A mishap while fueling a small bonfire has a Lyon Township boy in guarded condition. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Lyon Township Substation responded to a call for help Sunday evening when the 12-year-old male was burned while trying to make a small fire larger. Afraid of repercussions, he originally asked friends to lie to authorities and report that an unknown assailant had thrown some type of accelerant on his face. Deputies learned while interviewing witnesses, however, that the victimâs skin and clothing caught fire from the vapors of a bottle of gasoline he was squeezing over the flame. The Lyon Township Fire Department treated the boy for 2nd and 3rd degree burns before transporting him to C.S. Mott Childrenâs Hospital in Ann Arbor for further treatment.(MK)
Lyon Township Boy In Guarded Condition After Small Bonfire AccidentLyon Township Boy In Guarded Condition After Small Bonfire Accident
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Deadline Is Friday For Howell School's Fire AcademyDeadline Is Friday For Howell School's Fire Academy
Livingston County high school junior and seniors interested in a firefighting career have just a few more days to apply for the Howell districtâs Fire Academy. Students from any high school in the county have until this Friday, May 8th to apply to be part of the program through the Livingston Applied Technology Education Consortium. The unique program allows students to earn their Michigan Firefighters Certification, which is a requirement for a career is firefighting. According to Lt. Tom Kiurski the program's instructor and a lieutenant with the Brighton Area Fire Authority, there is still a shortage of firefighters in our area, which means that graduates of the program may be in high demand. Each applicant is interviewed by a panel of current firefighters to determine their true level of interest. Students are also required to attend physical training sessions before class, practical sessions on weekends, and public service activities throughout the year. Altogether, students can expect to be involved with class related activities approximately 20 hours per week. The academyâs application is online at howellschools.com/fireacademy (link below). Meanwhile the current class will be taking part in a "Live Burn" training scenario next week at the Hamburg Township Fire Training Facility. On Wednesday, May 13th, students will be entering the burn tower to experience how a fire spreads in a home. That exercise will take place just a few weeks before their June 1st graduation. (JK)
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Pinckney Police Dog Receives Protective VestPinckney Police Dog Receives Protective Vest
A local police dog is the beneficiary of a charitable contribution that will help protect its life. The Pinckney Police Department has received a bullet-and-stab protective vest for its German shepherd canine, Kizer. A nationwide Groupon event ran between February and March of this year to raise money for a non-profit organization that provides vests for dogs serving in the line of duty. That charity, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., received over $335,000 from the event and will be able to fit around 350 dogs across the country with body armor. Each of these vests costs $950 and comes with a five year warranty. Kizerâs vest will be embroidered with the sentiment, âIn memory of K9 Rocco, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police,â who sacrificed his life while on duty in January of 2014.(MK)
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Alleged Sexual Assault Reported by Livingston County Jail InmateAlleged Sexual Assault Reported by Livingston County Jail Inmate
A federal inmate being housed at the Livingston County Jail is facing criminal charges after an alleged sexual assault. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte confirmed that the department is investigating an incident of alleged criminal sexual conduct reported last weekend. The incident is said to have involved unwanted sexual contact initiated by the federal inmate against a county inmate, who were in a jail cell together last Saturday night. There has been continual overcrowding at the jail, which is currently in the process of being renovated and expanded. While federal and county inmates are mixed because of the shortage of space at the jail, Bezotte says it is not a federal versus county situation as inmates are classified by criminal charges and security risk. Both the suspect and victim were considered maximum security offenders and therefore, were housed together in a cell. There were no witnesses and Bezotte only described the incident as one of criminal sexual conduct. Under Michigan law, there are four degrees of CSC that cover a range of sexual contact and different levels of force or intimidation. Bezotte says he expects the report to be completed soon and forwarded to the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office for review. (JM)
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Livingston Voters Join Those Statewide To Shoot Down Road PlanLivingston Voters Join Those Statewide To Shoot Down Road Plan
Two bond and millage proposals in local communities were rejected for a second time while voters statewide shot down what many felt was a confusing lawmaker-proposed constitutional amendment to fix Michigan roads. The Cromaine District Library in Hartland Township had voters again turn down a $12 (m) million bond for renovations and upgrades. The proposal failed by 592 votes. Voters in the Pinckney Community Schools district also again turned down a recreation millage. The five-year, point-3-mill request would have generated funds to offset the cost of maintaining recreation facilities including the community pool and athletic fields. A road millage renewal passed by a healthy margin Handy Township that will fund improvements, maintenance and dust control. As for the statewide Proposal 1, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder conceded defeat not long after polls had closed and said the challenge is that the problem requires a long-term solution. Livingston County Republican Party Chairman Dan Wholihan said he wasnât surprised Proposal 1 failed statewide or in Livingston County and feels it sends a message that status quo is not acceptable, nor are tax increases. Wholihan tells WHMI local residents want to see conservative and competent policies from the legislature to get something done and fix roads without raising taxes. Judy Daubenmeier, chair of the Livingston County Democratic Party, says voters rejected Proposal 1 because they thought it was unfair for individuals to shoulder the cost of new roads when the Snyder administration gives tax breaks to the business sector. Not everyone is cheering about the defeat of Proposal 1 during Tuesdayâs special election though. Jim Santilli is the Executive Director of the non-profit Traffic Improvement Association of Michigan and said "today is a sad day for Michigan, which is currently known as having some of the worst road and bridge conditions in the nation. Proposal 1 put safety and accessibility first, without taking away funds needed to educate our children and support essential local government services." To view the local election results and vote totals on the Livingston County Clerkâs webpage Click Here. (JM)
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Defense Claims Road Rage Victim Was Shot After He Punched SuspectDefense Claims Road Rage Victim Was Shot After He Punched Suspect
The trial has begun for a Howell man charged with open murder following a road rage incident last summer. 69-year-old Martin Zale and Derek Flemming were traveling down Grand River when they stopped at Chilson Road last September. Police say that at the traffic light, Flemming got out of his car to approach Zale to ask about his driving, but Zale shot Flemming in the head. Zaleâs homicide trial began yesterday when the jury, consisting of 10 women and four men, was seated and listened to opening arguments by both attorneys. The defense argued that Flemming punched Zale through the window and was shot in self-defense, but the prosecution says this never happened and that Zale was the first to resort to violence. The jury also heard testimony from seven witnesses for the prosecution who said Zale had a history of reckless driving, violent outbursts, and intimidating behavior. The second day of the trial will begin today with testimony from Flemmingâs wife Amy, who watched from the passenger seat as her husband was killed. (TD)
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Public Invited To Banquet For Faith-Based Inmate Mentoring ProgramPublic Invited To Banquet For Faith-Based Inmate Mentoring Program
A local program aimed at reducing recidivism among former inmates of the Livingston County Jail will hold a banquet this week to raise support and celebrate its success stories. Organizers of the faith-based Second Chance Support Network say it was inspired by the fact that most men who work to turn their lives around after spending time in jail will eventually fall into old patterns and get sent back behind bars. The network matches up former inmates with mentors who help keep them in an encouraging and positive social environment. Second Chance Vice President Jim Proos says their program reduces recidivism rates by more than half, and has earned the support of the county government, law enforcement, and local judges. The program will hold its annual support and celebration banquet Thursday at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township beginning at 6:30pm. The evening will include dinner, music, and presentations by mentors, the former inmates they have served, and Sheriff Bob Bezotte. There is no cost to attend the dinner, with organizers instead asking attendees to make donations to help support the program. Those interested in reserving a spot can email jennifer.bigelow@att.net, or follow the link posted below. (TD)
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Students & Families Hit the Pavement for 3rd Annual Bike to School DayStudents & Families Hit the Pavement for 3rd Annual Bike to School Day
Students at Northwest Elementary in Howell were among hundreds that took part in the 2015 Bike to School Day. Bike to School Day is part of a larger national movement that celebrates the adventure of riding bikes to school but also promotes year-round safe routes to school and increasing physical activity for children. A number of area districts took part including Pinckney, Chelsea, Fenton, Whitmore Lake and Howell. The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority again held a friendly competition for a unique trophy and the 2015 Bike to School award went Northwest Elementary School. Following this morningâs ride, parks and rec staff went around to all of the schools in the Howell district and counted the number of bikes on racks outside. Northwest Elementary won the trophy with a total of 152 bikes. (JM)
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Getaway Driver Sentenced in Downtown Brighton Jewelry Store Robbery Getaway Driver Sentenced in Downtown Brighton Jewelry Store Robbery
The getaway driver involved in a smash and grab theft at a Brighton jewelry store last summer will serve prison time. 19-year-old Devon McCloud of Warren was ordered to serve a minimum of two years and five months in prison and a maximum of 15 years. He was originally charged with armed robbery after the incident last July at Rottermond Family Jewelers in Brighton but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of unarmed robbery as well as fleeing and eluding in Livingston County Circuit Court. McCloud was given credit for 297 days served by Judge Miriam Cavanaugh, who also ordered him to pay $7,360 in restitution, joint and severally with his two co-defendants. Police say McCloud was the getaway driver while Darvon Smith of Kalamazoo and Elijah Henderson of Belleville, both also 19 years old, actually entered the store and carried out the robbery. Surveillance video showed two men breaking the glass of a jewelry display case after several blows from a mini sledge hammer and then grabbing several high end watches. After fleeing the scene, police say the suspectâs vehicle turned the wrong way onto the northbound US-23 ramp to I-96. When a police officer blocked their path, all three fled the vehicle. McCloud was quickly apprehended, while Smith and Henderson were later located hiding in a dumpster. All of the stolen watches were recovered. Henderson was convicted by a local jury on a lesser included charge of unarmed robbery and sentenced to three years of probation, with the first year to be served in the Livingston County Jail. A June trial date is scheduled for Smith. (JM)
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Streetscape Project Progressing in City of FentonStreetscape Project Progressing in City of Fenton
The Fenton streetscape project will result in some intermittent lane closures and delays downtown this week and next. Contractors are moving forward at a rapid pace and city officials say the first month of the project focused primarily on installing the water main on LeRoy and Shiawassee. The water main installation included boring 12 feet underneath the Shiawassee River to connect the water main north of the river. Replacement sanitary sewers have also been installed on LeRoy Street and the new water mains were being pressurized for required bacteria testing. Work this week involves connecting the water lines from LeRoy to Shiawassee, which will require intermittent lane closures on LeRoy Street between Elizabeth and Shiawassee. Then next Tuesday and Wednesday, May 12th and 13th, Shiawassee Avenue will be closed from Adelaide to LeRoy Street so water line service leads can be connected to the buildings on Shiawassee. Itâs anticipated that construction work surrounding the sidewalks and base road improvements will begin in approximately four to five weeks. The streetscape project is scheduled to continue through November, with project restoration continuing in spring 2016. (MK/JM)
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Volunteers Are Needed At The Imagination StationVolunteers Are Needed At The Imagination Station
The city of Brighton is looking for help with sprucing up a downtown play structure. The 4th annual Spring Kickoff Event at the Imagination Station is happening this Saturday from 9am to noon. The city is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of jobs for all ages and skill levels. The main task at hand Saturday will be laying 50 yards of mulch around the playground. General spring cleaning is needed as well, in areas such as trimming shrubs, pulling weeds, and painting. The city will provide all the tools needed to perform the jobs. Volunteers at this event will each receive a goodie bag full of incentives from local merchants. The Imagination Station Playground Volunteer Group is running the event and is scheduling additional cleanup days to help keep the structure in proper order on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month through October. (MK)
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Fenton's Memorial Day Parade Is Taking A New RouteFenton's Memorial Day Parade Is Taking A New Route
Downtown construction is forcing this yearâs Memorial Day parade in Fenton to take a detour. The Streetscape 2015 project has forced the city to reconsider the route they have previously used. The Tri County Times reports that after starting at the Fenton Community Center, the parade will proceed north on LeRoy before turning west onto Caroline to the Shiawassee River bridge. It is here that they will place a wreath in the river in honor of veterans, as opposed to previous years when the wreath was placed at Millpond Park. The parade will then continue to Adelaide, turning left onto Shiawassee Avenue proceeding to Freedom Park where a second wreath laying ceremony will take place. The parade will march west down Davis Street before proceeding up the hill to Oakwood Cemetery where the memorial ceremony will be conducted. (MK)
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Cromaine Officials Moving On After Voters Defeat Bond ProposalCromaine Officials Moving On After Voters Defeat Bond Proposal
The director of the Hartland Cromaine District Library says the public has spoken and theyâll move on. A $12 (m) million bond that would have funded renovations and added more space to reduce conflict between user groups failed to pass during Tuesdayâs special statewide election. It was the second go around after the proposal failed to pass by 70 votes last November. Cromaine Director Ceci Marlow tells WHMI it is the publicâs library and theyâve made it very clear that they are not paying any more taxes. The library board is expected to discuss the plan moving forward during their May 21st meeting but Marlow says everything they cautioned the community about if the proposal failed will happen. She says big projects at the Village location need to be taken care of including the roof and windows, along with some other pressing items. The Crossroads Branch will remain open in case any of the work at the Village location requires closure but once those projects are completed, the Crossroads branch on Old US-23 will close. Marlow says the library board has been very good at being on target and fiscally conservative when it comes to using what existing tax dollars they have. The board will be looking at the 2015/2016 fiscal year budget to see what work can be done now and how to move forward while providing the best possible services within the operating budget and physical space they already have. Marlow encourages people to continue to visit the library, saying itâs a valuable resource and people should make use of what their tax dollars are already paying for. (JM)
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Tales Of Motherhood Swapped To Benefit LACASATales Of Motherhood Swapped To Benefit LACASA
Tales of motherhood were presented by local storytellers at a charity event benefitting LACASA last night. The 2nd Mommologues: Musings on Motherhood took place at the Howell Opera House for an audience of more than 50 people. The presenters shared memories that were both funny and sad, all related to the topic of motherhood. The evening of storytelling was held to benefit LACASA, which provides services to women and families in Livingston County that are in danger of domestic violence. While some of the stories were poignant and dealt with deaths in the family, others were lighthearted and covered topics like embarrassing your children. Co-organizer Mona Shand says the evening generated an estimated $1,200 for LACASA, and she plans to continue the annual tradition next year. (TD)
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Victim's Widow Takes Stand During Road Rage Trial Victim's Widow Takes Stand During Road Rage Trial
A critical witness in a fatal road rage incident was called to testify Wednesday morning as part of the on-going trial. Amy Flemming recounted the events that unfolded on September 2nd - the day her husband Derek Flemming was shot - for Judge Miriam Cavanaugh and a Livingston County Circuit Court jury. She described the unexpected incident that occurred as she and Derek drove to meet their kids at the bus stop after their first day of school. Amy says Martin Zale, the man accused of shooting her husband in the face at the Grand River and Chilson Road intersection, engaged in reckless driving by speeding up in front of the coupleâs car, then slamming on his brakes several times. When both cars came to a stop at a red light, Amy says Derek immediately got out of the car and approached Zaleâs truck in a âbriskâ manner. In court, Amy relayed her version of what followed to the Prosecution. Defense Attorney Melissa Pearce questioned Amy and asked her to demonstrate Derekâs motions after he was supposedly shot. The prosecution objected and Judge Cavanaugh sustained the objection stating, âIâm not going to ask her to fall on the ground here.â Two detectives and a deputy with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department testified in court this morning as well. Detective Mark Klein, the lead investigator, says the crime scene was âchaosâ when he arrived. Video evidence was presented from a Mobile gas station and a LESA bus that contained footage of the two vehicles on Grand River just prior to the incident. In court today, King described the footage from the gas stationâs camera which captured Zale and the Flemmingâs vehicles in the minutes leading up to the shooting. Zaleâs truck and the 9mm handgun reportedly used in the shooting have been entered into evidence and will be presented to the jurors today as the trial continues. The medical examiner involved in the case will also appear though Prosecutor Dan Rose says he does not believe the examinerâs testimony will be lengthy. (DK/JM)
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Hearing Set Next Week For Fowlerville Man Charged With Exposing HimselfHearing Set Next Week For Fowlerville Man Charged With Exposing Himself
A hearing is set next week to determine whether a Fowlerville man will stand trial on charges of exposing himself. 38-year-old Ryan Daniel Daves is charged with aggravated indecent exposure by a sexually delinquent person. He was arrested last month by Bloomfield Township Police after a woman said she was able to snap photos of Daves as he âtried to get her attention by making sexual gesturesâ in his SUV on Telegraph Road, near Maple, on April 18th. After the photos and a description of the suspect were released to the media, tips began flooding in from Wayne, Oakland, and Livingston counties. Investigators following up on the tips were able to locate and arrest Daves. He was jailed on a $10,000 bond and as of today remained behind bars. If he does post bond, Daves will be required to wear a GPS tether. He is scheduled to appear for an exam next Thursday, May 14th in Oakland Countyâs 48th District Court, at which time it will be determined whether there is enough evidence to bind his case over for trial.
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County Officials Offer Online Survey On Communication EffortsCounty Officials Offer Online Survey On Communication Efforts
Local officials are hoping to get input from residents and others on how to better share information. Livingston County is encouraging anyone who lives, works, and recreates in the county to provide feedback about the countyâs communication efforts through a new community survey. As part of the countyâs Strategic Plan, the Livingston County Board of Commissioners say they have made it a priority to provide an open line of communication with community partners and to increase transparency in all efforts to engage the public. Officials say their overall goal is to better âget the word outâ about county issues and activities, to promote understanding of county government, and to encourage the communityâs input, participation, and engagement in Livingston County. The anonymous survey, which is open through June 5th, asks respondents to help identify effective communication efforts as well as areas that need additional attention. The survey is available through the link below. More information on the survey is available by sending an email to communications@livgov.com or calling 517-540-8803. (JK)
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Howell City Council Revisiting Civic Event Policy Howell City Council Revisiting Civic Event Policy
Whether community tradition or not, a number of events end up costing the city of Howell money while tying up resources. Council approved a civic event application for the annual Memorial Day Parade during Monday nightâs meeting - one of many that are approved every year but it led to some discussion about city approval of civic events and other activities including fundraisers. Members commented parades are different types of events that only last a few hours and donât have the same sort of closure requirements like Melonfest or Fantasy of Lights, which have a much larger demand on city resources. Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor explained that the state treasury department is beginning to audit fiscal expenditures by municipalities for activities it deems benefit a private organization. Manor said there hasnât been much distinction beyond that but auditors are continuing to collect data and his point in bringing it up was that council needs to begin to engage in some conversations and research. Manor commented that heâs not saying no to any applications at this point but thinks everyone needs to be alerted that the conversation is occurring at the state level and the city is starting to get engaged in it. He says they also want input from city partners during talks and the development of any future policy amendments. Itâs a sensitive policy topic but one the council has begun to address. Councilman Jeff Hansen brought up concerns a couple of years ago but says conversations were somewhat delayed and the city budget comes into play. Hansen says itâs difficult to address because itâs a very touchy subject but parades arenât as costly as major festivals like Balloonfest and Melonfest that can cost up to $25,000 in city services, which is taxpayer money. Members ultimately agreed the civic events conversation needs to involve all community partners and that events such as the Veterans Memorial Day Parade could be a potential distinction to recognize in whatever policy amendments the city ends up with. City Manager Shea Charles commented during the meeting itâs a very new discussion point brought up by treasury to municipalities and a presentation was made during a Michigan Municipal League conference. Charles said they were not entirely sure where treasury was coming from with the sudden interpretation but itâs something theyâll continue to research and would look to hopefully bring before council during the latter part of the summer for comprehensive discussion. (JM)
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Brighton Council Debates Requested SELCRA Appropriation Brighton Council Debates Requested SELCRA Appropriation
The Brighton City Council adopted a 2015-16 fiscal year budget of about $20 million â including a general fund budget of $7.9 million - at its meeting Thursday night. But the subject that took up the lionâs share of discussion time was a relatively small monetary item involving SELCRA. SELCRA - the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority - provides athletic and recreational programs for children and adults in the city of Brighton and Brighton, Green Oak and Genoa townships. Chairman Dan Mulvihill addressed council on SELCRAâs budgetary dilemma and the need for additional funding for next year. Just last month council approved a one-time appropriation so that the recreation authority could make it through the current fiscal year, which ends on June 30th. However, at the same time, council also agreed to reduce SELCRAâs 2015-16 appropriation from the requested $52,000 to about $37,000. Mulvihill Thursday night stressed the need for the entire requested amount. He said the entry of a private, for-profit, athletic entity south of Brighton called the Legacy Center - in direct competition with SELCRA - has drawn away many of the youths who would otherwise would have signed up for SELCRA programs. As a result of the reduction in youth participation fees, the agency is anticipating a funding shortfall and is asking the municipalities for an increase in funding. After prolonged discussion, council told Mulvihill and SELCRA Director Derek Smith that while the appropriation for SELCRA for next year would stay at $37,000 for now, council would direct staff to try and find an extra $15,000 to fund the agency at the requested amount. If that happens, council will amend the budget at that time - possibly as early as two weeks. (TT)
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Ball Field To Be Named In Honor Of Fallen Hamburg OfficerBall Field To Be Named In Honor Of Fallen Hamburg Officer
The memory of a fallen Hamburg Township police officer will be honored this weekend. Saturday is Opening Day for the Pinckney Hamburg Baseball Softball Association at Bennett Park on Merrill Road in Hamburg Township. At 12:30pm, the association and Hamburg Township will honor the memory of Hamburg Township Police Department Sergeant Jim Sanderson by naming a baseball field in his honor. This is at least the second official honor for Sanderson, a 20 year veteran of the force who was killed last year in a motorcycle crash in Genoa Township while on his way to a police memorial service in Canada. The Hamburg Township Police Department recently placed tribute decals on their new Ford police interceptor patrol cars in his memory. (JK)
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