Julie Hill was unanimously reelected to the Livingston Educational Service Agency Board of Education for another six years on Monday. Representatives from all five school districts in Livingston County were sent to the meeting to cast votes as directed by their own boards of education. Former Brighton School Board President Nick Fiani was challenging Hill for her seat, and even left his position to seek election to the LESA Board, but all five school boards chose to cast their votes for the incumbent. LESA Director Dan Danosky says he is happy to have Hill stay on the board, describing her as thoughtful and insightful. There are five seats on the board, and traditionally it has been made up of one representative from each of the five school districts. This was a factor in some boardsâ decisions, since Hill is a former member of the Hartland School Board, and other districts did not want to give her seat to Fiani, who hails from Brighton. The Brighton seat currently held by LuAnn Loy will be up for election in June of 2017, along with the Howell seat held by Don Cortez. (TD)
Fiani Shut Out; Hill Unanimously Reelected For LESA Board PositionFiani Shut Out; Hill Unanimously Reelected For LESA Board Position
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Fowlerville Lays Off Auto Shop Teacher; Students Head To Mason Next YearFowlerville Lays Off Auto Shop Teacher; Students Head To Mason Next Year
The restructuring of a local school districtâs career technical education program will leave one teacher without a job. At its regular meeting Tuesday night, the Fowlerville Community Schools Board of Education voted to lay off the paraprofessional assigned to the high school auto program. Auto shop had been offered to high school juniors and seniors on campus, but beginning next year, the board has elected to discontinue that class at Fowlerville and send interested students to the Ingham County Capital Area Career Center. Superintendent Wayne Roedel tells WHMI that paraprofessional Don Nowka made a lot of positive impressions on students and that it was difficult to let him go. The board appreciated the stability that Nowka brought to the job, citing previous difficulties finding a teacher for it. The Capital Area Career Center that CTE students will be sent to is in Mason, and offers 18 technical program choices while serving around a dozen school districts. (MK)
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Former Hamburg Man Said To Have "Swapped Out" Vehicle After Fatal ChaseFormer Hamburg Man Said To Have "Swapped Out" Vehicle After Fatal Chase
Testimony in the trial of a former Livingston County man charged in the death of a deputy indicated that the day of the incident, he âswapped outâ his vehicle. John Kelsey, who used to live in Hamburg Township, is charged with driving on a suspended license causing death and first-degree fleeing and eluding police causing death. The charges were filed in the December 7th death of Ingham County sheriffâs deputy Grant Whitaker, who crashed his patrol vehicle while chasing an SUV police say was being driven by Kelsey. In court Tuesday, a friend of Kelsey testified that he saw him later that same day at a friendâs house changing vehicles. The Lansing State Journal reports that Brian Hildabridle, who had been held by authorities to compel his testimony, said the friend was a metal scrapper. The SUV, a white 2003 GMC Yukon Denali, has never been located. Hildabridle was ordered released following his testimony. He was also offered immunity from prosecution. Prosecutors also presented the jury screen shots of surveillance video from the Dam Site Inn in Hell, which show Kelsey arriving about midnight on December 7th, and then drinking with friends before leaving around 2am in a large, white SUV. They were unable, however, to verify that the SUV was the Yukon registered to Kelseyâs father. Hildabridle also testified that Kelsey called him at 2:18 that morning and said he thought he was being chased by police and was on back roads near Stockbridge. Deputy Whitaker was killed when his car left the roadway as he pursued an SUV on Dexter Trail and crashed into a tree. Testimony is set to resume Thursday. (JK)
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Former Brighton Man Testifies During Emotional Parental Rights Termination HearingFormer Brighton Man Testifies During Emotional Parental Rights Termination Hearing
A former Brighton man broke down while being questioned during a hearing this morning that will determine if his parental rights will be terminated. Joshua Burns is currently serving a one-year sentence in the Livingston County Jail after being convicted of 2nd degree child abuse by a jury, which the family is appealing. Burns and his wife Brenda maintain injuries to their then 11-week-old daughter Naomi were not abuse but the result of a very traumatic childbirth and an accident in March of 2014. Burns says Naomi fell from his lap when he answered a phone call, and he grabbed her by the face so she didnât hit the table. Burns worked as a commercial airline pilot prior to the familyâs legal issues. He has been prevented by court order from having any contact with Naomi for more than a year now and said he only wants to be reunited with his family. While limited in what he can do from a jail cell, Burns said he speaks to Brenda twice every day on the phone to keep up on their daughterâs progress and has also made recordings of him reading books for Naomi. Burns has adhered to a court order that prevents him from seeing now 1-year-old Naomi, saying it has been 426 days since the last time. Representatives with the Michigan Department of Human Services asked if Burns held any animosity toward the department and questioned both his ability and willingness to work with them, should family reunification be agreed upon. Burns said he would accomplish everything ordered by the court and state, agreeing he could benefit from parenting classes and counseling. He commented that he has testified truthfully and took responsibility for the fall from the beginning, adding he would not hesitate to seek emergency treatment for Naomi in the future should something be warranted. DHS representatives raised further issues related to Burnsâ past alcohol use during the hearing and a 2008 DUI conviction. Burns said he had issues with binge drinking but is four years sober and committed to keeping an alcohol-free home. Prior to Burns, testimony was heard early in the morning from a clinical social worker practicing in Brighton, who held four sessions with Burns prior to his conviction. She said there were no red flags and would support family reunification. A doctor who conducted one of two independent psychological evaluations of Burns testified this afternoon, with the second expert expected to testify next Tuesday. Judge Miriam Cavanaugh is presiding over the hearing. (JM)
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Fired Former Superintendent Finalist For Dearborn DistrictFired Former Superintendent Finalist For Dearborn District
A large Wayne County district is looking at four finalists for superintendent, including the man fired by Howell Public Schools. Ron Wilson is among four Michigan educators named as finalists to become the next superintendent of Dearborn Public Schools. Wilson, who is currently in arbitration with Howell Schools after filing a wrongful termination lawsuit, is set to interview for the position next week. Dearborn has nearly 20,000 students, approximately three times the size of Howellâs student body. Among the finalists are two internal candidates; Dearborn Associate Superintendent Gail Shenkman and Executive Director of Staff and Student Services Glenn Maleyko. The fourth finalist is John VanWagoner II, the associate superintendent at Shiawassee RESA. Wilson was fired by the Howell school board last November after they concluded that he had wrongfully sought and received travel reimbursements he knew he was not entitled to and then lied about afterward. Wilson later filed suit against the district, alleging wrongful termination and violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act. The case was put on hold after Wilson and the district agreed to go to binding arbitration as called for in his contract. That process is still pending. Dearbornâs current Superintendent Brian Whiston is leaving to take a job as the superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education. District officials hope to select his replacement next Thursday, June 11th, following all four interviews.
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Man Arrested For Running Naked Through Neighborhood Takes Plea DealMan Arrested For Running Naked Through Neighborhood Takes Plea Deal
A local man who was arrested while high on acid will be sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act after pleading guilty to several misdemeanors. 20-year-old Cory William Biltz was arrested last month in the Pine Creek Ridge subdivision after police received several calls of a man running naked through the neighborhood. He was also said to be going in and out of vehicles and garages. Biltz was visiting friends in the neighborhood and a search of a backpack he left at their home turned up suspected drugs. He was charged with resisting police, indecent exposure, possession of a Schedule V drug, possession of marijuana and breaking and entering. He has since pleaded guilty to attempted resisting police, indecent exposure, illegal entry, and two counts of possession of an illegal substance. Because of his age he is eligible for the youthful trainee status, which would leave him with a clean record if he successfully completes his sentence, which will be handed down on July 8th. (TD)
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Muir Middle School Teacher Under Investigation Resigns Muir Middle School Teacher Under Investigation Resigns
A Muir Middle School teacher has resigned following accusations of an inappropriate relationship with a former student. In a pair of emails sent out on May 26th and 27th, Huron Valley Schools Superintendent Jim Baker informed parents that as soon as officials had learned of the situation they took action and placed the teacher on indefinite leave pending an investigation. Baker said that the former student is a recent graduate and that the case has been reported to protective services. The district accepted the teacherâs letter of resignation on Tuesday. Milford police have been investigating the matter and have stated that once the investigation is complete, it will be sent to the Oakland County Prosecutorâs Office for review. (MK)
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Parental Rights Termination Hearing Continues For Former Brighton ManParental Rights Termination Hearing Continues For Former Brighton Man
Wednesday marked the continuation of a hearing to determine if a former Brighton man will be able to retain parental rights over his now 1-year-old daughter after being convicted of 2nd degree child abuse. The Michigan Department of Human Services is seeking the termination of Joshua Burns parental rights following an incident he and his wife Brenda maintain was an accident, not abuse involving there then 11-week-old daughter Naomi. He is serving a one-year sentence in the Livingston County Jail. Burns was questioned about his ability to accept responsibility for his actions, to which he responded that he is in a concrete jail cell and has nothing but time to reflect. Burns stood by his statements about what happened during the incident on March 15th of 2014, saying his daughter slipped off his knee and he grabbed her to prevent her from hitting the table. Burns says he wants his daughter to know her father, noting yesterday marked 426 days since he last saw Naomi due to a no-contact order issued by the court. The Burns have a strong support network of family and friends and are continuing their fight to reunite their family. Doris Viola, a clinical social worker practicing in Brighton, completed four sessions with Burns prior to his conviction. She said no red flags were raised during that time and commented during Wednesdayâs hearing that the ultimate goal would be reunification. Viola said it would be very desirable to have Joshua and Naomi together, especially at her young age, but that hasnât been possible because things were in a âstate of suspended animationâ during their sessions. She says Joshua being out of the home and not allowed to see Naomi presented unique problems, adding it was the first time she was presented with a situation where she didnât have access to the child and explained the goals of counseling going forward. Burns said he has the right to appeal his criminal conviction, which he is doing, and commented that yesterdayâs hearing was about his daughter and family, and he was not there to argue about the jury verdict. DHS officials indicated they were not disputing Burnsâ ability to provide for Naomi, but her overall future safety if in his care. They further questioned how the other medical diagnoses and retinal hemorrhages could have occurred, other than the short fall. Burns defense attorney objected to that line of questioning, as he is not a qualified medical professional. The hearing is slated to continue before Judge Miriam Cavanaugh next Tuesday. (JM)
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Hartland Approves Lake Tyrone Sewer Project, Holds Off On SAD RollHartland Approves Lake Tyrone Sewer Project, Holds Off On SAD Roll
The revised project plan for Lake Tyrone sewer system improvements has been accepted by the Hartland Township Board of Trustees. The current system on the lake still works, but the state has indicated that it will not meet environmental standards in the near future. The new project will send the communityâs wastewater to Genesee County for treatment, which will satisfy state requirements but cost millions of dollars to implement. That cost will be financed through a low-interest loan from the state, but ultimately paid by residents around the lake with a special assessment district. Before approval was granted Tuesday, the Hartland Township Board held a public hearing on the issue. Residents took the opportunity to ask for information and clarification on specific financial aspects of the plan, including the assessment payments, interest rates, and the roll for the SAD. One resident accused the board of being less than transparent about the process, pointing to a previous public hearing that had no public attendance, but Supervisor Bill Fountain refuted that accusation, saying the board announces and even broadcasts all of its meetings. Former township clerk Lynn Meissner also spoke during the hearing, and after asking her questions, she encouraged the board to actively inform residents that there may be programs to help with assessment payments for certain populations, including senior citizens, low-income families, and veterans. The board did not approve the roll for the SAD, which members believed should be corrected and verified before being put in place. (TD)
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Police: No Criminal Activity Between Fenton Teacher And Former StudentPolice: No Criminal Activity Between Fenton Teacher And Former Student
An investigation by Fenton police failed to turn up criminal activity between a suspended teacher and former student. The investigation began last month when around 20 fliers were distributed around Fenton High School with photocopies from one of the teacherâs social media accounts stating he has a âcrushâ on a now- former student. MLive.com reports that the teacher has allegedly admitted to police about sending messages of âphysical attractionâ to the former student beginning two days after the student graduated in 2012. Through the investigation, Fenton police discovered text messages and conversations from the teacher with as many six students between 2011 and 2012, and stated that although some of the girls were uncomfortable with it, nothing rose to be criminal in nature. Superintendent Tim Jalkanen said on June 1st that he hadnât seen the police report, and that the teacher will remain on paid administrative leave while the district investigates. An attorney for the teacher said he has not been asked to resign and doesnât plan to. No criminal charges have been filed at this point. (MK)
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Green Oak Township Approves Intent To Buy Barnstormers PropertyGreen Oak Township Approves Intent To Buy Barnstormers Property
The Green Oak Township Board of Trustees has approved the purchase of a dangerous property in hopes of cleaning it up. At its regular meeting Wednesday night, member voted unanimously in favor of securing the Barnstormers property on M-36 under right of first refusal. If the taxes arenât paid by the current owner, RJMC Corporation, by June 30th, the township has the right to acquire the property from the state for the price of taxes owed. In this case that total will be approximately $66,000. Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles tells WHMI that he prefers that government stay in the background, but sometimes it is necessary to get involved. The township has struggled for years with multiple code violations on the property. Both Green Oak Township and the Livingston County Court have labeled it as dangerous. If the township is able to secure it, it can begin taking bids for demolition, followed by rehabilitating the land in hopes of reselling it recover some of the purchase price. (MK)
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Convicted Road Rage Shooter Hires New AttorneyConvicted Road Rage Shooter Hires New Attorney
The Marion Township man convicted in a road rage murder has hired a new lawyer. 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale was convicted last month of second-degree murder and various firearms charges in the September 2014 shooting death of a fellow motorist at a Genoa Township intersection. Zale has hired a new attorney which has pushed his sentencing back a week. It is now scheduled for Friday, June 12th in front of Judge Miriam Cavanaugh. Zaleâs trial attorney, Melissa Pearce, confirmed for WHMI that her former client had hired another attorney, who then contacted her to let her know her services were no longer needed. She wouldnât speculate as to the reason for the decision, but did say that the family had been discussing an appeal of the conviction immediately after the verdict was delivered. The new attorney is Marcus Wilcox of Howell, who said he hasnât had a chance to talk with Mr. Zale about an appeal, although one was expected. Zale was convicted for shooting of 43-year-old Derek Flemming of Oceola Township after Flemming approached his truck at the intersection of Grand River and Chilson Road to reportedly inquire about Zaleâs aggressive driving. Zale claimed self-defense and that he feared for his life after Flemming hit him through the truck window. More than a dozen witnesses to the encounter were unable to verify Flemming hit Zale, who faces up to life in prison. (JK)
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Senator Ted Cruz Apologizes Following Ill-Timed Joke In Genoa SpeechSenator Ted Cruz Apologizes Following Ill-Timed Joke In Genoa Speech
Presidential hopeful Ted Cruz gave a speech in Genoa Township last night, and is now apologizing for a joke called out by some as insensitive. The Texas senator spoke before more than 600 people at Crystal Gardens for the Livingston County Republican Partyâs 55th annual Lincoln Day Dinner. His talking points included the importance of gun rights, privacy laws, and limiting the power of government. He praised the USA Freedom Act passed this week to bring an end to the bulk collection of American phone meta-data by the National Security Agency, called for the abolition of the IRS, and repeated the Republican battle cry of repealing the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare. During his talk he offered plenty of criticism for the actions of the Democratic Party, but it was when Cruz got personal that he got into trouble. At one point he brought up Vice President Joe Biden, then said he did not need a punchline because the vice president is already a joke. Following the speech numerous people on social media called Cruzâs comments insensitive, pointing out that Biden lost his son Beau to brain cancer on May 30th and the burial is scheduled for today. Cruz responded online to say the joke was a mistake, calling Bidenâs loss heartbreaking and tragic. Aside from that joke, the conservative crowd strongly approved of Cruzâs speech. Local and state conservative politicians were among those who attended last night. Local Tea Party leader Wes Nakagiri says it is too soon to tell whether Cruz will get his organization's endorsement for the 2016 presidential nomination. (TD)
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One-Year Sentence Handed Down For Man Accused Of Soliciting TeenOne-Year Sentence Handed Down For Man Accused Of Soliciting Teen
A lighter-than-normal sentence has been handed down for a man charged after a joint criminal investigation involving an out-of-state teenager. 24-year-old Christopher Carl Relitz resided in both Putnam and Green Oak Townships over the last year and was arrested following a joint investigation by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and the Washington County Sheriffâs Department in Minnesota. He was charged with six felony counts, and accepted a plea deal last month. He pleaded guilty as charged to accosting a child for immoral purposes and communicating with another using a computer to commit a crime. He was also charged with child abusive commercial activity and blackmail, but he was allowed to plead guilty to the lesser included charge of attempting to commit those crimes. In exchange, prosecutors dropped two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. At his sentencing on Thursday, Judge Michael Hatty took a downward departure from sentencing guidelines, ordering Relitz to serve one year in jail with credit for 72 days already served. He will also serve five years of probation. The case involves a 14-year-old Minnesota girl that Relitz allegedly solicited via computer to send him nude photographs. Relitz allegedly made a statement to police that he wanted a âmaster-slaveâ relationship. (TD)
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Local Golf Coach Part of Winning Pro-Am TeamLocal Golf Coach Part of Winning Pro-Am Team
A local realtor and golf coach was part of the winning team this week at the annual Nike Golf State Pro Am at Boyne Highlands. 25-year-olds Jimmy Dewling and his partner Chris Mory pulled out a come-from-behind win. Mory, a golf professional at Hawk Hollow Golf Club in Bath, and Dewling, the son of Livingston County Commissioners Board Chair Carol Griffith and a coach at Brighton High School, shot a 13-under, 131 over the two day tournament. Dewling tells WHMI they both came to Boyne Highland knowing they would have to play at the top of their game. Mory is a newly turned pro, but Dewling, who is his former Michigan State roommate, said he has no plans to go pro and is instead focused on his real estate career and remaining a golf coach at Brighton High School. (JK)
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3rd Annual Rainbow Community Rally Set Saturday at Brighton Mill Pond3rd Annual Rainbow Community Rally Set Saturday at Brighton Mill Pond
A weekend event will again promote diversity, acceptance and love in Livingston County. The Rainbow Community Rally is a large show of support to let people know theyâre welcomed and accepted in Livingston County while also providing information and resources. Saturdayâs rally at the Brighton Mill Pond is sponsored by a number of local churches and groups, including Livingston PFLAG or Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Lauren Jasenak of Brighton was aware of Livingston PFLAG before coming out but started attending the groupâs monthly meetings with her mother not long after. She says they met some awesome people and have been going ever since, while also working to help make the local community more tolerant. Livingston County tends to be a more conservative-leaning community so for those who might feel that no one understands them or perhaps cut off because they havenât been able to live openly, Jasenak says it gets better and there is a place for them in the community. She tells WHMI resources are available and organizations like PFLAG and Saturdayâs rally help to let people know theyâre not alone and considers herself lucky to have a good support system. While it took a few years, Jasenak says there are people out there who care and want those who might be struggling with different issues to be comfortable, safe and happy in the community. The 3rd annual Rainbow Community Rally will feature speakers, information and resources, as well music and activities from 1 to 3pm Saturday at the Brighton Mill Pond. (JM)
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Melissa Gilbert & Timothy Busfield Announce Plans To Leave HowellMelissa Gilbert & Timothy Busfield Announce Plans To Leave Howell
Howellâs most famous residents have announced they will be leaving the city. Melissa Gilbert has been discussing her upcoming move on Twitter. She says she and her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, will be moving out of Howell, but she tells WHMI she will be staying in Livingston County. She describes the coupleâs new home as a log cabin in the woods, and says they plan to move in the next couple of weeks. Gilbert initially announced her plans to move to Howell in August of 2013, also on Twitter. In her two years as a Howell city resident, Gilbert made several forays into community involvement, helping to judge the Runway Repurposed fundraiser for the Howell Opera House and working with kids involved with the Community Theatre of Howell. Gilbert is best known from her stint on the iconic television series âLittle House on the Prairie,â although from 2001 to 2005 she was president of the Screen Actors' Guild. She most recently co-starred on the ABC series âSecrets & Liesâ with her husband, who served as an executive producer of the series. (TD/JK)
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Aviation History Buffs Get A Glimpse of B-25 NoseAviation History Buffs Get A Glimpse of B-25 Nose
Aviation and history enthusiasts got a close up look at the nose of a B-25 Thursday night after a fundraiser presentation for the Warbirds of Glory Museum. Director Patrick Mihalek told the story of the World War II-era bomber known as Sandbar Mitchell, he and a group of aviation enthusiasts recovered from Alaska two years ago and brought to Livingston County. Plans are to restore the plane to flying condition over the next ten years and open a permanent museum depending on funding. Thursday nightâs fundraiser also featured a half-hour documentary film about the recovery and restoration and the planeâs history, which will be aired as part of a television series at a later date. Museum board member Todd Trainor tells WHMI the B-25 is an asset to Livingston County in that it will not only be restored to flying condition, but it will be a tribute to veterans and youth. Mihalek introduced four young volunteers working involved on the project, including Anthony Muldoon who will leave on June 11th with Mihalek and Trainor to recover part of another downed B-25 in Nome, Alaska. Mihalek says there are about a dozen youth working on Sandbar Mitchell, but space is the biggest obstacle to expanding the youth and veteran program at this point. (DS)
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More Lane Closures & Water Shutoffs in City of Fenton Next Week More Lane Closures & Water Shutoffs in City of Fenton Next Week
Construction is said to be moving along really well with the Fenton Streetscape project. Work involves upgrading infrastructure, repaving streets, improving walkability and other aesthetic enhancements. City officials say there will continue to be intermittent lane closures on LeRoy Street to install storm sewer. Sometime next week, traffic will be shifted to the center of LeRoy Street and work will occur on both sides of the road. The new water main is expected to be tied in by the Fenton Police Station on Tuesday morning. Water shutoffs will occur but the city says affected residents and businesses will be notified. Other work next week involves grading on Shiawassee and LeRoy to raise the street. Irrigation and utility lines will also be laid down. The Fenton Streetscape project will ultimately result in a $4.7 (m) million upgrade to the downtown district and construction will continue through late fall. (JM)
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Hearing Set for Man Charged in Crash That Killed Hamburg Police Sergeant Hearing Set for Man Charged in Crash That Killed Hamburg Police Sergeant
A local man charged in connection with a crash that killed a Hamburg Township Police sergeant will appear in court later this month. 54-year-old Steven Mark Kelty of Oceola Township is charged with driving while license suspended causing death and operating a motor vehicle with the presence of a schedule one substance causing death, in this case marijuana. Heâs scheduled to appear for a June 19th pre-trial hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court. Kelty is also charged as a third time habitual offender for prior operating while intoxicated convictions that happened in 2002 and 1995. If convicted on the current charges, he faces up to 30 years in prison. Sergeant Jim Sanderson, a 20-year veteran of the Hamburg Township Police Department, was off-duty but headed to a police memorial event when the motorcycle crash occurred at the intersection of Latson Road and Figurski Drive in Genoa Township on September 26th. Previous requests by Keltyâs defense attorney to have his clientâs $1 (m) million bond reduced have been denied and he remains lodged in the Livingston County Jail. (JM)
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