1/14/13 - Howell High Schoolâs âWe the Peopleâ constitutional team is preparing for the national competition after winning the state finals on Friday in Lansing for the first time in the districtâs history. This is the 26th year of the competition but only the 12th year Howell has been competing. 29 students make up the six participating units in the instructional program thatâs based on the history and principles of American constitutional democracy. Government Teacher Mark Oglesby says they beat out East Grand Rapids, the perennial champion and historically a top ten team in the nation. He tells WHMI there were some great contributions and everyone is very excited so theyâll be preparing academically and putting in a lot more practices over the next few months. Ogelsby says theyâll be getting new sets of questions at the end of the month to prepare for, which will have some similarities but be more challenging and students will have more research to begin on different topics. He says theyâll also be working to raise $40,000 to $50,000 to help them get to Washington D.C for the nationals, which will take place the last weekend in April. He says the program lost its congressional funding, which has impacted the competitions and resulted in increased costs. Anyone interested in donating or any local organizations or businesses interested in helping the team practice by allowing it to present are asked to contact Ogelsby via email at OgelsbyM@howellschools.com. (JM)
Howell's "We the People" Team Preparing For NationalsHowell's "We the People" Team Preparing For Nationals
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Howell Woman Charged w/ OUI After Friday Crash Kills Fenton ManHowell Woman Charged w/ OUI After Friday Crash Kills Fenton Man
1/14/13 - A Howell woman has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that local authorities say involved alcohol last Friday. The accident happened at approximately 10pm at the intersection of Clyde and Fenton Roads in Hartland Township. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy identified the at-fault driver as 32-year-old Treena Jean Beazley, who suffered a minor injury and was arrested. She has since been arraigned on a charge of operating a vehicle while under the influence causing death and released on bond. Murphy tells WHMI preliminary investigation indicates Beazley was traveling west on Clyde Road in a Jeep Wrangler when she failed to obey a stop sign at the intersection and struck a Dodge Caliber driven by 56-year-old Roger Miles of Fenton, who was traveling south on Fenton Road. Miles was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Funeral arrangements are pending and being handled by MacDonaldâs Funeral Home in Howell. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department was assisted at the scene by Michigan State Police, Livingston County EMS and Hartland firefighters. (JM)
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Scientific Testimony Follows Failed Mistrial Motion In Kowalski TrialScientific Testimony Follows Failed Mistrial Motion In Kowalski Trial
1/14/13 - The trial of 66-year-old Jerome Kowalski resumed this morning with a motion by the defense to declare a mistrial, which was denied by a local judge. Prosecutors accuse Kowalski of killing his brother and sister-in-law in their Oceola Township home in 2008. Before proceedings began today, one of the jurors told 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan that he and other jurors felt unsafe after being seen by members of Kowalski's family who were present as witnesses. That prompted Defense Attorney Walter Piszczatowski to make a motion for a mistrial. He said the jurors would be biased against the defense because they felt unsafe around witnesses who were relatives of the defendant but not around those who were police officers, who generally spoke on behalf of the defense. Judge Brennan interviewed each member of the jury individually and found that only the one juror had strong feelings in the case. She did not grant the motion for mistrial, but did excuse the juror. Only 12 jurors and one alternate now remain. Most of the testimony today came from expert witnesses, including a firearms and tool mark examiner who said the bullets used in the killings did not match any of the known weapons in the case. Testimony was also offered regarding DNA evidence, blood patterns, footprints, fingerprints, and handwriting on a small note found at the scene. While some of the evidence was inconclusive, none of it directly tied Kowalski to the killing. (TD)
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Warren Man Pleads Guilty to Breaking & Entering Incident Warren Man Pleads Guilty to Breaking & Entering Incident
1/15/13 - A Warren man who attempted to break into a shed at a Hamburg Township home but was thwarted by the homeowner and his son has entered a plea in the case. 42-year-old Gary Kulpa pleaded guilty to a single count of breaking and entering with intent that was filed after the incident on June 26th of last year at a home on Riverside Drive. Kulpa also pleaded guilty to being a 4th time habitual offender and in exchange, prosecutors agreed to recommend to Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader that he be sentenced at the bottom of the guidelines. Hamburg Township Police say the manâs son had heard someone walking outside and then the sound of the shed door opening at around midnight. Police say the men went outside to find Kulpa, who fled, but they were able to catch up and hold him until officers arrived. (JM)
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Senior Housing Project Moving Forward in Brighton Township Senior Housing Project Moving Forward in Brighton Township
1/15/13 - A new independent senior living facility will be constructed in Brighton Township. The Planning Commission met Monday night and gave preliminary site plan approval to the Mill Creek senior living project that will be located on Ford Road, a portion of which will be reconstructed. The project calls for two living components that officials say will co-exist as one â Mill Creek Cottages and Mill Creek Manor. The cottages are similar to condos with attached garages and the others are apartment style suites, both with patios or balconies and community flower and vegetable gardens. Paved walking paths around ponds and benches with landscaping are also planned on the site that totals just under 18 acres. The project targets individuals age 55 and older and offers a wide variety of amenities so that residents really donât have to leave the site unless they want to. Commissioners applauded the proposal, saying a nice job was done balancing the aesthetics while making it livable and safe. One resident raised some fire safety concerns with the number of people on each level and available staff to assist them with getting out in an emergency. Officials indicated that there will be a full fire suppression sprinkler system throughout the buildings as well as ârefugeâ areas on each floor for residents who need assistance. Project Engineer Chris Grzenkowicz tells WHMI plans call for a high quality development designed around activity and social interaction that is barrier free and accessible. Officials hope to break ground sometime this year but say a project of this nature could take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to complete. Ideally, they say areas would be constructed simultaneously but market studies will determine what stages will be done and when. Being the project is commercial in nature, it does not go to the township board for approval and any changes to plans will be handled administratively and in the form of building permits. Township officials indicated that parking, signage, lighting and landscaping are all in compliance and conceptual approval has also been given by the Brighton Area Fire Authority along with the Livingston County Drain Commissionerâs Office and Road Commission. (JM)
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Howell School Board Elects Michael Witt President for 2013Howell School Board Elects Michael Witt President for 2013
1/15/13 - Michael Witt was elected president of the Howell Board of Education when it conducted its first meeting of 2013 Monday night. Other officers elected for the year were Michael Yenshaw, vice president; Kim Witt, secretary; and Doug Moore, treasurer. Witt replaces former board president Ann Routt, who was defeated for reelection. The meeting was the first regularly scheduled one for four new board members elected last fall: Yenshaw, Michael Maloney, Deborah McCormick and Stacy Pasini. Witt says the main challenge the board will face in the foreseeable future is dwindling financial resources, with the state having cut $450 per student in public education funding last year â funding which has not been restored with the stateâs improving economy. For Howell â the largest district in the county with about 7,900 students - that means the loss of several million dollars in each of the last two years. (TT)
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Dog Park Hoping to Locate in Howell Dog Park Hoping to Locate in Howell
4/15/13- Howell may become the home for a new public dog park. Howl & Bark Dog Park, a non-profit association, is working towards developing a park where pet-owners can bring their dogs to run free and socialize with other dogs. Some of the parkâs features will include benches, picnic tables, and agility equipment for dogs. Adam Targanski, President of Howl & Bark says the park will be open to those who purchase an annual membership that will run somewhere between $30 and $60. The Livingston County Board of Commissioners owns the land Howl & Bark would like to lease for the dog park. The request to lease the property is currently under review by the countyâs Committee of Parks and Open Spaces. With Livingston Countyâs backing for the project, Howl & Bark plans to move forward with fundraising efforts. (SO)
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Local Supporters Sought for OHLSA's 2013 Walk for Warmth Local Supporters Sought for OHLSA's 2013 Walk for Warmth
1/15/13 - As the need increases for emergency utility assistance, local residents are being asked to help raise funds for a local agency and keep people warm this winter. The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency or OLHSA is seeking supporters both old and new to help keep the heat on in local homes this winter. The Livingston Walk for Warmth will again take place at the Hartland Educational Support Service Center on February 9th. WHMIâs Buzz Elliott will again serve as Master of Ceremonies during the local event, which will also feature family friendly entertainment. Walk teams or individuals, sponsors, and volunteers are needed for the event and 100% percent of the proceeds go directly towards keeping the heat on in the homes of Livingston County residents. Personalized fundraising web pages are also a new feature for walkers this year. Walkers can activate a free, custom page and personalize it to gather their donations online, through email or social media. For complete details about this yearâs Walk for Warmth, click on the link below. (JM)
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Man Arrested for Threatening Daycare; Terrorism Charge Not Likely Man Arrested for Threatening Daycare; Terrorism Charge Not Likely
1/15/13 - Itâs unlikely that a Hartland man will face a terrorism charge after being taken into custody for threatening to use a gun at his wifeâs workplace. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI they were called out around 8am after a woman said her 37-year-old husband was intoxicated and had been threatening her via text messages after she had left the home the night before and taken her children with her. Murphy says the threats involved bringing a gun to the private daycare center where she works. When deputies arrived, the man fled inside the residence, at which point, they observed broken glass and spent firearm casings outside of the home. Crisis negotiators were called to the scene and after about 45 minutes of discussion, he came out and was taken into custody. The man was lodged in the Livingston County Jail for Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm While Intoxicated and Resisting and Obstructing. Murphy says a report will be submitted to the Livingston County Prosecutors Office for possible authorization of those charges. Authorities had been considering the possibility of a terrorism charge but that is unlikely because although the threat involved a daycare, it did not close for business since the suspect never left the Lakena Street residence. (JM)
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Howell Man Charged With Trying to Derail Train
1/16/13 - A Howell man has been charged following a domestic dispute earlier this month that ended up destroying a vehicle left on railroad tracks. 28-year-old Adam Lezotte is accused of intentionally leaving his girlfriendâs car parked on the tracks at Dearborn and Marion streets the evening of Sunday, January 6th following an argument. An eastbound train was unable to avoid hitting the vehicle, which was empty at the time. While there were no injuries, Lezotte was charged with endangering the travel of a train, a felony that can carry a possible life sentence. Lezotte, who was also charged with unlawful driving away of a vehicle, is due back in court this morning for an exam. He remains jailed on a $300,000 bond. (JK)
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Deal Reached With New Superintendent of Huron Valley SchoolsDeal Reached With New Superintendent of Huron Valley Schools
1/16/13 - The Huron Valley Schools Board of Education has finalized a contract agreement with its new superintendent. Jim Baker has been serving as interim superintendent since last May when the previous schools chief left for another job. Following a search that was conducted with the Michigan Leadership Institute, the board determined Baker was the best fit for the Huron Valley district and he was formally offered the position in December. Contract negotiations then followed. The deal that was agreed upon is believed to be the first of its kind in the area in that it will be structured differently and be more performance-based. The Milford Times reports Baker will earn an annual base salary of $170,000 but be eligible for as much as a 25% annual bonus thatâs tied to achieving both district and superintendent focus goals. The initial three year contract runs through December of 2015 but The Times reports the board has the option to extend it by one year in December of 2014, and after that it would then become a rolling 24-month contract. End-of-year evaluations for the bonus provisions are scheduled to occur in December but mid-year reviews would also take place. The contract is expected to be reviewed by district attorneys before being finalized. Baker had also served as the districtâs executive director of human resources but with his contract now settled, the district will be posting the vacant HR position, possibly this week. (JM)
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College Voices Unite to Promote Brighton Choir ProgramCollege Voices Unite to Promote Brighton Choir Program
1/16/13 - A College A Cappella Night Friday night at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts will benefit the Brighton choir program. One of the groups performing will be the Accafellas, an a capella group from Michigan State University. Ironically, one of its founding members was Brighton Choir Director Phil Johnson, but he tells WHMI that Fridayâs concert will be a multi-university event including the all-girl U of M Harmonettes and CMU's Ebb 'n Flow Quartet, which Johnson says includes Brighton High alum Ben Krinke. Also performing will be the Do Re AMIgos, a mixed a cappella choir from Brighton High School, along with Chicappella and Notorious, the women's and men's a cappella choirs. Tickets will be available at the door for $10 each, with proceeds benefiting the choir programs at both Brighton High School and Scranton Middle School. Johnson says the Accafellas will also perform earlier in the day for students at Scranton Middle School, Maltby Intermediate School and at Brighton High School. For more information or ticket details, call Choir Director Phil Johnson at 810-299-4100, Extension 71042. (JK)
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Police Testify And Recordings Played At Kowalski Trial TuesdayPolice Testify And Recordings Played At Kowalski Trial Tuesday
1/16/13 - The trial of 66-year-old Jerome Kowalski was a mix of testimony and recorded interviews Tuesday. Kowalski is charged with open murder in the deaths of his brother Richard and sister-in-law Brenda Kowalski in 2008. Witness testimony included law enforcement officers who interviewed Kowalski around the time of the murder. Michigan State Police Detective Christopher Fitzpatrick interviewed Kowalski when he first confessed to the killings that he originally thought he committed in a dream. The recording of that interview was played for jurors last week, and Tuesday he testified about the techniques he used during the interview as well as Kowalski's demeanor during that interview. Later, Detective Sergeant Gary Childers (pictured) took the stand and jurors listened to an interview between him and Kowalski. During that interview, the defendant tried to recall details of the killing. Some were correct, such as shooting Richard twice in the back of the head, while others were incorrect. The day ended with a video of an interview with Kowalski that was conducted by MSP Detective 1st Lieutenant Sean Furlong after Kowalski's first night in jail. That recording is several hours long and will resume Wednesday. (TD)
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Residents Speak Out Against Gravel Mine Plans in Brighton Twp. Residents Speak Out Against Gravel Mine Plans in Brighton Twp.
1/16/13 - 25 years later and some Brighton Township residents are still fighting for what they feel theyâre owed as part of a court consent order â no more mining and a park. Around 60 frustrated Brighton Township residents attended a meeting Tuesday night to voice concerns with possible plans for continued gravel mining operations. In July, the Planning Commission voted to recommend the township board approve a revised site plan along with extraction and fill permits for Clearwater Development LLC, with some conditions. The company purchased the site on Jacoby Road, west of Kensington Road from Sunset Sand & Gravel and wants to mine the property for the next 12 to 24 years. However, a 1987 joint planned development agreement was reached between Sunset Gravel and the township calling for the land to be restored for a condo development and a township park. Residents allege the township didnât enforce its rights under that agreement and actually violated it by allowing other operations at the site. They say itâs the townshipâs obligation to fix that property since Sunset Gravelâs surety bond expired and the township does have some funds set aside for a park. Resident Todd Peters, who likened the situation to Charlie Brown trying to kick a football held by Lucy, says they wanted the development to go through and be successful - what they donât want is 12 to 24 more years of mining as proposed under the new recommendation. Peters says the planning commission approved an incomplete plan that is not in the best interest of the community. Residents are concerned about what happens next and allege the township has had no problems violating the order set forth by the court while others expressed frustration with the fact no township board members were in attendance last night. Many voiced concerns about overall safety, decreased property values and environmental contamination. They say many purchased lots with the expectation the site would be developed but the new plan surfaced, calling for mining and filling the site until 2037 which they say directly violates the previous court order. Newly hired Township Manager Brian Vick tells WHMI theyâre working to have engineers confirm current elevations at the site and proposed park and will be obtaining some cost estimates. As it stands now, developers have yet to make any changes to the plans as previously indicated and nothing has been formally presented to the township board for action. (JM)
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Open House Monday Marks Grand Opening of New Pinckney Library Open House Monday Marks Grand Opening of New Pinckney Library
1/16/13 - An open house next week will mark the grand opening of the new Pinckney Community Public Library. A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony, featuring State Librarian Nancy Robertson, will be held Monday morning followed by refreshments and programs throughout the day. The new facility is located at 125 Putnam Street in downtown Pinckney at the site of the former Village Education Center. The Library Board of Trustees, members of its Friends Group, and the Design and Building Team will be on hand and tours of the new facility will be given, along with presentations on a variety of services available to patrons. A short documentary on the history of the new library building that was created by two Pinckney New Tech High Students will also be shown throughout the day. (JM)
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Livingston County to Aid Michigan's Hardest Hit HomeownersLivingston County to Aid Michigan's Hardest Hit Homeowners
1/16/13- Livingston County homeowners facing foreclosure will see some relief through the recently approved Hardest Hit Program. This program will aid taxpayerâs who may have no mortgage but are currently delinquent on their taxes, pushing them into foreclosure. Hardest Hit will issue the homeowner a zero percent interest loan of up to $30,000 for delinquent taxes. Participants will pay the debt off over a five year period without accruing additional interest charges. The county sees this program as a last resort for many. The program was approved Monday by the Livingston County Board of Commissioners and will now go through the State of Michigan before being officially in place. Eligibility requirements for those interested in participating have not yet been released, but will be available on the county website pending approval by the state. (SO)
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Snyder Delivers State of the State; Local Officials Weigh In Snyder Delivers State of the State; Local Officials Weigh In
1/17/13 - Governor Rick Snyder said 2012 was a busy year during his State of State address Wednesday night and few would disagree, most especially toward the end. On the legislative side, Republican State Representative Bill Rogers of Genoa Township says the speech highlighted the great progress made to get Michigan moving in the right direction. He also agreed there needs to be more of discussions centered on roads. GOP State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township says reinventing Michigan has been a priority for the Legislature and it will be hard to top some items accomplished during the lame duck session, many of which he feels have been needed for decades such as eliminating the personal property tax for manufacturers. He formally re-introduced his Blue Cross Blue Shield reform legislation last night, which was vetoed last year, and says there is no abortion related language in the bills. Hune also said he was elated at mention of reforming the auto no-fault insurance system. On the other hand, Vice Chairman of the Livingston County Democratic Party Mike Tipton says the Governor gave the impression everything was great and felt he really glossed over the recent lame duck session. A re-occurring theme in Snyderâs speech was working together and reinventing the state, but with all of the unrest and controversial legislation passed at the end of the year, Tipton says he doesnât see how it can be possible. Tipton, also a Howell Township Trustee, says Snyder talked about improving education at the same time more per-pupil funding cuts are being put forward but also feels the unemployment rate has not reflected the big tax breaks given to businesses. Following his third State of the State address, Snyder will be speaking today at a sold-out luncheon at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township hosted by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. (JM)
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Metropark System Dropped From LawsuitMetropark System Dropped From Lawsuit
1/17/13 - Another defendant has been dismissed from a lawsuit filed by the family of a Milford man who drowned in 2011 while trying to save a teen from the Huron River. The suit, filed last year in Oakland County Circuit Court by the estate of Douglas Killingbeck, seeks damages in excess of $25,000 for each count. It claimed the Village of Milford, Milford Township, the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority and the Village Canoe Rental in Milford failed to provide adequate warning and fencing near the Huron River dam in Milford. Thatâs where Killingbeck died May 21st of 2011 while trying to save 16-year-old John Przydatek, whose canoe had capsized while on a church trip organized by Knox Presbyterian Church, which was also named in the lawsuit for allegedly failing to properly supervise the outing and insist the teenager wear a life jacket. Both Killinbeck and Przydatek were pulled below the surface and drowned. Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Phyllis McMillen previously granted a request from Milford Township to be dropped from the case after they argued they werenât liable in the case because of governmental immunity. Last week, she also granted a similar request for the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority. That leaves just Milford, Village Canoe Rental and the Knox Presbyterian Church as defendants, although a request by the village to be dropped is pending. The case is scheduled to go to trial in June of this year. (JK)
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Jurors Hear Lengthy Interview Between Kowalski & State PoliceJurors Hear Lengthy Interview Between Kowalski & State Police
1/17/13 - The recorded interview and testimony of Michigan State Police Detective 1st Lieutenant Sean Furlong was heard Wednesday in the murder trial of Jerome Kowalski. Prosecutors say Kowalski killed his brother and sister-in-law in 2008. Kowalski initially told investigators he had a dream during an alcoholic blackout, but eventually became convinced of his own guilt and confessed. During subsequent interviews Kowalski gave police details of the crime that varied greatly in their accuracy. In the interview played for jurors Wednesday, Furlong took Kowalski to task for his changing story and inaccurate details, saying he was either holding out on investigators or lying about his involvement to protect someone. Kowalski changed his story and added more details during the interview, at one point even declaring that he must be innocent, but stated not long after that he did commit the crime. In his testimony, Furlong stated that Kowalski was abnormally calm during the interview even when he was being shouted at by police. He also testified about details of the investigation, such as Kowalski's phone records and the handguns seized from his home. (TD/JM)
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Employee's Credit Cards Stolen; Brighton Police Seek SuspectsEmployee's Credit Cards Stolen; Brighton Police Seek Suspects
1/17/13 - Police are asking for the publicâs assistance in identifying the suspects responsible for a retail larceny at a business in downtown Brighton. Brighton Police Chief Tom Wightman tells WHMI two female suspects entered a retail store in downtown Brighton on Monday afternoon. He says one suspect distracted the clerk while the other located a purse belonging to an employee and stole the credit/debit cards that were in it. Wightman says the pair then immediately went to several other businesses and the Howell Walmart store, where they used the cards to purchase more than $10,000 in gift cards. Wightman says this type of crime is very common at retail stores and not unique to Brighton. He advises local businesses and their employees to protect themselves by making sure to keep purses and any personal belongings locked up or otherwise secure, preferably away from the front counter. The suspects are described as one white female and one black female, both in their late 20âs or early 30âs. Anyone with information is asked to contact Brighton Police at 810-227-2700. (JM)
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