A local legislator bucked his own party to vote against a controversial measure now headed to Governor Snyder for his signature. Last week, the state legislature voted, mostly along party lines, to eliminate straight-party voting while also removing a tie bar that would have allowed for no-reason absentee voting. Of the 12 Senators who voted against the measure, two were Republicans, including Joe Hune of Hamburg Township. The bill has garnered widespread criticism, especially from Democrats, who have said it is just the latest effort by Republicans in Lansing to try and suppress voting in heavily populated areas that are less likely to vote for Republicans. Hune says he voted against the measure because he felt the current system allowing a voter to simply check one box and cast all of their ballots for candidates in a particular party was working fine. However, he disputed the notion the measure is designed to suppress voting. The vast majority of clerks around the state opposed the bill, which they feel will create confusion at the polls and dramatically lengthen lines at polling precincts; especially in urban areas where there are already long waits to vote. To counter that argument, Republicans added a $5-million appropriation to provide clerks with more voting equipment. But critics say the appropriation was really added to make the measure immune from a voter referendum. Hune also voted to remove the appropriation, but it fell short. Although Governor Snyder hasnât indicated he will definitely sign the bill, he has noted that Michigan is one of just ten states that allow the practice of straight-ticket voting. He also says itâs a feature he has never personally used. (JK)
Hune Explains Vote Against Ban On Straight Ticket VotingHune Explains Vote Against Ban On Straight Ticket Voting
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Two Pinckney Teens Arrested & Charged With RapeTwo Pinckney Teens Arrested & Charged With Rape
Two Pinckney teens have been arrested and charged in the rape of a 15-year-old girl. The Pinckney Police Department says that last Thursday, they took a complaint from staff members at Pinckney High School that a female student had been raped at a residence within the village. A witness was interviewed, as well as school staff, and the identity of three suspects was determined. A search warrant was executed on the home of one of the suspects for physical evidence. All three were subsequently interviewed by police and as a result of the investigation, 17-year-olds Jacob Houck (right) and Nicholas Lefebvre (left) were arrested. Lefebvre was charged with three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct of a victim between 13 and 15 and one count of child abusive commercial activity for allegedly taking pictures during the incident. Houck was charged with one count of third-degree CSC. Both also face a count of furnishing alcohol to a minor. They were arraigned Friday and bonds of $200,000 were set for each and they are due back in court December 30th for a probable cause conference. The other suspect is a juvenile and his identity is not being released by authorities, although he is expected to be charged in juvenile court. The three suspects, as well as the alleged victim, are students at Pinckney High School. (JK)
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Substitute At Pinckney High May Have Sent Inappropriate Email To StudentSubstitute At Pinckney High May Have Sent Inappropriate Email To Student
An investigation is underway after allegations involving an email sent to a student from a substitute teacher at Pinckney High School. The district launched an investigation with assistance from the technology department after concerns were brought to the attention of Principal Jim Darga last Thursday. A letter informing parents about the situation was sent out stating no evidence was found on the substituteâs district-issued computer. However, evidence of an âinappropriateâ communication received by a student was discovered, which may have been sent from a personal device belonging to the substitute. The letter goes on to say that âthe safety and welfare of students is of paramount importanceâ and the substitute was immediately removed from his assigned position after the allegations surfaced. The substitute was hired this semester to teach a health class through mid-January. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department was contacted last week and Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI they are investigating the allegations. District officials have not elaborated on the content of the email in question. Meanwhile, this is the second incident involving Pinckney High School to be reported in recent days. Two male students have been arrested and charged in the rape of a 15-year-old girl. A third suspect said to be involved is expected to be charged in juvenile court. That full story is available below. (JM)
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2016 Milford MLK Celebration Will Include Annual March And Contest2016 Milford MLK Celebration Will Include Annual March And Contest
Plans for the 11th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Milford are underway. The yearly MLK March in downtown Milford on Main Street will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, January 17th. The march travels downtown and ends at The Suzanne Haskew Arts Center for a closing ceremony. The ceremony will have refreshments and an awards presentation for the winners of this yearâs Art/Writing/Multimedia Contest. The contest is for area residents of all ages and the theme is âThe WORDS of Dr. Kingâ. This contest allows writers and artists to take any quote from Dr. King and turn it into a new and creative submission. The submissions will be displayed at The SHAC during the week before and the day of the march. Entries are due by Friday, January 8th and more information about the contest can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Hartland LEGO Robotics Team Earns Spot At World CompetitionHartland LEGO Robotics Team Earns Spot At World Competition
A Hartland-based LEGO Robotics team has qualified to compete at a World Festival competition. The Rising Eagles FIRST LEGO League Robotics team is headed to St. Louis, Missouri next spring to compete at the FLL World Festival. The team is comprised of seven boys and girls in 5th through 8th grade that attend Hartland Consolidated Schools. The Rising Eagles were named the 2015-2016 State Champions earlier this month after competing against 47 of the best teams in the state at the Michigan North and West FLL Championship. The team earned near perfect scores in three closed door judging sessions which include core values, robot design and research project. Their State Championship win earned them a spot at the World Festival competition April 27th through the 30th in 2016. Coach Brian Prokuda tells WHMI the teamâs reaction to realizing their win was worth all of the hard work. The Rising Eagles will compete against 54 other teams from North America and 53 teams from other countries at the World Competition. A fundraising page has been set up to help offset the costs of the tournamentâs entry fees and travel. You can find a link to it on our website. (DK)
Photo Caption: Coach Steve, Alyssa Shelton 8th, Mathew Prokuda 6th, Jacob Cortichiato 6th and Coach Brian
Steven Majors 8th, Nicole Majors 5th, Julie Heslip 5th and Zac Heslip 5th
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Milford Man Who Threatened Couple Over A Debt SentencedMilford Man Who Threatened Couple Over A Debt Sentenced
A local man has pleaded guilty to threatening a couple he believes owed him thousands of dollars. 50-year-old Kenneth Lewis pleaded guilty to one count of âattemptedâ extortion as a habitual offender. Lewis was originally charged with two counts of extortion but prosecutors agreed to dismiss one count in exchange for Lewisâ guilty plea. He was sentenced to two days in the Livingston County Jail with a credit of two days served and two years of probation. Lewis apologized in court last week for the incident in which he allegedly threatened to hurt the couple he says owed him $4,000 in items he had sold to them. A mutual friend to the couple says Lewis said he would beat them up if they did not pay back the debt however Lewisâ defense attorney argued that his client never intended to follow through with the threat. (DK)
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Brighton Residents Opposed to Senior Housing Project at School SiteBrighton Residents Opposed to Senior Housing Project at School Site
Brighton city hall was packed for a Planning Commission public hearing Monday night on a proposal to convert the vacant, 10-plus acre Lindbom School site into an ambitious senior living complex. ACA Brighton Holdings LLC, headed by Pat Battaglia, wants to put an ambitious and extensive senior housing project on the site called Arcadia Village of Brighton. Previously, Battaglia had envisioned a charter school on the site after his company bought the former school and property from the Brighton Area Schools for $1.45 million. However, the school â which was originally slated to open this fall, was left dormant, and Battaglia told WHMI he is now planning on a charter school at another location, outside of the city of Brighton. However, he would not elaborate further. The senior housing development would total up to 210 housing units â some for independent living, some for assisted living and some for memory care. Many in the capacity audience were complimentary about the quality of the proposal, but nearly everyone who spoke said it was âtoo bigâ for the residential neighborhood. After lengthy discussion, the Planning Commission approved the preliminary site plan and gave preliminary OK to a zoning change from R-1 to Senior Housing District as a Planned Unit Development. However, commission chairman Steve Monet made it clear that due to the concerns of neighborhood residents, and the Planning Commissionâs own concerns, the proposal will need a lot of revisions before the developer can entertain any hope of it getting approval. And even if the Planning Commission were to eventually approve a revised site plan, it would still have to go to the City Council for final approval. The sale of the former school generated controversy, with some charging that Battaglia intended to apply for charter school status only to qualify for state per-pupil aid while he actually was planning on a curriculum that would promote an anti-science, pro-creationism school agenda â something he has denied all along. (TT)
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Pinckney Mom Who Alledgedly Used Heroin At Jail Sentenced Pinckney Mom Who Alledgedly Used Heroin At Jail Sentenced
Sentencing has been handed down to a local woman who is accused of using heroin at the Livingston County Jail before visiting an inmate. 35-year-old Heidi Marie Plasters of Pinckney has been sentenced to 47 days in jail with a credit of 47 days served and 18 months of probation. Plasters was charged with possession of a controlled substance after the May 9th incident in which she allegedly shot up heroin in the bathroom stall of the Livingston County Jail before visiting her incarcerated boyfriend. Plastersâ 5-year-old son was reportedly with her and was standing outside of the stall when the incident occurred. A woman who was in the jail lobby had gone to use the restroom and says she heard someone smacking their arm and was familiar with the sound because her sister is an addict. The woman looked through the gaps in the stall and saw a woman wearing jeans, standing up. She reported the incident to a deputy who made contact with Plasters. Plasters pleaded guilty to the possession charge and was sentenced on Thursday under a statute that will not show a public criminal record if she successfully completes probation. (DK)
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"Sherwood Oaks" Development Approved In Milford Township
An established subdivision in Milford Township is looking to expand now that property values are on the rise. Township Supervisor Don Green says things are looking up when it comes to the local housing market. He tells WHMI after a low blow a few years ago, the economy is beginning to turn around. Property values in Milford Township have increased in recent years after taking a significant 25% dip. Value went up about 11% last year and is scheduled to increase about 6.5% this year. A local subdivision came before Milford Township's Board recently, seeking approval for 9 units to be built on a vacant parcel of land. The vacant spot sits at the entrance of the community and has remained empty for the last 20 years. The land was originally a horse farm but became overgrown. The development was approved by the township board and developers are now starting to clear the land. Developers must next obtain permits from the Department of Environmental Quality and the Health Department. Green says the permit from the DEQ could be received in as little as 60 days, meaning construction could begin in the spring. The development has been named âSherwood Oaksâ and Green feels it will be a âreal pleasant entranceâ to the community. (DK)
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Howell City Council Talks Future Goals & Ideas During Work Session Howell City Council Talks Future Goals & Ideas During Work Session
No idea is a bad idea. Thatâs the approach Howell City Council members took during their first visioning session for the future. During Monday nightâs regular meeting, members briefly talked about dates for their next retreat. Council, city staff and other officials got together December 14th for a work session to discuss strategic planning efforts and overall, determine what big ideas were out there. To help guide discussion, a facilitator was present and items to consider in moving the city forward were grouped in categories. Those include connectivity, a welcoming community, communication with residents, creative community spaces and specific places such as Howell City Park and blight. Some topics council mentioned a desire to explore during the next session include parking development on the north side of downtown, the idea of converting State Street to a festival street, parking lot expansions and public restrooms downtown. While all items are hinged on what the budget will allow, others tossed around were plans for the Barnard Center, long term plans for Page Field, potential parking lot expansions and electric vehicle charging stations. City Manager Shea Charles noted that that the work sessions are a process of looking at whatâs next for the upcoming 2016/2017 fiscal year and budget but also beyond to identify longer term plans. Out of conversations, he says council will identify specific initiatives to focus on for the approaching year and then plant the seeds for longer term projects. Charles tells WHMI there were no limitations and a number of different thoughts and initiatives came out of the work session. He says council is looking at either a January or February date to come together again, refine and finalize the list, evaluate what can work and what cant, set different initiatives and go from there. Discussion items from the December 14th retreat are summarized in the most recent council packet on the cityâs website and may also be viewed in the attachment below. (JM)
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New Sex Charges Filed Against Suspect In Linden School Shooting PlotNew Sex Charges Filed Against Suspect In Linden School Shooting Plot
Five felony counts have now been filed against a Linden man already charged with plotting to shoot up a school. 18-year-old Ryan Stevens was charged in October with conspiracy to commit attempted first-degree murder and making a false report or threat of terrorism after authorities say he and two 15-year-old co-defendants planned to bring guns to Linden High School and kill a student who had reportedly made disparaging remarks about him online. On Monday, Genesee County authorities added five new charges, including 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct, using a computer to commit a crime and child sexual abusive activity. Officials say in the course of investigating the shooting plot they uncovered evidence that Stevens made and distributed a smartphone video of a sexual act involving an underage Genesee County girl taken at a Flint Township motel. Stevens was already on probation in Livingston County after a 2014 guilty plea to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct for having sex with a girl under the age of 16. Stevens remains held on a $200,000 bond in the Genesee County Jail. His co-defendants in the shooting case, Lamarr Michael Dukes of West Bloomfield and Cody Anthony Brewer of Wolverine Lake, are charged as adults. They are being held in the Genesee Valley Regional Detention Center.
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Old Schoolhouse To Make Move From Putnam To Brighton TownshipOld Schoolhouse To Make Move From Putnam To Brighton Township
A Livingston County archaeologist has come to the rescue of a former one-room schoolhouse in Putnam Township. The former Hicks schoolhouse will be moved to a farmstead in Brighton Township by Tim Bennett of Clio. He is the sixth-generation owner of the 175-year-old farmhouse east of Brighton. Bennett plans to use the 1850s schoolhouse as a studio for traditional arts such as wheel-thrown pottery and loom weaving. He is on the Michigan Archaeological Society Board of Trustees and specializes in ceramics. Retired well driller David Keller bought the school property from Pinckney Community Schools a few years ago. He wants to build a duplex there. Bennett estimates it will cost up to $18,000 to move and fix the school.
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Howell Township Requests Traffic Study On Grand River & M-59Howell Township Requests Traffic Study On Grand River & M-59
A local municipality is requesting a traffic study as a first step to potentially address increasing congestion along a busy corridor. The Howell Township board recently approved a resolution requesting a traffic study to examine speeds on Grand River from the township line to M-59. The board felt a traffic study versus a speed study would be more encompassing as there are also concerns with the intersection at M-59 and Oak Grove Road/Michigan Avenue. M-59 has a left turn traffic light, but Michigan Ave and Oak Grove Road only have a left turn lane, which leads to frequent congestion and back-ups. In the morning, one member commented that individuals will sometimes have to wait cycle after cycle at that intersection to make a left hand turn. Officials are hoping the study will warrant a left-turn traffic light from Oak Grove Road onto M-59 or at least provide other alternatives to explore. A traffic light is the preference of Trustee Mike Tipton and one resident, who said he has trouble getting out of his driveway at times and itâs frustrating. The traffic study would be performed by the Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan State Police. The board agreed to forward a copy of the resolution to officials in the city of Howell and see if they would be interested in passing a similar resolution, as three sides of the intersection are under city jurisdiction. (JM)
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Two Howell Seniors Earn Scholarships at Thespian FestivalTwo Howell Seniors Earn Scholarships at Thespian Festival
Theater scholarships were awarded to two local high school seniors who recently attended a statewide competition. Briana Beeman and Bridget Wilkin of Howell were awarded a combined total of nearly $100,000 in theater scholarships during the Michigan Thespian Festival. Beeman and Wilkin are members of Howell High Schoolâs new Thespian troupe and performed for representatives from 20 different colleges and universities at Saginaw Valley State University. Beeman earned more than $35,000 in scholarships, while Wilkin earned more than $59,000. The scholarship offers came from various schools. Howell High School drama teacher Amanda Malo says this is the first time students from the district attended the festival and were in competition with schools that have attended for years. The competition not only gave the students an opportunity to audition for scholarships, but they were able to attend performances and workshops over the course of two days. Beeman hasnât decided on her graduation plans yet, but is considering a career as a drama teacher. Wilkin is planning to attend Michigan State University to study theater. (DS)
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Record Breaking Weekend Helps Local Salvation Army But Donations Still DownRecord Breaking Weekend Helps Local Salvation Army But Donations Still Down
The Salvation Army of Livingston County says the community gave above expectations over the past weekend and while donations are still down, itâs faith in remains strong. The Salvation Armyâs Christmas Campaign fundraising goal for the 2015 season is $378,000. As of Monday December 21st, the campaign had raised over $264,374. Although still $113,625 from the total goal, officials say last weekendâs record breaking donations of $25,359 helped tremendously. Major Prezza Morrison says that overwhelming support from the community showed that donors are just as concerned and understand the importance of helping others in need. The Christmas Campaign is the non-profitâs largest fundraising effort and donations support year round programs. Bell ringing continues through Christmas and then limited locations through New Yearâs Eve. Morrison says theyâre keeping faith in the generosity of the community, adding it would be a huge relief to raise the remaining funds and reach their goal by the end of December and not have to worry about the upcoming year. Officials say there are still several ways to help:
1) Text to give - text HOPELC to 41444
2) Sign up to bell ring today through Christmas Eve
3) Donate financially in one of the kettles, drop off donations at the corps community building or place them in the mail.
Monetary donations may be brought in to: The Salvation Army; 503 Lake Street; Howell, MI 48843; sent to The Salvation Army P.O. Box 647, Howell, MI 48844 or online through the link below. (JM)
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Bishop Is The First Of Michigan's Five Freshmen Congressmen To Get Bill PassedBishop Is The First Of Michigan's Five Freshmen Congressmen To Get Bill Passed
8th District Congressman Mike Bishop is feeling content with the recent passage of his legislation regarding a loan program and the federal budget. Bishopâs bill revives and extends the Perkins Loan program which offers low-interest loans to students with certain financial needs. The legislation was signed into law on Friday and extends the program for another two years. Bishop, who is the first of Michiganâs five freshmen Congressman to get a bill signed into law, tells WHMI this is one avenue to maneuvering around the crushing student debt in the country. Bishop says it is important to work with universities to make college more affordable as the $2.2 trillion in student loan debt in the country is âdebilitating to say the least.â The federal budget was also passed by the House last week and Bishop says it âsecures Michiganâs priorities.â When it comes to passing the budget, Bishop says the most important thing is for the discussion to be âopen and transparent.â The legislation includes full funding for Michigan State Universityâs FRIB which will advance American nuclear research and supports $1 billion in economic growth for the district and state. In response to threats of a government shutdown by Tea Party Republicans opposed to the spending plan, Bishop says heâs been through it at a state level and âitâs not a solution.â (DK/JK)
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Livingston County Department of Public Health Receives FundsLivingston County Department of Public Health Receives Funds
Grant funds were awarded to a local organization to help prepare for strategic planning. The Livingston County Department of Public Health recently received over $9,500 to help it prepare for national accreditation. The funds were awarded through the Accreditation Support Initiative, which supports local health departments in their efforts toward meeting specific guidelines. Health officer Dianne McCormick says the department is grateful to receive the funds. She says the funds will be used to help train staff and create a strategic plan so the Department of Public Health has guidelines for the next five years. She says the funds will help the department to improve performance while the strategic plan will improve the health outcomes for the people the department serves. The Livingston County Department of Public Health is one of 23 health departments nationwide to receive the grant funds. (DS)
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Sheriff's Department Warns of Unemployment ScamSheriff's Department Warns of Unemployment Scam
A scam this holiday season could catch business owners unaware according to authorities. With technology, itâs not too difficult for people to learn as much as they can about anyone and use that knowledge for illegal purposes. With that in mind the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department is urging business owners to audit their unemployment claims. The latest scam involves unemployment claims that go undetected. Undersheriff Mike Murphy says the way it works is that someone gains access to personal and work information and then files an unemployment claim in the personâs name. He says it is typically done with larger companies that donât have as accurate systems in place for auditing and the scams go undetected. The Sheriffâs Department suggests a thorough audit of unemployment claims and if there is any fraud, they advise contacting the unemployment agency. (DS)
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Genoa Township Passes Medical Marijuana MoritoriumGenoa Township Passes Medical Marijuana Moritorium
While the state of Michigan deliberates about rules for medical marijuana dispensaries, one local municipality will say no to would be growers. Without clear guidelines from the state legislature, Genoa Township has placed a 1-year moratorium on marijuana pharmacies and dispensaries in the township. The township board recently passed a resolution to keep marijuana growing facilities from being established in the township for the time being. The resolution allows for marijuana to be grown at the residence of a qualifying patient or caregiver, who has a registry card. Township Manager Mike Archinal says without clear guidelines the township canât regulate where other dispensaries will go. He tells WHMI the township is just waiting to hear from the state. He says they are waiting to hear from the state about rules for the dispensaries, including how close to schools, how residential and how far from each other they can be. Right now there is no basis for applying any kind of rule. He says once the state of Michigan applies guidelines the township can pass its own rules at a local level that comply with the state statute that will regulate such things. Archinal says a recently passed road funding bill took precedence over the medical marijuana rules, but hopes to see a resolution soon. He says the moratorium could last less than a year; it depends on how long it takes the state legislature to come up with guidelines regulating dispensaries. Archinal says he has only had two requests for permits to operate growing facilities in the township so far, but knows there have been others. (DS)
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Howell School Board Votes To Settle With Fired Ex-SuperintendentHowell School Board Votes To Settle With Fired Ex-Superintendent
The Howell Public Schools Board of Education voted today to settle the lawsuit filed by fired ex-Superintendent Ron Wilson for $350,000. Wilson was fired in November of 2014 after the then-board determined that that he had knowingly applied for $309 in travel reimbursements he knew he was not entitled to and then lied about it afterward. Wilson and his wife Elizabeth then filed a lawsuit claiming personal damages, violation of the Whistleblower Protection Act, and breach of contract. He sought $600,000 for lost compensation, damage to his reputation, and various other damages. However, the court case was put on hold while the dispute was sent to be resolved in binding arbitration as called for in Wilsonâs contract. Only one day of testimony was held last week before those proceedings adjourned. District spokesman Tom Gould issued a statement which said that, "Based on the recommendation of the districtâs legal counsel, the majority of the board felt that it would be in the best interest of the district to avoid further expenses, the potential ramifications and the distraction and diversion of district personnel and resources. To that end, following the closed session, the board approved a settlement with Mr. Wilson in the amount of $350,000. The district and its insurance company will each pay a portion of the settlement. The settlement is not an admission of any wrongdoing or liability on the part of the district and ends all further litigation. Dismissal of the case is pending the signatures of both parties." Gould also confirmed that the settlement offer came from Wilson. The only board member to vote against the settlement was Trustee Deborah McCormick. She was one of the three current board members who voted that Wilson had engaged in misconduct. Current board President Mike Yenshaw and Vice-President Stacy Pasini were the other two, although Pasini voted against firing Wilson. Both Yenshaw and Pasini voted today in favor of the settlement along with Secretary Brent Earl, Treasurer Grace Trudell and Trustees Gregg Gilligan and Marcus Wilcox. (JK)
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