A South Lyon boy is among the winners announced in a poster contest as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week. The week aims to educate the public about the dangers of tornadoes and other severe weather events, including precautions that can be taken to save lives and protect families. A poster contest around that theme generated more than 300 entries from fourth and fifth graders statewide, with Joey Sosnowski of South Lyon being named the 2nd place winner. A press release states that Sosnowski is a 4th grader at Our Lady of Sorrows School in Farmington. To recognize Severe Weather Awareness Week as well as honor the winners of this yearâs poster contest, a special ceremony was held in the glass floor rotunda at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. The ceremony was hosted by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and the Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness. (JM)
South Lyon Boy Named Winner in Severe Weather Poster Design ContestSouth Lyon Boy Named Winner in Severe Weather Poster Design Contest
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Tax Exemptions Granted For CNC ToolTax Exemptions Granted For CNC Tool
A Green Oak Township business has been granted tax exemptions that officials believe will promote growth and new jobs. At its regular meeting of the township board of trustees last night, members voted unanimously in favor of an industrial facilities tax exemption for CNC Tool. The IFT will grant a 50% break on all real property taxes except for school tax. CNC has been in the community since 2007, and has experienced steady growth ever since. This exemption will help make it easier for them to move into a larger facility on Eight Mile Road in Green Oak, as well create an estimated 15 local jobs. Township Clerk Michael Sedlak has been working closely with the owners and believes this will help grow the community. The exemptions for CNC were approved for seven years, with an option by the township to extend it to 12 following the completion of the initial term. (MK)
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76-Year-Old Howell Man Set To Compete In Boston Marathon76-Year-Old Howell Man Set To Compete In Boston Marathon
Among the approximately 30,000 runners registered for Mondayâs Boston Marathon is a Livingston County man making a return to the event after more than 30 years. 76-year-old Dave Duggar of Howell says he originally took up running in the 1970âs when it was seen as more of a fad and stayed with it until the late 1980âs, including finishing the Boston Marathon in 1984. But around 2009 he began thinking of making a comeback and has run in three marathons since then. Mondayâs event in Boston will be his return to the big race, something heâs been preparing for quite some time. As for the events of 2013 in which two brothers detonated backpack bombs killing three people and injuring 260 others, Duggar says heâs anticipating enhanced security measures. The anticipated 1 million spectators along the 26.2 mile course are being strongly urged to put personal belongings in clear plastic bags and avoid bringing backpacks, other large bags or coolers to the race. There will also be security checkpoints in key locations such as the start and finish lines. Duggar, who serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Pregnancy Helpline in Brighton, just hopes he can put in a good showing and come in below the baseline time for his age group, which is 4 hours and 40 minutes. (JK)
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Arson Likely Cause of Fire at Brighton District LibraryArson Likely Cause of Fire at Brighton District Library
Arson is believed to be the cause of a small bathroom fire at the Brighton District Library yesterday afternoon. A restoration team was continuing with clean-up efforts in the building today. Brighton Area Fire Department Assistant Chief Jim Tester tells WHMI the fire was definitely suspicious and an investigation with the Brighton Police Department is ongoing. Crews arrived to find smoke in the building but quickly discovered that it was coming from the menâs bathroom and found a plastic toilet paper roll and toilet paper on fire. Tester says the small fire was quickly extinguished but some smoke and heat damage resulted. There was no structural damage to the building and everyone was evacuated safely. Library Director Nancy Johnson said a re-opening date would depend on progress of the recovery team. Patrons are encouraged to visit the Brighton Library website or Facebook page for information about potential Friday programs and hours. (JM)
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Taser Incident Involving Livingston County Jail Inmate Caught on VideoTaser Incident Involving Livingston County Jail Inmate Caught on Video
Authorities have released video of an incident in which two deputies were accidentally tasered while trying to isolate an unruly inmate in the Livingston County Jail. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department released video of the Tuesday morning scuffle that involved as many as eight deputies and 29-year-old David Wayne New of Brighton. New was brought in to the jail the night before but became unruly with other inmates while yelling about hearing voices in his head. Undersheriff Mike Murphy previously told WHMI New was being moved to a single person cell for safety but became belligerent again and disobeyed orders. Things got physical once deputies tried to restrain New. In the process of the scuffle, tasers were deployed and two deputies were accidentally shocked before New was restrained. The deputies were said to be doing fine and there were no other injuries. New is charged with two counts of felonious assault stemming from the incident in Green Oak Township that led to his arrest. A probable cause hearing is scheduled April 28th in that case. Meanwhile, the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office has since authorized a four count complaint against New on charges of assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer. (JM)
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Brighton City Council OKs New Overflow Parking LotBrighton City Council OKs New Overflow Parking Lot
The Brighton City Council has approved a special land use permit for the planned CSX West parking lot on the west side of the railroad tracks on Main Street. Approval came as part of the consent agenda at Thursday nightâs City Council meeting. The City Planning Commission had approved it at a special meeting earlier in the afternoon. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI the parking lot has been rushed through all the hoops necessary to get final approval so that it can be completed in time for the major events season. Inadequate parking has been a problem at past civic events in the city and local officials hope the addition of the parking lot will be a great help in that regard. Actually, some members of the public have using the space â which is currently unpaved and unimproved â illegally, when regular on-and-off-street parking has been unavailable because of a popular event. Local officials plan to start construction on the parking lot immediately. Just the front portion of the parking lot will be paved, with the back portion to be gravel. The parking lot will be gated and fenced to prevent people from crossing the railroad track except from Main Street. The cityâs Downtown Development Authority recently signed a lease with the CSX Railroad for use of the space for parking. Foster says that out of consideration to nearby residents, vehicles that park in the CSX West parking lot will not have access from the back end to North Third St. However, there will be a locked gate near the rear which the fire department will be able to open in case of a car fire or other emergency. (TT)
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Adoption Advocate Keynotes Pregnancy Help Clinic Anniversary Adoption Advocate Keynotes Pregnancy Help Clinic Anniversary
The Brighton Pregnancy Help Clinic held a Celebration of Life yesterday in honor of their 40th anniversary. The Brighton Nazarene Church welcomed a large crowd for the Celebration of Life, which included a silent auction, raffle, testimonies, and an Emmy Award-winning keynote speaker. Ryan Bomberger spoke at the event about the alternatives to abortion. Bomberger, who is a self-described adoption advocate, was conceived by his birth mother through rape. Bomberger was put up for adoption the year he was born and was adopted by a family that was eventually comprised of three biological and 10 adopted children. He later became an adoptive father and is married to a woman, who was once a single mom, which he says allows him to understand the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy from several perspectives. Bomberger believes racial groups are targeted by what he called "the abortion industry" and tells WHMI he sees history repeating itself. Bomberger says the Pregnancy Help Clinicâs work and Celebration of Life event are opportunities to provide information about the various options for mothers with unplanned pregnancies. To those gathered seeking information, providing support, or celebrating the clinicâs anniversary, Bomberger reiterated, âsome of the best things in life are unplannedâ. (DK)
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Lowered Bond Allows Couple To Get Out Of Custody In Child Abuse CaseLowered Bond Allows Couple To Get Out Of Custody In Child Abuse Case
A judge has lowered the bond for a Deerfield Township couple charged with felony child abuse, allowing them to get out of custody. Eric and Angela Corcoran were charged last month with 2nd degree child abuse following accusations their 16-year-old adopted son was mentally and emotionally abused. At a probable cause conference on Wednesday, Judge Carol Sue Reader lowered the bond for the couple from $500,000 to $50,000 apiece, and they were able to make bond with 10% cash deposit. Both are scheduled for an exam in Livingston County District Court on May 1st. Documents filed in juvenile court say the 43-year-olds isolated the boy in the basement of the family's Bennett Lake Road home. They say Child Protective Service workers were told the boy ate and slept alone in the basement, only could get access to the main living area of the home from other family members, and was forced to go to the bathroom in a camper toilet. Inspectors indicated his bed consisted of a dirty mattress with no sheets, blanket, or pillow, and he alleged the coupleâs two biological children also mistreated him. He also reportedly told CPS workers he just wanted a loving family. He has since been placed in foster care. (TD)
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Police Trying to Locate Suspect Vehicle in Tire Theft at Livingston ConcretePolice Trying to Locate Suspect Vehicle in Tire Theft at Livingston Concrete
The theft of tires from a local business is under investigation and authorities are looking to the public for help locating the suspect vehicle. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is attempting to locate the suspect vehicle that was used in a larceny of tires from Livingston Concrete on Old US-23 in Brighton. The theft took place on Sunday, April 12th at approximately 6:15pm. Authorities say the vehicle appears to be a 2004 or 2005 Ford truck, âFX4â style with four wheel drive. Anyone with information about the vehicle is asked to contact Detective Mark Klein at 517-540-7960. That number as well as two surveillance photos released are available in the attached press release. (JM)
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Brighton Council Budget Hearing Elicits No Citizen Comments Brighton Council Budget Hearing Elicits No Citizen Comments
The Brighton City Council appears poised to formally adopt the 2015-16 city budget at its next meeting in two weeks. No citizens addressed the Brighton City Council at the annual budget hearing Thursday night. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI although the city millage rate will stay the same at 15.27 mills, and the voter-approved police millage at 0.38 mill, a couple of things - like utility and refuse collection charges - will go up between two and three percent. The total proposed 15-16 budget is pegged at around $20 million, and the general fund budget amounts to $7.89 million â a slight reduction from the current year general fund budget of $7.99 million. The cityâs fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. (TT)
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New Recovery Center Proposed in Green Oak Township New Recovery Center Proposed in Green Oak Township
A new physical recovery center has gotten preliminary site plan approval for its proposed Green Oak Township location. Dr. Tami Powell and her husband are planning to build the Oxford Recovery Center on Fieldcrest Drive south of Lee Road. Powell says they plan to offer services such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, speech therapy, nutritional counseling, exercise coaching, occupational therapy, and music therapy. Powell and her husband currently run two other recovery centers in Troy and South Lyon with an international client base and plan to move the South Lyon location to Green Oak Township. She says the services at Oxford will be offered to individuals with brain conditions like cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, autism, and stroke, although they will also offer some services for other medical issues such as autoimmune conditions. The building itself is planned to be two stories and 25,000 square feet, with some outdoor amenities as well. After discussing the various aspects of the site plan, the Green Oak Township Planning Commission unanimously granted preliminary site plan approval last night. Final site plan approval is needed before construction can begin. The planning commission was supportive of the project, saying it filled a need for care that was not otherwise being met in the region. Powell says construction could begin in the summer if all goes as planned. Photos of the proposed site are available for viewing on the center's website through the link below. (TD/JM)
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Motion Seeks Dismissal Of Alleged "Master-Slave" StatementMotion Seeks Dismissal Of Alleged "Master-Slave" Statement
A man charged after a joint criminal investigation involving an out-of-state teenager is scheduled for trial in June, although a hearing is set later this month on a motion to toss out statements he made to police. 24-year-old Christopher Carl Relitz 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 was arrested following a joint investigation by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and the Washington County Sheriffâs Department in Minnesota. He is set for trial June 15th. The case involves a 14 year old Minnesota girl that Relitz allegedly solicited via computer to send him nude photographs. His attorney wants a statement made to police by Relitz kept from a jury concerning his clientâs desire for a âmaster-slaveâ relationship, claiming it was not made voluntarily. He also claims Relitz asked for an attorney several times during the interrogation. An April 29th hearing on that request is set before Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty. While Judge Hatty reduced Relitzâs bond to 10% of $500,000, he remains lodged in the Livingston County Jail. If he does make bond, however, he must wear an electronic tether and stay away from computers.
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Weekend Lane & Ramp Closures on I-96 and US-23Weekend Lane & Ramp Closures on I-96 and US-23
Local motorists should prepare for traffic delays and congestion around the I-96 and US-23 interchange in Brighton. The Michigan Department of Transportation says more lane and ramp closures are scheduled tonight and tomorrow. There will be a single lane closure tonight in each direction on I-96 between Spencer Road and Pleasant Valley between 7pm and 10pm. There will then be a double lane closure in that same location after 10:00 tonight that will last until 11am Saturday. On northbound US-23 at I-96, a single lane closure is scheduled from 9:00 tonight to 5am Saturday. Southbound US-23 at I-96 will also have a single lane closure starting at 7:00 tonight through 8am Saturday. Finally, the ramp from northbound US-23 to westbound I-96 and the ramp from southbound US-23 to eastbound I-96 will closed starting at 10:00 tonight until 5am Saturday. M-DOT says a detour will be posted when each ramp is closed. (JM)
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Brighton District Library Back to Business After Fire, Spring Book Sale Set Brighton District Library Back to Business After Fire, Spring Book Sale Set
One of the largest fundraisers benefiting a local library will likely be of added value given its tight budget and a recent fire. The Brighton District Library re-opened Friday following a small fire in the menâs bathroom earlier in the week that was deemed suspicious and is under investigation by police. The bathroom remains closed for restoration but the library is back to regular hours of operation. The Friends of the Brighton District Libraryâs Spring Book Sale starts April 27th. The seven day sale offers recent, classic and sought after books as well as media items for all ages and tastes. The group says each book purchased helps to support important programs, equipment, and services at the library. That includes the Summer Reading Program, Springfest, Holiday Open House, Livingston Reads, writerâs workshops and movie licenses which allow the library to show films to the public. The sales are the largest fundraisers the Friends group hosts and the revenue generated is said to be three times more than the State of Michigan provides to the library. The Spring Book Sale runs April 27th through May 3rd. (JM)
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Brighton Township Analyzing Future Water Demand for Larger Planning Study Brighton Township Analyzing Future Water Demand for Larger Planning Study
The Brighton Township board reviewed projections as part of a larger water reliability study during a recent work session. The Livingston Community Water Authority and member representatives have been working with OHM consultants toward a water reliability study and general plan. Each of the member communities were asked to evaluate their respective water master plans, clarify items and project what REUâs might be warranted for the next five and 20 years based on existing demand as well as water availability. Brighton Townshipâs plan was adopted around 2005 but things have changed since then with growth patterns and water service extensions. The reliability study is a planning document required by the state so that growth projections coincide with the facility. Brighton Township is projecting 150 REUâs in the first five year window and potentially, another 250 beyond that. Manager Brian Vick stressed itâs only a planning document and the purpose of the projections is not to build out the system but rather reflect where things are at today and where theyâre possibly headed in the future. A high interest in service has been expressed in the Kroger area, which has seen growth and additional users are already anticipated. Conversations have been ongoing with Kroger, which was said to have a long term desire to get water to that location. Another area on OLD US-23 was deemed logical for water REUâs to be purchased because thatâs where the water main was installed to serve Lake Trust Credit Union headquarters and thereâs additional capacity. Vick says the townshipâs five and ten year projections will be incorporated into OHMâs water service model for the reliability study. The plan will then be evaluated to determine if it meets demand, and each member community is doing the same thing to ultimately get to a planning document. (JM)
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Housing Counseling Grants to Benefit Local Individuals & Families Housing Counseling Grants to Benefit Local Individuals & Families
A local community action agency has been awarded federal grant funds designed to expand housing opportunities for families and individuals and empower them with tools to prosper. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD awarded over $1.5 million in grants to support ten community-based organizations in Michigan that assist low-and moderate-income families and individuals. The housing counseling grants are designed to assist individuals and families with their housing needs so they can make more informed choices or keep their current homes and prevent future foreclosures. Locally, the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency was awarded $12,626 for its program that includes homebuyer education classes and one-on-one counseling in regard to budgeting, refinancing a home, home equity loans, home improvements, mortgage delinquency, predatory lending counseling and rights as a homeowner. OLHSA CEO Ron Borngesser tells WHMI there are a number of important components that ultimately lead to staying in your home or purchasing a new home and while itâs a relatively small grant, it helps a lot of people in areas where many lack knowledge. He says OLHSA has received the grant for a number of years, which was especially significant when the economy was in trouble as they helped resolve mortgage default issues so people didnât lose their homes. OLSHAâs programs and services aim to empower clients to reach or maintain self-sufficiency. Further details about those offered locally are available through the link below. (JM)
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Woman Pleads No Contest to Charges in Oceola Township Home Invasion Woman Pleads No Contest to Charges in Oceola Township Home Invasion
The wife of one of three men charged in an armed home invasion in Oceola Township last year has entered a plea in the case. 27-year-old Rebecca Kay Morrell pleaded no contest to 1st degree home invasion, one reduced count of unarmed robbery and four counts of unlawful imprisonment in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday. Sheâs the wife of one of the three men now serving prison time following the armed home invasion last June at a home on Hughes Road. Police said Morrell drove to the victimâs home with the coupleâs children and waited in the car while the home invasion took place. She was said to have participated in the action through the use of a walkie-talkie. Police testified 18-year-old Cody James DeBruyn of Shelbyville was at a cookout in Grand Rapids when co-defendants Richard Quam and 39-year-old Ronald 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. The three have already been sentenced on charges that included home invasion, unlawful imprisonment, larceny in a building, felonious assault and felony firearms. Ronald Morrell received 30-60 years, Quam was given 15-40 years and DeBruyn will serve at least 22 years in prison. Rebecca Morrell will be sentenced May 7th. (JM)
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Proposed "Battlefield Cross" Cause of Controversy in MilfordProposed "Battlefield Cross" Cause of Controversy in Milford
Mondayâs meeting of the Milford Village Council could be a crowded one after a story about a monument honoring fallen soldiers being proposed in Central Park went viral. The statute is being proposed as part of an existing war memorial in Central Park that was never completed and basically consists of a paver pad. A fountain monument was first proposed to council back in 2008 but was said to be denied because of the cost to build and maintain it. Then two years ago, Bear Hall with FAV or Friends of American Veterans and others began fundraising efforts to complete the memorial and add a âbattlefield crossâ monument that honors fallen soldiers. The bronze sculpture consists of combat boots, rifle and helmet. The helmet signifies the fallen soldier, the inverted rife with bayonet signals a time for prayer and a break in action to honor comrades in arms, while the combat boots represent the soldierâs final march of the last battle. Nearly $12,000 has been raised to date and Hall went before Council April 6th, where members voiced issues with both the proposed location and size of the monument, not what it represents. Some in the community feel Council is opposed to the weapon being displayed. The group maintains the size was actually dictated by the Village and itâs proposed at the memorial, away from the main area of Central Park. No formal decision has been made by Council about the monument but a large number of veterans and supporters are expected to be in attendance at Mondayâs meeting. It begins at 7:30pm at the Milford Civic Center. Pictured is the New Hampshire Army Monument, where the Battlefield Cross is the focal point. (JM)
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Broken Fire Hydrant Interrupts Water Service In FentonBroken Fire Hydrant Interrupts Water Service In Fenton
A damaged fire hydrant interrupted water service for some businesses and homes in downtown Fenton yesterday. The Fenton Police Department reported at about 7:15am that the hydrant in front of its building had accidentally been taken out by a traffic incident. The water began flowing downhill on Leroy Street, which remained open at first but eventually had to be closed. Some building owners on Leroy reported that their water was no longer working. Police indicated that the water was not shut off intentionally, but was experiencing low pressure due to the loss of the hydrant. Northbound Leroy was reopened to traffic within three hours of the incident, and by 11am water service had been fully restored to the street. Anyone experiencing discolored or rusty water in the area was advised to let it run until clear. (TD)
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Pinckney Student Programmer Makes Top 10 In National CompetitionPinckney Student Programmer Makes Top 10 In National Competition
A Pinckney High School senior is currently working to raise funds so he can compete in the national finals for a mobile app programming competition. Austin Eckman began teaching himself the Java programming language around the age of 9 or 10, and recently competed as part of Pinckney Highâs team at the National Cyberpatriot Competition in Washington, DC. He is now involved in a programming competition called the Business Professionals of Americaâs Mobile Applications event. The contest, aimed at high school students, challenges them to develop mobile apps to find and display news feeds, called RSS feeds. Eckman has placed among the top 10 in the nation, but to complete the competition he will have to travel to Anaheim, California next month and present his RSS reader, called Paradox, to judges and be scored. He and other Pinckney students involved in BPA events are currently raising money on the crowd-funding site GoFundMe with a goal of $6,000. A link has been posted below. Eckman says the newest version of Paradox is currently under development, and will include RSS feeds from Pinckney Community Schools and WHMI. (TD)
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