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Second Guilty Plea Entered In Genoa Township Home InvasionSecond Guilty Plea Entered In Genoa Township Home Invasion

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Another plea has been entered in a Genoa Township home invasion in which five men are charged. Tyler Ayers of Detroit has pleaded guilty as charged to all four counts against him which include first degree home invasion, armed robbery and two counts of felony firearms. In June, Ayers and four other men allegedly robbed a Genoa Township residence at gunpoint, taking cash, jewelry, car keys and cell phones. One victim was allegedly struck in the head with a metal baton, causing extensive bleeding. Kennie Whitby of Brighton, Jemantae Perkins, Toursean Pressley and Terence Ayers of Detroit are the other suspects charged in the case. All five face charges of first degree home invasion, armed robbery and two counts of felony firearms. Separately, Whitby is charged with resisting a police officer. Terence Ayers pleaded guilty last week and is scheduled to be sentenced February 18th, along with Tyler Ayers who entered his guilty plea Wednesday at a final settlement conference. (DK)

Construction Fund Created To Aid In Developing County Dental Clinic Construction Fund Created To Aid In Developing County Dental Clinic

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The Finance Committee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners met recently and approved a resolution authorizing the creation of a dental clinic construction fund. The item was administrative in nature and allows the county treasurer to create the fund, which will allow for the proper recording of funds from the Livingston Health Plan as well as expenses related to the respective approval and construction of a Livingston County Dental Clinic. County Administrator Ken Hinton tells WHMI it’s essentially an administrative accounting move to establish what they need to do in their books. He says in government accounting, funds are used to account for various things so what they did was establish a construction fund to hold money received from the Livingston Health Plan, which has been earmarked for the development of a dental clinic. The clinic project is a collaborative venture with the My Community Dental Center that would be administered by the Livingston County Department of Public Health. Plans have yet to be finalized but are developing. The clinic is not expected to compete with the VINA no-cost dental clinic in Brighton, but is instead aimed at helping bridge the gap for those who are on Medicaid or are low-income and would not qualify for VINA. (JM/JK)

Livingston Terminating Health Dept. Contract With Jackson County Livingston Terminating Health Dept. Contract With Jackson County

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Livingston County’s medical director will be stepping back in the coming year. The county has provided medical direction coverage under contractual arrangements with Jackson County since 2007. Medical Director Dr. Don Lawrenchuk splits his time between the Livingston and Jackson County Health Departments; working 24 hours per week, eight hours of which is sold to Jackson County. He has informed both departments of his desire to step back from providing services to Jackson County and during a recent finance committee meeting; commissioners approved a resolution to terminate the contract. County Administrator Ken Hinton tells WHMI they will be providing the required 60-day notice but Lawrenchuk is open to giving Jackson County adequate time to find a replacement and assure a smooth transition. Because of the termination of services with Jackson County, Lawrenchuk will have reduced hours of 16 with Livingston, which is the minimum required coverage the health department is mandated to have and will not increase financial obligations for medical direction. (JM)

Fourth Suspect Arrested After Alleged Rape Of Pinckney High School StudentFourth Suspect Arrested After Alleged Rape Of Pinckney High School Student

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More suspects are emerging in connection with the alleged rape of a Pinckney High School student. Pinckney Police Chief Jeff Newton tells WHMI a 17-year-old student was interviewed and arrested but has since been released pending further investigation. Newton said charges are being sought against the student in connection with the December 15th assault but noted that he was not a participant. The investigation remains open and Newton says the department is examining the possibility of other victims and if any other students are involved. All four suspects and the alleged victim are students at Pinckney High School. Police took a complaint from staff members that a 15-year-old female student had been raped at a residence in the village. Subsequent investigation and interviews led to a search warrant being executed at the home of one of three initial suspects for physical evidence. 17-year-old Nicholas Lefebvre was charged with three counts of 3rd 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 alleged incident. 17-year-old Jacob Houck was charged with one count of 3rd degree CSC. Both also face a count of furnishing alcohol to a minor. A petition has been fully authorized against a third juvenile suspect for 3rd degree CSC, who surrendered himself to the court and has made an initial appearance before a referee. (JM)

Cromaine Places Little Free Library at Genoa Township HallCromaine Places Little Free Library at Genoa Township Hall

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A local library donated books and a display for a free book exchange at a local township office to promote literacy. Outside the doors of the Genoa Township offices on Dorr Road a new addition is offering people a chance to read something new for free. Cromaine District Library officials asked the township board several months ago if it could put a Little Free Library on the township property to help promote the Hartland-based library and reading. Part of Genoa Township is located within the Hartland Consolidated School District and the Little Free Library is another way to promote events and opportunities at the Cromaine District Library. The wooden box perched on an 8-foot post is designed to look like a large bird house. It was constructed by Legacy Alternative School students as part of a school project. Township Manager Mike Archinal tells WHMI says the wooden box with a plexiglas front was recently placed near a bench at the front door. He hopes people will take advantage of the opportunity to stop by and read. He says he knows someone has used it already though because he had chosen a book himself, but when he went back to get it, the book was gone, so someone is using it. Anyone is encouraged to take a book from the library for free, and may keep it. The idea behind the exchange though is to replace it with another book whenever possible. The Friends of the Cromaine Library provided the first collection, which includes books for children and adults. The Cromaine Library will continue to check the box and keep it restocked. (DS)

St. Joseph's Health System Pledges $250,000 To Local Trail ProjectSt. Joseph's Health System Pledges $250,000 To Local Trail Project

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The Saint Joseph Mercy Health System has pledged a significant sum of money to help complete a local trail project. St. Joseph’s has pledged $250,000 to complete a looped bike and pedestrian trail that runs across western Washtenaw County. “The Loop” will ultimately connect to the statewide Iron Belle Trail and the project is led by the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative. As a result, “the loop” will tie the Border-2-Border Trail and the Lakelands Trail into a single integrated trail section that will be 44 miles long. The continuous loop will connect the Chelsea, Dexter, Pinckney and Waterloo recreation areas to the State’s Iron Belle Trail which is expected to draw in regional events and activities. Rob Casalou, regional President and CEO of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, says “St. Joe’s wants to help communities stay well by encouraging fitness and an active lifestyle”. The Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative began their campaign earlier this summer and is seeking $1 million in private donations, along with grants through the Michigan Department of Transportation and Department of Natural Resources. If funding goals are met, the first phase of construction for the trail project is expected to begin in the spring of 2017. (DK)

Local State Rep Reflects On First Year In Michigan HouseLocal State Rep Reflects On First Year In Michigan House

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Lifelong Livingston County resident and State Representative Hank Vaupel has recently completed his first year in the Michigan House and feels it has been a success. The Handy Township Republican operated a veterinary practice before being elected as House representative in November of 2014. He worked as a veterinarian for more than 40 years and started his own clinic in 1972. Vaupel serves District 47 which includes the townships of Conway, Cohoctah, Deerfield, Tyrone, Handy, Howell, Oceola, Hartland, Iosco, Marion, and Unadilla, and the cities of Howell, Hartland and the Village of Fowlerville. Vaupel tells WHMI he is proud of what he has accomplished this year and feels a foundation has been laid to achieve even more. Vaupel is sponsoring a bill that requires veterinarians and vet technicians to participate in annual continuing education to renew their licenses. He also championed for the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center and several contests for students throughout the state. Vaupel says he appreciates the community’s insight and has worked hard to make himself available to those he serves. (DK)

SEMCOG To Focus On Making Roads SaferSEMCOG To Focus On Making Roads Safer

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A new plan is in place to help make Livingston County’s roads safer for all. The Southeast Michigan Council of Government’s executive committee has partnered with the Michigan Department of Transportation to address traffic safety issues and challenges. Kathleen Lomako, Executive Director of SEMCOG told WHMI that the newly drafted Southeast Michigan Traffic Safety Plan identifies benchmark targets and how they want to go about approving problem areas. Lomako said that the plan focuses on what they found to be the four highest priority areas with traffic accidents. Those are crashes in intersections, ones that occur from lane changing, pedestrian crashes, and collisions caused by young drivers. Of the 4,500 accidents that happen in Livingston County each year, SEMCOG claims 38% are from that last category. Their data shows the highest number of crashes in the count occurred at Grand River and M-59. In 2014, more than 40% of all traffic fatalities in the state occurred in southeast Michigan. According to SEMCOG, in 2015, Michigan has already surpassed the 876 road deaths that happened last year. Some of the new policies in the traffic plan are geared towards increasing accessibility to core services like hospitals, making problem-intersections safer, and educating residents on safe walking and biking. For more information, visit the Livingston County section of the community profiles section of their website, a link for which is below. (MK)

South Lyon Fire Department Names Firefighter Of The YearSouth Lyon Fire Department Names Firefighter Of The Year

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South Lyon has named their 2015 Firefighter of the Year. Stephanie Shippe won the honor in her fourth year working for the fire department. According to Hometownlife, Shippe is also an emergency medical technician and aerial platform operator. She is working full time as an EMT while training to become a paramedic. South Lyon Fire Chief Mike Kennedy said that Shippe was a valuable member of the team and was happy to see her recognized for her efforts. Shippe has also served as a mentor with South Lyon High School’s firefighter cadet program and assists with the training of new personnel. The South Lyon Fire command staff made the selection. (MK)

New Livingston County Administrator Happy & Settling In New Livingston County Administrator Happy & Settling In

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As 2015 comes to a close, Livingston County’s new administrator is enthusiastic about his role. Ken Hinton took over from former Administrator Belinda Peters, who retired. Hinton has been on the job for about half a year now and told WHMI he’s settling in “just great”. Hinton started at the beginning of June and says it’s good to be coming to the end of the first calendar year. Hinton says he works with a great group of people on the board, county staff and all employees. He says he and his wife are really enjoying becoming engaged in the community so it’s been a great start. Hinton, the first new County Administrator in 17 years, was selected following a search that involved 271 candidates. The position is appointed by the Board of Commissioners and is responsible for the county’s overall management. Hinton’s prior experience as Wexford County Administrator in northwest Michigan, where he managed similar challenges Livingston County faces such as building a new jail, were among the reasons cited in his hiring. (JM)

Police Seek Help In Locating Car Break-In SuspectsPolice Seek Help In Locating Car Break-In Suspects

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A series of vehicle break-ins in the Howell area since early November have police asking the public for assistance. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says they currently are following up leads on three suspects, two of whom they released images of from surveillance videos at area gas stations, where they are alleged to have used credit and debit cards stolen from various vehicles. At least 18 break-ins have been reported since November 1st, with most taking place in neighborhoods along Grand River or M-59, although others have been reported in areas off of D-19 and US-23. In several of the robberies, side windows were shattered. Two of the suspects are white males, one of whom is clean-shaven and balding, while the other has a medium complexion and full beard. Both are believed to be driving a white or silver four-door Ford Focus. A third potential suspect is believed to be a black male seen driving a silver Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. Sheriff’s officials remind residents not to keep valuables in their vehicles, especially in plain sight. Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to call the Livingston County Sheriff's Department at (517) 546-2440 or the Howell Police Department at (517) 546-1330. (JK)

Howell Football Receives Individual And Team HonorsHowell Football Receives Individual And Team Honors

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Two local football players have received high honors for their performance on the field and in the classroom. Howell High School seniors Joe Senecal and Luke Tholen have both earned a spot on the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Academic All-State Team. In order for Howell to submit two student athletes for consideration, both needed to be within the top 10% of their class, score a 32 or more on the ACT, and have a cumulative grade point average above 3.85, which they did. In addition, the varsity team earned MHSFCS Division 1 Academic All-State honors. To determine that, the MHSFCS looks at the 11 varsity players with the highest GPAs from the last semester and averages them out. The four teams in each of the conference’s divisions with the highest totals are awarded the Academic All-State honors. The Highlander’s varsity football team’s average GPA was 3.94. (MK)

Howell Opera House To Again Host Acoustic Cafe SeriesHowell Opera House To Again Host Acoustic Cafe Series

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The Livingston Arts Council will be hosting live music sessions in downtown Howell throughout the beginning of the New Year. The Acoustic Café kicks off at the historic Howell Opera House on Friday, January 8th at 7:30 pm. The indoor concert series has been scheduled for every Friday night through March 4th and will showcase a variety of musical talents. General admission is $8 at the door and $6 for Livingston Arts Council members. Light concessions will be available and proceeds from the event will benefit the LAC and the owner and operator of the Opera House. More information about the event and the scheduled line up can be found through the link below. (JK)

Utility Offers Tips To Protect Your House & Save Money On Winter Energy BillsUtility Offers Tips To Protect Your House & Save Money On Winter Energy Bills

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With colder weather in the forecast for next week, utility officials are reminding residents about ways to keep your house safe and bills down. Consumers Energy recommends having your furnace inspected once a year by a qualified professional and changing the air filters every other month, especially if you have pets. If you have a chimney, have it inspected for debris like leaves or nests, as many outdoor creatures may seek the warmth they provide. Spokeswoman for Consumers Energy, Debra Dodd, says that installing carbon monoxide and fire detectors can be a life saver. Carbon Monoxide can be a deadly gas that carries no odor or taste and is caused by fuel sources like natural gas, propane, kerosene, and wood not combusting properly. Dodd says one fire detector should always be just outside of sleeping areas in the event of an accident happening at night, According to the National Fire Protection Association there are between 45,000 to 55,000 electrical fires in homes each year. Dodd says holiday lighting should have the Underwriter’s Laboratory seal of approval, and in outdoor cases, all lights and equipment should be specifically approved for outdoor use. If possible, try using LED lights, as they run cooler, reducing risks of fire, and use up to 80% less energy than standard lights. Another way to save money is to use weather stripping on doors, as a gap as small as one half inch can produce large heating loss in a home. Dodd also suggests turning down the thermostat if you aren’t going to be home, or at night when you are sleeping. She says every degree you turn it down, can save you up to 3% on your energy bill. For more tips on how to keep your house safe and save money this winter, visit www.consumersenergy.com. (MK)

Former Brighton Mayor Passes AwayFormer Brighton Mayor Passes Away

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Brighton City Councilwoman Ricci Bandkau has passed away. Bandkau, who was a lifelong resident of Brighton, died Christmas Eve at the University of Michigan Medical Center. She was originally appointed to the Council in 2004 and then elected to a four-year term in 2005. Prior to that she had served on the Brighton City Zoning Board of Appeals since 1977. She was Mayor of Brighton from 2009 - 2011. In 2006, she was nominated to the Brighton Area Women's History Role of Honor. She is survived by her husband Don. daughters, Heather and Heidi, and three grandsons. Visitation is scheduled from 2-4pm and 6-8pm Tuesday at Keehn Funeral Home in Brighton. Services will be held at 11am Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church of Brighton. (JK)

Power Restored in Brighton After Transformer FirePower Restored in Brighton After Transformer Fire

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Power went out in part of the city of Brighton this morning due to a transformer fire in the vicinity of Challis Road and West Grand River. The outage affected about 300 commercial and residential customers on the north side of town, according to a DTE spokeswoman. Among them were a large number of patrons at the MJR Brighton Cinema 20 theater, awaiting the 10 a.m. showing of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and several other movies. According to a Brighton Area Fire Dept. spokesman, power went out at about 8:30 a.m. and was restored a couple hours later. Firefighters were first to arrive at the scene, and put out the fire as soon as DTE crews arrived and disconnected the wires to the transformer. Businesses in a couple of strip malls near the movie theater, such as restaurants, were also affected by the power outage. According to the fire departmnet, the only damage was to the power pole. (TT)

Alumni Groups Offers Scholarship For Local Seniors Headed To MSUAlumni Groups Offers Scholarship For Local Seniors Headed To MSU

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A local organization will once again offer a scholarship to high school seniors attending Michigan State University next year. The Michigan State University Alumni Club of Livingston County will be awarding $1000 textbook scholarships to graduating seniors who reside in the county that will attend MSU next year. The club recognizes the increasing high costs to attend college and is looking to give a helping hand to the soon-to-be freshmen of MSU. The funds must be used to purchase textbooks, reading material, course packets and other resource material needed. Applicants must be accepted to MSU for the fall of 2016 and be enrolled for at least 12 credits each semester. Applications must be fully completed and submitted together with a certified transcript no later than Tuesday, March 1st, 2016 and emailed to scholarships@livingstoncountyspartans.org. The application and more instructions can be found at the link below.(DK)

Construction Progressing On Camp For Kids With Serious Health IssuesConstruction Progressing On Camp For Kids With Serious Health Issues

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Construction on a special camp for children with serious health challenges in Unadilla and Putnam Townships is near completion. The $14 (m) million North Star Reach camp is being built on property owned by the University of Michigan in an effort to provide a traditional summer camp experience to children ages 7-15 that face chronic and life-threatening health issues like leukemia or cancer. The entire campground is located in the southeast corner of Unadilla Township, close to the hamlet of Hell, while the parking lot is in Putnam Township. It will be free of all physical barriers to accommodate campers with limited mobility and have a fully-functional medical facility. Unadilla Township Supervisor Linda Walker tells WHMI construction is nearing completion and the facility is looking to host their first campers this spring, noting the campground was the brainchild of Doug Armstrong, a registered nurse at U of M Hospital. Walker says they’re very excited to see it nearing completion and it will be a wonderful opportunity for children and their families to spend a week at camp with medical facilities, cabins and even a zip line for kids in wheelchairs. North Star Reach is a not-for-profit organization and earlier launched a $26 million capital campaign to raise funds for construction and operation of the facility as the camp would cost nothing to attend. Officials previously said the goal was to host introductory programs prior their first fully operational summer in 2016. North Star Reach will be the only camp of its kind in Michigan and the ninth in the U.S. as it is a member of SeriousFun Children’s Network founded by Paul Newman. More information can be found in the link below. (JM)

"Coats For Kids" Underway Through End Of December "Coats For Kids" Underway Through End Of December

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With the holidays over and a new year approaching, the cold Michigan winter is sure to follow. Coats for Kids is a long running partnership between WHMI and the Salvation Army of Livingston County in which warm coats and winter apparel is provided to those in need. Donations of clean, gently used and new winter items are accepted at The Salvation Army Corps Building at 503 Lake Street in Howell or any WHMI Coats for Kids box. The collection runs through the end of December but Major Prezza Morrison expects requests will increase in the coming month and they’re always looking for coats for older adults and especially teens that prefer certain styles. Morrison tells WHMI boots and snow pants are important, which can be more costly than coats, and many schools require students to have them for recess at the elementary level. Morrison says while items are provided through December 31st, another opportunity will be offered for those in need. She says they recognize that once the snow and cold really hits, demand will follow so they’ll open their doors during a special time in January for people to come and pick up coats, hats, boots, and snow pants. (JM)

Former Brighton Mayor Passes AwayFormer Brighton Mayor Passes Away

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Services will be held this week for Brighton City Councilwoman and former mayor Ricci Bandkau. Bandkau, who was a lifelong resident of Brighton, died Christmas Eve at the University of Michigan Medical Center. She was originally appointed to the Council in 2004 and then elected the following year. She was most recently re-elected to a four-year term in 2013. Bandkau was also mayor of Brighton from 2009 - 2011. Current Mayor Jim Muzzin says she will be greatly missed because of her dedication to the city, most recently with her work on creating the new veterans monument at the millpond. Muzzin says the council will likely set up parameters at their next meeting to accept applications for an appointment to fill her seat through November of 2017. The city charter calls for an appointment within 60 days or a special election would have to be held, something Muzzin says they want to avoid because of the additional cost involved. Bandkau is survived by her husband Don, daughters Heather and Heidi, and three grandsons. Visitation is scheduled from 2-4pm and 6-8pm Tuesday at the Keehn Funeral Home in Brighton. Services will be held at 11am Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church of Brighton. (JK)
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