2/1/13 - A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a fire that destroyed a historic school building in Howell last week. The Fleming School building, built in 1880, caught fire early last Friday morning and was quickly determined to have been caused by arson as it appeared to have started on the outside of the structure. They also believe some type of accelerant was used. On Thursday, the Michigan Arson Prevention Committee offered the reward to try and solve the case. All that remained after the fire were the structureâs two side walls and the front of the school, while the entire back and roof were burned away. Located at the intersection of Fleming and Warner roads and Grand River Avenue in Howell Township, the white-frame building served as a school until 1957. After that the district used it as a warehouse, but in recent years was using it as a living-classroom to teach children about life and education in the 19th century. Officials with the Howell Public School district, which owns the building, say they plan to rebuild the structure, possibly in a new location closer to the districtâs main campus. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call either 1-800-44-ARSON, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department at 517-546-2440 or the Howell Area Fire Marshal at 517-546-0560. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)
Reward Offered in Arson of Historic School BuildingReward Offered in Arson of Historic School Building
↧
↧
As GOP Talks Immigration Reform, Hune Effort Targets 'Dreamers'As GOP Talks Immigration Reform, Hune Effort Targets 'Dreamers'
2/1/13 - State Senator Joe Hune has re-introduced a resolution that would bar illegal aliens from state benefits, regardless of the circumstances that brought them here. The Senate Joint Resolution K proposes an amendment to the Michigan Constitution that would prohibit undocumented workers who are here illegally from qualifying for any social welfare programs the state and local governments offer, such as direct welfare payments. In making the announcement, Hune specifically targeted those aliens, known as "dreamers", who are up to 30 years old and were brought into the U.S. as children. Last June, President Obama announced a program that will grant that group work permits and a chance at American citizenship as long as they have no criminal record, are currently in school or have graduated or have been honorably discharged from the U.S. military. The Hamburg Township Republican says dialogue really needs to take place at the federal level in terms of immigration reform and some discussions appear to be starting up again. He tells WHMI he introduced the exact same version of the resolution two years ago and hopes it will gain traction this time around. "We received many a complaint when I introduced it (previously) but I still believe wholeheartedly that it's the right thing to do." Huneâs proposal follows word this week that national GOP leaders were working on a new effort to embrace immigration reform. After losing badly among Hispanic voters in last year's election, Republicans say they need to address a broken system and repair their standing with Latinos. With that in mind, the chairwoman of the Livingston County Democratic Party says Hune is clearly out of step, even with his own party. She said it's not in keeping with our past as a nation of immigrants to demonize those who are here illegally through no fault of their own. If the joint resolution is ultimately approved by a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate and House, it would then go before voters to amend the stateâs constitution. (JM/JK)
↧
Howell Students Take Top Honors In Student Business CompetitionHowell Students Take Top Honors In Student Business Competition
2/1/13 - Fifteen Howell High School students took top honors at the regional DECA competition in Ypsilanti on January 10th. DECA is an organization for teachers and students focused on business, entrepreneurship, and free market. A group of 28 Howell students competed against more than 1,000 students from around the state. Fifteen of them took top honors and will move on to the state DECA competition in Grand Rapids in March. Michigan is one of the original 17 states to participate in DECA at its founding in 1947. More than 7,000 students from 155 high schools participate in Michigan DECA every year. (TD)
↧
Ypsilanti Pizza Chain to Open in Recently Closed T.W. & FriendsYpsilanti Pizza Chain to Open in Recently Closed T.W. & Friends
2/1/13 - After a dozen years, a popular local restaurant has closed its doors, although it wonât be empty for long. Ypsilanti-based Aubree's Pizzeria & Grill confirmed today that it will open its newest location in the former T.W. & Friends on Grand River, east of Latson, which served its last customers on Sunday. T.W. & Friends owner Dino Tomei said the sluggish economy was one factor for the decision to close, but he also wanted to spend more time with his family and assisting with his father businesses. The Livingston County restaurant will be Aubreeâs second franchisee, but sixth location overall. Besides two stores in Ypsilanti, the company also has restaurants in Dexter, Northville and Marquette. Thereâs no word on how soon the Genoa Township location will be open for business. (JK)
↧
Open House & Dedication Planned For New MSP Brighton Post Open House & Dedication Planned For New MSP Brighton Post
2/1/13 - An open house and dedication of the new Michigan State Police Brighton Post is planned next week. Construction of the new building began last May and was recently completed in December. The new post is located on Buno Road, next to the Brighton Township hall. In October of 2011, the Brighton and Ypsilanti Posts merged, and the Brighton location now serves both Livingston and Washtenaw Counties. A dedication ceremony will be led by MSP Director Kristie Kibbey Etue and Brighton Township Supervisor Tom Murphy while the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce will perform the ribbon cutting ceremony at the completion of the presentation. The general public is encouraged to attend the open house and tour the new facility after the dedication from 11am to 2pm on Thursday, February 7th. (JM)
↧
↧
M-DOT's Freeway Courtesy Patrol Expanded to Livingston CountyM-DOT's Freeway Courtesy Patrol Expanded to Livingston County
12/1/13 -The Michigan Department of Transportation formally announced the expansion of its Freeway Courtesy Patrol into Livingston and Washtenaw Counties today. The service has run through the Tri-County areas for years but will now be patrolling select freeways in the Brighton and Ann Arbor areas during times of high traffic volume to help provide safe and fast assistance to local motorists. The new service areas were detailed during a kick-off event Friday morning at M-DOTâs Brighton maintenance garage. Motorists who may have run out of gas, got a flat tire or encountered a different minor breakdown issue can access the free service by dialing 911 and specifying the freeway courtesy patrol for help. Officials say it will be exciting to see how the service will assist in alleviating traffic issues on US-23 that stretch into Ann Arbor. M-DOT will be working with the 911 Central Dispatch centers in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties along with the Statewide Traffic Operations Center to locate disabled vehicles that need help. Officials also ask that drivers slow down and move over when they see the Freeway Courtesy Patrol actively assisting a vehicle. Complete details about the new Freeway Courtesy Patrol can be found below. (SO/JM)
↧
Trial to Continue Next Week for Local Man in Federal Fraud CaseTrial to Continue Next Week for Local Man in Federal Fraud Case
2/1/13 - The trial will continue on Monday for a Livingston County investment manager facing fraud charges in Detroit federal court. John Bravata is accused of misleading investors as he collected millions of dollars from them at BBC Equities. He denies any fraud and says he was taking legitimate stakes in real estate that simply turned sour during the recession. Defense lawyers have tried to keep out evidence of Bravata's personal spending, but a judge rejected it. Prosecutors say it's critical to their case. Bravata, an ex-Kalamazoo police officer who lived in the Brighton area, had expensive cars, homes, jewelry and more luxuries. Bravata's son, Antonio, is also on trial. An insider, Richard Trabulsy, has pleaded guilty and will be an important government witness. (TD)
↧
Howell Students, Staff & Firefighters Go Bald for St. Baldrick'sHowell Students, Staff & Firefighters Go Bald for St. Baldrick's
2/1/13 - More than 20 Howell High School students, staff and local firefighters shaved their heads for a cause during an assembly Friday afternoon. Student organizers with the Howell High School Interact Club coordinated the challenge that raises money and awareness for The St. Baldrickâs Foundation and childhood cancer research. The signature head-shaving event took place at Howell High School, where more than 20 students, staff and local fire fighters shaved their heads in solidarity with kids with cancer. Two students will be donating their hair to Locks of Love or Wigs for Kids, including freshman Becci Tumbarella who is pictured. Students say with only 4% of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, St. Baldrickâs Foundation volunteers, supporters and donors are needed to continue the battle against the devastating disease. More than $8,000 has been raised to date through student donations and others made online, as well as t-shirt sales. Online fundraising efforts will continue through Monday and anyone wishing to donate can do so via a link below. (JM)
↧
Criminal Sexual Conduct Trial Delayed For Former Linden CopCriminal Sexual Conduct Trial Delayed For Former Linden Cop
2/2/13 - Trial dates have once again been pushed back for a former Linden police officer facing criminal sexual conduct charges involving young victims. 37-year-old Wade Clayton Dilley of Fenton is charged in two separate cases in Livingston and Genesee Counties. Jury selection in Livingston County is set to begin on March 15th. Dilley is charged with three counts of 2nd degree CSC involving a person under the age of 13 from an incident that allegedly occurred in Mundy Township in September of 2009. Two other counts of 2nd degree CSC with relation stem from alleged incidents in Fenton on April 1st of 2011. Dilley faces up to 15 years in prison on each felony count. Two of the charges were reduced from 1st degree CSC with relation prior to the cases being bound over. Dilley was employed with the Linden Police Department from 2002 until February 2011, when he resigned. Since the complaints involved both jurisdictions, the Fenton and Mundy Township police departments conducted a joint investigation. (TD)
↧
↧
Howell's Weather Guru Groundhog Woody Predicts Early SpringHowell's Weather Guru Groundhog Woody Predicts Early Spring
2/2/13 - Local weather groundhog Woody the Woodchuck has agreed with better-known prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil to predict an early spring this year. Well over 100 people gathered at the Nature Center for the ceremony where Woody was placed inside her plastic tree stump and given 30 seconds to decide whether to stay inside or come out, thereby predicting the weather for the coming weeks. This year Woody emerged from the stump and stayed out long enough to predict an early spring. Nature Center organizers say Woody has been accurate 10 times in the past 14 years, a record which they say surpasses that of her Pennsylvania rival. This yearâs celebration once again included a childrenâs costume contest with a free week of summer camp as the prize. It was followed by a pancake breakfast and photos with Woody. (TD)
↧
Brighton Area Fire Dept. Presents 2012 AwardsBrighton Area Fire Dept. Presents 2012 Awards
2/3/13 - The Brighton Area Fire Department Firefighter of the Year for 2012 is Rick Boisvert. Announcement of the honor came Friday night at the annual fire department recognition and awards event, held at the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. Boisvert was also promoted to the rank of captain at the awards ceremony. Brighton Area Fire Chief Mike OâBrian tells WHMI the firefighter of the year distinction is richly deserved on the part of Boisvert.
He is employed as a full-time fire inspector for the department during the day, and at night is an on-call Brighton firefighter. He is also a member of the Livingston County Fire Investigation Team. The Brighton Area Fire Department has about 90 paid, on-call, part-time firefighters and nine full-time employees. It has fire stations on West Grand River in Brighton, on Old US-23 and on Webber Street in Brighton Township, and on Dorr Road and Chilson Road in Genoa Township. The department made several major purchases last year, including a new aerial ladder truck and two new tankers, all paid for with cash, which OâBrian says saved the department a considerable amount of money. Its millage levy is among the lowest of any fire department in Livingston County. The department operates on 1.25 mills and is in the second year of a five-year, voter-approved millage levy. Its budget for the 2012-13 year is about $3 million. (TT)
↧
Howell Schools Plans Forum For Middle School Boundary ShiftsHowell Schools Plans Forum For Middle School Boundary Shifts
2/3/13 - A public forum will be held this week for Howell Public Schools staff and parents to address the issue of uneven attendance in the districtâs two school buildings. After finding that attendance at Highlander Way Middle School was too high when compared to Parker Middle School, district officials created the Committee to Balance Middle School Enrollment. The committee has made recommendations to change the enrollment map of the district by increasing Parkerâs territory to areas south of Mason Road, south of Grand River, and along Golf Club Road. Families with students currently enrolled in middle school will have the option of being grandfathered into their current middle school despite the change. A forum for parents to discuss the change with school staff will be held at 6pm on Wednesday at the Parker Middle School commons area. Maps of the new middle school boundaries can be found on the districtâs website, which can be accessed by clicking the link below.(TD)
↧
Unadilla Crash KIlls Ingham County ManUnadilla Crash KIlls Ingham County Man
2/4/13 - A 40-year-old Ingham County man died from injuries he suffered in a crash early Sunday morning in Unadilla Township. The resident of the small community of Bunker Hill was westbound on M-106 just before 3am when his 1995 Honda Civic crossed into the eastbound lane and hit a tree about a half mile west of Dutton Road. Unadilla Township Police say first responders worked âfranticallyâ for more than 20 minutes to free the driver, who initially had life signs. However, he was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Initial indications are that the driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, may have fallen asleep at the wheel, but the crash remains under investigation with assistance from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. Pinckney Police and University of Michigan Survival Flight also assisted at the scene. An autopsy on the driver, whose name was not released, is expected today at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. (JK)
↧
↧
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty To Trying To Poison Fellow LCJ InmateDetroit Man Pleads Guilty To Trying To Poison Fellow LCJ Inmate
2/2/13 - A former Livingston County Jail inmate accused of trying to poison two fellow inmates has pleaded guilty in the case. 28-year-old William Hooks Jr. of Detroit is charged with two counts of poisoning someone's food, drink, medication or water, causing injury. He pleaded guilty on January 28th to the one of the counts in exchange for the other count being dismissed. Prosecutors will also recommend a jail time cap, restitution, and probation for Hooks. He will be sentenced on February 28th. The charges stem from an incident in October of 2011 when two inmate-trustees, including Hooks, were arguing because Hooks had given a cup of coffee to an inmate instead of the other trustee. That allegedly motivated Hooks to poison the other inmateâs food later that day with a cleaning agent. Officials say the food was discolored so the intended victim refused to eat it but another trustee tasted it and experienced a burning sensation. He was treated for a minor burn in his mouth and indigestion. The charges carried a sentence of up to 25 years in prison. (TD)
↧
Lt. Governor Slated To Speak At Howell Chamber BreakfastLt. Governor Slated To Speak At Howell Chamber Breakfast
2/2/13 - The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Good Morning Livingston event this month will feature Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley as its featured speaker. Calley is the youngest serving lieutenant governor in the country and the second-youngest in Michigan history. He visited Livingston County before the November election as part of Governor Snyderâs campaign to support Proposal 1 and oppose the other ballot proposals. When he returns for Good Morning Livingston on February 12th he is expected to discuss the new planned bridge between Detroit and Windsor made possible due to the rejection of one of Novemberâs ballot proposals. He may also discuss the governorâs State of the State Address. The cost to attend Good Morning Livingston is $20 for chamber members in advance, $25 at the door, and $30 for non-members. (TD)
↧
Event Again Connects to Local Residents In Need Event Again Connects to Local Residents In Need
2/4/13 - Parker Middle School hosted the 6th annual Community Connect Saturday, a one day event to give back to Livingston County families in need. Community Connect offers free clothing, food, health screenings, haircuts, massages, legal consultation and information about local programs. Free lunch and childcare were also provided on site. While the event itself ran from 9am to 2pm, Community Collaborative Planner Lindsay Beaudry says volunteers worked until 9 pm the night before and arrived at 7am on Saturday. In addition, the planning committee begins preparations as early as four months in advance, and that while the event grows bigger each year, so does the number of volunteers. Kelvyn Williams, a volunteer at Community Connect this year, brought his daughter along and tells WHMI the event is helping more families in need than ever before. Beaudry says she is grateful to Howell Public Schools for hosting the event as it has outgrown its previous locations. Community Connectâs first event gave to 239 and Beaudry says it is now giving to over 1,500 local residents in need. (DK)
↧
Walkers Still Being Sought for Walk For WarmthWalkers Still Being Sought for Walk For Warmth
2/4/13 - Walkers, teams, and donations are being sought for this Saturdayâs Walk for Warmth in Hartland. The fundraiser is hosted by the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency and all of the money raised stays in the community, going toward emergency utility assistance. OLHSAâs Director of Livingston County Services Ericka Karfonta says depending on the household utility bill, they usually assist between 120 to 175 local families, more than half of which are families with children or senior citizens in the home. She says hopefully theyâve experienced the worst of the recession in the past few years and will continue to see low income residents becoming self-sufficient. Organizers are hoping to see some ramped up support for the walk, held at the Hartland Educational Support Service Center. This Saturdayâs Walk for Warmth will also feature family friendly entertainment, a new business expo and WHMIâs Buzz Elliot again serving as master of ceremonies. To become a sponsor, donate or volunteer visit the website posted below or call 248-209-2623.
↧
↧
Historic District Studied for Howell Opera HouseHistoric District Studied for Howell Opera House
2/4/13 - Renewed interest has surfaced to establish a local historic district for The Opera House in downtown Howell. Five community members were appointed by City Council recently to a Historic District Study Committee for the Howell Opera House. It has a plan of action to make the district a reality and will create a preliminary historic district report for the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office. The overall concept was originally explored by the City Council in 2009 and if the Opera House is designated as a single-building local district, it would become eligible for historic tax credits and other programs. The study committee will hold its first meeting on Monday, February 11th at 6pm at the Howell Main Street DDA Office and any interested parties are welcome to attend. (JK)
↧
Fundraising Goal Doubled for Local Soccer CoachFundraising Goal Doubled for Local Soccer Coach
2/4/13 - Organizers of an event held last week to assist a local youth soccer coach diagnosed with pancreatic cancer say they more than doubled their original goal. The fundraiser for 30-year-old Mark Howell brought out more than 600 people to Crystal Gardens and raised as much as $80,000. Event coordinator Barb Binkley had originally hoped to collect about $30,000 to help offset the medical bills for Howell, who was diagnosed in October and has already undergone an extensive surgery that removed a 15-pound tumor, as well as a portion of his pancreas, half of his stomach and all of his gallbladder. Heâs expected to soon begin chemotherapy and Binkley says she was overwhelmed by the community response to help Howell, a former Brighton High School assistant varsity soccer coach. Binkley said more fundraisers are planned depending on how Howell responds to the treatments. A link to donate online is posted below. (JK)
↧
Brighton Polar Plunge Enlisting Brave Souls to Take a DiveBrighton Polar Plunge Enlisting Brave Souls to Take a Dive
2/4/13 - Some brave souls are being sought to jump into icy waters later this month for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge in Brighton. Set for Saturday, February 23rd behind Brighton High School, the event is being organized by Brighton resident Kerry Hincka, whose daughter Molly competed at the Special Olympics World Games in Greece in 2011. Hincka says the more people they can persuade to take the plunge, the more money will be available for the Special Olympics of Michigan, which provides free sports programs for about 300 athletes with intellectual disabilities in Livingston County. And while the plunge is the main attraction, a costume contest beforehand has also become a big draw, with awards handed out in a variety of categories. While she encourages online registration, Hincka says last-minute plungers can also register the day of the event with a $75 minimum suggested donation. In addition, hot showers will be available immediately after the plunge in the Brighton High School locker rooms, Youâll find additional information on how to register through the link posted below. (JK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
