A lawsuit against a Livingston County sheriff's deputy by a woman who was bitten by his K-9 partner has been dismissed. Terry Greco of Old Lyme, Connecticut, filed suit in 2012 after the incident, which occurred while she was attending a self-help conference in Howell in 2011. Greco said she became lost on her way to a hotel, and her car got stuck on the side of a road. When she spotted two EMS technicians at a nearby gas station and asked for their help, she says they accused her of being intoxicated and were going to call the police, at which point Greco fled to a wooded area behind the station. When Deputy Anthony Clayton arrived on the scene, he assisted in a search that located her in the wooded area. Grecoâs lawsuit alleged that Deputy Claytonâs K-9 partner, Diago, then attacked and bit her thigh, holding on for more than 20 seconds, causing a wound that required eight surgical staples and permanent disfigurement. Clayton says he slipped on a log while looking for Greco and almost fell on her. He says the dog released her thigh after he confirmed that Greco didn't have a weapon. The lawsuit, which claimed Clayton used excessive force and acted in gross negligence, was permanently dismissed earlier this month âwithout cost, interest, or attorney fees to any party.â It had been seeking at least $75,000 in damages. (JK)
Lawsuit Against Sheriff's K-9 Officer DismissedLawsuit Against Sheriff's K-9 Officer Dismissed
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32nd Annual Fantasy Of Lights Parade Returns To Howell With Lights And Love32nd Annual Fantasy Of Lights Parade Returns To Howell With Lights And Love
A yearly holiday parade in downtown Howell returned on Friday with a surprise on one of the floats. The 32nd annual Fantasy of Lights Parade welcomes the arrival of the holiday season to the area each year and celebrated with this yearâs theme, âCheers to Howellâ. Along with feelings of cheer however, were feelings of love on Eternity Brewingâs float. When the float stopped in front of the Howell Carnegie Library, Tim Hoogerhyde proposed to his girlfriend, Becky Roberts, in front of it. She said yes and WHMI was able to catch the couple immediately following the proposal. Roberts and Hoogerhyde say the parade and Howell have a special significance in their relationship. Before the nighttime parade with dozens of illuminated floats, the Fantasy 5k Run took to the streets. Santa and his reindeer also made an appearance in downtown Howell and Santa helped Parade Grand Marshal Les Rodwell light the cityâs Christmas tree. Rodwell served as Fantasy of Lights Chair for many years and recently retired from the Howell Area Fire Department. There were nearly 40 entries in this yearâs parade and the event draws a crowd of more than 30,000 people each year. Fantasy of Lights Director, Michelle Tokan, says the best part is just watching guests enjoy the parade. (DK)
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Fenton Township Man Charged In Federal Auto Fraud Case Fenton Township Man Charged In Federal Auto Fraud Case
A Fenton Township man is facing federal charges as part of an auto-related fraud and conspiracy case. 36-year-old Edward Frank Usewick III is charged with 20 counts that include bank fraud, as well as attempted and conspiracy to commit fraud. Heâs accused of submitting 19 fraudulent titles for vehicles in 2013. Under an agreement with the owners of Suski Chevrolet-Buick in Birch Run, Usewick operated various Suski Used Car Dealerships, including one on Silver Parkway in Fenton. Using those dealerships, Usewick is said to have secured a line of credit from Ally Financial to purchase vehicles for future re-sale. The scheme allegedly involved his submitting titles for vehicles never purchased, and the titles also allegedly contained fraudulent numbers. The Secretary of State later got involved after complaints surfaced from consumers about the title work. Usewick also has past convictions from 2011 for producing fraudulent titles. A possible plea hearing is scheduled in U.S. District Court in Flint January 5th. (JM)
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Howell Schools Agree to Sell Bonds Howell Schools Agree to Sell Bonds
Howell Public Schools are a step closer to technology upgrades after last weekâs meeting of the Board of Education. With the passage of a technology bond earlier this month the Howell Public Schoolâs Board of Education gave the district the go-ahead to sell bonds and acquire the first $4 million. Superintendent Erin MacGregor laid out the districtâs plan for the first phase of the technology bond, which includes upgrading technology in the district. MacGregor tells WHMI this is the first of three phases of the bond. He says there is a total of $12.5 million and the first in the series is $4 million to support infrastructure, wireless, wireless capabilities, networking and those types of things to build the backbone of the new devices; the new computers. He says that will be what a substantial amount of that money goes toward in addition to upgrading classroom technology, so when they talk about teaching and learning tools in the classroom that will be part of that first series as well. MacGregor says along with the infrastructure and computers the bond also includes projectors, teaching podiums, audio amplification and professional development tools. MacGregor laid out the timeline for the bond process saying it includes several departments. He says even though the funds wonât be available until April 1st, the district will start soliciting bids for equipment in December. Once funds are available, work can begin on upgrades in June. (DS)
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Brighton Schools to Offer Limited Schools-of-Choice ProgramBrighton Schools to Offer Limited Schools-of-Choice Program
The Brighton Area School District will have a limited Schools-of-Choice program for the second semester. Brighton School Superintendent Greg Gray says that under a limited program the school district is required to have at least one Schools-of-Choice availability per grade. Gray tells WHMI that Brighton typically offers an unlimited program for the first semester and a limited program for second semester because classrooms were filled almost to capacity in the first semester and there are generally very few vacant seats in a given classroom. Gray says Schools of Choice is advantageous for public schools around the state because they are able to claim the school aid that each student represents. The second semester in the Brighton Area Schools starts on Feb, 2nd. (TT)
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Historical Society Takes Community Back In Time With "Old Time Christmas" EventHistorical Society Takes Community Back In Time With "Old Time Christmas" Event
Christmases of the past will make their way to the present during an old-fashioned holiday event. The Brighton Area Historical Society will present âOld Time Christmas with Santa and Mrs. Clausâ on Sunday, December 13th from 1 to 4 pm. The free event will be held at the Lyon one-room Schoolhouse located in Brighton with a 1900sâ Christmas theme. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for Christmas photos for the kids. Homemade cookies and cider will be available, along with âMake and Take Projectsâ the kids can craft. Historical Society President Jim Vichich says the âOld Time Christmasâ celebration is a perfect time for families to experience history in the schoolhouse that was used between the 1800sâ and 1950sâ. For more information about the event, call 810-250-7276 or visit the link below. (DK)
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Task Force To Address Projected Enrollment Increases In South Lyon SchoolsTask Force To Address Projected Enrollment Increases In South Lyon Schools
A projected increase in elementary and middle school enrollment in South Lyon Community Schools has led to a task force being formed. Comprised of parents, teachers and administrators, the District K-8 Enrollment Task Force will be working to develop a plan to address how to best accommodate an anticipated enrollment increase at the elementary level for the 2016/2017 school year. It will review estimated counts, the number of classrooms short and take various options into consideration based on student impact, class size, cost and operational efficiency. Possible options include portable classrooms, school of choice practices, using current spaces in non-traditional ways and potentially relocating district programs. Additionally, the task force will also discuss estimated middle school enrollment trends for 2016/2017 and 2017/2018, what year boundary changes should be recommended and for which grade levels. Four meetings are scheduled over the next two months and will be open to the public on December 3rd and 17th, and January 12th and 21st in the South Lyon High School media center at 6pm. The goal is for the task force to have a recommendation to the board of education February 1st, with action to be taken on the 8th. (JM)
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LACASA Donations To Be Tripled By Anonymous DonorLACASA Donations To Be Tripled By Anonymous Donor
Thanks to generous donor, a local non-profit organization will be able to give three times the gifts to abuse victims this holiday season. LACASA is going into its 35th year in 2016 and is kicking off the celebration with a Triple Giving Challenge to end 2015. An anonymous benefactor has offered to match every dollar donated through the rest of the year with two dollars of their own. LACASA board chair and Livingston County undersheriff Mike Murphy said their goal is to raise $35,000, which with the donorâs contribution, would turn into $105,000. The donor pledged to meet any number set by the public, however, even if it exceeds the goal. Communications Director Robin OâGrady told WHMI that LACASA offers over 25 programs and services for victims of child abuse and personal trauma. They offer trauma assessment and counseling, hoping to help victims focus better in society. OâGrady said that LACASA is an independent and locally run organization, with no help from a national agency. The money raised will stay in the Livingston County area to benefit its citizens in need. For more information or to make a donation visit www.lacasacenter.org. (MK)
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Pinckney Superintendent: LESA Millage "Light At The End Of The Tunnel"Pinckney Superintendent: LESA Millage "Light At The End Of The Tunnel"
While recent voter approval of an LESA Headlee Restoration millage is expected to help all Livingston County public school districts, it will benefit one by expediting the process to eliminate an ongoing budget deficit. The current special education millage rate was set in 1988 but has never been restored, despite significant decreases due to the stateâs Headlee Amendment. The shortfall in special education funding has resulted in cash-strapped local districts using a significant portion of their general budgets to provide the services. Funds generated from the millage will be collected by LESA, with all returned to local districts. The Pinckney district has been struggling with a budget deficit due to a decrease in student population over a period of ten years, which is attributed to general population changes. Voter approval of the millage is expected to expedite the process and help the district get out of deficit quicker than originally planned. It had to allocate $2.2 (m) million toward supporting education services but now, Superintendent Rick Todd says they can offset about $1.1 million (m) of that per year. He tells WHMI itâs the light at the end of the tunnel theyâve been looking for and very encouraging. Todd says theyâre looking to be completely out of deficit in two years, if not sooner. Working through overall transition, he says theyâve become very resourceful and made tremendous impacts on the budget deficit, while becoming stronger in terms of academic offerings and the level of instruction offered to students. Todd noted a lot of adjustments had to be made along the way but they remained committed to never let them impact the educational experience for kids and recognize how valuable it is. (JM)
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Under Fire, Local Organization's Executive Director To ResignUnder Fire, Local Organization's Executive Director To Resign
It appears as if the fallout over the recent resignation of several staff members at the Arc of Livingston has resulted in the resignation of the organizations director. The Arc of Livingston is a nonprofit organization that advocates for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Recent dissension led last week to the resignation of four employees who have worked for the Arc for a number of years, including Co-President of the Arcâs Board of Directors Kim Hughes, Administrative Assistant Jackie Dowling, and Family Advocates Deb Calandrino and Anne Richardson. While the employees did not disclose their exact reason for resigning, it is thought by many to center around conflicts with Executive Director Sheila Shegos, who came on board in July. But in a Facebook posting this morning, Arc says that a meeting tonight will be to accept the resignation of the Executive Director. And that while there will be open discussion from membership, it will be limited to 30 minutes total with each person only allotted 2-3 minutes to speak. Shegos had previously referred to the resignations and related protests as âgrowing pains,â but insisted Arcâs mission and purpose was strong and that âclients and families will receive interim support from advocates that are willing to step out of their service area.â A board meeting that had been scheduled last Monday night was cancelled at the last minute after word of the resignations ignited a storm of protest from Arc members who vocally supported the employees. Tensions were further heightened when it was reported that while the employees had agreed to work through December to ensure none of their cases were left hanging, they were walked out of the building last Monday and told they were not welcome back. Tonightâs meeting is set for 6 pm at the Brighton First United Methodist Church. (JK)
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Brighton State Police Troopers Ask For Help To "Stuff The Blue Goose"Brighton State Police Troopers Ask For Help To "Stuff The Blue Goose"
Michigan State Police are working to round up items for local needy families and are seeking the help of the community to stuff the âBlue Gooseâ. âBlue Gooseâ is a nickname for the state police patrol vehicles. Troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post will be collecting donations at the Walmart in Saline on Saturday, December 5th from 9 am to 3 pm and are hoping to fill their patrol car. New toys and nonperishable food items will be collected and given to the Salvation Army. The items will then be donated to Washtenaw County families that are struggling.(DK)
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Internet Safety Week Returns To Fowlerville Schools To Educate Students And ParentsInternet Safety Week Returns To Fowlerville Schools To Educate Students And Parents
A local school district will once again host Internet Safety Week to teach students and their parents how to safely navigate the worldwide web. The Fowlerville Community School District will host Internet Safety Week as part of a joint program with the Michigan Attorney Generalâs Office. Grace Damerow, District Technology Director, says assemblies will be held for kindergartners, all the way through 8th grade. Damerow tells WHMI the information provided will be age appropriate. An assembly of sorts will be held for parents and guardians as well, as an educational seminar on Thursday, December 3rd at the Junior High School Media Center at 7pm. Damerow says adults that attend the seminar often leave amazed at what they did not know about the internet. The seminar will provide tools for parents on how to keep their kids safe, how to monitor the internet and how to talk to kids about being precautious. Internet Safety Week is hosted by the district at least every other year and Damerow says it has perfect timing this year as the holidays approach. With technology devices often given as gifts, it is important for kids and parents to know how to navigate them in a protected environment. (DK)
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DDA Asks Community To "S.H.A.R.E" The Howell Love On Giving TuesdayDDA Asks Community To "S.H.A.R.E" The Howell Love On Giving Tuesday
The Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority is taking part in a global day dedicated to giving back and celebrating a new tradition of generosity. The volunteer-led organization will be taking part in Giving Tuesday, which asks the community to S.H.A.R.E the Howell Love and help Support Howell Art, Revitalization and Entertainment by donating. DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly says no amount is too small during the end-of-year fundraising campaign but donations made on Giving Tuesday have a larger impact because they will be matched up to $5,000 thanks to the Kellogg Family Foundation. Thanksgiving is followed by two days for getting deals but Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to giving back. Thus, the nationwide effort is aimed at supporting communities and non-profits while celebrating generosity in giving back. Edgerly says hundreds of volunteers share both their time and talents to make a number of downtown events possible, as well as all of the donors who support efforts financially. Donations can be made online through the link below but may also be mailed or dropped off at the Howell Main Street office at 118 West Clinton Street. (JM)
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Fenton City Council Considering Regulating Truck TrafficFenton City Council Considering Regulating Truck Traffic
An upcoming city council work session will focus on an ordinance to potentially prevent truck traffic in downtown Fenton. Officials are weighing a proposed ordinance that would restrict truck traffic in certain parts of the city to deliveries only, while also regulating the size and weight of trucks and semis. The conversation follows construction on the multi-million Streetscape project and aims to reduce the number of trucks that use downtown streets as cut-thru routes while heading to other destinations. The item will be discussed during the Fenton City Councilâs December 7th work session, with information presented by various department officials. (JM)
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Street Closures Saturday For Fenton JinglefestStreet Closures Saturday For Fenton Jinglefest
The Fenton Police Department is advising motorists of upcoming street closures as part of this weekendâs Jinglefest. Festivities start Saturday morning with holiday shopping and the Rotary Christmas tree decorating at 10am at Bush Park. Other activities start at 3pm and include the Jingle Jog 5K, horse drawn wagon rides, ice sculptures and a live nativity. The Fenton Jinglefest parade kicks off at 6pm Saturday and the route is the same as years past. It begins on East Ellen Street and travels along Adelaide, Shiawassee, Leroy and Caroline before ending at West Street. The police department advises that all vehicles parked along the parade route need to be off the streets by 5pm Saturday. After the parade concludes, the official Christmas tree lighting ceremony and fireworks get underway. (JM)
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"Ladies Night Out" Kicks Off The Shopping Season In Downtown Brighton "Ladies Night Out" Kicks Off The Shopping Season In Downtown Brighton
A yearly event in downtown Brighton is calling for women to gather up their gals and shop âtill they drop. Ladies Night Out will start the shopping season on Thursday, December 3rd in downtown Brighton for women needing a fun night out with their friends. The event runs from 5 to 10 pm and nearly 60 local businesses will be participating. Shoppers will be catered to with refreshments, sales, free massages and hairstyling, gift drawings and wine glass painting, just to name a few incentives. Ladies Night Out was started about 11 years ago and has since grown with more merchants participating and ladies attending. It is now a bi-annual shopping day that is held every May and December that supports local businesses while offering a fun evening thatâs girls-only. âThe Little Popup Shopâ will be returning to Main Street where several off-Main Street and service-based businesses can be found. Free gift wrapping will also be provided. Jen Ling, Marketing and Event Coordinator for the downtown Brighton Principal Shopping District, says the event has a huge turnout each year and is a blast. More information can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Winners Announced In Downtown Howell's "Deck The Windows" Contest Winners Announced In Downtown Howell's "Deck The Windows" Contest
The winners of a storefront decorating contest in Downtown Howell have been announced and are shining bright this holiday season. This marks the second year of âDeck the Windowsâ - a friendly competition put on by the Howell Main Street Downtown Development Authority in which businesses get creative with festive window décor. Retro-a-go-go solidified the Peopleâs Choice Award while the newly introduced Mayorâs Choice Award will be presented to The Roost & Company. DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly tells WHMI they have a lot of wonderful businesses throughout the district and the competition was stiff this year, with the peopleâs choice coming down to a single vote. The contest involved a week-long online and text-to-vote competition with 24 participating businesses that donned holiday lights, Christmas figures, snowflakes and more. The winners of this yearâs storefront decorating contest will each receive $250 cash as well as the coveted Golden Tree traveling award. A special awards presentation will be held at Retro-a-go-go on Wednesday, followed by a Thursday lunchtime presentation at The Roost & Company. Although the competition technically is over, Edgerly says they encourage residents and visitors to head downtown and enjoy all of the decorated storefronts while supporting small businesses this holiday season. (JM)
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Local Mother & Kids Burned By Exploding Gas CanLocal Mother & Kids Burned By Exploding Gas Can
A Highland Township woman and her two young children were burned over the weekend by an explosion that began when gasoline was left too close to a pile of burning leaves. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office says deputies, along with the Highland Township Fire Department, responded to reports of an explosion just after 3:30 Sunday afternoon in the 3000 block of Lester Drive. An investigation determined that 33-year-old female homeowner had been burning leaves in her backyard with her two 3-year-old children when a gasoline can she was using to fuel the flames ignited, then exploded. Authorities say that some of the gasoline was splashed onto the woman and the children, and the womanâs clothing caught fire. A neighbor came to help the woman put out the fire. The three who were injured were then taken to McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. (JK)
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SELCRA Intact as a Recreational Entity - For Now SELCRA Intact as a Recreational Entity - For Now
A meeting of the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority Board of Directors Monday night â also attended by representatives of all four municipalities in the organization â helped clear the air a bit about its future. However, the board came to no consensus â nor made any decisions â on whether to dissolve SELCRA. Also at the meeting were Brighton Area Schools Superintendent Greg Gray and three members of the Board of Education. The meeting was chaired by SELCRA Director Derek Smith. After the meeting, Smith told WHMI that the individual municipalities donât have to make their decision by Dec. 31 if they decide to remain in SELCRA. However, if they want to withdraw individually, they must do so by the end of the year. Green Oak Twp. Supervisor Mark St. Charles tells WHMI that although his board had been leaning on keeping SELCRA intact and viable, it will have to discuss the matter in detail before it decides on a course of action. Gray said that the school district could run essentially the same recreational programs SELCRA is now â although not the full complement of programs and events as currently offered â for $500,000, which is over $200,000 less than SELCRAâs current budget. In response to a comment that SELCRA should not compete with other recreational groups, school board trustee Andy Burchfield said the reality is that SELCRA is already competing with the Legacy Center and several other entities. Smith has said the financial situation has become problematic with all the options kids and adults now have for recreational programs. As a result, with participation fees declining in some programs, Smith has been forced to come back to the township boards and city council with requests for more funding. SELCRAâs current funding base will take it to next June 30, the end of its fiscal year. But after that â and perhaps well before â its future as a viable, independent recreational and athletic agency will have been decided once and for all. (TT)
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Stone Marker Prompts Questions In Fenton TownshipStone Marker Prompts Questions In Fenton Township
Officials in Fenton Township are trying to identify a large cement grave marker that's more than 100 years old. Fenton Township Clerk Bob Krug says that the marker reading "HERE LIES AB SMITH 1908" was discovered recently while an engineer and contractor surveyed more than 34 acres of land for fence lines where a large park is planned. Krug and other township officials have been searching for records in an effort to determine who the marker belongs to and to get in touch with his or her family. Krug says he's waiting to see if any other information can be uncovered before using equipment to check the immediate grounds for a grave. Krug told The Flint Journal that Genesee County Undersheriff Chris Swanson was contacted regarding potentially trying to open the concrete and find out if there are remains inside, but he said the process would require a coroner, undertaker and sheriff to be at the site when it takes place. Image from The Flint Journal/MLive.com (JK)
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