during a civil trial and retained custody of Naomi, who is now 1-year-old. Joshua Burns is serving a one year sentence in the Livingston County Jail after being convicted of 2nd degree child abuse by a jury. The Dr. Phil Show is said to have reached out and expressed interest in telling the Burns family story, and the show was taped recently. The interview is tentatively scheduled to air on CBS Monday, April 13th. Joshua Burns maintains Naomi accidentally fell off his lap while he was on the phone but that he caught her by the face to keep her from hitting the floor. Dr. Bethany Mohr, director of the child-protection team at the University of Michigan Medical Center, testified the injuries constituted child abuse. The family maintains that doctor never met Naomi and relied on outdated science such as Shaken Baby Syndrome to form conclusions, adding multiple doctors for the defense determined the injuries resulted from birth trauma. Meanwhile, the Livingston County Prosecutor's Office has withdrawn petitions against Josh and Brenda that sought to terminate their parental rights. However, the Michigan Department of Human Services is still said to be pursuing control over Brenda's relationship with Naomi as well as termination of Josh's parental rights. A hearing is scheduled Thursday morning, where motions filed by Brendaâs attorney that seek to dismiss the case and end all CPS supervision of Naomi are expected to be heard. (JM)
↧
Judge: No Bond Reduction For Man Charged In Case Involving Minor Judge: No Bond Reduction For Man Charged In Case Involving Minor
A local judge denied a request to reduce bond for a man charged after a joint criminal investigation involving an out of state teenager. 24-year-old Christopher Carl Relitz appeared in 53rd District Court Tuesday for a probable cause conference. He faces six felony counts that include child sexually abusive activity, extortion, using computers to commit a crime and accosting a child for immoral purposes. Relitz resided in both Putnam and Green Oak Townships over the last year and remains lodged in the Livingston County Jail on a $500,000 cash/surety bond. Defense attorney Lyle Dickson requested that his clientâs bond be reduced during the hearing but is also seeking to have alleged statements Relitz made to police suppressed. Dickson claims the statement made during a January 26th interview was not voluntary and that his client requested an attorney three times during the interrogation. Court records show that prosecutors were opposed to any bond reduction, citing public safety and risk of flight. Judge Carol Sue Reader ultimately denied the request and bound the case over to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial. Relitz was arrested following what was said to be an intensive investigation between the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and the Washington County Sheriffâs Department in Minnesota. Specifics of the case have not been made public but police said the victim is a minor child who lives in Minnesota. (JM)
↧
Speed Study To Commence On Portion Of M-59 In Howell Speed Study To Commence On Portion Of M-59 In Howell
A speed study on M-59 recently received the green light from the Howell City Council. The study will be conducted by Michigan State Police and encompass a portion of M-59 between Town Commons Road and Highlander Way, as well as the intersection of Byron Road and M-59. Continued growth and development along the corridor has led to increased traffic congestion and safety concerns among some residents, given the current 55mph speed limit and the close proximity to a school zone. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI council directed staff to prepare a resolution to conduct a speed study at the request of a resident. Being M-59 is a state highway; Michigan State Police will perform the study and then report back to the City and M-DOT on their findings. The request came from resident Dan Corsten, who voiced safety concerns with what he feels is a high speed limit for being in such close proximity to Howell High School, Voyager Elementary, a large residential neighborhood and a new senior citizen development. He says M-59 is exceptionally busy when school starts and lets out, further highlighting the large amount of pedestrian traffic in the area of M-59 and Byron during the summer. It was cautioned during the meeting that whenever these types of studies are pursued, those initiating it run the risk of receiving results contrary to what they desire and it could actually demonstrate the need for something completely different. (JM)
↧
↧
Funeral Services Set For Retired Assistant Hartland Fire Chief Funeral Services Set For Retired Assistant Hartland Fire Chief
Funeral arrangements have been released for a former Hartland assistant fire chief. Ralph Monroe passed away at the age of 64 on March 31st. He started with the Hartland Area Fire Department in 1987, before retiring as an assistant chief in September of 2000. Monroe served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged following a combat injury. He later worked for General Motors and retired from the GM Proving Grounds in 2005. Arrangements for Ralph Monroe are being handled by the Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel and updated funeral service information was released recently. Family and friends will gather from noon until the time of a community farewell service at 1:30pm on Saturday, April 18th at Fifty Nine West Banquet Facilities in Highland Township. Meanwhile, memorial donations may be made in the name of the family and can be mailed in or dropped off at the Hartland Area Fire Department. (JM)
↧
Preliminary Site Plan Approved For Condominium Project In Hartland TownshipPreliminary Site Plan Approved For Condominium Project In Hartland Township
Developers looking to create a 21 unit condominium project in Hartland Township have received approval of their preliminary site plan. Located at the southern end of Maxfield Lake, the 20.8 acre property has been sought after for development in the past. Hartland Township Manager, James Wickman, says previous development failed due to economic hardships during the Great Depression and the Great Recession. There were few questions from the Hartland Township Board of Trustees at their Tuesday night meeting in regards to the site plan which they unanimously approved. Wickman tells WHMI the developers are just a few steps away from finalizing their draft. Preservation of vegetation in the wooded area and its wetlands has been a major topic of discussion throughout the site planâs approval process. The Hartland Township Planning Commission has discussed landscaping requirements with SBTT Development, the company constructing the single-family homes. Though some tree removal is necessary, the developers are working to remove as little of the woods as possible and avoid disturbance of the wetlands. The developing representatives present at the meeting declined to comment on the project until it is further along. (DK)
↧
Cromaine Library Selects "Old School" Classic for 2015 Big Read BookCromaine Library Selects "Old School" Classic for 2015 Big Read Book
The community will have the opportunity to meet the author of a classic story being featured as part of a month-long reading project at the Cromaine District Library in Hartland. Old School by Tobias Wolff tells the story of an ambitious and insecure teenager who makes a serious mistake and eventually inherits the consequences. The Big Read is designed to revitalize the role of reading in todayâs culture by exposing citizens to great works of literature and encourage them to read for pleasure and enrichment. Cromaine received a $9,600 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to help develop unique programming and Wolff will be appearing for an evening event April 22nd at the Hartland Music Hall. Cromaine Director Ceci Marlow tells WHMI theyâre fortunate since many of the books to choose from as part of The Big Read donât have living authors. Marlow says the community will have a number of opportunities to read, discuss, and celebrate Old School from panel and book discussion groups to special programming to keep kids busy during spring break. Cromaine will further be celebrating the era through the music of The Beatles with a live performance from M. L. Leibler and his band at the Hartland Music Hall featuring songs, stories, movie footage and a sing-along. Registration is required for some of the events at Cromaine, including the upcoming appearances by Wolff and Leibler. Details are available through the link below. (JM)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
