The first wild Michigan deer with chronic wasting disease has been found in Ingham County, which will lead to more and discounted deer licenses in that area in the coming season. A single wild deer with the neurological disease was discovered in May and quickly euthanized. Until now, chronic wasting disease has been found in Michigan deer farms, but had not appeared among the wild population. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has a containment plan in place that involves checking cervid farms within a 15 mile radius of the infected deer, and establishing a management and monitoring zone across Ingham, Shiawassee, and Clinton Counties. Those counties will have a baiting and feeding ban for the next three years to prevent deer from congregating and spreading the disease. A smaller core area will have mandatory deer checks for hunters and road kill so the DNR can monitor the progress of the disease. DNR Representative Ed Golder tells WHMI hunters headed to that area should be aware of this issue. Licenses in that area will be more numerous and cost less in the coming deer season to help reduce the size of the herd. Golder says if anyone sees a deer that is acting strangely, seems weak, or has no fear of humans, they should call the DNRâs hotline at 800-292-7800. Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (TD)
New Warnings For Hunters After Diseased Deer Found In Ingham CountyNew Warnings For Hunters After Diseased Deer Found In Ingham County
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Two Hartland School Buildings Have Phone & Internet TroublesTwo Hartland School Buildings Have Phone & Internet Troubles
Officials with Hartland Consolidated Schools say that both Farms Intermediate School and Lakes Elementary School will be without both phone and internet service for the remainder of the day today. They ask that any parents who needs to get a message to their students at those two schools, call the main administration number at 810-626-2100. (JK)
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Milford Police Investigating Suspended Middle School TeacherMilford Police Investigating Suspended Middle School Teacher
Milford Police are now investigating a Muir Middle School teacher who has been put on leave following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a former student. Milford police are looking into claims of an inappropriate relationship between a Muir Middle School teacher and a former Huron Valley Schools student. Thomas Lindberg, Milfordâs police chief, says they have been in communication with the Huron valley administration since learning of the alleged incidents and they are conducting a detailed investigation, which he characterized as active and ongoing. Lindberg added that once all facts are obtained, reports will be submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutorâs Office for review of criminal charges. Huron Valley Superintendent Jim Baker said the district is in full support of the investigation. The district earlier indicated the student in question is a recent graduate and that no other students are believed to be involved. (JK)
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Mud-Bogging Regulations Discussed By Local Municipalities Mud-Bogging Regulations Discussed By Local Municipalities
Local leaders met last week to discuss regulations for outdoor assembly events which now includes driving trucks through mud or mud bogging. Robert Hanvey, Supervisor at Marion Township, was unaware of a previous mud bogging event until the township received noise complaints the following Monday. Putnam Township Supervisor Ron Rau also began to look into how to handle such an event when he found first hand that the noise was becoming a nuisance. Both townships have since put general outdoor assembly ordinances in place to regulate mud-bogging which has generated as many as 4,000 people at local events. The township supervisors appeared as guest speakers at the Livingston County Department of Planningâs Brown Bag Lunch Series and shared their experience and suggestions. Hanvey tells WHMI he hopes to answer questions that other municipalities may have while embarking on adding new regulations. Marion Township has met with mud-bogging operators several times and communicated they do not intend to ban the event, but rather ensure safety and courtesy for the public. Their ordinance now requires applications to hold the event and the township has begun to receive these from mud-bogging operators. Hanvey says the township is still going through applications and there are no officially scheduled mud-boggs. (DK)
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Local Legislator Unveils Summer Reading ProgramLocal Legislator Unveils Summer Reading Program
With summer vacation about to begin, a local legislator is trying to promote reading for area kids. State Rep. Hank Vaupel is sponsoring a summer reading challenge for local elementary school students. The first-term lawmaker is hoping for strong student participation, saying that a âlife-long interest in reading can act as a starting point for success.â The summer reading contest, which starts today and runs through September 1st, is open to students enrolled in grades one through five. Readers who have finished 10 books can drop off the completed bookmarks in the contest drop box at their local library. There is no limit to the number of bookmarks that can be submitted, so long as each bookmark lists 10 completed books. Vaupel then will draw names of the winners of the contest and welcome them to the Capitol this fall so they can act as state representatives for a day. Each of the winning students will be invited to be sworn in as an honorary legislator and experience what it is like to be a state representative. Bookmarks necessary for entering the contest are available throughout the summer at the Howell, Fowlerville and Hartland public libraries. (JK)
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County Survey Enters Final WeekCounty Survey Enters Final Week
This is the final week that 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 that will expire after Friday, June 5th. 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 asks respondents to help identify effective communication efforts as well as areas that need additional attention, is available through a link posted below. (JK)
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Parental Rights Hearing For Man Convicted Of Child Abuse Begins TomorrowParental Rights Hearing For Man Convicted Of Child Abuse Begins Tomorrow
A disposition hearing begins Tuesday in a parental rights hearing for a local man convicted of child abuse. 38-year old Joshua Burns was found guilty of 2nd degree child abuse in January for an incident in which his daughter, Naomi, sustained injuries when she allegedly fell from Burnsâ lap. Burns was sentenced to one year in the Livingston County Jail and three years of probation. The Department of Human Services seeks to terminate Burnsâ parental rights. At a final settlement conference today, Joshua hugged his wife Brenda Burns who has reportedly been visiting loved ones in Colorado with their daughter. Brendaâs attorney, Elizabeth Warner, says Brenda is only visiting Michigan at this time for the disposition hearing. Brenda Burns had previously complained that state officials unnecessarily demanded she allow visits with Naomi despite having been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in the case. Warner tells WHMI the goal is to make Joshuaâs parental competency known and to keep the family together. Warner says Joshua recorded himself reading childrenâs books before he went to jail so that Naomi may watch them to feel the presence of a father while he is incarcerated. The DVD of his readings will be entered in as evidence for the best interest of the child, along with Burnsâ drug and alcohol assessment and psychological evaluation. Warner also requested an in-camera interview with Naomi and the court as evidence to showcase the childâs abilities and progression. Though Naomi is not capable of verbal communication yet, Warner says her physical state shows she was not abused and any injuries she sustained have not affected her growth. Judge Miriam Cavanaugh denied the in-camera appearance and says constitutional issues surrounding the interview outweigh the relevance that a visual of Naomi could provide.
Should Joshuaâs parental rights be terminated, he will have 14 days to appeal. (DK)
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Registration Open For Golf Scramble To Help Fight Child AbuseRegistration Open For Golf Scramble To Help Fight Child Abuse
Registration is now open for a golf scramble event that will help fight child abuse in Livingston County. On Friday, June 19th, LACASA will hold its third annual Drive Out Child Abuse golf scramble event to benefit abused and neglected children in our community. The event will once again be held at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Pinckney, where each team will play for a specific child. In addition to 18 holes of golf, the event will include several other competitions that offer the chance to win prizes like a car, boat, or golf cart. The $75 admission includes all of the competition as well as breakfast, drinks, and dinner. Admission for just the dinner costs $20. For more information or to register, follow the link below. (TD)
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Fenton Mother & Sons Making A Difference In CommunityFenton Mother & Sons Making A Difference In Community
A family in Fenton is making a difference one neighbor at a time. Cheryl Stewart and her two teenage sons, Dalton and Calvin, launched ONE-BY-1 in February with $1,100 of her own money. The nonprofit helps people with one-time needs. The single mother says they don't hand out money. Partial payments for things such as rent or electricity are made directly to a landlord or utility. Each time, they update the group's Facebook page. She says they have helped about 40 people so far. Stewart says the group has gone through its seed money. She and the boys now rely on donations to keep up the effort. (JK)
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Howell High School Fire Academy Graduates Second ClassHowell High School Fire Academy Graduates Second Class
Howell High School held a graduation ceremony Monday night for 18 students in its Fire Fighter Training Academy. For the second year, Howell has offered one-of-a-kind training to high school juniors and seniors, giving them the coursework and practical training needed to pass the State of Michigan fire fighter certification exam. Lieutenant Tom Kiurski said the academy, held in the industrial wing of Howell High School, gives students the same training they would receive if they were to go to a regular fire academy. Mike OâBrian, Chief of the Brighton Fire Department, told WHMI that the program is important to providing men and women to the fire service, but he said the best part of the program has nothing to do with firefighting, saying that the cadets learn how to be better civil servants. Graduates from the academy appreciated the hands-on experience and the instruction they received. Nolan Witt told WHMI the academy gave him the opportunity to join a fire department at age 16 as a junior firefighter. Witt said he has been able to take his training a step further. Kiurski says the success of Howellâs program is drawing attention from other school districts across the state, including Detroit, the Grand Rapids suburb of Walker, and as far away as Marquette. He adds another 18 students are enrolled for next yearâs academy. (DS/JK)
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Testimony Continues In Trial Of Former Hamburg ManTestimony Continues In Trial Of Former Hamburg Man
A friend of a former Livingston County man charged in the death of an Ingham County sheriffâs deputy declined to answer prosecutorâs questions yesterday on the stand. Tony Hildabridle, a friend of John Kelsey, answered almost every question he was asked Monday by saying he either couldnât remember or didnât know. But in a tape of an interview Hildabridle gave to police shortly after the crash that killed Ingham County Sheriff's deputy Grant Whitaker, he said Kelsey "understands what he's done" and âthought he was responsible for it." Kelsey, a former Hamburg Township resident, is charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license causing death and first-degree fleeing or eluding police causing death. Prosecutors say Kelsey was driving a white 2003 GMC Yukon Denali in the early morning hours of December 7th when he passed an unmarked sheriffâs vehicle at a high rate of speed. Whitaker, in a marked vehicle, took over as the lead pursuer, but lost control and crashed into a tree near Stockbridge. The SUV has never been located, although an insurance claims investigator previously testified that the policy on the vehicle, which is registered to Kelsey's father, was still active and that it hadn't been reported stolen to the insurance company. While Hildabridle declined to answer prosecutorâs questions about that night, the Lansing State Journal reports that his former girlfriend, Sandie Hale, said she answered his phone that morning when someone identified on the caller ID as John called. That person, who she testified sounded like it could be Kelsey, said he just ran from the police. Testimony continues today in Ingham County Circuit Court. If convicted, Kelsey faces up to 15 years on each charge, although he could face more as a habitual offender. (JK)
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Genoa Township Gives Final Approval For Latson Medical FacilityGenoa Township Gives Final Approval For Latson Medical Facility
A medical facility planned for Latson Road just north of I-96 has gotten final approval from the Genoa Township Board of Trustees. The 60,000-square-foot St. John Providence building will include physiciansâ offices, a lab, radiology, urgent care, a pharmacy, physical therapy, and other outpatient medical facilities. It will be located on the former site of the Latson Road Elementary building near the interchange with I-96. Last night, the township board approved the final site plan for the new facility after a discussion on building materials, parking lot access, and how it will be presented to the freeway and the surrounding area. One topic of discussion was how the medical facility would help in the branding efforts of the township itself. Included in the PUD is a planned future discussion for a small âgateway signâ that would bear the townshipâs name and logo. The exact placement, design, and funding for that sign will be worked out during future phases of development on the site. Representatives from the health system say they plan to break ground in late July and open in late June of next year. (TD)
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New Deal Could Eliminate MDOT's $1M Lease Payments On WALLY CarsNew Deal Could Eliminate MDOT's $1M Lease Payments On WALLY Cars
An online discussion between members of the press and the Michigan Department of Transportation yesterday outlined a new deal that could eliminate the ongoing cost of leasing cars for planned commuter rail systems. The 23 cars refurbished and leased from Great Lakes Central Railroad are currently sitting unused in Owosso. MDOT plans to use them for commuter rail projects in southeast Michigan, including the North South Commuter Line between Howell and Ann Arbor, also known as WALLY, but those projects are years from completion. MDOT has been criticized for spending about $10.4 million to refurbish those cars so far in advance, especially since it is costing $1 million per year to lease. Under a new deal being offered by Great Lakes Central Railroad, the cars would be put to use in other commuter rail projects around the US and Canada until the local commuter rails are ready for them. In the meantime, GLCR would waive the annual cost of the lease. About 35 residents and members of the press took part in the online discussion to learn more about what MDOT is doing with the rail cars and get the details of the offer. (TD)
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SAT Testing Resources Made Available Across MichiganSAT Testing Resources Made Available Across Michigan
Parents may recall the days of "cramming" to memorize obscure vocabulary words or taking expensive courses in preparation for the SAT exam. Now the test and the preparation process have undergone a major overhaul in an effort to better serve all students. Cyndie Schmeiser, with the College Board, which administers the SAT, says the test was redesigned to reflect what students are learning in today's classes, and what they need to know to be college-ready, rather than just providing a score. "We will be translating that score into narrative descriptions of what it is that students can do, and what they need to work on next, so it's intended to be forward-looking." Starting in 2016, the SAT will be administered to all Michigan high school juniors for free in place of the ACT. Students will still be able to pay to take the ACT outside of school hours. Beginning today, all Michigan students will have access to online practice tests and materials for free, thanks to a new partnership with the Khan Academy. Schmeiser says this is just one piece of the puzzle in increasing college, career access and opportunity for low-income students, and other under-represented demographic groups in Michigan. âWhether it's helping to break down some of the financial barriers, getting more opportunities for scholarships or fee waivers, or getting access to AP courses for students who are ready to profit from an AP course but just don't know how to navigate the system." In addition to the free online test prep courses, the College Board is partnering with Boys and Girls Clubs of America and other community organizations to provide computers, Internet access, and in some areas safe places for kids to study. Photo courtesy J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation. (MS)
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Genesee Court Consolidation Not Expected For Several YearsGenesee Court Consolidation Not Expected For Several Years
Genesee County officials met with the city of Fentonâs council Monday night in a work session to discuss the possibility of court consolidation. Commissioner Tony Brown of Genesee County clarified talk of combining the countyâs seven district courts into one building located in Flint. Brown stated the Genesee County Board of Commissioners will not be shutting down Fentonâs court (pictured), but could in the future. Brown, along with District Three Commissioner Jamie Curtis, Genesee Circuit Court Chief Judge Richard Yuille and a Clio County Commissioner, explained that the creation of a metro-plex to house central courts in downtown Flint could be a âone-stop shopâ and a potential money saver. Fenton City Manager Lynn Markland tells WHMI many local residents are not on board with the idea. The countyâs court setup was referred to as âthe last of the Mohicansâ as Genesee is reportedly the only county in the state that operates in the separated fashion with district courts located in six different areas. Genesee officials believe the progression of technology is a huge factor in the idea of consolidation, saving space and time. Commissioner Jamie Curtis suggested obtaining search warrants electronically, or placing kiosks at City Hall that would allow residents to resolve tickets without having to travel to Flint. He reiterated that while the possibility of consolidation is very real, itâs not likely to happen anytime soon. Curtis says the County hopes to go out for bond on the metro-plex within the next 18 months. He estimates two to three years of construction, creating a timeline of at least five years before the mega-court would be a reality. Crumbling structures within Geneseeâs court system are also a driving force behind the new building. One county commissioner cited lack of fire suppression and asbestos and told attendees of the work session, âThis is 2015. We can do better.â (DK)
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Council To Consider Tentative Settlement Of Federal LawsuitCouncil To Consider Tentative Settlement Of Federal Lawsuit
There is a proposed settlement offer in a federal lawsuit against the City of Brighton, City Manager Dana Foster and the Brighton City Council. The complaint, filed last June by former DPW Director Matt Schindewolf and his wife in U.S. District Court in Detroit, alleged he was discharged in July of 2013 in retaliation for exercising his rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act. But court records indicate that last week a judge dismissed four of the five complaints, including all of those involving Mrs. Schindewolf, and removed Foster as a defendant in the case. Schindewolf said his wife has been battling a serious health issue since April 2011 and he took leaves from work to care for her. The complaint said Foster placed Schindewolf on a forced medical leave in May of 2013. He returned to work the following month after providing requested documentation from his doctor, but was then terminated less than a month later. The complaint alleged Foster said he had âlost confidenceâ in Schindewolfâs ability to perform his role and while he was given the option to resign or be terminated, he wasnât allowed to speak with his attorney beforehand. Schindewolf maintained that he was never disciplined or given a negative performance evaluation during his twelve years a Brighton employee. The suit sought damages in excess of $25,000 for loss of compensation and employment opportunities, as well as mental and emotional distress. The cityâs attorney, Paul Burns, would only say that a tentative offer is on the table to settle the lawsuit and that the Brighton City Council will discuss the issue at their meeting Thursday. (JK)
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Parental Rights Hearing for Brighton Man Continues Wednesday Parental Rights Hearing for Brighton Man Continues Wednesday
The parental rights hearing for a Brighton man convicted of child abuse got underway today. The Michigan Department of Human Services is pursuing the termination of parental rights for Joshua Burns, who was found guilty of second degree child abuse in a case regarding his daughter. Burns is currently serving his one year sentence in the Livingston County Jail and will also have two years of probation once he is released. Witnesses were called forth in Livingston County Circuit Court today including Burnsâ wife, Brenda, and his mother, Roxanne. Both women believe Joshua will be a safe and loving father to his daughter, Naomi, and agree he should maintain his right as her father. DHS is required by law to seek termination of Joshuaâs parental rights and presented their only witness in the hearing this morning. DHS employee and social worker Patricia Galea was assigned the Burnsâ case in April of 2014 and received it again this year. Galea testified against Burns and suggested his rights be terminated. Galea says she has not seen Joshua complete any type of rehabilitation and has concerns of him having sole custody of Naomi should anything happen to Brenda Burns. Joshua Burns' defense attorney is expecting to present several witnesses tomorrow, including Joshua himself. (DK)
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Dogs Euthanized After Attacking Whitmore Lake Woman, Killing Her DogDogs Euthanized After Attacking Whitmore Lake Woman, Killing Her Dog
Two dogs that mauled a woman and killed her dog in the Northfield Estates development in Whitmore Lake have been put down despite efforts to save them by a local attorney. But one victim says the news came as a relief. The dogs, a pit bull and a Rhodesian ridgeback-boxer mix, were ordered euthanized by a judge after the attack last July involving 44-year-old Ellen Mohan and her dog Zoey â a 15-pound poodle fox terrier mix. Mohan suffered severe injuries to her hands while trying to save her dog that required five days of hospitalization, while Zoey was killed. Mohan later filed a $1 million lawsuit against the owners as well as Northfield Estates, alleging the park was negligent and failed to enforce its own rules regarding dangerous pets. A separate half-million dollar lawsuit was also filed by another neighbor who claims the dogs bit his young daughter and permanently scarred her. Mohan tells WHMI theyâre very relieved the dogs were put down but also grateful for the court system, adding it feels like theyâre finally getting some closure for Zoey because the dogs were dangerous and the family failed to control them. 26-year-old Adam Bater and his father, 54-year-old Douglas Bater were ordered to pay $900 in fines after the attack. The Baters were represented by attorney Michelle Radloff, who maintains Mohanâs lawsuit is without merit and that two dogs lost their lives because of an accident being made into more of a tragedy than it already was. She told WHMI they agreed to have the dogs put down in April but the judge had no choice due to antiquated statutes that are outdated and not practical. Radloff further alleges Mohan was opposed to any negotiations and her case seems to be more about money than anything else, adding Mohanâs dog had a history of aggression and snapped at people. Mohan called those allegations âpure hearsayâ and said she had authority to negotiate anything in the case against the Baters', as that was brought by the township. She says they were hesitant about how to proceed in the beginning but then found out about other incidents and have written documentation of three attacks that occurred within 37 days. Mohan says Zoey was on a leash and collar with her in a common area when the two dogs bolted over from across the street and attacked them from behind. Mohan was surprised to learn the dogs had even been euthanized and thought they remained under the care of the Huron Valley Humane Society. The legal process continues to play out and the lawsuits remain pending in Washtenaw County Trial Court. (JM)
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Hamburg Township Clerk Rescinds Resignation After Failed Votes Hamburg Township Clerk Rescinds Resignation After Failed Votes
Before he even left, Hamburg Township Clerk Jim Neilson was being welcomed back by the board. Clerk Jim Neilson will not be retiring at the end of the month and has instead agreed to fill out the remainder of his elected term after motions to appoint different candidates failed to pass. The Hamburg Township Board met Tuesday afternoon to interview the three up for the position - current deputy clerk Patricia Hughes and sitting board members Mike Dolan and Jason Negri. All three motions resulted in 3-2 votes, with Dolan and Negri abstaining. After the failed votes, Neilson said he âkind of anticipated something like this would happenâ and offered to rescind his resignation. Supervisor Pat Hohl acknowledged the work that went into the search process and apologized to the board before Dolan made the motion to accept Neilsonâs offer, which was seconded by Negri. Board members commended all three candidates and explained why they favored one or the other during the voting process. Trustee Bill Hahn said in talking with people in the community, many felt hiring Hughes should be a âno-brainerâ, adding he favored maintaining peace at the board table and continuity in the office. Others agreed Hughes was highly qualified but some preferred she remain in her current deputy role based on the complexity of three upcoming elections. By law, the clerk is responsible for all elections, accounting functions including payroll, human resource duties, and the posting and publishing all notices. Hohl said Neilson is very effective in his job so theyâll move forward for the next year-and-a-half un-interrupted in terms of staff with everything in place. (JM)
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Part-Time Fowlerville Police Officer Resigns After Alleged Strip Club Fight Part-Time Fowlerville Police Officer Resigns After Alleged Strip Club Fight
A part-time Fowlerville police officer has voluntarily left the department after allegations of an alcohol-fueled fight at a strip club. The officer worked part time after being hired in October by the Fowlerville Police Department. He was suspended pending an internal investigation but Chief Tom Couling tells WHMI he has since resigned from his position. The officer retired from Ann Arbor but also reportedly worked as a Highland Park police officer assigned to the narcotics division. His status there is unknown. The officer has not been identified but was off-duty when the alleged incident occurred during the early morning hours of May 13th at Subiâs Place on Northline Road in Southgate. He apparently got into a verbal altercation with the valet and refused to let them park his vehicle. The argument resumed later as the former officer was leaving the club, eventually becoming physical. Bouncers restrained him until Southgate Police responded and took him into custody. Itâs unknown if any criminal charges will be filed in the case but authorities were reviewing evidence and surveillance videos. Requests for comment on the status of the investigation have been placed with Southgate Police by WHMI. (JM)
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