A Ride for the Cure kick-off celebration is planned Thursday in Brighton. The 2016 Susan G. Komen Michigan Ride for the Cure event is scheduled July 16th and will start and end at Brighton High School. Lake Trust Credit Union is hosting the official kick-off celebration at its new headquarters on Old US-23 in Brighton Township Thursday. The event will take place from 4 to 7pm and feature on-site registration, door prizes, refreshments and giveaways and free onsite bike fittings. Kick-off attendees who register during the event will receive a $10 discount on their registration fee. Representatives from Susan G. Komen will be on site to answer questions about breast cancer, The Ride and registration. Details and a link to the registration event are available in the link and attachment below. (JM)
Ride For The Cure Kick-Off Celebration Thursday At Lake Trust In BrightonRide For The Cure Kick-Off Celebration Thursday At Lake Trust In Brighton
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Two Nursing Care Facilities In Fenton Under Investigation Two Nursing Care Facilities In Fenton Under Investigation
Complaints have been filed against two nursing care facilities in Fenton seeking access to records related to investigations involving alleged abuse of clients. The Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service filed complaints in early June against Fenton Healthcare an Crestmont Nursing Care Center alleging violations of different laws related to record access. MPAS is investigating allegations of abuse and neglect against individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities at each facility and the three-count complaints challenge their failure to disclose certain documents, which hampers the investigation. At Fenton Healthcare, The Tri-County Times reports a review of licensing surveys from October of 2015 indicated that individuals with disabilities may have been subject to abuse and neglect ârelating to the improper administration of psychotropic medications and failure to provide appropriate social servicesâ. According to the complaint, some but not all records requested were provided by Fenton Healthcare. In the Crestmont complaint, The Times reports MPAS reviewed licensing surveys from May and November of 2015. Approximately ten residents were identified who may have been subject to abuse and neglect relating to a failure to develop care plans, failure to properly treat pressure sores, the administration of psychotropic medications and failure to provide appropriate social services. MPAS is seeking to have the courts require the facilities provide all of the requested records, but also award plaintiffâs costs and reasonable attorney fees covered. Photo Fenton Healthcare - Consulate Health Care.(JM)
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Detroit Man Competent To Stand Trial In Deaths Of 4-Year-Old Girl & Mother Detroit Man Competent To Stand Trial In Deaths Of 4-Year-Old Girl & Mother
A Detroit man has been found competent to stand trial in the slayings of his ex-girlfriend and her 4-year-old daughter, a case initially investigated by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. A judge made the ruling Wednesday from a state Center for Forensic Psychiatry review on Marcus Hightower. Hightower is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, and one count each of felony murder, child abuse, unlawful imprisonment and arson. The bodies of 39-year-old Heidi Walker and her 4-year-old daughter Savannah were found in February in a burned-out vacant house on Detroit's east side. An Amber Alert for Savannah was issued the same day the bodies were found. Due to the severity of injuries on the childâs body, police could not confirm her death and had to wait for a DNA comparison. Savanna's mother was reported missing days earlier by her oldest daughter who lives in Howell and had initially reported concerns to the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. Heidi and Savanna formerly lived in Howell and Pinckney. Police have said Hightower had been dating Heidi Walker and was the last person seen with Savannah. (JM)
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Weekend Lane Closures & Patch Work Planned On Eastbound I-96 Weekend Lane Closures & Patch Work Planned On Eastbound I-96
Patch work is planned on eastbound I-96 in Howell while lane closures will occur near Webberville this weekend. The Michigan Department of Transportation says there will be a continuous, single lane closure on eastbound I-96 between M-52 and Fowlerville Road starting at 9pm Friday lasting until 5am Monday. The inside lane will be closed for concrete pavement patching. M-DOT says there will also be concrete patch work taking place on eastbound I-96 from Chilson Road to Latson Road. M-DOT released the following schedule:
- Double lane closure overnight on Saturday, June 18, between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Outside of the double lane closure, there wil be a single lane closure starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday through 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 19.
Officials caution the lane closures on eastbound I-96 this weekend may cause significant back-ups. Motorists are encouraged to plan extra time when traveling through the area and to watch for traffic slow downs, which may cause significant back-ups. (JM)
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Two Putnam Fire Officers Retire After Combined 73 Years Of ServiceTwo Putnam Fire Officers Retire After Combined 73 Years Of Service
One local township lost over 7 decades of firefighting service to retirement Wednesday night. Putnam Township Deputy Fire Chief Denis Aseltine (Asel-Tyne) and Assistant Chief Mark Coddington were recognized for their combined 73 years of experience in a ceremony held by the Board of Trustees. Coddington joined the department in May of 1981 and served as assistant chief since 2001. He was applauded for his contribution to the maintenance of apparatus and the fire hall, as well as his outstanding work ethic. He had nothing but kind words to the community on his way out, thanking the township, and his coworkers. Coddington said it was âone good ride and he wouldnât change it for anything.âAseltine joined the Putnam Fire Department in 1978 and has served as deputy chief since 1990. The board recognized his efforts for overseeing department operations, safety, and strong work ethic. Fire Chief Greg Amburgey (pictured at left congratulating Aseltine and Coddington) told WHMI it was difficult to see Aseltine go. He said Aseltine was his right hand man; always there to help him run the department and give him advice and help on tough decisions. For a final sendoff, the two were both given rides home in fire apparatuses they had ridden in so many times before. Both Aseltine and Coddington served their entire firefighting careers in Putnam Township. (MK)
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Community Comes Together At Brighton Vigil For Orlando VictimsCommunity Comes Together At Brighton Vigil For Orlando Victims
A prayer vigil was held at a local church Wednesday night in honor of those killed and injured during a mass shooting in a gay nightclub in Florida. Nearly 200 people filled St. Paulâs Episcopal Church in Brighton for the vigil and to pay tribute to the victims of last weekendâs massacre at the Pulse Nightclub. A service inside the church included reflections, commentary and songs of hope. The leaders of seven local churches and Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin called on the community to do more than pray. Pastor of the Brightonâs First Presbyterian Church Rev. Scott Philips says he was pleased to see so many people come together for a common cause. Philips says communities keep finding times to come together during times of tragedy, and he thinks what was said was that it's time to stop it. He says we can be better than that, and people are not taking seriously that call to be people of love. He says if people can find a way to do that, then these kinds of vigils will be very different; they'll be a time of celebration and not of sadness. Philips says he's glad that people were able to come together to recognize the commonality in this and that Jesus calls everyone to love one another. Local resident Carol Gannon says her nephew lives in the gay community in Orlando, and is heartbroken for the victims. She says the shootings were senseless and reminiscent of Sandy Hook, New Jersey where 20 children were gunned down in 2012. Gannon say she doesnât believe the Second Amendment means people need assault weapons, and that Orlando was an attack on everyone. She says her heart goes out to the LGBTQ community, and it's an attack on all of us. Gannon says she doesn't know what was wrong with the man who shot the people in Orlando, but 49 lives were lost, "...for what?" She says they were just going out to enjoy themselves and they are all human beings. President of the Livingston County Diversity Council, Nicole Matthews-Creech, says she was impressed with the turnout despite the short notice. She says itâs time to stop assuming someone else will do something; that everyone needs to act. At the end of the vigil everyone was invited to line the edge of the Mill Pond where they tossed a âworry stone,â into the water. The church bells tolled in the background for each of the victims of last weekendâs shooting. (DS)
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New Hiking, Biking Trail Dedicated Near ChelseaNew Hiking, Biking Trail Dedicated Near Chelsea
The Waterloo State Recreation Area has opened the first 5-mile loop of its new trail in Chelsea that will be used for mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing. The loop will be called the DTE Energy Foundation Trail. A $255,000 grant from the foundation paid for the project. It's part of a 20-mile trail that will consist of five unique sections over varying terrain. A dedication ceremony was held this morning. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources arranged numerous partnerships to develop the trail at Waterloo State Recreation Area, the largest state park in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Officials say the trail is designed to encourage area tourism and healthy recreation. (AP)
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Brighton Schools To Expand Recreational Offerings Brighton Schools To Expand Recreational Offerings
Brighton Area Schools are getting ready to expand recreational opportunities for city residents. The City of Brighton and Genoa Township have provided intent to withdraw from the Southeast Livingston County Recreation Authority, or SELCRA, on June 30th. Beginning July 1st, and kicking into full gear this fall, the school district is intending to increase their youth sports and enrichment offerings for Brighton residents. City Manager Nate Geinzer told WHMI that the city has many ideas for spending the money they are saving from not renewing SELCRA membership. He said the former $50,000 membership fee can now go to projects like improving roads and sidewalks. Geinzer concluded by saying that there are many city employees with students in the school district and that this is a great opportunity to forge and grow a strong relationship with BAS. Mayor Jim Muzzin said in a press release that this new arrangement is a win-win for the city, taxpayers, and schools. He stated that Brighton Area Schools will be able to provide a high quality experience at a competitive point, while eliminating some cost to the cityâs general fund. A new Community Education catalog will be mailed to residents in late August with all of the expanded recreation offerings. In addition, rentals and reservations for the Brighton Community Center will now be handled by BAS. City residents can continue to participate in SELCRA events, but at non-member rates. It is yet to be known how fields and facilities will be split or shared between the two entities. (MK)
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Properties Owned By Accused Embezzler Set To Be SoldProperties Owned By Accused Embezzler Set To Be Sold
Renters living in two Fenton houses purchased by an accused embezzler have been ordered to vacate the homes so they can be sold. 37-year-old Michael LaJoice of Tyrone Township is charged with more than a dozen counts of embezzlement after he turned himself in to Oakland County authorities in January and admitting to embezzling $20 million from the Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union, where he had been the chief financial officer for 12 years. He has remained jailed since then. He was also recently charged with a federal count of bank fraud. LaJoiceâs defense attorney Michael Manley told the Tri-County Times that âsquattersâ living in homes owned by LaJoice on South Adelaide Street and South Mill Street were supposed to move out in January and alleges that one of the homes has since been âtrashed.â He filed paperwork June 9th giving them 30 days to vacate the premises. Manley added that in all six LaJoice properties in Fenton will be sold, with the MSU Federal Credit Union acting as a third-party beneficiary so that proceeds can be applied toward restitution. The MSU Federal Credit Union acquired the Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union after the embezzlements came to light. The LaJoiceâs multi-million dollar home in Tyrone Township remains up for sale. (JK)
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Sheriff Bezotte & Bicyclist At Crossroads Over Sunday IncidentSheriff Bezotte & Bicyclist At Crossroads Over Sunday Incident
A bicyclist and Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte are at odds over how a Sunday incident went down on Kensington Road near the Island Lake Recreation Area. Paul Hudson Mack alleges he was illegally stopped and harassed by Bezotte while riding his bicycle. Bezotte maintains Mack was basically road raging on a bicycle and tried to outrun vehicles at the traffic light at Kensington and Grand River, much to the dismay of those drivers. Bezotte says he honestly thought Hudson got clipped by a vehicle so he stopped to make sure he was okay. Bezotte insists he never asked Mack for identification or issued any ticket and was simply trying help him but all Mack did was argue about his rights to the road, noting he never answered the question as to whether he was hurt or not. Bezotte maintains it was a quick conversation and he never got out of his vehicle, saying he ultimately gave Mack his business card and left but did tell him he was acting like an âassholeâ and needed to maintain safety on the road for everybody. Mack posted his version of events on Facebook, along with pictures of Bezotteâs business card. The issue has since somewhat blown up on social media. Bezotte says he later received calls about the incident and was alerted to Mackâs social media post stating âThis man should not own a badge or a gun - between his temper, his terrible understanding of the law, and his generally unprofessional and illegal treatment of citizensâ. Bezotte noted bicyclists are at a major disadvantage on the road with all of todayâs distracted driving and he finds it amazing how fast things switched gears and comments escalated online to him being criticized for stopping for trying to help somebody. Regardless of what happened, Bezotte says itâs a good time of year to bring attention to bicyclist, motorcyclist and jogger safety since more are sharing the road and the public needs to be mindful of their rights. WHMI did reach out to Mack for comment. His Facebook post is attached below. (JM)
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Motorist Trapped After Large Tree Branch, Power Line Falls On VehicleMotorist Trapped After Large Tree Branch, Power Line Falls On Vehicle
Morning storms caused a tree and power line to fall on a vehicle in Brighton, trapping the motorist inside. Crews with the Brighton Area Fire Authority closed Hyne Road west of Old US-23 after a power line came down, causing a vehicle to be damaged. A thunderstorm had moved through the area, causing a large tree branch to fall onto a power line. The live power line landed on top of the manâs vehicle. He escaped injury but was trapped inside for more than half an hour until DTE Energy crews arrived and could safely get power shut off in the area. Meanwhile, a vehicle fire caused delays on eastbound I-96, east of D-19 this afternoon and shut down portions of the freeway. BAFD photo. (JM)
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Concerts At The Courthouse Returns To Howell This SummerConcerts At The Courthouse Returns To Howell This Summer
A popular summer music series returns to downtown Howell on Friday, July 1st. The Concerts at the Courthouse music series that brings musicians of numerous genres to the Historic Howell Courthouse amphitheater plays host to Steve King & the Dittilies for its first of the summer events. The public is invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the free concerts on the newly renovated amphitheater every Friday night at 7 p.m. This yearâs line-up includes tribute bands playing Bob Seger, and Rod Stewart, as well as the drummer for Mannheim Steamroller, Tom Sharpe. A complete list of musicians and the summer schedule can be found on the Howell Opera House website, or by clicking the link below. (DS)
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Howell Kindergartners Create Placemats For Big BoyHowell Kindergartners Create Placemats For Big Boy
A recycling project in one local elementary had kindergartners creating placemats for a Howell restaurant. Placemats designed by the students from Lori Ottâs kindergarten room at Hutchings Elementary are being used at the Howell Big Boy Restaurant as a way to educate the public about recycling. As an end of the school year project, the students learned ways they could recycle and reduce waste, and then came up with the project to persuade others to do the same. Once the students created the placemats, Ott contacted the Big Boy about using them. The student placemats provide tips on reusing items and reducing waste and are currently being used at the restaurant. (DS)
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Local Lawmaker Proposes Bill To Remove Political Party Vignettes From BallotsLocal Lawmaker Proposes Bill To Remove Political Party Vignettes From Ballots
Political party vignettes would be removed from election ballots under legislation proposed by a local lawmaker. Vignettes are the little pictures representing political parties on the ballot that are typically associated with straight party voting, which was eliminated in Michigan. House Bill 5723, sponsored by Handy Township Republican Hank Vaupel, removes the requirement of political party vignettes being printed on election ballots. It is tie-barred with HB 5724, which removes the reference to party vignette in the Michigan campaign finance act. Vaupel tells WHMI the goal is to eliminate potential voter confusion and make sure everybodyâs vote counts but also ease congestion at the polls. He says the concern is that voters could become confused by the pictures, circle or mark one and think they voted â adding if theyâve marked anything else on the ballot, the machines will still accept it. Vaupel says local clerks are also in favor of removing the vignettes from ballots. The bills were introduced earlier this month and have been referred to the Committee on Elections. (JM)
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Brighton Councilman & City Mgr. Debate Lead Role In Union TalksBrighton Councilman & City Mgr. Debate Lead Role In Union Talks
The Brighton City Council discussed union contracts at its meeting Thursday night and the discussion at times became heated. Council Member Jim Bohn asserted that he had been kept in the dark about the status of union negotiations and drafted an e-mail to city labor attorney Dennis Gabrian to get information on them. Bohn said that Gabrian responded that he had been directed by City Manager Nate Geinzer to take a back seat in the negotiations while he, Geinzer, took the lead in the negotiations. Bohn told council he had no recollection of their authorizing Geinzer to be the lead negotiator on behalf of the city. For the past 20 years Gabrian has been the lead negotiator in the bargaining sessions and, during the tenure of former city manager Dana Foster, the manager stayed out of the negotiations. However, Geinzer, the new city manager hired a few months ago to replace Foster, told council that he felt that he should be the one leading the negotiations in order to get to know the employees and their needs better. He said council did, in fact, discuss negotiating strategy at a recent study session. There are four city employee unions whose contracts expire on June 30: The DPW, clerical employees, the police patrol officersâ union and the police command officersâ union. (TT)
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Overnight Ramp Closures Scheduled On I-96 At US-23 In Brighton AreaOvernight Ramp Closures Scheduled On I-96 At US-23 In Brighton Area
Ramp closures are scheduled overnight at the I-96/US-23 improvement project in Brighton. The Michigan Department of Transportation says starting at 11pm tonight and lasting through 6am Saturday, the following ramps will be closed so crews can set beams at the interchange:
- the ramp from the westbound I-96 collector distributor or CD lane to southbound US-23
- the ramp from the westbound I-96 CD lane to Spencer Road
When the ramps are closed, M-DOT says a detour will be posted that directs motorists to westbound I-96 to Grand River to eastbound I-96and then back to Spencer Road or US-23. (JM)
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Saturday Declared Ozone Action Day Saturday Declared Ozone Action Day
Strong sunshine and a lack of wind to redistribute air pollutants will combine to impact air quality in the local region this weekend. Saturday marks the second Ozone Action Day of the season. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments offers simple tips online for citizens to help keep the air clean when high levels of ozone are expected. Officials say with the likelihood of a tougher ozone standard being put into place next fall, itâs important local governments, businesses, and the general public do what they can to voluntarily lower pollutant emissions on Ozone Action days. Additional information on Ozone Action days is available on SEMCOGâs website. A link is posted below. (JM)
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M-DOT Says Overnight Ramp Closures Will Take Place Friday Night M-DOT Says Overnight Ramp Closures Will Take Place Friday Night
The following ramp closures will now proceed as originally planned. The issue that caused the earlier cancellation has been resolved. We apologize for the confusion. Starting tonight at 11pm through 6am Saturday, the following ramps will be closed so crews can set beams at the interchange:
- the ramp from the westbound I-96 CD lane to southbound US-23
- the ramp from the westbound I-96 CD lane to Spencer Road
When the ramps are closed a detour wil be posted that directs motorists to westbound I-96 to Grand River Avenue (Exit 145) to eastbound I-96 back to Spencer Road or US-23. (JM)
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Pleas Possible In Both State & Federal Cases Against Tyrone ManPleas Possible In Both State & Federal Cases Against Tyrone Man
An accused embezzler from Livingston County is set to potentially enter a plea to federal charges in the case. 37-year-old Michael LaJoice of Tyrone Township was already charged with 14 felony embezzlement counts in Oakland County when federal authorities filed a bank fraud charge in U.S. District Court in Detroit earlier this month. A plea hearing has now been scheduled for the federal charge for July 7th with efforts also underway for a plea to the state charges. Oakland County authorities say LaJoice admitted to stealing millions of dollars while serving as the chief financial officer for the Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union. He turned himself in last January and has been jailed since then. A pretrial hearing set in Oakland County Circuit Court was delayed until July 11th after the felony bank fraud count was filed. Court records there indicate negotiations are underway for a plea to those counts as well. The federal complaint alleges that from January 2003 to this past January, LaJoice used âmaterially false and fraudulent pretensesâ to embezzle more than $18 million, which he concealed by creating fictitious investments in certificates of deposits and bonds at Total Bank in Miami, Florida. Those were then provided to state examiners to show that the credit unionâs books were balanced. LaJoice could face up to 30 years in federal prison and/or $1 million in fines if convicted on the charges. (JK)
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"Operation Treasure Hunt"& Art Display Kick Off Saturday in Downtown Brighton"Operation Treasure Hunt"& Art Display Kick Off Saturday in Downtown Brighton
An internationally known chalk artist from Ann Arbor will be in downtown Brighton this weekend while The Hyne Street Alley will be the scene of an interesting art display.
David Zinn, who has beautified the sidewalks, plazas and other downtown areas of major cities in America and Europe, will be in Brighton Saturday for âOperation Treasure Huntâ Finding Sluggo and His Friendsâ. The contest is sponsored by the Brighton Arts and Culture Commission. The event, which is for both children and adults, will be held from 10am to 1pm. Brighton City Council Member Kris Tobbe, who is the cityâs liaison on the Arts & Culture Commission, tells WHMI that people signing up for Operation Treasure Hunt will be given treasure hunt maps showing places around the downtown area where they can find the chalk drawings. The treasure hunt starts at 10 a.m., and participants must pick up their âclue cardâ no later than noon at the Pavilion by the Imagination Station playground. The clue cards must be turned in by 1 p.m. Children from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible to participate for prizes, but must be accompanied by an adult. Children from 7th grade through adult are also encouraged to take part in Operation Treasure Hunt, but are not eligible for prizes. Tobbe says a special coating has been put on the chalk art to make it last longer, so it can be viewed by visitors to downtown Brighton long after the event has ended. Meanwhile, the city was able to procure a $7,000 grant from the Michigan Board of Realtors for the display, with a local match by the Brighton Downtown Development Authority. The art display was also obtained with the assistance of Livingston County Commissioner and local realtor Carol Griffith of Griffith Realty. Tobbe, who is the cityâs liaison to the Brighton Arts and Culture Commission, tells WHMI the eclectic art display will include such works as painted chairs and an oversize chess and checker board. The kickoff for the art display will be at 1pm Saturday and local artists will be on hand for the event. Tobbe says the display will be at the Hyne Street Alley all summer long so people who miss Saturdayâs kickoff event will still get a chance to come and view the artwork. The Hyne Street Alley is a paved promenade located between West Main St, next to the Brighton Bar and Grill, and Mill Pond Lane, adjacent to O My Lolli! Photo : David Zinn Facebook. (TT)
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