Overnight ramp closures are planned Tuesday at I-96 and US-23 in the Brighton area. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the following ramps will be closed so crews can complete a traffic shift on southbound US-23 at I-96. The closures are also needed so that crews can move traffic on the ramp from southbound US-23 to eastbound I-96 to a temporary slip ramp.
- the ramp from westbound I-96 to southbound US-23 will be closed starting at 7pm Tuesday until 6am Wednesday.
- the ramp from southbound US-23 to eastbound I-96 will close starting at 10pm Tuesday until 5am Wednesday.
M-DOT says when the ramps are closed; traffic will be detoured to westbound I-96 to Grand River to eastbound I-96 and then back to US-23. (JM)
Overnight Ramp Closures Scheduled Tuesday At I-96 & US-23Overnight Ramp Closures Scheduled Tuesday At I-96 & US-23
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Hartland Teacher Immerses Students In Motown Culminating In Public ConcertHartland Teacher Immerses Students In Motown Culminating In Public Concert
A local music instructor is using the sounds and history of Motown to teach his students that music is a language all its own. Daryl Bean teaches music to 6th-graders at Hartland Farms Intermediate School and recently began a project that will culminate in a public concert including some of Michiganâs top musicians. Bean wanted to teach his kids about Motown as a musical genre, but also as an historical era. One of the songâs they recorded at the studio was a cover of Stevie Wonderâs âSir Dukeâ, which will be among the songs the students will present at a June 6th concert at Hartland High school. Bean says the concert and film festival, featuring short student made movies about Motown, will be performed alongside professional musicians from bands like Soul Shake, The Social Bandits and Big Will and 360 Degrees. Admission to the concert is free, but donations will be accepted to help pay for this project and future musical endeavors. For more information, email Bean at; darylbean@hartlandschools.us You can hear the full interview with Bean by Clicking Here. You can also listen to the cover of 'Sir Duke' through the link below. (JK)
Picture: Maurice "Pirahnahead" Herd talks with the students at United Sound Systems Recording Studio.
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Dirt Bike Crash Sends Men To Hospital Saturday; One Airlifted Dirt Bike Crash Sends Men To Hospital Saturday; One Airlifted
Two men had to be hospitalized for injuries after crashing into each other while riding dirt bikes in Unadilla Township over the weekend. Unadilla Township Police say at around 5:15pm Saturday, a 25-year-old Hamburg Township man and a 26-year-old Washtenaw County man were involved in a crash involving motor-cross style motorcycles. Police Chief David Russell tells WHMI the 25-year-old man was riding up one side of a hill while the 26-year-old man was jumping the hill from the opposite direction. Neither rider could see the other until they reached the top. Russell says the rear tire of the motorcycle making the jump struck the helmet of the rider of the other motorcycle. The rider of the jumping motorcycle suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital by ambulance. The rider who was struck was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital by Survival Flight helicopter, and was last listed in critical condition. Russell says alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation. Photo courtesy Unadilla Township Police. (JM)
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Hundreds Pay Tribute To Howell Choir DirectorHundreds Pay Tribute To Howell Choir Director
Hundreds of current students and alumni from Howell High School gathered to pay tribute to one of their favorite teachers Sunday, singing a number of favorite songs. Over 400 former Howell High School Choir members returned to the area from at least 24 states to sing in a unique concert in honor of choir director Rod Bushey. The concert was part of a farewell tribute to Bushey, who is retiring after 44 years serving in the district. At the end of the concert, which included a couple of unscheduled Christmas songs, the high schoolâs auditorium was dedicated to the longtime teacher. Eric Shongalla was a student of Busheyâs in the mid 1980s and says Bushey is more than a teacher. Shongalla says it would be a disservice to say that Bushey was one of his favorite teachers because he was a friend. He says Bushey was also a friend to all of his past students. He always had time for them no matter whether they were a trouble-maker or a good kid, or if he noticed that someone was down or needed someone to talk to, he was the one they could go to. He says Bushey would put everything aside, and he would just listen. There were 400 plus people there which was just a small fraction of the number of lives who have gone through his classroom and experienced his enthusiasm for music. He still has that same dedication today that he had from the very beginning. Shongalla says honoring Bushey by putting his name on the auditorium is fitting. Bushey says he was overwhelmed by the show of alumni and their performances. He says when he started teaching he was taught that especially with high school students that all he had to do was point them in the right direction and get out of the way. He says he did that and more. Bushey says if a teacher loves kids and realizes that who they're teaching is more important than what they're teaching, they can be successful because loving high school kids is a really big deal and they know it when they're loved. Bushey says he's been blessed to be able to teach and he says he thinks he's had a heart for teenagers. He says he loves teenagers and the thing he'll miss most is not being able to watch the freshmen grow into young men and young women. After the concert high school Principal Jason Schrock announced the dedication of the auditorium to Bushey saying it was fitting. He says Bushey was in on the design of the building and helped build the choral music program into what it is today. Bushey will continue at Howell High School until June 10th. He says he is auditioning students for next yearâs choir and has a few loose ends to tie up before his retirement begins. (DS)
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No Intervention For Rare Albino Skunks Found Under Local PorchNo Intervention For Rare Albino Skunks Found Under Local Porch
The likely fate of two rare albino skunks is bringing attention to the sometimes unsettling realities of nature. A Livingston County man says a mother skunk had a litter of babies under his back porch about four weeks ago but sadly, was killed in the road a week ago. He says what was especially rare was that two of them were albinos so he contacted several agencies to see if they could possibly be rescued. In the State of Michigan, no licensed rehabilitator is allowed to work with bats or skunks because of rabies. The homeowner told WHMI he felt bad for the little ones because of the rare breed but thatâs nature and heâll just have to let them try to survive on their own after being informed of the various laws. Wildlife Director Dana DeBenham with the Howell Nature Center tells WHMI an albino of any species is exceedingly rare, mainly because they have a very poor survival rate and fall prey quickly because theyâre so visible. DeBenham says the concern is not just rabies but making the babies tame by being around them â noting sadly, orphaned skunks have nowhere to go other than to be humanely euthanized. DeBenham says it sounded like the homeowner had a good handle on the situation but ultimately itâs a human health issue. She says the two skunks are probably perfectly healthy but unfortunately, there is no way of knowing without euthanizing them and testing brain tissue for rabies. DeBenham says the two skunks looked pretty big from the pictures so they might have a chance of survival without their mother at this point. She says the homeownerâs best bet is to leave them alone and encourage them to move on. Meanwhile, itâs considered baby season at the Howell Nature Center. It anticipates taking in 500 cases of injured and orphaned animals each month in May, June and July. (JM)
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Salvation Army Seeks Sponsors For Summer Lunch ProgramSalvation Army Seeks Sponsors For Summer Lunch Program
The Salvation Army of Livingston County is seeking the communityâs help to provide food for struggling families through their annual summer program. The Summer Lunch Bunch meal program is a collaborative effort from the Salvation Army of Livingston County and the Livingston County Hunger Council. The program serves area families at nine full service sites for ten weeks, beginning June 13th. Families can receive a free served meal at the sites, a nutritionally balanced food pack, and a weekâs worth of lunches to take home. Last year, the program provided over 20,000 meals for those in need. Representatives say they still need $10,000 in support to make the program a success this year and are looking for donations. The organization is grateful for contributions in any amount. Corporate sponsors that donate $1,000 or more will be recognized at the Salvation Armyâs annual dinner and kick off events. More information about the program or donating can be found at the link below.
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Black Hawk Helicopter To Appear At Fowlerville Memorial Day ParadeBlack Hawk Helicopter To Appear At Fowlerville Memorial Day Parade
A unique photo opportunity will be presented at the Memorial Day parade in Fowlerville this year. The parade begins at 10 am on Monday, May 30th and culminates in a ceremony honoring fallen soldiers at Greenwood Cemetery. Parade participants and attendees will be met by two servicemen playing bagpipes. Students from Kreeger Elementary will then lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, before the Fowlerville Marching Band plays The Star Spangled Banner. Two chaplains from the VFW will deliver a message about the meaning of the holiday followed by a rifle salute and playing of taps. After this presentation, spectators are invited to head over to the Fowlerville Community Park for an event that Memorial Day Parade Chaplain David Mester of VFW Post 6464 believes the public wonât want to miss. Mester told WHMI that a Blackhawk helicopter from the U.S. Armyâs 238th General Support Aviation Battallion in Grand Rapids will land and be present for pictures from noon until 2pm. A group of local government and VFW officials will greet the Blackhawkâs flight crew, which will feature three local servicemen. First Lieutenant Paul Fitzpatrick of Webberville, Specialist Nikki Nestor of Brighton, and Chief Warrant Officer Ian Mihlfeld of Fowlerville will all be hand. The event at the park will also have a DJ and a vendor selling food and refreshments. In the case of bad weather on the 30th, the Memorial Day Ceremony will be moved to the Fowlerville High School Auditorium, and the Blackhawk will land and be on display at the Fowlerville Bus Garage parking lot. (MK)
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Democrats Urge Absentee Voting During Upcoming Elections Democrats Urge Absentee Voting During Upcoming Elections
Local Democrats say clerks should be encouraging more absentee voters to help reduce lines, ease frustration at the polls and give voters time to brush up on proposals and candidates during upcoming elections. The Livingston County Democratic Party says the Legislatureâs ban on straight party ticket voting could mean longer lines that ultimately jam up polling locations, especially in November. Some party candidates are encouraging local townships to allocate funding for the costs associated with mailing letters to registered voters about permanent absent voter application lists. Many municipalities maintain those lists, in which voters are automatically sent an application for an AV ballot for each election or they can be obtained online. In Howell Township, the board has already approved sending out such letters informing voters of the list. In Brighton Township, Clerk Ann Bollin says maintaining and updating a permanent AV application list is a normal course of business in her office. She says a mailing has already gone out to voters registered since the last general election in an effort to help educate voters on their options and ensure a positive voting experience. Information has also been posted on Brighton Townshipâs website, public access channel and the newsletter mailed to all property owners. Judy Daubenmier, who chairs the Livingston County Democratic Party, says they are asking for such letters be sent to all voters and not just those who have most recently registered. Meanwhile, Democratic candidates plan to send out letters to all election clerks in the county urging them to take up the matter with their governing body. (JM/JK)
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Cold Case Team Still Investigating Renkoski Disappearance 26 Years LaterCold Case Team Still Investigating Renkoski Disappearance 26 Years Later
The case of a missing teacher remains unsolved 26 years later but itâs a mystery her family and local authorities have never stopped hoping will be solved. 30-year-old teacher Paige Renkoski disappeared on May 24th, 1990 after pulling off of I-96 near the Fowlerville exit. Her car was found running with her purse and shoes inside. The Livingston County Sheriff's Departmentâs Cold Case Team continues to investigate but have not made an arrest nor found any trace of Renkoski. Sheriff Bob Bezotte says another year has passed and they still havenât got any answers. He told WHMI he hoped to have some closure for Paigeâs mother but unfortunately that hasnât happened. Bezotte remains very optimistic it is a solvable case but admits itâs a little bit disappointing to be another year down the road. He says four retired investigators are working diligently and following up on old reports and interviews to make sure theyâre doing everything they can to solve the case. Bezotte says they have also been communicating with other jurisdictions around Michigan and out-of-state that had similar cases. Multiple searches for Renkoskiâs remains have been performed over the years but were unsuccessful and while there have been several times investigators seemed to be closer to an answer, no solid lead has materialized. DNA samples have also been obtained from Renkoskiâs mother and two sisters that police say will always be on file in case a future lead does lead them to her remains or a suspect. On the 25th anniversary of Paigeâs disappearance, her mother Ardis Renkoski told WHMI the lingering questions as to what happened to her daughter have never faded. Renkoski further said sheâs under no illusions about her daughterâs fate and knew almost immediately that she met a bad end but not a day goes by that she doesnât want some sort of answer. Anyone with information about what they may have seen that day or heard since then is encouraged to contact the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department tip line at 517-546-8477 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Information can be left anonymously. (JM)
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Former Dexter School Official Sentenced For TheftsFormer Dexter School Official Sentenced For Thefts
Silence may have been costly to a former technology specialist in a local school district. Brian Tungl, who formerly worked for Dexter Community Schools, didn't speak in court Monday on the advice of his lawyer. But Judge David Swartz said, "Maybe that wasn't the wisest advice." The judge was looking for remorse. Without it, he sentenced Tungl to six months in jail for stealing laptops, Apple products and other equipment from the Washtenaw County school district. The Dexter district spent more than 1,000 hours investigating the thefts. Tungl pleaded no contest last month to embezzling equipment that officials say was worth more than $300,000. Tungl also must perform 500 hours of community service. Defense attorney Vincent Haisha called Tungl an âupstanding citizenâ and says he will speak at a restitution hearing. (JK)
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Howell School Board Sets Budget HearingHowell School Board Sets Budget Hearing
A local school district hopes to hear from the state so it can balance its budget before the end of June. The Howell Public Schools Board of Education set the date of a public hearing for June 27th at 7 pm even though they arenât sure what the state will come up with for a foundation allowance for next year. Superintendent Erin MacGregor assured the board the district will have a balanced budget for the 2016/17 school year. He says going into the new fiscal year the district anticipates help from the Livingston Educational Service Agency millage. Both the LESA millage and the districtâs technology bond passed last fall, which will help with next yearâs budget. MacGregor says the district is also anticipating about 190 fewer students next year which will impact the budget, but itâs not just Howell seeing decreasing numbers. He says declining birth rates in the state are impacting school districtâs everywhere. MacGregor says the district is prepared. He says they have all of their ducks in a row and are waiting to see what the state will give them. He says they had everything budgeted for a $120 increase per pupil, which put them in a good position for next school year, but he says there's been some recent chatter that maybe the revenues haven't come in as expected. He says that is causing the district to just pause, but they don't know where to go just yet. MacGregor says they will adjust for that, but they also have a number of retirements that they were able to then hire new teachers to make up some of that shortage as well. He says it is too early to say where they are going to find reductions, but they are prepared to do that as soon as the state provides some specific guidance. MacGregor says compared to recent years the district is in much better financial shape. Despite coming to the end of the current fiscal year in a deficit, MacGregor says next yearâs budget looks much better. This year the district balanced the budget out of its fund balance to meet a projected $400,000 shortfall. (DS)
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Trial Date Set For Suspects In Linden School Shooting PlotTrial Date Set For Suspects In Linden School Shooting Plot
A trial date has been set for the three teens charged in an alleged plot to shoot up Linden High School. 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. The suspects were bound over for trial last month and are due back in court for a settlement conference in June. A tentative trial date has been set for all three for August 10th. In the incident in which the three are charged, 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. They then allegedly made comments online about beating and raping her, which she reported to the Linden High School liaison officer. An FBI agent previously testified that texts between the suspects included photos of Brewer and Dukes with guns. 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. Meanwhile, a trial date has been set for Stevens in a separate case in which he is charged with child pornography for allegedly filming a sex act between a 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy. That trial is scheduled to begin July 12th. (DK)
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Mason Road Bridge Closed For Emergency RepairsMason Road Bridge Closed For Emergency Repairs
The Livingston County Road Commission is closing a local bridge for the next two weeks starting today for emergency repairs, following a concerning inspection. The Mason Road Bridge between Burkhart and Norton Road in Howell and Marion Townships will be completely closed through June 7th. Managing Director Mike Craine says the Road Commission conducted an inspection on the bridge on Friday and found that joining elements on the underside of the bridge have an alarming amount of accelerated corrosion. Craine says the road commission has been monitoring the bridge for approximately the last six years and closed the bridge on Monday for a further inspection. It was then determined that the bridge needed to be repaired immediately. Craine tells WHMI he believes the large amount of truck traffic and motorists driving above the posted speed limit are the main factors in the bridge's quick deterioration. Craine hopes to have the repairs designed within the next couple of days so that a contractor can begin the work this week. Metal plates will be placed underneath asphalt to help with distributing heavy loads along the bridge. Craine says this should buy the road commission a few years until the structure can be replaced entirely. Because the construction is expected to take only a couple of weeks, detours will not be posted and motorists should plan accordingly. (DK)
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Battle Between Two Sitting Judges Likely To Proceed After Petition ChallengeBattle Between Two Sitting Judges Likely To Proceed After Petition Challenge
It appears there will be a battle between two sitting judges for the 53rd District Court bench. The Bureau of Elections has been reviewing challenges filed against nominating petitions in local races and the state released staff reports today. 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader filed to run against fellow Judge Leslie Suzanne Geddis for her seat. Judge Geddis then challenged the validity of individual signatures gathered by Reader, further alleging the entire filing was deficient because the term expiration date was omitted from the heading. State staff is recommending that Judge Readerâs petition be deemed sufficient and contained the necessary amount of petition signatures to make the ballot. Judge Carol Sue Readerâs seat is up in 2018 but due to current age limits under Michigan law, she could still serve but would not be eligible to run again. Judge Geddis would need to prevail in the election to keep her seat, while Judge Carol Sue Reader would retain her current seat win or lose. Meanwhile in the 8th Congressional District race, a state report recommends the petition filed by a controversial challenger seeking the Democratic nomination be deemed insufficient. The challenge to Linda Keefeâs nominating petitions was filed by Phil Reid of Clarkston. The Board of State Canvassers will meet Thursday to make a final decision on both petitions. Requests for comment have been made to both Reader and Geddis. Geddis told WHMI she will refrain from commenting until after Thursdayâs hearing. (JM)
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Actress Melissa Gilbert Officially Drops Congressional Bid Actress Melissa Gilbert Officially Drops Congressional Bid
Actress Melissa Gilbert has abandoned her bid for the 8th Congressional District citing health problems. Gilbert, who resides in Brighton, earlier announced she was seeking the Democratic nomination and launching a bid to unseat Republican Congressman Mike Bishop, who is running for re-election. Gilbertâs campaign spokesman issued the following statement: âAs many of you know, in 2012 I sustained head and neck injuries from two accidents. While I have received the best treatment and therapy I could have asked for, those injuries have only gotten worse. As much as it breaks my heart to say this, my doctors have told me I am physically unable to continue my run for Congress. As the only candidate to file enough valid signatures, I plan to vacate the Ballot in accordance with the law. "Traveling and meeting with folks all over the 8th District has been a life changing and rewarding experience. Thank you to everyone who has given me your support over the past few months; we got as far as we did because of you, and I will treasure that forever.â The Michigan Democratic Party released the following statement today, on behalf of Party Chair Brandon Dillon: âMichigan law is clear: since it appears Melissa Gilbert was the only candidate who filed the requisite number of valid signatures required to appear on the ballot, her announcement means that the county Democratic parties will fill the vacancy after she removes herself from the ballot. âMake no mistake: this district is still a top target for us. Career politician Mike Bishop continues to put special interests in front of the needs of his constituents, uses taxpayer money to line the pockets of his donors, and supports trade policies that would ship even more Michigan auto jobs overseas.â The National Republican Congressional Committee Commented: âMelissa Gilbert abruptly quitting her campaign for Congress in Michiganâs 8th District is just the latest example of the mass incompetence emanating from DCCC headquarters. After this latest high profile embarrassment, hopefully the DCCC will do us all a favor and stop pretending they have even the slightest chance of winning control of the House this November.â Gilbert was being challenged by Linda Keefe despite alleged discrepancies with Keefeâs nominating petitions. Keefe previously served as a county commissioner in Ingham and Eaton Counties, as well as a controversial clerk. The Bureau of Elections is recommending that Keefeâs petition be denied. A hearing is set Thursday. (JM)
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Pinckney Teen Serving Time For Rape Wants Early Release From Jail Pinckney Teen Serving Time For Rape Wants Early Release From Jail
One of two Pinckney High School students serving time for the sexual assault of another student wants out of jail early. In April, 17-year-old Nicklaus Lefebvre and Jacob Houck were each sentenced to three years of probation - with the first year spent in the Livingston County Jail. The two were sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which means their criminal records would be erased upon successful completion of probation. Houck has since filed a motion seeking an early release from jail. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI Houck doesnât have a lawyer and filed the motion on his own. Heâll represent himself in Livingston County Circuit Court on June 10th. Police said Houck and Lefebvre sexually assaulted a 15-year-old female Pinckney High School student at a residence in the Village last December after giving her alcohol. Houck pleaded guilty to charges of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Meanwhile, LeFebvre pleaded guilty to three counts of 3rd degree CSC. In exchange, a charge of child abusive commercial activity that was filed for his allegedly taking pictures during the incident was dismissed. A third student had also been charged but that case was resolved in juvenile court. (JM)
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Jury Convicts Man On All Counts For Violent Home Invasion Jury Convicts Man On All Counts For Violent Home Invasion
A local jury has found a man guilty on all charges involving the armed robbery and home invasion of a residence in Genoa Township in June of 2015. Kennie Whitby of Green Oak Township was convicted Tuesday by a Livingston County Circuit Court jury. It was a crime that terrorized the many people who were there that night according to Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt. He says the jury verdict and conviction is the last of five defendants who were involved in the horrific crime. Police say Whitby and four other men took part in the home invasion last June, when they robbed a residence on Crystal Valley Drive at gunpoint. One of the people inside the home was struck in the head with a metal baton which caused extensive bleeding. Vailliencourt tells WHMI heâs pleased with the verdict and grateful to the jury for the careful attention they paid during the rather lengthy trial, noting Whitby was the mastermind behind the attack. Vailliencourt further thanked Michigan State Police for their extensive efforts in conducting the investigation. Whitby was found guilty on various charges of 1st degree home invasion, armed robbery, resisting and obstructing police and two counts of felony firearms. 13 counts of armed robbery were filed for his using a gun against the victims present during the poker gathering. Vailliencourt says Whitby faces up to life in prison as a violent habitual offender - having prior convictions for murder, fraud and resisting police. Whitby was the only suspect charged in the case that went to trial. Heâll be sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court June 23rd. The other four - Toursean Pressley, Jemantae Perkins and Tyler and Terence Ayers - all pleaded guilty earlier. (JM)
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Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy Wins 2016 GRAMMY Signature Schools GrantCharyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy Wins 2016 GRAMMY Signature Schools Grant
A local school has won a prestigious grant that will help all facets of their music program. The Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy received the Grammy Signature School Enterprise award before performing their final music concert of year, Tuesday night in Hartland. R&B recording artist Kem (at far right) was on hand to present the school with the trophy and $5,500 award that went with it. Kem, who is also governor of the Chicago Chapter of the Recording Academy, told WHMI how important it was for him to see music remain a part of every schoolâs curriculum. He believes music classes can be an important creative outlet for students during and after school. Thirteen schools across the country were named signature schools this year, while eight of those, including CSPA received the Enterprise Award. The Enterprise Award is set up to help schools that have the support of their community for music programs, but may not have all the funding required. Clare McCloskey, a 10th grade clarinet player and singer from the school was blown away when she heard CSPA had won the grant. McCloskey and other students said they had doubts because of their schoolâs small size (roughly 400 students), but they were overcome with emotion when finding out they won. Winning the award also gave the academy the opportunity to represent the other winning schools at last monthâs Grammys on the Hill event in Washington D.C. CSPA got to play at this music advocacy event in front singers, songwriters, and nearly 50 congressmen. Senior Landon Malvich got to speak before the crowd and said it was quite the honor to see music creators taking a stand so that future generations can bring more of their art into the world. Director of Bands and Choir Jessica Perry said they plan to put the grant to good use. The school intends to buy new recording and sound equipment, a new bass drum, and general music supplies students might not own with the money. Perry said she was very proud of her students, and while this award went to the high school, music students throughout all of Charyl Stockwellâs grades will see the benefits of it. (MK)
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LACASA Participating In Online Charity ChallengeLACASA Participating In Online Charity Challenge
A local non-profit organization dedicated to child advocacy is asking for help as it competes against others in a charity challenge. The LACASA Center is celebrating its 35th year of supporting survivors of child abuse and interpersonal violence in Livingston County. Their programs are designed to give safe haven and help reduce trauma in children who have been victimized, as well as educate adults to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse. They recently kicked off their participation in the 2016 Art Van Charity Challenge against other non-profits across the Midwest. LACASA is calling it an âonline birthday partyâ and hopes the community will help them win additional funding and prizes to support their programs. The top 10 organizations are eligible to win grant funding from Art Van ranging from $1,500 to $100,000. Weekly bonus challenges will also present opportunities for additional prizes based on donations coming in. LACASA has set a goal to raise $135,000 which officials believe could land them in the top ten. The five week challenge ends on Wednesday, June 22nd, at 1:59pm. The competition is being held on the crowd-sourcing website, CrowdRise. There, supporters will not only be able to donate, but also see how LACASA is stacking up against the other non-profits they are competing against. More information about the LACASA can be found at the agencyâs website, or through the link below. (MK)
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Gregory Man Admits To Beating And Strangling Pregnant GirlfriendGregory Man Admits To Beating And Strangling Pregnant Girlfriend
A plea has been entered by a Gregory man who allegedly beat and strangled his pregnant girlfriend. 18-year-old Donavan Logan Buckner of Gregory is charged with assault by strangulation, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, interfering with electronic communication causing injury and animal cruelty. The charges stemmed from the February 4th incident in which Buckner reportedly hit his girlfriend who was ten weeks pregnant at the time and kneed her in the stomach during the course of a domestic dispute. Buckner allegedly attempted to strangle his girlfriend and threw her cellphone against the wall when she tried to call 911. Authorities say Buckner also threw the coupleâs dog across the room, resulting in the animal cruelty charges. Buckner was bound over for trial in April and pleaded guilty as charged earlier this month. Buckner is petitioning to be sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act at his hearing June 9th, which means his record will be expunged if he successfully completes probation. He will be allowed to withdraw his plea if that condition is not granted. Meanwhile, Buckner is also scheduled to be sentenced June 14th on charges connected to a separate incident. Earlier this month, Buckner pleaded guilty to a charge of malicious destruction of property valued at less than $200 for attempting to break into a family memberâs wireless router in December. (DK)
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