Itâs a historic day for two Fowlerville women in more ways than one. Not only has the state of Michigan agreed to fully comply with the U.S Supreme Court's ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states, but Melissa Houghton-Heinig and Tanya Heinig were the first couple to receive a marriage license from the Livingston County Clerkâs Office at around 11am today. Melissa told WHMI they were overcome by feelings of relief, happiness and joy following todayâs ruling and both started crying after they heard the announcement. She says it was a long time coming and they didnât think it would happen so quickly but are beyond thrilled. Melissa says thereâs really a sense of relief because theyâre protected just like everybody else and perhaps now when she refers to her wife when talking, it wonât be such a shocker anymore and "she wonât have to come out of the closet every single time she talks to someone new". They recognize there will still be people who disagree, and Melissa says they have that right. She says it may be a religious institution in the minds of a lot of people but to her being a lawyer, the facts are simple and itâs a contract between two consenting adults. Melissa notes this is another step for the LGBT community and people should be able to live the lives that they see fit for themselves â adding discrimination will not move forward any agenda at all, history will repeat itself and there will always be a class of people who are fighting for a right. The couple was already somewhat ahead of the game though and considered themselves married after holding a private ceremony in front of family and friends in 2011. Melissa says there wasnât a pastor or anyone really officiating but a fellow legal friend and they signed a living will and power of attorney as a means of legal protection. Melissa also legally changed her last name, which she says was a long and expensive process so theyâre excited they can now go forward and get legally married in the eyes of the state. The two say they're planning another small ceremony in the near future. Today's interview with Houghton-Heinig is available through the link below. (JM)
Fowlerville Couple Issued First Same-Sex Marriage License in Livingston CountyFowlerville Couple Issued First Same-Sex Marriage License in Livingston County
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Brighton School Board OKs Two New PrincipalsBrighton School Board OKs Two New Principals
The Brighton Area Schools will have two new principals as a result of action taken Monday night by the Board of Education. The board approved appointment of Jeffrey Eisele, co-principal at Maltby Intermediate School, to the position of principal at Hilton Elementary School. He succeeds Peggy Moyer, who retired at the end of the 2014-15 school year. The other person approved is Jeffery Beane, a Brighton High School math teacher, who will become one of three principals at the 2,200-student high school. Since the district went into deficit, Brighton High School has had only two principals, after having had four prior to that time. Superintendent Greg Gray says that an improved financial picture has enabled the high school to get back almost to where it was administratively before all the cuts that took place several years ago. Gray says the district will be posting the open Maltby co-principalâs position in the next couple of days, and administration should have a recommendation for the boardâs consideration by the next meeting. Gray says Beane will be in charge of evaluation and instruction while co-principals Gavin Johnson and Henry Vecchioni will each be in charge of two grades, with Johnson as lead principal. (TT)
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DPH Reminds Residents Not To Leave Children In VehiclesDPH Reminds Residents Not To Leave Children In Vehicles
Summer has begun, and residents are being urged by the Livingston County Department of Public Health not to leave children unattended in vehicles. According to Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow, every 10 days in the United States a child dies from being left alone in a hot car, and this sort of tragedy is preventable. Summer can bring with it changes in routine, and she says this can cause even loving, attentive parents to forget that a child is in the back seat of their car. Residents with small children are encouraged to leave an important object, such as a phone or briefcase, in the back seat to help them remember their children are still present. Moxlow says even a mild temperature outside can increase the temperature inside a parked car by 20 degrees in 10 minutes, and while an adult may be able to handle that increase children are much more susceptible to heatstroke. She adds that children should be supervised at all times, and even leaving them in a car with the air conditioning running is not recommended. The Department of Public Health urges anyone that sees children unattended in a car to dial 911, even if they think they will offend the parent. Moxlow says emergency responders are specifically trained to deal with this sort of situation. (TD)
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Students to Bring Interactive Street Art to Downtown Howell Students to Bring Interactive Street Art to Downtown Howell
Local students are bringing interactive street art to downtown Howell. The Howell High School Advanced Imaging Art Program is partnering with the Howell Main Street DDA Design Committee to bring attention to a positive type of street art to town that offers an interactive experience with existing downtown buildings, sidewalks and infrastructure. Twelve different art designs will be painted throughout the downtown district and starting Monday at 10am, the public will begin to notice students getting creative with downtown buildings but more pieces will be added all week long. Advanced Imaging Art Teacher John Mozdzierz says art is something that should be accessible to everyone and they felt this type of positive street art was the perfect addition to the DDAâs existing summer projects such as the Howell Art Program and Rock the Block series. Mozdzierz added that they tried it out at the high school and the students and teachers really enjoyed searching out artwork and creative ways it could interact with the building. The locations of the street art will not be revealed to the public. Instead, the Howell Main Street DDA is encouraging residents and visitors to download a form online and record photos and locations of the student street art they find downtown. Completed forms will then be entered into a drawing for prizes. More information about the student art project is available through the link below. Pictured is Spanish Street Artist Pejac, whose poetic works are widely recognized. Pejac is the pseudonym of a Spanish artist said to have started painting on walls after he got annoyed with his art teachersâ attitude towards art. He now paints on streets and buildings around European cities in an effort to bring his art to people who canât or donât visit museums. (JM)
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Trial Date Set For Deerfield Couple Charged With Abusing Adopted SonTrial Date Set For Deerfield Couple Charged With Abusing Adopted Son
A trial date has been set for a Deerfield Township couple accused of felony child abuse. Eric and Angela Corcoran are charged with 2nd degree child abuse following accusations their 16-year-old adopted son was mentally and emotionally abused from a period beginning in 2012, up until February of this year. He has since been placed in foster care. Following a hearing in May in which District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader determined there was enough evidence to bind the case over to Livingston County Circuit Court, records now show that the couple will go to trial August 10th. Officials say the 43-year-olds isolated the boy in the basement of the family's Bennett Lake Road home. They say Child Protective Service workers were told the boy ate and slept alone in the basement, only could get access to the main living area of the home from other family members, and was forced to go to the bathroom in a camper toilet. Inspectors indicated his bed consisted of a dirty mattress with no sheets, blanket, or pillow. He further alleged the coupleâs two biological children also mistreated him and reportedly told CPS workers he just wanted a loving family. (JK)
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City Says Fenton Streetscape Project Starting to Take Shape City Says Fenton Streetscape Project Starting to Take Shape
The Fenton Streetscape construction project is continuing to move along. City officials say the aesthetic enhancements are really starting to take shape as the sidewalks and planter boxes are being poured with concrete. They noted some complications this past week with the LeRoy Street Bridge and the slip lining of the sewer on Mill Street. The project is still said to be on schedule, and plans call for LeRoy Street to have the base coat of asphalt poured late during the week of July 6th. The city says this coming week, crews will continue to pour sidewalk in the construction zone and work on the LeRoy Street Bridge and motorists should expect lane closures during the construction hours. Meanwhile, it was noted that contractors are being required by the Michigan Department of Transportation to cease work on the project beginning at 3pm on Thursday July 2nd until Tuesday morning July 7th in observance of the Independence Day holiday. (JM)
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Pinckney Amends Budget, Creates Social Media PolicyPinckney Amends Budget, Creates Social Media Policy
Pinckney Village Council members agreed to amend the 2014-2015 budget Monday night, while also setting up a new social media policy. Accountant Kimberly Lim says the budget amendment was simply to clean up an old budget from last year. She says they were conservative in their revenue projections, so there was additional revenue, and they did not need a previously-planned $47,000 transfer from the Downtown Development Authority. Meanwhile, employees in the Village now have a new social media policy. The council approved the new policy, which was put into place because there had not been one previously. Policy 715 lays out guidelines for the use of social media and social networking resources within the village. The policy gives village employees guidelines for managing the use of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The policy also outlines who can use social media, and provides guidelines for branding of the Village of Pinckney logo and website in social networking. Sensitivity and common errors are also outlined in the policy. (DS/JK)
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First Annual Airshow Draws Crowd Despite Rainy WeatherFirst Annual Airshow Draws Crowd Despite Rainy Weather
A new and free aviation event had community members âflying highâ Saturday. The first annual Livingston County Airshow drew in a crowd of spectators and pilots, despite the uncooperative weather. Coordinating with the Michigan Challenge Balloonfestival and Federal Aviation Administration, the Livingston County Airport hosted various in-flight acts and events. RV-6 formations, jet fly-bys and Super Decathlon aerobatic acts entertained those looking to the sky. The North American Aviation T-6 Texan, which was used as a trainer aircraft in World War II, was on display as a piece of history amongst the newer planes. Phil Bozek, Pilot and Founding Sponsor of the Airshow, collaborated with Crosswinds Aviation in Howell to make the dream a reality. He tells WHMI the airshow brings a new excitement to Balloonfest and the area. Pilots showcased their targeting skills in a chicken-drop competition while cruising at full speed. Greg Koontz, world-renowned aviation performer, concluded the airshow by flying upside down and cutting a ribbon with his Super Decathlon Aircraft, just 20 feet over the runway. Speaking from a pilot perspective, Bozek says the feeling of bringing his passion to the community is âamazingâ. He says the concept of an airshow began on a cocktail napkin and bloomed from there. Bozek is already planning to expand the act next year and is expecting a larger turnout with better weather. (DK)
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Annual 4th of July Celebration Saturday In Downtown BrightonAnnual 4th of July Celebration Saturday In Downtown Brighton
Organizers are gearing up for another busy 4th of July celebration in downtown Brighton. Per tradition, events will include the 9th Annual Hungry Duck Run, the Duckling Dash down Main Street, the 4th of July Parade and the Great Duck Race raffle on the Mill Pond. The festivities are hosted by Livingston Sunrise Rotary Club and funds raised help fight hunger in the community, as well as support some of the local and national projects the club is involved in. Jim Gilmore, the clubâs current membership chair, tells WHMI the annual celebration is hosted by volunteers with hearts for service and raises funds to help fight hunger. He says they can always use volunteers during the event and itâs really a community effort from dawn till mid-afternoon. The 2015 parade theme is America, Land That I Love. Gilmore says they come up with a patriotic theme every year and also work with the VFW Post in Brighton to help choose the grand marshals. Gilmore says they wanted to take the opportunity to continue to honor as many of the WWII Veterans as they possibly can and actually have two grand marshals this year; 94-year-old Chuck Swanson and 91-year-old Frank Bednarczyk. The parade will begin at the BECC building at the corner of Main and Church Streets at 10am sharp and Gilmore says this is the 18th consecutive year that WHMIâs Buzz Elliott will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the parade. Details about all of Saturdayâs activities and registration information is available through the link below. The 2015 tribute to Swanson and Bednarczyk has also been attached. (JM)
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Investigation Continues Into Incident That Injured Green Oak Fire ChiefInvestigation Continues Into Incident That Injured Green Oak Fire Chief
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is still investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident in which a local fire chief was hit by a vehicle while on scene at an accident. Green Oak Township Fire Chief Kevin Gentry suffered significant but non-life threatening injuries after being hit by a vehicle on northbound US-23 near the M-36 interchange on Friday, June 19th. Gentry had been assisting at the scene of another accident, which was said to be in the process of clearing when he was struck. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI the investigation is ongoing and they continue to look at witness statements and examine evidence taken from the scene. He says theyâre still trying to piece it all together and determine exactly who was at fault and what happened. Murphy says they hope to have an answer to that, or at least the best they can come up with, possibly later this week. Livingston County EMS personnel were already on scene when the incident occurred and immediately treated Gentry, who was transported to University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor and later released. He continues to recover. Picture courtesy of WDIV. (JM)
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Hearing on Alleged Statements in Green Oak Township Murder BeginsHearing on Alleged Statements in Green Oak Township Murder Begins
A hearing to consider the admissibility of statements made by a Whitmore Lake man who police allege murdered his sister-in-law will continue in August. 25-year-old Nicholas Allen Foerster is charged with 1st degree, premeditated murder in the strangulation death of his sister-in-law, 23-year-old Rachelle Lynn Wood. She was found dead in the bathtub of her Green Oak Township apartment on June 16th of last year. Foerster allegedly confessed to choking the victim for a period of at least seven minutes, knowing that it would cause death. A hearing on the admissibility of the defendant's statement began in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday and Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI a transcript and video were introduced into evidence. He says the hearing was then adjourned to August 26th, at which time testimony from witnesses will be taken. Foersterâs defense attorney is seeking to have his clientâs statements suppressed, alleging he was denied his 5th Amendment rights. He maintains Foerster requested to speak to an attorney but was not allowed to do so and that the statements were âthe product of many hours of police badgeringâ. Prosecutors have denied both of those claims. If convicted, Foerster faces life in prison without parole. He remains held without bond in the Livingston County Jail. (JM)
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Local Students Unveil Mini-Library For Brighton PlaygroundLocal Students Unveil Mini-Library For Brighton Playground
Kids at a local playground will now be able to take a break with a book under the shade of a tree. A mini-library was officially unveiled Saturday at the Imagination Station in Brighton. The structure is 3 feet high by 2 feet wide with a peaked cedar shake roof and Plexiglas doors. Many of the construction materials were donated, with only $200 being needed from the playgroundâs fund. Volunteer coordinator for the Imagination Station Renee Pettengill was inspired last year after seeing similar structures in other communities and worked with Flex Tech High School students towards building one for Brighton since spring. Most of the books for the mini-library have come from donations, with students from Flex Techâs English department currently working on a title list for the near future. Visitors are invited to freely check out or even leave a favorite childrenâs or young adult book of their own that they believe others may enjoy. The mini-library will be open 24 hours, but will be taken down from October until April to protect it from winter weather.
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Amateur Radio Club Participates in Nationwide EventAmateur Radio Club Participates in Nationwide Event
Local Amateur Radio Operators joined others around the world in an annual readiness exercise this past weekend. About a dozen members of the Livingston Amateur Radio Klub took turns at four different stations, making contact with over 800 amateur or Ham radio operators worldwide. The nationwide Amateur Radio Relay League Field Day event takes place locally during the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest every year. They used not only audio, but digital and Morse Code to make contact with people in 49 states and seven countries over the 24 hour period beginning Saturday at 2 pm at the Livingston County 911 Central Dispatch Center in Howell. LARK Technical Director Les Butler says the club participates in the event and tries to make as many contacts as possible, but it is more than a contest. Amateur radio operators also help provide communications in times of disaster or emergencies, so events like field day are a way to make sure they are prepared. Though Butler says they have never had to use their skills in an actual emergency, the Community Emergency Response Team takes part in several events each year assisting with traffic enforcement. Many of the clubâs members participate in CERT and other civil emergency groups, including RACES or Radio Civil Emergency Service and Amateur Radio Emergency Services or ARES. There are a few who are also certified by the National Weather Service as storm spotters and operate weather networks during severe weather. For more information on amateur radio and LARK, contact Butler by email at w8msp@w8msp.com. (DS)
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Brighton Rec Area Honoring Veterans w/ Fireworks-Free 4th of JulyBrighton Rec Area Honoring Veterans w/ Fireworks-Free 4th of July
The Brighton Rec Area is among several state parks planning calmer Fourth of July celebrations without fireworks in an effort to quietly honor veterans and provide an alternative when celebrating the nationâs freedom. Fireworks-Free Fourth of July celebrations will take place from July 3rd through July 5th and are made possible through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. Spokeswoman Lauren DeVol tells WHMI fireworks are a traditional Fourth of July festivity but this gives local veterans an opportunity to celebrate in their own way, avoid additional stresses and enjoy a quiet holiday. The events started out with the DNR and DeVol says the agency felt it was a good partnership opportunity to help spread the word. The idea was the result of a conversation with a veteran, who mentioned how fireworks and other loud noises could bring up distressing memories from military experiences and affect those with post-traumatic stress injury. Twelve state parks are taking part in the effort, including the Brighton Recreation Area-Bishop Lake Campground in Livingston County. The participating parks are said to be good camping locations and are located away from urban areas that often host large fireworks displays. There is no guarantee that no fireworks will be set off near the state parks, but officials hope the state parks are far enough away from urban areas that the mood will stay low-key. Aerial fireworks are banned in state parks. Veterans who would like to reserve a camping spot can call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757). Reservation details and other information about participating parks are available on the stateâs park and harbor reservation website. A link is below. (JM)
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Howell Doctor Charged w/ Delivery of Controlled Substances Rejects PleaHowell Doctor Charged w/ Delivery of Controlled Substances Rejects Plea
A Howell-based orthopedic surgeon convicted of writing prescriptions for controlled substances without a license has rejected a plea agreement in a separate case. Dr. Michael Holda turned in his license following a raid on Livingston County Orthopedics in May of 2013 by the Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA agents, who were acting as patients, testified Holda prescribed pain medications and other drugs, including Xanax, beyond what would have been medically necessary. Holda insisted that he wrote the prescriptions in good faith and properly questioned them about their symptoms. Despite that, he was charged with seven counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana. The Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office placed a plea offer on the record during a Friday hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court, which was rejected. Judge Michael Hatty previously ruled that prosecutors could introduce evidence of all acts identified in a notice filed with the court, which was described as âpretty extensiveâ. Court records show the case will proceed to trial July 6th. Meanwhile in a separate case, a local jury earlier found Holda guilty on two counts of manufacturing prescription forms for which he served 30 days in the Livingston County Jail. (JM)
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Despite Cancelled Competition, Balloons Finally Fly At BalloonfestDespite Cancelled Competition, Balloons Finally Fly At Balloonfest
The 2015 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest may not have had a winner after all of the competition launches were cancelled due to weather, but organizers and pilots say they're happy that people still got to see the balloons fly at least once. Some four and a half inches of rain fell throughout the day on Saturday, keeping the balloons from launching, while high winds prevented competition launches early Sunday. But Michigan Challenge Director Michelle Tokan says there was still beautiful weather on Friday and Sunday, so many people still turned out. She says the addition of Livingston Sensation this year was a big hit, as was Paint & Pour and other new and traditional favorites. Many people waited to see if there would be a launch Sunday night, including about 23 pilots and their crews. A large crowd gathered around the launch site waiting patiently as pilots got the go ahead for a 7:30 launch. Among the pilots who stayed were National Champion Johnny Petrehn of Texas flying Kodachrome and International Champion Yudai Fujita of Nogi Tochigi, Japan, Flying Sunny and 75. (DS/JK)
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Murder Charges Filed Against Husband Of Former Linden Woman Murder Charges Filed Against Husband Of Former Linden Woman
The husband of a former Linden woman found dead in a burning car has been charged with open murder. Erich Wilfinger is charged with open murder in the death of his wife, 54-year-old Marsha Wilfinger. He was arraigned on Friday in Montmorency County, east of Gaylord, where Marsha was found dead on June 20th. According to the Tri County Times, state troopers were called out to an intersection where a car was on fire in a ditch. The fire was extinguished and Marshaâs remains were discovered in the back seat. Troopers believed the car had been towed to that location, and followed a trail of car parts back to a house where they met Erich Wilfinger. It appeared that a domestic assault had occurred in the home. Marsha formerly lived in Linden, and is survived by three children and three grandchildren. A celebration of life event was held in Fenton on Saturday in her honor. (TD)
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Hartland Chamber Carnival Again Featuring "Special Needs Day" July 10th Hartland Chamber Carnival Again Featuring "Special Needs Day" July 10th
While riding the tilt-a-whirl or zipper is an annual summer thrill for many - itâs not something that all children, teens or adults can so easily enjoy. Due to increased interest, a Special Needs Day is again planned as part of the 3rd Annual Hartland Chamber Carnival, which will run from July 9th through the 12th at the Hartland Marketplace next to Walmart. Handicapped and other special needs individuals, their parents, and siblings will be allowed to ride any rides they want for free from 1 to 3pm on Friday, July 10th. Chamber Executive Director Jana Warford tells WHMI the event is a very memorable and moving experience thatâs truly all about them and tailored to their needs, saying it was fun to watch one little girl inparticular last year who was having the time of her life. Warford says there were a handful of families practically in tears from being given the opportunity to ride the rides at their own pace, adding some expressed it can be a challenge during general public hours with the lines and having to stop the rides accommodate to those who need extra time. Ride operators prefer that they have a parent or an older sibling present to go with them on the ride so they feel comfortable and make sure theyâre on correctly. There are no age restrictions and any special needs individuals can just show up at the carnival during the designated time. It will then open to the general public starting at 4pm. Warford says theyâre thankful for all of the support and hope to make the carnival a staple for the coming years, noting all of the funds raised stay in the community and a portion helps support the chamber scholarship fund, as well as non-profit givebacks. Warford says itâs more than a typical carnival from safety and security to cleanliness, adding they hire a locally-owned business out of Mason and the owners and staff are not only amazing people but very accommodating. There will also be online opportunities to win free armbands for unlimited rides leading up to the Hartland Carnival. Complete information is available in the attached press release and through the link below. (JM)
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Information & Driver Still Being Sought in Pedestrian Hit & Run CrashInformation & Driver Still Being Sought in Pedestrian Hit & Run Crash
Local authorities have yet to locate or identify the driver who struck a pedestrian in Genoa Township and left the scene late last week. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is still asking for the publicâs assistance with the case, and that the responsible driver or potential witnesses come forward. The victim is a 45-year-old man who was struck by a passing vehicle while jogging down Brighton Road near Timber Bend Drive at around 11pm last Thursday. The vehicle was traveling westbound on Brighton Road when the crash occurred. An exact make and model of the vehicle involved is unknown, though authorities say it would be missing the passenger side mirror. The housing for the mirror may still be attached to the vehicle. The department says the vehicle involved would sit a bit higher off the ground, probably a truck or van, and may be a 1990-1999 GMC truck or large sport utility vehicle based on evidence at the scene. The man is expected to make a full recovery and Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy said they were able to interview him last week. His arm was shattered and he sustained significant injuries but they were not believed to be life threatening. Anyone with information on the vehicle involved is asked to contact Deputy Brad Neff at the Sheriffâs Department or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JM)
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Hartland Supports Proposed LESA Millage For Special EducationHartland Supports Proposed LESA Millage For Special Education
A proposed millage to fund special education in Livingston County was backed by a resolution of the Hartland Board of Education last night. The tax of about one mill, which is being proposed by the Livingston Educational Service Agency, would recapture funds lost to the Headlee Amendment and bring school funding back up to where it was in 1988. All proceeds from the millage would go to fund special education in the county's five districts. It could go before voters in November, but LESA wants to make sure the proposal has plenty of support throughout Livingston County before they move forward with a ballot proposal. One critic of the proposal is former Brighton School Board President Nick Fiani, who believes LESA should repair its own finances before seeking more money. Superintendent Janet Sifferman says Hartland works closely with LESA, and is confident their financial house is in order. Fiani recently lost his bid for Hartlandâs seat on the LESA board. Officials at LESA hope to get similar resolutions of support from all of the countyâs districts before moving forward with the millage proposal. (TD)
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