After a nearly two hour closed session, the director of the Howell Parks and Recreation Authority came away with a warning and disciplinary action. Last nightâs special meeting of the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority board was meant to clear up some personnel disputes. Nearly a hundred community members and facility users waited while the board entered into closed session to talk to authority director Paul Rogers, who last month disciplined other employees in the department. When the board reconvened, members agreed to remove negative letters from the files of three employees; Beth Schrader, Tracey Pasfield and Carole Enger and instead took action against Rogers. Board chairman Todd Smith passed a six point motion that included a written warning in Rogersâ personnel file. Rogers will also have to pay back day care fees for all of 2015 within the next 30 days. His performance will also be reviewed again in January 2016. The board action wasnât sufficient though for some in attendance and during public comment, a handful of people voiced concerns that Rogers would still be leading the department. Former employee Sarah Rowe told the board she thought they made a mistake and pool user John Tripi told the board he doesnât see things changing. Tripi said with the actions he's seen and heard, he feels that the department won't be in any better shape in January than it is now. Along with disciplining Rogers, Oceola Township Board representative Sean Dunleavy says the board wants to move toward rebuilding trust in the department. He says part of the plan going forward is to develop a director's plan, which will include a communication plan and address some other issues. He says it will also look at where all of the services are and if necessary make any changes. The board received numerous letters about Rogers and various issues with the department. Chairman Smith said all of the letters will be reviewed and addressed before the September meeting. The letters will be put into Rogersâ personnel file and the board will develop a directorâs action plan before the next meeting. (DS/JM)
Howell Parks & Rec Authority Director Disciplined Howell Parks & Rec Authority Director Disciplined
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Howell Teachers Reach Accord with School DIstrict on New ContractHowell Teachers Reach Accord with School DIstrict on New Contract
8/27/15 - The Howell Public Schools and Howell teachersâ union have reached tentative agreement on a new contract. The two sides are not commenting on the terms of the two-year contract pending ratification by both parties. The Howell Education Association represents about 360 teachers in the district, while about 30 other teachers are not union members. HEA President Zachary Kasprzak tells WHMI that the two sides have been bargaining since last April, culminating in the tentative agreement on a new contract at the conclusion of negotiations on Wednesday. The old, two-year contract expired at the end of June.
Howell Supt. Erin MacGregor issued a statement saying the agreement will be âmutually beneficial for both parties.â Kasprzak says the teachers will vote on the contract next Wednesday, Sept. 2. The union board of directors has unanimously recommended approval of the contract by its members. If it is ratified by the membership, the Howell Board of Education will hold a special meeting next week to also vote on the agreement. (TT)
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County Veterans Service Office Handing Out School Supplies FridayCounty Veterans Service Office Handing Out School Supplies Friday
The Livingston County Veterans Services office will be handing out school supplies to school-age children of Veterans later today. Children who qualify can pick up their supplies for the coming school year from 1-4pm at the County Veterans Services Office, Suite 109, in the Livingston County East Complex at Grand River and Chilson Road. At the same time, the Veteransâ services office will be holding a fundraiser to help offset the cost of the school supplies, according to Veteransâ Benefits counselor Joshua Parish. Parish says the office also hopes to familiarize the public at that time with its other services for veterans and their dependents. (TT)
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Fast-Pitch Softball Facility Passes Hartland PlanningFast-Pitch Softball Facility Passes Hartland Planning
With a few revisions yet to make the owners of Turnin 2, a fast-pitch softball operation, could be on their way to construction soon. The Hartland Township Planning Commission approved site plans last night for the 64,000 square foot facility on the condition that the township approves the special land use permit. Most of the 96 acres at the corner of Clyde Road and Old-US 23 is zoned Conservation Agriculture and will have to be allowed a special use for the private recreational facility. Other considerations owner David Kennedy of Black Wing LLC needs to make before the September 15th township board meeting are modifications to the landscape and lighting plans. Commissioner Sue Grissom made several suggestions for changes to the landscaping and parking lot. Prior to the meeting site plans had been changed to accommodate resident concerns. Township Planning Director Dave Campbell says the updated plan is a good fit. He says he thinks the applicant deserves credit for making the changes to the site plan, especially eliminating lighting and moving the project over 80 feet. The planning commission thinks it is a good faith effort on the part of the organization to be good neighbors. Campbell says he thinks it is a quality development for Hartland and is a good proposal. Residents living along Clyde Road were still concerned about buffering noise and visibility, as well as traffic on both Clyde Road and Old-US 23. If approved by the Hartland Township Board Turnin 2 will build a new indoor and outdoor facility for both practice and tournament fast-pitch softball play. (DS)
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LACASA Center Set To Roll Out New "Call Us First" CampaignLACASA Center Set To Roll Out New "Call Us First" Campaign
A new campaign being launched next week aims to help lift the shame and self-blame off the shoulders of local victims of sexual assault. LACASAâs Sexual Assault Response Center is kicking off a new âCall Us Firstâ campaign during the month of September, encouraging victims to reach out. The goal is to let victims of a sexual assault know that they can contact LACASA first and staff will arrange every aspect of their care from immediate medical treatment to legal advocacy and ongoing counseling. Michelle Most is the Nurse Manager for LACASAâs SANE or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program and says their staff of specially trained nurses are on-call for exams 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. She says that because many victims are reluctant to reveal or report the crime for a number of different reasons, LACASA offers privacy and confidentiality. National statistics estimate that more than 88% of rapes go unreported and if those figures hold true, officials say that means hundreds of victims from Livingston County remain silent every year. LACASA Center President/CEO Bobette Schrandt says it can be intimidating and even paralyzing for a victim to call the police after an assault, hence some donât report the assault and never receive the support and services they need. LACASA is working to change that through the âCall Us Firstâ campaign and let victims know there is a safe place for them to come where their identity will be protected. From the time a sexual assault occurs, victims have 96 hours to undergo a forensic examination for it to be truly effective as evidence. Schrandt says LACASA has specially trained staff who serve as advocates and gatekeepers for victims and help them navigate through the decision making process following an assault, but also collect all evidence and secure it in a rape kit provided by the state. Services are offered at no charge and are completely confidential. The âCall Us Firstâ campaign will debut on Tuesday, September 1st. Schrandt and Most will be guests this Sunday morning at 8:30 on WHMIâs Viewpoint. (JK)
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Ice Cream Social Tonight Focuses on Couple's Fight to Reunite Family Ice Cream Social Tonight Focuses on Couple's Fight to Reunite Family
Supporters of a couple caught up in a lengthy court battle to keep their family together have organized a community ice cream social in Brighton tonight. 38-year-old Joshua Burns of Brighton is currently serving his one year sentence in the Livingston County Jail after being convicted of 2nd degree child abuse for an incident involving his now 1-year-old daughter, Naomi. Burns and his wife Brenda maintain that the March 2014 incident was an accident and not abuse. Burns testified that Naomi slipped and he grabbed her face to prevent her from hitting the table. The couple says Naomiâs symptoms and injuries were also related to her very traumatic birth. Burns was found guilty based in part on the testimony of medical professionals, who said the injuries suffered by his daughter were consistent with child abuse. A team from The Michigan Innocence Clinic, run by the University of Michigan Law School, is voluntarily representing Burns while he appeals his conviction and staff attorneys previously told WHMI Naomiâs medical history will be a major factor in proving Joshuaâs innocence. Torn Family Trust, which consists of family and supporters, is hosting a free ice cream social at the Brighton Mill Pond Gazebo from 7 to 8:30pm for a time of discussion. Trustees and Brenda Burns will be on hand to answer questions regarding the case and the issue of medically misdiagnosed child abuse. Supporters and anyone interested in learning more about the topic are encouraged to attend. Meanwhile, The Michigan Department of Human Services had sought termination of Joshua Burnsâ parental rights but most recently, a local judge ruled in his favor. Brenda Burns has said Naomi is doing extremely well and she felt the judgeâs decision was a first step towards normalcy and that âthings are really moving in the right directionâ. To learn more about the Burns story, click on the link below. (JM)
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Livingston County Ranks Among Top Ten In Property Tax Study Livingston County Ranks Among Top Ten In Property Tax Study
Livingston County is among the top ten getting the biggest bang for their property tax buck according to one study. A new study from SmartAsset identified places across the country where people are getting the most for their property tax dollars. The study considered factors including school rankings, crime rates and property taxes for every county in Michigan. Based on the statistics, Livingston County ranked 10th overall. Dickinson County took the top spot. Violent and property crimes per 100,000 residents were calculated for each county. Using school and crime numbers, a community score was then calculated. The number of households, median home value and average property tax rate were used to calculate a per capita property tax collected for each county. Finally, a tax value was determined by creating a ratio of the community score to the per capita property tax paid. The financial technology company says it all added up to help determine where property tax dollars are going the furthest. Complete results from the study including an interactive map and the full methodology can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Howell Rec Authority Board Has Full Faith in DirectorHowell Rec Authority Board Has Full Faith in Director
The Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority Board is reaffirming faith in the director of the organization following a nearly two-hour closed session during a special meeting Wednesday night. A large crowd was in attendance at the meeting, which was intended to clear up personnel disputes involving Authority Director Paul Rogers, pictured, and department employees. Chairman Todd Smith tells WHMI the board of directors has taken actions in relation to some concerns and issues that had come forward from the employees and the public. However, Smith says they continue to have 100% confidence in Director Rogers and their excellent staff. Rogers, the former Howell Mayor, is well known throughout the community and has over 30 years of management and business experience. He was hired in September of 2013 after the authority board accepted the resignation of former director Debbie Mikula. Longtime employee Beth Schrader served in the interim until Rogers was hired as a replacement. The recent controversy is tied to the actions of three department employees, who received written reprimands from Rogers following their actions during a large community event. Not long after, some employees and allies began rallying for Rogersâ resignation and spoke out during Wednesdayâs meeting. Some also raised issues with Rogers having received a family discount rate for his grandchildren to attend a day camp program. His grandchildren live with him and the discount was authorized but apparently didnât sit well with some. The board ultimately determined Rogers would repay the difference and that he overreacted with the disciplinary action against the three employees; Beth Schraeder, Tracey Pasfield and Carole Enger. Those reprimands will be rescinded and removed from the personnel files of the three. Meanwhile, there has been a lot of restructuring going on within the department to increase efficiencies and reduce unnecessary costs, and every line item in the budget continues to be under review. As part of the Wednesday nightâs motion, a management consultant will be hired to review inner Authority and office communications as well as job assignments. The board will meet again in September to discuss the hiring of the consultant in conjunction with the human resources department. (JM)
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Whitmore Lake Man Pleads Guilty in Strangulation Death of Sister-in-LawWhitmore Lake Man Pleads Guilty in Strangulation Death of Sister-in-Law
8/28/15 - 25-year-old Nicholas Foerster of Whitmore Lake pleaded guilty Friday to second degree murder charges in the strangulation death of his sister-in-law, Rachelle Wood of Green Oak Township. The incident occurred June 16, 2014. The guilty plea came at the conclusion of a Livingston County Circuit Court hearing on the admissibility of a confession by Foerster, who told police during an interview that he choked 23-year-old Rachelle Lynn Wood for seven minutes, resulting in her strangulation death. His attorney had sought to have Foersterâs statement suppressed, saying he was denied his constitutional rights. Foerster had claimed that police âbadgeredâ him for several hours, resulting in a forced confession. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI he is pleased at the guilty plea and hope it gives the family of the victim "some closure and peace." Foersterâs sentencing will take place Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. before Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Hatty. He could be sentenced to any number of years up to a maximum of life in prison. Foerster remains lodged in the Livingston County Jail, where he is being held without bond. (TT)
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Sidewalk Pouring & Underground Work Continue Next Week in FentonSidewalk Pouring & Underground Work Continue Next Week in Fenton
The pouring of more sidewalks will continue next week as part of the Fenton Streetscape project. This past week, sidewalk was poured on LeRoy Street from the Community Center to Caroline Street on the west side of the roadway. This coming week, sidewalk will be poured in that area on the east side of the street. Contractors are also continuing underground work in the area next week and connecting the new water main. However, city officials advise that the underground work will require a closure of LeRoy Street between Caroline Street and Silver Lake Road next Wednesday and Thursday. Updates on the Streetscape project are available through the link below. (JM)
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St. Joe Livingston Surgeon Performs 1st Outpatient Hip Replacement SurgerySt. Joe Livingston Surgeon Performs 1st Outpatient Hip Replacement Surgery
A local hospital is said to be on the leading edge of a growing trend in orthopedic surgery that requires less recovery time. Dr. G. Victor Gibson is an Orthopedic Surgeon at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital. He performed the hospitalâs first outpatient total hip replacement surgery - possibly the first of this kind in the state. The new procedure allows patients to return home the same day as surgery and Gibson has performed two. He says both responded well and were very happy and excited to go home the same day. Gibson says the surgery is performed from the front, which avoids cutting through muscle and tendons, resulting in a much faster recovery. He says the traditional approach required patients to stay in the hospital longer because they couldnât control their hip. Gibson told WHMI he was very comfortable having performed over 300 hip surgeries using the original approach, so it was sort of a natural transition and heâs very excited and optimistic based on the results. The Health System launched the new outpatient program for hip replacement in July and expects to perform around 100 of those surgeries within the next year. It credits advancements in minimally invasive surgery and newer pain management techniques that now allow the replacement to be done on an outpatient basis. Gibson says personally, itâs been very exciting to see how things have evolved with orthopedics â especially going from a week hospital stay to returning home the same day. (JM)
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Handy Township Man Gets 9 Months in Jail for Possessing Child PornographyHandy Township Man Gets 9 Months in Jail for Possessing Child Pornography
A Handy Township man caught with child pornography at a motel has been sentenced. 57-year-old David John Wennberg was ordered to serve nine months in the Livingston County Jail and 60 months of probation. Heâll receive credit for 169 days served. Wennberg previously pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of child sexually abusive material in Livingston County Circuit Court. Two of the three counts were added July and the result of forensic testing on his computer. As part of the plea, court records showed prosecutors agreed no further charges would be filed. After receiving information from the FBI, detectives with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department executed a search warrant March 12th at the Grand Motel on Grand River in Fowlerville. An investigation is said to have produced evidence that Wennberg was in possession of child pornographic images involving underage boys. (JM)
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Livingston County's July Jobless Rate Unchanged Livingston County's July Jobless Rate Unchanged
July jobless rates edged up seasonally in regional labor markets but held steady in Livingston County. Livingston Countyâs jobless rate stood at 5.3% in July â improving a few ranks to 17th among Michiganâs 83 counties. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget says in general, July unemployment rates in local labor markets showed very little movement and payroll jobs followed typical seasonal patterns. Jobless rates went up slightly in 13 of Michigan's 17 major labor market areas. The largest over-the-month rate hikes were recorded in Flint, Monroe and the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metropolitan area - which includes Livingston County. (JM)
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Whitmore Lake Man Admits Strangling Sister-In-LawWhitmore Lake Man Admits Strangling Sister-In-Law
A man charged in the strangulation death of a Green Oak Township woman will be sentenced in October after pleading guilty Friday to second degree murder charges. 25-year-old Nicholas Foerster of Whitmore Lake had been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in connection with the strangulation death of his sister-in-law, 23-year-old Rachelle Lynne Wood. The incident occurred on June 16th of last year in Woodâs apartment. The guilty plea came at the conclusion of a hearing on the admissibility of a confession by Foerster, who told police during an interview that he choked Wood for seven minutes, resulting in her strangulation death. His attorney had sought to have Foersterâs statement suppressed, saying he was denied his constitutional rights. Foerster had claimed that police âbadgeredâ him for several hours, resulting in a forced confession. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI the he is pleased that the family will be allowed to give victim impact statements at the sentencing, and says his office will press for a stiff sentence. Vailliencourt adds he hopes the guilty plea will give the victimâs family some closure and peace. Foersterâs sentencing will take place Oct. 21st at 9 a.m. before Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Hatty. He could be sentenced to any number of years up to a maximum of life in prison. Foerster remains in the Livingston County Jail without bond. (TT)
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State Lawmakers Take Bus Tour of Livingston County State Lawmakers Take Bus Tour of Livingston County
8/30/15 - State Rep. Hank Vaupel of Fowlerville took a group of 28 state legislators and representatives of statewide organizations on a tour of Livingston County recently. Stops included downtown Howell, the Howell Chamber of Commerce building, Thai Summit, Mott Community College, Armour Protective Packaging, Citizens Insurance, 2FOGS Pub and the Howell Opera House. The purpose of the caucus is to improve Michigan's quality of life and economic competitiveness by paving the way for vibrant communities, downtowns and neighborhoods. (TT)
Pictured from left to right are Rep. Derek Miller, Rep. Hank Vaupel, Heart of Howell Owner Joe Parker, Rep. Jim Townsend and Rep. Joel Johnson.
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Services Tuesday in Fenton for MSP Trooper Killed in Motorcycle CrashServices Tuesday in Fenton for MSP Trooper Killed in Motorcycle Crash
8/30/15 - Funeral services are set for Fenton resident and Michigan State Police Trooper Chad Wolf, who died Friday after his motorcycle was struck on Dixie Highway where it crosses over northbound I-75 in Oakland Countyâs Springfield Township. Wolf was knocked off the motorcycle and pulled under a vehicle pulling a trailer and dragged for several miles before the 72-year-old driver pulled off the road at a rest area. Wolf, who was on motorcycle patrol at the time of the accident, was transported to Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc where he died several hours later. The driver is said to be cooperating with police and no charges have been filed, pending completion of the investigation. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Fenton High School gym at 3200 West Shiawassee Ave. in Fenton. Visitation will take place at the Fenton Chapel of the Sharpe Funeral Home on Silver Lake Road in Fenton from 5-9 p.m. Sunday and 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. on Monday. Wolf left behind a wife and four children. He had been with the state police since 2008 in the Special Enforcement Section Motor Unit and assigned to the Jackson, Flint, and Metro posts. According to WXYZ-TV, a candlelight vigil will take place Sunday evening at Mr. Bâs Roadhouse in Clarkston. The Detroit News reports that a GoFundMe account that was established had already raised over $42,000 for the family by Saturday night. Contributions may also be made to the Chad H. Wolf Memorial Fund., c/o the Sharpe Funeral Home 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton, MI 48430. (TT)
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Howell Schools May Reactivate Resource Officer Position Through GrantHowell Schools May Reactivate Resource Officer Position Through Grant
Howell Public Schools may be reintroducing a position within the district by working with the Howell Police Department. The Board of Education is discussing the possibility of having a shared police officer in the district that would serve as a school resource officer. The officer would not only provide a safe feeling on campus, but would also aid in educational opportunities for the students as well. Howell Schools Superintendent Erin MacGregor tells WHMI personal experience has led him to believe reactivating the position is paramount. The position would be funded with the Community Oriented Policing Services grant which would provide $125,000 over a three year period. The school district would be responsible for contributing $15,000 per year and would be required to help the police department fully fund the position in its fourth year. Because of time constraints, the police department has already filed their application for the grant before receiving official support from the Board of Education. If the board votes against it next month, the department has agreed to pull the application. Should the Board support the partnership and receive the grant, they will find out at the end of September and hire the officer in to begin in January of 2016. (DK)
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St. Joe's Says Obesity, Mental Health & Drug Problems Up St. Joe's Says Obesity, Mental Health & Drug Problems Up
8/28/15 - St. Joseph Mercy Health System officials say that because of a recent study of hospitals in southeastern Michigan â including Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital in Howell - its community benefit resources will be concentrated on obesity and behavioral health. The year-long assessment into the health needs of the communities surrounding five of its hospitals â including the hospital in Howell âis required under the Affordable Care Act. The assessment includes a review of national, state and local data, interviews with community leaders and surveys by local social service agencies. According to Health System spokeswoman Laura Blodgett, obesity and behavioral health were given the highest priority because of the severity of the problem and the health systemâs resources to address the issue. In Livingston County, the assessment found that 2 out of 3 adults are overweight or obese, and the percentage of overweight or obese adults has increased over the past decade. In addition, 1 out of 4 high school students and 1 out of 3 children ages 2 to 5 in Livingston County is overweight or obese. One out of eight adults in Livingston report having at least 14 days of fair to poor mental health out of a given month, a statistic which has gone up since 2006. One in four Livingston high school kids regularly drinks alcohol, 1 in 6 smokes marijuana, and 1 out of 20 uses painkillers without a prescription.
The report also states the suicide rate in the county is higher than the state as a whole. Among strategies to combat the problems are supporting schools with education and prevention programs, improving access to nutritious foods, addressing barriers to solving the problems such as lack of transportation and ability to pay, and improving access to behavioral health services in the community. The St. Joseph Mercy Health System is currently working on developing and implementing other strategies to deal with the issues. (TT)
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Lane Closure Planned on Grand River in Brighton Monday Lane Closure Planned on Grand River in Brighton Monday
A partial road closure could result in some slowdowns during the morning and early afternoon commute in Brighton. The City of Brighton reports that the right lane of westbound Grand River Avenue will be closed from Best Buy Drive to Brookside Lane beginning around 6am Monday. The City says the reason for the lane closure is in order for the developer of the adjacent property to install curbing and a driveway approach. Officials anticipate the work to be completed by about 3:00 this afternoon. (JM)
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Hearing Today in Federal Suit Filed by Livingston Christian Schools Against Genoa Twp. Hearing Today in Federal Suit Filed by Livingston Christian Schools Against Genoa Twp.
A court hearing is scheduled this morning as part of a lawsuit filed by Livingston Christian Schools against Genoa Township for its refusal of a special use permit that would have allowed the school to relocate to the Brighton Church of the Nazarene. Livingston Christian filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction and both parties filed responses. The hearing is expected to proceed as scheduled today in U.S. District Court in Detroit. Livingston Christian Schools claims the denial violated their rights under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and is seeking an injunction to overturn the townshipâs vote denying the permit. Since the suit was filed, Livingston Christian Schools reached a deal with Whitmore Lake Public Schools to begin classes at the unused Whitmore Lake Middle School. That will allow Light of the World Academy, a previously faith-based school that recently obtained permission to open as a charter school, to move into the Livingston Christian Schools old facility in Pinckney. Meanwhile thereâs been yet another development in the lawsuit, which Genoa Township is asking to be dismissed citing the lengthy history the Brighton Nazarene Church has of noncompliance with township ordinances coupled with ongoing complaints from neighbors. On Friday, the township filed a new motion asking the court to consider recently acquired evidence. The township alleges the school changed the ânature and basis of its substantial burden claim after the township filed a responseâ thus the township should be granted the opportunity to address the schoolâs new claim. The court filing states the township recently acquired evidence that calls into question whether the churchâs facility is ready for immediate occupancy and suggests inspection reports have not been submitted, issues have not been addressed, necessary approvals have not been obtained and construction has not been completed. Itâs unclear if the latest motion will be addressed during this morningâs hearing, which will be heard by Judge Caram Steeh. (JM)
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