2/14/13 - Local parents and families encouraged to attend two free child safety events this weekend in Brighton. The Operation Kidsafe events offer parents a chance to talk to their kids about safety, pick up some tips and come up with a family safety action plan. A machine on site is used to digitally fingerprint and photograph a child in 30 seconds or less to create a bio-document, which includes the photo and a lifetime set of digital fingerprints for the child. Thereâs also a separate area to update the photo as the child grows and changes. The entire event is free for every family and no special information is needed because there is no data basing, and parents take home the only record of the visit. Operation Kidsafe Founder Mark Bott tells WHMI this marks the organizations 11th year and they've been able to safe guard over one million children in North America. The first Operation Kidsafe event will run from 1 to 7pm tomorrow at Brighton Ford on Grand River with WHMIâs Mike Marino on site. Another event is planned at the same location Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The complete interview with Bott about the event can be downloaded in the podcast section of our website, located near the top of our page. (JM)
Operation Kidsafe Events Planned This Weekend in BrightonOperation Kidsafe Events Planned This Weekend in Brighton
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Medical Marijuana Use Numbers Released, Livingston Rates LowMedical Marijuana Use Numbers Released, Livingston Rates Low
2/14/13 - A recent report by the state indicates that Livingston County has only a fraction of the number of medical marijuana users and caregivers found in neighboring counties. The industry provided the state with $9.8 million last year, resulting in a net profit of $6.3 million. The 2008 Medical Marijuana Act requires the creation of a yearly report on the number of marijuana cardholders. Oakland County had the second-highest number of users in the state with more than 11,000 while Genesee County placed fourth with more than 8,200. Livingston County had a much lower number of users at 1,867. However, an analysis of the numbers reveals that Livingston and Oakland Counties have roughly the same number of medical marijuana users per capita. Based on 2010 census numbers, cardholders make up 1.03% of the population in Livingston and .91% of the population in Oakland. In Genesee County, however, medical marijuana users make up almost 2% of the population, or almost twice the rate of marijuana users in Livingston. Ingham and Washtenaw Counties fell in the middle of the scale, with 1.74% and 1.29% respectively. The rate of medical marijuana caregivers per capita in each county follows the same trend. (TD)
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Man Accused of Leaving Car on RR Tracks to Undergo Evaluation Man Accused of Leaving Car on RR Tracks to Undergo Evaluation
2/14/13 - A Howell man charged with trying to derail a train has been referred for state forensic testing. 29-year-old Adam Lezotte was ordered to undergo competency and criminal responsibility evaluations during an exam this week in 53rd District Court in Brighton. Lezotte is accused of intentionally leaving his former girlfriendâs car parked on the tracks at Dearborn and Marion streets the evening of Sunday, January 6th following an argument. An eastbound train was unable to avoid hitting the vehicle, which was empty at the time. Lezotte is charged with endangering the travel of a train, a felony that can carry a possible life sentence as well as a separate count of unlawful driving away of a vehicle. (JM)
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Linden Explores Possible Elementary School Sidewalk Project
2/15/13 - The City of Linden has listed a sidewalk connecting two elementary schools with nearby residential areas as one of its priorities for the coming year. The project was requested by a petition from residents in the fall and was presented to the Linden City Council by the cityâs Parks and Recreation Committee on Monday. The project would serve Linden and Hyatt Elementary Schools. Officials say the plan is still preliminary and research needs to be done, but right now the cost is estimated at about $150,000. Grant funding from the stateâs Safe Routes To School program could potentially reduce that cost to $30,000. The committee also submitted plans for installing barrier-free restrooms at Walmar Park as well as numerous benches around the city as other high-priority projects for the next couple of years. (TD)
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Donations Sought To Hold Fenton High School Grad Party
2/15/13 - Project Graduation in Fenton is raising funds and seeking sponsors for the Fenton High School senior classâ graduation party. The all-night event is modeled after the U.S. Department of Transportationâs National Grad Night Network and will encourage the students to celebrate their graduation in an alcohol- and drug-free environment. The party will include raffles, laser tag, casino games, an arcade, DJ, rock wall, movies, and free food. The students will be locked into the school from 9pm Sunday, June 2nd until 5am the next day, with their car keys turned in to parent volunteers. The fundraising committee is seeking $40,000 in donations for the party, including cash and prizes like televisions, tablets, and mini-fridges for the students. The committee will meet at the Fenton Community Expo at the high school on Saturday and Sunday march 2nd and 3rd. For more information on sponsoring the graduation event, follow the link posted below. (TD)
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Stay Of Proceedings Granted In Bonner/Brighton Legal BattleStay Of Proceedings Granted In Bonner/Brighton Legal Battle
2/15/13 - A local judge granted a stay of proceedings yesterday in the legal battle between an elderly Northville couple and the City of Brighton. Leon and Marilyn Bonner own two homes on North Street that the city ordered demolished in January of 2009 based on an ordinance. Portions of that ordinance were later found unconstitutional, but due to failure to comply with court orders Judge Michael Hatty recently ruled that the Bonners had lost the right to repair the homes and that they must be demolished. The decision was said to constitute a final order, which would close the case. Attorney Dennis Dubuc, who represents the Bonners, said he would appeal the decision to the state Court of Appeals. He made a motion for an evidentiary hearing regarding an ongoing question of who will pay costs and attorney fees as well as a motion for a stay of proceedings. Yesterday Judge Hatty denied the motion for an evidentiary hearing but granted the motion for a stay. A $25,000 appeal bond is due by March 16th. (TD)
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Old Fenton Cinema Property Purchased by Company Looking to ExpandOld Fenton Cinema Property Purchased by Company Looking to Expand
2/15/13 - An abandoned property thatâs become an eyesore over the years has been purchased by a Fenton company looking to expand operations in the City. The Fenton Cinema is located on Alloy Drive across the street from Creative Foam's corporate headquarters in the Cityâs industrial park area. The theater closed in December 2008 and has sat vacant since then. Company officials made the announcement this week, saying the abandoned theater and associated property provides a great opportunity to expand operations in Fenton and possibly bring more jobs when the timing is right. Creative Foam is expected to tear down the theater but thereâs no timeline as to when the building would be demolished. There have been various attempts over the years to utilize the old cinema property but none came to fruition. (JM)
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Putnam's Longest-Service Firefighter Retires After Decades of ServicePutnam's Longest-Service Firefighter Retires After Decades of Service
2/15/13 - After 43 continuous years with the department, Putnam Townshipâs most experienced firefighter is retiring. Gordon âMacâ McIlvain started with the Putnam Township Fire Department in February of 1970 as a firefighter. He rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant, captain, and assistant chief before becoming the departmentâs fire chief in the mid-90âs. He eventually gave up the chiefâs position due to declining health, but has remained with the department as an engineer ever since. He formally retired yesterday. Fire Chief Greg Amburgey says the experience and knowledge of the longest-serving member of the department will be missed. McIlvain says he joined the fire department because he always wanted to help people who could not help themselves. Both his son and his daughter have become fire fighters in other departments. Putnam Fire Chief Greg Amburgey says the department will miss the knowledge and experience of its longest-serving firefighter. McIlvain says he plans to spend much of his retirement fishing. (TD)
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Salvation Army Celebrates Local Victories During LuncheonSalvation Army Celebrates Local Victories During Luncheon
2/15/13 - Thousands of lives were changed and transformed last year thanks to the Salvation Army of Livingston County. The local Corps celebrated successes over the past year along with work to come during its victory luncheon yesterday at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township. It was reported that 9, 365 lives in Livingston County have been touched or changed in some way, with hope was provided to clients through the direct efforts attendees and others. A new video titled âDiscover the Salvation Army of Livingston Countyâ was shown before Captain Jenny Ortman offered a victory message about the hope being provided to clients and asking the community to join in the fight with future efforts to help those most in need. She says the local Corps was able to help thousands while giving them hope for victory but there are still a large number of those in need and they see it every day. The annual report was also provided at the luncheon, offering a snapshot of all the good done over the past year. The Corps fell $6,329 short of its $367,000 fundraising goal this past Christmas season but it was noted that $385,000 was raised the year prior so it wasnât unrealistic. Officials said it was somewhat expected based on it being an election year, the effects of a hurricane that diverted local funds as well as a slight uptick in the economy and increased fundraising efforts from other agencies. The victory luncheon was well attended and a âDoing the Most Good Awardâ was handed out to the Brighton Area Fire Authority. It was recognized for bell-ringing efforts on the last Saturday before Christmas, during which time they raised $6.677.77 in seven hours. Officials said The Salvation Army certainly would have fallen way short of its fundraising goal had it not been for their hard work and dedication to the cause. (JM)
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Nominees Sought For Family Friendly Employer Award
2/15/13 - LACASAâs Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce are looking for local employers who understand the importance of family. The two organizations team up every year to present the Family Friendly Award to an employer that goes out of its way to accommodate the needs of its employeesâ families. Nominees should provide unique programs or benefits that are especially helpful to employees with families, support their employees during times of family crisis, and create a work environment that encourages employees to focus on family needs. Winners in the past have also included employers who made significant one-time efforts to help an employee through a difficult period. The CAP Council says it is important to recognize the efforts of local employers to promote family welfare because strong families encourage safe and healthy communities. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, February 20th. The award will be presented at the State of the Chamber Luncheon on February 28th. (TD)
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Former Governor Supports Rogers Cybersecurity BillFormer Governor Supports Rogers Cybersecurity Bill
2/15/13 - Former Michigan Gov. John Engler is supporting cybersecurity legislation sponsored by Congressman Mike Rogers. Engler is the president of the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executives, and said CEOâs are united in their efforts to fight cyberthreats. The three-term governor added that the nature of the threats could range from the merely embarrassing all the way to financial chaos with implications for the broader economy. Engler appeared before the House Intelligence Committee on Thursday in support of cybersecurity legislation co-sponsored by Rogers, who chairs the intelligence committee. The Brighton Republican reintroduced his Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act this week along with the committee's Democratic leader, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland. Rogers bill passed the House last April but ran into stiff opposition from civil libertarians who expressed concerns about provisions violating individuals' privacy. In addition, the White House preferred a Senate version that would have given the Department of Homeland Security responsibility for setting cybersecurity standards. The legislation allows the federal government to provide classified cyberthreat information to companies and encourage businesses to voluntarily and anonymously share cyberthreats with the government and private sector. (JK)
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Howell City Council Members Meet Saturday For Annual Retreat Howell City Council Members Meet Saturday For Annual Retreat
2/15/13 - A special guest will help Howell City Council members as they gather this weekend for their annual retreat. Dr. Joe Ohren from Eastern Michigan University is being paid $3,500 to help facilitate the gathering, which will take place in the 3rd Floor conference room of the 1st National Bank in downtown Howell from 8:30 to 5 on Saturday. City Manager Shea Charles says the decision to utilize a facilitator was made because of recent leadership changes on council, which meant that several members were unfamiliar with the process. The public is invited to attend the session, although no action will be taken by the council during the retreat. Officials say it is instead designed to serve as a work session to review projects over the past year and plan for the future. (JM)
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SELCRA's New Ice Skating Rink Opens in Brighton This Weekend SELCRA's New Ice Skating Rink Opens in Brighton This Weekend
2/15/13 - A new ice rink in Brighton opens to the public this weekend. The South Eastern Livingston County Recreation Authority or SELCRA has announced the opening of the Meijer Park Ice Rink on Orndorf Drive in Brighton. Open skating will be offered this Saturday from noon to 8pm and on Sunday from noon to 6pm, weather permitting. The entrance fee is $3 per person and individuals should bring their own skates. Officials say special thanks is owed to the local businesses that made donations toward the project, the Brighton Area Fire Authority for offering the water, the Brighton Rotary Raiders and other volunteers who helped construct the rink, and a company that will be helping resurface the rink through the winter. More information about the skating rink and SELCRA can be found through the link below. (JM)
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Howell Man Pleads Guilty to Computer Crimes for Soliciting Minor Howell Man Pleads Guilty to Computer Crimes for Soliciting Minor
2/15/13 - A Howell man charged with soliciting a minor online who turned out to be a police officer has entered into a plea deal. Court records show 37-year-old Eric Nicholas Bramble pleaded guilty to charges of accosting a child for immoral purposes and using a computer to do a crime. He also entered guilty pleas to lesser included offenses of âattemptedâ on two other counts of child abusive commercial activity and using a computer to commit a crime. Prosecutors agreed to recommend that Bramble spend one year in the Livingston County Jail and serve five years of probation but he will not be eligible for early discharge and is not to receive any jail credit other than statutory good time. He must also undergo sex offender treatment and will be sentenced by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader on March 7th. Police say Bramble sent messages âdesigned to entice or solicit a child under the age of 16 to commit an immoral act.â The messages came in the form of texts and emails to an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old child. (JM)
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Brighton School Board Approves New CoursesBrighton School Board Approves New Courses
2/16/13 - The Brighton Board of Education has approved two new courses for the curriculum: American Sign Language and the History of Behavior. Both courses will be offered beginning with the beginning of the 2013-14 school year this fall. Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI the courses, which are being added at minimal expense to the district, will give students more choices in course offerings and enable Brighton to keep pace with expanding state academic requirements for students to qualify for a diploma. American Sign Language is a course that is designed for students with disabilities and language impairments who need another language proficiency to complete the two-year World Language requirements of the Michigan Merit Curriculum. American Sign Language will be taught at Scranton Middle School, and the board was informed that the district already has a certified ASL instructor on staff who will teach the course. The course will also give students the opportunity to explore a career path in sign language interpreting. The other course the History of Social Behavior, will be for Brighton High School students and will be a Social Studies Department elective. It will discuss the origins of social perspectives, contrast various social cultures around the world and describe the development of socialization and how social change and the popular media affect society. (JK)
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Local Church Recognizing Community First Responders Next Month Local Church Recognizing Community First Responders Next Month
2/16/13 - A church will be paying special tribute to public safety workers and first responders in the community whose devotion to duty places them in harmâs way while providing others comfort and aid in times of crisis and distress. A Five Star Salute to Stellar Community Servants will take place on Sunday, March 3rd. Honorees will include law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS workers who serve the Brighton, Hartland and Howell areas along with surrounding communities. Members of Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Brighton say they routinely acknowledge and pray for men and women in the community who serve in the United States Armed Forces, both stateside and worldwide. When they deploy or return from deployment, officials say theyâre always greeted with an ovation and words of respect and gratitude. However, they say first responders within local communities rarely receive public acknowledgement or thanks so that is their sole mission March 3rd. The public is invited to attend the gratitude celebration. Details can be found in the attachment below. (JM)
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Howell Council Updates Snow & Ice Removal OrdinanceHowell Council Updates Snow & Ice Removal Ordinance
2/16/13 - The Howell City Council recently approved some updates to its ordinance governing snow and ice removal. Existing ordinance states that those owning or occupying any lot or premises abutting upon any street in the City must remove snow from the sidewalks within 24 hours so as to not inconvenience public travel. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the word âiceâ has now been added to obstructions that must be cleared from sidewalks. Based on discussion and feedback over the course of a couple meetings, Council decided to remove all references to dirt and debris in the ordinance and that the issue of sidewalk obstructions other than snow and ice would be addressed at a later date. Addition of the phrase âand/or endangerâ was added in one section to clarify what types of obstructions the ordinance is intended to address. The word âreasonablyâ was also added to the description of how clean a walk must be of ice. City staff is expected to continue research on how dirt, debris, and other obstructions can be better defined and is expected to present ordinance language to that effect at a later date. (JM)
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New Charge Added Against Brighton Home Invasion SuspectNew Charge Added Against Brighton Home Invasion Suspect
2/18/13 - Prosecutors have authorized another charge against a Brighton man in connection with a home invasion incident. 28-year-old Nicholas Sloan was charged with 1st degree home invasion following the incident on July 24th of last year. However, court records show that a count of assault and battery was added following a pre-trial hearing held this past week and he is being charged as a 3rd time habitual offender. He is scheduled to appear in Livingston County Circuit Court for a possible plea hearing March 15th. Brighton Police say Sloan forced his way into the former apartment of a man he suspected of having relations with his ex-girlfriend. However, the man he was looking for had moved out several weeks before. Police say Sloan kicked down the apartment door at around 3am, charged at a male occupant, and began throwing punches. The manâs fiancé grabbed her 4-year-old son, ran to a closet, and called 911. Sloan, who was on rollerblades, was quickly arrested by police down the street from the apartment complex. (JK)
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Major Church Plan Given Preliminary OK by Hartland Twp.Major Church Plan Given Preliminary OK by Hartland Twp.
2/18/13 - The River Community Church is looking to construct its new permanent home in Hartland Township. The Planning Commission reviewed conceptual plans for the new facility at its meeting last week. It's being proposed on the north side of M-59, about midway between Cullen and Hacker Roads. Church officials are hoping to break ground this year and be up and running by fall of next year if all goes as planned. Planning Director Dave Campbell says the church has been looking to construct a new building for some time and has owned the property for a couple of years. Campbell says the building is close to 38,000-square-feet and would have a seating capacity of around 800 in the main auditorium area along with some offices and small classrooms for Sunday school services. The ability for future expansion is being incorporated into plans and church officials would eventually move their administrative offices to the new building but are not proposing that in the immediate future. Campbell says the township is anticipating a positive new member of the community in The River and everyone is eager to see some new construction and dirt moving. Conceptual plans will go before the township board for a general review in early March and should be back before the planning commission in late March for a preliminary review. (JM)
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Woman's Bond Revoked After Driving to CourtWoman's Bond Revoked After Driving to Court
2/18/13 - A Northfield Township woman has been jailed pending her sentencing for felonious assault against a police officer after authorities discovered she had driven to a recent court hearing in violation of a bond agreement. 26-year-old Rebecca Lee Ball pleaded no contest last month to two counts of felonious assault in Livingston County Circuit Court. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to a personal recognizance bond and would recommend that she receive no further jail time when she is sentenced February 28th. However, after being spotted by an assistant prosecutor driving to the countyâs judicial center, Ballâs bond was revoked and she was lodged in the county jail. Itâs not known if the bond violation will affect the sentencing agreement. Green Oak Police say officers responded to a domestic disturbance during the early morning hours of July 4th at a residence in the area of Eastshore Drive and McNally Road. They arrived to discover roughly 25 young adults, many of whom had been drinking. After being told that the woman involved in the dispute was attempting to leave, a 2002 Chrysler Sebring driven by Ball drove towards two officers, narrowly missing the first and then hitting the second in his upper right thigh. Neither officer required medical attention but Police say Ball fled the scene and abandoned her car in an apartment complex. She was apprehended roughly four hours later after a State Police K-9 tracked her in a wooded area off of 7 Mile Road in Northfield Township. (JK)
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