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Milford Burglary Steals Donated Money For Veterans In NeedMilford Burglary Steals Donated Money For Veterans In Need

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Milford Police are looking for those responsible for a burglary that has cleaned out a local group’s efforts to help veterans. Rolling Thunder Chapter 5 had recently raised more than $2,000 at a Romulus event that was to have helped veterans in need for use in buying food, clothing or paying bills. Chapter president Duane O’Parka had divvied up the money into 21 envelopes that were set to be distributed to individual veterans, but left them inside a briefcase inside his business, Country Lane Repair on Maple Road in Milford. Recently the business was broken into and the briefcase opened, with the money stolen and the envelopes left in a pile on the floor. O’Parka says the thief or thieves used a rock to break in. His business was one of four that have been broken into in a 10-day span and Milford Police believe they are connected. Meanwhile anyone wishing to assist the organization in recouping the funds for veterans can send donations to Rolling Thunder Chapter 5, P.O. Box 305, Hartland, MI 48353. (JK)

Local Dentists Seeking Support For Haiti Mission TripLocal Dentists Seeking Support For Haiti Mission Trip

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A family-run dentistry in Howell will hold a fundraiser next week for their mission trip to Haiti. The George Stines Foundation was created in 2000 by Dr. Alfred Stines of Stines Family Dentistry. Since its inception, the Foundation has worked to offer dental care for the Haitian people through mission trips as Dr. Alfred is originally from Haiti. Dr. Alfred says the Foundation was a dream of his father’s and he now continues the work with his daughter, Dr. Michelle Stines and a team of volunteers. A fundraiser on Thursday, November 5th at Buffalo Wild Wings in Howell is looking to accrue donations for the team for traveling and supply costs, along with providing the dental care for the January 2016 mission trip. Dr. Alfred and Dr. Michelle visit the country for their mission trips 4-6 times a year. Dr. Michelle tells WHMI they work as hard as they can during the week-long trips to help as many people as possible. The George Stines Foundation has set up two fixed dental clinics in Haiti as well as a completely mobile clinic that is equipped for various dental services. The team is hoping to serve 90-200 people a day, providing basic dental hygiene, restorative dentistry, extractions and surgery. 20% of the proceeds from dine in, carry out and alcohol purchased at Buffalo Wild Wings the night of the fundraiser will be donated to the cause. Community donated baskets will be raffled off from 5 to 8 p.m. (DK)

Brighton Avoiding Sub Shortage That Is Prompting Legislation In LansingBrighton Avoiding Sub Shortage That Is Prompting Legislation In Lansing

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In general there is a shortage of substitute teachers and in Michigan lawmakers are poised to do something about it with the introduction of new legislation. However, in the Brighton Area Schools no teacher shortage exists, according to Superintendent Greg Gray. Gray tells WHMI that the district is almost always able to find substitutes for teachers who are unable to work because of illness or other valid reasons. While it’s not an issue in Brighton, the overall shortage has prompted Michigan lawmakers to consider legislation that would allow retired teachers to return to the classroom. A 2012 law allowing teachers who retired after mid-2010 to teach again without losing their pension expired more than a year ago. Rep. Holly Hughes of Montague, who sponsored the 2012 legislation allowing for exemptions, is spearheading a bill to re-enact the expired provisions. She said retired teachers got caught in Lansing’s crackdown on superintendents earning six figures who “double-dipped” by retiring and collecting a pension, and then were rehired by an outside agency to do the same job. She doesn’t think that situation should apply to teachers who are paid much less. The Brighton District pays its substitutes $75 a day, although they do not receive benefits. Gray says that the local teachers’ union wants good, available subs just as much as administration does because it helps them when they come back to work the next day. Gray says he will keep monitoring the situation to make sure the district always has plenty of qualified substitute teachers. (TT/JK)

City of Howell Again Scores "Unqualified" Opinion On Annual Audit City of Howell Again Scores "Unqualified" Opinion On Annual Audit

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The City of Howell has received another unqualified opinion on its annual audit. A representative from the Rehmann-Robson firm informed Council during the October 12th meeting that the City again had a “clean opinion” with no management comments. The general fund ended the fiscal year with a fund balance of $1.66 (m) million – higher than the $1.58 (m) projected in July. One bright spot in the report was over a quarter-million dollars in building permit revenue. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI they’re very pleased, adding last year was extraordinarily high for building permit revenue. He says a lot of major projects hit at one time such as the Livingston County Jail expansion, the Howell Carnegie District Library reconstruction and Thai Summit expansion efforts - along with normal permit activity. Charles says it really was an outlier year with almost $270,000 in permit revenues, which did help the city's overall finances. Auditors complimented the city’s finance director, saying she does a wonderful job for the municipality and is always very prepared. Council ultimately accepted the audit report for the 2014/2015 fiscal year, which ended July 30th. The city of Howell received the Government Finance Officers Association award last year and Charles anticipates that will likely again be the case for the recent audit. (JM)

Brighton Filmmaker's Documentary Examines Native American ResilienceBrighton Filmmaker's Documentary Examines Native American Resilience

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A local filmmaker’s documentary on the resilience of America’s native people will get its Livingston County debut next week. The Livingston Arts Council is hosting a special screening of the documentary, ‘Our Fires Still Burn: The Native American Experience,’ on Wednesday, November 4th from 7-9pm at the Howell Opera House. The one hour documentary is by Audrey Geyer, an independent video producer from Brighton, and invites viewers into the lives of contemporary Native American role models living in the Midwest. The film was previously aired on PBS Detroit and screened in numerous venues throughout the country. Geyer says the stories shared in the film reflect the resilience of indigenous peoples despite a lengthy history fraught with their systematic destruction. Geyer will be present to take part in a question and answer session following the showing. Admission is $8 per person at the door. (JK)

Investigation Complete, Charges Expected Soon In Suspected Pot Trafficking OperationInvestigation Complete, Charges Expected Soon In Suspected Pot Trafficking Operation

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Authorities say charges may soon be filed in a large drug trafficking operation involving Livingston County that tried to appear legal under the state's medical marijuana law. Lt. James Wolf, section commander of the Western Wayne Narcotics and Criminal Investigations Unit, says that evidence is being sent to the state police crime lab for analysis. Police expect to present the case, which involves several Livingston County residents, to the state attorney general's office. Officers seized 556 plants that Wolf described as being about 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide with an estimated street value of up to a million dollars. Officers also seized assets, including vehicles believed to be used to transport marijuana, as well as an estimated $200,000 in cash and more than a dozen guns. The items were taken during a series of raids on Livingston County addresses thought to have occurred September 28th, including one home on Clyde Road, near Fisher Road. (JK)

Police Seek Man Who Fled From Parole Office Police Seek Man Who Fled From Parole Office

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Authorities are working to locate a man who fled from the parole office in Howell this morning but do not believe there is any immediate danger to the public or children. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department reports that 36-year-old Geremy Alan Williams fled on foot from the parole office on Highlander Way in Howell at around 10am. Williams is described as a white male with thin brown hair. He was last seen wearing a blue zip up hoodie with a yellow stripe on the sleeves, blue jeans and he is missing one shoe. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy says Williams is a registered sex offender and has an assorted criminal past and a bench warrant for a probation violation has been authorized. Meanwhile Howell Public Schools say as a precaution, they have instructed schools to make sure their exterior doors are locked and hold indoor recess until further notice. The district says it will not affect class changes at the secondary level and they have extra staff monitoring students as they walk between the Howell High School Main Building and Freshman Campus. Anyone with information about Williams’ whereabouts is asked to contact the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department or 911. (JM)

Judge: No Early Jail Release For Man Serving Time In Child Abuse CaseJudge: No Early Jail Release For Man Serving Time In Child Abuse Case

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A judge has denied a request for the early jail release of a Brighton man convicted of child abuse. Joshua Quincy Burns is serving a one year sentence in the Livingston County Jail after being convicted of 2nd degree child abuse in a high profile case that involved his daughter. 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. He’s being represented by the Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan and two motions filed by his attorneys were denied this afternoon. Judge Miriam Cavanaugh again denied a request for an early release, saying she was already lenient in sentencing Burns. Burns’ scheduled release date is less than two months away and Judge Cavanaugh also denied a separate request for day parole. 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. Another motion seeking a new trial in the case is set for November 5th. (JM)

Road Closures In Fenton Today And Through Next Week For Streetscape WorkRoad Closures In Fenton Today And Through Next Week For Streetscape Work

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Several streets in Fenton will be closed today and part of next week as part of the downtown Streetscape renovations. During construction hours, Elizabeth Street from LeRoy Street to Oak Street will be closed. Ellen Street from LeRoy to Walnut Street will also be closed and LeRoy Street from Silver Lake Road to Second Street will as well. The closure of LeRoy from Ellen Street to Caroline Street will continue until Tuesday, November 3rd for crosswalk installation. The crosswalk on Mill Street at LeRoy Street will be closed today to begin construction. On Monday, the 2nd, the intersection at Shiawassee Avenue and Adelaide Street will be closed. The entrance to the police station on LeRoy Street will remain closed. Post office traffic can enter from LeRoy Street as motorists will not be able to turn on Mill Street from LeRoy. (DK)

Friends And Family Seek Support For Local EMT Injured In AccidentFriends And Family Seek Support For Local EMT Injured In Accident

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Family and friends of a local EMT who was involved in a serious car accident are asking the community for help. Brian Bigelow, an EMT at Universal EMT in Flint, was on his way to work last Sunday when he was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident. Bigelow, who is from Howell, was rushed to Hurley Medical Center and is currently listed in a critical state. Bigelow’s friends and family say his prognosis is good, but he may need extra help on the road to recovery. The family is asking for prayers and a GoFundMe account has been set up in name. Any amount is appreciated to help with medical and therapy costs. Donations to the account can be made at www.gofundme.com/brianbigelow. The EMT has also held the title of firefighter and Army Combat Medic. Visitors who have recently seen him say he seems to be in great spirits and is grateful for the support he has received. (DK)

Burns Denied Second Request For Sentence ReductionBurns Denied Second Request For Sentence Reduction

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A local man convicted of child abuse has once again been denied his request for an early sentence release. Joshua Quincy Burns of Brighton is currently serving a one year sentence in the Livingston County Jail after being convicted last year of second-degree child abuse in a case that involved his daughter. Burns came before Judge Miriam Cavanaugh on Thursday with his second request for an early sentence release. Burns is being represented by the Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan and staff attorney Caitlin Plummer requested day parole if the motion for the sentence reduction was denied. In court, Daniel Rose from the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office urged Judge Cavanaugh to deny the motion, saying her ruling will send a message to all that are following the case. Judge Cavanaugh says she is impressed with how Burns has spent his sentence time and his efforts to make a positive impact on the jail community. However, Judge Cavanaugh ultimately denied the motion for early release, citing her downward departure from the original sentence requirements which call for prison time. She feels the leniency she had given then was just and does not require further compromise. Judge Cavanaugh also denied the motion for day parole as the statute requires that request to be presented at the time of the original sentencing. Plummer tells WHMI this will affect the family counseling sessions Burns must complete. While Burns’ family, friends and representation were disappointed with the court’s decision, Plummer says it is separate from his broader appeal of his conviction. There will be an initial hearing for his motion for a new trial next Thursday. If his appeal is denied, the case will proceed to the Michigan Court of Appeals. (DK)

County-Wide Special Education Millage Goes To A Vote Next WeekCounty-Wide Special Education Millage Goes To A Vote Next Week

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Livingston County voters will cast ballots November 3rd on a proposal designed to help out cash-strapped school districts and offset special education costs. The current special education millage rate was set in 1988 but has never been restored, despite significant decreases due to the state’s Headlee Amendment. As funds have dwindled, local districts have picked up a bigger cost to provide special education services. The costs are being covered but local districts are spending about $15 (m) million collectively of non-special education or general fund money to do so. Each of the local school boards previously adopted resolutions in support of the request, thus the Livingston Educational Service Agency to put the issue before voters. If approved November 3rd, the millage would restore roughly half of the shortfall – to the tune of around $7 million. LESA Superintendent Dan Danosky says the board made sure there was unanimous support among the local school boards before proceeding with putting the issue on the ballot. He tells WHMI it is a somewhat confusing millage because special education costs are already being covered by other money. Danosky says LESA would collect and distribute every dime back to local districts to offset special education costs - in effect freeing up money for general education and things they’ve been unable to do or have had to cut back on over the course of time. Danosky added that local districts have been suffering for well over a decade now and the state has reduced its support, in some cases cutting it altogether. He says it’s not kept up with cost of living and retirement costs have gone crazy, so the millage is important to every district but for different reasons. If voters approve the county-wide special education millage, the owner of a $200,000 home would pay around $105 in increased taxes. Complete information about the millage is available on LESA’s website. A link is posted below. Danosky will also be a guest this Sunday on WHMI's Viewpoint at 8:30am. (JM)

Fowlerville Student Appears At House Session As "Rep For A Day"Fowlerville Student Appears At House Session As "Rep For A Day"

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A local student that won a summer reading contest had the chance to be a “Rep. for a Day” at the House of Representatives. On Thursday, state Representative Hank Vaupel was joined at a session on the Michigan House of Representatives Floor with a smaller but no less significant rep. Kameron Thomas, a second grader at Smith Elementary School in Fowlerville, was proclaimed “Rep. for a Day” at the session for winning the 47th House District Summer Reading Contest. Kameron won the contest as the participant to read the most books, totaling out to over 60. (DK)

Quality Of Life Conference For Brain Injury Survivors SetQuality Of Life Conference For Brain Injury Survivors Set

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A “Quality of Life” conference to help brain injury survivors is coming back to Plymouth next month. The Brain Injury Association of Michigan, which is based in Brighton, is holding this event at the Inn at St John’s on November 7th. Program coordinator Katie Blanchard told WHMI that while this is geared towards patients and family members, there will be something for everyone who attends. The Brain Injury Association reports that around 58,000 Michigan residents suffer a brain jury each year. These may be caused a number of different ways such as by falls, concussions, automobile accidents, strokes, or tumors. The Quality of Life Conference is an opportunity for patients, their families, and health care professionals to attend strategy sessions and learn ways they can further improve their lives. There will be lessons and demonstrations throughout the day on using writing, exercise, and music as therapy. The event begins with a breakfast at 8am on the 7th, lunch later in the morning, and wraps up at 1pm. The cost to attend is $20 for the public, brain injury survivors, and caregivers; and $40 for professionals. The BIAMI also has a Livingston County support group that meets on the third Thursday of each month. For more information or to register, call (810) 229-5880 or visit www.biami.org/november-conference . (MK)

All Aboard For Salvation Army Red Tie Gala & Kettle Kick-OffAll Aboard For Salvation Army Red Tie Gala & Kettle Kick-Off

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The community is invited to take a cruise around the world while enjoying food and entertainment during the Salvation Army of Livingston County’s Red Tie Gala next Saturday. The event will offer a cruise ship-themed night of giving and fun according to Major Prezza Morrison, who says the Salvation Army has been around for 150 years and currently serves in 127 countries. She tells WHMI the gala will offer a little taste of the different countries at make-believe ports but also highlight all of the important work being done in the local community. The event also helps kick off the Christmas season and the Red Kettle campaign, with proceeds going to support the local Corps’ many social service programs including energy assistance, pantry food and shelter for families in need. Morrison tells WHMI this year’s campaign goal is $378,000, which makes up a large portion of their budget. She added the local Corps is a good steward of the funds received that help thousands of people in the community every year, adding they have a great staff that works hard and cares about the people they serve. The Red Tie Gala will be held at Mt. Brighton from 6 to 10pm on Saturday, November 7th. Morrison says those looking to attend are encouraged to get their boarding passes now as the ship can only hold so many. Tickets include dinner, dancing and entertainment for the evening. They can be purchased at the Salvation Army Corps on Lake Street in Howell or at Mt. Brighton. They can also text 2015gala to 41444 or click on the link below. (JM)

Public Open House To Showcase New Livingston County Jail Public Open House To Showcase New Livingston County Jail

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The public will have a unique opportunity to see the new Livingston County Jail facility next month - without being arrested. Construction is in the final stages on the facility addition and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting an open house at the new jail on South 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. Cider and donuts will be provided while deputies will provide tours and answer any questions the public might have. The open house will run from 10am to 4pm on November 14th. The Sheriff’s office notes that no cell phones, cameras or weapons are allowed on the premises. (JM)

Plea Deal Reached in Boy Scout Embezzlement CasePlea Deal Reached in Boy Scout Embezzlement Case

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Representatives from a local boy scout troop are not happy with a plea deal reached in the theft of funds from its treasury. The plea deal was entered into the record by 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader for the woman accused of stealing some $20,000 from Boy Scout Troop 347 in Brighton. 57-year-old Kristine Vieau was originally charged with embezzlement by an agent or trustee of at least $20,000, but less than $50,000. But due to a plea deal reached with the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office, Vieau pleaded guilty to one count of larceny under $200. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI he “recused his office from being involved in any aspect of the case because he knows many of the persons involved. Valliencourt says he requested the Michigan Attorney General appoint a special prosecutor, which he did, to avoid any possible conflict of interest". The troop’s new treasurer Todd Krebs read a victim impact statement to the court, which is attached below. Krebs says Vieau’s actions not only impacted the troop financially but shook the trust within the troop. Krebs said the troop is unable to thrive because of the loss of the funds that the boys worked so hard to collect, adding there was further financial burden put on the troop to replace broken and worn equipment. He asked 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader to take into consideration the scope of the theft in her sentencing. Vieau’s attorney, Robert Gardella, asked for leniency, saying Vieau had never been in trouble before, was very remorseful and agreed to make full restitution. Reader sentenced Vieau to pay fines and costs plus $10,335 in restitution. The Genesee County Prosecutor's Office says proofs in the case only supported the restitution amount entered. Brighton Attorney John Ceci representing the Boy Scout Troop says they will weigh whether or not a civil suit against Vieau will be in their best interest to attempt to collect the remainder of the funds. (DS/JK/JM)

FEMA Offers Tips For Home Disaster-ReadinessFEMA Offers Tips For Home Disaster-Readiness

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As Daylight Savings Time approaches, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has offered some steps to be prepare for disaster readiness. Clocks will be set back an hour on Sunday, November 1st and FEMA has some suggestions for making homes more resilient to disaster. The organization recommends verifying that the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in the home work by testing them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. New detectors should also be purchased if the original ones are near or past the manufacturer’s recommended replacement age. FEMA suggests having the chimney or any fuel-burning equipment like fireplaces and furnaces inspected by a professional. If there is a fireplace in the home, anything flammable should be removed by at least three feet away from it. Homes can be winterized by insulating walls and attics, caulking windows and doors and covering windows with plastic. More tips can be found at www.ready.gov/winter and www.usfa.fema.gov. (DK)

Annual Holiday Glow Will Light Up Mill Pond In Downtown BrightonAnnual Holiday Glow Will Light Up Mill Pond In Downtown Brighton

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The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce will once again be hosting the annual Holiday Glow in downtown Brighton. The Holiday Glow will kick off the season on Main Street in downtown Brighton this year from 4 to 7 pm on Saturday, November 21st. The event will include a performance by the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet, horse drawn hay rides, the Jollie Choo-Choo train, a nativity petting farm and Emma the Elf. Live entertainment from Brighton High School’s Musical White Christmas and the Livingston Lamplighter will be among the festivities. Holiday treats, pictures with reindeer and the man of the hour, Santa, will all be a part of the event. WHMI’s Mike and Jon in the Morning will join the Mayor of the City of Brighton, Santa and Mrs. Claus on stage at the Mill Pond at 6:00 pm to light up the Holiday Glow and streets. (DK)

Brighton Police Seeking Assistance To Identify Purse Snatcher Brighton Police Seeking Assistance To Identify Purse Snatcher

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The Brighton Police Department is requesting assistance to identify the suspect in a purse snatching that occurred at the Citgo gas station on July 19, 2015. As can be seen in the attached video clip, the suspect exited his own car at the gas pumps and stole a purse from another car while the driver was inside the gas station. The suspect vehicle is a silver Jeep Liberty with a large Detroit “D” on the rear wheel cover. The police department has received new information that the suspect may be a high-school aged teenager from the Brighton area. If anyone can identify the person seen stealing the purse in the video clip, they are asked to call the Brighton Police at 810-844-5137. Case No. 15-00702

Posted by The City of Brighton Michigan on Friday, October 30, 2015
The Brighton Police Department is looking for some public assistance to identify the suspect involved in a purse snatching incident last summer. The department has released a video of the July 19th theft at the Citgo gas station, which is posted on the City of Brighton Facebook page. It shows the suspect exiting his own vehicle at the gas pumps and stealing a purse from another car while the driver was inside the gas station. Police Chief Tom Wightman says they received new information recently that the suspect may be a high school age student from the Brighton area and they’re hoping someone will recognize him. Wightman tells WHMI the video further helps emphasize the importance of locking your vehicle, which is probably the most common way things get stolen out of cars but also to not leave any items or valuables visible from inside. The suspect vehicle is a silver Jeep Liberty with a large Detroit “D” on the rear wheel cover. If anyone can identify the person seen stealing the purse in the video clip, they are asked to call the Brighton Police at 810-844-5137. A link to crime prevention information has also been posted below. (JM)
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