A Detroit man that is one of five individuals to be connected and charged in a Genoa Township home invasion has entered a plea. 23-year-old Toursean Pressley of Detroit is charged with 1st degree home invasion, armed robbery and two counts of felony firearms. Police say Pressley and four other men took part in the home invasion last June, when they robbed the residence on Crystal Valley Drive at gunpoint. One of the people inside was struck in the head with a metal baton which caused extensive bleeding. At a final settlement conference on Wednesday, Pressley pleaded guilty to all charges against him. He is scheduled to be sentenced February 25th. Meanwhile, a final settlement conference has been scheduled January 27th for another one of the other men charged who lives locally- Kennie Whitby of Brighton. He faces charges of 1st degree home invasion, armed robbery, resisting and obstructing police, and multiple counts of felony firearms. The remaining suspects, Jemantae Perkins and Tyler and Terence Ayers of Detroit, previously entered guilty pleas and are scheduled to be sentenced in February. (DK)
Genoa Township Home Invasion Suspect Enters Guilty PleaGenoa Township Home Invasion Suspect Enters Guilty Plea
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Howell Music Teachers And Students Main Acts In State Music ConferenceHowell Music Teachers And Students Main Acts In State Music Conference
An annual music conference for the state will feature several local music teachers and students as a part of its program this week. The 11th annual Michigan Music Conference kicks off today in Grand Rapids and runs through Friday. The conference features All-State Bands and Orchestras, professional development clinics, school ensemble concerts and performances from Honors Choirs. Two Howell High School choir students, Jillian Brennan and Megan Kramer, auditioned and were selected to perform with the Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass State Honors Choir at the conference. This will also give them the opportunity to audition for a spot in the Honors Choir performance at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in May. Several teachers will also be a part of the conference and will present sessions to their colleagues. Choir Director Kelli Falls and Band Director Jeffrey Stimson of Parker Middle School and Band Director Andy Jarema of Highlander Way Middle School will focus on a variety of music education topics. (DK)
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Whitmore Lake District To Authorize Cyber-Charter School Whitmore Lake District To Authorize Cyber-Charter School
The Livingston Classical Academy is in the process of obtaining authorization to open a cyber charter school. The Whitmore Lake Public Schools Board of Education has been exploring regional ventures in the cyber charter realm and voted unanimously back in October to accept applications for cyber charter schools, and LCA applied. LCA has been looking for an authorizer since plans to locate within the old Lindbom school in Brighton fell through. The district and LCA have formalized and signed a contract, which still needs final approval from the state. LCA Development Team Chairman Dick Streetman says thereâs a 30-day period for the Michigan Department of Education to review the contract between WLPS and LCA and then respond with a charter code and any suggestions about the contract. Streetman says once an authorizer goes into a contract with a charter, the MDE doesnât usually deny the contract â they just review it and advise. Streetman told WHMI theyâre excited to finally have a charter and are very pleased the school board and district officials did their due-diligence working on the contract over the last three to four months. Streetman says theyâre currently looking at multiple locations in Livingston County and have a couple sites in mind that theyâre negotiating on but plan to open a campus in the fall of 2016. He says public new parent meetings are expected to be held at the end of February â around time things should be back from the state. He expects theyâll get into the process of parent marketing, student registration and teacher hiring very soon. Streetman says theyâll be doing the Hillsdale College classical curriculum on campus for students and have a minor cyber component at the middle and high school level, noting cyber-charter law doesnât specify how much of a cyber component. He says theyâll likely have four cyber classes that are required by the state but not part of Hillsdaleâs curriculum such as nutrition, college and career readiness and certain technology classes. The Whitmore Lake district will oversee LCAâs charter and receive 3% of each studentâs state funding as compensation for doing so. (JM)
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Gregory Couple's Story Highlights Need Underlying OLHSA's "Walk For Warmth"Gregory Couple's Story Highlights Need Underlying OLHSA's "Walk For Warmth"
The Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency has event coming up to help families in need stay warm this winter. OLHSAâs 2016 Walk for Warmth will take place at the Hartland Education Center on Saturday, February 20th. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event go to the agencyâs emergency utility assistance program. The program is designed to help people get out of their utilities crisis and help set them on a path to self-sufficiency. Two people the program helped were Cathey and William Watt of Gregory who ran into trouble last winter when William became ill with a heart condition while the couple was caring for his mother who was suffering from Alzheimerâs. Cathey believes that one of the hardest obstacles they had to overcome was admitting that they needed help. In addition to helping with bills Cathey went through OHLSAâs program that she said taught her ways to make her house more energy efficient than she thought was possible. Thanks to the help, the Watts were able to keep their house heated until William was healthy enough to go back to work in the spring. OLSHA Director of Health, Housing, and Nutrition Services Erica Karfonta told WHMI that she could relate to the Wattâs story and was encouraged that they were willing to share it. She believes that heat and warmth is an entitlement that every family should have, and that when itâs missing, the ripple effect from it becomes noticeable. Last yearâs Walk for Warmth event raised funds to help over 500 households in Livingston County. Registration for this yearâs event begins at 8:30am on February 20th, with kick-off at 9. There will be a quarter-mile indoor loop for the walk-a-thon, with lots of activities for the whole family. For more information, or to register, visit the link below. Cathey will also be a guest this Sunday on Viewpoint at 8:30am. (MK/JK)
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Community Group Wins Bid To Take Over Maintenance On Milford CemeteryCommunity Group Wins Bid To Take Over Maintenance On Milford Cemetery
Milford Township has decided to hand the maintenance duties for a cemetery from private businesses to a community group. After much deliberation during Wednesday nightâs regular meeting, the board decided to strike out in this new direction. The Oak Grove Cemetery Fund of Milford, Incorporated won the three-year bid to take over clean up duties for the cemetery of the same name. Township Supervisor Don Green said they sent out requests for bids to 12 landscaping businesses, but only received an offer from one, being owned by Township Trustee Brien Worrell, who Green said had the previous contract. Worell and Township Clerk Holly Brandt removed themselves from the dais and voting procedures while the Board heard arguments from the committee group. Green felt that Worrellâs presence as a board member did complicate matters when it came time to vote. The Oak Grove group is made up of employees and volunteers and will continue to use the help of court-assigned people from Oakland Countyâs Weekend and Weekday Alternative for Misdemeanants program. Oak Grove director Linda Dagenhardt told WHMI that they have been using community service helpers for three years and that it has been a positive experience for all. Trustees Randal Busick and Dale Wiltse had concerns about the fairness of private business having to compete with free labor alternatives and casted dissenting votes. The initial vote was 3-2 in favor of giving Oak Grove the bid, but four were needed for it to pass. Busick motioned for the board to reconsider, and then revote, where he voted in favor of the community group. (MK)
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Reading Contest Winner Honored At CapitolReading Contest Winner Honored At Capitol
A Hartland student who won a local representativeâs reading contest was recognized at the stateâs capitol. Everett Wright, who is a student at Creekside Elementary School, was honored on Wednesday and named âRep. for a Dayâ. Wright is the winner of State Representative Hank Vaupelâs Summer Reading Program contest and was recognized for his achievement on the House floor. Wright also had the opportunity to meet Governor Rick Snyder (pictured) who was visiting House Chambers. According to Rep. Vaupel, âSummer reading is a great way to help kids retain information and reduces the need for review the following school yearâ. Vaupel says he was glad to celebrate Wrightâs accomplishment. (DK)
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Addition Planned For Howell's McPherson MansionAddition Planned For Howell's McPherson Mansion
Construction can move forward on a portion of a local historical building now that a tenant has been found to occupy it. Built in 1915, the McPherson Mansion in Howell is a community staple. It has been renovated since a fire devastated the buildingâs kitchen in 2003. Conversion of the property has also been an ongoing venture since then and the mansionâs main building is filled with tenants following a previous approval for office use. A smaller building on the property, the mansionâs âcarriage houseâ, has been vacant for several years but will soon be home to a new occupant. Dr. Joe Skandalaris, a longtime physician with St. Joseph Mercy hospital, will hold his practice there. Community Development Director Tim Schmitt tells WHMI says the doctor will be performing mostly out-patient house calls which will have less impact on the area and neighbors. The cityâs Planning Commission unanimously approved the medical office use for the first floor of the carriage house at a meeting on Wednesday. Once building permit requirements are met, construction can begin which will raise the roof of the carriage house to allow for a second story. General office use has been approved for the second floor; however there arenât any prospects for occupants of that floor yet. The projectâs engineer doesnât feel securing tenants will be a problem once construction is finished. He says âIf you build it, they will come.â (DK)
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Sentencing Date Set For Howell Man On Federal Child Porn ConvictionSentencing Date Set For Howell Man On Federal Child Porn Conviction
A Livingston County man already sentenced for molesting a young boy has another sentencing date for his plea to federal charges of child pornography. 32-year-old Erik Lopez-Ferreyra of Howell pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing it. Court records show heâll be sentenced in U.S. District Court in Detroit on May 5th. The charges followed an investigation that began after the FBI Crimes Against Children Task Force discovered 57 child pornography files had been downloaded to an IP address linked to Lopez-Ferreyra. A subsequent search of his home turned up a thumb drive with illegal material on it. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence of at least 5 years in prison, up to a maximum of 25 years. Lopez-Ferreyra will also undergo at least five years of probation following his release and not contest any effort to deport him. It will be the second lengthy prison term he will be serving after being sentenced in December to 25 to 50 years for a guilty plea to a first degree criminal sexual conduct charge in Livingston County Circuit Court. Police say the molestation of a 9-year-old Howell boy took place on three separate occasions in the summer of 2013. Those incidents came to light while Lopez-Ferreyra was being investigated for child pornography. (JK)
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Store Owner Makes Donation To Child Abuse Prevention Program Store Owner Makes Donation To Child Abuse Prevention Program
A local store owner is aiding a prevention program in its fight to eliminate child abuse in the community. Steve Bloom, owner of the Verizon Wireless Zone stores in Howell, Hartland, and Highland, has made a $4,000 donation to the LACASA Centerâs Child Abuse Prevention Council. The locally-based program offers critical services for victims of child abuse and interpersonal violence. The CAP Councilâs mission is to provide informational programs on how to prevent child abuse in Livingston County. The donation was awarded to the CAP Council as part of a community grant program through the Wireless Zone Foundation for Giving. Holly Naylor, CAP Council Coordinator, says the grant will allow the organization to provide additional prevention, education and awareness programs to the community. Naylor says research has found that programs like the ones offered by the CAP Council can make a difference. Experts estimate that for every adult trained in abuse prevention skills, 10 children will be better protected. Naylor says Bloomâs donation is the perfect example of how the community can work together to protect children. (DK)
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New Housing Coming To Howell Township In 2017New Housing Coming To Howell Township In 2017
Some new housing construction will be happening in Howell Township. Brewer Meadows is expected to eventually feature around 101 homes and the township board unanimously approved the PUD agreement as presented during a December meeting. Clerk Carolyn Eaton tells WHMI itâs a great project on property the township owned, a little more than a quarter of a mile off M-59 on Brewer Road. She says it means a lot to the township to keep new housing coming in, which also helps with sewer and water payments. Howell Township will also be cost sharing with developers to pave a portion of Brewer Road as part of the project, which Eaton says is nice to have and will help get some road work done. The road will be designed by Boss Engineering and it was noted that several easements will be needed along with permits for the work as it will cross wetlands. The project has already received preliminary approvals from the board and planning commission but final site plan approval is still needed, which will take several months. Both the project and the paving arenât expected to begin until 2017. (JM)
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Geinzer Offered $90,000 Per Year to Be New Brighton ManagerGeinzer Offered $90,000 Per Year to Be New Brighton Manager
The Brighton City Council is offering the person it has selected to be the new city manager a 3-year contract at a salary of $90,000 a year. Nate Geinzer, the assistant to the city manager in Farmington Hills, has been offered the contract to be Brightonâs next city manager. If he agrees to the contract terms, he would replace Dana Foster, who left in December after over 24 years to take a position in the private sector. Foster was earning about $92,000 per year at the time he resigned. Geinzer would be eligible for six monthsâ severance pay if he were to be terminated after nine months in the position. Muzzin says Geinzer would be an âat willâ employee â meaning the city could terminate the new managerâs services at any time, with or without cause. Muzzin says City Attorney Paul Burns and the cityâs labor attorney, Dennis Gabrian, will meet with Geinzer in the coming week to review the contract terms and see if he is amenable to them. In the interim, Police Chief Tom Wightman will continue to serve as acting city manager. At a recent meeting council agreed to give Wightman a $1,500 bonus and an additional $500 per week over and above his police chiefâs salary as the interim city manager. Muzzin says if Geinzer is agreeable to the terms, he hopes to take the contract back to council for final approval at its Feb. 4 meeting and to have Geinzer on board my mid-February. (TT)
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Deerfield Couple Again Denied Motion To Dismiss Abuse ChargesDeerfield Couple Again Denied Motion To Dismiss Abuse Charges
A Deerfield Township couple accused of felony child abuse has been denied yet another motion in their defense. Eric and Angela Corcoran are charged with 2nd degree child abuse following accusations that they mentally and emotionally abused their 16-year-old adopted son. On Thursday, defense attorney Mark Scharrer requested the charges against the couple be dismissed. A motion to quash the defendantâs bind over for trial was denied by Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Hatty- the third motion to have been denied in the case thus far. In November, a motion to quash the bind over from District to Circuit Court was denied, as well as a motion for a bill of particulars which asked for essential facts of the alleged offense. The abuse reportedly began in 2012 and continued through February of 2015. Authorities say the couple kept the boy isolated in their basement, with only a camper toilet to use as a bathroom and a dirty mattress without any sheets, blankets, or pillows. The victim also claims he was mistreated by the coupleâs biological children as well and forced to eat alone. The victim has since been placed in foster care. Judge Hatty is expected to issue a written opinion on a discovery motion regarding the victimâs medical records at a pre-trial hearing on February 12th. (DK)
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EPA Regional Administrator To Resign; Legionnaires Connection Still UnprovenEPA Regional Administrator To Resign; Legionnaires Connection Still Unproven
A regional director with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will resign in connection with the drinking water crisis in Flint. EPA chief Gina McCarthy says Thursday that Susan Hedman is stepping down effective February 1st. Hedman is administrator of EPA's Region 5, which is based in Chicago and includes Michigan. McCarthy says she accepted Hedman's resignation to ensure the regional office remains solely focused on the restoration of Flint's drinking water. McCarthy also says she has issued an emergency order to "ensure the state and city immediately take actions necessary to protect public health." Meanwhile, state officials say they still aren't certain whether there's a link between a drinking water crisis in Flint and an increase in local cases of Legionnaires' Disease. A report Thursday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says nine people died of the bacterial illness between June 2014 and October 2015 in Genesee County, which includes Flint. 87 Legionnaires' disease cases were confirmed between June 2014 and November 2015. About one-third of the infected people's homes received Flint water, which was found to have elevated lead levels after the city began drawing from the Flint River. (AP)
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County Drain Commissioner Named 2015 Citizen Of The YearCounty Drain Commissioner Named 2015 Citizen Of The Year
Livingston County Drain Commissioner Brian Jonckheere was revealed as the 2015 Citizen of the Year at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner last night. Jonckheere also serves as the Director of Public Works and is a part of a number of community groups and committees. He was presented the Citizen award by the Chamberâs 2014 Citizen of the Year, Undersheriff Mike Murphy. Jonckheere credits his motivation to give back to the community to organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and United Way. He tells WHMI he is humbled to have been chosen as the award recipient. Jonckheere says his favorite part of the last year was serving at a senior center on United Wayâs Day of Caring and just doing his job for the countyâs residents. Also recognized at the 59th Annual Dinner was Catherine Daniel of Morgan Stanley who was given the Young Professional Award for her work to better the business community. Retired Howell Fire Marshall Les Rodwell was on vacation and couldnât attend the event, but his family accepted the Life Member Award on his behalf. Lake Trust Credit Union, ARMOR Protective Packaging, Rex Materials Inc. and Work Skills and Action Home Health Care were all presented Architectural Investment Awards. Chamber President Pat Convery says the county is stronger and better than ever and âtimes are goodâ. (DK)
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After Being Sidelined, Woody To Return For Groundhog Day PredictionAfter Being Sidelined, Woody To Return For Groundhog Day Prediction
The Howell Nature Center says Woody is fit as a fiddle and ready to make her 18th annual prediction this Groundhog Day. Officials say Woody is thrilled to return to the spotlight after being sidelined by an upper respiratory infection in 2015. As a result, she tapped fellow Wild Wonders Wildlife Park resident Murray to perform her annual duties. A winter storm that dumped a foot of snow on the ground during last yearâs Groundhog Day event prompted many to stay home but a small group of diehard fans watched Murray predict six more weeks of winter. Although Woody is proud of her young charge Murray for adding to her stellar record of accuracy, staff says the elder "whistle pig" is eager to retake the stage in 2016. Altogether, the two mammals' prognostications have been correct 13 out of 17 times - an accuracy rate the Howell Nature Center says vastly surpasses Punxsutawney Phil's 39% as recorded on the Stormfax Weather Almanac. There was a rare misstep in 2013 when Woody incorrectly forecast an early spring â which she humbly apologized for. This yearâs Groundhog Day celebration begins at 7am on Tuesday, February 2nd with a continental breakfast and remarks from Nature Center staff, followed by Woodyâs forecast at 8:15am sharp. A costume contest is also planned, with children encouraged to dress up and show their enthusiasm for an early spring or six more weeks of winter. Additionally, Woody will be making a preview appearance during an event next Saturday featuring breakfast and Groundhogâs Day crafts. Details are available in the link below. (JM)
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Local Businesses Asked To Pitch In On Fundraiser For Wounded Vets Local Businesses Asked To Pitch In On Fundraiser For Wounded Vets
An upcoming fundraiser for wounded veterans is seeking out businesses in Howell and Brighton to help make a difference. The 3rd annual Crusaderâs Gala is being held on February 20th to benefit Camp Liberty. The nonprofit 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 says 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. But he says they are hoping businesses in Howell and Brighton will step forward to donate gift cards for services that they can use as an auction item at the event. Any business that would like to participate, or would just like additional information, is asked to call (810) 908-1901 or send an email to info@camp-liberty.org. Meanwhile, tickets for the gala remain on sale. They are $80 apiece, with veterans and first responders receiving a $25 raffle package. 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. Details are online through the link below. (JK)
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Former Youth Sports Treasurer Sentenced For EmbezzlementFormer Youth Sports Treasurer Sentenced For Embezzlement
A Highland Township man has been sentenced on charges of embezzling money from a youth sports organization where he served as treasurer. 42-year-old Mark Helz was ordered to spend 30 days in the Oakland County Jail and then one year of probation at his sentencing Wednesday. Helz was arrested at his home Sept. 25 following a two month investigation by the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office. Authorities say he stole approximately $20,000 from the Huron Valley Youth Baseball and Softball League. The leagueâs president said he notified police after discovering discrepancies in bank records. Helz was originally charged with embezzlement of between $1,000 and $20,000 from a non-profit/charitable organization. But that was amended in exchange for a guilty plea to a charge of embezzlement of less than $200 from a non-profit/charitable organization. (JK)
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Pinckney Schools to Apply for Cyber Security GrantPinckney Schools to Apply for Cyber Security Grant
One local school district could receive a share in several million dollars in grants to help train students and the community in technology. Last night the Pinckney Community Schools Board of Education heard a presentation from one of its technology teachers about a possible grant that will bring a cyber security program to the district. High school technology teacher Cyndi Millns told the board the district was approached by the Department of Defense and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation about participating in a grant program that will be used to set up a cyber security training program. Millns says the grant will benefit the whole county. She says it's $5.97 (m) million that the Department of Defense came up with. She says there are matching funds out there, but right now its 13 counties across Southeastern Michigan that are eligible to pursue this. Millns says ideally a couple of hundred thousand dollars would be great, but they'll take what they can. She says they have some great ideas about how to continue funding that and to benefit local business as well as their own students. She says she has students that come in from all over Livingston County to take this course from her so they would be benefiting all five districts in the county and their students interested in training in cyber security and IT. Millns says the grant would be used to fund programs related to protecting things like the internet, autonomous vehicles and other information technology. Grant money will fund a protected network or cyber sandbox, where students can learn. Millns says they will be applying for the grant within the next few weeks, and programs can start to be put in place as early as this summer. Millns says camps for students will start later this year, and there will also be conferences for local business owners. She says Pinckney drew the attention of the Department of Defense because a group of students were involved in the Cyber Patriot Competition and because of their placement in the Business Professionals of America competitions. (DS)
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Bezotte Says He Will Not Seek Re-Election As Livingston County SheriffBezotte Says He Will Not Seek Re-Election As Livingston County Sheriff
This is the final year that Bob Bezotte will be Livingston County Sheriff. In a letter released today, Bob Bezotte said that after much thought and consideration, he has decided not seek a fourth term and will conclude his 43-year law enforcement career at the end of 2016. Bezotte, who was first elected to the position in 2004, said that the time has come for him and his wife Shelia to relax and spend more time with family. He also said he was supporting Undersheriff Mike Murphy in his bid to become the next Livingston County Sheriff, saying he has the experience and leadership to move the department forward. Bezotte added that while he has not always seen eye-to-eye with the countyâs Board of Commissioners, his intent has always been to do what is right for employees and citizens. Most recently, Bezotte and former County Board Chair Carol Griffith publicly disagreed over issues surrounding the fact that non-union employees would not be receiving a salary increase. Bezotte thanked Livingston County citizens who had supported him over the past 12 years, as well as the men and women of the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office. He said âTheir teamwork and dedication provides all of us with the opportunity to live and work in a safe and protected community and their efforts every day make it a better place to live.â (JK)
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United Way Seeks To Recognize Exemplary VolunteersUnited Way Seeks To Recognize Exemplary Volunteers
If you know someone who has made an impact through their volunteer work in the community this year, you can nominate them to be recognized through a local organization. Livingston County United Way is now accepting nominations of individuals and organizations for several community service awards. LCUW will recognize the chosen recipients at the annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Breakfast in March. A Volunteer of the Year, Community Service, Young Person of Distinction, Youth Organization of the Year and Business of the Year awards are all up for grabs. LCUW wants to honor those who have worked hard to âmake it happenâ for nonprofit organizations in the area to showcase the value of volunteerism. Nominations will need to be mailed, faxed or emailed to LCUW by this coming Friday, January 29th. To nominate individuals, groups or businesses, call 810-494-3000 or log through the link below. (DK/JK)
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