There were no decisions but the Hartland Township Board hashed over goals and projects on its parks master plan Tuesday night. One of the issues the Hartland Township Board would like to see resolved surrounds maintenance of buildings in its parks. Department of Public Works Director Bob West told the board the volunteers who run sports programs and use the parks donât want to be property managers. West says the expectation is that the township will maintain buildings and keep up the grounds in the parks, while groups like the Hartland Area Youth Authority (HAYA), Lacrosse and soccer will rent the fields for their use. West says maintenance is not so much a concern as it is defining whose responsibility it is. Township Manager James Wickman says the discussion was a way of keeping lines of communication open around the master plan. Wickman says the board approved the parks and recreation master plan last year and that included a long term vision for the community parks. He says discussing that with the board affirmed their direction and that they know they are all on the same page. He says the main goals over the next few years are on capital investments and putting additional structures and elements in the parks. They are relatively new and really were only built in the last few years, he says, so they are at the stage where it will be building them up and adding to them the minimal needs that can be expected in a park. The township has plans to construct new facilities in two of its parks in 2016 and has budgeted $250,000 for each. Over the coming months there will be design questions yet to answer about the structures at Settlers Park and Heritage Park, including whether or they will be seasonal or whether they will be heated. Discussion on the parks master plan will continue into the new year. Meanwhile, the decision about what to do with a local nonprofit enrichment program was left alone. There are three members of the Hartland Enrichment and Recreation Organization, or HERO, on the board. Supervisor Bill Fountain asked for input from those members about the vision for the organization. Trustees Matt Germane, Joe Colaianne and Joe Petrucci each saw a different vision. Several suggestions came up including adding members to the HERO board from groups like the Farmerâs Market, HAYA and youth sports teams. Another suggestion was to have HERO do other things for the community like events. Ultimately it was left to the HERO board to decide its future. Township Manager James Wickman tells WHMI the organization needs to find its own passion. Wickman says the township has had a long standing relationship with HERO because it started at the board table. He says they started to take care of the teen center and have had a passion for that for a few years. From the beginning and recently, he says, it has always been a conversation that the organization could be more to the community. Wickman says the township board became involved with HERO at its inception when the need for the teen center was identified. The organization has been supporting the teen center since then. He thinks for the township to make any suggestions now would be difficult and that the HERO board needs to find its own way in order to be successful. The HERO board meets on Monday, December 21st. (DS/JK)
Hartland Township Discusses Parks Plan & Future Of HERO Hartland Township Discusses Parks Plan & Future Of HERO
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Lane Closures Scheduled Thursday On I-96 At US-23 Lane Closures Scheduled Thursday On I-96 At US-23
Motorists could experience some delays on I-96 at US-23 in Brighton tomorrow. The Michigan Department of Transportation has scheduled a single lane closure in each direction on I-96 at US-23 between 10am and 2pm Thursday. The center lane will be closed during that time frame for pavement marking operations. M-DOT is asking motorists to slow down and proceed with caution through the work zone. (JM)
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Livingston County Veterans Treatment Court Celebrates A Full YearLivingston County Veterans Treatment Court Celebrates A Full Year
A local veteranâs organization celebrated a milestone in Livingston County complete with a Marine honor guard and The National Anthem. The Livingston County Veteranâs Treatment Court held in 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Readerâs courtroom marked its one year anniversary today with a ceremony. The court started out with just four veterans participating and is up to 17. Judge Reader says she expects to see that number double by the end of 2016. The program helps keep Veterans from being incarcerated by paring them with veteran mentors and getting them other help. Judge Reader tells WHMI getting the Veterans connected is key. She says there are about 12,500 Veterans and their families in the county, so that is a big population that's affected when they get involved in the criminal justice system. She says rather than sitting in jail, if the court feels it's safe, they can join the Veteran's Treatment Court and get intensive treatment. There they are connected to the veteran's hospital, where she says they take care of their medical issues and they begin to turn their lives around. She says it's wonderful. Reader says once they are accepted into the Veteranâs Court the Veterans are paired with mentors with similar backgrounds. She says Veterans donât want to open up to non-Veterans, and one Veteran talking to another works. She says mentoring works when nothing else will. Sean Germain attended the event although he is still waiting to be accepted into the program. He says he looks forward to being part of it. Germain says it gives them an opportunity to be understood, and to let go of their shame. He says they can be among others that have possibly suffered PTSD, or are combat veterans that turned to substances to help them cope. He says they need to learn to come out of isolation and learn to handle it sober and the program holds them accountable. He says it helps make sure they get their lives back on track, and it feels good. Germain says it is a ray of hope. Judge Reader says there are currently enough mentors for each of the veterans in the court, but as the program grows, the need for mentors grows too. She says they are also looking for ways to fund the program so they donât have to rely on grants. A few local businesses have stepped up to help, but she says more will be needed in the next year. (DS)
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Milford Woman Arraigned On Open Murder Charge In Husband's DeathMilford Woman Arraigned On Open Murder Charge In Husband's Death
A Milford woman accused of beating her husband with a crowbar has been arraigned on murder charges after he died of his injuries. Yvonne Cortis was arraigned on an amended open murder charge Wednesday in the death of 68-year-old Greg Cortis, who died last weekend from injuries sustained in the November 30th crowbar attack. She's also charged with torturing animals for beating the family dog. A judge in 52-1 District Court in Novi continued bond at $1 (m) million for Cortis, who said she'll hire her own attorney. Sheâs scheduled to appear for a probable cause conference December 23rd. Family members have told police that the 58-year-old Milford woman has a history of mental illness. Police say Cortis admitted to beating her husband and dog to put "them out of their misery." Prior to the amended murder count, Cortis was referred to the state forensic center to undergo competency and criminal responsibility evaluations. (JM)
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One Of Five Men Charged In Genoa Township Home Invasion Pleads GuiltyOne Of Five Men Charged In Genoa Township Home Invasion Pleads Guilty
A plea has been entered by one of the five men charged in a Genoa Township home invasion. Terence Ayers of Detroit has pleaded guilty as charged to all four counts against him, including 1st degree home invasion, armed robbery and two counts of felony firearms. Ayers is one of the five men charged in a Genoa Township home invasion that occurred in June. Kennie Whitby of Brighton, Jemantae Perkins, Toursean Pressley and Tyler Ayers of Detroit are also charged in the armed robbery. Victims say three of the men entered the residence and robbed them at gunpoint. One victim was struck in the head with a metal baton which caused extensive bleeding. The men reportedly took cash, jewelry, car keys and cell phones before fleeing on foot. The suspects were later located and arrested. Prosecutors have made a sentencing agreement with Terence Ayers and he is scheduled to be sentenced in February. The other four men are scheduled for final settlement conferences later this month. They too are charged with first degree home invasion and armed robbery. Separately, Whitby is charged with resisting a police officer, Tyler Ayers is charged with assault and Pressley is charged multiple felony firearms counts. (DK)
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Low Natural Gas Rates Good For Users, Concerning For Market Analysts Low Natural Gas Rates Good For Users, Concerning For Market Analysts
Residential and commercial customers are expected to see the lowest natural gas rates since 2001 but the mild weather and resulting lack of demand is causing concern among market analysts. Michigan has 15 naturally occurring storage fields throughout the state according to Consumers Energy spokeswoman Debra Dodd. She says a purchasing program allows the utility to purchase gas when itâs cheaper in the summer and then store it in underground rock formations, which act like a sponge, until needed. Dodd tells WHMI individual bills will vary but theyâre projecting customers could save as much as $100 this winter if the mild weather continues and depending on energy use habits. While the low natural gas prices are welcome news for residential and commercial users, the over-supply situation and not enough demand has energy analysts worried about the natural gas market in the spring. A trend report released by PointLogic Energy indicates the lack of cold weather and demand could cause price depression in future months. It also noted the evolving El Nino weather pattern, which is said to be the strongest on record. A link to the full report is below. (JM)
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Brighton Man Seeks Clarification To No-Contact OrderBrighton Man Seeks Clarification To No-Contact Order
A local man who has recently been released from jail will return to court today to argue one of his probation conditions. Joshua Quincy Burns was released just last week from the Livingston County Jail, after serving nearly a year-long sentence. Burns was convicted of second-degree child abuse in a case that involved his daughter and is on probation for the next two years. Burns and his wife, Brenda, have maintained his innocence since the incident occurred and he is being represented by the University Of Michigan Law Schoolâs Innocence Clinic as he appeals his conviction. Burns and representatives from the Innocence Clinic are due in court this afternoon and are seeking a modification to Burnsâ probation conditions. Under the conditions there is a no-contact order between Burns and minors. The attorneys from the Innocence Clinic have filed a motion for clarification of what constitutes contact with minors in public settings and will argue their motion before Judge Miriam Cavanaugh. Supporters of Burns and his family began a support group that is fighting for justice for Burns called Torn Family. The group believes he was wrongly convicted and is inviting anyone wanting to support the family to attend the hearing. (DK)
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Howell Superintendent Receives First EvaluationHowell Superintendent Receives First Evaluation
A local superintendent has his goals defined after a closed door evaluation session Monday night. Howell Public Schools Superintendent Erin MacGregor says he wants to keep the lines of communication open with the Board of Education so he looks forward to more evaluation sessions. He says his evaluation was just a routine check-in to make sure heâs receiving feedback about anything the board would like to see changed or done differently. MacGregor, who took over the top administrative spot on July 1st of this year, began working on what he calls his entry plan. He says he will continue moving forward with the plan that includes meeting with members of the community and developing a strategic plan. MacGregor tells WHMI the evaluation was a good experience. He says his evaluation has consisted of his entry plan and his role around getting some key things done around the community, building relationships, and the strategies he had in place to meet those goals. Then moving forward after the adoption of the strategic plan, the goals will relate to the strategic plan. He says he will ask the board to have periodic check-ins to make sure they are moving in the right direction. He says it was a great conversation with them and he looks forward to those in the future. MacGregor says last weekend the district held a strategic planning retreat to develop goals with administrators, staff, business and community leaders. He says they began to look at the goals that the district will have moving forward. The strategic plan then includes the districts vision, mission and goals. MacGregor says going forward his job will be implementing that plan once it is adopted by the Board of Education and it will be the basis of future evaluations. (DS)
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Brighton Council Plans Vote to Offer City Manager's Job TonightBrighton Council Plans Vote to Offer City Manager's Job Tonight
The Brighton City Council met for 10 hours in public open session Wednesday, interviewing the six finalists for city council. However, by the time an evening meeting had concluded council members had not yet come to an agreement on who they want to begin contract negotiations with for the position. Although some liked a couple of candidates better than the others, none stood out as the majorityâs number one choice to replace outgoing Dana Foster as city manager. Foster, in the position for over 24 years, officially leaves on Friday. Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI that at the end of the day council members were simply too exhausted to come to a consensus on their top choice. The candidates include Nate Geinzer, who is a resident of Brighton, a Pinckney High School graduate and former Brighton city employee. Geinzer is now assistant city manager in Farmington Hills, a Detroit suburb with about 80,000 residents. The finalists also include Christopher Wren, the former city manager of Linden and former assistant city manager in Fenton; Austin Blees, the city manager of Caribou, Maine; Jonathon Greene, the assistant city manager of Jackson, and a graduate of Hartland High School; Robert Hillard, the city manager and clerk of Allegan, and Daniel Ortiz-Hernandez, the current city administrator in Kimball, Nebraska. Four council members â Susan Gardner, Kris Tobbe, Shawn Pipoly and Mayor Muzzin â listed Wren and Geinzer as their top two choices while Jim Bohn liked Wren and Ortiz-Hernandez, calling Geinzer a âgood candidateâ while adding he would have a âsteep learning curve.â The candidates attended a Meet & Greet event Tuesday to meet the community and stayed overnight in town for the interviews on Wednesday. That meeting tonight, at which time council hopes to come to a decision on the person to offer the managerâs position to, is at 7:30 p.m. at city hall. Council will also appoint an interim city manager at that time. (TT)
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Internet Safety Seminar Focuses On Protection Tools and Scam PreventionInternet Safety Seminar Focuses On Protection Tools and Scam Prevention
A seminar from the Michigan Attorney Generalâs office is educating the community about internet safety. What originally began as an identity theft seminar for senior citizens has morphed into a more generalized discussion, suited for all ages. The Michigan Department of Attorney Generalâs Consumer Education Group has found internet safety is becoming more of an issue as technology advances. On Wednesday, Christine Coady with the Consumer Education Group, held a seminar at the Brighton District Library to discuss the importance of online safety and how individuals can better protect themselves. The seminarâs theme is âConsider the Sourceâ and Coady tells WHMI this should be every internet-users first instinct. The seminar discussed safely browsing the internet, using security software, protected networks and passwords. Coady provided some examples of scams that are used to obtain personal information and how to identify a scam. Unfortunately, she says it is impossible to know every single scam out there and catching the person behind such scams are just as improbable. Coady also cautioned attendees about social media and what people post on it. She says identity thieves gather information from all types of internet activity, including social media, to piece together the data they need to hack into personal accounts. Above all, she says it is most important to âjust be carefulâ. (DK)
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Green Oak Township Board Talks Road Assessments, Water & Recreation Green Oak Township Board Talks Road Assessments, Water & Recreation
The Green Oak Township Board of Trustees met Wednesday night to discuss road assessments, clean water, and a new recreation master plan. Five lots of land that were originally included in a 102 parcel special road assessment district were recently discovered to not actually be located on any of the four roads in question. Those roads are Briggs Lake Drive, Macintosh, Baldwin Circle, and Richards Road. Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles said that when they looked at the lots on physical maps, rather than the computers, that there was no mistaking that the parcels didnât belong in the SAD. The SAD is in the first year of 10, and will raise the remaining 97 lots tax by around $7.70 per year. The township also agreed to transfer $389,000 from their general fund to the water fund to help purchase two new filters for their water supply. Green Oak Township provides around 42% of the funding for the Livingston Community Water Authority, which also serves Brighton and Hamburg Townships. St. Charles expects to be able to pay back the money to the fund quickly as new businesses coming into the area will need to purchase over 400 water taps in the near future. Finally, a new draft for their first recreation master plan is online under the âcommunityâ tab and St. Charles is hoping that residents can take some time to look it over.There will be a public hearing at the boardâs February 3rd hearing with possible adoption if no further community input is needed at that point. St. Charles said that the plan will be a big help in acquiring government grants to help out with the townshipâs parks and trail system. (MK)
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Brighton Woman Pleads Guilty To Embezzling Over $100,000 From WorkplaceBrighton Woman Pleads Guilty To Embezzling Over $100,000 From Workplace
A local woman has pleaded guilty to embezzling a significant amount of money from her employer. 35-year-old Brynn Annette Robinson pleaded guilty to embezzlement of $100,000 or more on Tuesday. Robinson reportedly used company credit cards from her workplace, AArbor Colorants Corporation, which is located in Brighton. Robinson admitted to using the credit cards March of 2012 through August of this year for personal expenses. A plea deal calls for a jail sentence of 3 to 15 years and she is ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution fees. Robinson was also required to plead as a habitual offender. Her record includes a 2003 conviction of embezzlement and an attempt to file a false police report in 2010. Following her plea, she was remanded to the Livingston County Jail and awaits her sentencing scheduled for January 7th. (DK)
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Star Wars Super Fan Camps Out For Midnight Showing At MJRStar Wars Super Fan Camps Out For Midnight Showing At MJR
Ultimate Star Wars Fan Bryan Howes of Hartland camped out with a tent and chair in front of MJR Theaters in Brighton and will be first in line for the midnight showing of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Howes has actually been waiting and planning for the midnight showing for about a year, since his birthday is Friday. Heâs also making the most out of the wait. Howes told WHMI heâs also collecting blankets and stuffed animals for Last Chance Rescue as part of an organization he started with his daughter. (JM)
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Judge Grants Motion Clarifying Probation Terms For Brighton ManJudge Grants Motion Clarifying Probation Terms For Brighton Man
The probation terms for a local man convicted of child abuse were clarified today after attorneys successfully argued for more transparency. Joshua Burns of Brighton was released last week from jail after serving almost a year-long sentence. Last year, Burns was convicted of second-degree child abuse in a case that involved his daughter and is now on probation for the next two years. Burns is being represented by attorneys from the University of Michiganâs Innocence Clinic while he appeals his conviction and seeks justice. Today, Burnsâ representation successfully argued a motion in court to clarify the probation terms and conditions laid out for their client. The original terms called for a no-contact order with minors, but family friend Matt Eckman says that is unrealistic as Burns would not be able to attend church or even go through a fast-food drive through in the event the person working was a minor. Judge Miriam Cavanaugh ruled in favor of Burns and has revised the terms which now allow for Burns to have supervised contact with a minor. Burns says he is grateful for everyone who attended the hearing to support him. (DK)
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Local Charity Delivers Early Christmas Gifts To SeniorsLocal Charity Delivers Early Christmas Gifts To Seniors
Many senior citizens in need have received an early Christmas present from a local charity. Livingston County Catholic Charities delivered 90 boxes to 113 people last week. LCCC with help from local businesses, churches, and volunteers runs the Christmas Blessings project annually to help out low income and home bound seniors. Within the boxes was food, including a Dearborn ham, cleaning supplies, hygiene items, and other gifts. Dan and Lori Hall of Pinckney Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, in addition to funds, donated six winter coats, two pairs of boots, gloves, and hats to the elderly. LCCC has been helping spread Christmas joy to seniors in the area with this project for over 20 years now. (MK)
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Local Robotics Teams Qualify For State ChampionshipLocal Robotics Teams Qualify For State Championship
A state championship robotics tournament will feature two local middle school teams who recently qualified. Both of the Howell FIRST Robotics Tech Challenge middle schools teams have qualified for the Michigan FTC State Championship which will be held today and tomorrow. Last weekend, Parker Middle School in Howell held the FTC Qualifier event and Team Kids Acting Out Science and Team Kids Inventing and Learning Technology and Sciences, were on a winning alliance with a team from Novi Middle School. Team K.A.O.S. earned the Control Award at the Qualifier, which honors a team that uses sensors and software to enhance their robotâs functionality on the playing field. Team K.I.L.T.S. won the Motivate Award which celebrates a team that exemplifies the meaning of the FTC competition- team building, team spirit and a show of enthusiasm. The FTC State Championship will be held at Lakeview High School in Battle Creek. (DK)
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MSP Brighton Post Recognizes Teen For Support Of Toys For TotsMSP Brighton Post Recognizes Teen For Support Of Toys For Tots
The Michigan State Police Brighton Post is recognizing a sophomore from Hartland High School for his support of the Marine Corps Toys For Tots program over the years. Brighton Post Commander First Lieutenant Joel Allen presented 15-year-old Douglas Adams with a Certificate of Appreciation for assisting the Michigan State Police in supporting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots. Troopers and Motor Carrier Officers recently delivered several hundred toys to the Toys for Tots warehouse. Adams has been donating to the program since he was just 4-years-old. Sergeant Mark Thompson says theyâve watched Douglas grow up over the years and admired his dedication to the Toys for Tots program, noting heâs probably donated over 700 toys in the last eleven years. When Adams first donated to the program, his mother said community service is something their family believes in and was also encouraged by his school. Pictured from left to right are Alice Adams, Douglas Adams, F/Lt Joel Allen, Mike Lenahan (Toys for Tots representative) and Lt. Kevin Caldwell. (JM)
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Local Woman Charged In Fatal Crash Arraigned, Pleads Not GuiltyLocal Woman Charged In Fatal Crash Arraigned, Pleads Not Guilty
A South Lyon woman charged in a fatal crash that killed a motorcyclist has been arraigned. 22-year-old Breanna Clever pleaded not guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge of a moving violation causing death. Clever is charged in the death of 49-year-old Bert Loomis of Gaines. In August, police say Clever illegally used the emergency-access turnaround between Clyde Road and M-59, causing several cars to swerve to avoid hitting her. As a result, Loomis reportedly had to brake suddenly, lost control of his bike and hit a truck. He passed away two days later from his injuries. Cleverâs vehicle registration information was obtained from a passing motorist, although charges were only authorized against her earlier this month. Clever told officers that while she did make the U-turn and see the crash in her rear-view mirror, she didnât feel she was responsible for the collision. Clever remains free on a $10,000 personal bond. She is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing in 53rd District Court January 4th. (DK/JK)
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Brighton Council Still Undecided On Choice To Replace FosterBrighton Council Still Undecided On Choice To Replace Foster
The Brighton City Council was hoping to be able to offer the city managerâs job to one of the top six finalists for the position Thursday night but ended up not making a decision. Council members, still fatigued from a lengthy, 10-hour interview process Wednesday with the finalists and deliberations afterward, said they were still not able to come to a decision beyond the two or three individuals they felt stood out above the rest. Another factor was the absences of members Ricci Bandkau and Shanda Willis, who are both fighting illnesses. Council member Jim Bohn tells WHMI that what council did do was agree to review at its Jan. 7 meeting the resumes of the five semi-finalist candidates â out of an original field of 39 - who did not make the final cut. After the Jan. 7 meeting, Bohn says council will likely schedule a second interview with the two people who stood out in most membersâ minds â Christopher Wren, the former city manager in Linden and Farmington Hills Assistant Manager Nate Geinzer â a Brighton resident and former city employee. In other action Thursday night, council unanimously appointed Police Chief Tom Wightman as interim city manager until such time as a new manager is hired and assumes his duties. At the end of the day today, Brighton will be losing the man who has guided the city through boom and bust â through recession and recovery â for almost 25 years. Dana Foster, who has been city manager since 1991, is leaving city government to take a position in the private sector. At Thursday nightâs City Council meeting Foster, never at a loss for words, thanked council and his staff for their hard work and support through the years. But he cautioned that they shouldnât look back at the past, but to the future, to continued growth and prosperity for the city.
City leaders â both the current mayor and council and past officials, including former mayors Kate Lawrence and Steve Monet, praised Foster at the meeting as being instrumental in bringing Brighton to the status it now has - as a dynamic small city with a thriving downtown and a strong economy. (TT)
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Howell Public Schools Sets New Benchmark With M-STEP Results Howell Public Schools Sets New Benchmark With M-STEP Results
Students in Howell Public Schools exceeded state averages in all areas of a new assessment. The 2014/2015 Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress or M-STEP results will help set a new baseline for measuring student progress in Howell Public Schools and around the state. The new, more rigorous state assessment was given to students for the first time during the last school year. Superintendent Erin MacGregor says it would be unfair to compare student achievement scores from previous years to scores from last year as students are setting new benchmarks to measure future achievement and growth. In some areas, he says scores may be lower than theyâre accustomed to seeing but because of the vast differences between the stateâs former MEAP assessment and the new M-STEP, it would be inaccurate to say they saw a decrease in student achievement scores. MacGregor says district improvement teams will be reviewing the new M-STEP data as they continue to find ways to help each student achieve success. Additionally, the district has uploaded each studentâs individual M-STEP results into the PowerSchool Parent Portal. The district says parents will be receiving a letter with instructions on how to access that data. (JM)
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