With news that the deadly bird flu, which already has killed millions of poultry and captive birds, has been confirmed in Michigan, experts say extra vigilance is needed to help prevent the spread of the disease. Katie Okert, a 4-H animal science educator at Michigan State University Extension, says anyone who deals with birds, including the many Michiganders who raise backyard chickens, needs to take special precautions. "Making sure to wash your hands before and after you interact with your birds,â she advises. âHaving one set of clothing and footwear to go and care for your animals in, and that doesn't get worn anyplace else, and is washed often." Michigan is the 21st state to report cases of the H5N2 flu strain, which has a very low transmission rate to humans. However, Ockert cautions that anyone who sees wild birds that are dead or appear ill should not touch them, and should contact the state's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Because of the outbreak, Michigan officials have cancelled all of this year's poultry and waterfowl exhibitions statewide, including county fairs, swap meets and petting zoos. Ockert says while this is a disappointment to the thousands of children in programs such as 4-H, it's also an important real-life agriculture lesson. "We're figuring out ways that youth can still be involved through a little less traditional methods, but we're really trying hard to salvage what we can," Ockert adds that there will be alternate forms of judging experiences for those who raise birds for exhibition, and that plans are still in the works for raised poultry that is typically sold at market following fairs, such as broiler chickens and turkeys. Image courtesy of Michigan Department of Agriculture Facebook page. (MS)
Precautions Urged To Combat Spread Of Avian Flu In MichiganPrecautions Urged To Combat Spread Of Avian Flu In Michigan
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Local School Bus Driver's Union Complaint Receives Favorable RulingLocal School Bus Driver's Union Complaint Receives Favorable Ruling
Thereâs been a reported favorable ruling for a local bus driverâs complaint alleging a violation of Michiganâs right-to-work law. The driver, Pauline Beutler of Howell, is employed by the Livingston Educational Service Agency. According to officials from the National Right to Work Foundation, the Michigan Employment Relations Commission on Tuesday struck down a policy by Teamsters Local 214 that denied her the ability to opt out of paying her dues until a union designated opt-out period. Beutler made the request in September of 2013 following implementation of Michiganâs Right to Work law, which made the payment of union dues voluntary for private-sector unions and most public-sector unions. Beutler says when she notified the union she was exercising her right under the right-to-work law to refrain from paying union dues, they told her she would have to wait for a union-designated âwindow periodâ in July 2014. The National Right to Work Foundation, which provided legal assistance to Beutler, said that, âBy striking down Local 214âs window period, the MERC has established a precedent that any government union restriction on dues deduction revocations violates the stateâs public sector Right to Work law.â (JK)
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Road Commission Moves on Summer ProjectsRoad Commission Moves on Summer Projects
Road work has already begun on a stretch of Fenton Road in Hartland Township, and is planned to begin sometime this summer on Bullard Road also in Hartland Township. Contracts were issued for Fenton Road and construction started on June 9th on a stretch from M-59 to Dunham Road. Work will continue next week on the resurfacing project. A third project involving improvements to limestone resurfacing of McClements Road in Brighton Township between US-23 and the township line was also approved. The gravel road project is in addition to a project approved in Genoa Township last month involving Hacker Road. Livingston County Road Commission Manager Mike Craine tells WHMI getting the two townships together on the road improvement project was the important part, and they are good townships to work with. Work will begin on that project sometime in late June or early July. Meanwhile improvements to D-19 are progressing on schedule. County Highway Engineer Jodi Tedesco told commissioners that as long as rain doesnât impact the project too much, D-19 should open as planned on June 25th. Curb and gutter and paving should be done next week, she said. (DS)
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Sentencing Set Friday For Local Man Convicted In Fatal Road Rage IncidentSentencing Set Friday For Local Man Convicted In Fatal Road Rage Incident
The sentencing of a Marion Township man convicted by a jury in the shooting death of a fellow motorist at a busy intersection is set to take place Friday. 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale was convicted of 2nd degree murder and related firearms charges in the September 2014 shooting death of 43-year-old Derek Flemming of Oceola Township. The shooting followed a confrontation between the two men at the intersection of Chilson Road and Grand River in Genoa Township, in which Flemming got out of his vehicle and approached Zaleâs pick-up truck to reportedly inquire about Zaleâs aggressive driving. Zale claimed self-defense and maintained that he feared for his life after Flemming punched him. More than a dozen witnesses to the encounter were unable to verify that Flemming hit Zale. An appeal of the conviction is expected, which Zaleâs family began discussing immediately after the jury verdict was delivered. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says hopefully the sentencing will help bring some closure for the family as they deal with this tragedy. He earlier told WHMI that this was not a case about gun rights or self-defense but the unjustified shooting of an un-armed man. Vailliencourt said although nothing can bring back Flemming to his wife and children; the jury worked hard and considered all of the evidence and theyâre grateful Zale was held accountable for his criminal conduct. In every charge of first degree murder, he says the jury always has the option of considering a second degree conviction. He says the distinction between the two is whether or not the jury can find beyond a reasonable doubt that the killing was committed with pre-meditation and deliberation, meaning Zale had an opportunity to think about it beforehand and consider his actions. Vailliencourt says the jury obviously couldnât make that finding beyond a reasonable doubt but still concluded this was an unjustified killing and that Zale intended on killing Flemming so theyâre satisfied with that verdict. Zale recently hired a new attorney and will be represented by Marcus Wilcox of Howell during his sentencing Friday in front of Judge Miriam Cavanaugh. (JM)
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Woman Sentenced in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash That Killed Baby Woman Sentenced in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash That Killed Baby
A local woman has been sentenced in connection with a head-on crash in Howell Township that claimed the life of a womanâs child. 34-year-old Angela Murphy-Spare of Brighton was sentenced to seven years and two months and a maximum of 15 years in prison on a charge of Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death. She received 40 months to 5 years for Operating While Intoxicated Causing Serious Injury. Murphy-Spare earlier entered no contest pleas to both charges due to mental illness. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such during sentencing. It was an emotional hearing and Judge Miriam Cavanaugh also ordered that Murphy-Spare receive mental health treatment while incarcerated. Police say she was driving westbound in an eastbound lane of M-59 near Durant Road in Howell Township on May 7th of last year when she struck a Saturn driven by 29-year-old Michelle Richards of Howell. Murphy-Spare was deemed the at-fault driver and initial testing indicated she had a blood-alcohol content of .12%. The legal limit is .08%. Both women suffered significant injuries as a result of the crash. Murphy-Spare was taken by Survival Flight to the University of Michigan Hospital. Richards, who was seven months pregnant at the time of the crash, was also hospitalized and ultimately lost her child. Her daughter was delivered via an emergency C-section and weighed 2 pounds, 11 ounces but died hours later due to injuries suffered in the crash. (JM)
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Lane Closures Scheduled on Westbound I-96 TonightLane Closures Scheduled on Westbound I-96 Tonight
M-DOT has rescheduled some lane closures as part of the improvement project at I-96 and US-23 in Brighton that will likely result in some traffic delays later tonight. The double lane closure on westbound I-96 at US-23 was originally scheduled for Saturday night but has been rescheduled to tonight so that crews can implement a traffic shift. The closure will be in place between 10pm tonight and 6am tomorrow but is weather dependent. In addition, M-DOT says on Saturday, June 13th, there will be a short, full closure of I-96 in each direction just east of Spencer Road for utility work. The full closure will occur between 4am and 5am and is expected to last for approximately 15 minutes. (JM)
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Upcoming Field Day Will Keep Local Amateur Radio Operators SharpUpcoming Field Day Will Keep Local Amateur Radio Operators Sharp
Local amateur radio operators are preparing for an annual event that will help to hone their emergency management abilities. As well as a hobby practiced around the world, amateur radio is a serious avenue of communication for emergency responders and the military when normal communication channels have been disrupted. The Livingston Amateur Radio Klub works closely with 911 Central Dispatch, and on June 27th and 28th it will take part in the national Field Day event. During the 24-hour period beginning at 2pm on Saturday, radio amateurs all over the country will practice putting antennas in place, operating their radios, and working in less-than-ideal conditions, all to stay prepared in case of an actual emergency. During that time, members of the public are invited to visit the emergency operations center to watch the amateur radio operators in action, make supervised contact with operators in other parts of the world, and even take the test to become certified amateur radio operators themselves. The EOC is located at 911 Central Dispatch on Highlander Way, south of Grand River in Howell. For more information or to contact the club, follow the link below. (TD)
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Highland Township Man Enters Plea in Assault CaseHighland Township Man Enters Plea in Assault Case
A Highland Township man has entered a plea in connection with a domestic assault case involving his wife and child. 30-year-old Nicholas Norton pleaded guilty to a drunken disorderly charge as well as assault and battery in 52-1 District Court in Novi during a pre-trial hearing held Tuesday. As part of the agreement, a separate charge of resisting obstructing police was dismissed. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Highland Township Substation were called out the evening of June 4th to investigate a domestic situation called in by a neighbor. Nortonâs wife reported that he had been drinking throughout the day and picked a fight â which escalated to him pushing, strangling and spitting on her while she held their 6-month-old daughter. She was able to get to a neighborâs home, but the altercation continued when she returned to get the childâs car seat and he reportedly took the baby and the womanâs phone. Norton was said to be stumbling and slurring his speech while yelling at neighbors when deputies located and arrested him. While being transported to the Oakland County Jail, he was further accused of making racial slurs toward the deputies and licking the window of the patrol vehicle. Norton remains free on bond but was ordered to not have any contact with the victim or return to the home. He must also undergo drug and alcohol testing two times per week. Heâll be sentenced July 14th by Judge Robert Bondy. (JM)
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Marion Township Refuses To Join In Resolution Against Proposed PipelineMarion Township Refuses To Join In Resolution Against Proposed Pipeline
Marion Township will not be taking an official stance on the natural gas pipeline that is expected to pass through parts of Livingston County. Marionâs Board of Trustees met Thursday evening for their regular meeting, though there was little discussion about the proposed E.T. Rover Pipeline project. 3.25 billion cubic feet of natural gas would pass through the 711 mile-long pipeline per day. Direct deliveries would be made from West Virginia into Ohio, Michigan and Ontario, Canada. The pipeline is expected to run through Putnam, Marion, Iosco and Handy townships with a total of 15.32 miles in the county. E.T. Roverâs website states that the pipeline will provide âa long-term, reliable supply of low-cost natural gasâ to regions in Michigan and Ohio. Many area residents have voiced concerns about noise disturbances that the projectâs construction may cause, along with safety issues and decreased property value. Much of what has been opposed by local municipalities is the route of the pipeline, not necessarily the project itself. In May, the Putnam Township Board of Trustees adopted a resolution opposing the proposed pipeline. Marion Township did not follow suit, however, with several members referring to adopting such a resolution as a âwaste of timeâ. Marion Township Supervisor Bob Hanvey says while a resolution may have some influence, it ultimately will not stop the project from happening. The projectâs website projects a timeline with construction beginning in January of 2016, and an estimate of 1,500 jobs created in Michigan alone. (DK/JK)
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IRS Says Gilbert Owes Money On Back TaxesIRS Says Gilbert Owes Money On Back Taxes
The Internal Revenue Service says former "Little House on the Prairie" star Melissa Gilbert failed to pay more than $360,000 in federal income taxes. The IRS filed a tax lien against the actress in February and details emerged after she recently announced that she and her husband, fellow actor Timothy Busfield, and her two younger boys were moving from a rented home near downtown Howell to a log house in an unspecified part of Livingston County, which she referred to on Twitter as "our own Little House in the Big Woods." Busfield said the move from Howell is unrelated to the tax debt. Gilbert blames the 2011-2013 tax debt on a stalled acting career, the economy and divorce. In a statement, she says that "like so many people across the nation, the recession hit me hard" and there was a "perfect storm of financial difficulty for me." Gilbert, who played Laura Ingalls on "Little House on the Prairie," says she's negotiated a payment plan with the IRS. (JK)
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Rain Doesn't Dampen Pink Party Spirit As Survivors, Supporters Fill Downtown Howell Rain Doesn't Dampen Pink Party Spirit As Survivors, Supporters Fill Downtown Howell
There were groups wearing matching outfits, babies, children and more than a few men in pink wigs and tutus for the 7th annual Pink Party celebration in downtown Howell. The event featured discounts at local retailers, wine and food tastings, barbershop quartets as well as Zumba and Jazzercize on the courthouse lawn. New this year was Dunk a Hero, featuring fire fighters and Sheriff Bob Bezotte in a dunk tank. Those who dunked the sheriff received a free t-shirt. President of the Howell Pink Party Diana Biermann said the event is a success again this year and proceeds from the sale of passports benefit the local cancer center. Lefa Minor a five year cancer survivor said she appreciates the Pink Party because it provides a lot of support for those who have gone through cancer. The first time she attended she was still going through chemotherapy. She tells WHMI she has since moved away from Michigan and wishes there was something like the Pink Party in her town. She would even help organize it if she knew how to do it.
Howellâs Pink Party raises funds for St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital for breast cancer treatment and research. Money raised this year will be used to build a stereotactic table for breast cancer health, which is set for construction next spring and to help meet the needs of under served cancer patients. Last year's event raised about $35,000 and organizers hope to do the same this year. (DS/JK)
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Fired Former Howell Superintendent Passed Over By Dearborn SchoolsFired Former Howell Superintendent Passed Over By Dearborn Schools
The fired former superintendent of Howell Public Schools failed to make the cut for the superintendentâs job in a large Wayne County district. Ron Wilson was 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, interviewed for the position Thursday. According to a Dearborn Public Schools Facebook page, Wilson and Dearborn Associate Superintendent Gail Shenkman were eliminated from consideration, leaving the districtâs Executive Director of Staff and Student Services Glenn Maleyko and John VanWagoner II, the associate superintendent at Shiawassee RESA, as the final two candidates. 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. Picture courtesy of School Life in Dearborn Public Schools Facebook page. (JK)
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Powdered Alcohol Ban Draws Support From Local Lawmaker & ActivistsPowdered Alcohol Ban Draws Support From Local Lawmaker & Activists
Local drug abuse prevention organizations are voicing support for two bills recently approved by the state senate, including one backed by a local lawmaker. Senator Joe Hune is a co-sponsor for Senate Bill 240, which was introduced late last month and recently passed the senate with unanimous support. The bill would ban the sale, possession, and use of powdered alcohol throughout the state. The product consists of ethanol and flavors reduced to a powder, which can be added to foods and drinks to make them alcoholic. It has raised concerns because it is difficult to judge the strength of alcohol produced this way and minors would be able to easily hide and use it. The second proposed legislation, Senate Bill 231, would add vapor and smokeless nicotine products to the Youth Tobacco Act. This includes regulations on the storage, sale, and purchase of certain products, making it illegal to sell them to minors. Hune joined every other voting senator in approving that bill. Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Kaitlin Fink tells WHMI the Livingston County Community Alliance approves of this legislation, and would like to see further regulation of e-cigarettes, much like the taxation and advertising restrictions placed on tobacco products. Both bills will now go on to the State House of Representatives, where they are currently under consideration in the Committee on Regulatory Reform. Picture courtesy of AP. (TD)
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Reward Offered For Suspect Accused Of Posing As A DeputyReward Offered For Suspect Accused Of Posing As A Deputy
Police have released a composite sketch of a man accused of being a law enforcement imposter. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office released the sketch today based on a description provided by a 23-year-old West Bloomfield Township man who said he had been pulled over by the suspect on Duck Lake Road near Livingston Road on the evening of Friday, June 5th. He said the vehicle behind him activated a blue flashing light and then pulled in behind him when he pulled over. A male subject, who was not wearing a uniform, but only a black ball cap with âSheriffâ in white lettering on the front, then approached and asked the driver for his license and registration. When question by the driver, the suspect indicated he was only giving him a warning, returned to his vehicle and drove off in the opposite direction. Heâs described 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. Anyone who may have information regarding the suspect is asked to call the Sheriffâs tip line at 1-888-TURN-1-IN (1-888-887-6146) or Sheriffâs Dispatch at 248-858-4911. There is also a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. (JK)
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Weekend Construction Could Cause Travel Delays in Brighton/Howell AreaWeekend Construction Could Cause Travel Delays in Brighton/Howell Area
The Michigan Department of Transportation says double lane closures are planned on I-96 in the Howell area.
An overnight, double lane closure on eastbound I-96, east of Latson Road, is scheduled between 2am and 10am Saturday. M-DOT says the double lane closure is needed for concrete patch work. Traffic delays are likely and local motorists should plan accordingly. In addition on Saturday, there will be a short, full closure of I-96 in each direction just east of Spencer Road for utility work. The full closure will occur between 4am and 5am and is expected to last for approximately 15 minutes. Finally on Monday, Spencer Road over I-96 will close for approximately 40 days for construction. A detour will be posted when the bridge is closed. All work is weather dependent and dates are subject to change. (JM)
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Local Man Sentenced to 25-50 Years in Prison for Fatal Road Rage ShootingLocal Man Sentenced to 25-50 Years in Prison for Fatal Road Rage Shooting
A Marion Township man will spend at least the next quarter century in prison for the shooting death of a fellow motorist. 69-year-old Martin Edward Zale was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison by Judge Miriam Cavanaugh this afternoon. He had faced up to life in prison after being convicted of 2nd degree murder and related firearms charges in the September 2014 shooting death of 43-year-old Derek Flemming of Oceola Township. The shooting happened after Flemming had approached Zaleâs truck at the intersection of Grand River and Chilson Road to reportedly inquire about Zaleâs aggressive driving. Zale claimed self-defense and maintained that he feared for his life after Flemming punched him. More than a dozen witnesses to the encounter were unable to verify that Flemming hit Zale. A dozen witnesses to the encounter were unable to verify that Flemming hit Zale. Zaleâs family previously indicated that they planned to appeal the conviction. Derek Flemming's family members spoke at the sentencing, including his wife, parents and sister. Letters from his children were read aloud as well. Judge Cavanaugh referred to Zale as "a shooting waiting to happen" and believes the killing was unjustified. She also noted Flemming's children who will be deprived of a father and told Zale that "the court cannot overlook that". Zale did not make a statement at the suggestion of his attorney and has 42 days to appeal his sentence.(JM)
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New Sewer And Water Lines In Lyon TownshipNew Sewer And Water Lines In Lyon Township
Developers are footing the bill upfront for new sewer and water lines in Lyon Township. The southeast corner Lyon Township is being targeted by four residential developers that plan to bring more than 360 new homes to the area. They are pooling resources because the township wonât provide financing for the lines. The South Lyon Herald reports that the cost to bring water and sewer to their new developments as outlined by the master plan will be $3.8 million. In the past, Lyon Township would sell municipal bonds and the developers would pay the debt. Township Supervisor Lannie Young commented that the area already has plenty of residential development, and that there was no advantage to promoting further growth. He does believe, however, that the water and sewer plan is well thought out and in an area of the township that many people perceive to be a desirable place to live. The water line will travel from Nine Mile, to Napier, to Eight Mile Road, to Chubb, then back to Nine Mile. According to Young, the sewer line extension will not be as complicated. (MK)
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High School Students & Teachers Receive Scholarships & Grants From Local BankHigh School Students & Teachers Receive Scholarships & Grants From Local Bank
A local bank has awarded ten $1,000 scholarships to Livingston County high school seniors seeking to continue their education. Two students from each of the countyâs five school districts were selected to receive the 2015 Community Scholarship and Teacher Classroom Grants from 1st National Bank. The money can be used by the students as they move on to college or career training. Criteria for selection included community service, academic performance, letters of recommendation, and an essay. Additionally, 1st National awarded one teacher from each district a $250 grant to improve studentsâ classroom experience. New to the presentation this year is a $500 scholarship granted to Livingston Promise to help sponsor families that want to send their children to local preschool. The 2015 1st National Bank Community Scholarship Program recipients are:
Shera Miciek â Brighton
Elena Stefanko â Brighton
Hannah Mills â Fowlerville
Lena Wylie â Fowlerville
Kayla Liggett â Hartland
Carson Vestergaard â Hartland
Madison Deadman â Howell (pictured with 1st National President Ron Long)
Christopher Ackerman â Howell
Cleo Barry â Pinckney
Jacob Schmitter â Pinckney
The 2015 Teacher Classroom Grant recipients are:
Mr. Steven Thumser â Brighton Schools
Ms. Becky Brent â Fowlerville Schools
Ms. Nicole Conley â Hartland Schools
Mr. Micheal Marek â Howell Schools
Ms. Kathleen Krill â Pinckney Schools
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Competency Exam Ordered For Woman Charged In Fenton Man's DeathCompetency Exam Ordered For Woman Charged In Fenton Man's Death
A competency exam has been ordered for the woman charged with shooting a Fenton man to death in Isabella County. 39-year-old Lawrence Howard Jr. was gunned down April 18th in the parking lot of a Mt. Pleasant apartment complex by the grandmother of his daughter. 51-year-old Mary Lou Bigford is charged with one open count of murder, one count of first-degree murder, one count of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, felonious assault and a felony firearm violation in connection with Howardâs death. She was previously bound over for trial in Isabella County Circuit Court. But according to court records, a mental health and criminal responsibility exam was ordered and all hearings have been delayed until that is completed. Howard had expressed reservations about Bigfordâs mental health to a child protective services worker after he had been accused of sexually abusing his daughter, which he adamantly denied. The investigation began after the girlâs mother, Latesha Bigford, told the Isabella County Sheriffâs Department her daughter said that Howard was abusing her. After looking into the allegations, a Child Protection Services worker indicated they planned to close their investigation after no evidence was uncovered to support the allegation, including that the girl had not disclosed any instances of sexual assault during seven therapy sessions. A nurse practitioner who examined the girl multiple times also concluded there was nothing to substantiate the claim. Mary Lou Bigford expressed her frustration to authorities that she had not been interviewed and that CPS was not doing its job. A month later, police say shot Howard to death while he sat inside his car in the parking lot of the apartment complex where she lived with her daughter and granddaughter. (JK)
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Two Locally-Backed, Veteran-Focused Bills Signed Into LawTwo Locally-Backed, Veteran-Focused Bills Signed Into Law
Two new laws focused on veterans and backed by local legislators were signed into law Wednesday. House Bill 4071 amends the Child Custody Act so that, if a motion for a change in child custody is filed while a parent is deployed in the armed services, that parent can file for a stay of proceedings. The bill would also require the court to reinstate the previous custody arrangement when a service member returns from duty, and prevent the court from considering a parentâs absence due to military service when determining changes to parenting time. That bill was co-sponsored by Representative Lana Theis of Brighton. Also passed Wednesday was House Bill 4060, which requires public universities receiving state funding to notify veterans of the credits that may be available for equivalent training in the armed forces. That bill was co-sponsored by Theis as well as Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township. (TD)
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