Sentencing was handed down Thursday for a woman charged in connection with an armed home invasion in Oceola Township last year. 27-year-old Rebecca Kay Morrell pleaded no contest last month to 1st degree home invasion, one reduced count of unarmed robbery and four counts of unlawful imprisonment in Livingston County Circuit Court. On Thursday, she was ordered to serve a sentence of 57 months to 20 years in prison on the home invasion count and up to 15 years for unlawful imprisonment and unarmed robbery. Morrell is 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 she drove to the victimâs home with the coupleâs children and waited in the car while the home invasion took place, participating 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.
Prison Time Ordered For Grand Rapids Mother In Oceola Home InvasionPrison Time Ordered For Grand Rapids Mother In Oceola Home Invasion
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Private Religious School To Reopen As Public Charter School This Fall Private Religious School To Reopen As Public Charter School This Fall
Livingston County will have a new public elementary charter school come fall. Light of the World Academy is located inside of Shalom Lutheran Church on East M-36 in Pinckney. The Montessori school has been operating as a private school since 2002. Starting this fall, it will reopen as a K-6 charter school and be available tuition-free to any Michigan resident. Light of the World Academy intends to add seventh grade next year and eighth grade the following year, so that it will eventually operate as a K-8 school. Director Kathy Moorehouse tells WHMI that to make the transition, they will sever their official affiliation with Shalom Lutheran Church and that there will be no religious instruction whatsoever taught at the school. She says the church will continue to be the landlord for the school, but that their authorizer, Grand Valley State University, has gone to great lengths to insure that they'll be following the law in every way, including reviewing curriculum and walking through the building, letting them know which pictures and other items will have to be removed or covered up. She says a lot of work and outreach went into this because they wanted to make sure they remained authentic to who they are and intend to be as a school. Montessori education is a teaching method based on how children learn best and to look at each one as an individual. There are currently no other Montessori public or charter schools in either Livingston or Washtenaw counties. Light of the World Academy is hosting an open house on Friday, May 15th from 5-8pm, which will also feature the premiere of a student-produced documentary about the school. While the K-8 school will be a public charter, Moorehouse says their preschool program will be separate from the charter school, and will continue to be a tuition-based Christian Montessori program.
(JM/JK)
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Bus Driver & Medical Examiner Testify During Road Rage TrialBus Driver & Medical Examiner Testify During Road Rage Trial
Crucial evidence was presented in court Thursday during the trial of a Marion Township man accused of shooting a fellow motorist after an alleged road rage incident. An LESA bus was driving through the intersection of Chilson Road and Grand River on September 2nd, 2014 when the incident between Martin Zale and Derek Flemming took place. Flemming is said to have gotten out of his Ford Escape at a red light to confront Zale, who had allegedly been driving aggressively. LESA bus driver Sue King, pictured, testified that she was making a turn onto Grand River and passed Flemming approaching Zaleâs truck, just before Flemming was shot. In court, she gave her testimony of what she watched first hand and through a rearview mirror. Sue claims she did not see any punching motions exchanged by either the victim or the suspect before she heard the shot. She also says she saw Zaleâs driver-side window rolled up and that there was one to two feet of space between Flemming and Zaleâs truck. Zaleâs truck was entered as evidence along with his 9mm handgun that was used in the shooting, both of which the jury had the opportunity to examine. Detective Marc King of the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department testified as the officer in charge of the case, discussing his findings when searching Zaleâs cell phone. Dr. Joseph DelTondo, the medical examiner that performed the autopsy on Derek Flemmingâs body testified with his report as well. Dr. DelTondo says he did not find injuries on Flemmingâs hands and assumed that the two men did not struggle before Flemming was shot. The trial will continue Friday morning with testimony from eye-witnesses. (DK)
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Commanding Officer of Local Salvation Army Promoted to MajorCommanding Officer of Local Salvation Army Promoted to Major
An event next week will celebrate a promotion and recognize all of the good work being done in the community. The commanding officer of the Salvation Army of Livingston County has received a new ranking of Major. Prezza Morrison, who has commanded the local corps unit since October, was recently promoted from Envoy to Major. Since then, Major Morrison has implemented new programs including teen nights focusing on fellowship and fun, with family nights in the works. She has also re-energized some of the Corpâs older programs including Womenâs Ministries and Character Building while adding new opportunities, programming and events. Morrison is a Michigan native and has served The Salvation Army since 1985 across the country and this marks the organizationâs 150th International Anniversary Morrison says sheâs thankful for the opportunity to fulfill her calling with the local corps. To celebrate Major Morrisonâs accomplishment as well as the annual Doing the Most Good week, the Salvation Army of Livingston County will hold a free community lunch next Wednesday, May 13th. It will take place from 11:30am to 2pm at The Salvation Army Corps Building at 503 Lake Street in Howell. (JM)
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Federal Funds Available For Local Shelter & Food ProgramsFederal Funds Available For Local Shelter & Food Programs
Some federal money will be distributed to Livingston County nonprofits thanks to the guidance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Livingston County has been allocated $17,091 from the Michigan Set-Aside funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a national board that is chaired by FEMA, while the local board will determine how the funds awarded to Livingston County are to be distributed among the emergency shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area. Among the requirements for the grant, local agencies chosen to receive funds must be private, voluntary non-profits or units of government, have an accounting system, practice nondiscrimination and demonstrate the capability to deliver emergency shelter programs. Funding requests for the Set-Aside funds for emergency shelter will be accepted no later than 5pm Monday, June 1st at the Livingston County United Way office, 2980 Dorr Road, Brighton, Michigan 48116. For more information contact Mary Nye at 810-494-3000. (JK)
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Fundraiser Seeks Second Chances For Jail InmatesFundraiser Seeks Second Chances For Jail Inmates
A fundraising banquet was held last night to benefit a local faith-based nonprofit aimed at reducing recidivism among Livingston County Jail inmates. The Second Chance Support Network pairs outgoing inmates with mentors in the community who can provide them with support and encouragement. The mentors help keep the former inmates from falling into the same patterns that got them in trouble with the law, and help them to achieve constructive goals. Last nightâs banquet at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township brought in more than 400 people, who were able to hear from people who have benefitted from the service. By reducing recidivism, the Second Chance network has earned the support of local elected officials, judges, and law enforcement officers, many of whom attended last nightâs banquet. The emcee was Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy, who tells WHMI Second Chance can actually make inmates 80% less likely to find themselves back in jail. Donations for the Second Chance Support Network are still being accepted. Follow the link below for more information on how to give or volunteer. (TD)
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Voters Approve $64 Million Bond for Improvements in South Lyon District Voters Approve $64 Million Bond for Improvements in South Lyon District
The South Lyon Community Schools district will see a major facelift over the next couple of years thanks to voter approval of a $64.4 (m) million bond. The bond will fund district wide improvements to buildings, athletic facilities and playgrounds, additions to the early childhood center as well as air conditioning and air quality improvements at the elementary level. Continued residential growth is driving the construction of a new elementary school on 11 Mile Road, just west of Milford Road that will open in the fall of 2017. New teachers are also being hired as a result of growth this spring. The bond will also fund district wide classroom technology, computers and security upgrades. Superintendent Bill Pearson tells WHMI extra security will be added so that all classroom doors can be locked from the inside while better exterior lighting will be put in parking lots. He says exterior security cameras will be installed outside of all school buildings while interior cameras will be going in both two high schools. Pearson will be retiring this summer after 24 years with the district. He thanked the community for supporting the bond proposal, noting itâs been 13 years since the last one was approved and thatâs a long time to go between bond issues. Design and planning work for the different bond components will now commence and the district plans to go out to bid in the winter so that work can begin in the spring. Pearson says projects will be divided into two years, with the exception of a few boilers to be replaced that surprisingly lasted through the winter. The South Lyon district doesnât have a sinking fund so improvements and technology upgrades are paid for through bond issues. Pearson says bus purchases then come out of operational dollars so it results in a break for taxpayers. (JM)
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TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Semi Flips on Westbound I-96 Near US-23TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Semi Flips on Westbound I-96 Near US-23
UPDATE: Scene cleared as of around 9:20pm.
Traffic Alert - Motorists should avoid the construction zone in Brighton if possible. A semi flipped over on westbound I-96, near the southbound US-23 ramp at around 5:40pm. Two lanes of westbound I-96 are blocked, and only one is open for travel. The area is already congested due to ongoing construction and heavy traffic back-ups are being reported on both I-96 and US-23. Tune in to 93.5FM for updated traffic information. (JM)
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More Witness Testimony Heard During Fatal Road Rage Trial Friday More Witness Testimony Heard During Fatal Road Rage Trial Friday
More than a dozen witnesses were called to testify today during the ongoing trial of a Marion Township man charged in a fatal road rage case. Employees of nearby businesses testified, along with other citizens and motorists who were in the vicinity and said they heard a shot fired, and saw the victimâs body lying in the road. A deputy with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department was among the first to arrive at the Grand River and Chilson Road intersection the afternoon of September 2nd. Thatâs where 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale is alleged to have shot fellow motorist Derek Flemming in the face after what has been described as a road rage altercation. Flemming had exited his vehicle and approached Zaleâs truck. Thatâs when the defense alleges Flemming punched Zale, and he fired the shot out of fear for his personal safety. No witnesses said they saw any punch occur but one testified that he witnessed Flemming hit Zaleâs window. Some of todayâs witnesses stated that Zale had redness and puffiness around his eye and cheek area but others testified that they didnât notice any facial injuries. All noted Zaleâs calm demeanor after the shooting. The trial is slated to resume before Judge Miriam Cavanaugh Monday morning. (JM)
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Officer Don Bishop Named Brighton Police Officer of the YearOfficer Don Bishop Named Brighton Police Officer of the Year
Brighton City Police Officer Donald Bishop was honored as the Police Officer of the Year in a ceremony at Thursday nightâs City Council meeting. Police Chief Tom Wightman said Bishop serves as the departmentâs property and evidence officer, and his tracking of all police property â including weapons, gear, and evidence - have resulted in a 100% accuracy for all audits conducted in the last decade. Bishop also serves as the field training officer and trains newly-hired officers. Wightman said Bishop is also a member of the investigative resources team, which acts as the crime scene unit for the department. Officer Bishop acknowledged his family and the other officers on the police force, who, he said, all deserve the award. In recognition of the award, Bishop received an engraved plaque as a token of the cityâs appreciation. He has been a member of the Brighton Police Department since 1996. (TT)
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Next Brighton Chamber Power Lunch Showcases Local LeadersNext Brighton Chamber Power Lunch Showcases Local Leaders
Local business and community leaders will be sharing their insights on success at an upcoming lunch. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerceâs next Power Lunch is set to be served on May 15. Power Lunches are a way for the Chamber to bring the community updates on economic and political issues trending locally and throughout the state. The guests of honor at this event will be Michele Bouhana, owner of Michelleâs Salon and Day Spa in Brighton; Joe Parker of C&B Machinery and Heart of Howell; and Undersheriff of Livingston County Mike Murphy. A panel discussion will allow the three to share with attendees their leadership perspectives and what inspires them to succeed. The cost to attend is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for guests. To RSVP, contact the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce by May 8. (MK)
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Witness Describes Shooter as "Pure Evil" During Fatal Road Rage TrialWitness Describes Shooter as "Pure Evil" During Fatal Road Rage Trial
Calm, confused and pure evil. Those were some of the words used by witnesses to describe the demeanor of a Marion Township man after shooting a fellow motorist last summer.
69-year-old Martin Edward Zale is on trial in the shooting death of Derek Flemming at the Grand River and Chilson Road intersection, which allegedly followed a road rage altercation. Witnesses recounted their individual memories of what happened the afternoon of September 2nd, including those who spoke with Zale at the scene and others who stopped to try and help the victim lying in the road. A number testified that they heard the shot, followed by a woman screaming for help. The most emotional testimony Friday was heard from Barbara Myles, who is pictured, said she ran over to help the victim but soon realized there was nothing she could do. Myles said she has not forgotten the look on Zaleâs face and the image she can't erase from her mind is âpure evilâ. Other witnesses who testified had different interpretations about Zaleâs demeanor at the scene. It stuck some as odd but others with experience in crisis situations, as well the Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputy who arrested Zale, testified that everyone reacts differently. Deputy Ray Marino said his concern upon arrival was safety and once he exited his patrol car, several people pointed to Zale as the shooter. Marino said heâs dealt with calls like this before and people react differently afterwards, testifying Zale was on the phone and didnât have a weapon. Once it became clear the threat was not as high as originally perceived, Marino says he placed his rifle in the patrol car, called Zale over and placed him under arrest without incident. The defense argues Zale feared for his life after Flemming punched him in the face, and that the shooting was an act of self-defense. None of the witnesses who took the stand Friday said they saw any punch, although one testified they saw Flemming hit Zaleâs window once and say âwhat the f--- is your problem". There was conflicting testimony as to whether or not there were any marks on Zaleâs face and prosecutors introduced photographs of Zale as evidence that were said to have be taken on the day of the shooting and the day after. David Celvinger was working nearby and ran across the street with two of his employees after hearing the gunshot, which he said sounded muffled, as if at a low velocity. He has work-related safety certifications and training and regularly carries a weapon. Clevinger says he asked Zale what happened and he responded âHe hit me, I shot himâ. Clevinger testified that Zale told him the gun was in the truck so he asked Zale to step away, which he did, and walked him around to the back of the truck to get him away from the weapon. Clevinger further testified that there was a puffiness and flushness on the left side of Zaleâs face around the eye and cheek area, testifying that Zale could have been hit but he didnât know. Zaleâs trial resumes on Monday morning before Judge Miriam Cavanaugh, with more evidence and witnesses to be presented. (JM)
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Baseball Field Dedicated in Honor of Hamburg Twp. Officer Baseball Field Dedicated in Honor of Hamburg Twp. Officer
A new baseball field has been dedicated in Hamburg Township in honor of the late Sgt. Jim Sanderson, who was fatally injured while riding his motorcycle last September. He was on the way to a Canadian police memorial at the time he was struck head-on at the corner of Figurski Drive and Latson Road in Genoa Township. About 100 people attended the dedication ceremonies Saturday at Bennett Park on Merrill Road in Hamburg Township. Close friend Mike Knieper was with Sanderson the day he was fatally struck, and tells WHMI that heâs very appreciative of all the public support. Knieper says that Sanderson was a good guy who always came to the aid of people who needed a helping hand. The baseball field was paid for by the Hamburg Baseball and Softball Association. President Todd Koone says the association wanted to do something to remember Sanderson, and the township board readily accepted the idea of the field being named in his honor. It is now the Sgt. James Sanderson baseball field and an identifying plaque has been placed just outside the baseball diamond. Sanderson was a 20-year veteran of the Hamburg department. (TT)
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Applications Sought for Two South Lyon School Board VacanciesApplications Sought for Two South Lyon School Board Vacancies
Applications are being sought for two open seats on the South Lyon Community School Board of Education. The two vacancies follow the resignations of Greg Downey and Barbara Murphy, who are both moving outside of the district. Interested candidates would be applying for interim terms that expire on December 31st, 2016. Retiring South Lyon Superintendent Bill Pearson says the board is currently securing applications from prospective members who care about kids and have the whole district in mind. He tells WHMI the district has been fortunate in that good people have always applied or run for open board seats and heâs confident the board will do nice job picking new members. The deadline to apply for the vacant school board seats is 4pm Friday, May 15th. Interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume or qualifications, along with written responses to an interim candidate questionnaire. The board is expected to review submissions and schedule interviews at a study session May 18th. Interviews will be conducted during a special meeting on Tuesday, June 2nd and itâs possible that appointments could be made at that time. Complete information and the candidate questionnaire is attached below. (JM)
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Shiawassee Closed Tuesday & Wednesday for Fenton Sreetscape Project Shiawassee Closed Tuesday & Wednesday for Fenton Sreetscape Project
A two-day road closure starts tomorrow to connect water service leads as part of the ongoing Fenton Streetscape project. Shiawassee Avenue between Adelaide and Leroy will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday so that crews can connect the new water main to properties in that area. The city says Leroy Street will remain one-way northbound while Mill Street will remain open to two-way traffic. There is the potential for water shutoffs later in the week as they will be tying into the new water main on Shiawassee to Adelaide. Once itâs known exactly when that will occur, the City says affected properties will be notified. Meanwhile, installation of the storm sewer will begin toward the end of the week on LeRoy Street, Shiawassee Avenue and near Mill Street. During the most recent progress meeting, the Fenton Streetscape project was said to be moving ahead on schedule. (JM0
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Woman Charged In Fenton Man's Murder Bound Over For TrialWoman Charged In Fenton Man's Murder Bound Over For Trial
A Fenton man shot to death in Isabella County last month had questioned the mental state of the woman now charged in his murder. 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. She has been bound over for trial in Isabella County Circuit Court. But according to a report obtained by the Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun, Howard expressed reservations about Bigford to a child protective services worker after he had been accused of sexually abusing his daughter, which he adamantly denied. The investigation began after the girlâs mother, Latesha Bigford, told the Isabella County Sheriffâs Department her daughter said that Howard was abusing her. After looking into the allegations, a Child Protection Services worker indicated they planned to close their investigation after no evidence was uncovered to support the allegation, including that the girl had not disclosed any instances of sexual assault during seven therapy sessions. A nurse practitioner who examined the girl multiple times also concluded there was nothing to substantiate the claim. Mary Lou Bigford expressed her frustration to authorities that she had not been interviewed and that CPS was not doing its job. A month later, police say she 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. (JK)
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Naked Brighton Man Arrested While High on Acid & Molly Saturday Naked Brighton Man Arrested While High on Acid & Molly Saturday
Authorities say a Brighton man under the influence of acid was arrested after running around naked in the Pine Creek Ridge subdivision in Genoa Township this past weekend. The incident is said to have occurred on Hidden Pines Drive around 7:15pm Saturday. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI a deputy was already enroute when several other calls came in about a naked man walking around the neighborhood, who was also said to be going in and out of vehicles and garages. Murphy says he admitted to being high on acid and Molly and was taken into custody "mostly without incident" as there was a slight scuffle while the deputy was trying to get the suspect in the patrol car. He says a neighbor assisted with that process and further investigation revealed where the subject had been earlier in the day. Murphy says a small stash of assorted drugs was found in the manâs backpack, along with another subject at the residence who admitted to being on acid as well. The 20-year-old Brighton resident was hospitalized for treatment prior to being lodged in the Livingston County Jail. He is said to be facing various criminal charges including disorderly conduct, indecent exposure, resisting and obstructing, and possession. (JM)
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Fowlerville Wrestler Earns Spot On Championship TeamFowlerville Wrestler Earns Spot On Championship Team
A United States Olympic Training Site wrestler from Livingston County earned a United World Wrestling Junior Greco-Roman National title and a spot on the UWW Junior World Championships Team last week. Dalton Roberts of Fowlerville outlasted Jordan Martinez of Front Range Wrestling Club in his best-of-three championship series at 110 lbs., two matches to one. Roberts won by technical fall in the deciding third match. Roberts now advances to the UWW Junior World Championships in August in Brazil.
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Howell School Board Interviews Three of Six Superintendent CandidatesHowell School Board Interviews Three of Six Superintendent Candidates
A special meeting of the Howell Board of Education was held last night to interview three of the candidates looking to fill the superintendent position. Vassar and Millington Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Palmer led off the interviews, followed by Erin MacGregor, currently the assistant superintendent of Plymouth Canton Schools. Deputy Superintendent for curriculum and instruction at LâAnse Creuse public schools, Ed Okuniewski, was the third candidate of the night. Each candidate was given an hour to answer 18 questions fielded by Dr. Marlene Davis, a search consultant hired by the district to aid in the process. The broad questions gave the candidates an opportunity to talk about their experiences with different situations, and covered a range of topics. Questioning covered dealing with conflict, integrity to communication skills, school budgets and curriculum. Members of the public are able to submit feedback to the board on each of the candidates following the interviews. Board President Mike Yenshaw said it will be up to the board whether or not they use the feedback in their decision making process. Three other finalists will be interviewed tonight at a second special session of the Howell Board of Education in the administration building at 5pm. The board will then meet in special session Wednesday, at which time they may select their choice to be the district's next superintendent. (DS/JK)
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Pinckney Woman Allegedly Shoots Up Heroin in Jail BathroomPinckney Woman Allegedly Shoots Up Heroin in Jail Bathroom
A Pinckney woman is accused of shooting up heroin in a bathroom stall at the Livingston County Jail before visiting an inmate. The incident was reported around 1:20pm Saturday by a woman who was in the jail lobby and had gone to use the restroom facilities when she heard someone smacking their arm. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI the woman was familiar with the sound because her sister is an addict, so she looked through gaps in the stall and discovered a woman who was wearing jeans and standing up. Murphy says the witness proceeded to tell a deputy, who was able to make contact with the suspect. Murphy says she initially denied everything but a search turned up a rubber tie and a syringe that contained about 10 cubic centimeters of suspected heroin. It was sent to the lab to be analyzed. The suspect has been identified as a 34-year-old Pinckney woman, who was released to a sober friend at the scene pending the lab test results. Murphy says the report will then be sent to the Livingston County Prosecutor's Office for review and possible criminal charges. However, he says itâs also likely that Child Protective Services will be getting involved as the Pinckney woman had her 5-year-old child with her and had been at the jail to visit the childâs father. (JM)
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