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Local Gun Owners React to Gun Control ProposalsLocal Gun Owners React to Gun Control Proposals

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1/17/13 - Gun owners across Michigan are expected to rally in Lansing this weekend following President Obama’s call for new gun control measures including requiring background checks for all gun sales and banning both military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. The Guns Across America rally is set for noon Saturday in front of the Capitol building in Lansing with gun owners encouraged to rally and show their opposition to the measures proposed in the wake of the Connecticut school shooting massacre last month. One of those who will be in attendance is Tyler Charlick of Milford. She is an avid gun owner who says while she doesn’t necessarily have a problem with extending background checks; the effort to limit assault weapons and ammunition clips is an infringement on Constitutional rights. "The defense of yourself against someone or something or whatever you felt you needed to defend yourself against is not explicitly spelled out in the Constitution what we can and cannot have...I can say I don't think it should be up to the government to tell us what we can and can't have when the Second Amendment just states that we have the right to defend ourselves." While it would appear most gun owners are of the same opinion, not all of them have a problem with what they see as reasonable limitations, especially on assault weapons. Joann Murphy of Brighton is a long-time gun owner who says the realities that existed when the Bill of Rights was written don’t match the realities of today. "I think when they wrote the Second Amendment nobody ever thought that assault rifles would be a part (of it). Everything has changed so much that there's no reasonable connection with what was then and what is now." The president's sweeping, $500 million plan marks the most comprehensive effort to tighten gun laws in nearly two decades. But his proposals, most of which are opposed by the National Rifle Association, face a doubtful future in a divided Congress where Republicans control the House. Seeking to circumvent at least some opposition, Obama signed 23 executive actions on Wednesday, including orders to make more federal data available for background checks and end a freeze on government research on gun violence. But he acknowledged that the steps he took on his own would have less impact than the broad measures requiring approval from Capitol Hill. As for Saturday’s rally, Charlick says the goal is to demonstrate peaceful opposition to the proposals and for gun owners to flex their political muscle. You’ll find details about the rally through the link below. (JK)

Protestors Picket Governor's Speech for Brighton ChamberProtestors Picket Governor's Speech for Brighton Chamber

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1/17/13 - About 50 protestors gathered today outside Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township as Governor Snyder addressed members of the Brighton Chamber of Commerce inside. The protestors, many of whom were union activists with the group called Progress Now, said they wanted to let Snyder know that the battle over Right To Work legislation he signed last month is not over and that they plan to continue to express their dissatisfaction through the 2014 election, when they hope to vote him out of office. Among those protesting was Jim Pratt of Oceola Township. “I don’t want to live in Mississippi and so we’re all out here today to make sure he hears that the war has only just begun. We’re going to do whatever we have to do to organize to make sure that he’s gone in 2014 and that workers have the right to organize, form unions and right to work has got to go.” The protestors also criticized the Brighton Chamber of Commerce for hosting Snyder, as they passed out fliers saying the chamber and event sponsor PNC Bank supported racism by sponsoring Right to Work speakers. The fliers contained a picture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a 1961 quote from the civil rights icon opposing right to work laws. The protest follows one last night that brought several hundred union supporters to Lansing, who protested outside the capitol as Snyder gave his State of the State address to lawmakers. Snyder has said he hopes to move beyond the partisan divide that opened up over the right to work bill that was passed in the lame duck session.

Howell to Host Inaugural Miss Mid-Michigan PageantHowell to Host Inaugural Miss Mid-Michigan Pageant

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1/17/13 - A competition this weekend in Howell will offer young women a chance to have a shot at becoming the next Miss America. The first-ever Miss Mid-Michigan Scholarship Pageant is a not-for-profit affiliate of the Miss America Organization. It will feature 16 contestants from around the mid-Michigan area who will compete in talent, sportswear, interview, evening gown, and question-and-answer phases of the contest. They will also be asked to speak about a social or community issue of their choice. The winner will be awarded a $500 scholarship and eligibility to compete for the title of Miss Michigan in June and potentially Miss America. She will also take time during her year of service to speak to officials, community leaders, and community groups about her chosen platform. The Miss Mid-Michigan Pageant is set for 6pm Saturday in the Howell High School auditorium. (JK)

Governor Talks Roads & Reinvention at Brighton Chamber Event Governor Talks Roads & Reinvention at Brighton Chamber Event

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1/18/13 - Governor Rick Snyder spoke before a sold out crowd at a luncheon hosted by the Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township Thursday. The Republican Governor talked about better funding for roads through user fees, the importance of creating jobs but also and matching supply and demand for the talent pool. The speech came right on the heels of his State of the State address and Snyder says he’s committed to reinventing the state because fixing Michigan is not good enough. Snyder reaffirmed his goal clean-up state government and help pave the way for future leaders to be successful. One in the making is Howell High School Senior Aaron Osborne - one of the 29 students who make up the district’s “We the People” team, which recently won the state finals congressional competition. He felt the Governor demonstrated how it’s not about partisan bickering but coming together and doing things to better the state while reaching toward the future. Howell Downtown Development Authority Director Diane Larkin tells WHMI that for her, Snyder’s message of keeping things positive, being relentless about changing what needs to change and continuing to take action is right on target. While Snyder was speaking, around 50 protestors were picketed outside over his signing of the Right to Work law last month. (See story below for details)

Prosecution Rests And Defense Begins in Kowalski Murder Trial Prosecution Rests And Defense Begins in Kowalski Murder Trial

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1/18/13 - After some final questions to state police, the prosecution rested its case Thursday in the murder trial of Jerome Kowalski. Prosecutors accuse the 66-year-old Kowalski of killing his brother and sister-in-law in their Oceola Township home in 2008. The defense began its case Thursday with testimony from friends, family, and coworkers of Kowalski. Both of the defendant's sons testified that a relative in Florida gave the family information gleaned from news reports about details of the scene, such as the position of the bodies. Witnesses had said earlier that Kowalski had no way of knowing that information without having committed the crime. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Pamela Maas asked questions to impeach that testimony by pointing out that the relative testified earlier that he gave no such information. Defense Attorney Walter Piszczatowski also called his first expert witness, Forensic Psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Wendt, who testified that he evaluated Kowalski to be a depressed, passive-aggressive individual with alcohol dependence and a tendency to try and please authority. Testimony will resume on Tuesday and 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan informed jurors that she is expecting closing arguments by that afternoon. (JM/TD)

Brighton Will Hold Public Hearing on Quota Liquor LicenseBrighton Will Hold Public Hearing on Quota Liquor License

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1/18/13 - The Brighton City Council had hoped to take action Thursday night on approving one of three liquor license applications, but instead finds it will have to delay action and hold a public hearing on the issue. It stems from a misunderstanding as to whether the current city liquor license ordinance applies in the case of a new quota liquor license the city was granted that resulted from a population increase in the last census. It was City Manager Dana Foster's and Police Chief Tom Wightman's understanding that the quota license was a special license not bound by the established rules for approval of other types of liquor licenses. Foster tells WHMI that turned out not to be the case. As a result, the city will have to issue a public notice and set a date for a public hearing on the quota liquor license, at which time anyone in the public may comment for or against the granting of a liquor license. The public hearing will be held during the first meeting of February, on the 7th of the month. City officials say the quota liquor license is very desirable to anyone wishing to be able to sell liquor at his establishment because it only costs $600 compared to the $20,000 cost of a redevelopment liquor license. Two Brothers Coffee owner Jim Starnes had originally applied for a redevelopment license, but later changed it to a quota license application when he heard it was available. A second applicant represents Scotty Simpson's Fish and Chips and Lynn's Cafe, which applied for the license after the city approved the transfer of its liquor license to Stonefire Bistro. Stonefire lost its liquor license last month due to a dispute with the former owner. The application is now under review by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Now a third applicant has come into the picture applying for a liquor license: Kathleen's Cookies. The business is currently located on East Grand River in Brighton Township in the Kroger Store complex. However, Foster says the owner has been negotiating with Leaf, Barley and Vine owner Greg Strause for a possible lease of his property at Grand River and North Street. (JK)

Applications Accepted For Free Lakes Area Citizens Police Academy Applications Accepted For Free Lakes Area Citizens Police Academy

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1/18/13 - Area citizens are being invited to take advantage of an opportunity to learn about what really goes on behind the scenes in law enforcement. Applications are currently being accepted for the “The Lakes Area Citizens Police Academy”. Milford Police Chief Thomas Lindberg says the free program helps increase understanding and cooperation between police and citizens through education. The free 30-hour instructional program academy is a joint venture between the Milford, South Lyon, Novi, Walled Lake and Wolverine Lake Police Departments. It’s open to those 18 and older who live or work in those communities and designed to give the public an insider’s knowledge about various police departments and what law enforcement work is all about. The format includes practical demonstrations, hands-on exercises and presentations, as well as tours of various facilities such as the Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office and the Michigan State Police DNA lab. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 9pm and begin March 6th, running through May 15th. The first class will meet at the Novi Police Training Center and the registration deadline is February 20th. For more information or to apply, click on the link below. (JM)

DDA & Rec Authority Could Partner Up For Howell Melon Festival DDA & Rec Authority Could Partner Up For Howell Melon Festival

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1/18/13 - The Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority is hoping that some new partners will help take a familiar event to the next level. This year’s Howell Melon Festival takes place August 16th through the 18th and planning efforts are already well underway. The DDA took over the event from the Howell Jaycees in 2009 and have now invited the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority to explore taking a more active organizational lead in hosting the festival this year, since the two groups and community members already work together on it as well as the Legend of Sleepy Howell. DDA Board President and festival chair Stephanie Schlittler says the goal is to ensure the event continues on the upward climb it’s been on, bringing thousands to the downtown area. Schlitter tells WHMI with that continued growth, they felt the need was evident to bring in a strong and independent partner for continued success. While the DDA hasn’t announced any major headliners such as last year’s Mitch Ryder performance, Schlittler says they’re working to once again get state approval shut down Grand River in the downtown area again and are also in talks to bring in a carnival. Schlittler says they’re always looking for volunteers as the Howell Melon Festival couldn’t go off without all of the community support. Details can be found in the link below. (JM)

Trial Date Pushed Back For Howell Man Charged w/ Soliciting Minor Trial Date Pushed Back For Howell Man Charged w/ Soliciting Minor

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1/18/13 - The trial date for a Howell man accused of soliciting a minor online who turned out to be a police officer has been pushed back. 37-year-old Eric Nicholas Bramble is facing various charges including child abusive commercial activity, using a computer to commit a crime and accosting a child for immoral purposes in Livingston County Circuit Court. His defense attorney filed a motion requesting an evidentiary hearing for entrapment, which was denied by Judge David Reader. The trial date was then adjourned to mid-February at the request of the defense for additional discovery. Police say Bramble sent messages “designed to entice or solicit a child under the age of 16 to commit an immoral act.” The alleged text and email messages were made to an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old child. (JM)

Hidden Lake Condo Changes Denied by Green Oak BoardHidden Lake Condo Changes Denied by Green Oak Board

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1/18/13 - The Green Oak Township board Wednesday night decided against requested changes at the Hidden Lake Community, east of US-23, just north of Silver Lake Road. Earl LaFave of Green Oak Properties had been looking for permission to build individual condominiums in the subdivision, saying that detached condominiums are mortgaged more easily. But that plan was opposed by several residents who cited unfinished condominiums in the subdivision already called The Falls 2, which they say partially obstructs their view of the lake. Many also do not approve of the design and density of the new condominiums. Hidden Lake resident Bob Moran tells WHMI that it’s not only unwise economically, but visually as well. LaFave believes that the space can only be used for one thing and that he “can’t build anything there but detached condos.” LaFave says he was not seeking a variance, but instead the clarification of the ordinance and that he “…will do whatever it takes to find a better clarification.” Green Oak trustees think a compromise can be made to satisfy both LaFave and the current residents. (DK/JK)

Million Dollar Bond Set for Hartland Man in Shooting IncidentMillion Dollar Bond Set for Hartland Man in Shooting Incident

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1/18/13 - A Hartland man is jailed under a million dollar bond after firing a gun outside his home earlier this week and threatening to use it at his wife’s workplace. 37-year-old Brian Thomas Barnes is charged with reckless discharge of a firearm after police were called to his home Tuesday morning on Lakena Street. His wife said he sent a series of threatening text messages through the previous evening and that morning following an argument that prompted her to leave the house and take their children with her. She called 911 after he threatened to bring the gun to the daycare center where she worked. When deputies arrived, they say Barnes, who is alleged to have been intoxicated, 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. Police say that while they took the threat against the unnamed daycare center seriously, there was never any danger to that facility as Barnes never left his residence. Barnes was arraigned on the charges yesterday and given a one million dollar bond. He’s due back in court next Thursday for an exam conference in front of 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan. (JK)

Staff Plans Recognition For Howell Board of EducationStaff Plans Recognition For Howell Board of Education

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1/19/13 - January is School Board Recognition Month, and staff and officials from Howell Public Schools taking the opportunity time to thank members of the district’s Board of Education. The seven-member board is responsible for overseeing almost 8,000 students, more than 700 employees, 11 buildings, and an annual budget of more than $60 million. Superintendent Ron Wilson says being a school board member has been described as the toughest volunteer job in America, and that he salutes the school board for its vision and leadership. He and other members of the district staff will honor the school board at their next meeting on January 28th. Throughout the month, messages of thanks and encouragement will be displayed on school signs and marquees around the district. (TD)

Road Commission Helps Green Oak Township Plan Road RepairsRoad Commission Helps Green Oak Township Plan Road Repairs

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1/19/13 - Members of the Green Oak Township Board will meet with the Livingston County Road Commission at the end of the month to discuss upcoming projects. Voters in Green Oak approved a 15-year, 1.66 mill property tax in last year’s election to pave, repair, and rehabilitate local roads. It was offered along with a specific list of planned improvements. Now, the township needs to decide what repairs to do first. Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles tells WHMI that they will be working with the Road Commission to devise a strategy. He says they have been looking at the township’s list of planned road repairs to figure out which can begin early in the spring and which will require extensive engineering work. The millage will provide the township with about a million dollars every year for road repairs. (DK/TD)

Man Accused Of Assaulting Stranger Bound Over For TrialMan Accused Of Assaulting Stranger Bound Over For Trial

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1/19/13 - A Brighton man has been bound over to circuit court to stand trial on home invasion charges. Brighton Police say on July 24th, 28-year-old Nicholas Sloan forced his way into the former apartment of a man he suspected of having relations with his ex-girlfriend. However, the man he was looking for had moved out several weeks before. Police say Sloan kicked down the apartment door at around 3am, charged at a male occupant, and began throwing punches. The man’s fianceé grabbed her 4-year-old son, ran to a closet, and called 911. Sloan, who was on rollerblades, was quickly arrested by police down the street from the apartment complex. Judge Hatty will preside over his case in 44th Circuit Court. (TD)

Senator Hune Introduces New Blue Cross Blue Shield LegislationSenator Hune Introduces New Blue Cross Blue Shield Legislation

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1/19/13 - A local lawmaker introduced new Blue Cross Blue Shield reform legislation this week after Governor Snyder rejected similar legislation late last year. Republican Senator Joe Hune from Hamburg teamed up with Democrat Virgil Smith from Detroit to introduce the legislation on Wednesday. Senate Bills 61 and 62 will overhaul Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan by turning it into a nonprofit mutual insurance company, ending its tax-exempt status and setting up a nonprofit foundation to maintain its charitable activities. Blue Cross Blue Shield reform legislation passed both houses but was vetoed by Governor Snyder in December due to abortion language, which the Republican governor said interfered too much with private business. The new bills are identical to that legislation except for the abortion language, which was removed. AARP of Michigan is concerned that if the bills are signed into law, the change would hit senior citizens, who are poor or have disabilities, the hardest. AARP Manager of Advocacy Lisa Cooper says this will affect mostly people who live on fixed incomes and fall well below poverty level. Hune expects the new legislation to pass the senate and perhaps the house within the next couple of weeks. (TD)

First Miss Mid-Michigan Crowned in HowellFirst Miss Mid-Michigan Crowned in Howell

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1/20/13 - Makayla McCoskey, a 19 year old from Farmington Hills, was crowned the first ever Miss Mid-Michigan Saturday night at Howell High School. McCoskey was selected from a group of 15 girls this weekend, and will go on to represent Mid-Michigan this June, in the Miss Michigan Pageant. McCoskey competed in five areas including talent, on stage question, and evening gown. McCoskey says she was surprised she received the crown. "It means so much. It really was not something I was expecting at all and I'm just so excited. Not only to be able to go to Miss Michigan this summer but also just to really work more closely with this organization." McCoskey will also receive a $400 scholarship to go with her title. She says she will spend her time as Miss Mid-Michigan raising awareness for eye health.

Power Outages from 40 mph WInds in Livingston County, Elsewhere Power Outages from 40 mph WInds in Livingston County, Elsewhere

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1/20/13 - High winds that began Saturday night and continued into the morning hours today (Sunday) have resulted in thousands of people being without power, and the majority of those without heat. DTE reports that as of late Sunday morning, about 10,000 homes and businesses were without power, all resulting from high winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour knocking down power lines and causing trees and limbs to topple onto lines. In adjacent Oakland County, about 27,000 customers were without power and in Washtenaw County about 3,000 customers were minus electricity. Overall, about 92,000 DTE customers were without power late Sunday morning in DTE’s 17-county region, which serves 2.1 million customers in southeastern Michigan. Saying they were still assessing the situation, a DTE spokesman was unable to give an estimate as to when power would be restored. At Consumers Energy, at last count, about 40,000 customers were without power, including 1,300 in Livingston County; 2,300 in Genesee County 2,200 in Ingham County and 2,000 in Shiawassee County. Outages in Livingston are scattered all over, but are concentrated in the Howell area – on the city’s south side and south of Howell in Marion, Genoa and Iosco townships. A large number of outages were also reported south of Brighton in Green Oak and Hamburg townships and north of town in Brighton Township. Highlander Way in the city of Howell was closed from Grand River to M-59 due to a downed power line; several traffic lights in and around Howell were also out and Livingston County Central Dispatch was asking that motorists approaching an intersection where the traffic signal is out should regard it as a 4-way stop. WHMI has had a couple of calls from elderly people and a mother who just gave birth and have had to deal with a home without heat. Those who have an elderly or disabled neighbor who lives alone are asked to check up on the individual to make sure they’re OK. (TT)

Milford Set for 8th Annual MLK March TodayMilford Set for 8th Annual MLK March Today

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1/21/13 - Anyone planning on attending the Martin Luther King Jr. Day march and celebration in downtown Milford this afternoon is being encouraged to get downtown early. Huron Valley Martin Luther King Jr. Day Committee officials say the 8th annual event today aims to bring awareness to the holiday and the importance of Dr. King’s legacy, adding that the celebration is also about service, volunteering and helping others. The officially start the line-up at 12:15pm at the Prospect Hill shopping center and the march takes off at 1:00 before proceeding south to Central Park where a short program is planned, including a vocal performance by Howell High School graduate Justin Brandt. The march and other activities as part of the 8th annual celebration are free and open to the public. Main Street will be closed in downtown Milford between Commerce and Huron Streets during the march, from roughly 1 to 1:30pm. (JK)

Local Democrats Gather for Inauguration Watching PartyLocal Democrats Gather for Inauguration Watching Party

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1/21/13 - Local Democrats plan to watch the President Obama's inaugural address today and they invite members of the community to join them. Chairwoman of the Livingston County Democratic Party Judy Daubenmier tells WHMI they are inviting the President’s supporters to an Inauguration Watching Event beginning at around 11am at the local Democratic Party headquarters in Brighton. Duabenmier says many people helped Obama carry the state in November, but do not have the time or money to go to Washington D.C. to celebrate his inauguration. The gathering will give them a chance to enjoy the historic event and help kick off the party’s next two-year campaign cycle in preparation for the election in November 2014. A life-size cutout of the president will be available for photos with attendees. (JK)

Workshops to Help Those Through Loss of Loved OnesWorkshops to Help Those Through Loss of Loved Ones

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1/21/13 - Residents suffering from grief can find counseling and meet other people going through similar experiences at a workshop series beginning next month. Cathy Clough, founder of the New Hope Center for Grief Support in Northville, will lead the eight-week series beginning on February 4th. The program will meet at the Howell Opera House on Monday nights from 7:00 to 8:30pm. Each week a different topic will be discussed, including anger, guilt, depression, holidays, and how families change with the loss of a loved one. Clough tells WHMI that depending on attendance the workshops will be divided on smaller groups based on the circumstances of their grief. Although walk-ins are welcome organizers do prefer that those interested in attending make reservations ahead of time. Clough says the best way to do that is to contact the Borek Jennings Funeral Home in Howell, which is sponsoring the series, at (517) 546-0100. (TD)
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