With the release this week of details surrounding the transition of Caitlyn Jenner, the entire issue of being transgender has received much discussion. Here in Livingston County, someone who has made the transition is Autumn Mahoney, a software engineer from Hartland. She tells WHMI that the Caitlyn Jenner story has certainly created dialogue on this issue among the public, and while thatâs overall a good thing, people need to understand that everyone has a different path. "The issue of the media coverage of it, obviously this is a totally different world than most trans people live in. She's surrounded in wealth, celebrity and all of this so her experiences are going to be a whole lot different than everybody else's and so I'm a little afraid of people taking that as an example of what transgender is...(while) that's one totally valid expression of that...it's not everyone's story." Mahoney says she was luckier than most in that the loved ones in her life have been open and accepting of her transition. As for society in general she says thereâs still a lot of work to be done to enable transgender people access to healthcare services, obtaining proper identification documents and creating non-discrimination policies. She adds that for anyone who has questions or feels isolated, they should attend Saturday's Rainbow Rally at the Brighton Mill Pond from 1-3pm. You can hear Mahoneyâs complete interview this Sunday morning at 8:30 on WHMIâs Viewpoint. Picture courtesy of Annie Liebowitz/Vanity Fair/Associated Press (JK)
Local Trans Resident Hopes Jenner Story Creates Positive DiscussionLocal Trans Resident Hopes Jenner Story Creates Positive Discussion
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Road Project Ready To Roll Monday In Howell; D-19 To Close at I-96Road Project Ready To Roll Monday In Howell; D-19 To Close at I-96
A road improvement project kicks off Monday in Howell and will shut down a portion of D-19 along with the westbound I-96 ramps for 16 days. The project will be built in three stages but the first will have the largest impact on motorists. It involves the closure of Dâ19 from the Iâ96 overpass to just north of the westbound I-96 ramps. The ramps to and from westbound Iâ96, along with Dâ19 and the Park and Ride lot, will completely close from June 8th through the 24th. The first stage will be implemented overnight Sunday into Monday, meaning the freeway ramps will likely already be closed when commuters start their morning trek. Work involves reconstructing Dâ19 north of Iâ96 and widening a portion of the road to accommodate a northbound center left turn lane at the traffic signal. Livingston County Road Commission Manager Mike Craine tells WHMI the first phase is on the fast track so that area will be back open to traffic in time for Balloonfest and one of the main project goals is to create more room at the crowded intersection. There is currently no center left turn lane for northbound traffic, which causes significant congestion at peak hours. Craine says the closures will be inconvenient but there is not room to maintain traffic and safely perform the required work. The Latson Road interchange will be the official detour route and Dâ19 will remain open to all businesses from the north leg of the road. The improvement project is being funded by the road commission, along with some participation from Marion Township. Complete details about the construction are available in the attached press release. (JM)
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"Call of The Wild" Chosen for Cromaine Library's 2016 Big Read Book"Call of The Wild" Chosen for Cromaine Library's 2016 Big Read Book
The Cromaine District Library in Hartland has received a grant to host another community wide read centered on a classic adventure story. The library has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host The Big Read, which will bring host of programming and events to the Hartland area and Livingston County in late March and April 2016, although planning is already well underway. Cromaine Director Ceci Marlow says theyâve selected the book âCall of the Wildâ by Jack London, which she describes as a great adventure story that will reach all ages. Marlow tells WHMI the book has a number of themes that apply today including the very special relationship between a human and a dog because for many there is no greater companion. She says the book is especially relevant as the state of Michigan struggles balancing the role of wolves in the eco-system which spawned legislative and activist efforts. More details are included in the press release below. Meanwhile, the community-wide Livingston Reads just wrapped up and Marlow says theyâll follow that with an opportunity for the community help choose the next book. A survey is available in print at each of the six public libraries in Livingston County asking what the community wants to read in 2016. There are four different titles to pick from, which Marlow says were chosen in part because all of the libraries can easily obtain the books. Feedback is being sought by June 30th so the libraries will have ample time to line up resources and put together creative programming for another county-wide read next spring. (JM)
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Grant Provides Math Training To Local TeachersGrant Provides Math Training To Local Teachers
School may soon be out for summer, but teachers in Livingston County will be among those plugging into professional development to hone their math skills. Starting in July, both the Livingston Educational Service Agency and Washtenaw Intermediate School District are offering âChanging the Equation Using Intel® Mathematics.â Andrea Pisani, Math Coordinator and Network Director for the Livingston and Washtenaw Mathematics and Science Center, said positive feedback from local teachers has fueled the initiative, described an effective way to build math skills. Pisani said while some educators expressed apprehension at the prospects of effectively teaching math, this program will provide confidence for teachers to present math to their students. Districts that are participating in the Intel Math training are Ann Arbor, Fowlerville, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, and Ypsilanti. The professional development is made possible through a $530,000 grant. The program is designed to close the gap between insufficient mathematics training of elementary school teachers primarily teaching in priority or focus schools. After the delivery of the initial two-week math training, official say that local professional development providers can spend their energy and resources to support teachers in using their new content knowledge to improve their instructional practice. Last year 50 teachers were served by the professional development and the current grant allows for more than double that this year. (JK)
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Oceola Expanding Riddle Cemetery To Meet DemandOceola Expanding Riddle Cemetery To Meet Demand
Riddle Cemetery in Oceola Township is nearing capacity, and officials are working to expand it. There are only about 200 plots left in the 1.5-acre cemetery, which is located on Argentine Road south of Clyde Road. Supervisor Bill Bamber says the sites are being taken up not just by interred remains, but by residents who have already reserved their spots in the cemetery. Luckily, the township owns another 160 acres around the cemetery, and had only to allocate a portion of that to expand it. The township plans to make another half-acre available, which would double the number of available plots. Work has begun on that expansion, which has already been leveled and seeded in preparation for its addition to the cemetery. It will get monuments in the fall, the road serving the expansion will go in next year, and finally the individual grave site markers will be installed. (TD)
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Closing Arguments Begin Monday in Trial of Man Charged in Deputy's Death Closing Arguments Begin Monday in Trial of Man Charged in Deputy's Death
The defense argued that there is no photo or video evidence connecting a former Hamburg Township man to the missing SUV involved in the crash that killed an Ingham County Sheriffâs deputy. Grant Whitaker was killed during the course of the pursuit on back roads near Stockbridge during the early morning hours of December 7th. Prosecutors allege 34-year-old John Kelsey, who is pictured and now resides in Stockbridge, was driving the white SUV that sped by Whitaker and another deputy parked at a gas station, which led to the chase. A white 2003 Yukon Denali XL registered to Kelseyâs father matches the suspect vehicle description but has never been located or reported stolen. Friday marked the seventh day of the trial, during which prosecutors called final witnesses. Testimony centered on 151 tips received by Michigan State Police. A detective sergeant testified that various individuals and white SUVâs were ruled out during the course of the investigation and more tips were received about Kelsey than anyone else. Later Friday afternoon, Kelseyâs defense Attorney Brian Morley presented a mechanical engineer as an expert witness who testified Whitakerâs patrol car was traveling at speeds of between 112 and 122 mph on Dexter Trail when he lost control, went off the road and crashed into trees. Charles Funk testified several bumps in the road in the area where Whitaker lost control may have been the cause, stating anything that went wrong with that amount of energy could be catastrophic. A MSP accident reconstructionist determined the same range of speed but concluded the crash was a single vehicle accident, not just loss of control. No evidence of a white SUV was found by either expert at the crash scene or the area leading up to it. Previous testimony during the trial was heard from a witness who claimed Kelsey met with a mutual friend who metal scrapper. A MSP Trooper testified that phone records backed up that assertion but the property was searched last month and failed to turn up any evidence of a white SUV. Surveillance video presented from the night of the chase showed Kelsey leaving the Dam Site Inn in Hell in a large white SUV but the trooper testified it was âinconclusiveâ if that was the same SUV caught on video at the gas station. Kelsey is charged with driving on a suspended license causing death and 1st degree fleeing and eluding police causing death. Closing arguments begin Monday morning in Ingham County Circuit Court and will be followed by the start of jury deliberations. Photo Credit WLNS. (JM)
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Brighton & Howell Firefighters Respond to House Fire FridayBrighton & Howell Firefighters Respond to House Fire Friday
Local firefighters battled a house fire in Genoa Township Friday. The Brighton Area Fire Authority reports that the blaze started in the kitchen but spread quickly to adjacent rooms and the attic. The department says the family luckily had working smoke alarms and made it out safely. Crews were assisted at the scene by the Howell Area Fire Authority. Photo courtesy Brighton Area Fire Authority. (JM)
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Work Skills Corporation Announces New PresidentWork Skills Corporation Announces New President
Work Skills Corporation has announced the promotion of Tina Jackson to become president of that organization. Work Skills Corporation provides educational and job training opportunities for those with special needs and others. Jackson will be responsible for monitoring and overseeing staffing, employment services, residential services, production operations, the WSC Academy and Studio West. Work Skills CEO Rod Jones says she has been invaluable in shaping where they are today and her âundeniable business savvy has provided direction for growth throughout Work Skills Corporation.â Jackson joined WSC 25 years ago and has been key in the development and growth of the staffing, home health care, retail, employment and training and education divisions. Additionally she is actively involved with the Work Skills Foundation and development of events that include the Three Par Palooza, Women of Work Skills Foundation and Studio West Paint & Pour Parties. (JK)
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Theis Joins Various Lawmakers in Announcing Summer Reading Contest Theis Joins Various Lawmakers in Announcing Summer Reading Contest
Another local legislator has announced a contest offering students the opportunity to step away from the computer screen this summer and do something positive with their time. State Representative Lana Theis of Brighton Township is joining with other lawmakers in announcing a summer reading contest in which students have a chance to be a legislator for a day. As part of the contest, one student and their family will be invited as special guests to accompany Theis at the State Capitol to experience life as a state lawmaker. Theis tells WHMI reading offers a whole world that students sometimes donât spend much time in, especially during the summer. She says itâs a great opportunity for students of all ages but also for families and parents to get involved with their childâs education by enjoying quality time reading a book together or recalling interesting facts that can broaden their topics of discussion. Students in grades 1st through 5th are eligible to participate by reading ten or more books and then fill in the necessary information on Representative Theisâs Summer Bookmark. Each completed bookmark must be submitted and dropped in the designated contest box at the studentâs local library or school on or before September 1st to be considered for entry into the contest. The Summer Reading Contest guidelines for House District 42 are included in Representative Theisâs customized bookmark, which can be picked up at a studentâs local library or school. Details are also available in the attachment below. (JM)
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Hartland Chamber Of Commerce Announces Scholarship Recipients Hartland Chamber Of Commerce Announces Scholarship Recipients
An organization that assists with business establishment and growth in the Hartland community is congratulating the recipients of its 2015 scholarship program and wishing them the best of luck as they go forward. Three students who were among Hartland High Schoolâs 410 seniors that graduated Friday were awarded scholarships from the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce. Justin Paul Smith was the recipient of a $1,000 cash scholarship, who officials say was chosen in large part for his community contributions, academic achievement, financial need, and well-composed essay. As his interests lie in management and entrepreneurship, Smith plans to pursue a business management degree at Grand Valley State University and the Chamber says it looks forward to one day supporting his dreams of owning a business. Alyssa and Kaitlyn Hopkins, also seniors at Hartland High School, shared in the second $1,000 scholarship, which was added to their GoFundMe account earlier in the year. The two young women are the daughters of long-time chamber member and former Hartland Township Clerk Larry Hopkins. Winners were selected by a committee comprised of area business professionals and Smith was presented with his scholarship during Hartland High Schoolâs Senior Honors Night held earlier this week. The school district reported that approximately 270 awards were given out and graduating seniors had earned over $7.9 (m) million in scholarship money. (JM)
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Local Legislators Co-Sponsor Donated Food Liability LawLocal Legislators Co-Sponsor Donated Food Liability Law
Two local legislators were among the co-sponsors for a bill that was signed into law last week to help reduce the legal liability that comes with donating food. House Bill 4017 received overwhelming support in both houses of the Michigan Legislature and was signed by Governor Snyder on Thursday. It amends the state food law to include a section eliminating civil liability for farmers, retailers, distributors, people, and nonprofits who are involved in providing food for human consumption. That protection is removed if the person or organizations knows or should have known that there was something wrong with the donated food. The bill was co-sponsored by local Representatives Lana Theis and Hank Vaupel upon its introduction to the house. Vaupel tells WHMI thousands of pounds of good food, particularly protein-based food like meat, is thrown out every year when it could be distributed to those in need. Nonprofit organizations that want to benefit from this protection would have to designate a certified food safety manager among their staff. (TD)
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Police Imposter Reported In Highland TownshipPolice Imposter Reported In Highland Township
Police are looking for an imposter after an incident late Friday night in Highland Township. A 23-year-old West Bloomfield Township man came to the Oakland County Sheriffâs Highland Township Substation after saying he had been driving in the area of southbound Duck Lake Rd. near Livingston Rd. when the vehicle behind him activated a blue flashing light. The driver pulled over and the vehicle pulled in behind him. The man said a male subject exited the vehicle and approached him. The man was not wearing a uniform, but just a black ball cap with âSheriffâ in white lettering on the front. The subject asked the driver for his license and registration and when question by the driver, indicated he was only giving him a warning. The man returned to his vehicle and drove off in the opposite direction. The driver described the subject as being a young, white male about 6 feet tall and heavier in stature. He was driving an older model Ford Crown Victoria with no marking, stripes, or external lights. The blue strobe light appeared to be mounted on the visor inside the vehicle. Deputies checked the area for the suspect vehicle but saw no trace of it. Area police agencies were advised of the incident and the Sheriffâs Office is asking anyone who may have had a similar experience recently to contact them or their local police department and file a report. (JK)
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Brighton Council Votes To Issue $4 Million In Bonds For Road ProjectsBrighton Council Votes To Issue $4 Million In Bonds For Road Projects
The Brighton City Council wants to make major upgrades to Second Street and do other street improvement work, but to do that the city will need to bond for the projects. The City Council Thursday night voted to issue a notice of its intent to go to the bond market for up to $4 million in tax obligation bonds for the projects. The vote was 6-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Pipoly voting no, saying the cost figure was too high. The lionâs share of the money would be used for infrastructure work necessary for the construction of a senior assisted living facility. The bond money would also be used as the local match for a project to improve Brighton Interior Drive and for half-a-million dollars in street improvements to residential areas of the city. The bond issue does not require a public vote unless certain conditions are met. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI city residents who are registered voters will have a 45-day period in which to put the bond issue on the ballot. They would be required to obtain the signatures of at least 10% of the cityâs registered voters within a 45-day period in order to force a referendum on the issue. The period for collecting petition signatures would begin as soon as the legal notice is published. The bond issue, if approved, would be for such items as installation of new, larger-capacity sewer and water mains, new pavement, new curb & gutter, Victorian street lamps, wider sidewalks, decorative trees and other improvements. Of the total project cost, about $1 million would go for the underground work and the remainder for the ground-level work. Foster says the bond money is needed to facilitate a $20 million senior assisted living facility on Second Street. The remainder would be used for $500,000 in residential area street projects and to resurface Brighton Interior Drive. The project would provide the local match required for a grant from MDOT so TG Fluid Systems on Advance St. can expand and move into the former Magna Atoma Plant, providing 38 new jobs. (TT)
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Closing Arguments Set This Morning In Trial Of Former Hamburg ManClosing Arguments Set This Morning In Trial Of Former Hamburg Man
Closing arguments begin this morning in Ingham County Circuit Court in the trial of a former Hamburg Township man charged in the death of an Ingham County Sheriffâs deputy.
Grant Whitaker was killed during the course of the pursuit on back roads near Stockbridge during the early morning hours of December 7th. Prosecutors allege 34-year-old John Kelsey, who now resides in Stockbridge, was driving the white SUV that sped by Whitaker and another deputy parked at a gas station, which led to the chase. Kelsey is charged with driving on a suspended license causing death and 1st degree fleeing and eluding police causing death. A white 2003 Yukon Denali XL registered to Kelseyâs father matches the suspect vehicle description but has never been located or reported stolen. Fridayâs defense testimony featured a mechanical engineer as an expert witness who testified Whitakerâs patrol car was traveling at speeds of between 112 and 122 mph on Dexter Trail when he lost control, went off the road and crashed into trees. Charles Funk testified several bumps in the road in the area where Whitaker lost control may have been the cause, stating anything that went wrong with that amount of energy could be catastrophic. A State Police accident reconstructionist determined the same range of speed but concluded the crash was a single vehicle accident, not just loss of control. No evidence of a white SUV was found by either expert at the crash scene or the area leading up to it. Previous testimony during the trial was heard from a witness who claimed Kelsey met with a mutual friend who was a metal scrapper, although a search of the property last month failed to turn up any evidence of a white SUV. Photo credit - WLNS. (JK)
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"Connecting with the Land Hoopla" Saturday At Brighton Farm "Connecting with the Land Hoopla" Saturday At Brighton Farm
An interactive non-profit that helps people increase their emotional intelligence through the wisdom of horses will host another community event this weekend. âFrom the Ground on Upâ is a Howell based non-profit centered on equine guided learning and other programs that help people move past personal issues or obstacles to see their true potential and opportunities. From the Ground on Up President/CEO Brigette Patton says horses have the ability to see what kind of intention someone is exhibiting and communicate that whether in business situations or personal lives - helping people heal emotionally or get past a possible roadblock in their life. All of the work is done on the ground and the non-profit has several community partners and sister barns they work with in the area to hold different activities, programs and workshops. It will be partnering with the certified-organic Stone Coop Farm in Brighton for the âConnecting with the Land Hooplaâ this Saturday, June 13th. Patton tells WHMI itâs an energetic, fair-style event will provide community exposure about the work the farm is doing and highlight the importance of the farm-to-table movement and organic farming. It will also raise funds to help provide a local farmer with a scholarship to attend MSU's Organic Farming Program. Horse wisdom and energy activities, guided mediation and yoga, demonstrations, music, cooking classes for adults and kids with Renee Chodkowski aka The Great Foodini and leisurely tours of Stone Coop Farm are planned during Saturdayâs âConnecting with the Land Hooplaâ from 10am to 3pm. Kids 12 and under are free. Details and a link to register are available at below. (JM)
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Interchange Repair Project Underway In Howell; D-19 Closed at I-96 Interchange Repair Project Underway In Howell; D-19 Closed at I-96
A road improvement project kicks off today in Howell that has shut down a portion of D-19 along with the westbound I-96 ramps for 16 days. The project will be built in three stages but the first will have the largest impact on motorists. It involves the closure of Dâ19 from the Iâ96 overpass to just north of the westbound I-96 ramps. The ramps to and from westbound Iâ96, along with Dâ19 and the Park and Ride lot, were closed off this morning and will remain closed through the 24th. Work involves reconstructing Dâ19 north of Iâ96 and widening a portion of the road to accommodate a northbound center left turn lane at the traffic signal. There is currently no such lane, which causes significant congestion at peak hours. The Latson Road interchange will be the official detour route and Dâ19 will remain open to all businesses from the north leg of the road. The improvement project is being funded by the road commission, along with some participation from Marion Township. (JK)
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Missing Dundee Girl Found Alive Near Howell By FishermenMissing Dundee Girl Found Alive Near Howell By Fishermen
A girl missing from a Monroe County-community was found Sunday near Howell. Police in Dundee and Michigan State Police confirm that 20-year old Saidie Hopkins, who had been missing since Thursday, was discovered Sunday afternoon just outside of Howell. Reportedly two fishermen found the 20-year old woman, who suffers from a closed-head injury, by a cell-phone tower, lying on the ground. While there were no apparent injuries, she wasn't able to talk and they took her to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital, where authorities were called. Police say they believe Hopkins willingly left the Dundee area, but are investigating what may have occurred since then. (JK)
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Jury Begins Deliberations in Trial of Man Charged in Deputy's Death Jury Begins Deliberations in Trial of Man Charged in Deputy's Death
A jury has begun deliberations in the trial of a former Hamburg Township man charged in connection with the death of an Ingham County Sheriffâs deputy. The prosecution and defense presented closing arguments in Ingham County Circuit Court this morning, and the jury began deliberations at around 11am. Prosecutors allege 34-year-old John Kelsey led police on a high-speed chase during the early morning hours of December 7th, which led to the death of Deputy Grant Whitaker who crashed during the course of the pursuit on back roads near Stockbridge. A white SUV caught on surveillance video at a gas station close to where the chase began has been at the center of the trial, which has been underway for almost two weeks. The vehicle involved has never been located. Defense Attorney Brian Morley argued that there is no evidence his client was behind the wheel of the white SUV caught on video; the other deputy involved in the chase could not identify the driver or the vehicle; and Kelseyâs neighbors never saw a white SUV in his driveway after the incident. Morley further stated his client was seen at the Dam Site Inn in Hell the same time the chase and accident took place. A white 2003 Yukon Denali XL registered to Kelseyâs father matches the suspect vehicle description but has never been located. Kelsey, resides in Stockbridge, is charged with driving on a suspended license causing death and 1st degree fleeing and eluding police causing death. If convicted as charged, he could serve 30 years in prison. Photo Credit WLNS Lansing. (JM)
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Five Suspects Arrested Following Armed Genoa Twp. Home Invasion Five Suspects Arrested Following Armed Genoa Twp. Home Invasion
Five suspects, four of them from Detroit, are jailed after a home invasion in Livingston County over the weekend. State Police from the Brighton Post say that shortly after one in the morning on Friday, June 4th, Troopers were dispatched to an armed robbery in the 3500 block of Crystal Valley Drive in Genoa Township. Once on the scene, a total of fourteen victims reported that three armed men entered the residence and robbed them at gunpoint. One victim was struck in the head with a metal baton during the robbery, causing extensive bleeding. They reported that the men took their cash, jewelry, car keys and cell phones. They then fled the home on foot. The suspect vehicle was spotted a short time later by a Brighton Police officer. When the officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, three suspects ran into a wooded area. The driver was taken into custody and a large amount of evidence was discovered inside the car. The three suspects who fled were arrested later the same day at a home in Detroit, where additional evidence was found. The fifth suspect was arrested Saturday after he fled from a bar in Brighton and was located by a State Police K9 unit and helicopter hiding in the bushes in a back yard adjacent to the Brighton Mill Pond. State Police Detective Sgt. Scott Singleton says the motive appears to be strictly the robbery of the subjects in the house as one of the suspects was an acquaintance of one of the victims and knew there would be a party there. Four of the five suspects, all from Detroit and ranging in age 21 to 25 years old, are lodged at the Livingston County jail after being arraigned on armed robbery and home invasion charges. Their bonds were set at $1 million each. The fifth suspect, a 44-year-old Brighton resident, will be arraigned this afternoon. (JK)
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Spencer Road Over I-96 to Close Monday, June 15thSpencer Road Over I-96 to Close Monday, June 15th
An ongoing interchange improvement project will force the closure of a busy road in the Brighton area on Monday. The Michigan Department of Transportation will close Spencer Road over I-96 for approximately 40 days for construction. General traffic will utilize Old US-23 and Grand River for detours but the ramp to westbound I-96 from Spencer Road is expected to remain open. M-DOT will also be closing the two park and ride lots off Spencer Road, just north of I-96. Those are expected to close this Thursday, June 11th. M-DOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI both park and ride lots and the Spencer Road bridge are expected to re-open by the end of July. The construction is part of the larger project at I-96 and US-23 to improve safety and traffic flow at the interchange. There continues to be a lot of activity and Arend says the overall project is on schedule and work is progressing. Besides the big closure Monday, Arend notes additional lane closures are planned this weekend near I-96 and US-23, including a full closure of Old US-23 at I-96 to set beams at one of the bridge locations. Updated information is available on M-DOT's Mi Drive interactive map and that link is posted below. (JM)
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