1/8/13 - The Howell City Council voted Monday night to retain a facilitator that will help guide it through the annual retreat process. Council approved a motion 4-3 to approve the facilitation proposal from Dr. Joe Ohren from Eastern Michigan University at a cost not to exceed $3,500. Council will host a preliminary work session February 6th to somewhat set the groundwork for the retreat itself, which will take place all day on February 16th at a location expected to be finalized shortly. The goal of the retreat and facilitator is to discuss roles, responsibilities and procedures for strengthening decision-making processes while also identifying and setting priorities for critical issues confronting the city. Finally, an action plan would be developed to guide city decision-making over the next few years. The concept of a facilitator was brought forward at the recommendation of City Manager Shea Charles. With the recent leadership changes on Council, many members are unfamiliar with the annual retreat process. Charles tells WHMI he felt that a facilitator would be preferable instead of having staff not only facilitate the gathering but present information as well. The majority of members agreed a facilitator would help with the retreat process although Mayor Phil Campbell and Councilmen Doug Heins and Al Schlittler voted against the motion; some due to the $3,500 cost and others for the information being provided in what they felt was a less than timely manner. (JM)
Howell City Council Hires Facilitator to Guide February Retreat Howell City Council Hires Facilitator to Guide February Retreat
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Howell School Board Approves Cash Offer for Parker HouseHowell School Board Approves Cash Offer for Parker House
1/8/13 - For the second time in less than a month, the Howell School Board has approved the sale of a house owned by the district on the Parker Middle School property. The board last month had authorized a potential sale of the home at 280 Wright Road for $125,000, but that buyerâs financing fell through. The district then received a cash offer for the property for $120,000 late last week. That prompted a special board meeting Monday morning to consider the offer, which was approved on a 5-1 vote. Trustee Mike Moloney was the lone no vote; citing concerns that the lower offer meant the district wasnât getting what the house was worth. Board Vice President Mike Witt pointed out that the property had previously been assessed by three different realtors at $114,000. Superintendent Ron Wilson, who lived in the house for a brief period, added that if a sale wasnât made soon, the district would face paying for the maintenance costs through the winter. Wilson also estimated the house, which was built in 1960, was in need of $50,000 in improvements. The sale is currently awaiting finalization of several details, including a standard inspection. Wilson expected they could close on the sale of the house within a week. (JK)
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Prosecutor: Suspect and Slain Brother Like 'Cain & Abel'Prosecutor: Suspect and Slain Brother Like 'Cain & Abel'
1/8/13 - Opening statements were heard and testimony began this morning in the case against 66-year-old Jerome Kowalski. Heâs accused of murdering his brother Richard and his wife Brenda Kowalski in 2008 at their Lyngre Drive home in Oceola Township. In her opening statement, Assistant Prosecutor Pamela Maas claimed that Kowalski had a long standing grudge with her brother, which culminating in the murder. She compared the brotherâs relationship to that of Cain and Abel. Defense attorney Walter Piszczatowski argued that Kowalski always avoided conflict and would stray away from his brother if a confrontation was likely. He also pointed out inconsistencies and factual errors in the confession Kowalski gave police following the killings. He says the evidence points to a professional execution-style killing rather than a crime of passion. Jurors also heard testimony from the trooper who first responded to the scene and the medical examiner investigator who handled the bodies. (JK)
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Services Set for Lake Fenton Teen Services Set for Lake Fenton Teen
1/8/13 - Funeral services are set for the Lake Fenton High School freshman who died over the weekend from a fast-developing case of respiratory influenza. 15-year-old Joshua Polehna died Saturday at C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital in Ann Arbor, five days after initially seeking treatment for erratic breathing following the onset of flu-like symptoms. Polehna, who was active in marching band, track and robotics, will be laid to rest following a funeral mass Thursday at 11am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton. Visitation for family and friends is being held from 1-4 and 5-8pm tomorrow at the Sharp Funeral Home Fenton Chapel. Lake Fenton Community Schools Superintendent Wayne Wright sent a letter home to parents reassuring them that the death of Pohlena and that of a Fenton man about a week before from the flu were unrelated. 44-year-old Kirk Beauchamp, a father of five in the Lake Fenton Community Schools district, died from flu complications December 29th. The Genesee County Health Department is reviewing the causes of both deaths. (JK)
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Firefighters From Multiple Departments Battle Blaze in South Lyon Firefighters From Multiple Departments Battle Blaze in South Lyon
1/8/13 - Crews from multiple departments assisted the City of South Lyon in battling a house fire Tuesday afternoon. The blaze was reported shortly before 11:30am at a home off Lake Street, near Bartlett Elementary School and was brought under control approximately three hours later. Crews with the Novi, Brighton, Green Oak and Lyon Township Fire Departments assisted at the scene. South Lyon Fire Chief Mike Kennedy tells WHMI the fire is believed to have started in the garage area before spreading to the main portion of the home. One family member was home at the time but managed to escape injury. Kennedy says one firefighter sustained a slight injury falling through the floor but was released on scene. He says that of five pets, some reptiles were rescued but other cats and dogs did not survive. While the homeowners were able to salvage a fair amount of contents, Kennedy says the home will likely be considered a complete loss. He adds that they typically see an increase in home fires this time of year and encourage residents to make sure they have working smoke detectors. (JM)
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Victim's Son And Others Testify In Kowalski Murder TrialVictim's Son And Others Testify In Kowalski Murder Trial
1/8/13 - Testimony was heard today in the trial of a Warren man charged in a 2008 double murder in Oceola Township. Assistant Prosecutor Pamela Maas claims 66-year-old Jerome Kowalski had a long standing grudge with his brother, culminating in the murder. Defense attorney Walter Piszczatowski argued that evidence points to a professional execution-style killing rather than a crime of passion and pointed out what he claims are inconsistencies and factual errors in the confession Kowalski gave police following the killings. The Livingston County Medical Examiner later testified about the wounds of the victims and said Richard Kowalski was shot twice in the head while his wife Brenda was shot three to five times. Brenda Kowalski' son Michael Reilly also testified that he was worried after he hadnât heard from his parents and went over to their home on Lyngre Drive. Upon entering, he saw a chair flipped over in the kitchen and his parents on the floor covered in blood. Reilly further testified that he then tried to call his wife, his best friend and 911. Jurors also heard testimony from the trooper who first responded to the scene and the medical examiner investigator who handled the bodies, as well as a mail deliverer and tanning shop owner who were among the last to see the Kowalskis alive. WHMI will provide full coverage as the trial continues this week. (JM)
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Settlement Expected in Fowlerville Fair Lawsuit
1/9/13 - A civil lawsuit filed by the former manager of the Fowlerville Family Fair against the organization that runs it, who at one time was charged criminally with embezzling thousands of dollars, could be settled soon. Linda Kay Dancer filed suit alleging the Fowlerville Agricultural Society wrongfully terminated her employment in January of 2006 and breached her contract in doing so. It stipulated that upon discharge, Dancer would be paid for the balance of the calendar year or six months, whichever was greater. The civil suit claims the society failed to pay her remaining salary and bonuses for remainder of the year when she was terminated and also alleges that society officials misled her by saying the termination was the result of a lack of funding. The Agricultural Society had denied the allegations in court documents and says it remains of the opinion that Dancer did or may have wrongfully embezzled funds. Fair officials had alleged Dancer used the societyâs credit cards for personal use and improperly issued checks to herself during her employment from 2003 and 2005. She claimed the money was repaid and fell in line with standard practices in the organization. Felony and misdemeanor embezzlement charges were filed against Dancer as a result but she ultimately entered a no contest plea to a misdemeanor count of misuse of a credit card and was ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution and serve 11 months of probation. The suit went to case evaluation in an attempt to settle and court records show the parties accepted the recommendation. If all of the parties accept the case evaluation, it is treated as a settlement although the results are sealed. Once financing is secured, itâs expected the case filed by Dancer will be formally dismissed by February. (JK)
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Real-Life Family Tragedy Inspires Local AuthorReal-Life Family Tragedy Inspires Local Author
1/9/13 - A Brighton Township woman has drawn inspiration from a real family tragedy to make her first fictional novel a fast-paced thriller. Lynne Smelser's "In Our Veins" was released late last year. The story features a scientist who creates a deadly flu virus that escapes from his lab, but is thwarted by a major drug company and government agents who want to use the virus as a biological weapon. He also must face kidnappers who have taken his daughter, who is infected with the deadly virus, and are trying to create a cover-up. Smelser, who holds a Ph.D. in English, has been previously published in Newsweek, Education Digest, and Home & School Magazine. She says her grandfather's two sons died from a flu epidemic in the late 1930s while living on a farm in Arkansas. Family members later told her stories about the incident which you used to help create her story. (JK)
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Hartland Township Board Discusses 2013/2014 Revenue ProjectionsHartland Township Board Discusses 2013/2014 Revenue Projections
1/9/13 - The Hartland Township Board is looking to the future as it prepares to adopt another tight budget, although with some bright spots. Officials discussed revenue projections for the coming year at Tuesday nightâs meeting and what is expected to be a slight increase in general fund revenues. Township Manager James Wickman plans to deliver budget recommendations February 1st and is looking at status quo on most things. However, he tells WHMI theyâre actually seeing a positive trend in property tax revenues along with state shared revenue from the stateâs use and sales tax. Wickman says the state is seeing an increase in that revenue, which municipalities get a portion of. He says it bottomed out the last few years but then started to come back up as actual sales transactions in the state increased. Planning and zoning fees along with franchise fees for a cell tower lease the township has are also all said to be increasing a little bit. However, Wickman notes that the township is continuing to see an increase in the cost of services. Wickman says in years past, there were revenue declines and the township has managed and budgeted well under pressure. However, theyâre now seeing a demand for more services but the township still doesnât have the revenue to provide it so if residents really are seeking better roads, parks and police coverage, thatâs where possible millage questions could come about to offset those costs. The board has been awaiting the results of a citizen survey that went out to make some budget-related decisions along with others to generally move the municipality forward. It will discuss the survey at its January 22nd meeting and is looking to adopt the 2013/2014 budget in March. (JM)
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Annual Kensington Bird Count Reveals Surprise VisitorAnnual Kensington Bird Count Reveals Surprise Visitor
1/9/13 - An annual count of birds at the Kensington Metropark this weekend revealed pretty much what officials had expected to find, with one songbird as an exception. The 37th annual count brought out about 50 volunteers on Saturday as they combed through the park trying to get a broad estimate of the bird population and its relation to the overall health of the parkâs ecosystem. Michael Tucker is a naturalist/interpreter at the parkâs Nature Center and tells WHMI that while Canadian Geese appeared to be the most prevalent, with more than 550 estimated, it was a lone, single bird that cause the most excitement. Volunteers watched a palm warbler as it bounced around on the ice for several hours. The bird, which is distinguished by the bright yellow feathers on its underside, should normally be in northern Florida by this time of year. Tucker says they arenât sure why it has remained for the winter, but it appeared to be healthy. Tucker says they plan to add a nesting count this June to their annual bird surveys so they can get a better grasp on the populations. (JK)
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Defense Questions Son on Financial Gain from Double-MurderDefense Questions Son on Financial Gain from Double-Murder
1/9/13 - The man who found the bodies of his murdered mother and stepfather in their Oceola Township home in 2008 was questioned whether he gained financially from their deaths. Michael Reilly (pictured) was on the stand for a second day of testimony today in the murder trial of 66-year-old Jerome Kowalski. Prosecutors say Kowalski killed his brother Richard and his wife in a fit of rage stemming from a long-standing feud between the brothers. Defense attorney Walter Piszczatowski questioned Reilly if he had become a millionaire from their estate. He denied that and said while he did inherit his stepfatherâs Ferrari and a motor home, his share of the estate only came to about $280,000. He said the rest went to his brother and a trust fund for the grandchildren. The line of questioning by Piszczatowski prompted Chief Assistant Prosecutor Pamela Maas to directly ask Reilly if he killed his parents, which he vehemently denied, saying he would pay all the money in the world to have them back. When a similar line of questioning came up during the testimony of Reillyâs wife, Piszczatowski objected on the grounds of relevance. He said the defense had no intention of accusing Reilly of the murders. Judge Theresa Brennan agreed with the objection, and testimony from friends and family about the days surrounding the murder is continuing this afternoon. (JK)
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Road Commission to Decide Nixon Road Name ChangeRoad Commission to Decide Nixon Road Name Change
1/9/13 - A decision is set tomorrow for a proposal that would change the name of Nixon Road to South Latson Road once the new I-96 interchange is completed. Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine says while the original request came through representatives of the Latson family, they started seriously considering the issue after fire, police, and EMS services in the area issued a request for action to change the name of the road to reflect its new continuity. Craine says the road commission receives about a dozen requests for road name changes every year, most of which are denied, but a request related to safety is worth considering. Nixon Road was originally part of South Latson Road, but the name was changed shortly after the construction of I-96 cut off the continuity of the road in the 1960âs. Craine says the change has been evaluated by the countyâs Geographic Information System and the only conflict in addresses will come from two homes which will have to be renumbered to remain in sequence with the surrounding houses. The cost of the update is not known at this time, but Craine does not expect it to be excessive.
The proposal to change the name is set to be discussed at the Road Commissionâs regular meeting tomorrow at 9:30 at their offices in Genoa Township. (JK)
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Howell Man Killed In Rollover Crash On I-69 Wednesday Morning Howell Man Killed In Rollover Crash On I-69 Wednesday Morning
1/9/13 - Police have identified the local man killed in a fatal rollover accident in Eaton County this morning that closed part of I-69 between Charlotte and Olivet. Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich tells WHMI 60-year-old Donald James Brownlee of Howell lost control of his SUV, crashed into a ditch and was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Reich says the crash remains under investigation but black ice, which was reported across the region, was likely a contributing factor. It happened around 7am and caused a chain reaction of three additional accidents, although none involved serious injuries. Meanwhile, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is investigating a separate fatal crash that occurred around the same time on the southbound US-23 exit ramp to Center Road after a man driving a pick-up truck lost control on icy roads and struck a semi-trailer parked on the shoulder. The ramp was closed for approximately three hours and 47-year-old Michael Herrell of Flint has been identified as the deceased. Picture courtesy of WLNS. (JM)
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Local State Representatives Rogers & Denby Sworn Into Office Local State Representatives Rogers & Denby Sworn Into Office
1/10/13 - Livingston Countyâs Republican State Representatives have been sworn into office, marking the start of their next two-year legislative session. 28 new House members were sworn in shortly after noon on Wednesday along with those re-elected to the 110-member GOP-controlled chamber. Representative Bill Rogers of Genoa Township is pictured and represents the 42nd House District which includes the City of Brighton and the townships of Brighton, Genoa, Green Oak, Hamburg, and Putnam. He was sworn into office for his third and final term and was accompanied by his wife, Debbie. 47th District Representative Denby of Handy Township represents constituents in portions of Livingston County as well as part of the City of Fenton. Both Rogers and Denby were sworn into office by Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley. Senators are in the middle of their four-year terms, including Hamburg Township Republican Joe Hune. (JM)
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Duncan Disposal Acquires Superior Sanitation CustomersDuncan Disposal Acquires Superior Sanitation Customers
1/10/13 - A family-owned trash and recycling hauler has acquired the residential and commercial customers of another centered in Livingston County. Superior Sanitation has been serving Livingston County and the surrounding areas for over 25 years but its residential and commercial customers were recently acquired by Lyon Township-based Duncan Disposal Systems. Customers should be receiving letters this weekend notifying them of the changes. President Tom Duncan operates the business with two of his four sons and says this marks their 40th year serving general area. He says they took over Superiorâs commercial customers a few years ago but just recently took over all residential servicing. Duncan says theyâre in the process of notifying customers and everything came about so quickly, they really didnât get a chance to inform them right when they switched and took over the routes. Duncan tells WHMI there will be no changes in service and notes they were already servicing the same neighborhoods. He says theyâll eventually be making some route changes to consolidate customers, resulting in less truck traffic on streets. Superior Sanitation customers will also be offered curbside recycling. Duncan says he had been looking to grow his business and one could consider the two somewhat friendly competitors over the years, so he approached the owner of Superior about parting with some or all of its business. He says employment was offered to all personnel at Superior and about ten transferred over. A copy of the letter Superior customers should be receiving soon can be found in the attachment below. (JM)
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Livingston County Now Sole Focus for County Health DirectorLivingston County Now Sole Focus for County Health Director
1/10/13 - A longstanding partnership between the Jackson and Livingston County health departments has come to close as the man serving both looks toward retirement. Ted Westmeier is the Director and Health Officer of the Livingston County Department of Public Health. He plans to retire although a formal date has not yet been decided upon. However, he has split up his time and also served as Health Officer for Jackson County for the last eight years in a partnership approved by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners with Jackson County, which ended in December. Wedstmeier told the Jackson Citizen Patriot that heâs ready to focus on just one county at the end of his career and has decided to solely work for Livingston County. In the meantime, Jackson Countyâs Environmental Health and Animal Control Director Steve Hall will serve as interim health officer until a permanent replacement is found. Jackson County officials are also said to be looking at sharing a health officer with Allegiance Health. (JM)
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Defendant's Son Takes The Stand In Kowalski Murder TrialDefendant's Son Takes The Stand In Kowalski Murder Trial
1/10/13 - Witness testimony continued Wednesday in the murder trial of 66-year-old Jerome Kowalski. Police accuse Kowalski of killing his brother Richard and sister-in-law Brenda Kowalski in their Oceola Township home in 2008. His trial began on Monday. Today, Brendaâs son Michael Reilly finished his testimony regarding the events around the day of the murder. Defense attorney Walter Piszczatowski asked several questions about Reillyâs inheritance, which he testified was about $280,000. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Pamela Maas said the defense was trying to imply that Reilly killed his parents for the money, but Piszczatowski said the defense would not be making that claim. Testimony from ten other witnesses was heard, including that of Kowalskiâs son Jared Kowalski. He told jurors what he recalled about the relationship between his father and uncle, his fatherâs alcoholism, and the handwritten note prosecutors say his father left before going to the police following the killing. His testimony will resume and the jury will be shown that note when the trial continues this morning. (TD)
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Scrap Pile Catches Fire at Regal Recycling in HowellScrap Pile Catches Fire at Regal Recycling in Howell
1/10/13 - A large scrap pile of recycling materials caught fire on Howellâs far southeast side Wednesday night. The fire was reported at Regal Recycling, located off of Lucy Road and smells of burning plastic were reported in the area. The Howell Area Fire Department responded and crews worked to extinguish the blaze that was located in the rear of the building. Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless tells WHMI a huge pile of scrap metal and plastic caught fire and was about 50% involved. Crews were on the scene for about five hours. The cause is currently undetermined but not the first time an incident has resulted in odors being reported. A strong natural gas smell permeated Howell and the surrounding area in December of 2011 after a substance spilled out of what was thought to be an empty tank as it was being recycled at the facility, which was brought in as scrap. (JM)
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Hune's School Board Conflict Of Interest Bill Signed Into Law Hune's School Board Conflict Of Interest Bill Signed Into Law
1/10/13 - A measure sponsored by a local lawmaker that prevents a school board member from voting when there is a conflict of interest has been signed into law. Public Act 606 of 2012 was authored by Republican Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township and states that if a board member is presumed to have a conflict of interest, they must abstain from voting. It ensures that a board member or a legal counsel or consultant to a school district, intermediate school district or a public school academy would also have to disclose whether he or she has a conflict of interest and exactly what that conflict is. Hune said he was excited to see the bill signed and feels it will help safeguard the integrity of school boards, noting it was the result of mounting concerns over local school board members voting on financial transactions when their family members are employees of a school district. However, local school officials have said they felt the bill could actually prevent board votes on critical matters, such as contracts. (JM)
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Confession Note Read to Jury in Oceola Double-MurderConfession Note Read to Jury in Oceola Double-Murder
1/10/13 - A note alleged to have been written by the man accused of an Oceola Township double-murder was read aloud in a Howell courtroom. Jerome Kowalski (pictured) is charged with murdering his brother Richard and sister-in-law Brenda inside their home on Lyngre Drive in 2008. State Police Detective Christopher Corriveau retrieved the note, which was found by Jerome Kowalskiâs son Jared. Corriveau read the note aloud for the court this morning, which stated in part; "I am sorry to all. I think I killed Rick and Brenda. have no recollection of it at all. Don't even remember driving out there. Must to (sic) have been in alcoholic blackout. I'm ashamed and remorseful and terribly sorry to all those affected by this stupid heinous crime. I have no idea when I drove out there. Please be strong. I don't want to go to jail." Also part of Corriveauâs testimony was an interview he conducted with Richard Kowalskiâs cousin Cynthia Pietrzak. Police records indicate that Cynthia said in 2008 that she had been the one to tell Jerome about the death of Richard and Brenda, that Jerome had known the cause of death without being told, and that she believed Jerome was the killer because of that. Yesterday, Pietrzak said she had no recollection of saying that and that she would never accuse Jerome of the killings. The prosecution stated that Corriveauâs testimony was meant to impeach Pietrzakâs and confirm the details in the record. (JK)
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