A plea deal has been reached with a man who is charged with sex and computer crimes involving a teenager from Brighton. 27-year-old Burhan Ahmed Mian of Flint originally faced charges of using a computer to commit a crime, child abusive commercial activity and three counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct. At a pre-trial hearing on Friday, Mian pleaded guilty to one count of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct in exchange for the dismissal of the other charges. He will be sentenced February 18th. Mian is one of the four men charged with having separate sexual relations on different occasions with the now 16-year-old victim. The men reportedly met the teen on a social networking application geared towards gay and bisexual men and police say all but one of the incidents occurred when the victim was just 15. 18-year-old Cody Hunter Swatling of South Lyon and 24-year-old Alex Peter Benedict of Brighton were sentenced in December for their involvement and received jail time and probation. 21-year-old John Joseph Gasiorek III received 36 months of probation. Those three men were sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act which will expunge their records if they successfully complete probation. (DK)
Man Charged In Brighton Teen Sex Case Enters PleaMan Charged In Brighton Teen Sex Case Enters Plea
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Possible Clean-Up Project For Cemeteries In Putnam Township Possible Clean-Up Project For Cemeteries In Putnam Township
Putnam Township is looking into refurbishing two of their cemeteries. Clerk Sally Guyon says Sprout and Gilkes Cemetery are laden with proof of the townshipâs history which she feels is important to the community. Guyon says she had heard from residents that the cemeteries needed to be cleaned up and she agreed when she found that many of the gravestones were leaning or even crumbling. Supervisor Ron Rau says many of them are in âdisarrayâ. Guyon originally had the idea to fix as many headstones as funds would allow, but when she approached the board of trustees, she got more than she bargained for. Guyon will meet with Dave Carter of Carter Cemetery Preservation next month to get an assessment for the cost of cleaning up both cemeteries. Headstones will be straightened and repaired and debris will be cleared as well. The cemeteries received new signs just a few years ago and Guyon feels itâs time new fencing is put in. A quote for the project will be brought before the board at a budget workshop so funding can be incorporated into their planning. Guyon will also like to hire a company in the future to create plat maps of both cemeteries due to the poor records she currently has. (DK)
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Howell Police Officers Save Elderly Woman From Apartment Fire Howell Police Officers Save Elderly Woman From Apartment Fire
Three Howell Police officers are being commended for their lifesaving actions in evacuating residents from an apartment complex fire. Officers Aleshia Vallance, Derek Burke and Renae Small arrived first on scene to a reported fire in the Sunny Knoll Apartments off Grand River. Upon entering, the officers were immediately confronted with thick, heavy, dense smoke and very limited visibility â reporting they couldnât even see their hand in front of their face. While searching an apartment, they discovered a 77-year-old woman on the floor who was semi-conscious and unable to move due to smoke inhalation, combined with a physical disability. Howell Police Chief George Basar tells WHMI the three could barely see anything while making their way through the womanâs apartment and managed to locate a wheelchair. With help from EMS personnel, they were able to lift the woman into the chair and take her to safety. Basar says the officers then went back inside and started the process of evacuating other residents until the Howell Fire Department arrived and was able to extinguish the fire. Basar said the three did a great job and as a result of their quick actions and appropriate reaction, it was recognized by medical personnel at the scene that the officers were responsible for saving the womanâs life and felt she would have definitely perished from smoke inhalation had she not been promptly removed from the building. The woman was expected to make a full recovery after a lengthy hospital stay. Meanwhile, the officers were recognized at a Howell City Council meeting in January and presented with Life Saving Awards for their display of professional excellence. Photo: Howell Police. (JM)
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Man Charged For Allegedly Stalking 6th Grade TeacherMan Charged For Allegedly Stalking 6th Grade Teacher
A man is facing charges for allegedly stalking his 6th grade teacher. 51-year-old Steven Kremski faces charges of stalking and malicious use of a telecommunication device in what police refer to as an odd case of obsession stretching back 36 years. None of the calls were said to be threatening, which began in 2011 but steadily increased over the years and became more frightening to the now 81-year-old teacher. They ranged from heavy breathing to professing love or holiday greetings but in one the caller stated he had located the graves of her relatives. Unadilla Township Police investigated the case and interviews led them to Kremski, who was caught on surveillance video using a pay phone at Bishop International Airport in Flint. Thatâs where he was arrested late last week after placing two calls to the teacher while police were on route to apprehend him. Kremskiâs bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety and he is scheduled to appear in court February 29th for a pre-trial hearing. (JM)
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Fenton Residents Warned Of Possible Animal Control ScamFenton Residents Warned Of Possible Animal Control Scam
A possible scam involving dog licenses is prompting a warning to residents in the Fenton area. According to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, information was recently received that a person identifying themselves as an officer with Genesee County Animal Control has been going to homes in the Fenton area asking residents about dog licenses. The person in question is reported to be dressed in professional looking clothing and shows residents a lanyard with identification. Investigators stress that the person is not affiliated with Animal Control. County officials say that a census of dog licenses will be done sometime after May 1st with Animal Control officers going door-to-door showing identification to residents and dressed in an official uniform. Anyone who is approached at their home before May 1st by someone inquiring about dog licenses is asked to please call police to report the incident. Residents are also asked to call Animal Control at 810-732-1660. (JK)
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Free Tax Services Offered to Low Income Individuals & FamiliesFree Tax Services Offered to Low Income Individuals & Families
Free income tax services are again being offered to low income families and individuals who qualify throughout Livingston County. The service is provided by the non-profit Accounting Aid Society. Longtime volunteer and former tax man John Dillion is the site coordinator for Livingston County. He oversees the three at the Brighton and Putnam Township Senior Centers as well as the Howell Carnegie District Library and eligibility is based on total household income. He tells WHMI they prepare federal, state and city income taxes but also file all tax credits that someone might be eligible for. Dillion stressed every return is checked and reviewed by preparers who are very well-trained and enjoy working with people. Volunteers did almost 600 returns locally last year, which resulted in clients getting back almost $700,000 in refunds and credits. Dillion says while someone might not qualify for state or federal taxes, they could still get the property tax and home heating credits because of their low income. A brochure summarizing the three sites in Livingston County is attached below that includes dates and times, income limitations and a phone number to set up appointments. E-filing is done on the spot once the returns are complete and direct deposit services are also offered. (JM)
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Woody Picks Broncos To Win Big Game As She Prepares For Tuesday's Annual Winter PredictionWoody Picks Broncos To Win Big Game As She Prepares For Tuesday's Annual Winter Prediction
After sitting on the sidelines for Groundhog Day last year, Livingston County's resident weather-guessing woodchuck will be back in the spotlight Tuesday morning. Woody from the Howell Conference & Nature Center had to miss her annual Groundhog Day prediction in 2015 after suffering from an upper respiratory infection. The center's other woodchuck named Murray filled in instead. But Dana Debenhem, the nature centerâs director of Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education, told WHMI's Mike & Jon in the Morning, everything is set to go this year for Woodyâs return. Woody has a 75% success rate in accurately predicting whether winter will last another six weeks. Either way, Howell Nature Center Director Dick Grant says they plan to have a fun, family-friendly event for everyone on Tuesday, starting with a complimentary continental breakfast at 7am and a summer-themed costume contest shortly before 8am for a free week of summer camp at the nature center. The actual prediction will come promptly at 8:15am. Woody also made her annual Super Bowl pick while in the WHMI studios, choosing the Broncos to beat Carolina in the Big Game this Sunday. (JK)
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Father & Son Die After Fishing Accident On Icy Lake Father & Son Die After Fishing Accident On Icy Lake
A man and his son were pulled from an icy lake after a tragic fishing accident in Highland Township. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office has identified the victims who died in the ice fishing accident on Alderman Lake as 30-year-old David Michael Lyons and 4-year-old Jackson Lyons. Authorities say the next of kin have all been notified, including the mother of the boy, who was engaged to be married to David Lyons. Both were pronounced deceased at Huron Valley Hospital in Commerce Township, according to the Sheriffâs Office. Witnesses reported seeing them go into Alderman Lake about 10:36am. The pair was rushed to a nearby hospital after sheriff's divers pulled them from the water but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Alderman Lake is located about four miles from Milford. The two were said to be wearing snowmobile suits, neither had on a life vest. Officials say with fluctuating temperatures, no ice should be considered safe and no one should be on the ice unless they have a life vest or preserver. Photo: WDIV Detroit. (JM)
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Brighton Township Discusses Changes To Public Use Of Township Hall And Fire StationBrighton Township Discusses Changes To Public Use Of Township Hall And Fire Station
Residents who want to use one of Brighton Townshipâs community rooms outside of scheduled hours could face a fee. Administrative policy for the township allows for the use of a meeting room in Township Hall during staff hours and four pre-scheduled days per year. But the township was unsure of how to accommodate recent requests for the use of a community room at the Brighton Area Fire Authorityâs Station 32 which is located on Old US-23. Manager Brian Vick tells WHMI this had led to some revisions that could be made to the policy in order to clarify the use of both buildings. At a board meeting on Monday, some trustees felt one issue that needed to be addressed was the public use of the Station 32 community room outside of its availability. Vick says if a township staff member has to be called in to open and close the building to accommodate whatever public group wants to use it, the township will incur a cost to pay that individual. This led to the idea for a $50 reservation fee for the roomâs use during hours outside of the restricted availability. One resident at the meeting called the fee a âknee-jerk reactionâ by the township but Vick says the fee will only be implemented when necessary. The revised policy would allow for a handful of days of public use during the year at Station 32 free of charge, similar to Township Hallâs policy. Vick says the township is âtrying to be as accommodating as possibleâ. Staff will look over several suggestions regarding the proposed changes to the policy before it is brought back to trustees for discussion and adoption. (DK)
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Highland Township Father & Son Drown While Ice FishingHighland Township Father & Son Drown While Ice Fishing
Authorities are warning the public about ice safety after a Highland Township father and his young son died when they fell through ice while fishing on a small lake. The Oakland County sheriff's office says the victims are 30-year-old David Lyons and 4-year-old Jackson Lyons. They fell into Alderman Lake just after 10:30 Monday morning. They were rushed to a hospital after sheriff's divers pulled them from 8 to 12 feet of water, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Highland Township Assistant Fire Chief Richard Cole says both were wearing snowmobile suits, but neither had on a life vest. Cole calls the deaths "a tragic accident" and says "with these fluctuating temperatures, no one should be on the ice unless they have a life vest or a life preserver." Local temperatures Monday were in the mid-30s to low 40s and authorities say with such mild temperatures, no ice should be considered safe. (AP) Picture courtesy of WDIV.
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Local Woman Charged In Fatal Crash Pleads Guilty Local Woman Charged In Fatal Crash Pleads Guilty
A South Lyon woman who made an illegal U-turn that caused the death of a motorcyclist has entered a plea. 22-year-old Breanna Lyn Clever is charged with a moving violation causing death and pleaded guilty at a hearing on Monday. Clever is charged in the August death of 49-year-old Bert Loomis of Gaines. Police say Clever made an illegal U-turn using the emergency access turnaround between Clyde Road and M-59 which caused several cars to swerve to avoid hitting her. As a result, Loomis had to brake suddenly, lost control of his motorcycle and hit a truck. He passed away two days later from his injuries. Cleverâs vehicle registration information was obtained from a passing motorist, although charges werenât authorized against her until December. Clever told officers she did indeed make the U-turn and saw the crash in her rear-view mirror, but didnât feel responsible for the collision. Cleverâs defense attorney says his client will plead no contest for civil liability and both parties agreed to allow the court to review the police report. Clever is scheduled for a pre-sentence interview on February 17th and will be sentenced March 8th. (DK)
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2016 State Of The County Speech Highlights Progress & Goals 2016 State Of The County Speech Highlights Progress & Goals
The 2016 State of the County address was delivered before a large audience Monday night at the Livingston County Public Safety Complex. Kate Lawrence chairs the board of commissioners and said it was with great pride she announced various projects, activities and collaborations over the last year, noting Livingston County âcontinues to protect and enhance long term fiscal stability and diversify sources of revenueâ. She said the countyâs top AAA Moody Rating emphasizes their commitment to âmaintaining fiscal integrity through transparency, sound financial management, and healthy reserves.â And while Lawrence didnât directly address the recent war of words between the county board and Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte over spending priorities, she did say theyâre often challenged by policies between governmental entities and at times find themselves adversaries, "but never enemies." The importance of public safety was highlighted, along with the Livingston County Jail expansion and renovation project. Despite a recent war of words between county board members and Sheriff Bob Bezotte over spending priorities, Bezotte took a positive and upbeat approach to last nightâs address, saying that Lawrence "runs a tight ship" and thought she did a good job. Lawrence noted that as part of the $17 million dollar jail expansion project, a new addition officially opened and inmates were transferred in on December 14th. Phase 2 of the jail project will commence by the end of this month. She said this phase will primarily reconfigure some of the existing floor plan, making the entire operation much more efficient. Other talking points from Monday nightâs speech were increased efficiencies in the Livingston County Building Department, creating a revenue surplus allowing the department to lower permit fees by 25%. Lawrence said officials are unaware of any other department in Michigan that has ever obtained that goal and then lowered permit fees. More information about the 2016 State of the County address and topics covered is available for viewing on the through the link below. (JM/JK)
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Resolution Agreed Upon For Juvenile Charged In Pinckney Rape CaseResolution Agreed Upon For Juvenile Charged In Pinckney Rape Case
The case against one of the suspects charged in connection to the rape of a Pinckney High School student has been resolved. The 16-year-old student is one of three from Pinckney High School who were charged for their involvement in the rape of a 15-year-old female student. The 16-year-old was charged with 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct in juvenile court and the case against him was resolved on Monday. The case will be placed on the juvenile courtâs consent calendar, meaning no formal plea will be entered. However, the 16-year-old must admit he is responsible. He will be given a case plan that requires probation and rehabilitation. Placement on the consent calendar is completely non-public and all records will be destroyed when the juvenile is 17. The alleged rape reportedly occurred in December at a residence within the village in which the three suspects sexually assaulted a girl after giving her alcohol. The other two students charged in the case, 17-year-old Nicklaus Lefebvre and Glenn Houck, are due in court Friday morning for a pre-trial hearing. Houck faces charges of 3rd degree CSC and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Lefebvre faces three counts of 3rd degree CSC, furnishing alcohol to a minor and child abusive commercial activity for allegedly taking pictures during the incident. (DK)
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Brighton-Area Man Charged In Home Invasion Scheduled For TrialBrighton-Area Man Charged In Home Invasion Scheduled For Trial
A local man charged in a Genoa Township home invasion is headed to trial. Kennie Carnail Whitby of Green Oak Township is charged with 1st degree home invasion, armed robbery, resisting and obstructing police and two counts of felony firearms. Police say Whitby and four other men took part in the home invasion last June, when they robbed a residence on Crystal Valley Drive at gunpoint. One of the people inside the home was struck in the head with a metal baton which caused extensive bleeding. A final settlement conference has been scheduled for Whitby on April 8th and his trial is set to begin April 11th. Whitby is the only suspect charged in the case that will go to trial- the other four all pleaded guilty. Toursean Pressley, Jemantae Perkins and Tyler and Terence Ayers, all of whom are from Detroit, entered their pleas separately in December and January. They are all scheduled to be sentenced later this month. (DK)
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Students Present Ideas For Improving Recess Through Research ProjectStudents Present Ideas For Improving Recess Through Research Project
A teaching technique has helped local students learn how to research and develop their own ideas at a young age. Third-graders at Hutchings Elementary School in Howell were asked how they would improve recess and created their own ideas through project-based learning. The goal of project-based learning is to engage students and integrate several subject areas in the school day. Students were split into groups and brainstormed ideas about how they would improve recess. They then researched their ideas, surveyed staff and students and incorporated a core democratic value into their project. The students wrote and presented a persuasive paper to family members, Superintendent Erin MacGregor and Beth Wanlass, Principal at Hutchings Elementary. The ideas for improving recess included a Kidâs Lounge for relaxing, a baseball team and a library for the playground. Teachers and instructional coaches involved with the project feel it was very beneficial and successful. Jason, one of the participating students, says he learned âyou can do pretty much anything you set your mind to.â Students and staff are hopeful that some of the ideas that were presented will be implemented at the school. (DK)
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Tropical-Themed Event To Raise Funds For Local Youth OrganizationsTropical-Themed Event To Raise Funds For Local Youth Organizations
An event later this month will offer a tropical escape while raising funds to support three non-profit youth organizations working to make an impact in the lives of Livingston Countyâs future leaders. The Livingston Sunrise Rotary Club transforms Cleary Universityâs Johnson Center into a tropical paradise for Midnight in the Tropics, a dinner and dancing fundraiser planned for Saturday, February 20th. Funds raised benefit The Connection Youth Services, ARC of Livingston, Reaching Higher and the Livingston Sunrise Rotary Foundation. Terry Fratarcangeli is the eventâs co-chair and says itâs designed to be an escape from the cold and mid-winter blues featuring Caribbean inspired food and entertainment silent. In addition to purchasing tickets, she says there will be a number of ways they will be a silent and live auction, 52 card raffle for a trip and another contest to win a diamond necklace or cash prize. Ticket details and other information can be found through the link below. (JK)
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Hollywood Friends Help Gilbert As Bishop Piles Cash Into Campaign CoffersHollywood Friends Help Gilbert As Bishop Piles Cash Into Campaign Coffers
Fundraising efforts so far for the seat that represents Livingston County in Congress are shaping up to be a battle of cash on hand versus star power. The Mike Bishop for Congress campaign announced Sunday that when it comes to cash on hand, the Republican incumbentâs fundraising in the 4th quarter of 2015 surpassed Democratic challenger Melissa Gilbert, whom it termed an âIRS tax cheat.â According to reports filed last weekend, the Bishop campaign starts 2016 off with more than double the cash-on-hand of Gilbert, with Bishop having just over $590,000 compared to Gilbertâs approximately $254,000. However, Gilbertâs filings indicate many of her donations have come from Hollywood celebrities, including $5,400 each from actor Michael Douglas, âFamily Guyâ creator Seth MacFarlane and âFriendsâ star Matthew Perry. As they have in every communication regarding Gilbert, the Bishop campaign again attacked her for the back taxes she owes the IRS. Campaign spokesperson Stu Sandler, saying âGilbert has spent her way to having a two-to-one cash disadvantage with Mike Bishopâ and that âItâs no wonder Nancy Pelosi supports Melissa Gilbert and her Hollywood values. With Gilbertâs record of fiscal irresponsibility, she would support the Obama-Pelosi policies which have caused this nation to have a $19 trillion debt.â Gilbert, who lives in Brighton with her husband, actor-director Timothy Busfield, responded by saying that enthusiasm for her campaign is as strong as ever, noting that she is ââ¦proud to be building a grassroots campaign largely powered by working families right here in Michigan.â Her Campaign Manager James Stretch added that Gilbert outraised Bishop among individual donors, $181,730 to $114,774, and that 72% of individual donors were from Michigan. (JK)
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Woody The Woodchuck Predicts Six More Weeks Of Winter Woody The Woodchuck Predicts Six More Weeks Of Winter
Livingston Countyâs well-known furry forecaster, Woody the Woodchuck, says bundle up because more winter is on the way. The Howell Nature Center hosted its annual Groundhog Day prediction this morning and Woody is predicting 6 more weeks of winter. Dana Debenhem, the nature centerâs director of Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education, tells WHMI there was a lot of excitement among the crowd, but Woody just wasnât feeling it. Woody poked her head out of her stump but wouldn't come out after seeing her shadow. Debenhem says this was Woody's 18th prediction and she has a 75% success rate when it comes to making accurate forecasts. Woody's prediction is in contrast to Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil who says we're in for an early spring. The Groundhogâs Day event in Howell brought in a fun group this year and guests seemed to be split on those calling for more winter or warmer weather. Many people participated in the costume contest, braving the cold in shorts and flip flops in hopes of an early spring. Two fraternity brothers from Michigan State University left campus at 6 am to make it to Woodyâs prediction. Alex Knuth and Nathan Depelsmaeker tailgated, cooked up some hot dogs and say they had a great time. They say they will definitely return next year and bring more of their fraternity brothers. Last year, Woody was recovering from an upper respiratory infection and was unable to make her yearly prediction. The centerâs other woodchuck, Murray, filled in and correctly predicted more winter. Debenhem says Woody is doing well and the upcoming weeks will show if her accuracy in forecasting continues. Woody paid a visit to the WHMI studios yesterday and made her annual Super Bowl pick. She thinks the Broncos will take home the win against Carolina on Sunday. (DK)
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Program To Discuss Ways For Seniors To Stay In Their HomesProgram To Discuss Ways For Seniors To Stay In Their Homes
A program designed to teach safety modifications and help individuals remain in their homes as they age will be offered in Brighton later this month. The program, HomeFit, will be held at the Brighton District Library on Monday, February 22nd, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Guests will be led through the process of thinking about each area of their home and how to make it more accessible and livable as they age. Presenters will focus on how to ensure that a residence will continue to meet the needs of an elderly person and whether the flow of the home allows a person to navigate it safely. Strategies, potential living modifications and professionals for consultation will all be made available at the program. The session will be presented by Occupational Therapist and AARP volunteer, Sandy Thorn. Registration for the free event begins Monday, February 8th, and can be done by calling 810-229-6571, ext. 227. (DK)
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Northfield Township Seeks Input On New Parks & Rec Master PlanNorthfield Township Seeks Input On New Parks & Rec Master Plan
The Northfield Township Board of Trustees will meet next Tuesday and hold a public hearing on the parks and recreation master plan. Residents and property owners are encouraged to take some time to review the plan and provide feedback. The Parks and Recreation Board has been engaged in the lengthy process of updating the plan and officials say they value the opinions of those in the community, thus are asking for input. A link to a final draft of the parks and recreation master plan is available on the Northfield Township website and in the attachment below. The public hearing will be held at the Northfield Township Hall on Main Street in Whitmore Lake on Tuesday, February 9th at 7:00pm. (JM)
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