At its meeting Monday night, the Brighton Area Schools Board of Education voted to eliminate pay-to-play athletics beginning July 1, but it came with a caveat. The motion was whether to consider a delay in implementing the elimination of pay to play for two years - to July 1st, 2017. But few on the board wanted the elimination to take place as quickly as the coming fall term, since the financial figures arenât yet known â except for the projections by Assistant Superintendent of Finance Maria Gistinger. John Conely was the most vocal about getting rid of pay to play as soon as possible, saying that the money will be there, since Gistinger has been within a tenth of 1% in her projections the last couple of years, and has projected a positive fund balance of nearly $5 million by the end of next year. The board agreed to individually e-mail Supt. Greg Gray with their own ideas on the matter, including whether to include other categories such as academics and co-curriculars, in which students have to pay, such as the recent Science Olympiad, plus band, theater and others. There is also the possibility of downsizing pay-to-play in steps over two or three years. Gray will be receiving the e-mails in the next week and the board will discuss the different ideas and options at its next meeting on May 26 - the day after Memorial Day. (TT)
Brighton School Board Mulls Future Of Pay-to-PlayBrighton School Board Mulls Future Of Pay-to-Play
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Wife Tells Zale In Jail Call, "You Should Have Just Drove Off"Wife Tells Zale In Jail Call, "You Should Have Just Drove Off"
The prosecution rested its case yesterday in the trial of a Marion Township man charged with a road rage murder last year, with expectations that the suspect himself will testify today. Martin Zale is charged with open murder in the September 2nd shooting death of Derek Flemming following what was reportedly an escalated case of road rage. The prosecution brought forth eyewitnesses of the events surrounding the shooting and law enforcement officials involved in the case. Jeff Leveque, a Lieutenant in charge of Livingston County Jail operations, then took the stand and provided audio from two phone calls Zale made on September 3rd, the day after the shooting. A recording of the first phone call included a discussion between the Zale and his wife Gretchen about Zaleâs arraignment, possible assistance with his defense costs and an exchange in which Gretchen Zale asked, "What the hell happened Marty?" Zale responded by saying, "I was attacked and I shot him." The second call then featured a more detailed explanation by Zale of the dayâs events. "He was getting into my truck, trying to open the door...I tried to get away from him." Gretchen Zale then says, "You should have just drove off." He answers by saying he couldn't because there was too much traffic. The defense will continue to present witnesses today, including possibly Zale himself. (DK/JK)
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Site Plan Approval Recommended For New Medical CenterSite Plan Approval Recommended For New Medical Center
The Genoa Township Planning Commission is recommending site plan approval for a new St. John Providence medical building in Livingston County. The new Providence Medical Center Livingston will be a 60,000 square-foot ambulatory care destination located on the former site of Latson Road Elementary near I-96. The 60,000 square-foot building will have three stories and include amenities like primary and specialist physiciansâ offices, a pharmacy, urgent care, and medical laboratories. The planning commission recommended the township board grant the final site plan approval, but included in that are a few recommended changes to things like lighting and pedestrian walkways. By a quirk of history, the Livingston County Road Commissionâs easement on Latson Road extends much further east than is normal, and a variance was recommended that will allow the new buildingâs parking lot to extend into that easement. The three-floor, brick-and-stone building is scheduled for groundbreaking in the last week of July, with a grand opening planned for next June. (TD)
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Local Man Killed After Wandering Onto Train Tracks Near DexterLocal Man Killed After Wandering Onto Train Tracks Near Dexter
A local man was killed Monday night when he was struck by a train between Dexter and Chelsea. The incident happened just before 11:30pm on the railroad tracks near North Dancer Road. The Washtenaw County Sheriffâs Office and troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post responded to the incident. The MSP reports the 27-year-old male, who lived in the area, wandered onto the tracks and was hit by an oncoming Amtrak train. There did not appear to be anyone else with the man, and the incident was called in by the train operator. Police say alcohol is suspected to be a factor, and while they believe the hit was accidental they are investigating to determine if any criminal activity took place. The manâs name is being withheld while police attempt to contact his family. (TD)
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Grand River Closing Wednesday In Handy TownshipGrand River Closing Wednesday In Handy Township
The Livingston County Road Commission plans to close Grand River in Handy Township on Wednesday. Between 8am and 3pm, crews will be replacing the drain crossing under Grand River between Stow and Nicholson by excavating a trench the full width of the roadway in order to place the culvert. They will then backfill the area. Signs advising of the closure were placed last week, with an alternate route of Stow Road north to Converse Road, then east to Nicholson Road and south back to Grand River. As always, the dates and times are subject to change depending on the weather.
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City Website Adds Section To Assist In Crime PreventionCity Website Adds Section To Assist In Crime Prevention
The Brighton City website has a new section created by the Brighton Police and devoted to helping residents avoid being victimized by criminals. The Crime Prevention Information section offers information for residents to keep themselves and their property safe from a number of common crimes. Along with information on common phone and email scams, home protection, senior safety, and retail businesses, the site also offers a series of information pages on how to stay safe from identity theft, cyber-bullying, and other Internet threats while online. It even has a list of âthoughts from your burglarâ that outline how thieves break into homes and look for valuables to steal. A link to the new crime prevention section can be found below. (TD)
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Hartland Woman Killed In Mid-Michigan CrashHartland Woman Killed In Mid-Michigan Crash
A Hartland woman was one of two killed in a car crash in Gratiot County Monday afternoon. A news release from the Michigan State Police Lakeview Post says 34-year-old Amy Harris was traveling westbound on M-46 in a Ford Focus at around 2:40pm.Investigators say it appears Harris crossed the center line and struck a Chevy Trailblazer being driven by a 73-year-old man from Hemlock with his 70-year-old wife in the front passenger seat. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene, while the man was transported to Gratiot Medical Center with serious injuries. The Michigan State Police believe heavy rain and slick road conditions may have contributed to the crash. The crash remains under investigation. (TD)
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Howell Board Narrows Search For New SuperintendentHowell Board Narrows Search For New Superintendent
The search for Howellâs next superintendent could end as early as next week. At a special meeting of the Board of Education last night, members whittled the final list of candidates from six to three using a formal interviewing process. The three finalists are Terry Barker, a superintendent in Mishawaka, Indiana; Erin MacGregor, Plymouth Canton Community Schools assistant superintendent of teaching and learning; and Edward Okuniewski, deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction at LâAnse Creuse Public Schools. Barker is in the running for the same position in Hazel Park, and may be offered that job later this week. On Monday and Tuesday of next week, the finalists will each get to spend some time in the district seeing how the schools work in action. Then in the evening they will each get 75 minutes in a round table format with members from the board. This will give candidates an opportunity to talk about what they saw during the day and have a free flowing conversation with the board about what they like or what they think may need changing. If the board likes enough of what they see in one candidate, they may be ready to discuss a contract as early as Tuesday. (JK)
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Dexter Area Historical Society Awarded Grant Funds for Gordon Hall Dexter Area Historical Society Awarded Grant Funds for Gordon Hall
A historic rehabilitation effort in the Dexter community will be getting a funding boost thanks to state grant funds. The Dexter Area Historical Society will receive $75,000 for exterior rehabilitation and painting of the National Register of Historic Places-listed Gordon Hall. The Michigan Heritage Restoration Program is a competitive grant program to assist with funding restoration and preservation projects in historically designated neighborhoods. The Dexter Area Historical Society is among seven non-profits serving historically designated neighborhoods throughout the state that will benefit from $600,000 in grant funding announced recently to rehabilitate historic structures. Michigan State Housing Development Authority Director Kevin Elsenheimer says historic buildings, downtowns and neighborhoods create character and are key to maintaining a sense of place in communities. The organizations taking on the rehab projects and receiving the grants will contribute 40% of the project cost. (JM)
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Linden District Achieves Cardiac Preparedness For 4th Year In A RowLinden District Achieves Cardiac Preparedness For 4th Year In A Row
One local district has again been recognized for its medical emergency preparedness. The Michigan Departments of Community Health and Education along with the American Heart Association have awarded 122 schools in Michigan with the MI HEARTSafe School designation, acknowledging those schools that are prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies. Among the schools, are all six buildings in the Linden Community School District; the Argentine Elementary/Early Childhood Center, Central Elementary School, Hyatt Elementary, Linden Elementary, Linden Middle School and Linden High School. Itâs the fourth year in a row that the Linden district has achieved the honor. Officials say that between 1999 and 2009, there were 246 residents in Michigan between 5 and 19 years of age who died of sudden cardiac death. A law implemented last year requires all K-12 schools in Michigan to have a cardiac emergency response plan in place. But in order for a school to receive a MI HEARTSafe designation, it has to do much more, including performing at least one cardiac emergency response drill per year; have a written medical emergency response plan and team; have current CPR/AED certification of at least 10 percent of staff; have accessible, properly maintained and inspected AEDs with signs identifying their location; and ensure pre-participation sports screening of all student athletes using the current physical and history form endorsed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. (JK)
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Fate Of Road Rage Suspect Now Up To Local JuryFate Of Road Rage Suspect Now Up To Local Jury
Whether the shot fired by a Marion Township man that killed a fellow motorist was murder or an act of self-defense is now up to a local jury to decide. 69-year-old Martin Zale maintains he shot Derek Flemming in the head in an act of self-defense at the intersection of Grand River and Chilson Road in Genoa Township last September. Zale testified in his own defense Tuesday morning that he tried to get away but Flemming was âchasingâ him and that he contemplated running the red stop light at the intersection but didnât because traffic was too heavy. Zale says Flemming approached his truck and started yelling before he began hitting his truck, trying to get inside. Thatâs when Zale says he rolled down his window to tell him to stop but Flemming hit him in the face. Zale said he recalled thinking he wasnât going to make it and picked up his firearm out of fear that he would be seriously harmed or possibly killed, testifying further he only fired once and âFlemmingâs head jerked back through the windowâ. Zale testified that he was shaking after the shooting and tried to call 911 twice before making a call to an attorney but really didnât remember a lot after getting out of his truck. Witnesses said they never saw Flemming hit Zale, although one testified there was a puffiness and flushness on the left side of Zaleâs face around the eye and cheek area so Zale could have been hit but he didnât know. The defense rested its case following Zale's testimony and closing arguments followed. Assistant Prosecutor Dan Rose asked the jury to find Zale guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, saying it was not an act of self-defense because Zale wasnât scared but rather angry that Flemming had touched his truck. Rose questioned the justification of an armed man who shot an unarmed man from the safety and security of his truck, further noting there were a lot of people at the intersection yet only Zale said there was a punch. Rose said even if the jury disagreed with Flemmingâs decision to get out of the car, he did not pose a threat of imminent death to Zale justifying that shot. Defense Attorney Melissa Pearce said Zale feared for his life with his heart condition and age, stating that Zale had to make a split second decision and reacted almost immediately after being punched. Pearce said everything happened very quickly and Zale didnât have time to think about anything. Pearce argued that the only person who faced a threat that day was Zale, stating he reacted in that moment and relied on his training âto do what he thought he had to doâ. If convicted as charged, Zale faces up to life in prison. The jury is set to resume deliberations at 8:30 this morning in Livingston County Circuit Court. (JM)
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New Hotel Is One Step Closer In Green Oak TownshipNew Hotel Is One Step Closer In Green Oak Township
A new hotel in Green Oak Township is one step closer to becoming a reality. Site planners in charge of putting up a Holiday Inn Express went before the Board of Trustees at its regular meeting last week. A planned unit development amendment was unanimously agreed on and the board expects construction to begin soon. The board believes the hotel is situated perfectly and will be a great use to people using the outlet mall, a nearby health center, and sports complex where many youth tournaments are held. The Holiday Inn Express will use existing road access points from Whitmore Lake Road and Maltby Road on the west side of US-23, cutting down on construction interference. A couple of minor concerns were brought up by the board. The first being that the hotel wants signage on four sides of their building, but township ordinance only allows for two. The other was regarding the height of light poles in the parking lot and possible effects the lighting might have on nearby residents. Both of these issues are expected to be ironed out quickly and not delay progress. (MK)
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Mini-Grants Awarded Towards Substance Abuse PreventionMini-Grants Awarded Towards Substance Abuse Prevention
Two mini-grants have been paid out by the Livingston County Community Alliance for local projects aimed at reducing substance abuse in our schools. Several projects proposed and executed by young people with the goal of reducing local substance abuse. The first project was proposed by students at Ore Creek Middle School in Hartland as a way to communicate the negative health effects of e-cigarettes. Community Alliance coordinator Kaitlin Fink says the devices, in which the user inhales a vapor instead of smoke, are marketed toward children using sweet flavors and claims that the product is not harmful or addictive. In reality because they are so new, the effects of smoking e-cigarettes have not been tested. The project is planned to be a machine that will smoke the devices and collect the inhaled chemicals in a set of artificial lungs. The LCCA approved a $413 mini-grant for that project at its meeting last night. Also approved was a $500 mini-grant for informational materials and presentations for the 8th grade dinner at Pinckneyâs Pathfinder Middle School. That project is being organized by the Pinckney Coalition and will focus on letting students know what kind of programs, clubs, and youth organizations will be available for them in high school. Community Prevention coordinator Amy Johnston says students are much less likely to get caught up in substance abuse if they have other activities to occupy their time. A similar informational program was offered last year, but it will be expanded this year with more information for the teens and a presentation for parents as well. (TD/JK)
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24-Hour Brighton Relay for Life Fundraiser This Friday & Saturday 24-Hour Brighton Relay for Life Fundraiser This Friday & Saturday
Downtown Brighton has adorned with purple ribbons and signs ahead of Brightonâs Relay for Life fundraiser that kicks off Friday. The 24-hour relay at the Brighton High School track this Friday and Saturday is one of thousands held to benefit the American Cancer Society each year. The overnight community fundraising walks are dedicated to celebrating cancer survivorship, remembering lives lost and recognizing that fighting cancer is a year-round priority. Teams of people camp out around the track and members take turns walking. Itâs a family friendly environment with food, games, activities and entertainment. Brightonâs Relay for Life has a fundraising goal of $90,000. Last weekend, a luminaria ceremony was held at the Mill Pond to help raise awareness for the event and participants also âpainted the town purpleâ by putting up signage and placing ribbons on lampposts. All of the Brighton Relay for Life events are free and open to the public. The opening ceremony kicks off at 6pm Friday, followed by the survivor and caregiver laps. More information can be found through the link below. (JM)
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District Looks Into Possible Technology Ballot IssueDistrict Looks Into Possible Technology Ballot Issue
The Howell Board of Education approved moving forward with a possible ballot proposal to pay for technology improvements. At a recent meeting, the technology administrators and Interim Superintendent Jeremy Hughes told the board that the districtâs technology was lagging behind the educational standard, and proposed making improvements gradually over time so as to be sustainable. Taxpayers in the district are currently making payments on bonds from previous years, but every year the millage rate for those payments drops, in part due to rising taxable values throughout the community. Administrators are proposing that the millage rate be frozen for five years when it drops to 6.75 mills on July 1st, which would generate the revenue needed for the technology improvements. Last night, the board of education approved a resolution to give the administrators permission to begin investigating this option, which will include doing research and contacting members of the public for input. If they find it is feasible, and the board approves their findings, the ballot issue could go before voters in November. Associate Superintendent of Finance Rick Terres says state funding for public schools has been dismal for almost a decade, and getting some extra funding that will be dedicated to technology improvements would be good for district students. Board Members Mike Moloney and Deborah McCormick voted against the resolution. Moloney said the district should be more responsible with the money it has now before it asks voters to fund anything else. (TD)
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Work Progressing On Livingston County Jail Expansion Project Work Progressing On Livingston County Jail Expansion Project
Visible progress is being made on the expansion of the Livingston County Jail at Grand River and Highlander Way despite some earlier setbacks. Sheriff Bob Bezotte says some minor issues had resulted in delays but work is back on schedule and the addition should be ready to open around the end of October or early November. The jail has a 254-bed capacity but tends to average more than that on any given day. The $16.7 (m) million expansion project underway includes construction of an addition that will increase inmate capacity to around 410. The $16.7 (m) million expansion of the Livingston County Jail will also address overcrowding issues and the changing demographic in the inmate population. The current jail has 31 beds for female inmates, which will increase to 81 with the new facility. Bezotte says the female population has exploded beyond anyoneâs expectations. The jail just recently was housing around 70 female inmates and Bezotte estimates that women now make up around 30% of the jail population on average. Bezotte tells WHMI the expansion has been a long time coming, noting jails are built much different today than in the past. He says Jail Administrator Tom Cremonte played a big role in the committee that went around and studied different jails along with county commissioners. He says theyâre utilizing a new method of construction in which the jail cells are actually built off site and will basically be âplugged inâ to the frame this summer once electrical and plumbing work is done. As the project nears completion and the opening phase, Bezotte says theyâll also begin promoting a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston County in which individuals will have the opportunity to stay one night in the new part of the jail for donations and pledges. (JM)
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Services Set For Hartland Woman Killed In Car CrashServices Set For Hartland Woman Killed In Car Crash
A Livingston County woman killed earlier this week in a Mid-Michigan car crash will be laid to rest this weekend. 34-year-old Amy K. Harris of Hartland Township died after her Ford Focus crossed the centerline on M-46 in Gratiot County Monday afternoon and struck an SUV. A 70-year-old passenger in the SUV was also killed. State Police say heavy rain and slick road conditions were likely factors in the crash, which remains under investigation. Harris, who was a criminal defense lawyer with a practice in Flint, is survived by her husband Jay and two small children, Matthew and Elizabeth. Visitation for family and friends will be held today at Lynch and Sons Funeral Home in Brighton from 5-9pm and then again Friday from 1-9pm. Funeral services will take place Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Brighton at 2pm, with burial to follow at Hodge Cemetery in Hartland. Memorial contributions are being encouraged to the Amy K. Harris Memorial Education Fund c/o Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 600 E. Main St., Brighton, MI 48116. For more information, call Lynch & Sons at 810-229-2905. (JK)
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Jury In Road Rage Case Resumes 2nd Day Of Deliberations TodayJury In Road Rage Case Resumes 2nd Day Of Deliberations Today
Jury deliberations will resume today in the trial of a Marion Township man accused of homicide in an alleged road rage incident last September. 69-year-old Martin Zale is charged with open murder, firing a weapon from a vehicle, and two felony firearms counts in the death of 34-year-old Derrek Flemming. On September 2nd, Flemming got out of his car to confront Zale about his allegedly-aggressive driving. Zale shot him once in the head, and Flemming was declared dead at the scene. The defense says Flemming punched Zale and the shot that was fired was in self-defense, while the prosecution says the punch never took place and that Zale had picked a fight. Jury deliberations took place all day Wednesday and did not result in a verdict, so the jury will reconvene today to continue its work. (TD)
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Event Aims To Push Up Funds For VeteransEvent Aims To Push Up Funds For Veterans
The public is being invited to flex their muscles in a fundraiser for military veterans trying to adjust to civilian life. Boot Campaign is a nationwide nonprofit aimed at assisting veterans returning from service as well as raising awareness for the unique challenges those veterans face. The organizationâs largest annual fundraiser is Pushups for Charity, which it will hold at various locations beginning on Armed Services Day this month. Locally, the Everfit Studio in the Green Oak Village Place Mall will be participating in Pushups for Charity on May 30th. Local residents and businesses are being encouraged to form their own pushup teams and collect sponsorships, either as one-time donations or per-pushup commitments. Each team will have 90 seconds to do as many pushups as possible. Everfitâs goal is to see 3,000 pushups performed on May 30th and to raise a total of $10,000 for Boot Campaign. For more information or to set up a team, follow the link below. (TD)
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Trial Ordered For Three Men Charged In Illegal Pot Growing OperationTrial Ordered For Three Men Charged In Illegal Pot Growing Operation
The case of three local men charged with growing large amounts of marijuana illegally has been bound over to circuit court. 49-year-old Jeffrey Mote of South Lyon, 50-year-old Richard Riley of Brighton, and 41-year-old Anthony Portelli of Whitmore Lake have all been charged with delivering or manufacturing between 5 and 45 kilograms of marijuana, the equivalent of between 20 and 200 plants, as well as a generic charge of delivering or manufacturing marijuana. They were charged following police raids on an alleged marijuana dispensary in Brighton Township and two homes, which authorities say were being used to grow marijuana. The trio was arraigned in Livingston County Circuit Court on Tuesday. Their cases have been delayed since February of 2014, with various conflicts or adjournments pushing them back. During that time they have each posted their $40,000 bond, and Judge Carol Sue Reader has granted requests to suspend bond conditions and let the defendants take trips out of state, including a business trip to Las Vegas. (TD/JK)
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