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Hartland Consolidated Schools Consider Exception To Snack RulesHartland Consolidated Schools Consider Exception To Snack Rules

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A program designed to help curb childhood obesity is affecting how one district’s marketing club raises funds. The school store at Hartland High School isn’t able to sell food items during the lunch hour, so students aren’t spending money there since new federal nutrition guidelines took effect last year. That means the store isn’t doing what it is supposed to, which is to help Hartland’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) raise money for trips to state and national competitions. High School Principal Dave Minsker says the store is run by members of the marketing program and gives them experience in sales and marketing. The Hartland Consolidated Schools Board of Education talked about the possibility of making an exception to a policy that will allow the student run store to sell more profitable food items after school two days a week. Student nutrition director Lisa Archey says the guidelines regulate the amount of sugar, calories and fat a snack food can have. Food that doesn’t meet nutrition guidelines can’t be sold during a time that competes with the district’s breakfast or lunch programs. Minsker says they are looking for alternative foods to sell, but for now the store needs the exception. He says during the course of the school day the students want to go into the store and buy certain food items. They don't want to buy clothing all the time. Minsker says adults will come to the store after school and purchase shirts and scarves and other clothing, but as far as food goes, during lunches they can't sell many items because of the nutrition guidelines. He says they do have a fruit smoothie that falls under the guidelines, which is the only thing they can get when they're in the store, but kids won't go in there and so it is empty during the course of the lunch hour. He says that is the most important time of the day because during lunch is when all the students are right there by the school store. Minsker says the store not only helps fund various trips for the marketing program, it is also a learning experience for the students. The board is considering allowing an exception to the nutrition rules twice a week, which Minsker says may not be enough, but it is a start. The issue will be brought back to the board next month for a final decision. (DS)

Prosecutor To Appeal Holda Ruling To State Supreme CourtProsecutor To Appeal Holda Ruling To State Supreme Court

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It’s on to the Michigan Supreme Court for the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office in its appeal of a decision regarding charges against a Howell-based orthopedic surgeon charged with delivering controlled substances. Dr. Michael Holda is charged with seven counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana. His jury trial in Livingston County Circuit Court has been on hold since last July after Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt appealed a judge’s ruling that they could not introduce evidence of other acts committed by Holda to prove that he did not act in good faith. But last week, the Court of Appeals again denied that motion on a procedural basis, saying it did not need to immediately review the issue. However, Vailliencourt says that “when certain evidence is excluded, the only time the issue can be considered on appeal is before trial.” Because of that, his office will be asking the Michigan Supreme Court to order the Court of Appeals to consider their arguments. Holda turned in his license following a raid on Livingston County Orthopedics in May of 2013 by the Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA agents, who were acting as patients, testified Holda prescribed pain medications and other drugs, including Xanax, beyond what would have been medically necessary. Holda insisted that he wrote the prescriptions in good faith and properly questioned them about their symptoms. A jury earlier found Holda guilty in a separate, but related, case involving two counts of manufacturing prescription forms for which he served 30 days in the Livingston County Jail. (JK)

Residents' Voices Heard At Public Meeting Over Hacker Road ProjectResidents' Voices Heard At Public Meeting Over Hacker Road Project

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A public forum in Howell addressed community member’s questions and concerns regarding a local road project. Construction has been proposed this year that includes paving improvements on Hacker Road from Golf Club Road to just north of M-59. The project will fix drainage along the road and improve sight distance, according to the Livingston County Road Commission. The Road Commission hosted the public meeting on Monday to inform property owners along Hacker Road about the impact the project will have and their role in it. The meeting was packed and residents had a variety of questions about detours, tree removal, temporary mailboxes and funding. Martin Manhart lives at the base of a hill along Hacker Road and he tells WHMI his biggest concern is safety. Another issue that was addressed was the time-sensitive matter of property owners and right of way agreements. Managing Director Mike Craine says the Road Commission needs an agreement from certain owners to leave their right of way during the construction phase. For about 20 of the 80 properties affected, the agreement will only be temporary while a smaller percentage will be permanent. Property owners were not aware of the agreement until the meeting because Craine says those the construction will impact needed to be established first. Craine tells WHMI there is a time crunch to finalize these agreements with the owners as a result of a bat-protection law that limits when tree removal can occur. The protection of the bats could possibly affect the project’s schedule, bumping it to next year. However at this time, the estimated $5.4 million dollar project is expected to go out to bid in March and earth-moving activities would be conducted May through August. Pavement is scheduled to begin in September and Craine says any cleanup and tweaks would be taken care of before November 15th. Craine admits it’ll be a full season of construction and told property owners, “If you’ve been looking forward to this project, you’ll be glad to see us come and so glad to see us go.” (DK)

Local Man Killed By Fellow Inmate While Serving Prison TimeLocal Man Killed By Fellow Inmate While Serving Prison Time

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Authorities believe a fellow inmate is responsible for the death a local man who was killed while serving prison time. 23-year-old Jason Turnbull of Howell was serving out a minimum sentence of 10 years in the Saginaw Correctional Facility in Freeland for 3rd and 4th degree criminal sexual conduct convictions in Livingston County. Prison staff found Turnbull unresponsive on Wednesday after they were alerted to an assault that was occurring between two cellmates. Turnbull was pronounced dead later that evening and is the second inmate to die at the prison in a little over a year. A fellow prisoner is suspected in Turnbull’s death. The 23-year-old cellmate in question, who was serving time for unarmed robbery, has been transferred to another prison. The incident is still under investigation. According to the Michigan Department of Corrections’ records, Turnbull had separate offenses in Livingston County in 2010 and 2013. (DK)

Local Florist Donates Arrangements For Senior CitizensLocal Florist Donates Arrangements For Senior Citizens

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A local program that is working to put smiles on the faces of struggling senior citizens will now have a little help from an area business. The Be Our Guest Adult Day, or BOGADS, is a program of the Livingston County Catholic Charities that serves individuals who are fighting diseases such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s. The BOGADS staff celebrates each of their client’s birthdays and is receiving a generous offer from a local business to make each birthday even more special. Bonnie Sanberg, owner of Four Season Florists in Brighton, heard about BOGADS through a co-worker and has offered to donate a fresh flower birthday bouquet to each patient. Sanberg plans to personalize each arrangement and believes in giving back to her community. Sanberg cared for her mother-in-law who also suffered from Alzheimer’s and she says she is passionate about seniors. Suzi Snyder, director at BOGADS, says the floral arrangements touch the lives of the seniors they work with and brings a smile to their faces. (DK)

Brighton Chamber Of Commerce Will Hold Yearly Awards Ceremony This MonthBrighton Chamber Of Commerce Will Hold Yearly Awards Ceremony This Month

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An annual awards ceremony for the Brighton Chamber of Commerce will recognize outstanding individuals in the community later this month. The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Ceremony and After Hours will be held on Thursday, January 28th at Mt. Brighton’s Ore Creek Mountain Grill. The theme of this year’s event is “As the Chamber Turns” and it will celebrate the vibrancy of the Chamber and the community it serves. New board members will be announced and awards will be presented to several individuals and groups. Five Economic Development awards will be handed out along with the Most Fascinating Business, Young Professionals Team, Professional Woman and Michigan Product of the Year. The 2016 Distinguished Service Award for Excellence will also be presented. Doors open at 5 pm and the event is close to capacity. To RSVP, call the Chamber at 810-227-5086 or visit the link below. (DK)

Pinckney Varsity Swim & Dive Team To Take 2016 Polar Plunge Pinckney Varsity Swim & Dive Team To Take 2016 Polar Plunge

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The Pinckney Varsity Swim and Dive Team will be suiting up for a pretty cool event later this month. The Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge supports Special Olympics athletes by individuals taking a flying leap into the frigid waters of a Michigan lake, pond or pool. The Pinckney team will don typical apparel consisting of suits, goggles and swim caps when it joins hundreds of participants January 30th for the 11th annual Livingston County Polar Plunge on Leith Lake behind Brighton High School. Team co-captain Ross Richards says last year, they had a senior on the team who was mentally handicapped and had participated with Special Olympics for basketball so they took the plunge as somewhat of a senior send-off. He says they were thrilled with last year’s event and fundraising efforts, noting it’s pretty chilly but worth it for a great program. Richards tells WHMI as swimmers, they’re pretty dedicated to the sport but understand being an athlete is a unique privilege so they look for ways to share that with others. All funds raised go towards year-round sports training and athletic competition for thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Richards says the team raised about $7,600 last year and is asking for community support to achieve this year’s $10,000 goal. A link to donate on the team’s page is available below. (JM)

Conely Files For Livingston County Board Of Commissioners Conely Files For Livingston County Board Of Commissioners

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There will be at least one contested seat on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. Brighton Area Schools Trustee John Conely has filed for the District 9 seat currently held by Gary Childs, which includes portions of Brighton and Green Oak Charter Townships. Conely narrowly won re-election to the Brighton school board in November of 2014, where his current term expires December 31st of 2018. While Conely has been a major supporter of the district’s automotive technical program and its robotics team, he’s also had disagreements through the years with the district’s administration and fellow board members, including opposition to the $88 (m) million bond that passed in 2012. Conely, who owns a used car dealership in Brighton, also made headlines in 2011 after police said he deliberately rammed another vehicle in a repossession dispute. He was originally charged with felonious assault and reckless driving but pleaded guilty to a traffic offense of drag racing. Meanwhile, Childs has filed for re-election to the county board. Elected to the county board in 2012, he is the co-owner of South Lyon Cycle and was involved in various activities and committees in both the South Lyon and Green Oak Township areas. The filing deadline for county board candidates is April 19th to appear on the August 2nd primary ballot. The board has nine seats, all of which are currently held by Republicans. The only other candidates to have filed are Commissioner Steve Williams for the 6th District and Bill Green for the 2nd District. (JM/JK)

Truck Crash Snarls US-23 Morning Commute Truck Crash Snarls US-23 Morning Commute

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A crash this morning near Fenton of a tractor-trailer hauling milk created a major headache for commuters. The truck rolled onto its side around 5:30am along northbound US-23 north of the Silver Parkway exit. No injuries were reported and no other vehicles were involved in the crash. However, crews worked to clean up milk and oil from the crash, which closed the northbound lanes for several hours during the morning commute and snarling traffic heading towards Flint. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, although authorities say it appears the truck driver lost control and crashed into the median, causing the truck to roll over. (JK)

DDA Prioritizing Proposed Projects In Downtown BrightonDDA Prioritizing Proposed Projects In Downtown Brighton

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Members of the Brighton Downtown Development Authority, which met Tuesday morning, voted on a list of proposed projects for the next several years, prioritizing them according to which ones each board member thought were the most needed. DDA Director Matt Modrack tells WHMI that the board gave the top ranking to the Mill Pond master plan and the proposed parking platform. The DDA rated each project on the basis of construction cost, return on their investment and whether it brings people into downtown Brighton from the outlying area. The combined phases of the Mill Pond master plan project, totaling $1.7 million, got top billing on the list, followed by a proposed $1.5 million parking platform. The Mill Pond Phase 1A master plan involves building a bandshell to replace the existing gazebo, an amphitheater and seating area, at a cost of about $700,000. Plan 1B of the Mill Pond master plan - the $922,000 Main Street phase - involves re-working the physical layout to make it more user-friendly, installing raised planters around the trees, and adding lighting and landscaping. It also includes replacing most remaining grass with concrete to dissuade resident Mill Pond geese from congregating and leaving their droppings. Visitor comments over the years have been that the numerous goose droppings are a detriment to the Mill Pond experience. Modrack says the amphitheater and bandshell projects could happen as early as this year. Modrack says the parking platform would be a lot less expensive than a parking structure, which was previously proposed for the site, plus the city would end up with a lot more spaces: 75 to 80. It would be located on North Street, with the upper level accessible from Grand River. Other proposals which received medium-to-high priority include the “Challis Road Gateway, sidewalks, crosswalks and street lights”, downtown parking lot improvements, a pedestrian crossing at 2nd and Cedar Street, and a pedestrian walkway for the so-called “hotel center” - an area on Challis Road that includes the Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn - which is now under construction - and the planned Candlewood Suites. Also among the top 10 projects on the list is a proposed 300-seat downtown theater, although it was pointed out that the cost would be high - perhaps $3 million or more - and parking would be a problem. The prioritized list of proposed projects will be put on the city’s web site and on Facebook. (TT)

Pinckney Student Charged In Rape To Appear For Bond Violation Hearing Pinckney Student Charged In Rape To Appear For Bond Violation Hearing

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A Pinckney High School student charged in the rape of a female student will be in court Friday after a weekend jail stint for violating his bond conditions. 17-year-old Nicklaus Lefebvre had his bond revoked and spent this past weekend in the Livingston County Jail for violating a condition to not have contact with the alleged victim. Lefebvre, who was released Monday morning, reportedly sent a picture of himself and his family from his mother’s cell phone on the social media application Snapchat to his friends list, which included the victim. The victim’s grandmother saw the picture and took a screenshot of the image, which she then reported to authorities. Lefebvre, 17-year-old Jacob Houck and a 16-year-old student are charged in connection with the alleged rape of a female student at a residence within the village December 15th. Lefebvre faces three counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct, furnishing alcohol to a minor and child abusive commercial activity for allegedly taking pictures during the original incident. He’ll be back in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday for a bond violation hearing and has also been ordered to delete all of his social media accounts. Meanwhile, Houck and the 16-year-old defendant are scheduled for hearings in February. (JM)

Snyder Apologizes To Flint Residents During State Of The State Speech Snyder Apologizes To Flint Residents During State Of The State Speech

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Flint’s water crisis dominated Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s State of the State speech Tuesday night – which both local Democrats and Republicans seemingly agreed was appropriate. But that's where the agreement ended. “I’m sorry and I will fix it” pledged Snyder, who apologized to residents in the City of Flint and also acknowledged that government failed them. State Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township felt the governor was on point in apologizing more than once and vouching to fix the mess. Hune says you don’t expect water to be contaminated and possibly poison your children but that’s what happened in Flint and it appears all levels of government are to blame for the situation. Hune felt Snyder said what needed to be said and the focus should be on getting problems resolved and giving residents reasonable infrastructure and good, clean drinking water, noting there will be ongoing investigations. While many Republicans seemed to feel the apology was appropriate, many Democrats didn’t think it was enough. Livingston County Democratic Party Strategy Committee Chair Tim Johnson told WHMI that while money is being spent on test kits and bottled water, the long-term problems created by the lead-contamination are being ignored, which starts with a full accounting of how it ended up happening in the first place. He feels the debacle is one in which the Snyder Administration put profit before people. While Flint’s water crisis dominated the speech, Snyder noted that the most pressing education issue in 2016 is restructuring the Detroit Public School system and trying to make it financially solvent in the future. Johnson says as a teacher at a residential therapy center in Detroit, he was intrigued with the DPS analysis and questioned how they can continue failing when the state is in charge and has taken away all local control from the schools, parents and the people of Detroit. Hune commented that DPS is another failure and the legislation introduced last week will likely take on many different forms. He says it’s a terrible financial situation they need to get their arms around and he’s not necessarily convinced that bankruptcy wouldn’t work. Among other highlights in the speech, Snyder announced he would be seeking $28 (m) million in state aid for Flint and will deploy more Michigan National Guard members to the city. Given his administration's regulatory failures, Snyder is expected to release his emails involving Flint's water emergency to the public today and provide more information about what he knew and when. The governor and his office are exempt from public-records requests under Michigan law. (JM/JK)

New Parenting Group In Brighton Offers Education And FellowshipNew Parenting Group In Brighton Offers Education And Fellowship

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New parents can find information and fellow first-timers to bond with at a support group in Brighton. First Time, First Year is a new group that will meet at the Brighton District Library on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The meetings will offer new parents an opportunity to gather information about a baby’s first year and meet other parents. Each month, guests will hear presentations from early childhood experts on a variety of topics. The group was started in response to a need for parent education within the community and the library is looking forward to partnering with local organizations to provide that. The first session will be kicked off on January 28th and will host local pediatrician Dr. Mary Khunger of Integrated Health Associates. Dr. Khunger will discuss What to Expect in the First Year. Admission is free. To register, call 810-229-6571.

Hamburg Township Goes Forward with Post Office MoveHamburg Township Goes Forward with Post Office Move

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The process of finding a new post office location in one Livingston County township is underway. Last night, representatives from the U.S. Postal Service were at the Hamburg Township board meeting to give an update about the process. Hamburg Township is looking to move its post office, currently located at 7424 East M-36, since it hasn’t been able to get a long term lease. Residents were glad to hear the post office won’t be moving out of Hamburg. Postal service real estate specialist Greg Shelton is in Hamburg from Denver, Colorado to look for the new location. He says he’s looking at the possibility of two locations and both are very close to the old one. Shelton says the postal service has to open up the comment period to the public for residents to bring suggestions. Beginning January 20th there will be 30 days before any leases can be signed. He says then if a site is selected a letter will be sent to the township supervisor and a copy sent to the post office about the new site. If a new site isn't selected he will send a courtesy letter when a site is found. He says once a site is selected and a lease signed it will take about 120 days to build out. Shelton says after the comment period, lease agreements can be finalized provided they have a location and the process will move forward for moving into the new post office. Before the new post office is open Shelton says it will be at least six and 12 months. Former township clerk Joanna Hardesty says she’s happy with the decision to keep the post office in Hamburg. While Hardesty lives in Hamburg Township, she has a Pinckney address, so she has a post office box in Hamburg. She says it's important to keep the post office in Hamburg because of the township's need for its own identity, a notion many other residents agreed with. Residents wanting to provide input can email Shelton at; Gregory.L.Shelton2@usps.gov (DS/JK)

Hartland Board of Education Member Concerned About Bus StopsHartland Board of Education Member Concerned About Bus Stops

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Morning snow removal has a board member in one local school district concerned that children may be in danger. During a recent meeting of the Hartland Consolidated Schools Board of Education, trustee Bill Gatewood says he’s concerned about the safety at bus stops. He says there have been a couple of incidents where snow plows have damaged dumpsters on the shoulder of the highway, and drivers may not realize children use those dumpsters as wind-breaks or to shelter behind. He says on the district’s bus routes about one-third of the students are picked up on major highways, which leaves them vulnerable to the snow plows in the morning. Gatewood asked district officials about the possibility of writing a letter to the Livingston County Road Commission reminding snow plow drivers that there are kids out in the morning, and that a dumpster may be a bus stop, too. He says he has been in contact with State Rep. Lana Theis about the issue as well. (DS)

Road Commission Working On Eager Road Bridge FixRoad Commission Working On Eager Road Bridge Fix

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The Livingston County Road Commission is working towards repairing a bridge and road structure in Oceola Township that has been closed for several months. The bridge on Eager Road, north of M-59 at Bigelow, was deemed dangerous in October after an inspection found the bridge’s load-carrying capacity had failed. A curve in the road will also need to be relocated to reopen the bridge. The total project cost is expected to come in somewhere around $700,000 which may become the township’s responsibility. An agreement with OHM Advisors of Livonia was approved last Thursday and the firm will be in charge of designing the new bridge and curve fix. Managing Director Mike Craine says a schedule for the project hasn’t been set but the Road Commission is feeling some pressure to finish it this year. Craine says the project will make Eager Road safer, but also satisfy residents who have been inconvenienced since the bridge’s closure. A petition was started in November by community members calling for its repair as soon as possible. Hutchings Elementary School has also suffered as a result- any traffic going to the school must use Latson Road. With only one point of access to the building, some are worried this is unsafe in the event of an emergency. Craine says the improvement project is near the top of the list for priority projects in the county. (DK)

New Hudson Man Gets Prison For Throwing Fatal PunchNew Hudson Man Gets Prison For Throwing Fatal Punch

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Sentencing has been handed down to a New Hudson man who says he fatally punched a man in defense of his stepsister. 28-year-old Phillip Myers was ordered to serve a 3-15 year prison sentence on Tuesday in Oakland County Circuit Court for his no contest plea last month to a single count of manslaughter. Myers was originally charged with aggravated assault after an altercation on August 25th when the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office says he punched and knocked Christopher Markiewicz to the ground. Myers says Markiewicz had made unwanted sexual advances on his 17-year-old stepsister after she had given him a ride home because he was highly intoxicated. She told police he put his hand on her thigh and shoulder and that she refused his request for sex. Markiewicz returned to her home the next day, again highly intoxicated, to apologize and police say that’s when the incident occurred. The manslaughter charge was amended from aggravated assault when Markiewicz, a Marine veteran from the Desert Storm campaign, died of his injuries five days later. Myers was also ordered to make more than $10,000 in restitution.

County Commissioner Don Parker Honored For Decade Of ServiceCounty Commissioner Don Parker Honored For Decade Of Service

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Despite some recent changes in leadership and email exchanges, Monday night’s meeting of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners was absent any tension and instead featured an award presentation. Commissioner Don Parker was commended for ten years of service and over a decade of contributions, which were said to have been essential to the functioning of the county and welfare of citizens. Board Chair Kate Lawrence presented Commissioner Parker with the award and proclamation to commemorate the important milestone in his career with Livingston County. It stated that public service is a calling highly regarded by Parker, as it embodies a sense of shared values and reflects a drive to serve a cause, give back to the community and nudge history forward. It was noted that Parker has held numerous leadership roles within his tenure as commissioner; chair of debt management, finance and his leadership with special projects has chartered a map to successful fruition. Meanwhile, a motion to accept the committee assignments for 2016 as presented passed unanimously. (JM)

Charyl Stockwell To Host Flint Academy West; Water Drive Underway Charyl Stockwell To Host Flint Academy West; Water Drive Underway

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Parents, students and athletes at a local school are going for the assist when it comes to helping out fellow students in Flint amid the drinking water crisis. The Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy organized “Operation Fill A Bus” as it’s basketball team will be playing Flint Academy West Thursday. Parents and students apparently cornered Principal Steven Beyer last week to help and proposed the water drive. It took off from there and Beyer says everything came together quickly and very successfully. He tells WHMI while helping out students in another community who are in need is important, it became even more personal because they’re going to be playing against the kids and everybody is doing their part. Since the basketball team from Flint Academy West will be traveling to the Hartland/Howell area to play, Beyer says the original plan was to just send the water donations back on the bus with the roughly 20 athletes but it’s grown much larger and that’s a good problem to have. Beyer says they’re thankful for all of the donations and due to the large response; a truck was donated to take all of the collected water to Flint. Photo Credit: CSA. (JM)

Competency Exam Ordered For Alleged Multi-Million Dollar EmbezzlerCompetency Exam Ordered For Alleged Multi-Million Dollar Embezzler

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Psychological exams have been ordered for a Tyrone Township man charged with looting an Oakland County credit union over the past 12 years. Tests were approved today for 36-year-old Michael LaJoice to determine if he is competent to stand trial. LaJoice only said a few words at the hearing in front of Clarkston District Court Judge Joseph Fabrizio. The exams were requested by LaJoice’s attorney. The owner of the Chasse dance studio in Fenton is charged with 14 counts stemming from his admission to police that he stole money from the Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union in Independence Township, where he served as Chief Financial Officer. Police say it appears the thefts occurred in multiple withdrawals of $100,000 which were then deposited into several personal accounts. Prosecutors have described LaJoice's $1.3 million, 5,800-square foot home in the northeast corner of Tyrone Township as lavish, and completely unsupported by his listed salary of $65,000 from the credit union. Meanwhile, liens were placed last week on seven properties LaJoice owned, many of them part of the proposed Riverview development in downtown Fenton. The $31 million retail and residential project along the Shiawassee River had received approval just the week before LaJoice was arrested. A sign advertising the development has since been removed. Oakland County investigators said they've also seized $1.2 million in assets connected to LaJoice's alleged embezzlement. (JK)
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