Two candidates applied for the open seat on the Hartland Consolidated Schoolsâ Board of Education and were interviewed during a recent meeting. Michelle Hemeyer is a parent in the district with a son at Round Elementary, where she is the PTO President. Brenda Bratt is also a parent in the district and a teacher in South Lyon. She has three children in the district at Lakes Elementary, Farms Intermediate and Hartland High School. The Board of Education is expected to select a candidate during the September 14th meeting, which begins at 6:30pm in the Educational Support Service Center on M-59. The vacancy is the result of an earlier announcement made by former board secretary Michelle Hutchinson, who resigned August 31st. Hutchinson, who is battling cancer, had served on the board since 2009. Hutchinsonâs replacement will be appointed to serve through December 31st, 2016. If the appointee wishes to serve beyond that time they will have to run for election in November 2016 and, if elected, would then serve through December 2020. (JM)
Hartland School Board Set To Fill Vacant SeatHartland School Board Set To Fill Vacant Seat
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Pinckney Woman Enters Plea In Medicare Fraud CasePinckney Woman Enters Plea In Medicare Fraud Case
A Livingston County woman charged in a Medicare scheme involving fraudulent billing claims has entered a plea. 55-year-old Michelle Freeman of Pinckney and Elaine Lovett of Wayne County are accused of conspiring to engage in Medicare fraud and submitting fraudulent claims. The alleged offenses occurred while the pair owned and controlled Oak Park-based ABIX LLC. The complaint alleges they obtained the Medicare numbers of licensed medical service providers in and around Detroit, and then used the information to bill Medicare for chiropractic and psychotherapy services that were not provided. After more than a year of legal delays, Freeman recently pleaded guilty to a count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud in U.S. District Court in Detroit. A filing states Freeman submitted approximately $1.1 (m) million of Trotterâs false and fraudulent claims. The plea agreement stipulates Freeman must forfeit any assets tied to proceeds from the crimes and pay restitution to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the amount of $401,897. Documents also note that Freeman will be excluded from Medicare, Medicaid, and all federal health care programs. Freeman, who remains free on bond ahead of a January sentencing date, is among 20 Detroit-area physicians, company owners and operators, office employees and patient recruiters accused of submitting more than $34 million in false claims for services that were never rendered and with paying kickbacks to obtain patients to be billed. Sentencing guidelines call for a maximum of ten years in prison, a fine that is the greater of $250,000 or twice the monetary gain or loss, and a three year term of supervised release. (JM)
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Presentation Will Address Oak Wilt Infestation In Livingston CountyPresentation Will Address Oak Wilt Infestation In Livingston County
A fungal disease that is killing oak trees will be the focus of an event tomorrow night in Hartland. ReLeaf Michigan, in association with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Arboriculture Society of Michigan, will be hosting a presentation on Oak Wilt Disease by Dr. David Roberts, a Plant Pathologist at Michigan State University. The disease is said to be spreading quickly in Livingston County, with noticeable infestation along Clyde Road in Hartland Township and Brighton Road in the Brighton area. Steve Turner is an arborist and board member of ReLeaf Michigan. He tells WHMI that the infestation cycle begins with sap-feeding beetles and that once the disease takes hold it becomes a matter of trying to contain its spread to other trees as infected trees can rarely be saved and can be dead within 30 days. The meeting is free and open to the public. It will be held from 6-8pm Wednesday in the Hartland High School auditorium. The presentation is interactive and attendees are encouraged to bring questions. An RSVP is requested but not required. That can be done by calling 1-800-642-7353 or sending an email to: info@ReLeafMichigan.org. (JK)
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Interchange Project Will Include Lane Closures This Week Interchange Project Will Include Lane Closures This Week
Continued work on the US-23/I-96 interchange will result in closures this week. The Michigan Department of Transportation says there will be overnight closures starting tonight on westbound I-96, between US-23 and Pleasant Valley Road, for truss installation. A double lane closure on westbound I-96 will start at 9pm and last through 6am Wednesday, including short, 15-minute intermittent complete closures. That will be repeated Wednesday from 9pm to 6am the following morning and then Thursday from 10pm to 6am Friday and then 10pm that night through 8am Saturday. The work is part of an overall project that is constructing new through-lanes on I-96 between the current eastbound and westbound lanes. The newly-rebuilt interchange is expected to fully open to traffic in late summer of 2016. (JK)
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Father Convicted Of Child Abuse Denied Sentence ReductionFather Convicted Of Child Abuse Denied Sentence Reduction
A Brighton man convicted of child abuse will be fulfilling his full sentence despite a request for early release. Joshua Quincy Burns is currently serving his one year sentence in the Livingston County Jail for second-degree child abuse in a case that involved his daughter. Burns and his attorneys came before Judge Miriam Cavanaugh this morning with a motion for a sentence reduction or modification of probation terms. Daniel Rose from the Livingston County Prosecutorâs office says while the matter is of âpure discretionâ by the court, he urged Judge Cavanaugh to rule against the request. Judge Cavanaugh denied the motion to release Burns from jail 90 days early but was willing to compromise on some probation terms. The no-contact provision between Burns and one-year-old daughter Naomi will be lifted in order to fulfill counseling requirements. Burnsâ wife, Brenda, has been using visual aids of Joshua to keep his presence connected to Naomi. She tells WHMI she is looking forward to bringing their family together again with the help of a trusted counselor. Burnsâ probation agent will be given discretion to allow Burns to travel out of state for work purposes as well as the need for drug and alcohol testing. The court and Burnsâ attorney had discrepancies in information regarding the jailâs work release programs. Judge Cavanaugh is allowing his representation to return with further information before she makes a ruling on the issue of his day parole. The Michigan Department of Human Services discussed the terms of the family reunification plan which will include separate counseling for Joshua and his wife and daughter. Naomi will be integrated into the counseling sessions after six weeks and parenting time between Joshua and his child will be supervised until further notice. Burns maintains his parental rights over Naomi as well as his innocence in the incident which he claims was an accident. He is pursuing an appeal to his conviction and would be released in December if he is unsuccessful beforehand. (DK)
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Genoa Township Renews Station Lease Agreement with Brighton Fire AuthorityGenoa Township Renews Station Lease Agreement with Brighton Fire Authority
A lease agreement has been renewed that covers two fire stations in a local municipality. The Genoa Township Board approved the lease renewal with the Brighton Area Fire Authority during Tuesdayâs meeting. The Authority had requested to extend the lease agreement for Station 34 on Dorr Road and Station 35 on Chilson Road. Genoa Township Supervisor Gary McCririe noted during the meeting that they had a five year agreement with the option for a five year renewal and said âcandidly, things are going very wellâ. There were no significant changes to the terms and conditions outlined in the lease agreement, which will take effect October 1st. (JM)
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Annual Crack Treatment Will Maintain Paved RoadsAnnual Crack Treatment Will Maintain Paved Roads
The Livingston County Road Commission intends to maintain the good condition of newer paved roads with an annual crack treatment. Earth movement during the winter causes the pavement to bend when it settles once again. The over band treatment seals cracks that occur in the pavement from the groundâs adjustments. Road Commission Director Mike Craine says the crack treatment sealant will extend the life of paved roads that are four to five years old. He tells WHMI aesthetically, the treatment looks like âbad plastic surgeryâ but is a preventative measure. The Road Commission recently granted a contract extension with Scodellar Construction from Wixom to perform the crack treatment this fall. The company had provided the same service last year and Craine says the cost of 2014âs treatment will stay the same for this construction season. The project will be conducted between September and November as the season finishes out to a number of roads in the area. The Road Commission is still identifying which roads will receive the preservation treatment this year. (DK)
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Cleary University Looking To Rezone Six Parcels of Land In Genoa TownshipCleary University Looking To Rezone Six Parcels of Land In Genoa Township
A public hearing is scheduled later this month on the proposed rezoning of properties owned by Cleary University in Genoa Township. Board members met Tuesday night and scheduled the public hearing for the September 21st meeting. A rezoning of six parcels on approximately 38 acres of land on Cleary Drive is being petitioned by the university from office service district and industrial to a mixed-use planned development. Cleary University has assembled various parcels over the years that have different zoning classifications. Supervisor Gary McCririe tells WHMI over the course of those years, the township has been in discussions with the university about bringing all of their parcels into one blanket zoning for a planned unit development. He says that would cover the multiple uses a campus would traditionally have such as housing, education and athletics. The rezoning request will be before county planning for a recommendation next week. The Genoa Township board will take public comments September 21st and could possibly take final action on the request at that time. Meanwhile, a new on-campus student housing project is under construction and thereâs no solid date for completion but work should be done this fall. (JM)
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Woman Found Competent For Trial In Shooting Death Of Fenton ManWoman Found Competent For Trial In Shooting Death Of Fenton Man
The woman charged with shooting a Fenton man to death in Isabella County has been found competent to stand trial. 51-year-old Mary Lou Bigford is charged with one open count of murder, one count of first-degree murder, one count of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, felonious assault and a felony firearm violation in connection with the April 18th death of Lawrence Howard Jr. A mental health and criminal responsibility exam was ordered for Bigford, which last week was presented in court indicating she was competent to stand trial. Police say Bigford shot the 39-year-old Howard to death as he sat inside his car in the parking lot of the apartment complex where she lived with her daughter and granddaughter. Bigfordâs daughter had accused Howard of sexually abusing their daughter, which he adamantly denied. After various investigations failed to substantiate the allegations, Bigford expressed her frustration to authorities that she had not been interviewed and that Child Protective Services was not doing its job. A month later sheâs accused of gunning down Howard. Bigford, who remains held without bond, is due for a preliminary exam on September 28th. A November trial date has also been scheduled if no plea deal is reached before then. (JK)
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Appeal Set To Be Heard In Lawsuit By Former Hartland School AdministratorAppeal Set To Be Heard In Lawsuit By Former Hartland School Administrator
An appeal in the lawsuit filed by a former Hartland Consolidated Schools administrator has finally been scheduled for a hearing. Tracey Sahouri sued the district in 2012, alleging it violated the Whistleblower Protection Act when it failed to renew her administrative contract and eventually re-assigned her to a teaching position. Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Richard Yuille denied a motion by the district to dismiss the lawsuit last year, a ruling which the district took to the Michigan Court of Appeals for a review. After more than a year of legal wrangling, a date has finally been set for the appeals panel to hear the case. Court records show that the justices will hear oral arguments in the case on October 13th in Detroit. Sahouri claims her removal as principal at Creekside Elementary was in retaliation for reporting ongoing âirregularitiesâ in how the district administered the MEAP tests. The district contends her re-assignment was based on the conclusions of a state report that determined teachers at the school improperly gained access to material from the tests in 2011, which constituted a breach of security, and thus sheâs ineligible for a Whistleblower defense. A three-member legal panel previously recommended the district settle the lawsuit for $525,000, but that was rejected by the Hartland school board, which stood by the decisions that were made in regard to Sahouri, who it says was found to have committed misconduct by both the Michigan Department of Education and the district. (JK)
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Plans Move Forward To Renovate Historical Courthouse AmphitheaterPlans Move Forward To Renovate Historical Courthouse Amphitheater
The Amphitheater at the Historical Howell Courthouse is on its way to being renovated. Building Services Director Chris Folts narrowly convinced Commissioner Steve Williams that amphitheater renovations need to be completed this year. The $191,000 project is expected to start by the first of October. Folts asked the General Government and Health & Human Services Committee to approve a resolution moving the project forward to the Finance Committee. Folts says the project involves taking out the cement, sod and lattice concrete in two phases and replacing it with new pavers. There will also be new handrails and an electrical service so cables donât have to be run across the cement. Williams asked whether the funds could be put to use to draw down some of the countyâs $2.5 million budget deficit. Folts told the committee costs will continue to rise. He says when he estimated the cost of the project last year it was $180,000 and this year it is $191,000. He adds that people are busy and there were only two bids for the project. He says bonding is also an issue. Folts says the old cement and lattice are trip hazards and that a musician tripped during the summer concert series. The project is set to be on this morningâs Finance Committee agenda and then for the full board on September 14th. (DS)
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Committee Hears Budget Presentations From County DepartmentsCommittee Hears Budget Presentations From County Departments
Looking to trim the overall budget by at least $2.5 (m) million, a number of departments presented budgets to a committee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners last night. Of the sixteen departments updating financial pictures for the 2016 fiscal year, most told the General Government and Health & Human Services Committee that they werenât making major changes. The Public Health Committee has plans to add programs next year and plans to balance the budget out of the departmentâs fund balance. Public Health Officer Diane McCormick told the committee employees are the greatest asset at cost in her department. County Finance Officer Cindy Catanach says McCormick will have to look for ways to generate revenue. She says McCormick knows using her fund balance isn't sustainable and that if she continues to use that, her fund balance will be depleted within five years. Catanach says McCormack needs to look for new sources of revenue and make changes to expenditures, looking at the services provided by Public Health even scaling it down to what they can afford. McCormick told the committee about two initiatives planned for the department. She says she will be unveiling a program soon designed to reduce opiate and heroin related deaths. She is also working on bringing a dental clinic to the area. She says the fund balance will run out within five years, but she is looking for other sources of revenue and ways to cut expenses. (DS)
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Memorials Pay Tribute To Officer Three Years After Being Slain While On DutyMemorials Pay Tribute To Officer Three Years After Being Slain While On Duty
It was three years ago today when a police officer from Tyrone Township was shot and killed by a barricaded gunman. Sergeant Patrick OâRourke died on September 9th, 2012 while responding to an emergency call about a possible suicide attempt. Authorities say a former auto executive facing business and family troubles fired on police as they arrived at his home in West Bloomfield Township, killing O'Rourke and sparking a 20-hour siege that ended with the suspect dead. O'Rourke, a 1991 graduate of Hartland High School, was a West Bloomfield officer for 12 years. He was married and had four children. Since that tragic day a number of memorials have been made in his honor including the naming of a portion of Old US-23 in Livingston County that stretches from M-59 to Center Street as the âThe Patrick OâRourke Memorial Highway.â There is also an upcoming golf outing that will benefit a scholarship fund set up in OâRourkeâs name to assist students seeking careers in law enforcement. The 1st Annual Patrick OâRourke Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Outing will take place Friday, September 18th at the Golf Club at Mount Brighton. For additional information please contact Dan & Arlene OâRourke at: irishacres4447@yahoo.com (JK)
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9/11 Never Forget Ceremony & Memorial Run/Walk in Brighton Fri & Sat 9/11 Never Forget Ceremony & Memorial Run/Walk in Brighton Fri & Sat
A public ceremony in Brighton this Friday will again remember the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. The Brighton Area Fire Authority is a guardian of a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, which has become a remembrance memorial at the department headquarters at 615 West Grand River. Brighton Fire Chief Mike OâBrian says staff has taken a lot of pride in being keepers of a piece of steel from the World Trade Center and Fridayâs event will feature a roughly 40-minute memorial service to relive what happened and help keep the memory fresh. The United States Honor Flag will also be featured. OâBrian tells WHMI he remembers how people across the country came together following the tragedy and really started looking out for one another, which is what he feels the monument should stand for. The 9/11 ceremony is open to the public and will begin promptly at 7:30pm Friday. Parking can be found immediately adjacent to the fire station and in community lots. A limited amount of chairs will be provided but guests can bring their own lawn chair. Fridayâs events will again be followed by the annual 9/11 memorial 5k run or walk, which is one of the largest memorial runs in Michigan. Firefighters from local and area departments typically participate in full turnout gear for the event, which winds throughout downtown Brighton and finishes at the 9/11 memorial at Fire Station 31. The event is family-friendly and proceeds go to help finish the memorial. Complete details about both events are available through the link below. Brighton Fire Authority Photo Credit. (JM)
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Jury Seated in Trial of Man Charged in 2011 Iosco Township MurderJury Seated in Trial of Man Charged in 2011 Iosco Township Murder
A jury has been seated in the murder trial of a man who drew scrutiny from investigators after a Facebook post about how to spend $30,000. A 2012 Facebook post speculating how he could spend $30,000 is said to have helped lead authorities to identify Anthony Sean Duke of Webberville as a suspect in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Ronald Hauser. A jury was seated today in Livingston County Circuit Court and opening arguments followed. Duke is charged with first-degree murder, home invasion, larceny in a building and various felony firearm counts. Hauser was found dead in his Iosco Township home in December 2011. The landscaper was known to carry large amounts of cash. Authorities say Dukeâs social media post read: "What to do?? ... 30K I have to spend." A sheriff's investigator has said he repeatedly questioned Duke after learning about the social media post, which was made about a month after Hauser's death. Duke was charged in 2014. His lawyer argues the case is built on circumstantial evidence. (JM)
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Presentation On How To Combat Oak Wilt Disease Held In HartlandPresentation On How To Combat Oak Wilt Disease Held In Hartland
The nonprofit organization ReLeaf Michigan put on a presentation by plant pathologist Dr. David Roberts on the dangers of Oak Wilt Disease and how property owners can help save their trees. Oak Wilt is a fungal disease that has the potential of killing oak trees, especially red oaks, within a month or two of inception. Trees affected by Oak Wilt will lose their leaves quickly, often showing a tan discoloration, even during growing months. The disease is spread primarily through two means. The first being transferred by sap beetles into fresh wounds on the trees most often caused by pruning or storm damage. The other was by passing more slowly through grafted roots. An oak treeâs root system can spread as far as twice the height of the tree, which could cause danger to neighboring oaks. Roberts believes the disease was introduced to the region many years ago, but lately has been spreading more rapidly through Livingston County. Roberts targeted April, May, and June as being the most dangerous months for pruning, with December through February being the safest. He also cautioned against people panicking when they suspect Oak Wilt, saying they should seek professional advice and possibly a second opinion, as other nonlethal reasons are often mistaken for it. (MK)
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First Community Meeting On Howell Technology Bond Brings Light Turnout First Community Meeting On Howell Technology Bond Brings Light Turnout
Although not at the bottom of the barrel with instructional technology, the Howell Public Schools district is not setting the bar either. That point was made a few times during a meeting held last night to educate the community about a $12.5 (m) million technology bond proposal appearing on the November ballot. All students and schools would receive updated instructional technology if the bond passes, which officials say would enhance student learning and the way teachers provide instruction. It was stated that staff has done a great job getting old, outdated technology to last over the years but the district is falling behind and needs to stay competitive â especially when neighboring school districts are upgrading technology. The bond proposal was referred to as a bargain considering Howell has the lowest debt levy of all public districts in Livingston County. If passed, it would not increase taxes and would freeze the current debt millage tax rate at 6.4 mills for four years. The proposal is structured so that the bonds would be sold in three packages and allow the district to purchase instructional resources over the course of several years and stay on top of evolving technology. Superintendent Erin MacGregor tells WHMI itâs a very financially responsible request that would provide students with a competitive advantage. He says teachers want to have the tools to be able to engage students and the bond would provide those types of instructional technology resources. Although attendance was sparse last night, there was constructive dialogue among the board members, teachers and administrators who gathered. If the bond fails, officials said the district would still put down a good product but continue to lag behind the times by purchasing old, used technology - further reducing competitive advantages. One member of the public in attendance felt the bond could be a tough sell and expressed some reservations commenting âthere is no substitute for the teacher.â A teacher who was present commented that possibilities with technology are endless and it would help teachers improve lessons while making learning more fun and engaging for kids. Cassie Pfander teaches kindergarten at Northwest Elementary and told WHMI students already use an online reading tool in the classroom and at home but sheâs looking forward to the possibility of getting more computers and exposure for kids to use technology but also have it aid in their learning. More community presentations about the technology bond are planned leading up to the November 3rd election. The next is scheduled Tuesday, October 6th. Detailed information about the bond is available through the link below. (JM)
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Competency Evaluation Ordered For Woman Who Tried to Run Over Ex-BoyfriendCompetency Evaluation Ordered For Woman Who Tried to Run Over Ex-Boyfriend
A Howell-area woman who led police on two separate chases and tried to run down her ex-boyfriend has been referred for testing at the state forensic center. 24-year-old Alycia Pless appeared in 53rd District Court for a probable cause conference on Tuesday and was referred to the state forensic center for a competency and criminal responsibility evaluation. Pless is charged with fleeing and eluding, resisting or obstructing a police officer, felonious assault, operating while intoxicated, 2nd degree home invasion and breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property less than $200. All of the charges are tied to incidents on August 13th in which Pless allegedly stole her ex-boyfriendâs pickup truck and trailer from the Thompson Lake boat launch while he was out on the water. The man reported the theft and a chase ensued after officers spotted Pless. However, once they were informed that the suspect was an ex-girlfriend and knew her identity, they broke off the pursuit. Pless then returned to the boat launch later that same evening and reportedly tried to run down her former boyfriend, before again taking off. Police spotted the pickup truck and gave chase along M-59 and Latson Road until she eventually crashed at Clyde Road and was taken into custody. (JM)
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Charges Upgraded for New Hudson Man Who Fatally Punched VeteranCharges Upgraded for New Hudson Man Who Fatally Punched Veteran
Charges have been upgraded against a New Hudson man who punched a veteran in defense of his stepsister. 27-year-old Phillip Myers is charged with manslaughter in 52-1 District Court in Novi. Myers was originally arrested and charged with aggravated assault after an altercation on August 25th. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office says Myers punched and knocked Christopher Markiewicz to the ground after he made unwanted sexual advances on Myersâ stepsister. The alleged victim, a 17-year-old, had given Markiewicz a ride home the night before because he was highly intoxicated. She told police he put his hand on her thigh and shoulder and that she refused his request for sex. Markiewicz returned to her home the next day, again highly intoxicated, to apologize and police say thatâs when the incident occurred. The manslaughter charge was amended from aggravated assault when Markiewicz died of his injuries on August 30th. Markiewicz was a Marine veteran from the Desert Storm campaign. He was laid to rest last week. Myers is expected back in court September 23rd.
(DS/JK)
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Road Commission Apologizes For Accidentally Mowing Garden in Right-Of-WayRoad Commission Apologizes For Accidentally Mowing Garden in Right-Of-Way
The Livingston County Road Commission has issued an apology for its part in accidentally mowing down a garden in Hamburg Township. Last month, an employee was out mowing the right of way on Gallagher Road and accidentally mowed down a homeownerâs garden. Managing Director Mike Craine says the subdivision is at the end of a long access road, Indianola, and vegetation grows up pretty wild. He says there are a few homes on Gallagher, which is the connector street to Strawberry Lake Road. He says itâs mowed at least once a year, usually late summer, because the vegetation grows into the street â making it more difficult to mow or plow in the winter. Craine says the employee was doing what he was supposed to do, which was to keep grasses from encroaching on the roadway. Craine says when he mowed; he also accidentally mowed down a portion of a garden kept by residents Anne and David Swanson. For his part Craine says the employee came upon the property thinking it was a vacant lot. From his vantage point on the mower, the employee could see only the growth and didnât recognize it as special vegetation. Craine says the employee stopped when he saw a small sign that said no spraying. He shut down the mower and backed out, but had already mowed down several feet. The homeowners say nobody believes it was a mistake. They claim a neighbor has long been unhappy with the landscape and feel the driver was asked to deliberately mow the plants. Craine says the Commission customarily gets invited into neighborhood spats from time to time but they do their best to stay out of them. As far as theyâre concerned, the issue has been handled and theyâve apologized for their oversight to the property owners. However, Craine says they were also reminded that it is a public road right-of-way and they have a responsibility to maintain it. Craine added that says the Road Commission often leaves gardens and decorations alone when they are near the roadway. (DS/JM)
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