The effort to hire a new city manager in Brighton has been going on for three months now, and still hasnât resulted in a replacement for Dana Foster, who left in December to pursue a career in private industry. But council is optimistic its latest offer to the chosen replacement, Farmington Hillsâ Assistant to the City Manager Nate Geinzer, will be accepted and that he can start on the job soon. The original offer the city made to Geinzer was rejected and he countered with an offer of his own. Council Thursday night debated the issue at length and finally ended up with a compromise among council members of a $91,125 yearly salary, no language on the term of the contract, and removal of a performance evaluation after six months and the possibility of a raise at that time. Also, the car allowance was reduced from $350 a month to $200 per month, and finally, council approved a 6-month severance package after six monthsâ employment. After a marathon, 3 1/2-hour meeting. The motion to approve the amended city contract offer passed unanimously, but for most of the discussion, council member Jim Bohn was in disagreement with the majority. Bohn disliked offering Geinzer, who has no experience in being a city manager, more than the original offer of $90,000, along with some of its other provisions. Muzzin says the cityâs counter-offer will go back to Geinzer for review, and heâs hopeful the latest offer will be accepted. Muzzin says if that happens, no further action would be needed since the motion authorizes him and City Clerk Diana Lowe to sign the contract on behalf of council. (TT)
Brighton Council OKs Amended Contract Offer To GeinzerBrighton Council OKs Amended Contract Offer To Geinzer
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Pinckney Superintendent Has "Good Conversation" On Possible School PurchasePinckney Superintendent Has "Good Conversation" On Possible School Purchase
Putnam Township is talking about the possibility of purchasing Pinckney Elementary School and the district likes where the conversation is headed. The township made a collaborative decision to have a very preliminary discussion with Pinckney Community School officials about just how probable the purchase of the building is. The elementary school has been up for sale since 2012 and has received purchase offers, but the district has recently expressed interest in a community partnership. Superintendent Rick Todd met with the townshipâs Board of Trustees earlier this week to talk about the property and hear some of their thoughts and ideas. Trustees have discussed the possibility of turning the property into a park or recreation center and Todd tells WHMI this has received a lot of support from the community. At a school board of education meeting on Thursday, Todd described the meeting with the township officials as a âgood conversation.â He admits there are a lot of things to think through, but he also expressed excitement at the idea of a partnership and beginning the dialogue. Other offers for Pinckney Elementary are currently on the table, including a proposed senior center or a charter school from a prospective buyer. However Todd has previously stated he doesnât think the community would support a charter school. Putnam Township has requested some information about the building regarding cost and structure, which they are expected to discuss at their next meeting later this month. (DK)
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Brighton High School's Peddler's Paw Achieves DECA Gold Level Re-CertificationBrighton High School's Peddler's Paw Achieves DECA Gold Level Re-Certification
A local high school student-run store has achieved the top level for re-certification and will be recognized by an international program. Peddlerâs Paw, the school-based enterprise at Brighton High School, is a student-run operation that provides goods and services and gives students the chance to acquire marketing and retail skills. Peddlerâs Paw was among just 316 school enterprises in the country to achieve a gold level for re-certification and will be recognized by DECA at their International Career Development Conference. DECA is a non-profit student organization that has over 200,000 members in 9 countries. DECAâs certification program was developed to acknowledge excellence and growth of school enterprises that demonstrate various marketing and retail standards. Certification for the school enterprises can be achieved at a bronze, silver or gold level. Bryan Whitlow, Garrett Anthony and Evan Nelson of Brighton High School worked with their advisor Tanya Clark to ensure Peddlerâs Paw gold level re-certification. Peddlerâs Paw has been in operation for 27 years as a part of the high schoolâs marketing program. According to its website, it gives students the opportunity to work together and build from learning experiences in a team environment. (DK)
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Howell Boy Scout Reacts Quickly To Help After Crash Near HomeHowell Boy Scout Reacts Quickly To Help After Crash Near Home
A local teenager utilized his training and reacted quickly to an emergency situation to help a motorist in need. 16-year-old Nico Senda is a Boy Scout with Troop 367 of St. Joeâs in Howell and lives with his mother, Kim, on Michigan Avenue across from Jonnaâs Market. Kim says she was sound asleep on Thursday, January 28th at around 11:30 pm, but her son heard a crash, ran across the street and called 911. Senda then let the vehicleâs occupant know help was on the way and fortunately he suffered just minor injuries. The truck reportedly fishtailed, swerved and hit a street lamp. Kim Senda says listening to her son on the phone, he sounded so âcalm and collectedâ and she attributes part of that to his Boy Scout training. Knowing her son responded fast but in a reassuring manner, she says she couldnât help but wonder, âWho is this person?â (DK/JK)
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Woman Arrested For Drunk Driving In Milford With Her Child SentencedWoman Arrested For Drunk Driving In Milford With Her Child Sentenced
Jail time was ordered for an Oakland County mother arrested in Milford for driving drunk while her child was in the back seat. 33-year-old Holly Sidell of Beverly Hills was sentenced Thursday to 90 days in jail following her conviction for a second offense of drunken driving with a minor in the vehicle and another count of driving on a suspended license. Sidell was arrested in November after Milford Police pulled her over for swerving across the roadway. Her 4-year-old son was in the back seat. Officers smelled alcohol which was later found in a can of Red Bull. Dashcam video of the arrest shows Sidell blaming her shoes when she stumbles after police asked her to stand on one leg. She then admitted to officers that her license was suspended. Her blood alcohol was eventually determined to be four times the legal limit. Despite a sentencing recommendation from the countyâs probation department that she receive two years of probation and 30 days of house arrest, the judge instead ordered the jail time, noting Sidell was a repeat offender. In addition to the time behind bars, she was also ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, complete 60 days of community service, and complete weekly drug and alcohol testing. (JK)
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Local Veterans Seek Donations For Flint Water Crisis Local Veterans Seek Donations For Flint Water Crisis
A local veterans group will be collecting donations this weekend to help Flint residents in lieu of the water crisis. Working with area veterans and establishments, the Livingston County Veteran Services group will be collecting donations for the people of Flint. Cases of water or monetary donations can be made at the Walmart, Kroger, American Legion Hall or Art Van in Howell. Donations can also be made at the Walmart located in Fowlerville. The money will be used to purchase water filters and cartridges for the filters to give to residents. Veteran Services member Hansel Keene was collecting donations at the Walmart in Howell this afternoon and says theyâve received an estimated $350 so far. He tells WHMI the response from the community has been âoutstandingâ. Keene says the outreach began to help bring the veteran community together and grew from there. Veterans will be at the collection posts tomorrow from 9am to 5 pm. A semi-truck and a driver have been donated by a local company to haul the donations to Flint. The semi currently has around 100 cases of water in it and Keene expects it will be filled by the end of tomorrowâs collection. Keene says the group plans to make the delivery either Saturday evening or Sunday morning. (DK)
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Love Inc. "Heart For Giving" Fundraiser Highlights Welfare-To-Career ProgramLove Inc. "Heart For Giving" Fundraiser Highlights Welfare-To-Career Program
A nationally acclaimed speaker is coming to inspire Livingston County later this month with a talk on helping people develop the skills needed for successful careers. Love Inc. of the Greater Livingston County Area will host its 9th annual Heart for Giving dinner and fundraiser on February 18th. The featured speaker will be David Barrett, the director of talent development for Cascade Engineering. The companyâs Welfare-to-Career program has been deemed highly successful and helps the unemployed and under-employed with a bridge out of poverty and welfare. Itâs a collaboration of business, government, schools and community that work to help people get off assistance and stay off. Love Inc. Executive Director Katherine Janego tells WHMI itâs about helping people develop the skills needed for a successful career and ultimately, a successful life. She says the program is gaining traction in many arenas so it would be great to see many different walks of life at the event because they want to preach to more than just the âchoirâ about opportunities that are out there for collaboration to make a difference in peopleâs lives. The funds raised will help a new program of Love Inc. titled the Loving Help Program, which Janego says is their next mode of ministry and involves participants moving into financial independence through long term involvement with them. Love Inc. is encouraging those that plan on attending the Heart for Giving fundraiser to RSVP by February 10th. Details are available in the link below. (JM)
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Local Man Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Cocaine, MarijuanaLocal Man Pleads Guilty To Possession Of Cocaine, Marijuana
A Howell man charged with possession and plans to sell large amounts of marijuana and cocaine has entered a plea. John Charles Kuhns is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and two counts of felony firearms. Kuhns pleaded guilty as part of a deal with prosecutors who agreed to run the two counts of possession of a controlled substance concurrent with one another. Prosecutors also agreed to a mid-guide line cap which means Kuhnsâ sentence should not exceed the mid-way point of recommended sentencing guidelines. He will be sentenced February 18th. The charges stemmed from a search warrant that was carried out at Kuhnsâ home on Mason Road last July. There, officers found 118 marijuana plants, half a kilo of cocaine, two firearms, heroin and equipment typically used in growing marijuana. Kuhns fled the state and was arrested in California. He will be required to pay his extradition fee. (DK)
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Tyrone Township Property May Have Purchase AgreementTyrone Township Property May Have Purchase Agreement
Tyrone Township Officials are looking at a potential purchase agreement for a parcel of land to pay off sewer assessments. A contract will likely be signed at the February 16th meeting of the Tyrone Township Board of Trustees to sell a 28-acre parcel of land in the township. Township Trustees discussed a purchase agreement Tuesday for $140,000 plus delinquent sewer assessments on the land. Township Supervisor Mike Cunningham says the property near Runyon Lake Road and White Lake Road was purchased by the township at a tax scavenger sale. He tells WHMI the local residents came forward before the property was listed. Cunningham says the township bought the property after it failed to sell at a tax sale. He says before they could list the property with a Realtor a local couple came forward with a purchase agreement. He says currently the buyers don't have plans for the parcel, but may build homes for family in the future. He says $58,000 remain on the assessment rolls for that parcel. Cunningham says local residents Doug and Marjorie Johnson came to the township with a land-contract purchase agreement that will pay the back sewer assessment and purchase the property. Cunningham says the total purchase agreement is $153,000, which includes a $50,000 down payment. The down payment will be put toward the sewer assessments. He says he doesnât know at this point what plans the couple has for the property, which is zoned residential. (DS)
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Mother And Son Charged With Animal Cruelty Enter PleaMother And Son Charged With Animal Cruelty Enter Plea
A mother and son charged with animal cruelty have both entered a plea. Sharon Bath and her son Kevin Roberts each face a single count of animal cruelty to ten or more animals. In August, over 100 cats were seized from their residence on Dutcher Road in Marion Township. Officials from Livingston County Animal Control say the cats that were taken were very sick, despite Robertsâ claims that they had been given food and water. At a final settlement conference on Friday, Roberts pleaded guilty as charged as a habitual 3 offender. He will be sentenced February 11th. Last month, his mother pleaded no contest and prosecutors agreed to non-reporting probation and no jail time at her sentencing, which will take place February 18th. If she successfully completes probation, the charge against her could be reduced to a misdemeanor. (DK)
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Pinckney Board Of Education Recognized By State RepPinckney Board Of Education Recognized By State Rep
A local school districtâs Board of Education has received recognition from a state representative for their hard work and commitment to students and the community. State Representative Lana Theis visited the Pinckney Community Schoolâs Board of Education during their meeting Thursday night with a tribute to honor the trustees. January is School Board Appreciation month and Theis reaffirmed the trustees that they are âdoing amazing things.â Theis shared an experience she had while visiting at one of the schoolâs events. There, she said she could see college scouts âfighting over studentsâ and wishes her own child had had that opportunity. Superintendent Rick Todd tells WHMI it is an honor to receive that kind of attention from a state representative. Theis also noted how well the district operates with what little they have. She presented a plaque that commends the trustees for their service to not only the districtâs students, but also the surrounding community. Theis says the plaque serves as recognition of a well-earned milestone and a reminder that education is one of the greatest gifts you can give children. (DK)
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Geinzer Says He Will Sign Contract Monday To Be New ManagerGeinzer Says He Will Sign Contract Monday To Be New Manager
Nate Geinzer says he has agreed to the terms of the counter-offer by the City Council on a contract to become the cityâs next manager. However, itâs still not official, as Geinzer has not yet signed it and Mayor Jim Muzzin and City Clerk Diana Lowe have also not signed the contract. Muzzin tells WHMI he and Lowe will sign it on Monday, and Geinzer says he will also sign the contract on Monday. Council Thursday ended up with a compromise to settle a dispute regarding the contract offer among its members, particularly Jim Bohn. Bohn was opposed to offering Geinzer, who he says lacks experience in being a city manager, more than the original offer of $90,000, along with a car allowance and some of its other provisions. The compromise arrived at includes a $91,125 annual salary instead of the $92,250 requested by Geinzer, no language on the term of the contract, and removal of a performance evaluation after six months, as well as a pay raise if the evaluation is favorable. Also, the car allowance was reduced from $350 a month to $200 per month, and a 6-month severance package after six monthsâ employment was approved. With the compromise, Bohn voted with the majority, and it passed 7-0, including a yes vote by new member Renee Pettengill, who was appointed earlier in the meeting to replace the late Ricci Bandkau. Geinzer told WHMI Friday evening he plans to start his new position in two weeks from Monday. Muzzin tells WHMI he is glad the city will soon have a new city manager. In the mayorâs words: âIâm happy to have Nate on board and excited to have him start on the 22nd.â He will replace Dana Foster, who left in December after over 24 years with the city to pursue a position in private industry. (TT)
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Nonprofits Being Recruited For Parking Assistance At BalloonfestNonprofits Being Recruited For Parking Assistance At Balloonfest
The snow may be flying now but it wonât be long before warm weather events return to Livingston County â including some that benefit non-profit organizations. The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local volunteerism efforts, noting two of its signature events give back to the community annually. Last year, the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest donated more than $13,000 to non-profit groups while the Fantasy of Lights donated more than $6,000. The chamber will make a donation for each shift worked by a parking volunteer during the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest weekend to the non-profit organization of their choice. Michigan Challenge Director Michelle Tokan says itâs a unique fundraiser and some organizations earn thousands of dollars, noting when guests park on Balloonfest grounds, a portion of their parking fee goes to the non-profit volunteers. Organizations interested in making the Michigan Challenge a fund-raising opportunity should contact the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. Volunteer parking forms can also be downloaded through the link below. (JM)
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Charges Authorized Against Five Men In Alleged Marijuana OperationCharges Authorized Against Five Men In Alleged Marijuana Operation
Four men from Livingston County, and two from Genesee County, are facing felony charges connected to an alleged marijuana growing operation. Joseph Zubor of Gregory, Jeffrey Allen Michael of Fowlerville, Dennis James of Howell and Darryl Scott Berry of Howell, along with Johnny Glenn Cooper of Fenton are charged in the case. The charges stem from an investigation into an alleged marijuana growing and distributing operation that authorities believe was carried out under the pretense that it was medical marijuana being grown. 15 pounds of marijuana, almost $200,000 in cash and around 550 plants were seized from the menâs homes. All five face charges of delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance, in this case marijuana. Berry, who police have said was in charge of the ring, is charged with conducting criminal enterprises, five counts of a controlled substance for delivering or manufacturing marijuana and two counts of conspiracy. Cooper is also charged with conspiracy. James, Michael and Zubor are expected to be arraigned February 19th. Future court dates have not been set for Cooper or Berry yet. (DK/JK)
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Community Connect Offers Community Services Under One RoofCommunity Connect Offers Community Services Under One Roof
Nearly 1000 people in need benefitted from the 9th annual Community Connect yesterday at Parker Middle School.
Blankets, clothing, health screenings and massage were among the scores of opportunities available to local residents. Community Connect is a free outreach program that provides access to goods and services all in one place. Room after room and table after table provided information and resources from legal help, job assistance, food and personal items, as well as free hair care, and dental screenings. Community collaborative planner and event chair Anne Rennie says the event brings a lot of people together on day. She says it's a one stop shopping day for anybody in the community to come through to connect with all the different agencies and services. She says it's a special day specific for people to be able to stop and meet with people and connecting to the giveaways they need, or if they need counseling support or WIC food support it's all available in one day. People came looking for services or just to see what was available. Samantha Fisher says she saw the event on Facebook and decided to check out what she could find for her 4-month old baby. She says she was excited. Fisher says it was her first time at the event, and it was a lot of fun. She says at first it was confusing, but she walked around and got help with a whole lot of different things. She says they were helping with baby stuff and she got excited because she needed the help.
Put on by the Human Services Collaborative Body, Rennie says it takes over 500 volunteers to put the event on. She says it started with Livingston County Churches and expanded to include all of the human service agencies in the area. She says this year nearly 75 churches and agencies helped to provide resources. University of Michigan Medical students gave a variety of health screenings and immunizations along with a number of agencies providing information about substance abuse treatment and prevention. (DS)
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Trial Set For Whitmore Lake Man Charged In Road Rage IncidentTrial Set For Whitmore Lake Man Charged In Road Rage Incident
A trial date has been set for a Whitmore Lake man charged in a road rage incident in which police allege he fired a handgun. 37-year-old Billy Joe Jackson the III is charged with felonious assault and reckless use of a firearm from an incident last summer, in which police arrested Jackson after they say he fired a handgun after a collision with another vehicle. In Washtenaw County Trial Court last week, an April 11th trial date was set for the charges, which could land Jackson in prison for up to four years if convicted. Authorities say the August 5th incident began on southbound US-23 near Joy Road and ended on eastbound M-14 in Superior Township. The victim, a 25-year-old Brighton man, claims his SUV was hit and Jackson had fired a gun. Jackson also called 911 and admitted putting his gun out of the driverâs side window and firing a single shot. Neither the Brighton man nor Jackson was injured in the incident. (JK)
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Students Present Check To Support Cancer Care In Livingston County Students Present Check To Support Cancer Care In Livingston County
A recent check presentation highlighted efforts by some Brighton High School students to support cancer care in Livingston County. The Brighton High School Leadership Class, led by teacher Arnella Park, raised $11,500 during "Pink Week" to support cancer care at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston hospital and St. Joseph Mercy Brighton Health Center. Students raised the funds last fall through a week-long intuitive that included a car decorating contest, Powder Puff football game and a pink walk/run. A recent check presentation was held at St. Joseph Mercy Brighton. The students met with clinical staff and were given a tour of the cancer center to learn more about the latest advancements in cancer treatment. Pictured: Back row, from left, Brynt Ellis, executive director, St. Joseph Mercy Livingston and Brighton; Arnella Park, teacher at Brighton High School; Chelsea Willis, RN, St. Joseph Mercy Brighton; Erin Mulvihill, social worker, St. Joseph Mercy Brighton and (back row, third from right) Dr. George Henning, oncologist, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System; Tracey Brown, radiation therapist, St. Joseph Mercy Brighton and Kathryn Rusak, director of Development, St. Joseph Mercy Livingston and Brighton, led the tour for the high school students pictured. (JM)
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Pinckney Schools "Preparing For The Bounce"Pinckney Schools "Preparing For The Bounce"
Troubling finances and student population loss has led to a tough few years at Pinckney Community Schools, but district leaders are saying they are headed for a comeback. Superintendent Rick Todd admits the district has had to endure âa lot of tough garbage,â most notably a deficit budget the last several years, but he says the idea is to move forward, grow and invest in themselves. Todd presented a plan to the board of education at a meeting last Thursday, called âPreparing for the Bounce.â He says the model helps districts position themselves for a rebound after falling into a slump. Restructuring and adjustments are made as needed so when the âbounceâ does come, it goes higher and lasts longer. Todd says the district is always thinking creatively, but the announced retirement of a staff member initiated the movement to take change and turn it into an opportunity. Todd tells WHMI it is important to break from their current mold and try something new. In âPreparing for the Bounce,â the district will restructure staff and create support teams. Leaders in different departments will be clearly identified in order to create focus and evolution. As the district continues to pull itself out of a deficit, it will also be diligent about saving money. Todd networked with other superintendents who lead successful districts and says he gleaned information about what works and what doesnât. He says Pinckney is rebounding financially and instructionally and will continue to do so as the model is implemented. In Toddâs words, itâs not a question of will the district bounce back. The question is how high. (DK)
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New Public Dental Clinic Coming To Livingston CountyNew Public Dental Clinic Coming To Livingston County
Plans to open a new public dental clinic for an underserved population in Livingston County are progressing. The Livingston County Department of Public Health has been in negotiations with Trinity Health/St. Joseph Livingston Hospital and a purchase agreement and donation have now been worked out. Due diligence inspections of the parcel have also been completed. The hospital system has offered to sell a 1.85-acre parcel of land on Byron Road in the city of Howell to the county for $1, and donate an additional $80,000 toward the development of it. The partnership aims to address an unmet need in the community, as the clinic would serve county residents on Medicaid and those with low incomes without dental insurance. County Health Officer Diane McCormick says they knew the need was there and approached the hospital about partnering to bring a clinic to the county, noting theyâve been in preliminary discussions for almost two years to the date. She says theyâve been working for almost a year to identify a location whether space inside the hospital or elsewhere before narrowing it down to the site. She says itâs an excellent location right down the street from the hospital - especially from a transportation standpoint as many of the clients the clinic will serve have transportation needs. She says theyâre looking at renovating a building on the site to house the county dental center and if all goes as planned; it could be open by the end of the year. McCormick says there are around 22,000 county residents on Medicaid or expanded Medicaid that donât have any dental home because locally and statewide, most dentists wonât accept the Medicaid reimbursement rate. She says that forces many clients to seek dental relief somewhere outside of the county or they end up in the emergency room because of infections and pain. A resolution to accept the donated property and funds is on the agenda for tonightâs General Government and Health & Human Services Committee meeting of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. (JM)
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Chelsea Man Tells Agents He Owned A Terabyte Of Child PornChelsea Man Tells Agents He Owned A Terabyte Of Child Porn
Following a raid by federal agents, a Chelsea man is due back in federal court this afternoon to face child pornography charges. A search warrant was executed last Thursday at George Louis Trevinoâs home on Old US-12 in Chelsea after investigators with the Department of Homeland Security say they traced an IP address linked to that residence to an illegal download of known child pornography. Once in custody Trevino reportedly admitted to agents he viewed such material on a daily basis and had approximately one terabyte, or 1,024 gigabytes, of the material on his computer and other drives. The federal complaint (posted below) says that said he possessed child pornography images and videos with children ranging in age from newborns to 13 years old. Trevino also told investigators he first began looking at child pornography online about 11 years ago and admitted to inappropriately touching a 12 or 13-year-old girl back in the 1990s. A detention hearing for Trevino is set for 1pm in U.S. District Court in Detroit. (JK)
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