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Brighton Council Updated on $2 million 2nd St. Project Brighton Council Updated on $2 million 2nd St. Project

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The Brighton City Council heard an update on the proposed North 2nd Street improvement project from the city engineer at its meeting Thursday night. The report was given in conjunction with announced plans by the Granger Group to construct a new senior assisted living facility. City engineer Gary Markstrom of Tetra Tech told council that the improvements to Second St. would cost $2 million. A more expensive option under consideration would add decorative Victorian street lighting, wider sidewalks, trees and other aesthetic enhancements for an extra $600,000. City Manager Dana Foster told council the $2 million basic cost would be split down the middle, with one million of it going for underground work, i.e., new and larger sewer and water lines, and the other million for new pavement, sidewalks and curb repairs. Council was told that improvements to North Second will be needed in the next couple of years regardless of whether the Granger project comes to fruition or not. Markstrom said the existing water and sewer lines are in need of repair and their capacity is inadequate for the commercial expansion that is happening on the north side of town. In addition, Markstrom said, the capacity of the water lines is too small for the fire department to successfully put out a major fire that might occur on that side of town. The Granger Group reportedly has plans for a $20 million senior assisted living facility, although council hasn’t seen any representatives from the company for a few months now and a couple members are wondering if Granger is considering withdrawing its plans. Markstrom said Tetra Tech has completed its preliminary design plans for the project and the next step will be to present the plans to the public and neighborhood residents to obtain their input. The complex is be located on the east side of Second St., next to the Mill Pond. The announced plans are for 104 living units on the first and second floors, with the third floor devoted solely to housing for dementia care. The city will have to go through a bonding process in order to finance the improvements necessary for the project to come to fruition. (TT)

Double Lane Closures Scheduled on I-96 at Spencer Road Double Lane Closures Scheduled on I-96 at Spencer Road

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Double lanes closures on I-96 at Spencer Road in Brighton are scheduled next week. Double lane closures are planned on I-96 at Spencer Road in Brighton next week. The Michigan Department of Transportation says a double lane closure will be in place overnight next Monday and Tuesday on eastbound I-96 at Spencer Road for truss installation. The double lane closure will be in effect between 8pm and 5am each night. Traffic delays can be expected and motorists should allow themselves extra time if traveling through that area. The lane closures are associated with the ongoing I-96 and US-23 improvement project. Work continue to progress and new signage was erected on westbound I-96 near the Grand River exit Thursday night. (JM)

Supporters Of Brighton Man Convicted Of Child Abuse Address U Of M Board Of RegentsSupporters Of Brighton Man Convicted Of Child Abuse Address U Of M Board Of Regents

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Those who believe a Brighton man was wrongfully convicted of child abuse are still working to prove his innocence. The group, Torn Family, was created in support of Joshua Quincy Burns who is currently serving a one year sentence in the Livingston County Jail. Burns was convicted of second-degree child abuse last year after an incident with his daughter Naomi resulted in her hospitalization. Burns claims his daughter seemed fine after she fell from his lap and he caught her by the face. The next day, however, she was projectile vomiting and was taken by ambulance to Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. A doctor later called Child Protective Services. Naomi was removed from Josh and Brenda Burns and the case resulted in Joshua’s conviction. Friends, family members and Joshua all maintain his innocence and say Naomi’s injuries were a result of a traumatic birth. Supporters rallied outside of the Michigan Union Building Thursday night to draw attention to the Torn Family cause. Brenda Burns (left in picture), group trustees and fellow victims then addressed the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents to tell the story of injustice from a medical misdiagnosis. Among them were two other women who gave their testimony of how false abuse allegations also tore their family apart. Brenda tells WHMI what it meant to have them beside her. Rosanna Hoffmann (center) and Melissa Geers (at right) shared their experiences of a medical misdiagnosis that led to charges of child abuse. As Hoffmann spoke and was reduced to tears, Brenda and Geers came to stand beside her at the microphone. Geers has since been reunited with her children and Hoffmann has been acquitted of all abuse charges but not without devastation. Both face broken families and major financial instability. Hoffman says she will live a “lifetime of emotional and mental agony” that will haunt her forever. Brenda says the goal was to make an impact on the Board of Regents. The U of M Health System later released a statement that said that the "C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital child protection team has extensive expertise in analyzing medical evidence to evaluate whether injuries may have been caused by abuse. This team, a valued resource at UMHS, does an exhaustive review of cases...when there is suspected abuse of an infant or child." It went on to say that, "U-M providers do not make decisions or recommendations about whether or how cases are pursued. Any questions about the merits of the legal decisions should be directed to the appropriate legal entities in Livingston County...contract monies reimburse UMHS for these services and none of the funding goes directly to any of the doctors. Reimbursement for U-M’s services is the same regardless of what medical opinion doctor’s provide." Burns, meanwhile, intends on reuniting her family through counseling and Josh is appealing his conviction. (DK/JK)

Free Car Seat Safety Check Event Planned Friday, September 25thFree Car Seat Safety Check Event Planned Friday, September 25th

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With another school year underway, many parents and caregivers are busy rushing around or carpooling to different activities but officials say it’s important to make sure kids are safe and properly restrained when traveling in vehicles. The Brighton Area Fire Authority, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department, a local attorney and a lawmaker will host a free car seat check event on Friday, September 25th from 11am until 4pm. Nationally certified technicians will be on site at Brighton Fire Station 34 on Dorr Road to check car seats and help show residents how to properly install car seats. Many parents and caregivers are unaware of the risk to children when they are not properly restrained in child safety seats according State Representative Lana Theis of Brighton Township. She says this is an easy way to make sure they're properly installed and keep kids safe. The car seat checks will cover any age from newborn to youth booster. Three new car seats will be raffled off during the event and Livingston County residents who attend age 18 and up will be given one free entry into the raffle. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to register by calling the Brighton Area Fire Authority at (810) 229-6640. Those who drop-in will be taken on a first come, first-serve basis. (JM)

Pinckney Man Enters Plea In Another Indecent Exposure Case Pinckney Man Enters Plea In Another Indecent Exposure Case

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A Pinckney man is again in trouble with the law after being caught nude on his balcony. 61-year-old Alan Budzinski pleaded guilty to a charge of indecent exposure by a sexually delinquent person in exchange for another count of the same being dismissed. Prosecutors agreed to no additional jail time and probation. The charges were filed in connection with an incident that occurred on August 4th in which two bank tellers and a police officer witnessed Budzinski standing outside naked on his balcony. He’ll be sentenced October 8th in this latest case but was already on probation from a similar incident last April. Budzinski was sentenced to six months of probation with counseling and specifically ordered to not be outside without pants. He faces an upcoming probation violation hearing in that case. Court records further show that in 2010, Budzinski pleaded guilty to disorderly person/obscene conduct, which was reduced from indecent exposure. In that instance, he was wearing only a shirt. (JM)

Work Continues Next Week on LeRoy Street in Fenton Work Continues Next Week on LeRoy Street in Fenton

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The Fenton Streetscape project is continuing to move along. Crews are completing sewer upgrades and pouring new concrete in the area of LeRoy Street and Caroline Street. City officials say next week, work will continue in the area of LeRoy Street between Ellen and Silver Lake Road. That area will remain closed for sewer work by the Cornerstone Building. In addition, brick for the parking stalls will be laid down. That will begin in the area of LeRoy and Ellen Streets and continue north. Concrete sidewalk is being poured in the area of LeRoy between Caroline and Silver Lake Road and street furniture should be installed next week in the south end of the project. The city also advises that starting Monday, September 28th, contractors will begin work at the intersection of Silver Lake Road and LeRoy Street. Those traveling southbound on N. Leroy Street will be prevented from turning left at Silver Lake Road and will instead need to do so at Main Street. (JM)

Brighton Woman Sentenced In Sexual Assault Case Brighton Woman Sentenced In Sexual Assault Case

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A Brighton woman who sexually assaulted another woman while they were staying at a local shelter for victims of domestic violence and abuse has been sentenced. 58-year-old Laima Cascio was sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court Thursday and previously pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit penetration against another woman. Cascio was sentenced to one year in the Livingston County Jail, with credit for 280 days served. She was also ordered to serve five years of probation and once released from jail, must wear a GPS tether for the first 90 days. She reportedly has mental health issues. The assault happened last December, while Cascio and the victim were in the care of LACASA. The victim approached staff to indicate that she had been sexually assaulted. Director Bobette Schrandt previously told WHMI that LACASA has been operating for decades and this was the first time such an incident occurred. She stressed that staff followed the established protocol, separated the women, conducted an internal investigation, and allowed the victim to choose whether to call the authorities - which she opted to do. (JM)

Comic Book Legend Len Wein Appears For Hero Round Table in BrightonComic Book Legend Len Wein Appears For Hero Round Table in Brighton

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A comic book legend was among the featured speakers at a conference highlighting people from all walks of life who are working to make a difference. Len Wein made an appearance Friday as part of The Hero Round Table, which featured celebrities, philosophers and renowned experts at 2/42 Community Church. Wein, a comic book writer and editor best known for co-creating DC Comics' Swamp Thing and Marvel Comics' Wolverine. Wein told the audience that another writer had actually fell through and he was given the assignment of creating a Canadian superhero with the name Wolverine. Wein said he started researching the animal and thus, the iconic Wolverine was born. Wein told the crowd the character he felt best defined heroism is Superman. Wein described Superman as the “ultimate boy scout” - not because he came from the planet Krypton but because he was raised by the two most decent people on earth who taught him morals and that good is better than evil. Wein said “doing what you have to do or what you should do” is what defines a hero. As for future projects, Wein is working on a new Swamp Thing book with Kelly Jones that will be out in January as well as a new take on the Metal Men. Wein said the latter was one of his childhood favorites and the first comic book that ever made him cry, commenting it taught him a lot about human emotions in comic book stories. Other speakers Friday included Jean-Robert Cadet, an advocate working to end child slavery in Haiti while Star Trek actress Chase Masterson talked about her crusade to end bullying and shared personal stories of mentoring youth. (JM)

Wine Tasting Fundraiser to Benefit Bountiful Harvest Food Pantry Wine Tasting Fundraiser to Benefit Bountiful Harvest Food Pantry

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An upcoming wine tasting will benefit the less fortunate in Livingston County during the upcoming holiday season. The Bountiful Harvest Wine Tasting Fundraiser next Friday will help support Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys and dinners fixings for the food pantry in Brighton. Bountiful Harvest is operated 100% by volunteers and all donations go directly to help those in need in Livingston County. Director Yvonne Cavalli tells WHMI the wine tasting will feature five wines for attendees. She says the appropriate meat, cheese, fruit and crackers will also be provided for each wine. The wine tasting fundraiser will be held Friday, September 25th and doors will open at 6pm to allow guest time to peruse the silent auction items and find seating. Tickets are available for $25 and the event will take place at the American Spirit Center on Grand River in Brighton. For details or to purchase tickets, contact Bountiful Harvest in Brighton. (JM)

All Michigan State Police Posts Drop Off Sites For Prescription DrugsAll Michigan State Police Posts Drop Off Sites For Prescription Drugs

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Local and statewide efforts continue to educate and prevent potential hazards and combat the rise of prescription drug abuse. Michigan State Police say thanks to the Livingston County Community Alliance and its Red Barrel program, all 29 posts across the state now serve as collection points to dispose of expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs. Officials say it’s important for residents to have a safe and confidential way to dispose of prescription drugs so they don't end up in the hands of children or addicts. Medications can be surrendered Monday through Friday from 8am until 4pm, excluding holidays. No appointment is needed. Michigan State Police Director Colonel Kriste Kibbey Etue (etch-choo) said she appreciates the Livingston County Community Alliance’s leadership and support in this area and they’re pleased to partner with them on this effort. She added that prescription drug overdoses now surpass motor vehicle traffic crashes as the leading cause of injury-related death for Americans between the ages of 25 and 64, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, the Drug Enforcement Administration will host its National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, September 26th from 10am to 2pm. All MSP posts including the Brighton location and many other local law enforcement agencies will be open to accept unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous. Liquids, inhalers, patches or syringes will not be accepted. (JM)

Imagination Station To Be Closed This Weekend For MaintenanceImagination Station To Be Closed This Weekend For Maintenance

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Volunteers are needed this weekend to help seal all of the wooden structures at the Imagination Station in Brighton. The Imagination Station Playground Volunteer Group will be sealing the structures this Saturday, September 26th. The City says the playground and adjacent parking spaces on Millpond Lane will need to be closed during the work before the Imagination Station re-opens Monday, September 28th. The work is needed as part of the Imagination Station Due Care Plan, which was approved by City Council and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Per that plan, all wooden surfaces at the playground are required to be sealed every two years. It was previously done in September of 2013. Officials say a large number of volunteers are needed and those helping out will receive goody bags filled with incentives from local merchants. Anyone interested in volunteering is invited to arrive at the Imagination Station at 9am Saturday, September 26th or email coordinator Renee Pettingill at; Brightonimaginationstation@gmail.com. In the case of any rain or inclement weather, the sealing work will be done on Saturday, October 3rd and the Imagination Station would re-open on Monday, October 5th. (JM)

Tailgate Party To Assist Local Dental ClinicTailgate Party To Assist Local Dental Clinic

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Spartan and Wolverine fans are being invited to put their money where their mouths are in an event for a local dental charity next month. The VINA Dental Clinic is holding its 7th Annual Tailgate Fundraiser at Mt. Brighton on Thursday, October 15th, just two days before the teams square off on the gridiron. The clinic provides basic dental care to over 2,000 patients in Livingston County who may not otherwise be covered by dental insurance. Event co-chair Dr. Christine Love tells WHMI this is as much a battle for bragging rights as it for raising funds necessary to continue operations. The two sides have split victories through the first six years, with Wolverine fans winning in 2014. Tickets are $35 and include 10 tickets for raffle prizes. There will also be a silent auction with sports memorabilia, tickets to sporting events, and a Go Pro camera up for grabs. A “competitive” section will also be set up, where items which are identical in every way except for some being blue and some being green will be up for bidding to determine which fans value the items more. A cash bar will be open and tailgate food will be served throughout the event. For more information, or to purchase tickets for the event, visit the link below. (MK/JK)

Attorney Representing Man Charged in Sergeant's Death No-Show in Court Attorney Representing Man Charged in Sergeant's Death No-Show in Court

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The attorney representing a local man charged in a crash that claimed the life of a Hamburg Township Police sergeant is being given a third and final chance to show up for court proceedings. 54-year-old Steven Mark Kelty of Oceola Township is being represented by Bloomfield Hills attorney David Gorosh, who first failed to show for a hearing August 21st. The court attempted to contact him but received no response and adjourned the status conference to September 11th. Gorosh was again a no-show and records show Kelty requested a public defender, despite having already paid Gorosh a hefty sum of money. The court took that request under advisement. A final settlement conference is scheduled this Friday and the presiding judge has issued an order to show cause, which requires Gorosh to appear and explain himself. If convicted on the current charges, Kelty faces up to 30 years in prison. He’s charged with driving while license suspended causing death and operating a motor vehicle with the presence of a schedule one substance causing death, in this case marijuana. Kelty is also charged as a third time habitual offender for prior operating while intoxicated convictions that happened in 2002 and 1995. Sergeant Jim Sanderson, a 20-year veteran of the Hamburg Township Police Department, was off-duty but headed to a police memorial event when the motorcycle crash occurred at the intersection of Latson Road and Figurski Drive in Genoa Township on September 26th of last year. Previous testimony from an eyewitness indicated Kelty had made the left turn from Latson Road onto Figurski Drive without stopping and then collided head-on into Sanderson’s motorcycle. Kelty remains jailed on a $1 (m) million bond. (JM)

Event Seeks to Wake Up Public On Substance Abuse IssuesEvent Seeks to Wake Up Public On Substance Abuse Issues

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Nearly 30 organizations turned out Sunday afternoon to answer questions about substance abuse at the 2/42 Community Church in Brighton. Along with Brighton Center for Recovery and St. Joseph Livingston Hospital, several community-based recovery and counseling programs offered information about substance abuse and prevention. The free event called Wake Up Livingston was the brainchild of Brighton Sunrise Rotary Director Brian Byrd. Byrd says he doesn’t have a personal connection to addiction, but was compelled to act when for the third week in a row he saw that there had been a couple of drug overdoses a week. He knew that the community had a lot of great resources able to work on issues like hunger and other problems but wondered why the community couldn't get together to fight the rising drug problem that has been affecting the so many youth. He says he stood up, said what he wanted to do, got four or five good friends and some of the resources together for the Sunday afternoon event. The program was a combination of resource expo and education. Psychiatrists, Dr. Bihn Dihn, and Dr. Vikan Matossian talked about prescription drug abuse and prevention, and then Pastor Tim Wessel from the Brighton Nazarene Church talked about his history of drug abuse and recovery. The idea is to break down the stigma associated with drug abuse and get parents to realize it affects everyone. Tom Stone says more people need to know what’s going on. He lost a 24 year old son in 2012 to drugs, and says his stepson and daughter both fought substance abuse. His family stays involved and wants to help others understand what happens. Byrd says this is not something he would normally have done, but because of all that he’s learned the last year he encouraged everyone to stand up and do something. For more information, click the link below. (DS)

25th Annual Community Sharing for Health Caring Conference Approaching25th Annual Community Sharing for Health Caring Conference Approaching

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This marks the 25th anniversary of an early childhood conference that brings together those interested in the welfare of young children. The 25th Annual Community Sharing for Healthy Caring Conference will feature more than 90 workshops for educators, parents and others who are interested in the welfare of young children statewide. The conference is presented by the non-profit Child Connect for Family Success. Director Linda Herbert tells WHMI this event marks a significant milestone for the non-profit and Livingston County has a lot to be proud of; adding they’re thrilled people are taking an interest in improving their skills working with children age zero to 13. The Community Sharing for Healthy Caring Conference takes place at the Howell High School campus Saturday, October 3rd. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Allen Mallory, an early childhood education professor from Alabama University. He’s said to have a unique ability to inject humor into serious topics and will open the conference with Laugh & Learn. The closing session will feature early childhood recording artists Greg & Steve. For more information or to register for the 25th annual Community Sharing for Healthy Caring Conference, click on the link below. (JM)

Brighton Council Honors Retiring Brighton Library DirectorBrighton Council Honors Retiring Brighton Library Director

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Outgoing Brighton District Library Executive Director Nancy Johnson was honored at last week's Brighton City Council meeting. Johnson was presented with a proclamation recognizing her work over the past eight years and for spearheading a number of new library services and programs. Johnson tells WHMI she is grateful for receiving the recognition from the city for her service. Johnson says the biggest obstacle during her tenure was the slowdown in the economy, which lowered local property values and meant the library was receiving much less in local tax revenue. As a result, cuts were made, including closing on Thursdays and cutting the budget for new books and other materials in half. Voters in the district library's coverage area will be asked to approve a request a .22 mill request for 20 years for library operations in the November general election. Johnson says the millage will not result in any additional taxes for local residents since the 20-year bond that paid for the new library will expire next month. Johnson has been employed at libraries in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Toledo, Iowa and White Lake Township, and has also taught library science at such institutions as Syracuse University, Arizona University and Wayne State University. She received her bachelor's degree from Oberlin College in Ohio and her master's degree and PhD from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Johnson has recommended that the Brighton Library Board of Directors appoint assistant director Ed Rutkowski as interim director until a new permanent director is hired. Johnson's official retirement date will be Dec. 31st. (JK)

Howell Woman In Need Of Double Lung TransplantHowell Woman In Need Of Double Lung Transplant

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A Livingston County woman is hoping a stranger will help save her life. In 2010, Michele Scott of Howell was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and connective tissue disease. Together they have damaged her lungs to the point that doctors say a double-lung transplant is critical to her survival. But with the average double-lung transplant costing approximately $800,000, her family is reaching across several Metro Detroit communities to try and raise much-needed funds. This past weekend, her nephew held a garage sale in Woodhaven, while a bowling fundraiser will be held from 3-5pm on Saturday, October 3rd at the Super Bowl on Ford Road in Canton. The 57-year-old Scott is a mother of two who’s been married 39 years. She’s gone from working a full-time job, being involved with her family and traveling to being forced to stay inside her Howell home hooked up to an oxygen tank, hoping that a set of lungs will be made available and restore her health. Scott’s family has set a $35,000 fundraising goal, and has raised about a third of that amount. While her insurance will cover a portion of the transplant costs, she still faces significant expenses related to the surgery. For the rest of her life, she will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications, which are as critical to her survival as the transplant itself. Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible donation can do so through the National Foundation for Transplants. They can be sent to: NFT Michigan Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Write "in honor of Michele Scott" on the memo line. (JK)

Howell Woman Jailed for Violating Probation Faces New Charges Howell Woman Jailed for Violating Probation Faces New Charges

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Charges have been authorized against an already-incarcerated Howell woman who led police on a high speed chase while heavily intoxicated with two children in the car. 28-year-old Tiffany Suzanne Nagel pleaded guilty to a probation violation during a hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court last week. Nagel was on probation from a 2014 case involving charges of domestic violence and resisting police. She was sentenced to five months in the Livingston County Jail and will be on a court-ordered tether when released. Meanwhile, formal charges have been issued against Nagel by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office in connection with a high speed chase in Milford on August 30th. Nagel is charged with fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated and child endangerment, a one-year misdemeanor. Milford Police previously told WHMI that Nagel was clocked at 93mph on General Motors Road and fled from an officer who tried to initiate a traffic stop. A chase ensued onto private property in the Milford Proving Grounds, where police say Nagel unsuccessfully tried to hide. Two children discovered in the car, a 1-year-girl and a 3-year-old boy, were turned over to relatives. A preliminary breath test administered at the scene showed Nagel was nearly three times the legal limit and registered a blood alcohol content of .225%. Police also found an open bottle of vodka in the vehicle and a 30-year-old Hartland Township man with warrants out for his arrest was a passenger. His blood alcohol content was nearly five times the legal limit at .42% and the man had to undergo a medical evaluation at a hospital. The children were turned over to a relative and the Child Protective Services division of The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services was notified. It’s unclear when the Oakland County case will begin to proceed, due to Nagel’s current incarceration status. (JM)

Gas Leak Evacuates Residents In FowlervilleGas Leak Evacuates Residents In Fowlerville

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Residents living around an area of Hibbard Street and Grand River in Fowlerville were evacuated for several hours on Monday. At about 4:20 pm a construction crew excavating the roadway on Hibbard Street hit a gas line causing a leak. Fowlerville Fire Chief John Wright says Joe Raica Excavating of Fowlerville was contracted to make repairs under the road when the accident happened. He says the utilities had been marked, but somehow not that gas line. He says when the crew began digging the line was severed and the fire department was called in. Grand River was blocked off for several hours on Monday night while Consumer’s Energy crews worked to repair the gas line. The scene was cleared around 10:45pm and residents were given the okay to return home. (DS)

Tyrone Township Man Accused of Accosting Teens Sentenced Tyrone Township Man Accused of Accosting Teens Sentenced

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A Tyrone Township man found guilty of failing to register as a sex offender has been sentenced on new charges filed against him. 46-year-old Timothy Andrew Pickett was sentenced to three years of probation in Livingston County Circuit Court last Thursday. He was originally charged with two counts of accosting a child for immoral purposes for incidents while on parole in June and July of 2014 that involved a 14-year-old victim and her 15-year-old friend. As part of a plea deal reached with prosecutors, the two counts were dismissed in exchange for Pickett pleading guilty to a charge of 3rd degree child abuse. The most recent case was tied to incidents reported when Pickett was living with the mother of the 14-year-old victim. The two victims earlier testified the incidents involved lots of alcohol, inappropriate comments and touching when Pickett was drunk that made them feel uncomfortable. One alleged he forcibly kissed her while the other alleged Pickett drove drunk and intentionally flipped a jeep with her as a passenger. Pickett’s defense attorney had argued the allegations did not rise to the level of accosting. Meanwhile, Pickett had been acquitted of accosting a child for immoral purposes by a local jury in June of 2013 but found guilty on the lesser charge of failing to register as a sex offender. Pickett was initially charged with trying to inappropriately touch the 14-year-old daughter of his girlfriend in January of 2012. The defense maintained the teen made up the story to keep her mother and Pickett apart, and a jury found him not guilty of accosting the girl - who is the sister of one of the alleged victims in the most recent case. Pickett served a one year and two month prison sentence before being paroled last April. (JM)
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