Brighton-area resident and Democratic candidate for Congress Melissa Gilbert had income totaling at least $100,000 in each of the last two years, and possibly more, along with credit card debts dating from 2011 and 2012 totaling at least $60,000. Thatâs according to a financial disclosure by the former âLittle House on the Prairieâ star being reported by the Detroit Free Press. The disclosure, which was filed with the U.S. House this week, indicated that the 51-year-old Gilbert and her husband, actor and director Timothy Busfield, have total assets worth at least $818,000, and perhaps as much as $1.7 million. Gilbert announced last month her intention to run as a Democrat for the nomination in Michiganâs 8th Congressional District, which is currently represented by Congressman Mike Bishop, a Rochester Republican. Members and candidates for Congress are only required to report a range of income, and Gilbertâs disclosure indicated she has made at least $201,607 since the beginning of 2014. The disclosure rules do not require Busfield to list the majority of his income nor the approximately $473,000 in federal and state tax liens her campaign has said she expects to pay back by 2024 under agreements with the IRS and the state of California. Federal and state tax bills do not have to be included in financial disclosures. But the financial disclosure did include two credit card liabilities: one for between $50,001 and $100,000 incurred in 2011-12, and another for between $10,001 and $15,000 from July-August 2012. Her campaign didnât immediately answer questions by the Free Press about the credit card debt, which was incurred before she moved to Michigan in 2013. While Gilbertâs run for Congress is considered a long shot in a conservative district like the 8th, some pundits have said her celebrity and national profile could work to her advantage, most especially in fund-raising. While she has no direct political experience, she has run campaigns before and won, specifically as a two-term president of the Screen Actors Guild. Democrats are hoping higher turnout in a presidential election year could also help her hopes. (JK)
Gilbert Reports Income Of At Least $200,000 Amid Debts Of At Least $60,000Gilbert Reports Income Of At Least $200,000 Amid Debts Of At Least $60,000
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Trial Continues For Webberville Man Accused Of 2011 Iosco Township MurderTrial Continues For Webberville Man Accused Of 2011 Iosco Township Murder
The jury heard testimony from three prosecution witnesses yesterday in Livingston County Circuit Court. 25-year-old Anthony Sean Duke of Webberville sat in the courtroom while the prosecution brought witnesses and introduced new exhibits. Duke is being tried on 1st degree murder and nine other charges in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Ronald Hauser. The bulk of the testimony in the third day of the trial focused on Livingston County Sheriffâs Detective Mark Klein, the officer in charge of the investigation. During cross examination by Dukeâs defense attorney, Rolland Sizemore, questioned Klein about the weapon believed to have been used; a Mossberg 12-guage shotgun. The weapon has not been recovered. Klein testified investigators found sabots in Dukeâs yard and at the crime scene from the same type of gun. Klein testified that Duke told him the gun was borrowed from a friend and had been returned, but when Klein investigated the friend said she didnât have it. It had not been reported stolen until after Klein asked for the gun. Klein was also questioned about the distance from Dukeâs residence to Hauserâs, which he said was 1.7 miles. When questioned about the search the prosecuting attorney stated a warrant was not required because Duke was on parole at the time of the investigation and therefore not allowed to possess any weapons. The trial will resume with more testimony from Klein later this morning. (DS/JM)
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New Online Tool To Connect Local Students With Employment OpportunitiesNew Online Tool To Connect Local Students With Employment Opportunities
Livingston County students will have access to a new online effort this fall to help them learn about careers and job opportunities in the region. Called MI Bright Future, the web-based portal will enable schools and businesses to collaborate on work-based learning opportunities. Bill Sleight, Director of Livingston County Michigan Works, says it will help address critical long-term shortages in fields such as advanced manufacturing, information technology and health care by providing a âstronger pipeline of workers for our regionâs employers.â MI Bright Future is an enhancement to an existing web-based career planning tool called Career Cruising, which is used in all Livingston County Schools, and about 90% of the schools in Southeast Michigan. The enhancement allows students and job seekers to explore area companies and potential work-based learning opportunities such as job shadowing, internships and company tours. It also provides a safe environment for companies to mentor students and job seekers interested in jobs in their industries. Area employers are being encouraged to build their company profile on the platform by visiting the link below. The program will be marketed to students and job seekers in the fall, once a sufficient number of employers are registered. Itâs hoped the program could serve as a model for the rest of the region and state on how to connect youth and other job seekers with the job needs of the future. (JK)
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Event Aims To Highlight & Celebrate Diversity In HowellEvent Aims To Highlight & Celebrate Diversity In Howell
An event taking place in downtown Howell a week from Saturday will celebrate diversity in Livingston County. Organized by the Livingston Diversity Council, the first annual "Celebrate U Day" is billed as a "family-friendly event", and will use music, food and other forms of entertainment as a way to bring people of all races, creeds, and colors together to recognize the diverse people and talents that exist in the Howell area. The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the sponsors of the event, and President Pat Convery tells WHMI that there will be a plethora of attractions, including live musical entertainment and food from several different cultures and cuisines. Also featured will be Michigan's troubadour, Neil Woodward, and a Chinese Lion Dance. The Livingston Diversity Council was formed in 1988 in response to a cross burning in the yard of a local African-American family. It was initially called Livingston 2001 and later changed to the Livingston Diversity Council. Celebrate U Day will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26th from noon-5 p.m. on the lawn of the historic Livingston County Courthouse. (TT)
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Hartland Softball Facility Gets Board ApprovalHartland Softball Facility Gets Board Approval
The Hartland Township Board of Trustees approved a special land use permit and site plan for Turnin 2 last night. Trustee Joe Colaianne, who is also a liaison for the Planning Commission told the board the project is a good fit for the land at the corner of Old US-23 and Clyde Roads. He says although the largest part of the property is zoned conservation agriculture, there is a small portion zoned commercial, and it is in the townshipâs master plan to be re-zoned as light industrial. Developer Kevin Johnson told the board the facility is the first of its kind in Southeast Michigan. Girls and their families wanting to play in tournaments currently have to drive to Grand Rapids or out of state. He says not only will this facility provide opportunities for tournaments in Hartland, but the master plan calls for eventual expansion to include baseball as well. Township Supervisor Bill Fountain says the new facility fits with Hartlandâs mission. He says the township's brand is "Friendly by Nature," and Hartland is known for its superior school district. He adds that this is just another amenity that will be brought in for kids who are interested in softball. It is one of only a handful in the Midwest. Johnson told the board construction will start as early as October with a projected a target for opening of August 2016. He says the owners donât have specific plans yet, but the hope is to have a multi-use facility eventually. (DS)
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Appeal Denied For Man Convicted In I-96 Shooting SpreeAppeal Denied For Man Convicted In I-96 Shooting Spree
A Wixom man serving a lengthy prison term after being convicted of shootings along the I-96 corridor has lost his appeal. 46-year-old Raulie Casteel is serving an 18-40 year sentence after being found guilty last year on charges including terrorism and assault with a dangerous weapon. Casteel was arrested after a series of shootings in Livingston, Ingham, Shiawassee and Oakland counties in October of 2012. While he had admitted to the shootings, his attorney said his client was mentally ill and on medication. In the appeal of his sentence, Casteel claimed that he was denied his constitutional right to present a defense when the trial court prohibited him from presenting expert testimony regarding his mental illness. The appeals panel disagreed and said that a diminished capacity defense is not applicable under Michigan law. It further refused his argument that there wasnât sufficient evidence to support the juryâs conviction on the terrorism charge. Casteelsâ final point of appeal was the contention that his constitutional rights were violated when the prosecutor solicited testimony at trial that he had invoked his right to remain silent when he was arrested. While the appeals judges did refer to the questioning as âill-conceivedâ and âinappropriateâ they ruled that the error did not result in a substantial diminishment of his rights to a fair trial. Casteelâs earliest release date is 2030. He remains incarcerated at the Oaks Correctional facility in northern Michigan. (JK)
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Crews Search For Missing Person After Building Collapse in WebbervilleCrews Search For Missing Person After Building Collapse in Webberville
At least one person was unaccounted for following a building collapse at an agricultural facility in Webberville. The collapse occurred around 1:00 at the Archer Daniels Midland facility on M-52 and rescue crews are searching for what they believe is "just one person." The company issued a statement this afternoon. ADM spokesperson Jackie Anderson says a grain-storage structure failed at the companyâs Webberville grain facility. She says employees immediately contacted the Webberville Fire Department but a contractor who was working near the facility has not been accounted for. Archer Daniels Midland is an agricultural services company and produces food ingredients, animal feeds and feed ingredients, biofuels and other products. The company has more than 33,000 employees and serves customers in more than 140 countries. Photo Credit WLNS. (JM)
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New Informational Series Breaks Down Local Health Issues & Implications New Informational Series Breaks Down Local Health Issues & Implications
A new series aims to arm Livingston County residents with information about real issues impacting the community. The Livingston County Department of Public Health completed the 2014 Community Health Status Assessment in June of this year. Itâs a rather large publication so the health department has partnered with the Southeastern Michigan Health Association to launch an informational series entitled âLivingston Countyâs Road to Community Health.â The series will break down the findings into different volumes about specific topics or groups of topics in order to best describe and disseminate the findings. The first volume being distributed focuses on binge and heavy drinking according to Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow, who says data shows Livingston County does both at a rate higher than the state and national average. Moxlow tells WHMI itâs not just a health issue in terms of the effect of alcohol on the body but other factors come into play such as drinking and driving, and the number of accidents both fatal and non-fatal. Each volume from the Health Status Assessment will be released to the community on a regular schedule over the next few years, and each will have a link for public feedback. The community is being encouraged to read and share the information and Moxlow says they anticipate releasing twelve volumes in the series. The first volume is attached below. (JM)
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Local Man & Mother Arraigned On Animal Cruelty Charges Local Man & Mother Arraigned On Animal Cruelty Charges
A man and his mother have been arraigned on criminal charges after more than 100 cats were seized from their home in Marion Township. Kevin Roberts and his mother, Sharon Bath, were arraigned on a single count each of animal cruelty to ten or more animals in 53rd District Court. Both defendants were ordered not to possess any animals and will be subject to random inspections by Livingston County Animal Control. The cats were taken August 4th from a residence on Dutcher Road north of Coon Lake Road by Animal Control officers. Roberts previously said the cats, which he numbered at 53, were in good condition and had been watered and fed properly. But Animal Control officials described many of the cats that were taken as being very sick. Roberts and Bath will appear in court again September 29th for a probable cause conference. (JM)
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Officials Say Brighton District Library Millage Proposal Is "Tax-Neutral"Officials Say Brighton District Library Millage Proposal Is "Tax-Neutral"
Residents in the Brighton area are being asked to vote on a new library millage that would help restore lost services and provide needed building maintenance. The Brighton District Library, which serves 43,000 people, has faced cuts to services and hours since the recession in 2008. The bond levy that has been on the building for 20 years is expiring in October, and officials for the library are hoping residents will approve a new millage of 0.22 mills that would go fully to library operations. Library Director Nancy Johnson told WHMI that taxpayers should see the millage not as a new tax, but as tax-neutral, as itâs the same amount that was being paid to the bond levy. The millage would allow the library to reopen seven days a week year-round. Itâs currently closed on Sundays in the summer, and all Thursdays since 2012. It would also allow them to rebuild their new materials budget which has been cut nearly in half over the last seven years. Upgrades to amenities like furniture, carpeting, and restrooms would also be made, as well as having money for long term needs, like a new roof. Johnson, who plans to retire at the end of the year, believes that if the millage fails, the library may have to make deeper cuts in services and hours in order to make needed repairs on the structure. The millage proposal will be on the November 3rd ballot in Brighton, Green Oak, and Genoa Townships and the City of Brighton. (MK)
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Green Oak To Draft Recreation Master PlanGreen Oak To Draft Recreation Master Plan
A new recreation master plan is in the works for Green Oak Township. The goal of the plan is to provide and articulate a vision for the long term development of the townshipâs parks and recreational planning over the next five years. Currently, Green Oak has been partnered with the Southeastern Livingston County Recreational Authority and has been using their master plan. Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles believes that by creating their own, the township can control its own destiny in how they develop parks, trails, and recreational programs. St. Charles also believes there is an importance in hearing the opinions of as many of the townshipâs residents as he can. Creation of the plan will cost the township $10,500, a number the board of trustees believed at their regular meeting on Wednesday was very fair. The board has ideas for many of the townshipâs pathways, trails and parks, like Coleman Park, and with a master plan of their own, can apply for government grants. The board voted unanimously in favor of moving forward with the project that St. Charles said he hopes to have completed by May 1st. (MK)
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Sentencing Delayed For Man Charged In Death Of Milford Twp. WomanSentencing Delayed For Man Charged In Death Of Milford Twp. Woman
Sentencing has been delayed for a man who police say was intoxicated at the time of a fiery crash that claimed the life of a Milford Township woman. 42-year-old Goran Djordjevski of Farmington Hills was set to be sentenced Wednesday in Oakland County Circuit Court after pleading no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated causing death and failure to stop at the scene of an accident when at fault resulting in death. But that was adjourned. No reason was given and no new dates have been set. Djordjevski, who faces up to 30 years in prison, was charged in connection with the accident that occurred in Commerce Township on January 26th near the intersection of Pontiac Trail and Addington Drive. Police said the victim, Janet Marie Reed, was on a pizza delivery run when she was rear ended by Djordjevski. The impact caused Reedâs vehicle to overturn and catch on fire, trapping her inside. Oakland County Undersheriff Mike McCabe said at the time that Reed âdied a horrible death of smoke inhalation and thermal burnsâ and âbasically burned to death." Djordjevski walked away from the scene, but an eyewitness found him and brought him back to police. His preliminary breath test was .24%, three times the legal limit for driving. Djordjevski remains free after posting a $100,000 cash bond. (JK)
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Local Lawmaker's Resolution Recognizes FASD Awareness Day in MichiganLocal Lawmaker's Resolution Recognizes FASD Awareness Day in Michigan
A resolution sponsored by a local lawmaker was adopted recently and he says other projects are in the works. State Representative Hank Vaupel introduced a resolution to declare September 9th as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day in Michigan. The FASD resolution encourages citizens to increase their knowledge of the effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol. The Handy Township Republican told WHMI they have several irons in the fire that are in keeping with the principals of smaller government and less regulation. Vaupel says heâs also working on a series of bills focused on heroin overdoses and trying to equip first responders adequately to be able to help in those situations. Vaupel says he always welcomes input from constituents and said it was great to have bi-partisan support with the resolution recognizing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day. House Representative Tom Cochran co-sponsored the resolution. A copy is available below. (JM)
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Worker's Remains Recovered After Webberville Wall Collapse Worker's Remains Recovered After Webberville Wall Collapse
Officials say a worker who was engulfed by grain after a storage building wall collapsed in Webberville has been found dead. Archer Daniels Midland says the contractor was found early this morning following an all-night effort. The Ingham County sheriff's department identifies him as 22-year-old Joshua McGhee of Petersburg in Monroe County. The wall collapsed about 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, trapping McGhee under a large pile of grain. Officials earlier said they accounted for all other workers. Company spokeswoman Jackie Anderson says in a statement that safety "is a top priority at all of our facilities." The cause of the collapse is under investigation. Chicago-based Archer Daniels Midland produces food ingredients, animal feeds and feed ingredients, biofuels and other products. Picture courtesy of WLNS. (AP)
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Construction Starts Monday On Lakelands Trail In Hamburg TownshipConstruction Starts Monday On Lakelands Trail In Hamburg Township
New construction starts Monday on a portion of the Lakelands Trail in Hamburg Township. Long awaited paving work on the Lakelands Trail will allow for the completion of the last half mile between Hamburg and Hall Roads. The Lakelands Trail connects Putnam and Hamburg Townships and has only grown in popularity among user groups since its creation in 2006. Hamburg Township received a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant that will defer most of the $220,000 cost to complete the âmissing linkâ. The work will begin Monday and is expected to be completed by Sunday, November 15th. During the construction, the trail and parking area will be blocked from use. Officials ask that individuals avoid the area until the project is complete for safety, and that of construction staff. Photo credit Hamburg Parks & Recreation. (JM)
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United Way Kicks Off Annual FundraiserUnited Way Kicks Off Annual Fundraiser
The Livingston County United Way kicked off its annual fundraising campaign on Thursday evening. An open house was held at the new Rex Materials Group building on Brewer Road at M-59 in Howell to mark the beginning of this yearâs campaign. The new state of the art building is owned by former United Way President David Rex, who wanted to share the occasion of celebrating both the kickoff and the growth of his business. The United Wayâs goal is to raise funds to help solve problems locally including hunger, early childhood education and keeping people from being evicted. New United Way Ambassador Katy Michalski says participation is important. She says for businesses and individuals to participate is crucial to be able to continue the United Way's essential programs especially for those needing low income assistance and scholarships for pre-schoolers. She says it is when others embrace the United Way's mission that it can succeed. All of the funds raised during the annual campaign are invested in the community to benefit programs in Livingston County. Coalitions working together identify problems that need to be addressed each year. Executive Director Nancy Rosso says the coalitions and the community work very well together and that is the reason they are so successful. This yearâs campaign runs through at least Thanksgiving, but donations can be made anytime. To learn more about the Livingston County United Way, its funded programs and initiatives as well as volunteer opportunities visit their website through the link below. (DS)
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Prison Sentence Ordered For Florida Man In New Year's Day AssaultPrison Sentence Ordered For Florida Man In New Year's Day Assault
A Florida man has been sentenced to prison for choking a woman on New Yearâs Day in Livingston County. 42-year-old Billie Gene Tobler of Tampa was ordered to spend between 9 and 30 years behind bars for his no contest plea to Assault by Strangulation and being a habitual offender. Police say he twice choked a female companion while they were visiting her friend in Brighton January 1st. After they left, the victim said Tobler continued the argument and when she tried to get out of the vehicle, he grabbed her hair and prevented her from getting out. She eventually convinced Tobler to stop at a store so she could use the restroom, where she contacted authorities. He was originally charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault by strangulation. The unlawful imprisonment charge was dismissed in February but then prosecutors added a new felony charge of interfering with a witness against Tobler based on allegations that, while in jail, he contacted the victim and made statements that were intended to interfere with her potential testimony. But that charge was also dropped in exchange for the no contest plea, which is not a legal admission of guilt but is treated as such at sentencing. (JK)
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2011 Murder Trial Continues Next Week2011 Murder Trial Continues Next Week
The trial of a suspect in the 2011 shooting death of an Iosco Township landscaper is set to continue Monday. Wednesday marked the fourth day of the jury trial for 26-year-old Anthony Sean Duke of Webberville. Duke is being tried on 1st degree murder and nine other charges in the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Ronald Hauser, who was found dead in his Iosco Township home in December 2011. Investigators long speculated that Duke killed Hauser during the course of a home invasion or larceny. Hauser owned a tree trimming business and was known to keep large amounts of cash as he disliked banks. Testimony was only heard for a half day Wednesday, with more witnesses called by the prosecution. Dukeâs adoptive father testified he had contacted his son on New Yearâs Eve to inform him about Hauserâs murder and that Duke he really had no reaction. He further testified Duke said he knew where Hauser kept his money and that he and a friend used to steal it, unbeknownst to Hauser. Additional testimony centered on the different types of weapons at Dukeâs fatherâs home and a 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun Duke had previously shot at the family home â same make police believe used to kill Hauser but has never been recovered. The trial will continue Monday in Livingston County Circuit Court. (JM)
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Former CIA Officer & Congressional Candidate To Speak In BrightonFormer CIA Officer & Congressional Candidate To Speak In Brighton
A former Congressional candidate and one-time CIA case officer will again talk about the situation in the Middle East this weekend in Brighton. Jim Marcinkowski will be the guest speaker Sunday during an event at the Community Unitarian Universalists in Brighton. The 2006 Democratic candidate for the 8th Congressional district will speak on âLeft of Bang: Theories and Causes of Unrest and Uprising.â The talk is set to focus on emerging groups such as ISIS and how they fit into a religious landscape that includes Sunnis, Shiites, Kurds and others. Marcinkowski, who says he has no future political ambitions, is currently an adjunct professor at the Michigan Institute for Public Safety Education. He has also appeared as a commentator on security issues on various media outlets including CNN, Fox News and MSNBC. Before that he spent 28 years in law enforcement and national security including service with the FBIâs Computer Systems Division and as an overseas clandestine Operations Officer with the CIA. Marcinkowskiâs talk will begin Sunday morning at 10:30 at the church on Old US-23.
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Howell's McPherson Mansion Marks A CenturyHowell's McPherson Mansion Marks A Century
The owners of the McPherson Mansion celebrated the passing of 100 years of the iconic building Thursday opening it to the public. Current owners Roger and Kelly Myers bought the home in 2007. The mansion was built in 1915 by Robert McPherson and Roger says it was important to recognize the homeâs importance by opening it up to the community. Kelly says they wanted to let people know theyâve been good stewards of the building. She says when they bought it in 2007 there was much work to do to restore the original home. First they replaced the 72 single pane windows, repaired the water damaged basement and replaced the wood planks on the outside with newly milled planks. An addition on the back of the building gave them more office space, and Kelly says they were careful to replicate the molding so it was consistent between the old and the new. Kelly says it is all about stewardship. She says hopefully the building will be in similar shape or better in the next hundred years, and says it is not about them or the individuals it's really about the building and the community. She says there is so much history tied to the building. Along with the Myers, The Courthouse Square Quester Group dressed in period costumes acted as greeters, and former resident of the house, Don Neville talked about his life in the mansion. There were also carriage rides and a barbershop quartet singing on the lawn. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the McPherson Mansion was the Myersâ opportunity to let the community see what has transpired in the house over the years. (DS)
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