As a package of bills sponsored by a local lawmaker to radically change Michiganâs automobile no-fault insurance works its way through the legislature, hospitals and medical providers across the state are lining up in opposition. In addition to limiting auto insurance medical payments, the bills would also create a new entity to replace the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association, which covers severely injured motorists whose medical bills exceed $530,000. It would also limit insurance reimbursement for in-home nursing care for people recovering from their injuries and establish an insurance authority to investigate fraud in the no-fault system. State Senator Joe Hune, a Hamburg Township Republican, was the legislationâs main sponsor and said the âbest approach to bringing down insurance rates in Michigan is to take costs out of the system." But at a rally Monday at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, medical officials made the case that cutting medical reimbursement will hurt patient care. Randy Janczyk, Beaumontâs medical director of trauma care, said that if the legislation is adopted, Michigan will join the many states where hospitals are dropping out of trauma care, which would mean that, âLives that could be saved will be lost. Patients who could recoverâ¦will not.â Also lining up against the measure is Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who was injured in an automobile accident in 2013. He said rushing legislation without full discussion was âtotally irresponsibleâ and that the bill contains no guarantees of reduced premiums. He called it a âfoolâs bargain.â Further criticism has come from Progress Michigan, which said the bills were, âproof that too many lawmakers are working on behalf of big donors instead of the people,â noting that Hune, as Chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee, had received more than $108,000 in donations from the insurance industry, the most of any other Senator. Hune has responded that, "the problem has always been that people want to see their insurance costs lowered, but they donât want to give up the unlimited benefits of Michigan no-fault insuranceâ He says his bill specifically motivates healthcare providers and insurers to bring down costs without limiting care for people with life-altering injuries." Last week, the Michigan House insurance committee approved its version of the bill on a party line vote. A full House vote is expected this week. (JK)
Opposition To Hune's No-Fault Legislation GrowingOpposition To Hune's No-Fault Legislation Growing
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Howell High School Seniors Seeking To Survive Fundraising ChallengeHowell High School Seniors Seeking To Survive Fundraising Challenge
A fundraising record is the goal thatâs been set by a group of local high school students. This year's Senior Survivor charity fundraiser at Howell High School is hoping to again raise the most money since it started in 2008. The event featuring a group of seniors, who spend the entire week inside the school, is based on the TV reality show "Survivor," with participants undergoing various challenges in order to stay in the game. Last night was the food challenge where the remaining survivors had to drink a smoothie made from an assortment of foods that included chocolate milk, orange juice, blue cheese and bologna. Last year the competition raised a record $27,039 for the Rainbow Connection, which grants wishes of children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses. This year the survivors are raising money for the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan, with a goal of $30,000. They have already raised over $16,000 by selling team t-shirts. The winner of Senior Survivor and the grand total raised for Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan will be announced during a pep assembly on Friday. The event was started to create a memorial scholarship for Mackenzie Watts, a Howell student athlete who died in 2005. It has since expanded to support other charities and has raised nearly $90,000 for various charities. (JK)
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A Mother Of A Time On Tap For Event Next Week In HowellA Mother Of A Time On Tap For Event Next Week In Howell
Some of Livingston County's most respected writers and performers will gather next week for a unique event focused on something we all have in common in way or another; mothers. âMommologues: Musings on Motherhoodâ will be held on Wednesday, May 6th at 7pm at the Howell Opera House. Co-organizer Mona Shand, speaking today on Mike & Jon in the morning, says the evening will feature a variety of local writers and other contributors focusing on something everyone can relate to. "It is one of those things that is universal. We all have a relationship with our mother, that for better or worse, shapes a lot of the other relationships in our lives. You hear these stories and you can really connect with them on some level." 100% of the proceeds will benefit LACASA. Contributors, including Shand, local blogger Maria Stuart, Renee Chodkowski, Pat Convery, Jeff Doyle and Buddy Moorehouse, will read original poetry, essays and other vignettes created specifically for the event. Tickets are $20 and are available online at LACASAâs website. The link is posted below. (JK)
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Spring Clean-Up Saturday at Historic Village Cemetery in Downtown Brighton Spring Clean-Up Saturday at Historic Village Cemetery in Downtown Brighton
A spring clean-up effort is planned at the Historic Village Cemetery next to the Mill Pond in Downtown Brighton this Saturday. Every year, Brighton Area Historical Society members and volunteers lead the effort at the Old Village Cemetery prior to each Memorial Day. Areas around headstones will be cleared of debris and encroaching sod while weed trees and brush will be removed around the perimeter. This Saturday marks the 7th annual community clean-up and restoration according to Historical Society President Jim Vichich to spruce up the grounds and present a respectful setting for the Memorial Day holiday. Vichich tells WHMI a lot of Veterans are buried in the historic cemetery so they try to get it cleaned up and in good shape before Memorial Day. Saturdayâs clean-up gets underway at 9am and runs until 1pm and Vichich says the forecast is favorable. Volunteers are encouraged to just show up and help out. Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves, leaf rakes, clippers or small garden tools. (JM)
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Postal Employee Suicide Prompts Lockdown Of Local SchoolsPostal Employee Suicide Prompts Lockdown Of Local Schools
A tragic event involving a Fenton-area postal worker caused one road to shut down and nearby schools to go into lockdown on Wednesday. The employee had been fired from the Fenton Township Post Office and was under investigation by the postal inspector. According to the Tri County Times, the man did not contact the post office as scheduled, and the Mundy Township Police were sent out to his home to check on him Wednesday afternoon. The officers approached the manâs home and knocked on the front door, but were not let inside. Instead, they heard a single gunshot inside the home, retreated, and called for backup. More Mundy Township Police officers responded, and were joined by representatives from the Michigan State Police, Swartz Creek Flint Township, and Grand Blanc Township. The road was shut down around the home, and two nearby schools and a daycare center were put on lockdown as a precautionary measure. The MSP Emergency response team eventually entered the home and found the postal worker dead with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The investigation is ongoing. (TD)
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Free Concert Planned To Say Farewell To Musical Group MemberFree Concert Planned To Say Farewell To Musical Group Member
A local musical group thatâs entertained audiences for more than three decades will be holding a free farewell concert for one of their members. Four Old Men and a Babe is a brass quintet that has been together in some form or another for over 35 years. Utilizing the unique musical combo of two trumpets, a tuba, a trombone, and a French horn, the ensemble was previously known as the Ann Arbor Brass Quintet and more recently as the Livingston Brass Quintet. The âBabeâ in question is Erica Scheller-Moon, who has been a member of the group since she was just 14 years old. She currently holds a position in the Life Sciences Orchestra at The University of Michigan, but will be moving with her husband and kids to St. Louis to start her own research laboratory at Washington University. So to show their appreciation, the âFour Old Menâ of the group; Tim Meixner, Terry Braciszewski, Brian Pearson and John Schumacher, will host a âFarewell to the Babeâ concert at The Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter on Saturday, May 9th. It starts at 7pm and is free and open to the public. (JK)
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Hydraulic Fluid Spills On Byron RoadHydraulic Fluid Spills On Byron Road
Byron Road north of Grand River was closed for several hours Thursday afternoon while police and fire crews cleaned up a hazardous material spill. Fire Chief Andy Pless says at about 2:30pm, a hydraulic line on a Waste Disposal truck burst. The truck spilled hydraulic fluid along a stretch of southbound Byron. Crews closed off the road to keep the material from being spread around the area. They covered the spill in dirt to absorb the liquid for easy disposal. The area remained closed to traffic until after 6pm. (TD/JK)
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Details Emerge Of Family Feud Gone Wrong In Murder Of Fenton ManDetails Emerge Of Family Feud Gone Wrong In Murder Of Fenton Man
A Fenton man shot to death in Isabella County earlier this month had been investigated for allegations of sexually abusing his 3-year-old daughter, although authorities concluded there was no evidence of abuse. 39-year-old Lawrence Howard Jr. was gunned down April 18th in the parking lot of a Mt. Pleasant apartment complex by the grandmother of his daughter. 51-year-old Mary Lou Bigford is charged with one open count of murder, one count of first-degree murder, one count of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, felonious assault and a felony firearm violation in connection with Howardâs death. According to a report obtained by the Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun, both a child protective services worker and a nurse practitioner told police in Fenton they did not believe Howard had abused his daughter. The investigation began after the girlâs mother, Latesha Bigford, told the Isabella County Sheriffâs Department her daughter had made statement her father was abusing her. After looking into the allegations, a Child Protection Services worker indicated that no evidence was uncovered to support the allegation and the case was going to be closed. Fenton Police were contacted two days later by a relative of Latesha Bigford who made similar allegations. The report said that Fenton Police Lt. Jason Slater called the case worker in Isabella County, who said the girl had attended seven therapy sessions at the Child and Family Enrichment Center in Mt. Pleasant but did not âdisclose any type of sexual assault which is occurring.â A month later, Mary Lou Bigford shot Howard to death while he sat inside his car in the parking lot of the apartment complex where she lived with her daughter and granddaughter. Bigford remains in the Isabella County Jail without bond pending an exam hearing May 11th.
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Police: No Suspects Following Thursday Bomb Threat At CostcoPolice: No Suspects Following Thursday Bomb Threat At Costco
The investigation continues into a bomb threat reported Thursday afternoon at a store in a busy shopping plaza. Itâs estimated that as many as 300 employees and shoppers were evacuated from the Costco on Whitmore Lake Road, with employees diverted to an area of the front parking lot away from the building while explosive detection dogs went through the store. A handwritten threat was discovered on a bathroom wall that stated a bomb would detonate at a specific time on Thursday afternoon. The building was cleared and the threat proved to be unfounded. Green Oak Township Police Chief Jason Pless tells WHMI they try to take bomb threats seriously and weigh each one independently and in this case, Costco made the call to evacuate the building as a precautionary measure. Pless says a vendor who works with Costco discovered the note and there are no leads and no suspects but they hope to receive additional information. Pless says the investigation into the threat is ongoing with Costco Corporate and anyone with information can contact the Green Oak Township Police Department. (JM)
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Run Past Hell Fundraiser to Support Annual 4th of July CelebrationRun Past Hell Fundraiser to Support Annual 4th of July Celebration
The Unadilla Township Fire Department is hoping to boost participation in an upcoming event that helps raise funds for the departmentâs Fourth of July celebration. The Run Past Hell Firefighters 5k & 10k run/walk will begin at the Unadilla Fire House on Main Street Saturday, May 16th. It takes place along a groomed trail as well as gravel and dirt roads around Gregory. Itâs a flat surface and races will have lights and siren starts. Water, fruit, and snacks will be provided at the finish line and those 21 and over can enjoy a beer tent. Prizes will be awarded in different categories and are said to be unique to the fire service and as environmentally-friendly as possible. All proceeds will go toward the 4th of July celebration in Gregory and the department is currently about $2,500 short of its fundraising goals for that event. Those looking to register for the Run Past Hell should sign up prior to Saturday to be guaranteed a t-shirt. A link is available below. (TD/JM)
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Karla Griscom Named Hartland's Volunteer Of The YearKarla Griscom Named Hartland's Volunteer Of The Year
The organizations that form the backbone of Hartland Township have recognized this yearâs volunteer of the year. The Hartland: Friendly by Nature Committee consists of the township government, the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cromaine District Library, and Hartland Consolidated Schools. Every year, the organization recognizes one of its volunteers which members feel epitomizes the spirit of the Friendly by Nature brand. This yearâs winner is Karla Griscom, an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, who was selected from among six finalists with more than 400 votes collected online. Chamber Executive Director Jana Warford says Griscom is an amazing individual âwith a unique trait of making everyone feel welcomed and important.â Griscom will be recognized for her contributions at an upcoming meeting of the Hartland Township Board of Trustees, and will get to be a part of the Hartland Memorial Day Parade. (TD)
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Hartland Planning Sends Updated Comprehensive Plan To BoardHartland Planning Sends Updated Comprehensive Plan To Board
A comprehensive plan update designed to meet the needs of the future was taken to the next stage of approval by the Hartland Township Planning Commission last night. The comprehensive plan outlines goals and visions for the township spanning the next 20 years. The largest component of that plan is the future land use plan and map, which focus on the future of zoning in the township and were last updated in 2011. These were examined at last nightâs planning commission meeting. While much of the talk focused on the consolidation of an office district on the north side of M-59, Planning Director Dave Campbell says one of the biggest changes outlined in the latest updates relate to how the township approaches housing. A study by a professional housing market analyst submitted last summer detailed how the local market will change for Hartland in the near future. That study indicated the township is underserved by rental housing and smaller, less-expensive homes. The new comprehensive plan will be distributed by the township to the county planning department, neighboring municipalities, and utility companies, which can then voice their opinions or concerns at a public hearing on the changes 45 days later. (TD)
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No Plea Deal for Local Man In Fatal Road Rage Incident; Trial Starts MondayNo Plea Deal for Local Man In Fatal Road Rage Incident; Trial Starts Monday
Jury selection will start Monday in a case of alleged road rage that resulted in a fatality. 69-year-old Martin Zale of Marion Township is accused of shooting fellow motorist Derek Flemming last September on Grand River in Genoa Township. He appeared before Judge Miriam Cavanaugh in Livingston County Circuit Court this morning for a hearing where potential plea deals are typically worked out. Zaleâs Attorney Melissa Pearce says there âhas never been a plea dealâ and sheâs prepared to move forward with their self-defense argument at trial, which will begin Monday with jury selection. Some objections were raised in court today with proposed jury instructions and questions. The defense and prosecution requested that three sections of jury questions be thrown out in regard to punching, self-defense, and split second decisions, which Judge Cavanaugh granted but noted reservations with a section focused on driving habits. Judge Cavanaugh also cautioned the defense about leading questions and separating them from fact. A pool of 75 people will appear for jury selection Monday morning, with a second set expected to be called in later that day. Judge Cavanaugh indicated the goal would be to have the selection process wrapped up within a couple of days so that opening statements and testimony could begin by Wednesday or Thursday. Judge Cavanaugh earlier ruled that evidence from four prior incidents in which Zale was said to have engaged in aggressive driving behavior will be allowed at trial. He will be allowed to appear without handcuffs and in civilian clothing but is required to wear ankle cuffs that will be hidden from jurors. (DK/JM)
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Balloonfest Seeks Volunteers Interested In Raising Money For CharityBalloonfest Seeks Volunteers Interested In Raising Money For Charity
The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is seeking volunteers interesting in helping the event and earning money for charity at the same time. Every year, the Balloonfest needs hundreds of volunteers to help organize and direct parking throughout the weekend. Organizers are now looking for volunteers for this yearâs event, which will be held from June 26th through the 28th at the Howell High School Complex. For each shift worked, the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce will make a donation to the volunteerâs nonprofit organization of choice at a rate of $7 per hour. Additionally, a portion of the fees paid by guests who park on the festival grounds will go to the volunteersâ nonprofits. Michigan Challenge Director Michelle Tokan says this is a unique fundraising opportunity that earns some nonprofits thousands of dollars each year. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. For more information, follow the link below. (TD)
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Hartland Township Manager Among This Year's Taubman FellowsHartland Township Manager Among This Year's Taubman Fellows
A local official will take part in a program this summer that aims to develop effective leaders in local government in the Southeast Michigan region. Hartland Township Manager James Wickman and Oakland County Commissioner Helaine Zack have been named this yearâs Taubman Fellows. They were said to have be selected for their strong records of local government leadership and will attend the program at Harvard University. The Taubman Company's Fellowship for Executive Excellence is administered through SEMCOG and offers local public officials an opportunity to improve management skills while broadening awareness of effective approaches to public-sector problems. The experience is designed to broaden their perspectives by interacting with colleagues from around the world, thus enhancing their abilities to better serve Southeast Michigan residents. Wickman and Zach will undergo three weeks of intensive study in July designed to immerse participants in the thoughts and discussions of management and leadership in government. Wickman tells WHMI it was a very competitive process with intense interviews and heâs honored to have been chosen, saying the program is something heâs always wanted to pursue and things aligned both personally and professionally this year. Some of Wickmanâs accomplishments noted by SEMCOG include protecting a $28.5 (M) million sewer expansion bond obligation; a $9 (M) voter approved road millage and the investment of more than $3 (M) million in new park land and development. Wickman began his career as a police officer in Pittsfield Township for eight years. After earning his masterâs degree, Wickman became the village manager in Mayville, Michigan before coming to serve as Hartland Townshipâs manager since 2007. Wickman commented that heâs fortunate to have a fantastic staff as well as a very stable and supportive board, which is one of the toughest things to get in his line of work. (JM)
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CRW Plastics Honored During Michigan Works! Prosperity AwardsCRW Plastics Honored During Michigan Works! Prosperity Awards
Livingston County hiring and employment successes were among those celebrated during the Michigan Works! Association 2nd Annual Prosperity Awards. Winners included job makers, workers, Michigan Works! agencies and partners from across the state but the local award went to CRW Plastics in Howell. Livingston County Michigan Works! in partnership with Mott Community College and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center worked with the company to identify and hire qualified workers and develop a comprehensive training plan. CRW received a $95,000 Skilled Trades Training Fund grant, in addition to a $100,000 grant for on-the-job training. More than 80 new employees were hired with the help of the Michigan Works! training programs, while CRW was said to be empowered to meet the needs of its customer, generating $2 million in new business. The company has partnered with Livingston County Michigan Works! for years to recruit and train skilled employees but it underwent some challenges as part of a business transition. Director Bill Sleight tells WHMI the company was losing customers while new customers were demanding additional certifications so they worked to address CRW's recruitment needs as well as the needs of its existing workforce. Sleight says existing employees were first trained to make sure they had the skills needed to face the challenges the company was having with developing new product lines and processes. He says they then were able to identify, train and hire new qualified workers. Sleight says CRW is one example of the work the local agency is doing to meet the talent demands of employers while responding to the unique needs of each community and engaging leaders to influence change. (JM)
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Local EMS Driver Dismissed from Civil Suit Filed After Fatal CrashLocal EMS Driver Dismissed from Civil Suit Filed After Fatal Crash
A Livingston County EMS driver cleared of criminal charges in connection with a fatal crash involving a pedestrian in Genoa Township has been dismissed as a party from a civil lawsuit. 49-year-old Patrick Thomas Billo died of his injuries after being struck by a Livingston County EMS vehicle on Grand River near Golf Club Road during the early morning hours of November 18th, 2013. The Geoffrey Fieger law firm is representing the victimâs estate and filed the civil suit last April against Livingston County, Livingston County EMS and Anthony Disch, who was driving the ambulance. Most recently, Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty granted a motion to dismiss Disch from the case and gross negligence claims, citing the circumstances surrounding the incident. Billo, who was last known to reside in Howell, was wearing dark clothing while lying in or near the center lane of Grand River when he was struck. Billo was deemed to have been highly intoxicated at the time of his death and toxicology tests revealed he had a blood-alcohol level of .24%. Disch, the ambulance driver, initially thought he had hit some trash or debris in the road but officials said he came forward immediately to report the incident after hearing that a body had been found. Disch was placed on leave while criminal and internal investigations were conducted. Both determined the incident was an accident that did not justify any criminal charges, given the windy weather conditions and amount of debris in the dark roadway. (JM)
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Earthquake Confirmed Saturday; Felt in Livingston CountyEarthquake Confirmed Saturday; Felt in Livingston County
Livingston County residents who thought they may have felt the earth shake this afternoon were not mistaken. Reports of an earthquake have been confirmed and the magnitude upgraded. The earthquake was first reported to be a Magnitude 4.0, but has been upgraded after further review. U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist Paul Caruso said the Magnitude 4.2 earthquake was recorded at 12:23pm and its epicenter was in Galesburg, about nine miles south of Kalamazoo. That classification of earthquake can cause moderate shaking and very light damage. Calls started coming in from WHMI listeners all over Livingston and Genesee County not long after it happened, including Janie Willsmore from Fowlerville. She lives south of town and felt the ground shake, noting pictures in her home are all askew. Willsmore says itâs the first earthquake she has ever felt and it was definitely unnerving. Livingston County EMS/ 911 Director Jeff Boyd in his role as emergency management coordinator, followed up with the MSP Emergency Management Division out of Lansing. He says activity was verified and it was relayed that not much damage was reported at the epicenter. Boyd says to his knowledge, there was no damage or injuries in Livingston County. A link to more information can be found through the below link. (JM)
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Regular Hartland Hydrant Flushing Will Begin Next WeekRegular Hartland Hydrant Flushing Will Begin Next Week
Hartland Township residents are being advised that the semi-annual hydrant flushing will begin next week. All of the hydrants in the township water system are flushed every six months to remove the rust that accumulates in the water mains. However, once this rust is dislodged it can end up in the faucets and appliances of homes and businesses on the Hartland sewer system. If users experience rusty or discolored water, they should let it run for 10-15 minutes to flush the minerals out of their systems. If this does not solve the problem, they can contact the Hartland Township Department of Public Works. Flushing will begin on Monday from M-59 to Cullen Road and at the Oakbrook Apartments. A full schedule can be found by following the link on our website. (TD)
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Student Musicians Sought To Show Their Talents To Younger ChildrenStudent Musicians Sought To Show Their Talents To Younger Children
A local library is looking for young musicians to show off their talents. The Hamburg Township Library is hosting a live musical museum event on June 16th. The library is looking for music students to share an hour of their time playing their instruments and displaying them for younger children. All types of instruments are welcome including brass, strings, woodwind, and percussion. The event will be treated like an art museum, where the children will not be allowed touch the studentâs instruments. Following the program, all are invited to hang around for an ice cream social and make sundaes with all the toppings. For more information, or to sign up to help, contact the Hamburg Township Library. (MK)
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