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Hune's Blue Cross Bills Pass Insurance CommitteeHune's Blue Cross Bills Pass Insurance Committee

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1/30/13 - A hurtle has been cleared for legislation introduced by State Senator Joe Hune that will reform Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The Senate Insurance Committee, which is chaired by the Hamburg Township Republican, approved the pair of bills Tuesday that are identical to what Governor Snyder rejected last month, with the exception of abortion language that the governor gave as the reason for his veto. The bills will change Blue Cross Blue Shield from a charitable trust into a customer-owned nonprofit, ending its tax-exempt status. The bills could go before the full Senate for a vote as early as Thursday. If they pass there, they will move on to the state House, where there’s a chance that chamber could again add language that would curb abortion coverage. However, GOP leaders say they will work to educate the 26 new House members on the issue. (JK)

Alleged I-96 Shooter Found Competent to Stand TrialAlleged I-96 Shooter Found Competent to Stand Trial

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1/30/13 - A Livingston County judge has found a Wixom man competent to stand trial on charges of shooting at motorists along and near the I-96 corridor last year. That was the determination of 53rd District Judge Carol Sue Reader after she accepted a report from the state’s Center for Forensic Psychiatry that indicated Raulie Casteel is competent. The 43-year-old unemployed geologist was charged by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office in a seven-count complaint, including a charge of terrorism for shooting at motorists along the I-96 corridor in Livingston, Shiawassee and Ingham counties. Casteel is also charged with more than 60 separate counts in Oakland County, which retained jurisdiction over those incidents that mostly occurred in Wixom and Commerce Township. The same competency report will be used for a competency hearing in Oakland County tomorrow. Authorities remain unclear about what led Casteel, who remains jailed on a $2 million bond, to carry out the shooting spree, which only injured one motorist, but put area residents and motorists into a state of fear for weeks and prompted the creation of a task force of federal, state and local police. Picture courtesy of WLNS. (JK)

Street Count of Homeless Individuals in County Being Taken Today Street Count of Homeless Individuals in County Being Taken Today

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1/30/13 - A street count of homeless individuals within Livingston County is being taken today. The count takes place every other year and impacts the funding and assistance that Livingston County gets to help those in need. The Livingston County Homeless Continuum of Care and various partners are working in coordination to get the most complete count possible of individuals who are living in places that are not meant for human habitation such as cars, vacant homes, tents or others. Homeless individuals in the county are being encouraged to stop by one of the following locations today, get counted and receive a free hot meal up until 6pm. They include St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brighton, the People’s Church in Pinckney, St. Agnes Catholic Church in Fowlerville, the Connection Youth Services in Howell or St. Joseph Catholic Church in Howell. Anyone who works or volunteers at a location frequently visited by homeless individuals who are not currently in a shelter program but may be receiving other services from an agency or church are being asked to help promote the street count. Individuals currently in a shelter with a housing agency such as LACASA, The Salvation Army of Livingston County or OLHSA will be counted by agency staff and do not need to seek out an alternative count location. Complete information click on the attachment below. (JM)

Judge Won't Lower Bond for Man Charged in Shooting Range Death Judge Won't Lower Bond for Man Charged in Shooting Range Death

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1/30/13 - A local judge has declined to lower the bond for a Howell man charged in connection with a fatal shooting at a Brighton Township gun range. 19-year-old Jessce Lincon Stearn is facing manslaughter and felony firearms counts for the June 30th, 2012 incident at the Livingston Conservation and Sports Association gun range. He’s being held on a $250,000 cash bond and at a recent hearing; Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty denied a motion to lower his bond. Police say Stearn was holding a replica AK-47 when it discharged and hit Charles Robert Kimball in the head and killed him instantly. Stearn told police the gun discharged while he was cleaning the weapon. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte said there were concerns with his story from the beginning and witness accounts contradicted his claim, which led to the warrant being issued. He also noted that the weapon was examined and tested but it never malfunctioned. He says that, along with the trajectory of the bullet, gave cause for concern. Prosecutors said the manslaughter charge was filed because the defendant did not intend to kill Kimball but was deliberately aiming the weapon when it fired. Stearn is scheduled to go to trial in March if no plea deal is reached. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison on the manslaughter charge and an additional two years on the felony firearm charge. (JM)

Local 911 Dispatcher RememberedLocal 911 Dispatcher Remembered

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1/30/13 - The life and legacy of a local 911 emergency dispatcher is being remembered by friends and family. Gay Jones of Fowlerville was laid to rest today during services at Niblack Funeral Home’s Dillingham Liverance Chapel. She passed away last Friday after losing her battle with ALS, often referred to as Lou Gherig’s Disease. She was 58. Jones embarked on a career with Livingston County 911 Central Dispatch in 1999, where she worked up until receiving her formal diagnosis last year. The mother of four children and nine grandchildren was named “Employee of the Year” in 2012 and spoke with WHMI at that time about how her job had changed over the years with the different types of calls and new technology, but also said the one thing that remained constant was teamwork. Friend and fellow dispatcher Mary Reed says Jones was always willing to help and a familiar face in the community with a remarkable memory. Looking forward, Reed says family and friends will be taking part in a walk in her memory for the ALS Association on May 11th at the Cleary University campus in Genoa Township. Details can be found in the link below. (JM)

Casteel Found Competent To Stand Trial For I-96 ShootingsCasteel Found Competent To Stand Trial For I-96 Shootings

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1/31/13 - A forensic psychiatric exam has found 43-year-old Raulie Wayne Casteel competent to stand trial for charges including terrorism stemming from a series of shootings along the I-96 corridor in October. A competency hearing was held for Casteel Wednesday in 53rd District Court in Howell. He is charged with seven counts, including terrorism and assault with intent to murder, by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette. The charges stem from an incident in Howell Township when authorities say Casteel fired a pistol at a passing car as part of a multi-county shooting spree. The court will now set a date for a preliminary exam in preparation for a trial. Although only one person was injured in the shootings and his injuries were not life-threatening, Attorney General’s Office Spokeswoman Joy Yearout says the charge of terrorism is justified because fear of the shootings caused the people of Mid-Michigan to change their driving habits. She also pointed to the massive law enforcement task force that was assembled to bring the shootings to an end. Casteel also faces more than 60 separate counts for shootings in Oakland County, which maintained its jurisdiction in the case. The same competency report will be entered for Casteel in Oakland at a hearing today. Photo courtesy WLNS. (TD)

Suspect Arraigned in Murder of Pinckney ManSuspect Arraigned in Murder of Pinckney Man

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1/31/13 - An Oakland County man has been arraigned on charges he murdered a Pinckney resident who had reportedly tried to help the suspect’s wife from an abusive relationship. 37-year-old Ronald Lewis Kennedy was arraigned in Oakland County Circuit Court on charges of assault with intent to murder his wife, domestic violence and 2nd degree murder for stabbing Charles MacDonald Shiffman. He was found dead of multiple stab wounds December 1st in the front yard of a home in northern Oakland County's Rose Township. Police say Kennedy stabbed the 34-year-old Pinckney man several times after finding him at the house with his wife, 31-year-old Jessica Kennedy. Shiffman’s family say the two were long-time friends and that he had gone to the home at the woman’s request to help her get out of an abusive relationship. Kennedy’s mother claims her son was attacked inside his home and was merely defending himself. After stabbing Shiffman, Police say Kennedy stabbed his wife and forced her into a car before fleeing the area. He was later stopped by police and arrested. Kennedy remains jailed with no bond. He’ll appear for a pre-trial hearing March 13th in Oakland County. (JK)

United Way Seeking Local Stories of Random Acts of Kindness United Way Seeking Local Stories of Random Acts of Kindness

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1/31/13 - A local agency that serves as a catalyst for community change is hoping to further that mission by sharing local stories showcasing random acts of kindness. The Livingston County United Way is seeking local stories that show how acts of kindness help make the community a caring place to live and work. United Way Executive Director Nancy Rosso tells WHMI they recognize lots of kindnesses are already occurring in Livingston County every day and they want to highlight those stories, which will serve as an example of good in the county and hopefully inspire others to take good ideas and pay it forward. Stories can be submitted by email or mail to Rosso at Nrosso@lcunitedway.org or at the Livingston County United Way offices at 2980 Dorr Road Brighton MI, 48116. Stories can also be submitted anonymously. After all of the submissions are received, Rosso says they will be compiled and shared with local media as well as at the United Way’s annual meeting and volunteer recognition breakfast on Thursday, March 14th. (JM)

Supreme Court Won't Hear Fowlerville Man's Appeal in CSC Case Supreme Court Won't Hear Fowlerville Man's Appeal in CSC Case

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1/31/13 - The Michigan Supreme Court has again denied to hear a Fowlerville man’s appeal in a 2010 criminal sexual conduct case. 38-year-old Troy Roland Hamilton entered pleas to multiple counts of 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree criminal sexual conduct in November of 2010. The victims were under 13 years old. Hamilton was subsequently sentenced by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader to serve 10 to 15 years in prison. He appealed and sought to withdraw his plea in 2011, which was later denied in April of last year by the Michigan Court of Appeals for lack of merit in the grounds presented. Hamilton then appealed to the Supreme Court, which denied his application and said it wasn’t persuaded the questions presented should be reviewed last November. A motion for reconsideration of that order was filed and again denied in a decision released this week. Hamilton is currently incarcerated at a prison facility in Ionia. His earliest possible date for release is June of 2020. (JM)

Music And Poetry Honors The Working Man At Hartland Music HallMusic And Poetry Honors The Working Man At Hartland Music Hall

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1/31/13 - Poet and Wayne State University professor M.L. Liebler and fellow musician Reverend Robert Jones put on a performance in Hartland yesterday to pay tribute to the working class. About 50 people gathered in the Hartland Music Hall last night to listen to Liebler and Jones perform songs and poems written by and about working men and women. The performance complements the traveling Smithsonian exhibit, titled “The Way We Worked,” which is on display at the Hartland Cromaine District Library and discusses the history and culture of America’s workforce. Liebler spoke and sang poetry dating as far back as the 1700’s discussing the life and struggles of blue collar workers. Jones, who sang the blues and played guitar, shared songs with local connections about the working class. He tells WHMI that while many modern songs focus on romance, songs about work reflect the more serious topics of struggle and survival. The Smithsonian’s “The Way We Worked” exhibit will remain on display in Hartland through the first week of February. There is no charge to attend. (TD)

City of Brighton Transferring Duties to County Building DepartmentCity of Brighton Transferring Duties to County Building Department

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1/31/13 - The City of Brighton will transfer its authority to issue building permits and conduct inspections to the Livingston County Building Department. Brighton requested the transfer in order to increase efficiency and conserve city resources. Some of the duties that the County Building Department will take on are the issuance of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits, along with code enforcement, plan review, and conducting inspections for the City of Brighton. The county will not be greatly affected by the transfer, but will see added revenue and work security in their building department. Activity in the department is typically low this time of year, but the county is ready to hire additional employees to cover the workload in the spring if necessary. The City of Brighton hopes to have the duties transferred to the county by the end of the week. (SO/JM)

Multi-Vehicle Pileup Shuts Down US-23 in Genesee County

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1/31/13 - Authorities say a snow squall caused a multi-vehicle pileup situation, shutting down US-23 in Genesee County. Both northbound and southbound US-23 were shut down from Grand Blanc to Thompson Road before 1pm. The northbound lanes re-opened to traffic at around 3:20pm and the southbound lanes re-opened about an hour later. Earlier falling snow and white-out conditions are said to have caused multiple crashes, resulting in a pile-up situation and lengthy traffic delays. (JM)

Child Poverty Rates Rise Statewide & LocallyChild Poverty Rates Rise Statewide & Locally

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1/31/13 - A new report shows that child poverty continues to be a vexing problem for Michigan, with more than 500,000 kids living at or below the poverty line. That’s according to the annual "Kids Count" survey released today. It reports that children in low-income families are at greater risk for poor health, teen pregnancy and academic failure. Jane Zehnder-Merrell is the Kids Count in Michigan project director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, which compiles the Kids Count report. She pointed out a dramatic increase in child abuse and neglect in Michigan, as the state has continued to cut back on child abuse prevention services. "Whether it's referral for other services or interventions, we're not there when we need to be, so kids suffer. That's very troubling." According to the Kids Count report, child poverty in Michigan increased 17 percent between 2007 and 2011. In Livingston County, the number of children living in households below the federal poverty guidelines increased from 2,725 in 2007 to 3,918 in 2011; a 30% increase. In Michigan, the report recommended that state legislators improve the social safety net by increasing unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks, raising the state Earned Income Tax Credit from 6 percent to 20 percent of the federal EITC, and expanding eligibility for child care subsidies. (JK)

Water Main Break in Howell Twp; Some M-HOG Customers AffectedWater Main Break in Howell Twp; Some M-HOG Customers Affected

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1/31/13 - Some Howell Township residents are without water service after contractors working on the Enbridge pipeline project hit a water main this afternoon. M-HOG Utilities Director Greg Tatara says it’s a relatively small area, with residents in the Amber Oaks subdivision primarily affected. Tatara says the contractor working on the new gas pipeline hit the water main on Oak Grove Road, north of Castlewood. He says it has been shut down to keep water from flowing but everyone connected to the M-HOG system in that area will be without water service until it's fixed, possibly later this evening. Once the repairs are complete and water service is restored, Tatara says those in the affected area will be placed under a 48-hour precautionary boil water notice. (JM)

Hartland Man Enters Plea to Illegally Taking SonHartland Man Enters Plea to Illegally Taking Son

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1/31/13 - A Hartland Township man has entered a plea to charges he kidnapped his son last year. 53-year-old Mark Joseph Grabowski, a former football player who once played for the Lions, pleaded guilty Monday to a charge of unlawful retention of a child by a parent. A massive search effort began after Grabowski failed to return his 11-year-old son Connor home to his mother prior to last year’s Labor Day weekend. He was arrested at a hunting ranch in South Dakota about a week later. While with his father, a video of the boy was posted on YouTube in which made allegations of abuse against his mother, but a Child Protective Services worker later testified that Conner was very eager to get home and her investigation found no evidence of any child abuse or neglect. Grabowski will be sentenced February 28th. (JK)

Alleged I-96 Shooter Competent to Stand Trial in Oakland County Alleged I-96 Shooter Competent to Stand Trial in Oakland County

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1/31/13 - The suspected I-96 shooter has been found competent to stand trial in Oakland County. The findings of a competency and criminal responsibility report were discussed during a hearing in 52-1 District Court in Novi today for 43-year-old Raulie Wayne Casteel of Wixom. He’s facing 60 counts in Oakland County, including assault with intent to murder. On Wednesday, Casteel was found competent to stand trial in 53rd District Court in Howell on seven charges filed against him by the state attorney general's office, including terrorism. Authorities allege the un-employed geologist shot at two-dozen cars on and around the I-96 corridor this past October. One victim was struck in the buttocks by a bullet that entered his driver's side door while traveling through Fowlerville. Casteel’s lawyer Charles Groh says he's "pursuing all possible defenses" for his client. (JM)

Hartland Man Bound Over On Firearms And Resisting ChargesHartland Man Bound Over On Firearms And Resisting Charges

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2/1/13 - A Hartland man accused of firing a gun outside his home and threatening to use it at his wife’s workplace in January has been bound over to circuit court. 37-year-old Brian Thomas Barnes was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm after police were called to his home January 15th on Lakena Street. His wife said he sent a series of threatening text messages through the previous evening and that morning following an argument that prompted her to leave the house and take their children with her. She called 911 after he threatened to bring the gun to the daycare center where she worked. When deputies arrived, they say Barnes, who is alleged to have been intoxicated, fled inside the residence. Crisis negotiators were called to the scene and after about 45 minutes of discussion, he came out and was taken into custody. Barnes is being held on a one million dollar bond. (TD)

Howell Township Water Main Repaired; Boil Water Advisory Remains

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2/1/13 - While water service has been restored to some residents in Howell Township, a boil water advisory remains in effect. The water service was interrupted yesterday after contractors working on the Enbridge pipeline project hit a water main. M-HOG Utilities Director Greg Tatara said a relatively small area was affected, primarily those living in the Amber Oaks subdivision. Tatara says the contractor working on the new gas pipeline hit the water main on Oak Grove Road, north of Castlewood. It was shut down to keep water from flowing, but service was finally restored about midnight. He says bacterial testing will begin this morning and if all goes as planned, they can lift the advisory by Sunday morning. (JK)

City Council Finalizes Howell Melon Festival Transitional Agreement City Council Finalizes Howell Melon Festival Transitional Agreement

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1/29/13 - An agreement allowing for an operational transfer of leadership for the Howell Melon Festival was finalized at Monday’s City Council meeting. A transitional agreement between the City, the Downtown Development Authority and the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority has been approved by all of the parties involved. It lays out various roles and responsibilities in going forward and Traci Mularoni will be joining the Rec Authority on a regular basis to plan and produce the Howell Melon Festival and the Legend of Sleepy Howell. The DDA took over the event from the Howell Jaycees in 2009 but decided to explore partnering with the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority in hosting the festival this year. With the continued growth of Melonfest, the DDA said the need was evident to bring in a strong and independent partner and the practical impact of the transition is nominal since the three parties involved have all worked closely together over the last four years on events anyway. Officials say they’ll be needing lots of volunteers to step up for this year’s event August 16th through the 18th. Details can be found in the link below. (JM)

Hundreds Gather to Support Local Father Diagnosed with CancerHundreds Gather to Support Local Father Diagnosed with Cancer

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2/1/13 - More than 600 people attended a fundraising event last night for a Brighton man who was recently diagnosed with cancer. 30-year-old Mark Howell is president of a local IT company who also coaches youth soccer. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October, underwent a 14-hour surgery in November, and will soon begin chemotherapy. Last night's fundraiser was organized by Barb Binkley, co-owner of Cooper and Binkley Jewelers in Brighton, to help with Howell's medical bills. She says Mark has become like a son to her through his coaching and mentoring of her son. The event took place at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township and featured several live music acts, including X Factor star Jeff Gutt. It also had live and silent auctions with hundreds of items donated by local businesses including jewelry, wine, and tools. Binkley says her original goal was to raise $30-$40,000 with a couple hundred tickets sold, but that goal increased when she saw the large number of people who wanted to purchase tickets. She expects to hold more fundraisers to help with medical bills as Howell battles his cancer. Cooper and Binkley Jewelers in Brighton is accepting donations made out to the Mark Howell Foundation, and those who wish to donate online can click on the link below. (TD)
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