Services have been set for a 16-year-old Howell High School junior killed Wednesday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash in Marion Township. Griffin Matley died after the 1971 Volkswagon dune-buggy style vehicle he was a passenger in lost control as it was traveling westbound on Davis Road, and struck a tree about half a mile east of D-19 late Wednesday afternoon. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11am at the Venture Church on M-59 in Howell. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of Livingston County. An avid Green Bay Packers fan, Matley is survived by his parents, Joseph and Jennifer Matley of Howell and a sister and brother; Molly and Cameron. The 16 year old driver of the vehicle sustained non-life threatening injuries. (JK)
Services Set For Howell Teen Killed In Dunebuggy CrashServices Set For Howell Teen Killed In Dunebuggy Crash
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Community Foundation Of Livingston County Celebrates 25 Years Of Area ImprovementCommunity Foundation Of Livingston County Celebrates 25 Years Of Area Improvement
A 25th anniversary for a local organization is celebrating two and a half decades of county improvement. Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation for Livingston County works to improve the quality of life in the area. The Foundation has awarded nearly $700,000 in grants to diverse programs in human services, leadership development, education, health, the arts and the environment in Livingston County. Old friends and new supporters of the Foundation recently came together to celebrate the upcoming 25th year of county improvement at the historic Howell Opera House. Doris C. Ostrander, Foundation advisory committee chair, says new donors and volunteers are stepping up, which is making it possible to make more grants and engage more community partners. Ostrander says the Foundation is a perfect example of what can happen when dedicated volunteers and donors have a vision and are committed to making that vision a reality. More information about supporting the Community Foundation of Livingston County or to apply for a grant can be found at www.livingstonfound.org. (DK)
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6th Annual Fundraiser For Opera House Celebrates Rocky Horror Picture Film6th Annual Fundraiser For Opera House Celebrates Rocky Horror Picture Film
Local fanatics celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Rocky Horror Picture Show in Howell on Friday. The Rocky Horror Picture Show first premiered in 1975 and has since been labeled a cult film for its large following. The Howell Opera House held two screenings of the movie for the 6th annual event to celebrate the film and raise money. Sharon Fisher, Vice President and Program Director, says the fundraiser collects for Arts and Cultural Programming at the Opera House. The evening included a cash bar, socializing and a costume contest, where guests were encouraged to dress like their favorite character. Fisher tells WHMI she loves to see the communityâs involvement with the tradition. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is based on the 1973 musical stage production and is a humorous tribute to different genres of movies between the 1930sâ and 70sâ. Fisher feels the event goes hand-in-hand with the wacky film and says the evening is âa little weird, a little strangeâ but also âgreat funâ. (DK)
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Local Lieutenant Serves Community And CountryLocal Lieutenant Serves Community And Country
The Michigan State Police Brighton Post has recently promoted one of their sergeants to lieutenant and is sharing his story of dual service. Lt. Kevin Caldwell began working at the Brighton Post for the Michigan State Police this past February and is the new Assistant Post Commander. Lt. Caldwell was recently promoted from his position as a sergeant and is reaching out to the community he serves through the âAsk a Trooper Columnâ. Lt. Caldwell came from a military family and served in the United States Armed Forces. He continues to serve in the Army Reserves and worked hard to achieve his dual service status. While working the midnight shift as a trooper, he took an additional 96 credit hours on top of his already earned Bachelorâs Degree to meet the requirements needed to become a U.S. Army Chaplain. He serves as the sole chaplain in a combat unit that has around 1300 soldiers. Lt. Caldwell hopes to lead the troopers and sergeants of the Brighton Post to provide quality law enforcement services to the citizens. Lt. Caldwell says it is an honor to serve the community and does not take his responsibilities lightly. (DK)
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Marion Man Sentenced For Charges Including Robbing His MotherMarion Man Sentenced For Charges Including Robbing His Mother
A Marion Township man who threatened family members with a gun and fled from police has been sentenced. 23-year-old Brandon Gale was ordered to spend between 3 and 15 years in prison for assault with intent to rob his mother. Concurrent sentences were also handed down on charges of larceny from a person, discharging a firearm in a building, fleeing police, marijuana possession and carrying a concealed weapon. But Gale will spend at least five years in prison as a separate two year sentence for felony firearms will run consecutively. The charges are tied to a motorcycle chase last October and an incident that followed last December when he was out on bond. Gale is alleged to have threatened his mother with a gun twice in one day before leading police on a high speed chase. He was eventually immobilized by responding Michigan State Police troopers. (JK)
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Brighton Group Helps In Successful Effort To Break "Rosie" RecordBrighton Group Helps In Successful Effort To Break "Rosie" Record
A group of Brighton women helped to break a record in Ypsilanti on Saturday afternoon. Dressed in dark blue coveralls, work boots, red socks and donning white polka-dotted red bandannas - the uniform of Rosie the Riveter - the Brighton area women were part of a successful effort to reclaim the Guinness Book of World Records title. In 2014 the record was set by a group at the Willow Run Bomber Plant when 776 women were counted. Then in August of this year the record was broken by a group in California. The SaveTheBomberPlant.org group wanted to bring the title back to Michigan, and a call for Rosies went out again. The historic hangar at Willow Run Airport was filled with veterans and Rosie look-alikes of all ages on Saturday. Along with the nearly 2,100 look-alikes, there were 40 actual Rosies - women "veterans of the vast civilian effort to manufacture the bombers and other military hardware that helped win World War II. The group from Brighton included middle school students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Brighton Area Schools' Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Laura Surrey tells WHMI the event was very rewarding. She says she heard about it through former administrator Jerry Lester and School Board Trustee John Conely. Conely also helped organize the Brighton contingent and lent the use of a van for transportation to the event. Surrey says she started working at getting others involved and spread the word to women of all ages. The event was also held as a fundraiser to expand the Yankee Air Museum. The group Save The Bomber Plant.org recently acquired a portion of the bomber plant building and is raising funds toward its renovation, with exhibits and programs to be added. More information is available at whmi.com. (DS)
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Program Offers Help To Individuals Dealing With Hoarding, Spending And TheftProgram Offers Help To Individuals Dealing With Hoarding, Spending And Theft
Individuals who struggle with hoarding, spending and theft can find help from a program at the Brighton Library. The program, âOur Stuff and Usâ, will be presented next month by Terrence Shulman from the Shulman Center for Compulsive Theft, Spending and Hoarding. The program covers the transition from individuals owning things, to things owning an individual. Shulmanâs message will also discuss how this compulsion can affect oneâs own life and their loved ones. Shulman, who has been in recovery from addictive-compulsive theft since 1990, owns and runs the center which is located in Southfield. The program will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, November 16th at the Brighton District Library. Registration begins Monday, November 2nd by calling 810-229-6571, extension 227. (DK)
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More Closures Planned As Fenton Streetscape Project Nears CompletionMore Closures Planned As Fenton Streetscape Project Nears Completion
As the Fenton Streetscape project nears completion, more closures and delays can be expected downtown. The city of Fenton says this week and for the next few weeks, there will be several road closures downtown as paving and brick crosswalks are constructed. On Monday and Tuesday, LeRoy Street between Silver Lake Road and 2nd Street will be closed for conditioning and paving. However, contractors will do what they can to provide access to businesses in that area. Depending on the weather, the city says paving will begin on Tuesday on Elizabeth, Shiawassee, Mill and Ellen Streets. Then on Wednesday, paving will continue on LeRoy Street from Elizabeth to Silver Lake Road. The affected streets will be closed when paving occurs. Beginning on Thursday, the city will start closing intersections as brick crosswalks are installed. The following streets and dates of those closures are listed below but are subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. (JM)
· LeRoy Street between Ellen Street and south of Silver Lake will be closed from October 29th to November 3rd.
· Shiawassee St. east of Adelaide and the entrance to the Police Station from LeRoy St. will be closed on October 31st to November 6th.
· The intersection of Shiawassee and LeRoy and the crosswalk on the west side of Mill St. at LeRoy St. will be closed on November 2nd to November 6th.
· The intersection of LeRoy St. and Main St. along with LeRoy St. from Silver Lake Rd. to Second St. will be closed from November 3rd to November 7th.
· LeRoy St. from Mill St. to Ellen St. will be closed from November 9th and November 13th.
· The intersection to Silver Lake Rd. and LeRoy will be closed from November 10th to November 14th. The city says this closure will only affect the eastbound and westbound traffic lanes on Silver Lake Road.
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Highland Man Headed To Trial On Charges Of Embezzling From Youth LeagueHighland Man Headed To Trial On Charges Of Embezzling From Youth League
A Highland Township man has been bound over for trial on charges of embezzling money from a youth sports organization where he served as treasurer. 42-year-old Mark Helz was arrested at his home Sept. 25 following a two month investigation by the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office. Authorities say Helz stole approximately $20,000 from the Huron Valley Youth Baseball and Softball League. The leagueâs president said he notified police after discovering discrepancies in bank records. At a hearing last week, Helz was ordered to stand trial on a charge of embezzlement of at least $1,000 and less than $20,000 from a non-profit/charitable organization. If convicted, he could face ten years in prison. He remains free on a $50,000 personal bond pending an arraignment in Oakland County Circuit Court on November 4th. (JK)
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Documentary Showing Follows Panel Discussion On Mental Illness IssuesDocumentary Showing Follows Panel Discussion On Mental Illness Issues
A mental health awareness event in Howell on Friday shared information and personal stories for community members seeking a connection and help. The Howell Theater hosted the event which began the night with a panel of individuals giving some insight regarding mental health. Those on the panel shared their stories of their own struggles or family membersâ. The panel also answered questions, gave tips and were joined by a psychiatrist from the Livingston County Community Mental Health. Connie Conklin, Executive Director at Community Mental Health, tells WHMI the goal was to remind those seeking help that they are not alone. Following the panel discussion, a movie was shown that chronicles the effects of schizophrenia on a family and the depression that comes along with it. âOut of the Shadowâ is a personal documentary created by a daughter who is telling the story of her motherâs struggle with schizophrenia. The film attempts to dispel myths and stigmas regarding mental health issues, which many of the panel members agree is paramount. One panel member, Amanda, talked about her sonâs mental health battle and says sometimes the most important thing is âjust to be heard.â Conklin hopes these types of awareness events can happen more than once a year and is looking to collaborate with different types of agencies and resources. (DK/JK)
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Phase One Of Livingston County Jail Expansion Nearing Completion Phase One Of Livingston County Jail Expansion Nearing Completion
The Livingston County Jail expansion project is moving along, with the first phase nearing completion. Even though the new jail will be open in November, the bond that was issued is actually funding a much bigger project than just the expansion people are likely noticing at the corner of Grand River and Highlander Way in Howell. Overcrowding has plagued the jail for years and the project will help boost current capacity from 254 to 411 to better accommodate the different types of inmates being lodged while also helping address future needs. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI the new portion of the jail is coming along nicely although a bit over schedule, which can be anticipated with most construction projects of that magnitude. He says the next phase will involve a lot of internal work once inmates are moved into the new portion of the jail. He says significant renovations will happen in the existing facility to allow them options as far as inmate movement and segregation, along with other things of that nature. Despite the setbacks, Murphy feels the work is progressing nicely and went smoother than most construction projects of that size. They hope to be fully operational and get the keys in early November, after which time theyâll do internal training for a couple of weeks and then gradually start moving inmates in. Since a lot of components were built off site, Murphy says they were able to put up the skeleton of the building and then bring in the cells and plug them in instead of building them on site. To showcase the expansion, an open house will be scheduled for the public but personal tours will be offered prior as part of a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Livingston County. Murphy says there are still a few spots available for the event on November 6th and the $100 cost includes dinner and mementos. Itâs meant to be humorous but with a serious side since it offers individuals a chance to be locked up in the Livingston County Jail while raising funds to support local youth mentoring programs. Details are available in the attachment. (JM)
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Hearings Set For New Trial & Early Release Motions In Burns CaseHearings Set For New Trial & Early Release Motions In Burns Case
A Brighton man convicted of child abuse is once again seeking an early release from his sentence as well as a new trial. Joshua Quincy Burns is currently serving a one year sentence in the Livingston County Jail for second-degree child abuse in a case that involved his daughter. Burns and his family have steadfastly maintained his innocence and that his conviction was the result of an erroneous conclusion from a doctor they say never directly examined the girl, but only her medical records. Attorneys for Burns have filed a motion for early release that will be heard by Judge Miriam Cavanaugh this Thursday. Another motion seeking a new trial in the case is set for November 5th. Burns, who is being represented by the Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan, argues he received an inadequate trial defense because his attorney failed to object to a jury instruction that used the word ârecklessâ but did not define what that meant. He also claims the attorney did not adequately challenge the medical testimony from Dr. Bethany Mohr, who concluded the childâs injuries were strictly the result of child abuse. That was despite a second opinion from another doctor that indicated there was substantial doubt as to what caused the injuries. Burns and his wife maintain the March 2014 incident was an accident and not abuse, with Burns testifying his daughter slipped and he grabbed her face to prevent her from hitting the table. Burns is scheduled to finish his jail sentence December 12th. He must also serve three years of probation. (JK)
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Suspects Sought After Incident Near Local High SchoolSuspects Sought After Incident Near Local High School
Following a suspicious incident last week near a local high school, police are looking to question at least one suspect. Oakland County Sheriffâs deputies responded to the area around the Tanglewood Golf Club for a suspicious person report on Friday at about 4pm. Two 17 year old female students of South Lyon East High School reported that they were approached by a man who said they âcuteâ and suggested they âhang out.â The teens say that when they left the area on foot, the man began to follow them back to the high school in a dirty light blue vehicle. They say the suspect circled the area and then drove away, traveling westbound on Ten Mile Rd. Authorities say that earlier Friday, witnesses reported that a vehicle with a Michigan plate matching that description had been seen in the area. They said a man exited the vehicle and entered an adjacent wooded area around 3pm. They also said four Hispanic males were reported to be in the vehicle at the time and one of the subjects retrieved a back pack from the wooded area and then the subjects left in a separate vehicle. The male in the light blue vehicle is then thought to have stayed in the area and approached the students about an hour later. He was described as being approximately 20 years of age with a thin build. Deputies made an area check, but were unable to locate either vehicle or anything else suspicious. Detectives continue to investigate the incident further. (JK)
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Howell Schools Name Teacher Of The YearHowell Schools Name Teacher Of The Year
A sixth grade teacher in Howell was surprised in front of her students this morning at Highlander Way Middle School.
Surrounded by family, her students and other faculty, Jamie Klausing was named Howell Public Schools Teacher of the Year for 2015. Klausing, who teaches 6th grade science was chosen from a field of 43 nominees. Public Relations Officer Tom Gould says the district decided to surprise Klausing with a celebration in front of her students because kids are the reason teachers are there. Klausing thought she was taking her students to an anti-bullying assembly in the library, but rather than a nationally known guest speaker Superintendent Erin MacGregor walked in followed by Klausingâs family. She says she was humbled and overwhelmed. Klausing tells WHMI she didnât see it coming. She says the award shows that a lot of hard work is actually working for students, and there are a lot of really good support staff in the district who could have been named teacher of the year. She says for her it is just overwhelming and she had no idea it was coming. Gould says Klausing was chosen by a 25 member selection committee based on nominations from other teachers, parents and students. Her award at the local level also puts her in the Michigan Teacher of the Year competition. (DS)
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Four Marines From Howell Heading Off For Training Four Marines From Howell Heading Off For Training
Four Marines who have been enjoying a short break home in Howell will soon be heading off for combat training. Nick Radke, Alex Lofgren, Kody Warshefski and Lucas Davis are four young men fresh out of bootcamp. They all ended up in Platoon 1081 and have been home on break after recently graduating from boot camp but each took some time to speak with WHMI. While it was challenging both physically and mentally, the four all agreed it was hard adapting to a new lifestyle but a fulfilling venture that changes you for the better. The 19-year-old Lofgren had originally considered the Army but changed course and pursued the Marine Corps, along with his best friend Radke. Lofgren will be attending the School of Infantry, saying heâs always had the fighter complex and figured this would be the best way to serve. 19-year-old Nick Radke says ever since he was young, the Marine Corps was something heâs always looked up to, noting his father also served in infantry. Radke says the best word to describe boot camp would be intense and the first few weeks are tough because itâs confusing and you donât really know what you should be doing but you get the hang of it and gradually it gets better. Radke said it was very scheduled and strict so on break, he really didnât know what to do with all of the free time. The 18-year-old Davis told WHMI becoming a Marine was the greatest feeling of his life, and heâs always seen people fighting for him but prefers to fight his own battles to protect himself and others. Itâs all about purpose for 19-year-old Kody Warshefski, who says he could be home with a dead end job but would rather be working toward something bigger and earning it. Heâs always been fascinated with the military and looked up to service members for their unselfish sacrifice, courage and commitment to protecting and serving others. Warshefski says boot camp was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience you canât get anywhere else but the military is a different kind of exhaustion in a stressful environment so you have to make quick decisions and theyâre trained to be able to perform. Warshefski tells WHMI he really excelled at the training events and obstacles during boot camp, which was tough but worth it and heâs proud to be a Marine. While his buddies are going to the School of Infantry, Warshefski left for boot camp with an open contract, so the Marine Corps selected his corrections specialist job based on need. All four Marines said theyâre enjoying time on break but are ready to get back at it and eager to start combat training. Theyâll either depart today or stay for another week to do recruiting assistance. Pictured from left are Lofgren, Davis, Warshefski and Radke. (JM)
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Conway Township Crash Kills Fowlerville ManConway Township Crash Kills Fowlerville Man
A Livingston County man is dead following a car crash over the weekend in Conway Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department says deputies were dispatched at about 6:30 Saturday evening to the intersection of Nicholson Road and Morhle Road on the report of a two vehicle personal injury crash. A preliminary investigation indicates a westbound 1998 Buick LeSabre driven by a 17 year-old Conway Township resident failed to stop at the stop sign on Morhle Road at Nicholson Road. The Buick struck a southbound 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by 28 year-old Nicholas Roddenberg of Fowlerville. Roddenberg, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was ejected from the vehicle and later pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. Roddenbergâs passengers, 23 year-old Holli Matthews of Fowlerville and a 14 month-old child, were transported by ambulance to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Buick was treated and released at the scene. Alcohol and drug use remain under investigation which is being conducted by the Sheriffâs Office Traffic Safety Bureau. Deputies were assisted at the scene by personnel with the Michigan State Police Brighton Post, Fowlerville Area Fire Department and Livingston County EMS.
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Jail Inmate Sentenced For Incident In Which Two Deputies Were TaseredJail Inmate Sentenced For Incident In Which Two Deputies Were Tasered
Sentencing has been handed down for a Livingston County Jail inmate caught on video wrestling during a confrontation with deputies, including two who were accidentally hit with a Taser. 30-year-old David Wayne New of Brighton was ordered to spend 192 days in jail, time heâs already served, for his previous guilty plea to charges of felonious assault and assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer. The resisting charges were filed after he got into the confrontation with deputies at the Livingston County Jail after he was able to exit his cell and asked to make a phone call. When he refused to return to his cell, four deputies approached, with one forcibly pushing him back into the cell. When he began yelling at deputies about hearing voices in his head, they removed him to a single person cell. Up to eight deputies then tried to restrain New, who resisted their efforts. In the process, a Taser was deployed and two deputies were accidentally shocked before New was eventually restrained. The deputies suffered just minor injuries. New was in the jail after being arrested April 13th in Green Oak Township when he used a shotgun to threaten two individuals who were trying to repossess his vehicle. The felonious assault charges were a result of that incident. (JK)
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Longtime Fenton City Councilwoman Leaving After 24 YearsLongtime Fenton City Councilwoman Leaving After 24 Years
After many years of service to the city of Fenton, one council member is leaving office and not seeking another term. Cheryl King has been on Fentonâs City Council for 24 years and Mondayâs October 26th meeting served as her last. King was first elected in 1989 and served as councilwoman for eight years before stepping down to take care of some family issues. Two years later, she was re-elected and has been a part of city council since. King has enjoyed her position and serving the city, but is looking forward to spending time traveling with her husband, Jim. The Tri-County Times reports that Kingâs pick for successor is Cherie Smith, whose husband used to serve on city council as well. (DK)
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Hartland Schools Ratify $62.5 Million Bond SaleHartland Schools Ratify $62.5 Million Bond Sale
The second largest bond sale for Hartland Schools has been approved. A resolution in August delegated authority to the superintendent for Hartland Consolidated Schools to sell two sets of bonds for a total of $62.5 million dollars. On Monday, the Board of Education ratified the 2015 refunding bonds with a unanimous vote. Jeffrey Soles, bond attorney, says the bonds were sold to reduce the debt service on area taxpayers. Soles tells WHMI this sale has several benefits. There arenât many stipulations regarding refinancing bonds, according to Soles as the bonds replace a prior debt. However, there is a limit to when and how many times a bond can be refinanced. The bonds were refinanced through the stateâs School Bond Loan Fund which means the millage rate must be kept high until the state is paid back. The refinance will allow the school to pay back the state at least a year earlier than expected, if not sooner. The schoolâs largest bond sale was in 2011 for $67 million dollars. Soles says the Board of Education has âgood fiduciary responsibilityâ and work hard to save taxpayers money. The district has saved $19 million dollars by previously refinancing the bonds. (DK)
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Suspended Driver Rear-Ends School Bus Full Of ChildrenSuspended Driver Rear-Ends School Bus Full Of Children
A school bus full of children was involved in an accident Monday afternoon in Brighton Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department was dispatched to Hyne Road around 3 p.m. for the crash. Undersheriff Mike Murphy says the Hartland Consolidated Schools bus was carrying 18 kids when it was rear-ended by an 18-year-old Brighton man driving a Pontiac. There were no injuries to anyone on the bus or in the car, which also had a 15-year-old passenger. Both of the individuals in the Pontiac were wearing seatbelts and alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor. The driver was cited for failure to stop in an assured clear distance and charges will also be sought as he was driving on a suspended license. (DK/JK)
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