A Livingston County man facing charges for allegedly filming himself molesting children is headed to trial. The 28-year-old Deerfield Township man is charged with ten counts that include first degree criminal sexual conduct of a victim under 13, possessing child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit those crimes. He is not being named at this time because he is reportedly related to the victims. The incidents are believed to have occurred in Hartland Township in September. The perpetrator was found competent to stand trial in December after undergoing an evaluation for criminal responsibility at the state Forensic Center. He appeared in court Wednesday for a probable cause conference where he waived an examination and was bound over to Circuit Court. Future court dates for the defendant have not been set at this time. If convicted on the current charges, he would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison. (DK)
Local Man Who Filmed Himself Molesting Children Bound Over For TrialLocal Man Who Filmed Himself Molesting Children Bound Over For Trial
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Bishop To Award Local Vietnam Vets Anniversary PinBishop To Award Local Vietnam Vets Anniversary Pin
A ceremony planned later this month will honor local Vietnam veterans in remembrance of the Vietnam Warâs 50th anniversary. Congressman Mike Bishop will be presenting veterans from Michiganâs 8th Congressional District with the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin. The pin is authorized by the United States Congress in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and is available for any veterans who served during those years. The pinning ceremony will take place on Tuesday, March 29th, at the Brighton district office. Veterans will need to register for a pin and a link to that can be found at our website. Those who register will receive an email with the full details about the event. If anyone who registers is unable to attend, the pins will be available to be picked up at the district office after March 29th. The ceremony is open only to veterans and their families. For more information about the event, call 810-227-8600. (DK)
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Livingston Among Top Three In 2016 County Health Rankings Livingston Among Top Three In 2016 County Health Rankings
Livingston County is among the top three healthiest counties in Michigan. The 2016 County Health Rankings were released Wednesday. The report ranked Livingston County 3rd in health outcomes and 3rd in health factors in Michigan. Thatâs an improvement from last year when Livingston ranked 7th in health outcomes and 4th in health factors, for an overall ranking of 7th among the stateâs 83 counties. The rankings help counties understand what influences how healthy residents are and how long they will live. Health outcomes are based on an equal weighting of length and quality of life while health factors are based on weighted scores for health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the physical environment. The Livingston County Department of Public Health says despite being an educated, affluent, employed county with access to care, which all factor into being ranked in the top five Michigan counties, there are still areas where the countyâs health can improve in terms of both outcomes and factors. Health Educator Chelsea Moxlow says the vision and action plans within the Livingston County Community Health Improvement Plan launched earlier this year poise the community to continuously advance towards making the county a healthier place for everyone. It outlines action plans to address various areas for improvement such as substance abuse, chronic disease, healthcare integration, dental health, sexually transmitted diseases and health education and promotion. Moxlow tells WHMI the county does a great job of consistently working to improve health outcomes and various groups are constantly working to improve how residents access services and preventive care but a lot can be done individually as well. The Community Health Improvement Plan or CHIP as well as the 2016 County Health Rankings are available on the health departmentâs website through the link below. (JM)
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Pinckney Students Donate Over 700 Pairs Of Socks To HospitalPinckney Students Donate Over 700 Pairs Of Socks To Hospital
More than 700 pairs of socks collected by students in the Pinckney Community School district were donated Wednesday to kids in need at C.S. Mott Childrenâs Hospital. Pinckney Community High School Freshman Reese Ohmer, and her sister, 7th grader Olivia from Pathfinder Middle School, initiated a sock drive to help cheer up recovering pediatric patients. Olivia told WHMI she volunteers some of her time in a teen advisory council program at the hospital. Part of what the TAC does, Olivia said, is to help make everyone there feel comfortable. The two, with their friends, decorated boxes and collected new, wacky socks, so the children wouldnât have, as Olivia said, âboring socks.â The drive went on for two weeks and all sizes from baby to teenagers were collected. The students made the delivery to the kids at Mott on Wednesday morning. Diane Harris, who teaches art at Pathfiner, but also the Choose to Lead class, says the kids were able to meet some of the patients and help them pick out socks, while nurses came down to get socks for the kids who were too sick to make it downstairs. Harris said it was a heartwarming experience for her students. Harris helped to direct the effort along with Sharyl Meyer, a math teacher at the high school. (MK/JK)
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Gregory Man Killed When Tree Falls On SUVGregory Man Killed When Tree Falls On SUV
Authorities were on the scene of a fatal accident in Marion Township Wednesday that claimed the life of a Gregory man and sent his pregnant fiancée to the hospital. It happened shortly before 4pm on Pingree Road, south of Jewell. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI 26-year-old Gary Cox of Gregory was traveling in a 2008 Ford Expedition when a dead tree along the road fell on top of his car, trapping him inside. High winds apparently caused the tree to fall. His passenger, 22-year-old Alicia Emmons of Gregory who is pregnant, was transported to a hospital for minor injuries and observation of the baby. The investigation closed Pingree Road between Coon Lake Road and Jewell Road. (JM)
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Livingston County Economic Development Council Has New ChairLivingston County Economic Development Council Has New Chair
A new chair takes over a local economic group after its board of directors was appointed recently. Rick Scofield was appointed chair of the Economic Development Council of Livingston County (EDCLC) for 2016. Scofield who is head of May & Scofield Electronics takes the seat of Scott Griffith, president of Griffith Realty. The EDCLC is a non-profit group that works toward providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs that fit the economy and life-style of the residents of the county. Scofield says he is honored by the appointment and in the coming year plans to continue the model of success the EDCLC has built. He says the organization, in cooperation with Ann Arbor SPARK, recently created a microloan program to help facilitate small business. He says their focus will be to continue to serve the whole business community. Other appointees to the board are Marlo Rencher, of Cleary University, David Walker, president of the Hartland Insurance Agency and Carolyn Bennett of DTE. Former publisher of the Livingston Daily Press & Argus, Richard Perlberg was elected as vice-chair of the EDCLC board. (DS)
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L.E.T.S. Drivers & Dispatchers To Be Recognized On National Transit DayL.E.T.S. Drivers & Dispatchers To Be Recognized On National Transit Day
A local public transportation service will take part in a national holiday that honors transit employees on Friday. The Livingston Essential Transportation Service, or L.E.T.S., offers rides for anyone to any destination in the county. The system serves a population of 184,443 within the 568 square mile area and operates with just 40 employees. Operations Manager Katrina Maxwell says the system is remarkable because of its hardworking staff members, who will be recognized on National Transit Day. The holiday honors drivers and dispatchers who do much more than just take people to and from where they need to go. Drivers must keep a schedule, check fares, give directions, announce stops and remember requests all while safely maneuvering through traffic, tight spaces and difficult weather conditions. Maxwell says for some passengers, the L.E.T.S. dispatchers are the only person they interact with all day, thus serving a far greater purpose. Maxwell tells WHMI she is very proud of the expanding system. L.E.T.S. averages 700 trips a day in the county transporting those in need of a ride for a small fare. One of the systemâs buses even makes trips outside of the county daily to surrounding areas like Novi, Ann Arbor and Lansing for just $10 round trip. L.E.T.S. drivers and dispatchers will get pizza, cake and a gift on National Transit Day, as well as a hug and many thanks. Maxwell says it is clear to see that the employees appreciate their job and the people they transport, making L.E.T.S. one of the greatest transportation systems in the state. (DK)
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Annual Bowling Fundraiser Heading Into Second WeekendAnnual Bowling Fundraiser Heading Into Second Weekend
The Livingston County Big Brothers, Big Sisters Bowl For Kidsâ Sake event will finish out its two-weekend run tomorrow. Normally held on a single weekend, the annual event switched things up this year and split the bowling fundraiser between two Fridays at Striking Lanes in Hartland. Although the number of registered teams was down this year, event organizers say bowlers brought in over $32,000 in pledges alone. Last Friday, the top fundraising teams included Brow-ing For Kids from Citizens Insurance, Weapons of Mass Consumption from 1st National Bank; Brighton Rotary and Babes in Bowlingland III from Sunrise Rotary. The School Challenge saw the Howell Football Team bring in 7 teams and several hundred dollars in pledges. Rachele Evers, who bowled with the Brighton Rotary Club, was the top fundraising individual with $2,110 in pledges. Big Brothers, Big Sisters has one more day of bowling set for Friday with openings available at either 6 or 8:30pm. You can still register a team by calling 517-546-1140. (JK)
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New Entrance For Mining Operation At Island Lake ApprovedNew Entrance For Mining Operation At Island Lake Approved
A new entrance to a mining operation at Island Lake Recreation Area has been approved by the Green Oak Township Board of Trustees. McCoig Materials is close to beginning a 10- year soil removal and reclamation operation at the state park. They had initially hoped to use an entrance owned by a local scrap company on Rushton Road as their primary access point. Township Supervisor Mark St Charles told WHMI they had change plans when an agreement couldnât be struck. Plan B was to purchase another piece of land in the area, but it wasnât an optimal site. They were recently able to negotiate a deal with JD Beavers Company where they will be able to use their road, which was the townshipâs hope in the first place. The new entrance is only a few hundred feet from the old proposed one, and shouldnât add any additional effect to traffic or residences than the old entrance would have. St. Charles also commented on his sources have lead him to believe that McCoig is going to pave a part of north Rushton Road which, previously unbeknownst to the board, is a private road. He said they hope to contribute in creating more asphalt because of the additional truck traffic they are bringing to the area. (MK)
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Large Tree Smashes Car In Green Oak TownshipLarge Tree Smashes Car In Green Oak Township
Todayâs high winds are to blame for large trees that came crashing down and smashed vehicles in Green Oak and Lyon Townships. A large tree fell on Silver Lake Road, east of US-23 in Green Oak Township this afternoon. Despite considerable damage to the vehicle, which is pictured, police say the 61-year-old male driver of the green Honda Civic escaped serious harm and only suffered minor injuries. The tree was blocking Silver Lake Road near Fernwood but it has since been removed. Then another tree in that same area came down around 4:45pm, and was partially blocking one lane of Silver Lake Road. Meanwhile, the Lyon Township Fire Department responded to assist with a tree that fell on a car while driving down Chubb Road and said luckily no one was injured. Todayâs incidents follow a fatal accident on Pingree Road in Marion Township just yesterday. 26-year-old Gary Cox of Gregory was killed after a large dead tree fell on top of his SUV, trapping him inside. Police said his pregnant fiancée was hospitalized for minor injuries. Photo: Brian Parsons. (JM)
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Foundation To Roll Out New Regional Food Security ProgramFoundation To Roll Out New Regional Food Security Program
A regional program designed to increase access to healthy food for children and seniors across southeast Michigan will kick off later this month. The Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan is rolling out a new program called Healthy Food Connect that will support existing food programs, while extending their reach, building on innovative activities and providing educational opportunities. A recent study found that more than 780,000 residents in the seven counties that make up southeast Michigan, including Livingston, do not meet U.S.D.A. standards for food security, which means they cannot reliably access enough food for an active, healthy life. With that in mind, Healthy Food Connect will make up to $2 million in grants available to support innovative healthy food access projects, most especially targeting the K-12 population and seniors over 65 who are most vulnerable. A kickoff event is being planned for Wednesday, March 30th in Dearborn where the Community Foundation is inviting non-profits in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, Livingston, and St. Clair counties that do food access work and/or that serve senior or youth to send two representatives to learn more. Seating is limited and the registration deadline is Monday, March 21st. You can do that through the link below. (JK)
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Local Lawmakers Join In House Approval Of $48.7 Million For Detroit SchoolsLocal Lawmakers Join In House Approval Of $48.7 Million For Detroit Schools
The Michigan House of Representatives has approved nearly $50 million dollars in supplemental funding for Detroit Public Schools. The bill to help the financially depleted school district passed on Thursday with a 104-5 vote. $48.7 million dollars will come from the Michigan Tobacco Settlement Fund to pay teachers and bills, as the district had previously reported they only had enough money to pay staff through April 8th. The use of the funding was made contingent on an agreement that DPS would be monitored by the Michigan Financial Review Commission. Local State Representatives Hank Vaupel and Lana Theis voted in favor of the supplemental funding and oversight board, though Theis says âthere will be heavy accountability measures associatedâ with the bill. Vaupel says the rationale behind the billâs passage was to provide for the districtâs 45-47,000 students because cancelling the rest of their school year is ânot an optionâ. The issue is expected to move on to the Senate next week. (DK)
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Putnam Township Group Still Fighting Pipeline ProjectPutnam Township Group Still Fighting Pipeline Project
A grassroots group based in Putnam Township says itâs continuing its fight against a proposed interstate natural gas pipeline. The ET Rover Pipeline Project would construct a natural gas pipeline from West Virginia to Canada. It would travel from the Midwest Hub in Ohio through Michigan to an interconnection near Livingston County with the existing Vector pipeline, through Putnam Township and the Pinckney Recreation Area. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or FERC has not granted approval and will host a meeting regarding the projectâs Draft Environment Impact Statement on Wednesday, March 23rd at Chelsea High School. Frustration led a group of Putnam Township residents and community members to form the ET Rover Go Home group. It has a myriad of concerns including the close proximity to residential homes along the route, the potential environmental impact but also unclear routes and maps. The pipeline would travel through a farmerâs field next door to Mary McGraw, who says a land agent was by last summer to inform her of the proximity but the problem is they get different stories from everybody and maps are continually changing. She tells WHMI her home could be 125 feet away from the pipeline or as much as 300 feet, depending on whom you talk to and what map your looking at. McGraw says they have a small core group thatâs been meeting and is planning a larger community meeting this spring to raise public awareness because they still donât think many people know about the project. A ballot issue in Putnam Township last November would have raised funds to fight the project. While it failed to pass, McGraw says the issue brought a lot of attention to the matter and the group is continuing its fight. She says they encourage everyone to attend the upcoming meeting and show support but itâs also an opportunity for community members to make a statement about the environmental impact, including protected wetlands or endangered species. McGraw noted that of seven meetings FERC has scheduled, the March 23rd event is the only one in Michigan so they want to make sure everyone is aware. Details about the meeting, project and the ET Rover Go Home group can be found in the attached press release. A link to the ET Rover project website is below. (JM)
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Brighton-Area Farm Catches Images Of Rabbit Thief In The ActBrighton-Area Farm Catches Images Of Rabbit Thief In The Act
Elmer Fudd may have been hunting rabbits, but owners of a family farm near Brighton are hunting a rabbit thief. Dangerbunny Farms says that someone stole several rabbits on three separate occasions, most recently this past Tuesday morning. The earlier thefts on February 24th and March 9th caused them to set up a surveillance system which caught clear images this week of the thief. Youâll find those at whmi.com. Dangerbunny Farms owner Ruth Musolf says in all more than ten rabbits have been stolen and that they have since locked up their animals. Musolf posted on the farms Facebook page that she spoke with Livingston County Animal Control and they told her a farm on Maxfield Road in Hartland also had rabbits stolen last week. (JK)
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Replacing 8 Mile Bridge Among Upcoming MDOT ProjectsReplacing 8 Mile Bridge Among Upcoming MDOT Projects
Several road projects in the area are planned for the quickly approaching construction season. The major project in Livingston County is the I-96 and US-23 interchange and construction is expected to continue soon. Michigan Department of Transportation Spokeswoman Kari Arend says an exact date for the work to resume isnât set however. Another major issue is the replacement of the 8 Mile Road bridge over US-23, which was damaged severely last week when it was hit by a semi that was over the height restrictions. The bridge was deemed unsalvageable and was demolished, though Arend says that bridge had already been scheduled to be replaced this year as part of a larger project on US-23. The next step will be to determine a timeline for fixing the bridge and 8 Mile Road over US-23 remains closed in the meantime. Arend tells WHMI other road construction has already begun a little further down at M-14. Bridges and pavement will be repaired between the I-94 and US-23/M-14 interchange. A section of M-14 is already closed and will remain so until August from Main Street to Miller and Maple Road. Shoulders, ramps and concrete will be rehabilitated in the 6.5 mile-stretch of I-96 between M-52 and Fowlerville Road. One lane will be open in each direction during off-peak hours and during 4 summer weekends. At Werkner Road and M-52 in Chelsea, a roundabout will be constructed which is expected to have at least one lane open. For motorists using the roadways that will soon undergo construction, Arend says MDOT is appreciative of their patience. (DK)
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Livingston County United Way To Celebrate "Spirit of the Community"Livingston County United Way To Celebrate "Spirit of the Community"
An event that celebrates the collaborative energy and partnerships that strengthen Livingston County is approaching next week. The Livingston County United Way will celebrate the Spirit of the Community during its 2016 annual meeting and volunteer recognition breakfast. The event will share successes over the past year and future direction, while also recognizing exceptional leadership, volunteers and partners. Several individuals and area youth will be recognized for their commitment to the United Way and outstanding service to the community. The Randy Rudisill Business of the Year award will recognize a local business said to perpetuate his leadership, compassion, commitment to the community, and strong business acumen. Current United Way President and Livingston Educational Service Agency Superintendent Dan Danosky will host the event. He says there is much to celebrate in Livingston County and the Spirit of Our Community breakfast creates momentum for the work that lies ahead. Organizers say there are still spots available for the event on Wednesday, March 23rd at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Howell. The cost is $23 per person and online registration is available in the link below. (JM)
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Pinckney High School Business Students Gain Experience With Hands-On ProgramPinckney High School Business Students Gain Experience With Hands-On Program
Business-focused students at Pinckney High School are gaining experience about their industry of choice through integrative learning. Students in the Virtual Enterprise International (VEI) class and Business Professionals of America (BPA) club are finding their way in the business world before they even get there. The VEI class allows its students to build and run their own business, which placed second at a statewide competition. Nine of those students will travel to New York next month to compete on a national level and participate in the Global Business Summit and International Trade Show. Students in the BPA club are participating in a state-level competition this week in a test-based format. If they do well, they will travel to Boston in May for a national hands-on competition. VEI Teacher Cyndi Millns tells WHMI she has watched students blossom in the year-long 2-hour block class. Emma Scott, a senior at Pinckney High School, member of the BPA club and Event Coordinator for the VEIâs student-run company, says the program has taught her to think on her feet. Whatâs more is she says sheâs learned how to be more professional in a business setting and that sometimes improvising isnât a bad thing. Millns says she has seen students succeed after high school in the business field because of the skills they acquire in the program. She takes a proactive approach to teaching and says she doesnât lecture her class. Millns says an important factor to their growth is that âthey learn by doingâ. (DK)
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Businesswoman Offers to Clean Up Brighton's Mill PondBusinesswoman Offers to Clean Up Brighton's Mill Pond
A local company president and citizen volunteer has offered her services, and those of her employees, to clean up the Mill Pond â which is arguably the downtownâs most popular attraction. In her presentation before the Brighton City Council Thursday night, Karleen Shafer told council that the pond is deteriorating as the result of invasive plant species which propagate rapidly. However, she said such plant species donât benefit the fish or waterfowl that inhabit the pond area because they have virtually no nutrients and eventually choke the pond. Shafer wants to initiate a cleanup program beginning this spring and said the dozen employees at her business â Landscape Design & Associates of Howell â have indicated their willingness to volunteer their services. She says the cleanup program would come at no cost to the city. Shafer even said she would apply for the necessary state Department of Environmental Quality permits and pay for the permits herself. Shafer said she wants to do the project to make the Mill Pond cleaner and healthier, but also to enhance the downtown area. Shafer said she would welcome community volunteers for the project, as well as private donations. Brighton High School has already offered a cadre of 65 volunteers for the project. Shafer said she also had a plan to divert the Mill Pond ducks and geese, whose droppings can be a nuisance at times â to an area away from the heavy foot traffic at the downtown end of the pond. Mayor Jim Muzzin told Shafer that staff would discuss with the city attorney the legalities involved in her taking on such an ambitious program and likely have something ready for action at the next council meeting. (TT)
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Brighton Council Asked if Development Would Affect Home ValuesBrighton Council Asked if Development Would Affect Home Values
A Brighton resident wants to know if the pending Arcadia Village senior citizens housing development will adversely affect her property values. But City Council told her at Thursday nightâs meeting that such a thing is impossible to predict. Cheryl Krueger, who lives on State Street next to the old Lindbom School property, told council she just got her property tax assessment and it has risen by $10,000. She wondered if the development had anything to do with it. City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI there is no way that the city can predict how a development such as Arcadia Village â even if it comes to fruition â would affect property values in the adjacent northwest Brighton neighborhood. Developer Pat Battaglia proposes to put 210 senior housing units â120 for independent living and the rest for assisted living and memory care - on the 10-acre site. He is expected to present a revised site plan to the City Planning Commission at its April meeting. His company â ACA Brighton Holdings LLC - bought the former school and property from the Brighton Area Schools for $1.45 million last year. Neighborhood residents voiced vehement opposition at a December public hearing before the Planning Commission. (TT)
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Two Pinckney High School Students Enter Plea In Rape Case Two Pinckney High School Students Enter Plea In Rape Case
Two Pinckney High School students have pleaded guilty to charges in a rape case. 17-year-old Nicklaus Lefebvre and Jacob Houck both entered pleas in court today. Houck pleaded guilty to charges of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct and furnishing alcohol to a minor. A motion from the defense to reduce Houckâs bond to 10% of $200,000 was also granted. Meanwhile, LeFebvre pleaded guilty to three counts of 3rd degree CSC. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a charge of child abusive commercial activity that was filed for his allegedly taking pictures during the incident. Pinckney Police Chief Jeff Newton declined to get into details but confirmed for WHMI that charge was dismissed because police were unable to recover any alleged image of the assault. Authorities say Houck and Lefebvre sexually assaulted a 15-year-old female Pinckney High School student after giving her alcohol at a residence in the Village last December. A third student had also been charged but that case was resolved in juvenile court. Houck and LeFebvre are scheduled to be sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court April 21st. As part of the plea agreements reached, both defendants will be able to petition for sentencing under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. If granted, their criminal records would be erased upon successful completion of probation. (JM)
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