Laurel Manor in Livonia is being transformed into King Arthurâs Court for an event benefitting modern day knights. The 3rd annual Crusaderâs Gala is being held on February 20th to benefit the non-profit organization, Camp Liberty. Camp Liberty offers 36 programs throughout the year that help combat injured and disabled veterans restore their quality of life. Retired Major for the U.S. Air Force Rick Briggs believes that organization is in the perfect spot to help the most vets and can provide the best support. The gala will help pay for events like trout fly tying and pheasant hunting that are free for men and women and their families who have served. People are encouraged to attend the event dressed in their favorite renaissance-era clothing like a knightâs, maidenâs, or even a pirateâs. One veteran couple will serve as the honorary King and Queen and preside over a medieval dinner and open bar full of grog and ale. There will be door prizes, raffles, games, and a best costume contest throughout the evening. Tickets for the gala are $80, with veterans and first responders receiving a $25 raffle package. People who register early will have a chance to win one of two remaining $600 Glock pistol packages to be given away on the firsts of January and February. For more information, to register, or help sponsor, visit the link below. (MK)
Charity Event To Benefit Wounded VeteransCharity Event To Benefit Wounded Veterans
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Just A Few Days Left In LACASA's Triple Giving ChallengeJust A Few Days Left In LACASA's Triple Giving Challenge
With just a few days left in 2015, time is running out to take advantage of an offer from a generous donor to assist a local nonprofit organization that benefits abuse victims. LACASA is going into its 35th year in 2016 and is kicking off the celebration with a Triple Giving Challenge to end 2015. An anonymous benefactor has offered to match every dollar donated through the rest of the year with two dollars of their own. The goal is to raise $35,000, which with the donorâs contribution, would turn into $105,000. The donor pledged to meet any number set by the public, however, even if it exceeds the goal. Communications Director Robin OâGrady told WHMI that LACASA offers over 25 programs and services for victims of child abuse and personal trauma. They offer trauma assessment and counseling, hoping to help victims focus better in society. OâGrady said that LACASA is an independent and locally run organization, with no help from a national agency. The money raised will stay in the Livingston County area to benefit its citizens in need. For more information, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit the link below. (JK)
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Former Hamburg Township Supervisor Passes AwayFormer Hamburg Township Supervisor Passes Away
A one-time supervisor of Hamburg Township has passed away. Howard Dillman died on Christmas Eve after a battle with throat cancer. He was 60. Dillman served as Hamburg Township supervisor from 1998 to 2004. He also served through the years on the townshipâs sewer and personnel committees, as well as on the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments executive committee. He also at one time served as vice chairman of the Livingston Community Joint Water Authority. Dillman was last seen in public at the dedication on December 1st of the 6.5 mile stretch of the Lakelands Trail that runs through Hamburg Township. That portion of the trail was named in his honor because he was widely credited with getting the project off the ground. While he was unable to speak at the ceremony, Dillman expressed his gratitude toward all who made the project a success through a letter. A Community Farewell Service will be held this Saturday, January 2nd at 2pm at the Borek Jennings Hamburg Chapel.
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Hazardous Road Conditions Cause Accidents In Livingston CountyHazardous Road Conditions Cause Accidents In Livingston County
Hazardous driving conditions have resulted in multiple crashes being reported across Livingston County. With high winds, sleet and freezing rain in the forecast, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department says motorists need to be paying attention - which is difficult to do if youâre distracted by your phone or other things. Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI you canât always keep up with quickly changing weather and road conditions so motorists need to slow down and allow extra time. Four-wheel drive does not equal four-wheel stop and Murphy cautions that while a road might appear wet, it could really be black ice youâre riding on. He says make sure tires are properly inflated, keep a good distance between the vehicle ahead of you to allow more room for stopping and give plenty of extra space to plow crews and emergency personnel. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service says a mix of snow and sleet will transition to mainly freezing rain during the course of the evening. Power outages are possible, with the highest sleet and ice accumulations expected north of the M-59 corridor. Stay tuned to WHMI 93.5FM for current weather advisories and traffic information. (JM)
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SEMCOG Urging Safety & Sobriety SEMCOG Urging Safety & Sobriety
Itâs that time of year when alcohol-related crashes tend to increase and a regional transportation planning agency is offering some sobering facts. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments reports that in the local region alcohol is involved in only 3% of total crashes but accounts for 27% of traffic crash fatalities. Executive Director Kathleen Lomako* says the dangers of impaired driving have been known for some time but it is a constant struggle to heighten awareness of the issue and change behavior not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. SEMCOGâs Southeast Michigan Traffic Safety Plan recommends that agencies in the region support ridesharing and public transit as a reliable alternative to impaired driving. Further information and traffic crash data can be accessed through the link below. (JM)
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Christmas Day Incident In Lyon Township Involved Drugs & Alcohol Christmas Day Incident In Lyon Township Involved Drugs & Alcohol
An alcohol and drug fueled incident on Christmas Day in Lyon Township resulted in charges against three individuals. Oakland County Sheriffâs Deputies from the Lyon Township substation responded to the 50 block of Petoskey around 6:19am last Friday after a report of a female screaming for help in the front yard. A report states that deputies located a highly intoxicated female on the front porch and two highly intoxicated men inside the residence. The department reports that all three had been using narcotics. One of the subjects refused to comply and became combative with deputies, which led to a taser being deployed. Due to his intoxication level, the 38-year-old Canton man was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation. The other subject, a 43-year-old Northville Township man, was also said to have become combative with deputies while being place in the patrol vehicle and was lodged in the Oakland County Jail. Both face charges of resisting and obstructing police. Meanwhile the 39-year-old female involved who resides in Lyon Township was cited for being a disorderly person and released at the scene. (JM)
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Service Agency's Therapists To Receive Trauma Training Through GrantService Agency's Therapists To Receive Trauma Training Through Grant
A local service agency has been awarded grant funding to cover the cost of trauma training and certification for its therapists. Livingston County Catholic Charities was recently awarded a grant of $12,744 from the Community Foundation for Livingston County. The grant monies will fund the cost of Trauma Informed training and certification for six of Catholic Charitiesâ therapists. The therapists are excited to begin their training next year and the training they will receive is highly valued in the county court system and other referral sources. The training will focus on treating clients who have experienced any form of trauma in their life that may limit their ability to function in society. Catholic Charities provides professional services to local residents including substance abuse prevention and counseling, mental health counseling, senior citizen and child welfare services. James Schepper, Clinical Director at LCCC, says the clinical training is greatly needed in the area and he is very grateful for the support and funding from the Community Foundation for Livingston County. (DK)
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El Niño For Michigan; Ice Storms To Mild TemperaturesEl Niño For Michigan; Ice Storms To Mild Temperatures
With Mondayâs freezing rain and hail being followed by todayâs mild temperatures, one local meteorologist is reminding residents that this winter in particular is going to be out of the ordinary. Richard Pollman is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Serviceâs White Lake Township Office and says the El Niño phenomenon is driving the weather patterns. El Niño is when warmer than normal temperatures in the Pacific Ocean shift the wind and precipitation patterns. So weâre unlikely to experience the type of weather like the last two winters with extreme cold and heavy snowfall. Pollman says the current El Niño is the strongest since 1998 and that the farther north you are in Michigan, the higher the chance of warmer-than-normal temperatures. The Upper Peninsula has at least a 60% chance of warmer-than-normal winter temperatures, while southern Lower Michigan, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, Jackson, Lansing and Kalamazoo have a lesser chance of warmer-than-normal temperatures at 40%. (JK)
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Third Pinckney Student Charged In Alleged Rape; Two Others In Court TodayThird Pinckney Student Charged In Alleged Rape; Two Others In Court Today
A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for another suspect connected to the alleged rape of a Pinckney High School student. The 16-year-old student is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on January 4th in juvenile court and faces one count of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree of a person between 13 and 15. Court records state that the suspect engaged in sexual penetration pursuant to the details of the charges. The suspect, along with two others all of whom are students at Pinckney High School, are being charged in connection to an incident in which a 15-year-old female victim was allegedly raped at a residence in the village. The victim is also a student at the high school. 17-year-old Nicholas Lefebvre is 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 supposedly taking pictures during the alleged incident. 17-year-old Jacob Houck is charged with one count of third degree criminal sexual conduct and both also face a count of furnishing alcohol to a minor. Lefebvre and Houck are scheduled to appear before 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader today for probable cause conferences. (DK)
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High School Junior Air Force Cadets Earn Honors At Various CompetitionsHigh School Junior Air Force Cadets Earn Honors At Various Competitions
Local high school students that are a part of an Air Force Junior ROTC Program have come out on top at recent competitions. Cadets in Howell High Schoolâs Air Force Junior ROTC Program have taken away trophies from meets throughout the state in the last couple of months. The cadets recently attended the Wayne Memorial High School Cadet Challenge (pictured) and competed against teams from nine schools in a fitness-based event. Howellâs cadets took first place, competing in curl-up, pullup, shuttle run, 1-mile run and v-sit challenges. Several cadets also earned individual honors from the various parts of competition. The team also attended the Grand Rapids Drill Meet in late November and once again competed against nine other teams. Howellâs unarmed exhibition team won first place and its first year unarmed exhibition team took second place. The schoolâs armed exhibition advanced unarmed and female armed exhibition teams all earned third place trophies. (DK)
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Howell Township Seeks Community Input On Master Plan UpdatesHowell Township Seeks Community Input On Master Plan Updates
An updated plan to guide growth and development in Howell Township is ready for public viewing. A municipalityâs master plan is required to be updated every five years and sets forth a vision for future growth and development. Township Clerk and Zoning Administrator Carolyn Eaton tells WHMI months of work have culminated in the new master plan and theyâre eager to showcase the changes during an open house in late January. The entire master plan was reviewed and an online survey was also conducted. Eaton says a lot of the maps and some descriptions of zonings have been changed while other things incorporated should make it more favorable for development to come in and dictate what can be done in an area and not go against the master plan. The community open house will take place from 6:30 to 8:30pm on January 26th at the Howell Township Hall on Byron Road. Eaton says theyâll present changes and take public input but are hoping for a good crowd as the plan involves every aspect of the township. (JM)
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Pinckney Students Scheduled For Preliminary Examinations In Rape CasePinckney Students Scheduled For Preliminary Examinations In Rape Case
Preliminary examinations have been scheduled for two Pinckney High School students facing charges in the alleged rape of another student. 17-year-old Nicklaus Lefebvre faces three counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct of a person between 13 and 15 and one count of child abusive commercial activity for allegedly taking pictures during the incident. 17-year-old Jacob Houck faces one count of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct and both are charged with one count of furnishing alcohol to a minor. Both suspects are charged in connection with the alleged rape of a 15-year-old female Pinckney High School student at a residence in the village. The two were scheduled to appear in court this morning for probable cause conferences, though only Lefebvre was present. Both have obtained new attorneys. Lefebvre is scheduled for a preliminary examination January 11th and Houck for January 4th. A third 16-year-old student was recently charged in the case as well and faces one count of third degree CSC. That suspect is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing in January in juvenile court. (DK)
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Livingston County Road Commission Approves 2016 Budget & Projects Livingston County Road Commission Approves 2016 Budget & Projects
2016 will bring some significant construction projects for Livingston County on heavily traveled gravel roads and even trails. The Livingston County Road Commission unanimously adopted a balanced budget during a Thursday morning meeting. Routine maintenance such as plowing, patching and painting accounts for roughly one-third of the budget, 40% is construction projects and the balance is other support items like equipment. 2016 revenues are a bit higher than last year, which is due to increased contributions from local units of government. Two big projects include the paving of Rushton Road from Doane to Silver Lake Road in Green Oak Township and Hacker Road from Golf Club to north of M-59 in Hartland and Oceola Townships. Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI the overall budget picture is improving over prior years and particularly so because of the significant contributions of Green Oak, Hartland and Oceola Townships - financed largely from millages supported by voters at the polls. Some deficiencies in the budget pertain to two bridges that are currently closed or structures referred to by the Road Commission as short span culverts on Eager Road in Oceola Township and Pleasant Valley Road in Brighton Township. A source of funding has not been identified for either and they are not part of the budget. Primary focus projects for 2016 include Brighton Road from Chilson to Bauer Road that will involve major reconstruction, paving and drainage work with closures in spots. A roundabout will also be installed at Chilson and Coon Lake Roads to address safety issues. Other paving improvements will occur on D-19 from Triangle Lake to Coon Lake Road as well as Whitmore Lake Road from Eight to Nine Mile in Green Oak Township. The Road Commission also coordinates local projects and performs engineering and design services. Two in the coming year will be an extensive non-motorized trail to tie in the central part of Green Oak Township into the Lakeland Trail system and the paving of Grand Oaks to Grand River in Genoa Township, which is being funded through a special assessment district. Meanwhile, there were no major administrative changes or expenses. Routine maintenance expenditures are holding about the same as the previous year, but winter is the driving force. There are ample salt supplies and gas prices are also down, but thatâs one factor staff noted can change quickly and impact the budget. Depending on how the season shakes out, funds could be shifted toward paving operations or maintenance. The budget also included a 2% raise for non-union employees, which is on par with compensation negotiated in contracts covering other employees. (JM)
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Howell Woman Sentenced For Drunk Police Chase With Kids In The CarHowell Woman Sentenced For Drunk Police Chase With Kids In The Car
A Howell woman who led police on a high speed chase while extremely intoxicated with her two young children in the car has been sentenced. 28-year-old Tiffany Suzanne Nagel was recently sentenced after pleading guilty to charges of fleeing and eluding, operating while intoxicated and child endangerment for the August 30th incident. She was ordered to spend 150 days in jail and given credit for 45 days already served. Milford Police say Nagel was clocked at 93mph on General Motors Road by an officer, who she led on a chase into the Milford Proving Grounds, where she was taken into custody. A preliminary breath test indicated she had a blood alcohol content of .225%, nearly three times over the legal limit. Police also found an open bottle of vodka in the vehicle. The front-seat passenger, who was also highly intoxicated, was a 30-year-old Hartland Township man with warrants out for his arrest. Two children in the rear of the car, a 1-year-girl and a 3-year-old boy, were turned over to a relative while Child Protective Services was notified. The results of that investigation are unknown. Nagel, who was sentenced in September to five months in jail after she pleaded guilty to a probation violation in Livingston County Circuit Court, will have the balance of her sentenced suspended after 90 days so she can enter a residential substance abuse treatment program. She must also serve two years of probation.
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Hune Calls Resignation Of MDEQ Director In Flint Water Scandal "Tip Of The Iceberg"Hune Calls Resignation Of MDEQ Director In Flint Water Scandal "Tip Of The Iceberg"
A local lawmaker says the resignation of the director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is likely just the "tip of the iceberg." Governor Rick Snyder appointed the Flint Water Task Force after being made aware of elevated levels of lead in Flintâs water and that the stateâs handling of the situation was being questioned. State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township referred to the crisis as an âErin Brockovichâ situation and an example of government working against the people that literally goes from incompetence at the local level and probably involves a cover-up. He says it is obvious that after preliminary information came in, heads would have to roll, which on Tuesday began at the top with MDEQ Director Dan Wyant. The Flint Water Advisory Task Force concluded that the state Department of Environmental Quality "must be held accountable" for the failure to ensure safe drinking water for Flint residents. Hune says that the consensus among the Senate was to let the governorâs investigation proceed and he's eager to see what it reveals. He says that while Wyant is a friend of his, he had some culpability in the situation in his role as director of the department. Hune says when initial testing was done there were certainly high lead levels in some of the water samples and the DEQ worked on omitting some of those so others wouldnât look so bad in comparison. Hune noted that the legislature acted swiftly and appropriated money so that Flint could tap back in to the Detroit water system but there will be ongoing problems regardless as lead poisoning is a debilitating issue that can take generations to get out of a population. Meanwhile, Governor Snyder said heâs making other personnel changes at the MDEQ to address problems cited by the task force. The final report is not yet complete. (JM/JK)
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Marion Township Man Identified In Fatal CrashMarion Township Man Identified In Fatal Crash
Authorities are investigating a car crash in Howell that took the life of a local man Tuesday morning. 68-year-old Michael David Esper of Marion Township was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department were dispatched to the scene on County Farm Road near Sanitorium Road around 10am Tuesday. A preliminary investigation shows that a 2002 Ford F-250 pickup truck had been heading northbound on County Farm Road when the truck left the roadway and struck a tree. Undersheriff Mike Murphy says the driver had to be extricated from the vehicle by personnel from the Howell Area Fire Department and EMS was present at the site. The crash is under investigation to determine a cause and Murphy says speed and alcohol do not appear to be a factor at this time. (DK)
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Livingston County's Jobless Rate Improves From October to NovemberLivingston County's Jobless Rate Improves From October to November
After holding mostly steady, Livingston Countyâs jobless rate improved in November. Seasonally unadjusted jobless rates in November declined slightly over the month in most major labor market areas. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget reports total employment and labor force levels rose moderately in the majority of regions. Local labor markets were said to have followed typical seasonal patterns in November and jobless rates were little changed over the month but continued to show reductions over the year. Livingston Countyâs unemployment rate stood at 4%, falling one full percentage point over the month. Livingstonâs overall ranking among Michiganâs 83 counties also improved considerably from 46th in October to 17th in November. The state says the most pronounced over-the-year jobless rate decreases were registered in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn statistical area, which encompasses Livingston County. (JM)
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Habitat for Humanity Receives Donation from Michigan Credit Union LeagueHabitat for Humanity Receives Donation from Michigan Credit Union League
Employees from a Livonia based financial group donated funds to a Livingston County organization that helps people in need. When it comes to building homes for low income families, every donation counts. A check for $694 from the Michigan Credit Union League and Affiliates was no exception. Credit Union League employees spent the last year raising funds for Habitat for Humanity in a variety of ways and this morning presented a check at the Livingston County Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Brighton. Kaye Chervenak is project coordinator for the Michigan Credit Union League. She says the employees raised over $1,300 which was split between Livingston County and Lansing. She says they held "jeans days," bake sales and other fund raisers once a month or every other month throughout the year to raise money. Employees also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity houses and spent two days helping out at the Brighton ReStore in September. She says the employees know the importance of Habitat for Humanity and want to support their mission. Livingston County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Larry Pfeil says the funds will go into the Habitat fund. He says any donations or help they receive to reduce costs make a difference in the number of homes they can build for families in Livingston County. Pfeil says construction is nearly completed on a new home on Hannah Court near Fowlerville. Over the past four decades Habitat for Humanity has built over 500,000 homes worldwide. Donations from groups like the Michigan Credit Union League and Affiliates as well as money raised through the ReStore help fund construction. (DS)
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Funds Secured To Reconstruct Dangerous Intersection In Novi And Lyon TownshipFunds Secured To Reconstruct Dangerous Intersection In Novi And Lyon Township
A reconstruction project of a dangerous intersection is in its beginning phases according to local Road Commission officials. Spokesman Craig Bryson says the Road Commission for Oakland County has been aware of the intersection at 10 Mile Road and Napier for quite a while and the hazardous situation it poses. A hill makes it difficult for traffic traveling to the east to see the intersection and the spot is in 116th place among all intersections within the jurisdiction for traffic crash rates. Bryson says the Road Commission has been working with Novi and Lyon Township officials for many years to address the problem and he tells WHMI necessary elements will be installed to provide a safer scenario. Federal road funding was recently secured to help cover the cost of the $4 million dollar project and local matching funds will come from the Road Commission. Before a construction schedule can be set, Bryson says the projectâs design must be completed and road rights of ways will need to be purchased as well as wetland mitigation. The Road Commission will then have to go out for bid and establish a contractor. Bryson expects the work will begin during the 2017 construction season. In the meantime, temporary steps are being taken to further heighten awareness of the intersection including reflective striping, signage and increased frequency of sweeping paved portions to clear gravel. (DK)
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Suspect Sought In Rash Of Burglaries In Ingham & Livingston CountiesSuspect Sought In Rash Of Burglaries In Ingham & Livingston Counties
Authorities are investigating a series of burglaries across two counties after several local businesses were recently targeted. More than half a dozen break-ins have occurred at establishments from Meridian Township in Ingham County to Genoa Township in Livingston County. The Howell-area burglaries include Eternity Brewing, which was targeted last Wednesday followed by El Patron and Blue Fin Japanese Steakhouse on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, the burglar broke into New China King and then Jeffâs Fireworks on Monday, where he shattered the front door and stole the cash registerâs drawer. Security footage caught an image of the burglar wearing a light colored hoodie, white ski mask and white gloves. The suspect appeared to be over 6 feet tall with an estimated weight of around 230 lbs. The suspect is also thought to be involved in a break-in earlier today at Ahmo's Deli in Brighton. The rash of burglaries apparently began December 22nd when a suspect matching the description cased and then broke into a Meridian Township restaurant. A clear shot of his face was caught from surveillance video of that incident and is posted here. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department, Michigan State Police, Howell Police and Meridian Township Police are working together on the cases. In the meantime, they are suggesting that businesses owners remove cash registers from their drawers after closing and be vigilant of any suspicious activity. Anyone with information is asked to call the Livingston County Sheriff's Department at 517-546-2440 and ask for Detective Welch. (DK/JK)
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