2/23/13 - It will be a few weeks before more details emerge in the case of a man killed during a shoot-out with police officers in Green Oak Township. 31-year-old Kevin Hassell was hit and killed during the exchange and later died at a hospital. The shooting remains under investigation by Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post and the Livingston County Major Crimes Task Force. Authorities are awaiting forensics and ballistics reports to determine how many times Hassell was shot and how many rounds were fired. Police chased Hassell from a home on Bishop Road in Green Oak Township where a breaking and entering was reported to his motherâs residence on Twilight Drive, where the shooting occurred last Monday. Hassell is alleged to have fired on officers as he exited his vehicle and police say preliminary investigation shows multiple shots were fired inside of the home by the three. Both officers have been placed on leave per protocol. The trooper is described as a 12-year veteran of Michigan State Police while the Green Oak officer is said to have eight years of law enforcement experience. State records show Hassell has multiple convictions for a variety of charges and had been released from the Michigan Department of Corrections in November of 2011. (JM)
Police Awaiting Forensics Report in Local Fatal Shoot-Out Police Awaiting Forensics Report in Local Fatal Shoot-Out
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Plungers Brave Frigid Waters for Special Olympics
2/23/13 - More than 60 people voluntarily took a jump on Saturday into a frigid pond behind Brighton High School for the annual Brighton Polar Plunge. The event benefits the Livingston County chapter of the Special Olympics of Michigan, which provides hundreds of athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete, have fun and not only be together as a community, but also be part of the community. Prior to the plunge, three young girls from Brightonâs Hornung Elementary School, Lauren Trombley, Claire Mykols and Katie Zukowski, gathered together as a team called the Diving Dogs, raising more than a thousand dollars for the cause by tapping their friends and family, but also fellow school-mates through the school's newspaper. They said while they were a bit apprehensive to take part in their first Polar Plunge, they were happy to do it for such a good cause. The top fundraiser, P.J. Sapienza, brought in $3,186.24 and was also voted to have the best costume, that of a pirate. The Brighton Roller Dollz roller derby team came in second with $2,280.05. In all, organizers say they raised more than $24,000. A final event Sunday will help add to that total. The Polar Plunge Afterglow Fashion Show will take place at the Downtown Main Martini Bar & Grille from 5-9pm, with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics. (JK)
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Couple Facing Charges for Donation Jar Theft at Howell 7-11 Store Couple Facing Charges for Donation Jar Theft at Howell 7-11 Store
2/24/13 - A couple alleged stole a donation jar from a 7-11 store in Howell Township store are facing formal charges. State records show 34-year-old Michael Cory was returned to prison for the alleged parole violation. His wife, 28-year old Tena Rose Cory, was arraigned Friday on a charge of larceny in a building. She remains free on personal bond pending a Wednesday appearance in 53rd District Court in Brighton. The Livingston County Sheriff's Department says the couple was taken into custody after a surveillance photo was made public. The coupleâs child that was present at the store during the incident was released to a family member. The jar the Coryâs are accused of stealing from the store at Grand River and M-59 was collecting money for an Arkansas child with Down syndrome who needs surgery. Several community members stepped up with donations following the theft, which the storeâs owner says will more than replace what was stolen. (JM)
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Submissions Sought for Fenton ArtWalkSubmissions Sought for Fenton ArtWalk
2/25/13 - The Fenton City Downtown Development Authority is seeking submissions from artists of all kinds to display as part of the 3rd annual Fenton ArtWalk. The event will be held on Saturday, July 13th in conjunction with The Laundryâs Bastille Day 5k Run/Walk and 15k Run. Physical-medium artwork is being sought from local artists to be displayed and made available for sale inside participating stores on Leroy Street between Shiawassee Avenue and the Fenton Hotel. Participation is free for artists, but a review panel will make sure of the quality of all artwork before it is displayed. The deadline to submit artwork applications is Friday, April 5th. If an artist has fine art to sell, they are asked to take two or three color photos per medium and submit them in .jpg or .pdf format to Fenton@NewMoonVisions.net for review. A maximum of three mediums per artist is in place. (TD)
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Hartland Gun Suspect Jailed for Smuggling Gun into CourthouseHartland Gun Suspect Jailed for Smuggling Gun into Courthouse
2/25/13 - A Genesee County man who police say brandished a weapon at a motorist while driving on US-23 in Hartland Township was jailed recently for another gun-related incident. Court records show that 67-year-old Clarence Leroy Murphy Jr. of Flint was free on a $5,000 bond on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon when he was arrested for trying to bring a small, loaded pistol and pocketknife into the Genesee County Courthouse on December 5th. He was subsequently jailed and his bond increased to $750,000. Murphy was already facing two counts of carrying a concealed weapon for an incident October 29th in Hartland Township when a woman says she and her 12-year-old daughter were driving northbound on US-23 and a minivan tried to pass her near Crouse Road. The driver, alleged to be Murphy, eventually pulled alongside and waived a handgun while laughing. She was able to get his license plate and pass that along to authorities, who later stopped his vehicle in Flint. A search turned up two handguns and a starter pistol. Authorities in both counties are awaiting the results of a forensic psychiatric exam to see if heâs competent to stand trial. He is set next in court in Genesee County on March 15th and then April 22nd for the Livingston County charges. (JK)
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Trial Date Set for Suspect in Fenton RobberyTrial Date Set for Suspect in Fenton Robbery
2/25/13 - A trial date has been set for a Fenton man charged in connection with an armed robbery at a gas station last month. 23-year-old Michael Joseph Craig is charged with armed robbery and a separate count of using a firearm while committing a felony. A May 14th trial date is now set on Genesee County Circuit Court. Fenton Police say Craig robbed the Clark gas station on North Leroy Street January 23rd and fled the area. Officers and a K-9 unit were able to establish a track and canvassed the area, which led them to a home on North East Street. While a perimeter was being set up, police say a detective noticed a subject attempting to escape out a back bedroom window and a handgun was observed. A short standoff followed and Craig eventually surrendered. Fenton Police say the weapon, stolen cash and other evidence were later recovered at the residence. (JK)
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Highland Woman Injured After Stealing Pickup Truck
2/25/13 - A local woman is hospitalized after crashing a stolen pick-up truck in mid-Michigan. Isabella County Sheriff deputies say the 20-year-old Highland Township woman took the truck at about 10 oâclock Sunday night as it sat warming up outside a Union Township home. WSGW reports the truck's owner spotted the vehicle a short time later at a fast food restaurant on M-20 east of Mount Pleasant and called 9-1-1. The Highland woman then headed south on U-S 127 at speeds of over 100-miles an hour. Police say the woman lost control of the stolen truck near Shepherd, veered off the freeway, drove through a fence, went airborne and hit several trees before rolling over numerous times. The suspect, who was ejected from the truck, was taken to McLaren Central Michigan before being flown by helicopter to Saginaw's Covenant Medical Center. The extent of her injuries has yet to be released. (JK)
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Benefit Planned to Get Clinic Back Up & RunningBenefit Planned to Get Clinic Back Up & Running
2/25/13 - An emergency benefit is planned this weekend to assist a medical clinic recently destroyed by fire. The Faith Medical Clinic provides free medical care to those without insurance and was operating out of the old Putnam Township annex building until a fire destroyed the entire facility, along with all of the equipment inside. The clinic was started by Mitch and Laura Goldman. Mitch Goldman says they were only able to salvage the patient files and are hoping the benefit will allow them to obtain needed equipment because items like stretchers can be very expensive. The Goldman's also have a partnership with the University of Michigan and it has agreed to share the cost of getting equipment and expects that the St. Joseph Mercy Health System will do the same. Goldman says they hope to start seeing patients again in the next 3 to 4 weeks and been offered two places to use on a temporary basis. He says the one they're leaning toward is the old Putnam Fire Hall on M-36, which Goldman says is ironic because thatâs where they started out on the ground floor. The benefit will take place this Saturday, March 2nd from 6 to 8pm at the Mission Church, 511 Hamburg Street in Pinckney. Goldman says anyone and everyone is welcome to attend. Donations can also be made through PayPal on the clinic's website, a link for which is posted below. In addition, a fund has been set up at PNC Bank to also help raise donations. (JK)
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Howell Mayor: Retreat Highlights Challenges & AchievementsHowell Mayor: Retreat Highlights Challenges & Achievements
2/25/13 - Howellâs Mayor says a recent retreat by city council and other city officials may have begun on a small note of disharmony, but actually was quite productive in aligning up their goals and expectations for the coming year. Mayor Phil Campbell says while the session last weekend began with a discussion by current and past council members critical of the recent actions by Councilman Doug Heins, that issue was quickly dealt with and the business of the retreat moved forward. Campbell says they focused on the main issue facing the city; balancing the financial funding of city services while positioning the city as a destination both for tourism and business development. On the funding side, they have had to face a 25% loss in taxable values dating back to 2008, which means they are increasingly facing a decision of whether to deal with that loss by raising revenue through increased taxes or making cuts in the budget or a combination of both. But Campbell thinks that the city is actually well placed to deal with those issues and the retreat helped to get everyone on the same page moving forward. Campbell says while that is certainly a challenge, they received good news from the Downtown Development Authority director that the unused locations in the downtown area are filling up fast. In the final analysis, Campbell says the retreat succeeded in highlighting both the cityâs challenges and achievements and getting the council in the right frame of mind to move forward as a unified body. (JK)
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Nominations and Volunteers Sought For Annual Day of ServiceNominations and Volunteers Sought For Annual Day of Service
2/25/13 - Organizers of an upcoming project are searching for local people in need of help maintaining their homes. Livingston County Labor of Loveâs 2013 Project Day will be held on April 28th. The event is held every year to mobilize volunteers to perform dozens of home repair projects around the county. Services such as yard cleanup, bathroom or kitchen remodeling, handicap-accessibility ramp installation, and roof repair are all performed by Labor of Love each year. Nominations for beneficiaries are now being accepted, and Project Chair Allan Lutes tells WHMI the event looks for people who are physically or financially incapable of maintaining their homes. Recipients of the repairs are chosen from among homeowners nominated by churches, community organizations, and service groups. Their homes are evaluated by skilled tradespeople and a committee determines whether the homeowner meets the criteria for Project Day. Skilled volunteers will be appropriately utilized, but unskilled volunteers are always welcome. For more information, visit Labor of Loveâs website by clicking the link below. (TD)
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Brighton Chosen for DIA Inside/Out Exhibit This SummerBrighton Chosen for DIA Inside/Out Exhibit This Summer
2/25/13 - The City of Brighton is one of the latest communities selected to be featured this summer as part of the Detroit Institute of Arts Inside/Out exhibit. The project places reproductions of classic pieces of art outside that are within walking or biking distance in various communities. Howell hosted the exhibit in 2011 (pictured). The City was originally selected to be a part of the exhibit last year, but financing issues required the DIA to hold off. Brighton Arts and Culture Commission Chairwoman Claudia Roblee tells WHMI they were later notified that additional funding had been received and were contacted by officials to see if they were still interested in being a participating community this summer. Exact placements are still being determined for the Inside/Out exhibit and once they are finalized, they will be featured on an interactive map on the DIAâs website, www.dia.org. It encourages each city to plan activities centered around the works of art so Roblee says they will be talking with the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brighton Art Guild to incorporate the Inside/Out exhibit with the city's current sculptures downtown as well as the summer arts festival. (JK)
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Milford High School Students Suspended for "Harlem Shake" Video Milford High School Students Suspended for "Harlem Shake" Video
2/25/12 - At least two dozen Milford High School students have been suspended after filming a controversial YouTube video featuring a new Internet dance craze. 18-year-old Alex Larson said he and several friends received three-to five day suspensions after recording a video doing the âHarlem shakeâ, which was shot after school in an empty classroom. It shows the students dancing and one holding a live bird that flaps its wings. It was posted on YouTube and got thousands of views. Larson said they were just having fun and didnât think it would be a big deal. District officials described the video as indecent and vulgar and said the students did receive permission to shoot the video but lied to the teacher about their intent and the purpose of the classroom. A second video that had racially insensitive portions was removed from YouTube. A link to the video, âWhite Boys Making Noiseâ, can be found below. (JM)
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Winter Storm Probable Tuesday; Six Inches PossibleWinter Storm Probable Tuesday; Six Inches Possible
2/25/13 - Another strong winter storm moving through the Midwest this week is expected to bring roughly 6 inches of snow to parts of southern Michigan. The National Weather Service says the snow could be wet and heavy. It's expected to fall Tuesday afternoon and evening, and into Wednesday. More than 6 inches could fall in some places, including southeast Michigan. The same is expected in parts of West Michigan. The National Weather Service says rapid snow accumulations and poor visibility may lead to hazardous road conditions, especially later in the day tomorrow. In addition, the heavy, wet snow may put stress on trees and power lines causing some power outages. Stay tuned to WHMI through the day for the very latest, weather and traffic updates as well as potential school closings. (JK)
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Chili Cookoff Planned To Raise Funds For Fowlerville Fireworks
2/26/13 - Fowlerville is known for its blazing Independence Day fireworks shows, but to raise money for this yearâs display organizers will use a different kind of heat. The Livingston County and Fowlerville Fireworks Committee will be holdings its annual chili cookoff on Saturday, March 9th. The event will let people sample chili from local chefs and give out cash prizes for the best-tasting chili, the best spicy-hot chili, and the best presentation. An award will also be given for the best chili from a business or organization. The cost of admission will be $7 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5 to 12, and children under 5 eat free. That fee includes a sample of every chili, a bowl of the chili of your choice, salad, a beverage, and dessert. The event is also in need of volunteers. For an application form to submit a chili or attend as a vendor, email bndbus@fnw-users.com. To volunteer, call Bruce and Denise Brown at (517) 223-1927. (TD)
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Linden City Council Selects Zelenak For Vacant Manager Post Linden City Council Selects Zelenak For Vacant Manager Post
2/26/13 - The Linden City Council has selected its next leader. Council interviewed four candidates for the vacant city manager position this past Saturday before agreeing that Lake Orion Village Manager Paul Zelenak was the best fit. MLive.com reports that Linden Mayor David Lossing will now begin negotiations with Zelenak, with the goal of having a contract before Council for possible approval at its March 11th meeting. Nearly three dozen candidates applied for the position. It opened up after the previous city manager, Mark Tallman, resigned in September after four months on the job. Linden Police Chief Scott Sutter has been serving in the interim. (JM)
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Brighton School Board Mulls Possible Cuts As Deficit LoomsBrighton School Board Mulls Possible Cuts As Deficit Looms
2/26/13 - The Brighton Board of Education spent a lot of time Monday night discussing a looming deficit, which is projected to be anywhere from $400,000-to-$600,000 by the end of the fiscal year on June 30 if no action is taken to reduce or eliminate it. The reason for the approaching red ink is a decline of 200 students from last year, which â at $7,000 per pupil - translates into a loss of $1.4 million in state aid. On top of that, $470 per student in state cutbacks to local school districts in the last two years equals another $2.8 million. The district wants to sell the former Lindbom School, whose value has been appraised at between 1.7 and 1.9 million dollars. But that wouldnât help the immediate financial situation because, according to Superintendent Greg Gray, the proceeds would go to reduce the $7 million legacy deficit inherited from past administrations and boards. Gray added that the district's financial situation was also worsened by the closing of the Miller School three years ago, prior to his arrival, because the 600 or so students at Miller were counted as full-day students for purposes of state per-pupil aid. He says that would have translated into roughly $9 million in additional funding to the district in those three years. In the weeks ahead, the board will be busy trying to come up with ways to balance the budget without affecting program or students, something Gray tells WHMI could entail special meetings between now and the end of June. Board President Miles Vieau says itâs very hard to accomplish significant savings by making cuts since itâs so late in the school year, and says the board might consider absorbing a deficit this year while using the extra time this spring and summer to make cutbacks in the 2013-14 budget. Gray agreed that a half-million dollars in cuts might be easier to accomplish in a budget that spans an entire year than just a few months. The board mulled holding a special meeting next Monday but in the end decided to discuss possible cuts further at the regular meeting in two weeks. (TT)
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Motorists Reminded: Don't Crowd the Plow & Avoid Street Parking Motorists Reminded: Don't Crowd the Plow & Avoid Street Parking
2/26/13 - With a winter storm headed for the Livingston County area, local motorists are advised to use caution if out and about. A winter storm is expected to result in some messy travel conditions later today and overnight. Managing Director of the Livingston County Road Commission Mike Craine tells WHMI theyâre taking a wait and see approach because while reported accumulation totals have varied, the storm track appears to be consistent. He says itâs expected to be a wet, heavy snow but how much of a rain/snow mix remains to be seen. Craine reminds that local motorists practice good driving habits in winter weather conditions and âdonât crowd the plowâ. Meanwhile, residents and motorists in the City of Howell are being asked to avoid on-street parking in anticipation of the winter storm. Howell Police Chief George Basar says once an emergency is declared, any vehicles found parked on City streets are subject to being towed but he says they try to be reasonable when it comes to enforcement. Basar also reminds that once a snow emergency is declared, it remains in effect until officially rescinded. You tune in to WHMI 93.5FM for complete up-to-date weather and traffic details. (JM)
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County Committee Approves Discount Patrols for TownshipsCounty Committee Approves Discount Patrols for Townships
2/26/13 - The Livingston County Board of Commissioners Public Safety Subcommittee has recommended a deal with Hartland and Tyrone Townships to continue providing around-the-clock road patrols, but whether the townships will accept the deal is yet to be seen. For decades, the two townships have paid the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department to keep a single patrol car on their roads 24/7. Undersheriff Mike Murphy says the county has subsidized the service for years by not charging the townships for the cost of the cars or ancillary equipment used by the officers, which make up about 40% of the expense. The deal preliminarily approved last night would continue to provide the service at a cost to the townships of roughly $153,000 for the first year and $160,000 for the second year. While that is less than what had originally been proposed by the sheriffâs department, it is still more than the flat $154,000 annual deal the townships had sought. The proposed pact must still be approved by the countyâs finance committee before going to the full board of commissioners next Monday and then back to the townships for final approval. The renewal of a deal for an eight-hour-per-day patrol in Putnam Township was also approved last night. Murphy says the arrangement provides value to both the county and the townships, and the county will use the next couple of years to explore long-term goals and plans in the area of public safety. (TD/JK)
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Volunteers Sought To Help Maintain Pinckney CemeteryVolunteers Sought To Help Maintain Pinckney Cemetery
2/26/13 - The Village of Pinckney is looking for volunteers to help clean up one of the oldest features of the municipality. The Pinckney Cemetery dates back to the mid-1800âs and includes hundreds of burial sites. The village government is now looking for people willing to help out with its spring cemetery clean-up day next month. Officials say the project is a great opportunity for people and students who need to log volunteer hours or for those who want to contribute to the community. Volunteers are asked to bring whatever cleanup equipment they can, including gloves, rakes, wheelbarrows, leaf blowers, and hedge clippers. The cleanup will take place on Saturday, March 23rd from 9am to noon. Anyone interested can contact the village offices. (TD)
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Meeting to Offer Livingston County Economy & Housing OutlookMeeting to Offer Livingston County Economy & Housing Outlook
2/26/13 - While there appear to be some glimmers of hope as of late, is the economic situation and housing market improving in Livingston County? A panel of experts are expected to share their views on both topics at an upcoming membership meeting of the Home Builders Association of Livingston County. The non-profit organization represents hundreds of members and works to address the interests of the building industry and the community. The meeting and dinner will take place at Memories in Brighton. Seating is limited and the registration deadline is March 15th. The cost is $10 for members, $12 for employees of members and $20 for non-members. For reservations or more information, contact the Home Builders Association of Livingston County. A link is posted below. (JM)
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