An event in Howell helped launch a child passenger safety program. C.S. Mott Children's Hospital kicked off the Buckle Up for Life education program Thursday at the Livingston County EMS and Public Safety Complex in Howell. The launch was held in conjunction with technician training classes. Buckle Up for Life is a national program created in 2004 to help keep children safe in vehicles. Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children but many car seats are installed incorrectly. The Pediatric Trauma program at Mott is receiving a three-year, $210,000 grant from the national program. Mott Injury Prevention Program Lead Marie Snodgrass says car seats save lives and they see proof every day in their emergency rooms. She says parents are often surprised and overwhelmed by not only how expensive car seats can be but the challenges of using them correctly. The grant will help boost the number of free car seats Mott distributes and support more car seat safety education in communities whose families are at highest risk of misusing seats. (JM)
C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Launches "Buckle Up For Life" Program In Howell C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Launches "Buckle Up For Life" Program In Howell
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Awards Ceremony Thanks Supporters Of Preschool Scholarship ProgramAwards Ceremony Thanks Supporters Of Preschool Scholarship Program
An awards ceremony for a local organization celebrated three years of providing preschool scholarships to children in the county. Livingston Promise has made early childhood education a priority and hopes to offer quality preschool to all children in the community. By working with partners, families and businesses, the program was able to offer 11 scholarships to preschool kids this year. Livingston Promise President Robin Schutz tells WHMI she is proud of how far the program has come. On Thursday, an awards ceremony at the Howell Opera House honored a handful of people and groups that have supported Livingston Promise over the years. Former State Representative Bill Rogers, Citizenâs Insurance, the Hanover Foundation and Bartsch Memorial Trust all received the âShine a Light for Childrenâ award for their dedication to early childhood education. The awards were presented by State Representatives Hank Vaupel and Lana Theis. Keynote speaker Phil Power stressed the importance of engaging and informing the community about how important preschool is to prepare a child for educational success. One mother shared her story of receiving two scholarships from Livingston Promise so she could afford to send her twins to preschool. There are currently 42 children on the Head Start wait list hoping to receive a scholarship and Schutz says the organizationâs next goal is to be able to reach that group. (DK)
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Playground Volunteers Save Brighton Nearly $20,000Playground Volunteers Save Brighton Nearly $20,000
Volunteer groups can save a community quite a bit of money, and that has never been more apparent locally than with the volunteer work at the Imagination Station playground in Brighton. Playground volunteer coordinator Renee Pettengill told the City Council at its meeting last week that the efforts of an army of volunteers have saved the city nearly $20,000 by re-sealing the park property, mulching, and doing other work. The structures within the park must be re-sealed every two years, according to rules established by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, due to arsenic found in 2011 in the wooden playground structures. Tests at that time indicated that soil samples taken from six inches below the surface contained "elevated concentrations." of the preservative chromated copper arsenate, a derivative of arsenic. As a result, the playground was closed for several months and wooden surfaces were resealed before it could be reopened. The wooden surfaces must be resealed every two years in order to keep the playground open. Additional upkeep such as mulching now takes place twice a month between the months of May and October. (TT)
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MOST Campaign Underway In Livingston County MOST Campaign Underway In Livingston County
The Livingston Community Prevention Project is partnering with local schools to highlight that MOST teens are making smart decisions and avoiding risky behaviors involving alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The MOST Campaign is a social norming campaign for Livingston County. The concept is designed to let students and their parents know that MOST Teens Don't Use alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs. Changing perceptions is said to be the first step in changing behaviors, thus the campaign focuses on the positive â that MOST teens are not using. By correcting the misperceptions, officials say teens wonât feel pressured to use because they believe that "everyone else is doing itâ. Project Coordinator Karen Bergbower says the message will be distributed more widely this year with posters and rack cards visible in local libraries, youth centers, and some churches across the county. The MOST Campaign will run throughout the current school year. After the initial kick off, messages targeting specific substances will be used. Marijuana will be targeted in November, tobacco in January, prescription drug abuse including opiates will be targeted in March, and underage drinking will be emphasized from April to late May to target Prom and Graduation. In May, students will be encouraged to complete an online survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign. Local survey results and more information about the campaign is available in the attachment. (JM)
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Hartland High School Has Successful College Application Week Hartland High School Has Successful College Application Week
Guidance Counselors were able to work with every senior and encourage post high school plans during Hartland High Schoolâs College Application Week. With around 440 seniors in Hartlandâs class of 2016, Guidance Counselors had their hands full last month as they met with each one to help in the college application process. Guidance Counselor Erica Empie says early in the week, which ran October 24th through the 30th, an interesting statistic showed that two applications were being submitted per minute from students at the high school. Empie tells WHMI the event is important because some students just need time, while others are starting from scratch. Each student received at least two hours of help and 35-40 kids were being seen at a time. Empie says it was a âbusy week, but it was fabulousâ. By engraining the idea that the application process should begin early, Guidance Counselors will have the rest of the year to determine which students are struggling with post high school plans. Now that the application week is over, the next focus will be on the College Cash Campaign which encourages students to apply for financial aid and FASFA. In the spring, a College Decision Day will celebrate the choice each student has made for their future. Empie says the entire process really begins during the junior year, when students are encouraged to explore colleges and research which ones theyâd like to attend. That way, when the students return as seniors the following fall, they are able to participate in College Application Week with an idea of where they want to apply. (DK)
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Hamburg Township Man Arraigned On Three Charges Following Police Chase And CrashHamburg Township Man Arraigned On Three Charges Following Police Chase And Crash
A local man who led police on a chase before crashing has been arraigned on three charges. 66-year-old Terry David Phillips of Hamburg Township faces one count of fleeing a police officer in the 4th degree, one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and one count of driving with a suspended license following an incident on Wednesday. Just before 5 pm, police received a be on the lookout bulletin for an intoxicated driver. When an officer spotted Phillipsâ black Chevy Monte Carlo, he tried to pull Phillips over who then fled. A chase ensued with two officers and one was able to use his patrol vehicle to cause Phillips to spin out. Phillips then tried to accelerate and his car struck a tree and power junction box. He was ordered to exit the vehicle, yet continually tried to accelerate despite his car being immobilized. He was arrested and lodged in the Livingston County Jail. Phillips was arraigned in 53rd District Court on Thursday and his bond has been set to $30,000 cash surety. He is scheduled for a probable cause conference on November 18th. (DK)
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Putnam Crash Sends Two To HospitalsPutnam Crash Sends Two To Hospitals
A Washtenaw County man was in critical condition after a collision Saturday night in Putnam Township. The Livingston County Sheriff's Department says that 41-year-old Harold Palka was riding his 2010 Honda eastbound on Patterson Lake Road shortly before 5pm when the driver of a 2006 Chevy HHR turned in front of him at the intersection with Silver Hill Road. Palka was flown by Survival Flight to the University of Michigan, and was listed in critical condition. The driver of the HHR, a 74-year-old Pinckney woman, was taken by Livingston County EMS to Chelsea Medical Center, where she was listed in stable condition. An investigation of the crash continues. (JK)
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Brighton Historical Society & Other Groups Recognize VeteransBrighton Historical Society & Other Groups Recognize Veterans
A parade and ceremony Saturday honored veterans and two fallen heroes were recognized by the Brighton Historical Society. Several veterans groups and the Brighton Historical Society got together to recognize the upcoming Veterans Day holiday and to recognize two fallen soldiers from the American Civil War. The Sons of Union Veterans group, Brighton Area Historical Society, VFW, American Legion, and the Brighton Memorial Committee paid tribute to veterans with a parade and ceremony in downtown Brighton on Saturday morning. Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops joined the parade. Following a ceremony including speeches and presentations, the Sons of the Union Veterans group and the Brighton Historical Society led the dedication of the headstones of two fallen Civil War soldiers in the Old Village Cemetery. Historical Society President Jim Vichich tells WHMI that one of the two head stones was for a man they found by accident. Vichich says there was no headstone for Pvt. John Prosser in the family plot, and research found there was no record of his burial in Virginia either. The Sons of the Union Veterans group got in touch with the Veteran's Affairs Department to help procure a headstone for the Old Village Cemetery, which was placed in June of this year. Vichich says the significant thing is that Prosser gave his life and there was no record of his life of service or that he was even a Brighton Resident. He said is was very significant to get the headstone dedicated and in the family plot. Saturdayâs ceremony included the dedication of a refurbished headstone for Captain George Rose, a Brighton man who also died in the Civil War. Captain Roseâs headstone had been broken and laid in the dirt for some 70 years. The Brighton Historical Society has spent some 1,300 hours over the last 5 summers reconstructing and cleaning up the Old Village Cemetery. (DS)
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District Officials Say Lockdown Wasn't Necessary In School Shooting PlotDistrict Officials Say Lockdown Wasn't Necessary In School Shooting Plot
The Linden community is still reeling after a plot to carry out a deadly school shooting there resulted in the arrest of three teens, with school officials defending their actions in letting law enforcement take the lead in how the community was notified. A preliminary exam is expected this week for the three, who authorities say planned to bring weapons and shoot up Linden High School and Linden Middle School. The Argentine Township Police Department says they received information about a plan to carry out a shooting at both of the schools on October 28th. 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 to 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. Stevens is a former student in the Linden district, while Dukes and Brewer reportedly attended Walled lake High School. 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. Linden Interim Superintendent Russ Ciesielski issued a statement that says after being made aware of the plot, the district worked with law enforcement, and within their emergency procedures, to ensure the safety of students and staff. He says that based on the information they were given, and in communication with law enforcement, it was decided that the situation did not call for a âsecure-modeâ or âlock down." He added that the investigative process is in the hands of law enforcement and they will continue to correspond and cooperate with law enforcement as new information is discovered.
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Shop With A Cop Concert Fundraiser In Whitmore LakeShop With A Cop Concert Fundraiser In Whitmore Lake
A fundraising concert is being held to benefit less-fortunate children in Livingston County during the holidays. Shop With a Cop is an annual event where police officers from around the county are paired with a child to do $125 worth of holiday shopping. On average, each year 120 kids have the opportunity to participate. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy told WHMI that it is often as rewarding for the officers involved as it for the children. To support the event, Captain Joeâs Grill in Whitmore Lake is holding a holiday concert to benefit the charity on Saturday, November 28th. The Rio and Rockabilly Revival, fresh off a European tour, will be onstage to perform classic and holiday songs. Doors for the event open at 6pm with the show starting at 7:30. Tickets are $20 and Murphy expects the event to sell out. To reserve your seat, call the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department at (517) 540-7920; Captain Joeâs Grill in Whitmore Lake, or by visiting the website link below. (MK/JK)
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Airport Police Officer Who Lives Locally Charged w/ Retail Fraud Airport Police Officer Who Lives Locally Charged w/ Retail Fraud
A Deerfield Township woman who works with airport police is facing criminal charges in a retail fraud case. The Michigan State Police Brighton Post is investigating a retail fraud complaint from the Meijer stores in Hartland and Howell. 44-year-old Tina Marie Bubp has been charged with 2nd degree and 3rd degree retail fraud and has been released on bond. Bubp is currently employed with the Wayne County Airport Police. Additionally, police say charges of retail fraud and receiving and concealing stolen property valued at less than $1000 are being sought on a second subject involved. Police say no further information is being released at this time. (JM)
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Meeting To Discuss US-23 Corridor Improvements Meeting To Discuss US-23 Corridor Improvements
Public input is being sought on specific themes and aesthetic elements as part of an upcoming construction project for the US-23 corridor in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. The Michigan Department of Transportation is hosting the meeting to educate the public about the corridor improvements starting as early as 2016 but also gain input on some preliminary aesthetics. MDOT will be improving the busy US-23 corridor from the M-14 west interchange north to Silver Lake Road next year. Thursdayâs meeting will be open-house style from 4 to 7pm at the Northfield Township Hall on Main Street, in the second floor commission room. M-DOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI the public is encouraged to come out and representatives will be taking comment, especially on the aesthetic part of the project. No formal presentation will be made during Thursdayâs meeting but information about the upcoming project will be available. Some of the project highlights include pavement repairs and upgrading the median shoulder along US-23 between US-23/M-14 and Silver Lake Road. Bridges will be replaced at 6 Mile, 8 Mile and North Territorial Roads with bridge repairs at Joy Road and Warren Road. Ramp upgrades are planned at North Territorial, 6 Mile, 8 Mile and at M-36. Also as part of the project, MDOT will place an Active Traffic Management or ATM system along US-23 between M-14 and M-36 to manage peak-hour congestion. The system would utilize upgraded median shoulders on US-23 to help improve traffic flow and increase safety along the corridor. Project details are available in the link below. (JM)
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Police Chief Says Dept. Fortunate To Prevent School Shooting PlotPolice Chief Says Dept. Fortunate To Prevent School Shooting Plot
The Argentine Township Police chief says they were fortunate to prevent an alleged school shooting plot and potential tragedy. The department intercepted information regarding an shooting being planned at Linden High School and Linden Middle School. Argentine Police Chief Daniel Allen says the plans came to light though social media sources including Instagram but once the three male suspects were in custody, he says they were able to obtain further information from their cell phones. When asked about any direct threats to students or staff, Allen says there appears to have been a motive but could not elaborate further due to the ongoing investigation. Allen tells WHMI more often than not with tragedies in the news, communities arenât able to get ahead of them so they feel fortunate. Allen says based on the actions of his department, Michigan State Police and the FBI and the interception of Instagram allowed them to get ahead of it. He further assured the community that the schools are safe and all suspects are in custody. The three were also planning to purchase firearms and Allen says they were very pleased to have gotten ahead of that but noted they did have access to others. 18-year-old Ryan Stevens, 15-year-old Cody Brewer and 15-year-old Lamarr Dukes are each charged with conspiracy to commit 1st degree premeditated murder and making a false report or threat of terrorism. The three have been ordered to have no contact with each other, the victim or Linden schools. Stevens remains jailed while Dukes and Brewer are being held in the Genesee Valley Regional Detention Center pending a probable cause conference in 67th District Court Thursday morning. (JM)
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Howell High Alumnus Will Host Art Exhibit At Opera HouseHowell High Alumnus Will Host Art Exhibit At Opera House
An art exhibit at the Howell Opera House later this week will showcase the work of a Howell High alumnus. Thomas Debrie, a Howell High School alumnus and current Western Michigan University Frostic School of Art senior, will host âconfigurationâ at the Howell Opera House on Thursday. The exhibit will feature acrylic and oil paintings, figurative and abstract paintings and paintings with a Michigan subject matter. Local artist Lisa DeLuca and WMU Frostic School of Art graduate, Sarah Mueller, will also have work on display. Debrie feels art is a very important part of culture and community and hopes the exhibit can bring an interest in the arts to the area. Debrie says he didnât become interested in pursuing a career in the arts until after he took an art class at Howell High School with Mr. James Vancoppenolle. The young artist feels the historic Opera House is a prime location for configuration and the exhibit will be held from 5 to 9:30 pm. (DK)
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Local Man Sentenced For 2013 Drunk Driving IncidentLocal Man Sentenced For 2013 Drunk Driving Incident
An Oceola Township man who was intoxicated when he crashed and injured a pedestrian in 2013 has been sentenced. 60-year-old Gregory Green has been sentenced to six months of probation in Livingston County Circuit Court and one day of jail time already served. In July of 2013, Green was operating a motorcycle on Grand River in Howell when he struck and seriously injured a pedestrian. Police determined Green had come from a bar and he was taken into custody. A blood sample was taken at an area hospital and the Michigan State Police crime lab determined his blood-alcohol content level was 0.092%, which exceeded the stateâs legal limit of 0.08%. Greenâs case had been held up through multiple legal delays as he sought an independent analysis of a second vial of blood that was taken. However last month a motion related to the blood analysis was removed and Green instead entered a plea. He originally faced charges of operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol causing incapacitating injury and carrying a concealed weapon while legally intoxicated. Green entered no contest pleas for reduced and added charges that include a moving violation causing serious injury and felonious commission of a motor vehicle. Prosecutors dismissed the weapons charge in exchange for the no contest pleas. (DK)
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Howell Township Joins Howell Area Parks & Rec AuthorityHowell Township Joins Howell Area Parks & Rec Authority
One Livingston County township will join the Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority for the coming year. After a hiatus of several years the Howell Township Board approved a measure last night, which will give local residents a break on park passes and other activities. Township officials agreed to a one year deal with the parks and recreation authority that will cost the township $50,000 for the first year. Beginning in January township residents will not only receive one free parking pass per household, but also be able to participate in parks activities at reduced costs. Instead of paying $110 as a non-resident township residents will pay $66 for activities like soccer, swimming and lacrosse. Howell Township Trustee Mike Tipton tells WHMI getting to the agreement has taken time. He says they had discussions and reached tentative agreements before, but nothing came together. He says they finally reached an agreement that made sense. He says it is giving back to the people of the township and getting them back into the authority that they haven't been in for a number of years. Tipton says it also shows that Howell Township is making progress in its budget. As part of the agreement with HAPRA the township will have one voting member on the board. Over the next year the Howell Parks and Rec Authority will keep track of the number of township residents using its facilities. Tipton says the township will make a decision next year whether to continue for a second year. The rates for the second and third year will increase until a fourth year the rates will increase to be the same as current participating members, which this year is $103,225. (DS)
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New & Returning Howell City Council Members Sworn In Monday New & Returning Howell City Council Members Sworn In Monday
Monday nightâs Howell City Council meeting had a much more positive and relaxed atmosphere than many of late as new and returning members were given the oath of office. The ceremonial swearing in and oath of office was the first order of business. Members Steve Manor and Dr. Bob Ellis were re-elected last week by voters and Manor was again appointed mayor pro-tem. Councilman Doug Heins has been replaced by newest member Michael Mulvahill, who said heâs excited and looking forward to helping move the city along in a positive direction. Mulvahill, who is pictured, told WHMI while it will be a challenge getting up to speed with how the city works and processes, he brings no agenda to the table. Heâs lived in the city for more than a decade and regularly attends meetings. Mulvahill was vice president of the Howell Downtown Development Authority board but was required to resign from that position in light of being elected to council. The resignation was formally accepted last night and Mulvahill was thanked for his service on that body, with members commenting he was a good member with great input who jumps in and gets his hands dirty. Mayor Nick Proctor ran un-opposed for a two year term and was also sworn in Monday night. He commented that the list of things to do around town seems to be endless but their fiscal resources are all too finite and pledged Council to be good stewards of tax dollars. He said residents require thoughtful, honest debate on issues and congratulated Mulvahill, Manor and Ellis on the upbeat, positive campaigns they conducted outlining a positive vision for the community and city. He said partisan politics have no place on council, although he didnât think that would be the case over the next two years. Heins was a regular critic on various city issues during the course of his latest term and many times at odds with fellow members. He had served on council in the past but it was not for a consecutive 16 years as another media outlet has regularly reported. Proctor says guiding principles in the recently revised master plan will serve as councilâs template moving forward with annual strategies, budgeting and performance objectives â adding the tactics of city operations fall to the manager and senior staff. Before the end of year, Proctor said he intends to bring several recommendations for council consideration. Among those mentioned were tweaking organizational structure in the economic development realm and a proposed way to spur some action with the form based code vision on Michigan Avenue from Mason Road to I-96. He said targeted infrastructure improvements before council will signal willingness to become more user-friendly for future development. Proctor ended by pledging to fulfill his duties as mayor without prejudice or favor while promising residents and businesses transparency, action and responsiveness â adding council needs their input, ideas and constructive criticism. (JM)
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Local Residents Petition For Eager Road Bridge FixLocal Residents Petition For Eager Road Bridge Fix
A petition has been started by local residents to repair a bridge in Oceola Township. Last month, the bridge located on Eager Road, north of M-59 at Bigelow, was closed indefinitely by the Livingston County Road Commission. An inspection from an engineering consultant found that the load-carrying capacity of the bridge has been compromised. However some community members are not thrilled with the closure particularly because any traffic going to Hutchings Elementary School must use Latson Road. With only one point of access to the school, some are worried this is unsafe aside from just being inconvenient. An online petition has been created to repair the bridge and has so far garnered approximately 150 signatures. The petitionâs creator and Howell resident, Scott Moore, tells WHMI he hopes this effort will promote local use of tax dollars. Mike Craine, Director of the Road Commission, says the bridge is so old that there are no documented dates associated with when it was built. The Road Commission is currently outlining some options for fixing the bridge which will be presented to the Oceola Township Board of Trustees on December 3rd. Craine says a survey has also been commissioned starting next week that will look into ways to improve the curve of Eager Road that the bridge is located on and replacing the bridge. A wetlands study will be conducted this week and the Road Commission must obtain permits from the Department of Environmental Quality. Craine says while they have quite a few benchmarks they must meet, theyâre working towards a solution. (DK)
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Brighton Council Again Selects Muzzin as Mayor, Pipoly as Mayor Pro TemBrighton Council Again Selects Muzzin as Mayor, Pipoly as Mayor Pro Tem
The city of Brighton will have the same mayor for another two years, as the City Council chose Jim Muzzin as mayor for a third term at Monday nightâs special City Council meeting. Likewise, Shawn Pipoly was voted in as mayor pro tem for another two years. Both votes were unanimous. In Brighton, the mayor is selected by the city council, rather than by the voting public. Muzzin also gave the State of the City address, in which he cited the challenges and accomplishments of the last two years under his stewardship as mayor. He said that hard work by the staff and cooperation from the community, including a lot of volunteer work by citizens, has enabled Brighton to be a successful community. As examples, Muzzin cited volunteer work at the Old Village Cemetery in renovating old, broken headstones and volunteer work that resulted in needed maintenance and upkeep at the Imagination Station playground. He also credited upgrades made to several businesses as among the enhancements to the city and its downtown. Picture courtesy of Kate Lawrence. (TT)
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Linden Superintendent On Middle East Mission As District Deals With Shooting PlotLinden Superintendent On Middle East Mission As District Deals With Shooting Plot
As a school shooting plot is grabbing headlines, the leader of the Linden school district has left his job temporarily for a yearlong stay in the United Arab Emirates as part of the U.S. military's Operation Spartan Shield. Superintendent Ed Koledo is a lieutenant colonel in the Michigan National Guard's 1st Battalion, 182nd Field Artillery Regiment. His unit handles heavy artillery. The 49-year-old says it will be a "tremendous opportunity" for all the units involved. The battalion was recently deployed after a ceremony in Detroit. High school principal Russ Ciesielski was named Lindenâs interim superintendent and has had to handle the media coverage of a foiled plot, in which authorities say three teenagers had been planning to purchase weapons and use them against individuals in both Linden Middle School and Linden High School. The three were arrested after their plans came to light when a female student at Linden High School reported receiving death threats from one of the teens, 18-year-old Ryan William Stevens. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said the threats followed a derogatory Instagram posting by the girl about Stevens. As for Koledo, no exact date has been given for his return to the superintendent role, but it's expected to be sometime in September 2016, at which point Ciesielski would move back to high school principal. In the meantime, Koledo will be training alongside United Arab Emirates and Jordanian military units. (JK)
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