2/21/13 - Today marks ten years since the discovery of a Detroit residentâs body in an abandoned farmhouse in Green Oak Township, and police say they are continuing to work the case for an eventual solution. 19 year old Anthony âNikkiâ Nicholas was found shot to death in the farmhouse on property between M-36 and Spicer Road on February 21st, 2003. Nicholas lived life as a woman and made a living as a female impersonator in Detroit area bars. A cold case team assembled through the sheriffâs department is officially handling the case, but is also coordinating efforts with Green Oak Township Officer Richard Ickes (ick-eez), who initially responded to the farmhouse when the body was discovered. Green Oak Police Chief Bob Brookins says the cold case team is still working the case and is following up on information received in the past several weeks. He declined to specify what that information was, but did say they are working other departments in the region to try and develop some new leads. Brookins has previously said one misconception about the case is that Nikkiâs body was only left in the farmhouse after she had been killed elsewhere. He says they are confident the murder took place at the abandoned house. Anyone who may have information on the unsolved homicide is asked to call the cold case team at 517-540-7880. Anonymous tips can also be made to CrimeStoppers at 800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)
Ten Years Later, Hunt Continues for Answers in Green Oak MurderTen Years Later, Hunt Continues for Answers in Green Oak Murder
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RetakeOurGov Offers Concealed Pistol Training For TeachersRetakeOurGov Offers Concealed Pistol Training For Teachers
2/21/13 - With legislation being considered that would allow teachers to carry weapons in schools, a local Tea Party group is offering to give away concealed weapons training to local educators. House Bill 4098, introduced by State Representative Bill Rogers, would give school districts the ability to allow teachers to carry concealed weapons on school grounds. In response, Hartland-based Tea Party group RetakeOurGov is accepting applications from local teachers interested in training to receive concealed weapons permits. Two winners will be chosen next month to receive the training free of charge. RetakeOurGov Founder Wes Nakagiri tells WHMI that school districts would decide what the requirements will be for teachers to carry guns, and CPL training would probably be included in those requirements. However, some people are speaking up against the idea of teachers packing heat. Jay McDowell, president of the Howell Education Association, says arming school staff is the wrong way to go about making schools safer. He says he would prefer groups like RetakeOurGov lobby the legislature to provide funding to put a police officer in every school, a system which he says is providing an effective deterrent at Howell High School. McDowell says if you consider the practical implications of arming teachers, it becomes less desirable. He tells WHMI that if a teacher were to keep the gun unloaded and locked up in a safe manner, it would be virtually useless in case of a mass shooting. He says if teachers were to keep the guns loaded and in a drawer, it would be too easy for someone else to grab. McDowell says that leaves having teachers holster their loaded weapons while in class, an environment he thinks many parents will not want to send their children into. (TD/JK)
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Hartland Board Open to Possible Tax Break for New Business Hartland Board Open to Possible Tax Break for New Business
2/20/13 - The Hartland Township Board has expressed a general consensus to consider a potential tax break for a new business weighing a move to the area. Township Manager James Wickman asked for feedback at this weekâs meeting about whether members would be willing to consider granting a personal property tax abatement between 8 and 10 years for a prospective business. Other than saying it was a well-established pump manufacturer, he didnât disclose the companyâs name as they are requesting confidentiality. Ann Arbor Spark, which contracts with Livingston County and various municipalities for economic development services, is scouting the business but also trying to develop a county-wide tax abatement policy. The company is proposing a $5 (m) million investment including a new building and equipment, which would retain 70 jobs, while creating 10 to 15 new positions. While they prefer the Hartland location, Wickman said the firm has other options as well. Board members generally agreed they could see the benefits of attracting new development to land that would otherwise sit vacant, but voiced concerns that giving a tax abatement would be unfair to other businesses already paying full taxes. Wickman noted that the township would retain the right to revoke or shorten the abatement if the company didnât live up to its end of the agreement. (JM/JK)
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Suspects Arrested in Donation Jar Theft Suspects Arrested in Donation Jar Theft
2/21/13 - The couple who were alleged to have stolen a donation jar from the Howell Township 7-Eleven store last weekend has been arrested. The Livingston County Sheriff's Department says the male and female suspects involved in the theft of a donation jar were identified after a surveillance photo was posted on Wednesday. The Sheriffâs Department Detective Bureau, along with investigators from the Michigan Department of Corrections, responded to a residence in the 4700 block of W. Grand River in Howell Township, near the storeâs location. They found the male suspect hiding in a small crawl space under the floor in a laundry room of the home. He was taken into custody without incident as was his 28-year-old wife. After it was determined that the male suspect, who was on parole, had several outstanding warrants, he was turned over to investigators from the Michigan Department of Corrections. His wife was lodged in the Livingston County Jail. The child that was present at the store during the theft was released to a family member. The jar they are accused of stealing was collecting money for an Arkansas child with Down syndrome who needs surgery. Rita Turner, who owns the 7-11 store, says several residents have stepped up since the robbery to offer donations that will more than replace what was stolen. Anyone else wishing to help can send donations to the Ashley Molder Fund, c/o 7-Eleven, 3100 W Highland, Howell MI 48843 (JK)
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Garage Complete Loss Following Wednesday Night BlazeGarage Complete Loss Following Wednesday Night Blaze
2/21/13 - Local firefighters battled a garage fire in Iosco Township late into the night. The Fowlerville and Unadilla Township Fire Departments responded after 8:30pm Wednesday to find the attached garage of a home on Dutton Road, south of Roberts Road on fire. Fowlerville Fire Chief John Wright tells WHMI the homeowner had been working in the garage, where the fire originated, and did suffer some minor burns while trying to put it out. He was treated at the scene. The garage was completely destroyed and Wright says the fire did spread some into the home and attic area but firefighters were able to prevent further damage. He says the blaze is not believed to be suspicious in nature and the investigation continues. (JM)
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Senator Hune's Blue Cross Legislation Clears House CommitteeSenator Hune's Blue Cross Legislation Clears House Committee
2/21/13 - A state House committee has approved Senator Joe Huneâs insurance reform legislation that would overhaul Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, leaving out anti-abortion provisions that torpedoed an earlier effort to change the status of the state's largest insurer. The Hamburg Township Republican says the legislation will bring the Blues on the same level, regulatory playing field as other insurance companies in Michigan. The bills headed to the House don't include language to prevent insurers and businesses from providing elective abortion coverage in employee health plans. Governor Rick Snyder vetoed a similar bill less than two months ago over last-minute abortion provisions. Some lawmakers discussed restoring abortion restrictions. Hune has told WHMI heâs supportive of the abortion policy but feels having it as a stand-alone bill is a better solution. Before today's 11-0 vote, senior advocates testified about concerns that costs will rise because of the legislation. Three Democrats abstained from voting. If the legislation is approved, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Board of Directors would still need to vote to become a non-profit mutual insurance company. If it does, Hune says they will ultimately pay state and property taxes to the tune of around $100 (m) million per year, which they are exempt from paying today. (JM)
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Local Beekeeper says "Project Honeygate" Big News for Industry Local Beekeeper says "Project Honeygate" Big News for Industry
2/21/13 - A commercial beekeeper in Howell says the announcement of federal charges against five individuals and two companies that flooded the market with cheaper honey from China to avoid paying millions of dollars in duties is big news for the lower scale honey industry. The defendants in the investigation dubbed "Project Honeygate" are accused of mislabeling honey to indicate it was from other countries to avoid paying anti-dumping duties. Officials say such schemes forced legitimate importers and the domestic honey industry to endure years of unprofitable operations that put some out of business. Shawn Shubel is one local commercial beekeeper that couldnât agree more. He owns Nectar Sweet Apiaries on Chilson Road near Grand River, which supplies honey to area orchards and a local customer base. He says the lower prices and overall monopoly have had a tremendous impact on the industry and beekeepers everywhere, who are also dealing with a number of other factors that continue to take their toll such as the increasing cost of bees, general population decline and drought. He says they really donât have much to get excited about in the industry anymore and feels the charges filed were long overdue. One of the companies charged is Groeb Farms in Onsted, Michigan, which has agreed to pay $2 million for allegedly buying Chinese honey that it knew was imported illegally. Federal officials have not alleged any violation of food safety laws by Groeb Farms, which said in a statement the company takes full responsibility and regrets any errors made in honey importing, noting the allegations primarily involved two former senior executives. (JM)
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$10,000 Check Awarded to Fenton Woman in Credit Union Contest$10,000 Check Awarded to Fenton Woman in Credit Union Contest
2/22/13 - Saving money is now a sweet deal for Pamela Spohn of Fenton, who was awarded a check for $10,000 Thursday from the ELGA Credit Union. Spohn is a winner of the grand prize for saving money in the credit unionâs Save to Win program. The Save to Win prize squad paid Spohn a visit at the Fenton VGâs, which has the credit union inside of it. The squad will be traveling across Michigan this week to award the checks to the ten prize winners, who were selected in a drawing in January. Spohn, who has been a member of the ELGA Credit Union in Fenton for over 4 years now, tells WHMI she couldnât believe she had won. To be eligible to win, the credit unionâs member must make at least a $25 deposit into a Save to Win certificate which entitles them to one entry into the Grand Prize drawing. Karen Church, the CEO of ELGA Credit Union was at yesterdayâs check presentation and says the idea for the contest originally came from the statistics of how much money people spend on the lottery. Church says itâs around $10 a week and as it is a gamble, many people come away from it losing money. By depositing $25 a month, the credit union members will not only have a chance at winning the grand prize, but they will also still have that money they deposited even if they do not win. Spohn says she plans to spend her winnings on a small vacation and necessities for her house. (DK)
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Genoa Man Heads to Trial on Molestation Charges
2/22/13 - A Genoa Township man accused of molesting a minor female family member has been bound over for trial. A preliminary exam was waived Wednesday for the 42-year-old man, who is not being identified by WHMI per a policy of protecting the privacy of alleged sexual assault victims. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf and the case was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court for trial, where future dates are pending. The defendant has been ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim. Heâs charged with a single count of 1st degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second degree CSC. The alleged abuse is said to have taken place between 2008 and 2011. If convicted, the defendant could face up to life in prison. (JK)
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Local Chef Helps Women Vet Support Group Raise FundsLocal Chef Helps Women Vet Support Group Raise Funds
2/22/13 - The Comfort Food with a Twist event was held last night at the Elk Lodge in Howell to raise money for an upcoming event to serve local women veterans. The event provided dinner and some cooking instructions to the two dozen attendees from Chef Renee Chodkowski, known locally as The Great Foodini. The event was held to raise funds for the 2nd annual Women Veterans Day of Caring, hosted by Women Supporting Women Veterans. That event will take place on April 13th and provide local women vets with information on issues like benefits, eligibility, and how to create a resume. Experts will also provide advice about problems that some women veterans face, such as homelessness and post-traumatic stress disorder. WSWV Executive Director Arlene Callaghan tells WHMI that the event was started last year to reach a group of people who are under-represented among veterans in the amount of service and support they receive. Undersheriff Mike Murphy was also on hand at last nightâs fundraiser to auction off winter accessories to attendees, raising more than $400 for the event. For more information on the Day of Caring, contact Callaghan at (810) 599-6014 or by email at wswvets@gmail.com. More information can also be found by clicking the link below. (TD)
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Officials in Tyrone Concerned About Misdirected Vehicle FeesOfficials in Tyrone Concerned About Misdirected Vehicle Fees
2/22/13 - Tyrone Township officials are asking residents to make sure their vehicle registration fees donât get sent to the wrong county because of their Fenton mailing addresses. The Tyrone Township Board discussed the issue of vehicle registrations at its regular meeting this week. Because Tyrone has no post office, many of its residents are listed as living in Fenton. When they register their vehicles, Township Clerk Keith Kremer says the fees they pay often go to Genesee County as a result. According to board members, Secretary of State personnel may even change the designated county to Genesee County, believing that the 48430 zip code does not extend into Livingston. Kremer encourages all residents to specifically point out that they live in Livingston County when registering vehicles and paying fees to make sure their dollars stay local. (TD)
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Brighton Council Mulls Possible Future Ballot ProposalBrighton Council Mulls Possible Future Ballot Proposal
2/22/13 - At its regular meeting Thursday night the Brighton City Council heard a report in the process that will lead to the 2013-14 fiscal year city budget to be unveiled in March. City Manager Dana Foster told council he is looking at a combination of new revenue sources - such as a possible voter-approved ballot initiative - and cost-cutting measures that might include contracting out for certain services. A reduction in city services may also be in the future in order to trim costs. Foster stresses that there will be no layoffs, but positions that open up through attrition may not be filled. Foster says that the forecast also includes a âmini-CIPâ â meaning capital improvements - that would require going to the voters with a ballot issue. City voters defeated a bond issue for a laundry list of infrastructure needs last November by a narrow margin. Foster says cost-cutting measures might also involve restructuring of city staff, including reassigning city employees to other duties. Foster says the potential revenue enhancements could generate enough funds to pay for the improvements and even fund daily city services on a cash basis. He says the revenue proposal would be subject to approval by city voters. He adds that an alternate 6-year plan will be presented that would assume a continued decline in property values and no new revenue sources requiring further reductions to avoid a deficit. Foster will go into specifics when he presents the proposed 2013-14 city budget to council on March 21. (TT)
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Patrol Contract Talks Continue Between County, Hartland & TyronePatrol Contract Talks Continue Between County, Hartland & Tyrone
2/22/13 - Negotiations continue between the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and Hartland and Tyrone Townships for community policing. The Department currently contracts with Hartland, Tyrone and Putnam Townships for patrol services. The contracts covering Hartland and Tyrone are up at the end of March and the two communities have been negotiating terms of a new deal. The county is proposing an increase during in the second year that it says are closer to the true costs of providing patrol services, totaling $153,425 in the first year and $160,789 in the second. Officials in the two communities are now together proposing a counter-offer calling for a two year contract renewal at the current rate, with no increases. Hartland Township Manager James Wickman says theyâre mindful of the economic circumstances but donât feel an increase is appropriate when the base service is provided to others at no extra cost. He says both communities value the partnership and have agreed on what the terms of an extension should look like in the counter-proposal provided to the county. Sheriff Bob Bezotte says the contracts support six deputies and allow for quicker response times by ensuring a dedicated patrol car is in the municipalities, improving public safety overall. He fears that without a dedicated patrol car in the municipalities, response times will go up drastically. If they canât reach an agreement, Bezotte expects a snowball effect, where the department will continue to lose deputies and have public safety suffer. The proposed contracts are expected to be discussed during the Board of Commissioners Public Safety Committee meeting Monday night. More information on specifics can be found below. (JM)
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18th Annual Pheasants Forever Banquet Planned Next Month18th Annual Pheasants Forever Banquet Planned Next Month
2/22/13 - The local chapter of the pro-hunting nonprofit Pheasants Forever will hold its 18th annual Banquet for Habitat, Youth, and Disabled Veterans next month. Pheasants Forever is a nation-wide organization dedicated to the preservation of natural habitats and making the sport of hunting available to disabled veterans and young people. The annual banquet will take place on March 8th and feature unlimited food and drink as well as games with prizes, including firearms. Live and silent auctions will also take place for items such as African vacations, ride-alongs with NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace, jewelry, furniture, and hunting and fishing equipment. Tickets are $80 per person or $125 for a couple and include a one-year membership to Pheasants Forever. For more information or to buy tickets, follow the link below. (TD)
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Linden Schools to Review Bully Hotline Policy for EffectivenessLinden Schools to Review Bully Hotline Policy for Effectiveness
2/22/13 - The Linden School District offers a bully hotline for its students, but recent complaints are causing administrators to take another look at the service. The Eagle Hotline allows students to anonymously file complaints with the district following an incidence of bullying through calls or texts. It was put in place after a Linden High School senior committed suicide in November, which his family attributed to bullying. However, MLive.com reports that a sophomore approached the school board on Wednesday to voice the complaints of students who had called or texted the hotline and received no response from the district. Superintendent Ed Koledo says depending on the circumstances of the complaint school officials may decide to speak with the bully, but not the student who reported it. He issued a statement saying the board was concerned about the comments it has received by students, and will investigate the reporting and followup process of the hotline. (TD)
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New County Chair to Deliver Upbeat State of the CountyNew County Chair to Deliver Upbeat State of the County
2/22/13 - County officials are hoping an upcoming event will provide them an opportunity to talk about both the challenges and successes of the past year. Livingston County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Carol Griffith is planning to present a State of the County address in which sheâll lay out various projects she says all fall under their continued efforts at collaboration, cooperation and consolidation. Among those is a complete redesign of the countyâs website expected to be available April 1st with a new range of e-commerce options. County Administrator Belinda Peters added that they are in the midst of implementing a new financial system that will eventually allow the county to handle its own payroll, a service currently outsourced for $80,000 a year. Other projects Griffiths intends to discuss are the new EMS and Survival Flight public safety complex under construction and the Livingston County Airport expansion, including a new terminal building. While the discussion will focus on the positive developments in the last year, Griffith acknowledged there are also challenges, most especially the nearly two million dollars they stand to lose due to cuts in state shared-revenue and the elimination of the state's personal property tax. In addition, the countyâs rare AAA bond rating could be at risk if various sewer-assessment bonds it backed in local townships go belly-up. However, a $2 million fund has been set up to assist with the debt if necessary. The State of the County address is free and open to the public and will be held Monday, March 4th at 6:30 p.m. in the historic Livingston County Courthouse in downtown Howell. (JK)
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WB I-96 Re-Opens in Fowlerville After Accident Involving Semi WB I-96 Re-Opens in Fowlerville After Accident Involving Semi
2/22/13 - Westbound I-96 has re-opened in the Fowlerville area following an earlier accident involving a semi. Westbound I-96 was closed at the Fowlerville exit so that crews could remove a semi-truck that crashed just before 1pm at Nicholson Road. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte says once deputies got on scene, they learned the driver lost control, jackknifed, and hit a bridge abutment before leaving the roadway and hitting a pole. He says based on witness accounts, they believe the driver fell asleep. He has been identified as 57-year old Patrick Taylor of Coopersville, Michigan. Bezotte says he was driving for Four Way Transport and was not injured but was issued a hazardous violation for failure to have his vehicle under control. Meanwhile, DTE Energy was working to repair the power poles and lines that were hit, which could result in some power outages in the Fowlerville area. (JM)
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City Uses Private Funds to Purchase SculptureCity Uses Private Funds to Purchase Sculpture
2/23/13 - The City of Brighton has added another piece of outdoor art to its permanent collection. The sculpture âSpiralâ by West Bloomfield artist Maureen Voorheis and fabricator Jim Ignash of Howell was approved for purchase with private donations at Thursdayâs Brighton City Council meeting. The piece, which becomes the 16th in the cityâs collection, was originally installed for a two-year display in the Brighton Outdoor Sculpture exhibit in July 2009 on W. Grand River in front of Tim Hortonâs. After the Brighton Arts and Culture Commission identified âSpiralâ as one of the sculptures they wanted to purchase for permanent display, they received donations from Lawrence Auto Body, Tim Hortonâs store owner Maureen Stewart, Corrigan Oil Company and City Manager Dana Foster. City council member Claudia Roblee, Chairperson of the Brighton Arts and Culture Commission, says sheâs excited they were able to add another piece to the permanent collection, saying that, âArt adds to the quality of life we enjoy in this city.â(JK)
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Brighton Township Plans Open House On Master Plan UpdateBrighton Township Plans Open House On Master Plan Update
2/23/13 - An open house next week will gather public input for the Brighton Township Master Plan, which is due for review and revision this year. Township Planner Kelly Mathews tells WHMI the master plan needs to be revisited every five years, and the municipality always wants public input. In 2003 a survey was sent to all the homes in the township, and in 2008 small focus workshops were held. For this update the township put out surveys for the master plan update last summer, and the open house on Wednesday will expand on that. It will take place at the fire hall on Old US-23, and residents can show up anytime between 5:30 and 7:30pm. Township staff will be on hand to share information, take input, and answer questions. Those who cannot attend the open house can fill out a short questionnaire at the township hall or request that one be sent to their home through the mail. The questionnaire can also be filled out online. A link to that is posted at WHMI.com. Mathews says the master plan update will probably be completed sometime this fall. (TD)
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Hartland Father Wins Custody After Lengthy Battle Hartland Father Wins Custody After Lengthy Battle
2/23/13 - A Hartland Township man has succeeded in a lengthy fight to win custody of his daughter. Daniel Quinn is thanking everyone for their support in his fight, saying his daughter Maeleigh has no idea how many angels have stood up to do their part. Back in June, legislation inspired by Quinnâs story was signed into law that enables biological fathers like Quinn to petition the court for parental rights. The bills give biological fathers more rights and get rid of the Michigan Paternity Act, which Quinn said had prevented him from seeing his daughter for the past four years. Michiganâs old law, which had been in effect since 1956, presumed a husband is the father of his wifeâs children. The mother of Quinnâs child was married to another man when she became pregnant. After living with Quinn for a period of time, she decided to reconcile with her husband and took their daughter, who ultimately ended up in the custody of a now-convicted drug dealer. According to police, the crimes were committed by the childâs motherâs husband in the girlâs presence. Despite that, Quinn didnât have the right to tell a judge why he would be a better caretaker for his own daughter. An update on Quinnâs Facebook page says the ruling was made this month and heâs working to tie up loose ends in the courts but it shouldnât be long before Maeleigh is back home. (JM)
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