A water main break has prompted a boil water advisory for some residents in the City of Fenton. Residents with city water service on Trealout Street, Fenton Commons and in the Appletree subdivision are advised to boil drinking or cooking water for at least the next 48 hours. A water main break was discovered today on Trealout Street and prompted the order. Whenever a water system loses pressure, health officials advise that residents boil water until testing is completed, which takes 48 hours. Further information for those affected is available in the attachment. (JM)
City of Fenton Announces Boil Water Advisory For Some Residents City of Fenton Announces Boil Water Advisory For Some Residents
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Judge Denies Request For New Trial In Child Abuse CaseJudge Denies Request For New Trial In Child Abuse Case
A Brighton man convicted of child abuse has been denied a new trial. Judge Miriam Cavanaugh denied a motion seeking a new trial for Joshua Quincy Burns, who 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. Burns is being represented by the Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan and attorneys said theyâll appeal this afternoonâs ruling. Late last month, a separate motion that sought an early jail release for Burns was denied, with Judge Cavanaugh saying she was already lenient in sentencing. Burnsâ scheduled release date is less than two months away. 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. More information about the family's story can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Suspected Drunk Driver Crashes After Chase By Hamburg PoliceSuspected Drunk Driver Crashes After Chase By Hamburg Police
A Hamburg Township man is jailed and awaiting charges after a police chase and crash Wednesday night. Hamburg Township Police say that just before 5pm officers were informed by Livingston County Central Dispatch to be on the lookout for an intoxicated driver in a black Chevrolet Monte Carlo who had just left the Kroger at the Chilson Commons shopping center and was last seen traveling westbound on M-36. A short time later, the car was observed by an officer near Island Shore Drive, who attempted to pull it over. The suspect then accelerated northbound on Henry Road with the officer in pursuit. A second officer joined the chase as the car headed northbound on Pettysville Road and then eastbound on Kimble. The first officer then used his patrol vehicle to spin the Monte Carlo out by employing a maneuver known as the Precision Immobilization Technique, or PIT. When the Monte Carlo attempted to accelerate again, the second officer attempted to employ another PIT maneuver which caused the Monte Carlo to again spin out, strike a tree and a power junction box. When officers gave the driver multiple orders to exit the vehicle, he refused and continued to try and accelerate despite being immobile from the collision. The driver, who was subsequently taken into custody without further incident, was identified as a 66-year old Hamburg Township resident. He was transported to the Livingston County Jail to be held pending formal charges. No injuries were reported, although the suspect's Monte Carlo sustained extensive damage and two Hamburg Township patrol vehicles suffered minor front-end damage during this incident. Some residences in the area lost power due to the collision involving the power junction box. DTE Energy crews arrived on scene approximately 30 minutes later to restore power. (JK)
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Weekend Lane Closures Scheduled On I-96 At Dorr Road Weekend Lane Closures Scheduled On I-96 At Dorr Road
Weekend travel delays are possible on I-96 due to pavement repair work. Pavement repairs could lead to travel delays on I-96 during the Saturday morning commute. The Michigan Department of Transportation advises that there will be lane closures on eastbound I-96 at Dorr Road in the Howell area for concrete pavement repairs. The right two lanes will be closed Saturday between 2am and 9am. Then at 9am, M-DOT says there will be a single lane closure for concrete curing that will last until approximately 3pm Sunday. (JM)
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Fenton Streetscape Construction Close to Complete Fenton Streetscape Construction Close to Complete
The city of Fenton is reminding motorists of some street closures downtown. Both east and westbound Silver Lake Road at LeRoy Street will be closed for crosswalk installation starting Friday and lasting through Tuesday morning. The city further advises that the current closures on LeRoy Street are scheduled to re-open Friday evening, noting there will be un-impeded north and south bound traffic on LeRoy. Assistant City Manager Michael Burns says the majority of the construction project will be completed next week but the sidewalk brick installation, tree planting and LED light installation will continue for the next few weeks. On Monday, weather permitting, the streets downtown will be swept and permanent pavement markers will be placed on Wednesday but those activities will not affect traffic. Burns says it has been a trying project and thanked everyone affected for their cooperation over the past eight months, noting the improvements in the downtown district will be a positive impact for many decades to come. (JM)
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New Trial Denied For Man Convicted Of Child AbuseNew Trial Denied For Man Convicted Of Child Abuse
A local man convicted of child abuse has been denied his request for a new trial. Joshua Burns of Brighton is currently finishing out his year-long sentence in the Livingston County Jail for a second-degree child abuse conviction in a case that involved his daughter. He has just over 30 days left in his sentence and is still pursuing an appeal of his conviction. As part of the process, his defense attorneys came before Judge Miriam Cavanaugh on Thursday with a motion for a new trial. Burns is being represented by the University of Michiganâs Innocence Clinic, who claims an error by Burnsâ attorney in the criminal trial affected the juryâs decision. William Worden with the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office, feels the defense needs more evidence to support their motion based on ineffective assistance from Burnsâ council. In court, Worden argued the lengthy trial provided enough information for the jury and one mistake from defense attorney Michael Cronkright could not have swayed the outcome. David Moran, an attorney and co-director with the Michigan Innocence Clinic, claims one of the doctorâs that testified in the criminal trial made a definitive diagnosis of the victim, which could have led the jury. Moran says some of the doctorâs statements should have been excluded and that responsibility fell to Cronkright who did not ask for their removal. While Judge Cavanaugh admitted the defense had raised interesting issues, she ultimately ruled against a new trial for Burns. Judge Cavanaugh felt Cronkright was aware of his strategy during the trial and felt a different outcome was not guaranteed if he had acted otherwise. Caitlin Plummer, staff attorney at the Innocence Clinic, tells WHMI the plan is to request a hearing from the state. Burns was recently denied an early release from his sentence and has been unable to partake in counseling sessions which are required in order to reunite with his daughter and wife. His expected release date is December 12th and he is ordered to serve two years of probation. (DK)
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U of M Study Concludes Most Patients At Pinckney Free Clinic Qualify For ACA CreditsU of M Study Concludes Most Patients At Pinckney Free Clinic Qualify For ACA Credits
The thought of navigating new health insurance options through the Affordable Care Act is overwhelming for those without coverage and a new study is offering some insight on potential barriers. There are still hundreds of individuals and families without health insurance who rely on clinics - like one in Pinckney - for primary care or end up in the emergency room but then leave with hefty bills. The U-M Student Run Free Clinic offers basic primary and preventative care to those without insurance at 103 East Main Street in Pinckney on Saturdays. The clinic is run by volunteer medical students who conducted in-depth surveys of 80 patients treated at the clinic this year and then published their findings.
80% of the patients surveyed had jobs and most were in their 50âs or 60âs. The findings revealed the main barriers to coverage were perceived cost and a knowledge gap about who is eligible for low cost plans or programs to help pay for coverage. Many patients simply thought they werenât eligible or it would cost too much. While many patients surveyed had actually shopped around for health insurance, they were put off by high co-pays. However, a more in-depth look revealed that all but one of the 80 patients surveyed would have qualified for tax credits to cut down monthly premium costs. Brian Desmond was among the students who authored the study. The second year medical student told WHMI almost everyone they see should have an option for low or reduced cost insurance under the Affordable Care Act. He says the underlying effort is to reduce barriers and help more people get the coverage, subsidies and tax credits theyâre eligible for. The findings of the study have prompted some of the medical students to get certified to counsel patients about their insurance options under the Affordable Care Act. Another open enrollment period is underway and starting this Saturday, the U-M Student Run Free Clinic will offer insurance counseling appointments with students trained as Certified Application Counselors. Details and a link to the study are available below. (JM)
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LACASA Seeks Help To Reunite Tabby Cat With Abused Family LACASA Seeks Help To Reunite Tabby Cat With Abused Family
Livingston Countyâs domestic violence prevention agency is seeking help from the community to reunite an abused family with their pet cat. An unexpected series of events led a calico tabby to LACASA, which provides critical resources for victims of abuse but is also one of the few domestic violence agencies in the nation to provide shelter and safekeeping for the family pets of victims. A Michigan mother packed up her four children and fled their home on a multi-state car trip to escape the familyâs violent abuser and the cat had to be left behind. The abuser abandoned the cat in a suburban neighborhood but she was retrieved by a concerned acquaintance, who contacted the Humane Society of the United States for help. An official remembered hearing LACASAâs President and CEO Bobette Schrandt speak at a conference about how abusers often threaten to harm the family pet in order to control victims. Thus a call was made and LACASA immediately agreed to take in Tabitha and work on reuniting her with her family. Schrandt says the cat is very friendly and affectionate, and you can tell she was well cared for and well loved. While thrilled to have Tabitha in their care, Schrandt says their resources are limited and LACASA is asking the community for help to get Tabitha to her new home. She says the family is thrilled to know that they will be reunited with her soon and any size donation would help ensure that she has a safe journey. Additionally, the agency is in need of supplies for its âSafe Pet Placeâ shelter. Details are included in the press release below. (JM)
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First Winter Marketplace Of The Year Scheduled For Sunday At Opera HouseFirst Winter Marketplace Of The Year Scheduled For Sunday At Opera House
The first of several Winter Marketplaces at the Opera House in Howell is expected this weekend. Although winter hasnât quite hit Livingston County just yet, the annual indoor Winter Marketplace is kicking off on Sunday, November 8th. The Marketplace is held two Sundays per month between November and April at the Howell Opera House. A variety of items will be supplied by vendors that are local and from neighboring areas. Pies, baked goods (including gluten-free items), fresh eggs, butter, cheese, meats, jam, jelly, honey, arts, crafts, seasonal gifts and more will all be offered at the Marketplace. Admission is free and the event is held on the first floor of the Opera House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information about the Winter Marketplace can be found by clicking on the link below.
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Parade And Gravestone Dedication In Brighton Will Honor Veteran's DayParade And Gravestone Dedication In Brighton Will Honor Veteran's Day
Downtown Brighton will remember Veteranâs Day this Saturday with a parade and a unique, historical ceremony. The parade will kick off on November 7th from Main Street at 10 a.m. and continue on to the Mill Pond where speeches and recognition will be held. From there, a dedication ceremony for two gravestones will take place in the Old Village Cemetery around 10:30. Jim Vichich, president of the Brighton Area Historical Society, says the first headstone is for a fallen Civil War soldier who was forgotten about until six months ago. It was then learned that the soldier had been buried in an unmarked grave on the battle field and did not receive a proper headstone at that time. Vichich tells WHMI the other gravestone is for a soldier who was local. The Brighton Area Historical Society has been working to rehabilitate some of the headstones in the cemetery as part of a long-term improvement program. The refurbished headstones are possible through community donations and new additions to the Historical Society. Members from the Sons of Union veterans group, VFW, American Legion, Brighton Area Historical Society and Brighton Veterans Memorial Committee will all be a part of the event and welcome the community to join them in remembrance. (DK)
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Sewer Spill Reported In Green Oak Township Sewer Spill Reported In Green Oak Township
UPDATE: St. Charles tells WHMI that the gray water did not get anywhere near any wells, lakes or streams and at no time was public health jeopardized. He says everything is contained and drinking water was never affected.
A power outage led to a sanitary sewer spill in Green Oak Township this morning. The spill happened around 11am at the Bishop Road South pump station. Green Oak Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles says approximately 1000 gallons of gray water was released due to the area power outage. Crews were on site by 11:30am to start cleaning up the spill. The township and its contractors are now working to determine why the backup systems failed at the same time. (JM)
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Local Army Staff Sergeant To Headline Annual Fundraiser For Female Vets GroupLocal Army Staff Sergeant To Headline Annual Fundraiser For Female Vets Group
An auction event next week will benefit a local veteranâs support group by utilizing the cooking talents of a well-known area chef while also offering the insight of her daughter in uniform. Women Supporting Women Veterans will hold its 4th Annual Hat and Scarf Auction next Thursday, November 12th at the Howell Elks Club in Genoa Township. Arlene Callaghan is the president of the group and says this is their primary source of funds through the year to provide the programs that assist female veterans and their families, including an annual retreat to the VFW National Home where they are pampered. In addition, they provide equine therapy and support groups for the female veteran, but also the loved ones in their lives. Handmade hats and scarves will be auctioned off by Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy, who serves as the eventâs official auctioneer. Renee Chodkowski, better known to many as The Great Foodini, will be providing the food, but more importantly will be provided the eveningâs guest speaker, her daughter, Staff Sergeant Kelly Chodkowski-Simon, who served a tour of duty in Afghanistan and remains on active duty. Tickets for the auction are $10 for veterans; $20 for everyone else and are available online through the link below. (JK)
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Search Still On For Missing Oceola ManSearch Still On For Missing Oceola Man
Family members of a local man who is still missing are asking for the communityâs help to find him. 54-year-old Timothy Rudicel was last seen October 22nd leaving the Just Like Home private care facility in Oceola Township where he lived. While he was able to come and go as he pleased, his brother-in-law Allen Adams says Rudicel has mental problems and isnât able to care for himself. Theyâre asking area residents to check their boats that may have been winterized or childrenâs play houses as it is possible Rudicel couldâve gotten into one and is staying there. Rudicel also disappeared September of last year for five days before he was discovered in a row boat on Earl Lake. Rudicel is described as having long, scraggly hair and a beard and is very thin, so the picture here (from an old driver's license) is outdated. He walks slow and stooped over with a gait. Adams they believe he is wearing a red coat as it is missing from his room. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department at 517-546-2440. (JK)
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Jail Ministry Program Kicks Off Fundraiser/AnniversaryJail Ministry Program Kicks Off Fundraiser/Anniversary
A recent banquet marked the start of the 50th anniversary for a program that brings bibles studies and life skills into the Livingston County Jail. The Forgotten Man Ministries got its start in Michigan in 1966 and in Livingston County the program has been around since the late 1990s. The organization brings bibles, worship services, recovery programs and life skills into county jails throughout the state. The dinner on Thursday evening included three people who told their stories about how the organization helped them while they were in jail, and how their lives were changed. It also featured Undersheriff Mike Murphy and a financial update. Local Chaplain Allan Reiman says this year goals for funding and the need for more volunteers is greater. He says the in new jail the number of the number of beds will go from 255 to over 400, which means a need for more people and more funding. The goal for Thursday nightâs dinner was to raise $50,000 and add another 30 volunteers to the 39 the group already counted. Raiman says the organization is also working toward a program that will bring a biblical life skills program to the jail. The life skills pods already incorporated in five other county jails have proven to reduce recidivism from 80 percent to 24 percent. Reiman says by reducing the recidivism rate the cost to the community is also reduced. Housing and incarcerating inmates costs the county as much as $35,000 to $40,000 per inmate, which would be reduced through the life skills pod. Reiman says volunteering for Forgotten Man Ministries requires training through the County Jail and an on-line course that can be completed in about six hours. He says volunteers also have to be able to minister to people of all faiths or of none. More information on Forgotten Man Ministries is available in the link below. (DS)
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Third Plea Entered In Teen Sex CaseThird Plea Entered In Teen Sex Case
Another plea has been entered by one of the four men charged with sex and computer crimes involving a Brighton teen. On Friday, 24-year-old Alex Peter Benedict of Brighton pleaded guilty as charged to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 3rd degree of a person between 13 and 15, one count of accosting a child for immoral purposes and one count of using a computer to commit a crime. Benedict is one of four men who are accused of having separate sexual relations with a Brighton boy who is now 16. 18-year-old Cody Swatling of South Lyon, 27-year-old Burhan Ahmed Mian of Flint and 21-year-old John Joseph Gasiorek III are also charged in the case. The men are said to have met the victim through a social networking application geared towards gay and bisexual men and police say all but one of the alleged incidents occurred when the victim was 15. Along with Benedict, Gasiorek and Swatling have also pleaded guilty, and all three are seeking sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act which would expunge their records if they successfully complete probation. Swatling, Gasiorek and Mian are all scheduled for hearings this month. Benedict will be sentenced on December 3rd. (DK)
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Brighton Council to Hold Special Meeting to Choose MayorBrighton Council to Hold Special Meeting to Choose Mayor
The Brighton City Council will hold a special meeting Monday night â one which is held every two years the week after the November election - and is referred to as the âbiennialâ meeting. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI the purpose of the biennial meeting is for council members to choose a mayor and mayor pro tem, unlike in neighboring Howell, where the voting public directly elects its mayor. The current mayor of Brighton is Jim Muzzin and the mayor pro tem is Shawn Pipoly. In addition to choosing a mayor at the meeting, the four council members elected in the general election on Tuesday will take the oath of office. Foster says those with the three highest number of votes earn four-year seats on council, and the fourth-highest vote-getter gets a two-year seat. Those with the three highest vote totals were â in order - Susan Gardner, Jim Bohn and Jim Muzzin. The person with the fourth-highest vote count was Shanda Willis, who receives the two-year term. The meeting Monday will take place at 8 p.m. in council chambers of city hall. (TT)
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Defense Motions To Be Filed In Cases Alleging Marijuana Grow Operation Defense Motions To Be Filed In Cases Alleging Marijuana Grow Operation
Various motions are expected to be filed later this month by attorneys representing three local men charged with growing large amounts of marijuana illegally. 49-year-old Jeffrey Mote of South Lyon, 60-year-old Richard Riley of Brighton, and 42-year-old Anthony Portelli of Whitmore Lake are all charged with delivering or manufacturing between 5 and 45 kilograms of marijuana, the equivalent of between 20 and 200 plants, as well as a generic charge of delivering or manufacturing marijuana. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI the court set a hearing date in anticipation of receiving motions alleging various medical marijuana defenses. Those must be filed by November 25th. The charges followed police raids on an alleged marijuana dispensary in Brighton Township and two homes, which authorities say were being used to grow marijuana. The homes are reportedly owned by Mote, who was also the owner of the business, known as Grow Green MI. Authorities say Portelli was the manager of the dispensary and Riley was in charge of actually growing the plants. Mote has denied the facility was being used as a dispensary. The defendantâs attorneys have also questioned officers involved with the raid whether they were aware if their clients were registered caregivers and/or patients under Michiganâs Medical Marijuana Act, but were told by one DEA agent that didnât matter as they were operating under a federal search warrant. Federal law doesnât recognize state efforts to legalize marijuana, whether for medicinal or recreational use. (JM)
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Teens Charged After Plotting to Shoot Up Schools Teens Charged After Plotting to Shoot Up Schools
Three teens are jailed and facing felony charges after authorities say they plotted to shoot up Linden High School and Linden Middle School. The Tri-County Times reports that on October 28th, the Argentine Township Police Department received information about a plan to carry out a shooting at both of the schools. After some preliminary investigation, the information was forwarded to the FBI. Three suspects were then identified and further details obtained about the purchase of firearms and evidence of particular targets in the alleged plan. That information was presented Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, who authorized felony charges against three males, identified as 18-year-old Ryan William Stevens of Linden, 15-year-old Lamar Michael Dukes of West Bloomfield and 15-year-old Cody Anthony Brewer of Wolverine Lake. All were charged as adults with Conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, punishable by up to life in prison, and False report of terrorism, a 20-year felony. Stevens is lodged at the Genesee County Jail. Because of their ages, Dukes and Brewer are lodged at the Genesee Regional Detention Center in Flint. (JM)
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Change In Department Of Public Health Office Hours This MonthChange In Department Of Public Health Office Hours This Month
The Livingston County Department of Public Health will have a slight change in their office hours this month. The LCDPH offices will be closed to observe Veteranâs Day on Wednesday, November 11th. The offices will be open on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, which is November 25th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The immunization clinic and WIC benefit pick-up will be offered but TB skin tests will not. The department also notes that there will not be late clinic hours throughout November.(DK)
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8th Annual Great Pumpkin Classic Car Show Raises Over $20K For Salvation Army8th Annual Great Pumpkin Classic Car Show Raises Over $20K For Salvation Army
A yearly classic car show brought in just over $20,000 for the Livingston County Salvation Army. The Livingston County Spencer J. Hardy Airport hosted the 2015 Great Pumpkin Class Car Show in October and had over 350 cars in attendance. 294 of the cars were registered and judged by their peers in 20 classes with trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Official judges handed out five special trophies to the carâs owners in categories that included best of show and a veteranâs award. Through in-kind donations and contributed monetary funds, over $20,000 was raised for the Livingston County Salvation Army, which provides vital services and programs to those in need across the county. This brings the eight-year total to almost $100,000 that has been raised, which representatives say makes this yearâs show the most successful one yet. Next yearâs show has already been scheduled for October 8th, 2016 and volunteers are looking forward to growing and making the show better than ever. (DK/JK)
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