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Milford Fire Chief On Leave, Police Chief To Lead Department Milford Fire Chief On Leave, Police Chief To Lead Department

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Some major leadership changes are occurring within the Milford Fire Department. Longtime Fire Chief Larry Waligora has been placed on leave and the department is said to be in a transitional period. The matter was discussed during two closed sessions of the Milford Township Board. Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg will be assuming administrative duties and deal with any staffing issues while Milford Assistant Fire Chief Tom Moore will hold the highest rank in the department. Officials expressed confidence in Moore - a career firefighter with 30 years of service to the Milford community who also holds the current title of captain with the Commerce Township Fire Department. Milford Township Supervisor Don Green and the board thanked Waligora for his 15 years of dedicated service to the community in a press release that was sent out. The department, how future services will be delivered, personnel and training levels are expected to be evaluated over the next few months by Lindberg, who will work with command staff. A future report would be presented to the township board for consideration. LinkedIn Photo. (JM)

Fowlerville Field Of Dreams Team Gives All Kids A Chance To PlayFowlerville Field Of Dreams Team Gives All Kids A Chance To Play

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A special baseball team held its final game at one local school yesterday. The Fowlerville Field of Dreams peer to peer baseball team played its last game of the season on the field behind Kreeger Elementary. The team of 16 is made up of kids 2nd through 6th grade who had not been able to play on an organized team. Last year Alec Johnson and his friend Ryan Flanery, both freshmen this year, started the team as part of a school project. Johnson had a particular interest in getting the team going. He says he and Flanery were in National Honor Society at the junior high and they had to do a service project. He says they decided to do a baseball team for his brother and some of his friends. Johnson says the team turned out really well last year and it felt great to him to give people that don't usually have the opportunity to play a chance because they like baseball a whole lot. He says they are hoping to do this every year and it will keep growing and growing. Johnson’s brother Nicholas has a genetic abnormality called FG syndrome that causes cognitive impairments among other symptoms. He says he wanted a way to include his brother in his favorite sport. The team’s teacher sponsor Angela Lawson says the team is made up of kids, who for various reasons, cannot play in a league with their peers. Lawson says the team is for kids who don't normally get to participate in organized sports; it could be someone who has physical limitations, or some of them have anxiety issues or other things like that that keep them from being able to or not feeling confident enough to play on an organized league. Lawson says the team met for five sessions to practice and learn some fundamentals before their final game. Lawson says there are a handful of junior and senior high boys who help coach as part of a service project. For the kids playing on the team there are no strike-outs and the assistance of a tee sometimes gives the kids a leg up when swinging. After their final game each of the kids was awarded a trophy and given a baseball signed by all of the coaches. Johnson says the team is open to anyone in the elementary who may not be able to play otherwise. He says anyone can play, but they prefer to keep it to kids who are not going to hit the ball out of the park. Johnson says last year they held a bottle drive to get the team off the ground, but this year have found sponsors to help purchase balls, tee-shirts, hats and trophies. (DS)

City Of Howell In Favor Of Creating Transportation Authority From LETSCity Of Howell In Favor Of Creating Transportation Authority From LETS

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The city of Howell is showing its support for the conversion of a local transportation service into a county-run authority. On Monday, Howell City Council passed a resolution encouraging county officials to establish a transportation authority from the pre-existing Livingston Essential Transportation Service (LETS). LETS is currently the only form of public transit in the county and does not have a regular schedule. It is also unable to receive Federal and State grants because of the lack of local matching dollars. Howell City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI that would change if LETS became a transit authority, instead of a county department. The proposed authority would have a regular schedule, service to Ann Arbor, Wayne County Airport, and at least two north-south routes. Proponents say along with providing transportation for the transit-dependent, the authority would help the economy and satisfy the need for labor in county-based businesses. Charles says the city of Howell is the first municipality to pass a resolution supporting the transit conversion, but believes other communities will jump on board as they come to hear about the benefits of such a system. (DK)

Putnam Township Man Facing Felony Charges Putnam Township Man Facing Felony Charges

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A Putnam Township man that may have been involved in a near overdose death is facing felony charges. 46-year-old Randolph Doan is facing various charges including delivering/manufacturing less than 50 grams of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. The Pinckney Police Department began an investigation after responding to a local restaurant where a woman was possibly overdosing on heroin earlier this month. Chief Jeff Newton said the woman survived. A search warrant was executed at Doan’s residence, a trailer in Putnam Township, which allegedly turned up heroin, crack cocaine and other drugs as well as evidence. The investigation is ongoing and Doan was arrested Friday night following a traffic stop in the village on Mower Road. He is scheduled to appear in 53rd District Court May 4th for a probable cause conference. (JM)

Charges Sought Against Howell Student Who Assaulted Girlfriend Charges Sought Against Howell Student Who Assaulted Girlfriend

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A student’s arrest was the end result of an incident at Howell High School yesterday. Around 12:30 pm, the Howell Police Department was called to the high school campus regarding an assault between a male and female student. Police Chief George Basar tells WHMI the two were dating and the male assaulted the female, then left the building and went into the school’s parking lot. Chief Basar says the male student then got into his pickup truck and started ramming the female student’s car, which was unoccupied. That caused damaged to two other vehicles in the parking lot. The male student attempted to flee but was stopped by responding officers on the high school drive near M-59. The student jumped out of his pickup truck, leaving it in gear, which in turn rammed one of the police vehicles. Chief Basar says the male was very aggressive and agitated when he jumped out of his truck and yelled “shoot me” to the officers. The student was taken into custody at gunpoint. The incident did cause Voyager Elementary to enter into Shelter in Place mode for a short period of time. Details about the student in question have not yet been released. Chief Basar says officers are currently completing their reports about the incident, as well as an “extensive” list of potential charges for prosecutors to review and make a determination of the appropriate charges. (DK)

Drick Named New Humane Society Executive Director Drick Named New Humane Society Executive Director

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A well-known community member has been hired to lead the Humane Society of Livingston County. Following a strategic planning process, the HSLC Board of Director’s voted to hire Deborah Drick as its new Executive Director, effective immediately. As part of the non-profit’s re-organization strategy, the board was advised to bring in a strong director who could assist with branding, improving the volunteer program and implementing the board vision. Board president Joe Miskovich says Drick is a highly motivated individual and the board has full confidence she’ll help the shelter grow from a hidden gem to a shining star in the community. Drick resides in Howell and commented she’s excited to take the organization to the next level and is looking forward to the challenge the position brings. Meanwhile, the shelter on Dorr Road in Genoa Township will be closed for the remainder of the week for renovations but will re-open to the public on Monday, May 2nd. Drick says volunteer handymen and painters are being sought as well as donations to help offset the cost of a great deal of needed repairs and pgrades. Donations can be accepted in person, by check or online through the link below. For further information or to volunteer, call (517) 552-8050. (JM)

Prescription Drug Collection Events This Saturday Prescription Drug Collection Events This Saturday

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Local police agencies will take part in a weekend event designed to help combat the rise of prescription drug abuse. Another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is scheduled this Saturday from 10am to 2pm. The Michigan State Police Brighton Post on Buno Road and the Brighton Police Department on Third Street are among participating locations. The events allow for the safe disposal of expired, unused, or unwanted prescription medication to help prevent misuse or damage to the environment. The service is free and anonymous, allowing citizens to just drop and go. Meanwhile, police agencies across Livingston County serve as collection points by housing Big Red Barrels from the Livingston County Community Alliance. Those include the Livingston County Sheriff's Department and the Fowlerville, Pinckney, Hamburg, Green Oak and Unadilla Township Police Departments. Liquids, inhalers, patches or syringes will not be accepted during the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. A list of collection locations is available through the link below. (JM)

Chase Bank Reportedly Robbed In Byron Chase Bank Reportedly Robbed In Byron

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The Chase Bank in Byron was reportedly robbed this afternoon by a suspect on a bicycle. A posting on the Village of Byron’s Facebook page states there was an attempted robbery at the bank within the village limits. The Chase bank branch is located at 136. South Saginaw Street. The suspect was reportedly an older man with grey beard on a bicycle leaving town, wearing jeans and a gray hoodie. It’s unclear if the suspect got away with any money or not and he remains at large but may have been caught on camera. Further information has not been released as there is apparently no longer any dedicated police coverage for the small community. WHMI has placed calls for comment with numerous agencies including the Village, the Durand Police Department, which is reportedly providing coverage to the town, along with the Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Department. Meanwhile, the incident has led to concern among locals about the lack of police presence. The Byron Village Council meets next on May 9th at 7pm. Google Street View Photo. (JM)

Berkley Man Arrested For Attempting To Steal ATV In Lyon TownshipBerkley Man Arrested For Attempting To Steal ATV In Lyon Township

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Charges are pending against a Berkley man who attempted to steal an ATV from a garage in Lyon Township. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Lyon Township Substation responded to a report of a Home Invasion on Topsfield Lane Tuesday afternoon. The complainant was informed by his neighbor that he observed a subject riding the complainant’s ATV up the street to an awaiting vehicle. Another neighbor witnessed from a distance and photographed the thieves as they attempted to load the stolen quad into the bed of a pickup truck. They were unable to lift the quad into the bed of the truck and eventually abandoned it on the side of the street. Deputies observed that the rear entry door to the garage had been kicked in. Deputies were able to identify a suspect involved in the theft, who was then located and arrested. The 20-year-old male was lodged at the Oakland County Jail pending the issuance of criminal charges. The incident remains under investigation. (DK)

Hamburg Township Named Among Country's Safest CommunitiesHamburg Township Named Among Country's Safest Communities

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A Livingston County township has been named as one of the 100 safest communities in the country. Safewise.com, a website dedicated to home security and safety, has recognized Hamburg Township as the 50th safest township in all of the United States. Safewise recognized the Hamburg Flood Response Action Plan as an important piece of legislation that helps dictate how officials should react in the dangers of a potential flood. According to their statistics, the township has only .46 violent crimes, and 4.47 property crimes per 1,000 residents. Hamburg was one of three Michigan Townships to make the list. The other two were Gross Ile at number 26, and Flushing Charter Township at 73. (MK)

Hartland Township and Planning Commission Hold Joint MeetingHartland Township and Planning Commission Hold Joint Meeting

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One local township board and its planning commission met in a joint session Tuesday night to discuss several issues. The Hartland Township Board of Trustees and the Hartland Planning Commission got together during a special session to talk about a handful of topics. Township Manager James Wickman says they normally try to meet every year to make sure everyone is on the same page, but the two groups haven’t met for two years. The agenda for the evening included issues like sign ordinances, development standards and an update on police protection. Wickman says it’s good practice. He says they try to get together at least once a year, but are not always successful. The two groups haven't met together for about two years. He says it's good for those two bodies to get together because they are the policy makers; they're making decisions about the zoning ordinances and the future growth and smart growth of the community. He says they want to get together and compare notes, talk about the things that are going on and make sure everybody is on the same page about how to address the issues that are facing them. There were no decisions made on any of the topics raised, but Wickman says the township will be looking into the possibility of doing a build-out analysis. He says the study will provide information for the long term about the direction the township is going, and making sure that they are attracting the right businesses to meet the needs of the residents. Much of the discussion was based on answers from a survey of residents in 2015 that showed the township’s residents support the ordinances and regulations already in place. Wickman says the residents and the township board would rather see more stringent ordinances when it comes to blight but for the most part the community is content with the way things are going. Wickman says as far as police protection in the township, something will eventually need to be done, but until after the election they won’t know what to expect. (DS)

Declining Enrollment Could Cancel Howell High School Fire Academy Declining Enrollment Could Cancel Howell High School Fire Academy

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Enrollment for the Howell High School Fire Academy is declining and the program’s leaders are encouraging local students to sign up to avoid its cancellation. Academy Instructor Lieutenant Tom Kiurski says enrollment into the program for the 2016/2017 school year is so low that the Academy may need to take a year off if they cannot gather more students. The program is in its third year at the high school and is considered to be the most successful high school fire academy in Michigan. Lt. Kiurski tells WHMI those enrolled will graduate from the program and high school as a certified firefighter in the state and a step ahead of others in the industry. Incoming juniors and seniors in Livingston County and some parts of Oakland County are eligible to enroll in the academy. Lt. Kiurski encourages anyone interested to reach out to him, any local fire department, or talk to their school’s counselor. Lt. Kiurski says the program originally took up three periods of a student’s day, along with an additional period for travel. That will change this year to just two periods, in hopes of increasing enrollment by better fitting students’ class schedule. More information about the program can be found at the link below. (DK)

Fire Truck Pull To Benefit Special OlympicsFire Truck Pull To Benefit Special Olympics

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Teams of ten will be playing tug-of-war with a fire truck for charity next month. The Law Enforcement Torch Run raises funds each year that help the Michigan Special Olympics. On Saturday May 14th, the Green Oak Township Fire Department and Michigan State Police are holding this first-time event to benefit both organizations. Trooper Dan Saldana told WHMI the teams participating will compete to see who can pull the fire truck 100 feet in the shortest time. Saldana said that through events like these, the LETR is able to create awareness and raise around one-million dollars annually for the Special Olympics. The State Police, Green Oak, and other nearby fire departments will all be participating. This event is also open to teams from the public who would like to support the cause. Cost of entry is $500 for a team of 10, or $50 per person. Registration will open at 8:30am at the Green Oak Village Place in Brighton on the 14th, with the event beginning at 9. To sign up for the pull or to donate, visit www.firstgiving.com/somi/metrofiretruck (MK)

Suspect Who Fled On Bicycle After Bank Heist In Byron ArrestedSuspect Who Fled On Bicycle After Bank Heist In Byron Arrested

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A man wanted in connection with a bank heist in downtown Byron is in custody. The suspect was arrested without incident around 11:25pm Wednesday at an address in White Lake by various law enforcement agencies and the FBI. The Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the robbery that was reported earlier in the day at the Chase Bank. The office says a lone white male with a beard, wearing sunglasses and a hoodie entered the bank and handed the clerk a note demanding money. An undetermined amount of money was taken and the suspect was last seen fleeing the bank northbound on a bicycle. No weapon was seen or indicated. Police say they were able to develop a person of interest with a possible address in Byron, but he wasn’t there. Further investigation led authorities to White Lake, where the suspect was taken into custody without incident and lodged in the Shiawassee County Jail. His name is being withheld pending arraignment. Google Street View Photo. (JM)

Agreement Prevents Enforcement Of "Gag Order" LawAgreement Prevents Enforcement Of "Gag Order" Law

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An agreement between the state and local governments reached in federal court blocks enforcement of a law curbing ballot information on local proposals. House Bill 5219 was part of larger legislation dealing with campaign finance laws and dealt with how public bodies such as governments, schools and libraries could communicate with residents and voters about ballot issues. It has been met with much criticism from local officials and others who felt it was overly restrictive and created to address a non-existent issue, citing laws already on the books that prohibit advocating. The complaint was brought against the state by a group including several school and local government officials. It said the "gag order" law violated the First and 14th Amendments by prohibiting the "free flow of objectively neutral, core political speech." The agreement was filed today in U.S. District Court in Detroit and permanently enjoins the Secretary of State's office from enforcing the restriction. Michigan Township Association Director of Government Relations Judy Allen tells WHMI the consent agreement signed and filed today gives townships and all local governments the ability to do what they consider to be their proper duty without fear of any type of prosecution or fines while ensuring voters in their communities have the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding local ballot measures. All three Livingston County lawmakers supported the original legislation, defending it was properly vetted and overall, was good policy that prevents public bodies from using taxpayer dollars to advocate for proposals. Green Oak Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles was among the many local officials who disagreed and said there was no need for the “absolutely senseless” change in law brought before the House in the eleventh hour with no debate. (JM)

Construction At Chilson & Coon Lake Road Starts Monday Construction At Chilson & Coon Lake Road Starts Monday

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The first stage of construction at a busy intersection in Genoa Township kicks off Monday. Preliminary work to construct a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Chilson and Coon Lake Roads will take place all next week. Then the following Monday, May 9th, the intersection will be completely closed to traffic for 45 days and motorists are encouraged to start planning alternate routes. Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine says the hope is that the roundabout will alleviate traffic congestion and high-intensity crashes in that area. The $780,000 project will receive federal funding to the tune of $500,000. The intersection is expected to re-open to traffic by June 23rd, with the remainder of the project completed by mid-July. Google Street View Photo. (DK/JM)

State Finds Violations In Trench Collapse At Jail That Injured WorkerState Finds Violations In Trench Collapse At Jail That Injured Worker

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The state has fined an excavating contractor after an investigation into a trench collapse at the Livingston County Jail that injured a worker found alleged violations. A 43-year-old man from Muir, Michigan was injured February 12th when a trench collapsed while working for Sandborn Construction Incorporated. He was installing a sanitary sewer line as part of the Livingston County Jail expansion and renovation project when the trench, 6-feet-deep and 6-feet-wide, collapsed on top of him. He was buried up to his stomach and trapped but was rescued somewhat quickly thanks to the efforts of local first responders. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or MIOSHA, has been investigating the cause of the collapse and issued citations against the company. The department tells WHMI the three alleged violations total $4,500 and are currently under appeal. The first is related to general rules regarding instruction to employees and avoidance of hazards while the other two deal with excavation, trenching and shoring rules. Rules state that “after every rainstorm or other hazard-producing occurrence, an inspection shall be made by a qualified employee for evidence of possible slides or cave-ins”. The rules further state if the conditions are found, all work shall cease until additional precautions, such as additional shoring or reducing the slope, have been accomplished. The worker, who has not been identified by authorities, was hospitalized in critical condition after the accident but later improved. Calls for comment have been placed by WHMI with Sandborn Construction. (JM)

Thompson Lake Treated For Invasive Weeds Thompson Lake Treated For Invasive Weeds

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Treatments to combat invasive weeds have been completed on Thompson Lake in Howell. The lake, located in the City of Howell and Oceola Townships, was treated with Fluridone Tuesday in order to combat an invasive weed called Eurasian Milfoil. The treatments occur every other year to help clear weeds from the lake. The Livingston County Drain Commissioner’s Office reports that following treatment, there are some restrictions on the lake including a one-day restriction on swimming and bathing. There is also a 30-day restriction on using the lake water for ornamentals or irrigation. The office says a second treatment will occur in roughly three weeks and the date will be posted on the Livingston County Drain Commissioner’s website. Signs will also be posted along the Thompson Lake shoreline following each treatment. (JM)

Sidewalk Decals Will Control Bikes In Downtown Howell Sidewalk Decals Will Control Bikes In Downtown Howell

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The city of Howell is welcoming bicyclists back into the downtown area with new signage to control the traffic. Bicycles haven’t been allowed in downtown Howell for several years and Community Development Director Tim Schmitt says for a safe re-introduction, cyclists need new infrastructure and education. The city will be creating bike lanes, appropriate markings, and installing bike racks as a first step in lifting the Traffic Control Order regarding bikes in the downtown. $2,000 will come from the city’s Major Streets Fund to cover the cost of new markings that will direct bikers to dismount before they enter areas where there is a heavy flow of pedestrian traffic. Schmitt tells WHMI the thermoplastic decals are raised bumps that will be sealed to the sidewalk and will soon replace the signs on popular bike routes. The first 10 dismount markings will be placed in the next month and others will be added as city officials see necessary. Schmitt says there is a “robust cycling community to support” and the goal is to minimize any chance of cycle/pedestrian accidents. (DK)

Suspect In I-96 Chase ArraignedSuspect In I-96 Chase Arraigned

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One of the suspects involved in a stolen vehicle incident and police chase on I-96 has been arraigned. 22-year-old Rodriguez Montez Burks of Muskegon is charged with receiving/concealing a stolen vehicle and receiving/concealing a stolen firearm. Burks is one of the three suspects involved in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle that occurred last Friday on I-96. Troopers from the Michigan State Police- First District - Hometown Security Team attempted to stop a vehicle on eastbound I-96 near Wallace Road in Handy Township. Sergeant Mark Thompson tells WHMI the driver of the vehicle refused to stop and a chase ensued. The vehicle was found to be stolen from Fruitport, Michigan located on the west side of state. Thompson says the stolen vehicle crashed into a marsh area off eastbound I-96, east of Burkhart Road (M-59) and multiple subjects ran from the vehicle. Deputies searched the area and found three suspects hiding in the marsh, who were then taken into custody. The other two suspects are said to be juveniles and would face charges in Muskegon County where they reside, and not Livingston County. Burks has been identified as the driver of the stolen vehicle and is charged as a Third Habitual Offender. He is being held on a $100,000 bond and is due back in court May 4th for an examination. (DK)
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