Livingston County has officially joined a five county consortium to consolidate some Michigan Works! services.
Plans have been in the works for several months, but Monday night the Livingston County Board of Commissioners entered into an agreement with the Southeast Michigan Consortium. The agreement merges the Livingston County Michigan Works! with Washtenaw, Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale Counties. County Commission Vice-Chair Steve Williams says the consolidation only affects management. He says it was imperative during the negotiating process that Livingston County residents are able to stay in the county for services. He says what will change is the overhead management. Williams says the state is looking for efficiencies by combining various state government entities and now the Livingston County office will be part of a larger sub-group of Michigan Works! agencies. There are going to be some shared resources between them. He says the county commission has been working on this for over a year now, and this is their vote to become part of the consortium. He says it means that certain Michigan Works! offices may focus on some things and others not, but it actually gives Livingston County access to enhanced knowledge and working more closely with those offices in other areas. He says more importantly it leaves our Michigan Works! office in Howell. He also says the local Michigan Works! service center will continue to provide employment services and maintain its relationship with Mott Community College and the M-TECH Center. The difference now will be that programs offered through Michigan Works! may be shared with the other counties in the consortium. Williams says other counties may have programs that Livingston County residents may be interested in as well, but the main thing is that residents donât have to leave the county for the services they need. (DS)
Livingston County Joins Michigan Works! ConsortiumLivingston County Joins Michigan Works! Consortium
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Arc Seeks Interim Director Following Executive Director's ResignationArc Seeks Interim Director Following Executive Director's Resignation
The resignation of the Arc of Livingstonâs Executive Director was accepted last night and the organization is now searching for an interim replacement. At a meeting Monday night (pictured) for the Arcâs Board of Directors, a resignation was confirmed and accepted for Sheila Shegos who had served as the organizationâs Executive Director. She was not at the meeting and did not indicate why she chose to resign, however there has been some reported dissension surrounding Shegos and staff members since she came on board in July. Four long-time employees of the Arc recently resigned and it is believed it was due to the ongoing conflicts with Shegos. Among those resigning is Administrative Assistant Jackie Dowling, Board of Directors Co-President Kim Hughes and Family Advocates Deb Calandrino and Anne Richardson. There was a large turnout at the Boardâs meeting and Arc members were given the chance to speak about the situation and the women resigning. Many spoke in support of Calandrino and Richardson and are asking the two women be reinstated and their resignations rescinded. Some of the people who addressed the Board went as far to say they will no longer support the Arc without its advocates. Barb Binkley, a local business owner and Arc member, tells WHMI she hopes the Board of Directors were able to take away valuable information from the meeting. Calandrino did not want to offer a lengthy statement due to the ongoing proceedings of the situation, but says she hopes healing can begin from this point and appreciates the community rallying around her. The Board of Directors say until an interim Director can be appointed; the reinstatement of the women who resigned cannot be addressed. Following the open meeting, the Board went into closed session to discuss their transition plan which includes finding an interim Director and eventually appointing a new one. They plan to give an update on the situation at their meeting next Monday, December 7th. (DK)
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Ribbon-Cutting Signifies Completion Of Hamburg Township Trail ProjectRibbon-Cutting Signifies Completion Of Hamburg Township Trail Project
A ribbon-cutting ceremony in Hamburg Township Tuesday celebrated the completion of an improvement project to a local trail. The 6.5 mile stretch of the Lakelands Trail runs through Hamburg Township and is one of four linear parks in the Michigan State Park System. Access improvements to a section of the Lakelands Trail began in September and were funded through a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and general fund money from the township. A ceremonial ribbon was cut at the Village Trailhead Tuesday afternoon to honor the completion of the project. Part of the ceremony also served to dedicate the trail to Howard Dillman, a former Hamburg Township Supervisor who reportedly got the project off the ground and running. Dillman is currently battling throat cancer and could not speak at the ceremony, but expressed his gratitude toward all who made the project a success through a letter. Township Supervisor Pat Hohl tells WHMI there is a good feeling surrounding the completed project and the things to come. Improvements to the project include a fully paved parking area and information kiosk. The route was redeveloped into a 16-foot wide non-motorized pathway and a 10-foot wide paved section was also created for walking, rollerblading, bicycling, running and cross-country skiing. A 6-foot wide turf lane was made for equestrians. The trail is linked to developments throughout the community and there is discussion of connecting it to the Iron Belle Trail. (DK)
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Howell Man Charged In False Diagnosis And Molestation Case Heading To TrialHowell Man Charged In False Diagnosis And Molestation Case Heading To Trial
A Howell man charged with molesting a 13-year-old boy and lying about being diagnosed with Leukemia has been bound over to Circuit Court. 21-year-old Zachary Phillip Jones is charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct in the 1st degree, one count in the 2nd degree, identity theft and false pretenses of $1,000 or more. Jones was a volunteer coach for the Highlander Way Middle School and Howell Hurricanes youth wrestling teams last year when he claimed to have been diagnosed with stage 4 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Fundraisers were held by community members to help with medical bills while several members of his family reportedly got tattoos with red ribbons and his name in support. During the course of the original investigation, Howell Police found Jones allegedly committed sexual acts with a 13-year-old boy, leading to the multiple charges of criminal sexual conduct. The identity theft and false pretense charges were added after police determined he had used a forged doctorâs letter to support the false diagnosis. Jones was scheduled to appear for a probable cause conference before District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader this morning but that appearance was waived, sending his case to Circuit Court for trial. The case has been assigned to Judge Michael Hatty. (DK/JK)
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Milford Woman Arrested After Violent Attack On Man & Dog With Metal RodMilford Woman Arrested After Violent Attack On Man & Dog With Metal Rod
A Milford Township woman could be facing attempted murder charges after whatâs being described as a violent domestic assault. Milford Police responded to a home on Nortoon around 11:30pm Monday after having received a 911 call from a female, who stated there was a man and dog with serious injuries. Officers secured the caller upon arrival, who was standing in the roadway. After making entry to the home, they discovered a 68-year-old man with significant head and torso trauma. The family dog was found in the same area with serious head injuries. Police say preliminary investigation indicates the male victim was hit several times with a large metal rod, the same weapon used to injure the dog. The man was airlifted to a hospital and remains on life support in serious condition while the dog was transported to a veterinary care facility. Police say based on preliminary evidence and spontaneous statements made at the scene, the 58-year-old woman who called 911 and lives at the residence was taken in custody. Police are seeking criminal charges of attempted murder and animal cruelty against the female suspect, who remains lodged in the Oakland County Jail. (JM)
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No Local Fatalities Reported During Thanksgiving Holiday No Local Fatalities Reported During Thanksgiving Holiday
Traffic fatalities during the recent Thanksgiving holiday weekend were up from last year across the state but locally, news appears positive. The numbers are preliminary but thus far show no fatalities occurred in Livingston County. Michigan State Police say results from early reports indicate that eight people lost their lives in eight separate traffic crashes during the 2015 Thanksgiving holiday weekend âmarking an increase in fatalities from the same holiday period last year when six people died. As part of Operation C.A.R.E. or Combined Accident Reduction Effort, MSP troopers conducted high-visibility enforcement focusing on impaired driving, seat belt use, careless driving and speeding. The Thanksgiving holiday period was defined from 6pm Wednesday through midnight Sunday. Other law enforcement agencies across the state and in Livingston County also conducted stepped up patrols in an effort to encourage safe driving behaviors and deter drinking and driving. (JM)
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Hartland Township Board Approves Emergency Management PlanHartland Township Board Approves Emergency Management Plan
Hartland Township approved an Emergency Operations Support Plan last night. The state requires communities with populations over 10,000 people to provide emergency preparedness plans. The Hartland Township Board of Trustees passed a resolution to support Livingston County Emergency Management, which is a step toward protecting its residents. Township Manager James Wickman tells WHMI the townshipâs plan coordinates with the county. He says Livingston County has an emergency management plan in place and Hartland Township passed a support plan to that documents. Because they are a community of over 10,000 they are required to have a policy and plan that coordinates with and supports their plan. Wickman says by doing that they are ready to receive assistance in case of emergency or disaster assistance from the county as well as funding.
Wickman says in case of an act of God, such as a tornado or other disaster the township is able to seek out state or federal assistance. With the plan in place, Wickman says it will help mitigate the initial response and make sure order is maintained. The plan will also help assure that the township is able to get funding when it is needed. Wickman says Hartland Township has always relied on Livingston County Emergency Management whenever help is needed, but because of a recent policy change at the state level, this resolution became necessary. (DS)
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Man on Life Support; Dog Seriously Injured After Brutal Attack In Milford Man on Life Support; Dog Seriously Injured After Brutal Attack In Milford
A brutal attack on a man and dog with a metal rod at a Milford Township home has left both seriously injured and a woman possibly facing attempted murder charges. Police say the suspect, a 58-year-old woman, called 911 and reported that she had caused serious injuries to the man and a dog inside a home on Nortoon. The 68-year-old male victim is on life support at a hospital due to head and torso trauma while the dog, an 11-year-old yellow lab named Carly, is being cared for at Veterinary Care Specialists in Milford. Hospital administrator Peter Barnes says Carly was unfortunately the innocent victim of a domestic dispute/abuse case and was brought in shortly before midnight Monday. He tells WHMI she suffered some serious blunt force trauma to the head, spine and chest so theyâre keeping her as comfortable as possible but itâs still too early to tell. Barnes says her prognosis is fair but itâs difficult to assess initially and gauge how well sheâll bounce back. They did some diagnostics and didnât see any evidence of spinal fractures but he says Carly is not getting up on her own and likely has some bruising to the spinal cord, possibly other damage. Barnes says they usually take 24 to 48 hours before they reassess the extent of injuries, adding Carly was already suffering some arthritics and having some difficulty getting around prior to Mondayâs incident so that certainly did not help. Barnes said there have been a great deal of phone calls and concern and heâs appreciative of all the support the community has shown for Carly, adding itâs a sad situation for the entire family and they hope the best for all. He says the hospital will be taking care of all Carlyâs medical expenses and will do whatever is necessary for her. For those wanting to make contributions, Barnes says they ask it be done through the Community Sharing Pet Pantry in Highland Township to help out other families with pets in need this season. Meanwhile, Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg says this was an intense domestic violence crime and the incident will have long term dramatic effects, adding the 911 tape will not be released as it contains significant evidentiary value to the case. He says the female suspect is lodged in the Oakland County Jail and tentatively set to be arraigned later this morning via a video proceeding from the 52-1 District Court in Novi. (JM)
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Howell Women Enters Plea To Drunk Driving Police Chase With Kids In CarHowell Women Enters Plea To Drunk Driving Police Chase With Kids In Car
A Howell woman who led police on a high speed chase while extremely intoxicated with her two young children in the car has entered a plea in the case. 28-year-old Tiffany Suzanne Nagel pleaded guilty as charged last week to charges of fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated and child endangerment for the August 30th incident. Sheâll be sentenced in Oakland County Circuit Court December 29th. Milford Police say Nagel was clocked at 93mph on General Motors Road by an officer, who she then fled from after trying to initiate a traffic stop. A chase ensued onto private property in the Milford Proving Grounds, where police say Nagel was taken into custody after unsuccessfully trying to hide. A preliminary breath test administered at the scene showed Nagel was nearly three times over the legal limit with a blood alcohol content of .225%. Police also found an open bottle of vodka in the vehicle. The front-seat passenger, who was highly intoxicated, was identified as a 30-year-old Hartland Township man with warrants out for his arrest. Two children in the rear of the car, a 1-year-girl and a 3-year-old boy, were turned over to a relative while the Child Protective Services division of The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services was notified. The results of that investigation are unknown. Nagel was sentenced in September to five months in jail after she pleaded guilty to a probation violation in Livingston County Circuit Court for the Milford incident. Nagel was on probation from a 2014 case involving charges of domestic violence and resisting police. She remains incarcerated in the Oakland County Jail under a $25,000 bond. (JK)
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Local Dance Company Presenting Milestone Holiday PerformanceLocal Dance Company Presenting Milestone Holiday Performance
A long-running Livingston County holiday tradition is celebrating a major milestone this year. The Fountain Ballet is presenting its 30th annual production of the Nutcracker Ballet this weekend in Pinckney. For three decades, the acclaimed dance school has presented the cherished holiday spectacular featuring nearly 100 local dancers and supporting cast members. Artistic Director Katrina Frelich has a unique understanding of the Nutcracker, having had the honor of dancing in almost every one of the 30 Nutcracker seasons since it began in 1984. She says she started as a mouse, and went on to dance nearly every role along the way to starring as the Sugar Plum in 1997. In 2005, she began directing the Nutcracker, and took ownership of the Fountain Ballet Academy last fall upon the retirement of her mother, Deborah Shiposh. This weekendâs performances will also include professional guest artists Marena Perez and Daniel Ramirez from the National Ballet Theatre of Puerto Rico along with Livingston Countyâs Jumpinâ All Stars jump rope club to give an interesting updated spin to a holiday classic. Also, in honor of their 30th anniversary, Fountain Ballet will be donating 100% of the weekendâs bottled water sales to Rain Catchers, a charitable organization that provides rainwater collection systems to remote areas of Haiti. Performances, which will be held at the Jane Tasch Performing Arts Theatre, are this Saturday at 2 and 7pm and then on Sunday at 2pm. (JK)
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Longtime County Clerk Stepping Down After 18 YearsLongtime County Clerk Stepping Down After 18 Years
Livingston County Clerk Margaret Dunleavy has tendered a letter of resignation. Dunleavy, who has served in the position since 1997, cited personal reasons for her decision to step down at the end of the month, saying that circumstances will prevent her from fulfilling her responsibilities for the remainder of her term. In her place, Livingston Countyâs circuit court judges selected Betsy Hundley as her replacement. She will take over January 1st. Dunleavy, in her letter of resignation, said she would make herself, âas much as possible, available to assure a smooth transition.â Hundley is an attorney and office administrator for Advance Metal Alloys, a scrap metal recycling company her family runs in Genoa Township. Hundley also signaled her intention to seek the clerkâs position when it comes up for election next year.
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Select Hartland Residents Receiving Survey This WeekSelect Hartland Residents Receiving Survey This Week
Residents in one local township have an opportunity to let their leaders know how good a job theyâre doing and what theyâd like them to focus on in the future. Hartland Township officials are asking residents to participate in budgeting and long-range strategic planning decisions by completing a 10-minute survey about their satisfaction with government services and priorities for spending. 1,500 households were randomly selected to receive paper surveys in the mail this week, including a unique code they can use to fill out the survey online. Cobalt Community Research, the non-profit organization assisting with the confidential survey, will report the results to the Township in January so they can use the results for planning the 2016-2017 budget. The survey asks residents to rate various township services, as well as their views on issues ranging from public safety to Hartland as a place to live. Hartland Township Manager James Wickman say the survey is an important step in their efforts to be what he called a âtownship of excellence." He hopes residents will respond as well as they did to a similar survey in 2012, which Wickman says impacted their strategic initiatives and budget direction. (JK)
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Arc Rehires Ousted Staffers, Appoints Richardson As Interim DirectorArc Rehires Ousted Staffers, Appoints Richardson As Interim Director
Following turmoil involving the former executive director at the Arc of Livingston, three staff members who had previously resigned from the organization are back on board. In a posting today on the groupâs Facebook page, Arc officials said that Family Advocates Deb Calandrino and Anne Richardson have been rehired, along with Administrative Assistant Jackie Dowling. In addition, Richardson will be taking over as the Arcâs interim Executive Director, replacing Sheila Shegos, who stepped down Monday following sustained criticism of her handling of the organization that led to three staffers and former board co-president Kim Hughes tendering their resignations. While no definitive reason has been offered for the nature of the conflict between Shegos and the staff members, speculation has centered on an attempt to turn the agency away from a core mission of advocating for the rights of disabled clients and more towards providing direct services. But with todayâs announcement, the Arc of Livingston Board of Directors said that they and the staff were eager to return a focus on empowering persons with developmental disabilities and their families to ensure âthey can participate fully in and contribute to the life of their community through our supports and services.â
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Milford Woman Arraigned After Violent Attack On Husband & Dog Milford Woman Arraigned After Violent Attack On Husband & Dog
A Milford woman is being held on a $1 (m) million cash bond after brutally attacking her husband and the family dog with a crow bar. 58-year-old Yvonne Helen Cortis was arraigned in 52-1 District Court in Novi this morning on charges of assault with intent to murder and animal torture. Milford Police responded to a home on Nortoon late Monday night after Cortis called 911 to report that she had caused serious injuries to her husband and their dog, an 11-year-old yellow lab named Carley. Cortis reportedly told officers at the scene that both were sick and she was âputting them out of their miseryâ. During todayâs proceeding, the Detroit Free Press reports that a detective told the court that Cortis gave âno indication of an absolute motive other than the fact that the dog and the husband were sufferingâ. It was also stated that Cortis suffers from mental health issues and family members have indicated a history of domestic violence. Gregory Cortis remains on life support at a hospital while the dog is being treated at a veterinary care facility. A $1 (m) million cash/surety bond was set for Cortis, who remains lodged in the Oakland County Jail. Sheâs set to appear for a probable cause conference next Wednesday. (JM)
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Livingston County Catholic Charities & County Airport Team Up For "Operation Good Cheer"Livingston County Catholic Charities & County Airport Team Up For "Operation Good Cheer"
A local social service agency and airport will be contributing to a statewide gift-giving program for foster care children. âOperation Good Cheerâ is an annual Christmas gift-giving program of Child and Family Services of Michigan. Using the help of numerous social service agencies and airports, the event distributes gifts to children in foster care across the state. The children that receive gifts from Operation Good Cheer are victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment. They have submitted wish lists to their agencies that have chosen presents specifically for each child. This Saturday, volunteer pilots will fill their own aircrafts with presents for the kids and fly them to 24 airports that serve as drop off destinations. There, they will be greeted by staff and volunteers from social service agencies who will then transfer the gifts to the children the agencies serve. The Livingston County Spencer J. Hardy Airport will serve as a receiving area and the Livingston County Catholic Charities in Howell will be one of the agencies taking part in Operation Good Cheer. Sherry Brackenwagen, Administrative Director of Child and Family Service of Michigan, says the dedication of volunteers and contributing partners to the event are what the spirit of Christmas is all about. (DK)
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Suspects Charged In Green Oak Township Home Invasion Headed To TrialSuspects Charged In Green Oak Township Home Invasion Headed To Trial
Two individuals charged in a Green Oak Township home invasion have been bound over for trial. 25-year-old Jonathan Parkkila of Melvindale and 24-year-old Jacquelyn Hickman of Romulus were arrested last month after police caught them attempting to steal a large amount of personal property from the home. The incident is reportedly one of several other criminal acts the two have been involved in and property was recovered linking them both to at least six other home invasions and vehicle thefts in the metro Detroit area. Hickman and Parkkila appeared for a probable cause conference in 53rd District Court before Judge Suzanne Geddis on Wednesday. The two have been bound over to Circuit Court on amended charges. Hickman faces one count of first degree home invasion, receiving and concealing weapons and firearms, prisoner in possession of weapons and resisting and obstructing police. Parkkila faces one count of first degree home invasion, carrying concealed weapons, resisting and obstructing police, possession of marijuana and two counts of receiving and concealing firearms. (DK)
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Supporters Say The Arc of Livingston "Back On Track"Supporters Say The Arc of Livingston "Back On Track"
Following word that the Arc of Livingstonâs advocates are back to work, a longtime supporter says thatâs exactly what needed to happen for its future. The non-profit assists families and individuals with developmental disabilities by providing support, information and advocacy. However, there were a number of resignations within the organization after the hiring of former Executive Director Sheila Shegos. She stepped down Monday and Arc officials announced Wednesday that advocates Deb Calandrino and Jackie Dowling have been rehired along with Anne Richardson, who will be taking on additional responsibilities as interim executive director. Among those praising the decision is longtime supporter and member Barb Binkley, who says thereâs a lot of work to do in moving forward and that is the mindset of everybody involved now. Binkley helped create the Arc celebrity holiday fashion show and chaired the event for 19 years. She met a lot of families during that time and tells WHMI they can hardly express what Anne or Deb have done for them without becoming teary. Binkley says the three women have the utmost character and integrity but also passion. She says they go far above and beyond whatâs probably in their job classifications and do anything in their power to support the families and individuals with disabilities they serve so to not have them available was pretty shocking. While thereâs been a lot of tension over the last few weeks, Binkley says the people who need to be in place are and they can get back to work now, which is exactly what needed to happen. Meanwhile, a statement released by officials says the Arc of Livingston Board of Directors and staff are eager to return their focus to the organizationâs mission. (JM)
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Spring Mill Reclamation To Begin Next YearSpring Mill Reclamation To Begin Next Year
A new mining operation is set to clean up the remnants an old mining operation left in a state park. The Island Lake Recreation Area was once a treasure trove of gravel for mining companies last century when expressways and cities were being built up. Now, a new mining operation looking to dig for sand is leasing the Spring Mill area and promising to restore damage done to the area by miners in the past. McCoy Materials was granted a 10 year lease permit approval from the Green Oak Township Board of Trustees with the blessing of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to begin the project. Of the 550 acres being worked on, 86% of it will be open to the public during the life of the lease. McCoy will spend much of their first year focusing on cleaning up mining debris left by old operations. Eyesores like pipes and spoil piles will be removed with holes being filled in to help give the area a more ârolling hillsâ look. A processing plant will be built on site, but the plans for building have it recessed from main roads with tree lines remaining intact to hide and buffer as much noise as possible. Representatives for the company also laid out a plan for keeping dust down and out of adjacent neighborhoods. Water will be applied to work areas during periods of low precipitation, high winds, and high temperatures. Trucks will be covered to keep dust from spilling out, and will be using an entrance near Kensington Road and I-96 for quick highway access. The board approved of the lease permit unanimously and McCoy expects to be fully operational by mid to late summer. (MK)
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Milford Gets State Grant To Inventory Village TreesMilford Gets State Grant To Inventory Village Trees
A local municipality has been given state dollars to help manage and grow local woodlands. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced more than $91,000 in grants for urban forestry projects in nine counties. Among the recipients was the Village of Milford, which received $16,600 for its Community Tree Inventory and Plan. Milford Village Manager Christian Wuerth says that the intent of the grant application was to complete an inventory of the trees in the parks and along Village streets in order to asses and better manage the urban forest and maintain a healthy tree canopy through the community. The competitive grant program â a cooperative effort between the DNR and the U.S. Forest Service â funds projects that help create and sustain local urban forestry programs. The grants, which are federally funded through the Forest Serviceâs State and Private Forestry program, require one-to-one matching funds. The projects also must be completed by Sept. 1, 2016. (JK)
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Woman Charged In Mother's Death Bound Over For TrialWoman Charged In Mother's Death Bound Over For Trial
A woman charged in connection with a Lyon Township crash involving alcohol that claimed the life of her mother is heading to trial. 50-year-old Janet McGahey of South Lyon is charged with operating while intoxicated causing death. On Tuesday she was bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court for trial. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Lyon Township Substation responded to the September 14th crash on Milford Road at 11 Mile. McGahey was traveling westbound on 11 Mile Road in a Ford Taurus and had stopped at the stop sign at Milford Road. Police reported that she had become distracted while talking on her cell phone and pulled out in front of a Fed-Ex truck. The two vehicles collided, with the truck broadsiding the passenger side door of the Taurus. McGaheyâs mother, 89-year-old Betty Whitfield of Lyon Township, was a passenger in the Taurus and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Fed Ex truck, a 58-year-old Redford Township man, was not injured. Both Milford Road and 11 Mile Road were shut down for more than four hours during the evening commute. McGahey was initially hospitalized for her injuries and remains free on bond pending a December 9th arraignment. She must attend AA meetings three times per week among other conditions and court records note that any bond violation will result in an immediate bench warrant being issued. (JK)
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