Federal loans are being offered to small businesses affected by the lead-contaminated drinking water crisis in Flint to help meet working capital needs. The low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to Flint and surrounding area small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aqua-culture businesses and private non-profit organizations. The declaration covers Genesee County and the adjacent counties of Livingston, Lapeer, Oakland, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Tuscola. SBA Public Affairs Manager Michael Lampton tells WHMI the loans are intended for working capital dollars, not for any physical damage that may have been caused. Restaurants are one type of business that has been impacted and Lampton says businesses in any of the counties affected from October 1st through now and going forward are eligible for assistance. Also today, the SBA launched a new Business Recovery Center in Flint. Representatives will be available on weekdays to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help individuals complete applications. Further details about the loans are available on the Small Business Administrationâs website through the link below. (JM)
Disaster Loans Availabe To Small Businesses In Genesee & Surrounding Areas Disaster Loans Availabe To Small Businesses In Genesee & Surrounding Areas
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April Trial Date Set For Howell Man In Child Porn Case April Trial Date Set For Howell Man In Child Porn Case
A Howell man is facing charges in a disturbing federal child pornography case. A three count complaint filed against Jared Patrick Lockwood in U.S. District Court in Detroit alleges he knowingly received, possessed and accessed child pornography. Lockwoodâs home was raided by FBI agents last summer after learning he had been visiting known child pornography websites. The search turned up images and videos of child sexual abuse, exploitation and bestiality on a desktop computer that Lockwood built, as well as a digital file that contained a controversial book considered a "how-to" guide for pedophiles. Lockwood is free on a $10,000 bond and the cut-off date for a possible plea was recently moved out to March 24th, when he is scheduled to appear for a final pre-trial conference. (JM)
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Two Men Arraigned In Alleged Marijuana OperationTwo Men Arraigned In Alleged Marijuana Operation
Two of the five men charged in connection to a marijuana growing and distributing operation have been arraigned. 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. James and Zubor were arraigned on Monday and a $50,000 personal bond has been set for each of them. Both men are scheduled for a probable cause conference on March 1st and an examination on March 7th. 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. Michael and Berry are scheduled to be arraigned February 19th. Future court dates have not been set for Cooper. (DK)
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Runway Repurposed Coming February 21stRunway Repurposed Coming February 21st
The 8th Annual Runway Repurposed will feature 70 talented designer contestants of all ages. Designers of all ages are nearing completion of their fashion designs for this yearâs Runway Repurposed Fashion Show. Contestants from all over southeastern Michigan have had five weeks to create prize winning garments. Prizes will be awarded in Young Beginner, beginner student, beginner adult, advanced and Avant Garde categories, with cash awards for first, second and third places. Back in early January participants chose fabrics and started to work on designs. The fabrics they chose from were hundreds of pieces of clothing donated by local businesses. Designers then recycled the old clothes into a wearable outfit. The fashion show raises funds for the Howell Opera House. The fashion show is set for February 21st at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township and includes the runway show, vendor boutiques and a silent auction. Tickets are $18 per person at the door and include the runway show, silent auction and vendor boutiques. Advance tickets are available for $15 at www.howelloperahouse.com. (DS)
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WALLY Promotion Group Will Host Meeting Seeking Commuters InvolvementWALLY Promotion Group Will Host Meeting Seeking Commuters Involvement
A local group will hold a meeting later this month to expand on how the community can get involved with a proposed commuter rail project. The Friends of WALLY grassroots organization is a major proponent of the WALLY or North-South Commuter Rail. The idea for the 27-mile long rail that would run from Howell to Ann Arbor was proposed years ago but is still working to get off the ground. Friends of WALLY will host a meeting at the Howell Carnegie Library on Saturday, February 27th from 1 to 3pm, seeking commuters who want to become active in promoting the construction of the rail. Friends of WALLY President Michael Lamb tells WHMI what the group really needs is help getting the word out at community events. According to Lamb, the Ann Arbor Transit Authority has received grant money that will allow them to study the economic feasibility of the commuter rail, as well as where tracks and stations would be located and how to get local governments involved. Lamb says once the study is complete, the Friends of WALLY group will look at the findings and go from there. Anyone who is interested in attending the groupâs meeting this month but is unable to can set up phone conferencing by emailing Michael Lamb at friendsofwally@gmail.com. (DK)
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Police, Family Hold Onto Hope Seven Years After Fenton Woman's DisappearancePolice, Family Hold Onto Hope Seven Years After Fenton Woman's Disappearance
While the strange disappearance of a Fenton woman seven years ago is technically a cold case, police and family members are holding onto hope. Then 42-year-old Randa Jawhari vanished from her apartment complex on Shiawassee Avenue near US-23 on February 11th, 2009. Police were left with no signs of foul play or other clues as to where she may have gone. Randa had been diagnosed with mental illness. She didnât own a car, driver's license or credit card and all of her belongings, including her purse, were left behind. While now considered a cold case, Fenton Police Chief Rick Aro says that doesnât mean theyâve given up hope of solving it and they talk with the family on a regular basis and follow up on tips and information that comes in. Aro firmly believes there are one or two people out there who know something that could really open up the case and provide the tips they need to solve it. Aro noted in some instances, circumstances will kind of force a person with guilty knowledge or some information to come forward - whether they need a favor of law enforcement or the court system but sometimes their feelings may just get to them and they decide to do the right thing. Aro says theyâre in regular contact with the family, who are doing as well as can be expected. He says they recently talked at length with some family members and Jawhariâs mother, who is aging. Aro says her husband passed away last year and she was really hopeful police would come to some kind of conclusion while her husband was still alive but it just didnât happen. He says they all feel bad about that and his hope now is to get Mrs. Jawhari some kind of closure before itâs too late. Aro tells WHMI heâs hopeful perhaps this will be the year someone comes forward to give them what they need and the department is also still looking to make contact with a person of interest in the case, who he described as an associate of Jawhariâs who would transport her to different appointments. Aro says theyâve had a few tips and have talked to people who look like him and others people thought could have been him but he still doesnât believe theyâve talked to that particular person of interest. He says it would be a huge break to actually identify the man and get an opportunity to talk to him. Detective Scott Townsend is in charge of the case and Aro says anyone with information can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Not only is a reward being offered, but he says their accounting is very good so the information will not get lost and be passed on properly and anonymously. (JM)
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Local Man Charged In Vehicle Theft And Multiple Larcenies Bound Over Local Man Charged In Vehicle Theft And Multiple Larcenies Bound Over
A Highland man facing multiple counts related to a stolen vehicle and a handful of larcenies is headed to trial. 18-year-old Ricky Lee Keyser is charged with Unlawful Driving Away of Auto, Larceny from a Building, Malicious Destruction of Property and a misdemeanor count of larceny. The charges stem from a string of incidents that occurred last month in Highland Township in which Keyser is believed to have stolen a car and smashed it into a 7-11 in order to gain entry to the building. Keyser reportedly then attempted to steal another vehicle from Milford High School and several larcenies were reported in the vicinity and surrounding time frame. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office Highland Township Substation arrested Keyser after they found him walking along Milford Road. After being taken into custody, he attempted to flee which resulted in two felony charges of Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer and Escape from Lawful Custody. On Wednesday, Keyer appeared in 52-1 District Court for an examination, which was waived. He was bound over to Circuit Court and is scheduled to be arraigned on February 23rd. Keyser is also scheduled for a pre-trial hearing March 30th in a separate case in which he is charged with domestic violence. (DK)
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Local Company Processing Venison From Ann Arbor Deer CullLocal Company Processing Venison From Ann Arbor Deer Cull
Venison from deer killed by sharpshooters hired to reduce the deer population in Ann Arbor parks is being processed by a Livingston County company to help feed the hungry. Oceola Township-based Great Lakes Custom Meats and More is processing the meat, which is being delivered to Ann Arbor-based Food Gatherers, a nonprofit food rescue and food bank program serving Washtenaw County. Over the past month, at least a few dozen deer have been killed. A group called Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger has teamed up with Ann Arbor to cover the cost of processing the venison, which is about $1 per pound. The groupâs President, Dean Hall, told MLive that Great Lakes Custom Meats is essentially a charitable partner in the effort as the fee strictly covers the companyâs costs. Officials haven't said how much venison has gone to Food Gatherers. Ann Arbor wants to kill at least 100 deer in city parks and nature areas by March 1. Lawsuits challenged the practice. Ann Arbor says reducing the herd will have a positive impact on other animals and the health of public land enjoyed by residents. (JK)
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Paramedics Honored By State Rep For Life-Saving ActionsParamedics Honored By State Rep For Life-Saving Actions
Two local paramedics have received recognition from a state representative for their effective response to a person in need. State Representative Lana Theis acknowledged the medics on Monday at a General Government and Health and Human Services meeting. Theis had a plaque for each Matthew Burger (pictured second from left) and Jack Terpstra to honor them for their life-saving actions and commitment to public safety. Last April, Burger and Terpstra responded to a distress call of a resident that was suffering a potentially deadly cardiac arrest. EMS Director Jeff Boyd says their calm and capable response ensured the victimâs life was saved. Theis says it is extremely important to recognize first responders because they put themselves at risk and perform heroic acts every single day. The state rep also noted that what first responders do is not just a job, but a lifestyle. She says the medicsâ admirable actions should be held as a standard for other emergency personnel throughout the state. Boyd says both paramedics are very dedicated to the citizens of Livingston County which is reflected in the quality of care they provide. (DK)
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New Shelter Opens In Howell For The HomelessNew Shelter Opens In Howell For The Homeless
A new shelter in Howell will provide relief from harsh weather to the areaâs homeless. Centerpoint Church in Howell is the location for the new Severe Weather Center. The shelter is a product of the Severe Weather Network thatâs made up local churches, the Salvation Army, the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, and Love Inc. Love Inc Director Katherine Janego told WHMI how blessed they were to be able to serve the community by being collaborated with 60 churches across the county. Janego said they have been seeing four to eight people each night at the shelter thus far. Background checks are done on those interested in using the shelter, and upon acceptance they get a hot meal, a place to sleep, and warm breakfast in the morning. The Severe Weather Center began operations on February 1st. (MK/DK)
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Details Emerge Of Plot To Shoot Up High SchoolDetails Emerge Of Plot To Shoot Up High School
Details in the plot police say targeted Linden High School came out Wednesday during a hearing for the three teens charged in the case. 18-year-old Ryan Stevens of Linden, 15-year-old Cody Brewer of Wolverine Lake and 15-year-old Lamarr Dukes of West Bloomfield are charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder, a felony punishable by up to life in prison and false report or threat of terrorism, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Authorities allege Stevens enlisted his co-defendants to bring guns to school and kill a female student who had made disparaging remarks about him online. Among those testifying was the alleged victim of the threats, who said it began when she responded to a post by Stevens that insulted her. The argument, all of it online, escalated to the point where Dukes made her afraid to go home after school. She then reported the incident to the Linden High School liaison officer. An FBI agent testified that texts between the suspects included photos of Brewer and Dukes with guns. Attorneys for the suspects requested bail reductions for their clients, which were rejected. Stevens, who is jailed under a $200,000 bond, remains lodged at the Genesee County Jail. Brewer and Dukes are both under $100,000 bonds at the Regional Detention Center. The preliminary exam will continue February 24th. (JK)
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Local Woman Missing Since Sunday Local Woman Missing Since Sunday
Authorities are asking the public to keep an eye out for a local woman last seen Sunday. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department says 43-year-old Robin Owens was last seen around 8am Sunday, when she left for work from her home in the area of Crooked Lake and Dorr Road. Owens never made it to work and was driving a 2004 Honda Odyssey with a Michigan license plate 4-H-Y-J-2-3. Anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts or has seen the vehicle is asked to contact Livingston County Central Dispatch at 517-546-9111. Details are available in the attached flyer. (JM)
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GOP Decry Gilbert Email As Exploiting Flint Water CrisisGOP Decry Gilbert Email As Exploiting Flint Water Crisis
Republicans are accusing Democratic congressional hopeful Melissa Gilbert for trying to raise money from Flintâs contaminated water crisis. They point to an email signed by the actress and Brighton resident, in which she says her greatest fear as a mother is that whatâs happening in Flint would be happening to her children. She then says sheâs calling on Congress to âstep up to help Flint.â The email then includes a link that says, âPlease click here to sign your name to demand Congress take action to help the children and families of Flint.â The link then takes one to a Melissa Gilbert for Congress donation page. That had Michigan Republican Party Chair Ronna Romney McDaniel up in arms, accusing Gilbert of âexploiting the Flint water crisis to play politics and fundraise for her campaign.â It also prompted a reference from Republican Congressman Mike Bishop, the man she is trying to replace, who said on the House floor Wednesday that those who tried to capitalize on the Flint issue and use the situation for their own gain should be ashamed of themselves. Gilbertâs campaign has pointed out that while the link does take a user to her donation page, it also clearly states that their name has been added to a petition asking Congress to do more for Flint. Gilbert campaign manager James Stretch said in a statement that she âhas been asking her supporters to volunteer, donate, and help the children and families of Flint in any way they can,â adding that âMelissa and her son volunteered with the Flint Red Cross, unloading water bottles for city residentsâ that that the âpoliticians in Lansing and Washington have turned a blind eye to this crisis,â while Gilbert âhas stepped up to take action.â (JK)
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Design Work To Begin For McPherson Park Drive Resurfacing Project Design Work To Begin For McPherson Park Drive Resurfacing Project
The Howell City Council has nailed down funding for a project to resurface portions of McPherson Park Drive. The city was awarded a Transportation Economic Development Fund grant for the partial resurfacing of McPherson Park Drive. The Howell City Council previously awarded the design and construction engineering contract but at a recent meeting, approved the funding source for a local match requirement. The grant funds account for $334,000 of the total project cost - with a 20% or $66,800 local match needed from the City. After exploring various options, an existing fund balance in the Major Street fund was deemed the best option to cover the local match, as it would not put undue strain on other areas of the budget or staff and Council concurred. The work will encompass the portion of McPherson Park Drive adjacent to Mason Road and the CSX railroad tracks. Engineers are expected to begin design work in the next couple weeks. Meanwhile, staff has noted that the road is beginning to show signs of serious deterioration and will ultimately need a complete rehabilitation in the upcoming years. Photo: Google Street View. (JM)
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Marion Township Residents Protest Special Assessments For Coon Lake And RoadsMarion Township Residents Protest Special Assessments For Coon Lake And Roads
Two special assessments that have been designated in Marion Township are rubbing some residents the wrong way. Several protests have been made against the Special Assessment District Roll that has been approved for aquatic weed control for Coon Lake. The SAD calls for $40,000 to be spent per year for five years to control weed growth in the lake. At a township meeting on Thursday, the Board of Trustees provided forms for people who wanted to protest the percentage of the SAD that had been assigned to their parcel of land. Shares of the SAD for residents are determined by where they or the land they own is located in relation to the lake. Supervisor Bob Hanvey tells WHMI there are several reasons why residents are protesting the SAD. Hanvey told the crowd of residents that were gathered at the meeting that anyone who intended on protesting would need to fill out a form which will then be filed to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Another SAD Roll that received approval from the board of trustees designates $70,000 for major road repairs to Rurik, Adria, Olympia and Irene road, which are adjacent to Coon Lake. The cost will be spread over the course of five years and for residents will amount to $1,550 per share. One resident who disagreed with how the shares are determined questioned the financial structureâs legality. Hanvey says the statute regarding the issue is very clear and that the resident concerned about legality could explain his âtheoryâ to the Michigan Tax Tribunal once he filed a protest form. (DK)
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Meeting Will Detail Bridge Replacement ProjectMeeting Will Detail Bridge Replacement Project
Anyone who uses McGregor Road or accesses Portage Lake in the Pinckney area is advised to attend a meeting later this month about an upcoming bridge replacement project with a big impact. The Washtenaw County Road Commission is hosting a public information session to detail the bridge project on McGregor Road over the Portage Lake outlet, which is between the Livingston County line and Dexter Township. Itâs scheduled to begin this spring. The meeting will be held on Monday, February 29th at the Portage Yacht Club on Dexter-Pinckney Road. It will start at 6pm with a brief presentation where residents and commuters will learn details about the project, including proposed detour routes, residentsâ access to their property during construction, and projected timelines. The presentation will be followed by an open house format, providing individual citizens with the opportunity to discuss the proposed project with road commission staff and the construction contractor. (JK)
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Fenton School Administrators Trained In Active Shooter SituationFenton School Administrators Trained In Active Shooter Situation
An intense training program carried out at a local school district educated administrators about what to do in an active shooter situation. The Michigan State Police brought the ALICE program to the Fenton School district earlier this week and Superintendent Dr. Doug Busch says it was a âpowerful opportunityâ. ALICE is an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate. About 15 administrators took part in the educational role play, which Dr. Busch says felt quite realistic. MSP used blanks to create the sound of gun fire and Dr. Busch says this tapped into some intense emotions. He felt the learning aspect came into play by getting past the shocking sound and realism and moving into protection mode. Dr. Busch tells WHMI the experience was very beneficial and contained relevant information. Administrators were brought up to speed on locating safe exits from the building, how to barricade a classroom and what to do if an active shooter is in the hallway during passing time. The school district receives updated training each year from local law enforcement agencies. Dr. Busch says their focus is always on the schoolsâ and studentsâ safety and it is important that they are aware of the best practices available. (DK)
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Race Near Chelsea To Get Down & DirtyRace Near Chelsea To Get Down & Dirty
Bicyclists who want some grit in their ride will have that chance with a new race next month near Chelsea. The Waterloo Grit and Gravel bike race takes place March 19 at the Waterloo Recreation Area. The route goes through the Chelsea-area park, which includes forests, rolling terrain and lakes. Epic Races and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are partnering to host the event. Participants can sign up for a 100-kilometer course, a 50-kilometer course or a 10-mile non-competitive ride. Volunteers are sought to assist with work including the race's aid station, finish line and post-race cleanup. The state says they'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the new race by helping out. They'll also get a complimentary Epic Race T-shirt and refreshments. (JK)
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Howell Firefighter Of The Year Named At Annual CeremonyHowell Firefighter Of The Year Named At Annual Ceremony
Howell firefighters gathered this week to honor their best and brightest, including one who stood above and beyond. Deputy Chief Ronald Hicks was named Wednesday as the 2015 Howell Area Fire Departmentâs Firefighter of the Year. His boss, Howell Fire Chief Andy Pless, called him an âoutstanding firefighterâ and someone he was proud to have as his deputy chief. Hicks joined the department in 1983 and according to Chief Pless had made many hard decisions on emergency scenes, with even many harder decisions when it came to leading the firefighters that make up this department. He said that Hicks serves the community and the department selflessly, often putting in extra hours, and that it is not unusual to see him at the firehouse or attending meetings, long after his shift has ended. Pless called him âa silent professionalâ who was humble and possessed and unwavering positive attitude. Also honored at Wednesdayâs ceremony were several unit citations, Life Saving Awards and Chain of Survival Awards. (JK)
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Howell High School Students Shave Heads for Local Cancer PatientsHowell High School Students Shave Heads for Local Cancer Patients
One school districtâs superintendent offered to have his head shaved for a good cause this morning. Howell High Schoolâs Ribbon Warriors project set out to raise funds for local families dealing with cancer. Howell Public Schools Superintendent Erin MacGregor joined 10 students in the cause and had his head shaved. He says he needed his hair cut anyway, so the charity fundraiser served a dual purpose. MacGregor tells WHMI heâs proud of the effort. He says he did it because he was humbled and impressed by what the students were doing for the community. He says he is happy to help raise some awareness of the cause for supporting some families in the community that are dealing with some tough times. He says it was really about what the students were doing today and he was just proud to be part of it. The fundraiser was put on by the Interact Club, a community service and leadership club at the High School. Club president Sarah Cortez says over the last 5 years the club supported St. Baldrickâs Foundation, but this year things changed. She says they were raising money for St. Baldrick's because it was an organization that they really liked. It gives money to cancer research all over the United States, and as the event gained popularity the students got excited about shaving their heads. She says the committee sat down last year and came up with the idea that there are a lot of people in Livingston County and especially in Howell Public Schools that are battling cancer. She says they decided what better way to give back than to keep the funds in their own community. Cortez says the money raised goes toward helping families in the community who may have needs outside of what their healthcare covers. She says there is an application process to screen families, and money is available on a first come-first served basis. The group is still looking to meet its goal of $15,000 over the next few days. Cortez says the shavees will be collecting donations until Tuesday, February 16th. To donate click on the link at WHMI.com. (DS)
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