Homelessness does exist in Livingston County and one local woman is sharing her story. Homeless Awareness Week is approaching next week, a time the community is encouraged to help change the conversation about stereotypes. Terri Ariss is a survivor who has been involved with the Homeless Continuum of Care Committee for four years and finds strength in giving back. The committee works together with various agencies and organizations in Livingston County to plan and coordinate services for the homeless and those at risk for homelessness, lower the homeless population and help improve policies and programs. Ariss spent from age 18 to 32 homeless, which is considered to be chronic homeless because it was for more than three months in each year. Ariss says she went from living with friends and different family members to spending summers and winters at campgrounds throughout Livingston County. Ariss says it wasnât until recently her children, who are now 19 and 22, learned they were actually homeless during all those camping trips. Ariss tells WHMI what felt hopeless at the time really strengthened her and understands itâs time for her to give back, help others get through situations and be the voice of those who are experiencing homelessness in the Homeless Continuum of Care Committee. She encourages support for local service organizations that help stabilize homelessness. For Ariss, the homeless situation was the result of domestic violence that included emotional, physical and mental abuse but she managed to escape in the middle of the night on November 16th in 2002, saying her final breaking point was an incident in front of her children. She fled to a shelter, which ultimately helped her establish herself in a home where rent was based on her income - which was just child support at the time because she was left handicapped from her ex-boyfriend. She worked hard and has managed to go from using a walker and a cane to finally walking on her own through physical therapy, surgeries and medicine. Her ex-boyfriend is now serving a 15-20 prison sentence. Ariss now gives back through the Homeless Continuum of Care Committee. A number of events and activities to bring attention to the reality of the situation in Livingston County are planned during Homeless Awareness Week. Ariss is currently seeking individuals who have experienced or are currently experiencing homelessness to share their stories during an event November 17th at the Howell Opera House. She can be reached at 517-231-9687. More information on next week's events can be found through the link and attachment. (JM)
Local Survivor Shares Story Ahead Of Homeless Awareness WeekLocal Survivor Shares Story Ahead Of Homeless Awareness Week
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Applications Sought For Brighton DDA Board, Arts & Culture Commission Applications Sought For Brighton DDA Board, Arts & Culture Commission
Citizens have an opportunity to volunteer their time and expertise to help transform the City of Brighton. The city is looking to fill openings on the Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors and the Brighton Arts and Culture Commission. The commission is a five-member board tasked with supporting fine arts, performing arts, crafts and culture. It maintains and promotes Brightonâs Sculpture Garden and outdoor Biennial Sculpture Exhibit. Applicants must have lived in the city for at least two years and should send a letter of interest by close of business on Thursday, November 10th. Meanwhile, the DDA board is described as a vital group of stakeholders tasked with the stewardship and progress of Brightonâs downtown. Residents, business owners and property owners are encouraged to apply and should send a letter of interest and resume by the close of business this Friday, November 4th. Those interested in the DDA Board position should contact Brandon Skopek at (810) 225-8019 or skopedb@brightoncity.org. Those interested in the Arts and
Culture Commission should contact Jessica Reed at (810) 225-9257 or reedj@brightoncity.org. (JM)
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Survey Shows Desire For Book & Clothing Stores In Downtown Brighton Survey Shows Desire For Book & Clothing Stores In Downtown Brighton
Brighton business officials got a preliminary look at feedback on how they're doing in making the downtown a regular destination. Marketing consultant Cristina Sheppard-Decius, who was hired by the Brighton Principal Shopping District Board to formulate a strategic marketing plan for the downtown, gave a presentation on her preliminary findings at Tuesdayâs PSD meeting. She said that, overall, Brighton is doing very well in attracting a wide variety of people from the area to its downtown, but there are a few areas that could be improved. During the past month, Sheppard-Decius and her staff collected data from 269 visitors to the downtown area during the daytime and evening hours. Among the survey questions was why the person chose to visit downtown Brighton, with the highest percentage, 37%, saying they come for the many dining choices, followed by shopping, at 20%. The highest percentage of people surveyed reside in the 48116 zip code, which includes all of the city of Brighton and part of the immediate surrounding area, followed by 48114, which includes Brighton Township and portions of a couple other townships. The 48843 zip code, which includes most of the Howell area, was third. The survey showed that many people also come to downtown Brighton from the Pinckney area, South Lyon and Milford, with a smattering of visitors from a wider area, including as far as Lansing, Flint and Ann Arbor. While those surveyed said they like Brightonâs overall âquaintnessâ, its restaurants and shops, some indicated they would like to see childrenâs clothing and toy stores, a menâs and boyâs clothing store, and a bookstore. And some complained about traffic, particularly along Grand River. Recently, Sheppard-Decius has been collecting data and arranging focus group meetings in order to present subjects for discussion at the visioning session to be held tonight. Sheppard-Decius said the proximity to Mt. Brighton, just two miles away from downtown, is something merchants should take advantage of via a partnership that would involve cross-promotion. Vail Resorts made $10 million worth of improvements after it purchased the ski area a few years ago. She added that the new University of Michigan medical facility just down the road, scheduled to open in 2018, will also give the PSD opportunities for partnerships. Tonightâs visioning session will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Brewery Becker at the corner of West Main and First streets. The general public is invited. (TT)
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Saturday Marks Deadline For Voters To Apply For Absentee Ballot Saturday Marks Deadline For Voters To Apply For Absentee Ballot
This Saturday marks the deadline for local voters who qualify to apply for an absentee ballot for the upcoming General Election. There are six valid reasons for obtaining an absentee ballot in Michigan. Those include if someone is 60 or older, physically unable to attend the polls without assistance from another, if a voter expects to be absent from the community in which they are registered for the entire time the polls are open, if someone is in jail awaiting arraignment or trial, if they are unable to attend due to religious reasons or are working as a poll worker on election day. Livingston County Elections coordinator Joan Runyan tells WHMI voters who qualify can apply for an absentee ballot but they must have a reason. Voters can apply for an absentee ballot by contacting their local county or clerkâs office or by downloading an application from the Michigan Voter Information Center website through the link below and then turning it in. Runyan says everyone has until the Saturday prior to Election Day to obtain an absentee ballot if they want to take it home or have it mailed to them. The deadline is 2:00pm this Saturday, November 5th. Meanwhile, anyone who has never voted in person in Michigan and submitted a voter registration application by mail must appear in person to vote in the first election they wish to participate in. Runyan says that does not apply if they personally hand delivered the application to their county, city or township clerkâs office, if they are over 60 years old or disabled. (JM)
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Some Statements Ruled Out In Murder Trial Of Milford WomanSome Statements Ruled Out In Murder Trial Of Milford Woman
A trial date has been delayed until next year for a Milford woman charged with murder in connection with her husband's death. Yvonne Cortis was charged with open murder following the death of 68-year-old Greg Cortis, who died from injuries sustained in the November 2015 crowbar attack. She had been set to stand trial this past Monday, but court records show that has now been delayed until January 5th after a hearing last month in which certain statements she made to police were ruled inadmissible. Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews ruled that statements Cortis made to police outside of a patrol car were voluntary and could be used at her trial. However, once she was in the car, the judge ruled that she was in custody and that some of the statements she made from that point on would have to be suppressed as they were made prior to her being read her Miranda rights. Cortis was also charged with a count of animal torture for beating the family dog in the attack. Family members said the 59-year-old Milford woman has a history of mental illness, although a mental exam determined she was competent to assist in her own defense. Police say Cortis admitted to beating her husband and dog to put "them out of their misery," although itâs not known if that was one of the statements ruled inadmissible. Final motions in the case are due November 30th. Cortis, meanwhile, remains held without bond. (JK)
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Helping Hands Clothing Closet Opens Door To The CommunityHelping Hands Clothing Closet Opens Door To The Community
After nearly a year of hard work, a local Girl Scout Troop was able to open the doors to a community closet they created to help those in need. A grand opening of the Helping Hands Clothing Closet was held Tuesday at Navigator Upper Elementary School in Pinckney. The closet is located inside of a re-purposed classroom at the school that was transformed by Cadette Girl Scout Troop 41812 with supplies donated by local businesses and community members. Anyone in need can âshopâ for clothing and personal items at the closet during school hours. The project began with an idea from Navigator teacher Deb Loukotka. She was later approached by the troopâs scout leader to see if the girls could take over the project. Loukotka happily obliged. She tells WHMI she is impressed with the troopâs hard work and their vested interest. Loukotka says the troop members âreally understand the need thatâs in the communityâ and take pride in what theyâve created. Jade Cipponeri is an 8th grader at Pathfinder Middle School and one of the troop members. She says she enjoyed creating the closet with her friends and the help of the community. Lydia Bolen, who is also an 8th grader at Pathfinder and troop member, says she wants to offer those in need more than just tangible items found in the closet. Bolen says she wants shoppers to know that if theyâre in a rough situation, âthat people care and are there for them even past clothing.â Troop member and 7th grader at Pathfinder Middle School, Carli Mulvihill, says working on the project made the troopâs members âfeel warm in their heartsâ. Mulvihill had the opportunity to help a young girl find a winter coat when she noticed the girl didnât have one. This was before the closet was even set up or open yet, and she says she was happy she could help her out. Donations continue to pour in and Mulvihill says they are now storing extra items in a separate room so they may restock the closet when necessary. Troop members agreed they enjoyed working together and feel good about giving back. Hayley Hendrix, troop member and 6th grader at Navigator, says she likes âfeeling the happiness of othersâ before her own. (DK)
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Expert Talks Gender Violence At LACASA Program LaunchExpert Talks Gender Violence At LACASA Program Launch
An event in Howell last night sparked discussion about gender violence and the role the community has in preventing it. LACASA hosted international speaker and gender violence activist Dr. Jackson Katz at the Historic Howell Theater. Katzâs lecture, âTaking it Personally: Why Gender Violence is an Issue for the Community,â aided in clarifying what gender violence is and what role each individual can play in preventing it. The all-encompassing term refers to abusive behavior against all genders. Katz is one of the architects behind the âbystanderâ approach to the gender violence prevention field, which was introduced by MVP. Katz says every person in the community has a role when challenging abusive behavior. He feels that in an abusive situation, it is ineffective to alienate the incident to just the abuser and victim. Katz says when everyone steps in and makes a stand that certain behavior is not okay, that becomes an opportunity to change societal norms. Katz says it takes strength to speak up, but promoting that is a step towards the paradigm shift. Katz says he wants to redefine what was once considered âwomenâs issuesâ. He feels that incidents like sexual assault, domestic violence, teen relationship abuse and harassment, have been seen as âwomenâs issues that some good men help out withâ. Katz says more men need to take responsibility and leadership roles and make these problems âmenâs issuesâ. Katz says âItâs not about making men weak. Itâs about redefining strength.â His presentation served to help LACASA launch its new Mentors in Violence Prevention, or MVP program. The program will eventually be introduced in local school districts, starting with Howell Public Schools. The peer-mentorship is designed as a trickle-down leadership program to educate students about reacting and responding to relationship violence. (DK)
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Wayne Copeland Honored For Time As Fowlerville Village PresidentWayne Copeland Honored For Time As Fowlerville Village President
One local community paid tribute to a beloved member of their village council at his penultimate meeting. Family, friends, and local dignitaries were on hand in Fowlerville to honor Wayne Copeland as he nears the end of final term as Village President. Copeland has served on the Village Council since 2000, with the last 13 years being as president. He said he was proud of the many things he accomplished in his time as Village President, naming work on the industrial park, the rebuilding of Garden Lane, and the new sewer plant as some of the highlights. State Senator Joe Hune and State Representative Hank Vaupel, both from Fowlerville, presented Copeland with a framed proclamation recognizing his time and accomplishments, signed by both congressman and Governor Rick Snyder. Hune said that Copeland was an institution in the community and that when the village went through some tumultuous times, he was a steady hand to help heal the wounds. Vaupel remarked on Copelandâs love and dedication to the community, stating that you could often see him pulling weeds in municipal flower gardens by day, and attending all of the meetings at night. He continued by saying that Copeland truly epitomizes what a citizen politician should be, and that he was someone that the representative always looked up to and respected. Copeland joked on how he doesnât have any plans to travel in his retirement and will âprobably just mow a bunch of lawns.â His last meeting will be on November 14th. The president told fellow departing council member Mary Helfmann that he will be 10 minutes late, for only the second time in 16 years, so that she can fulfil a dream of starting one Council meeting before she herself leaves. (MK)
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Two Oak Park Men Arraigned On Charges In Local Halloween Heist Two Oak Park Men Arraigned On Charges In Local Halloween Heist
Two Oak Park men police believe are responsible for two Halloween heists have been arraigned. 29-year-old Kyle Wimbush and 33-year-old Arthur Williams have been charged with one count each of breaking and entering with intent and possession of burglary tools. A $30,000 cash/surety bond was set for Wimbush and a $50,000 cash/surety bond was set for Williams. On October 31st at approximately 3:30am, Brighton City Police units responded to a break-in at the Sprint cell phone store located on Movie Drive. Police say a large rock had been thrown through the window and numerous cell phones had been stolen. Approximately 30 minutes later, Livingston County Sheriff Deputies responded to an alarm at the Target store in Hartland Township. A Michigan State Police unit spotted a vehicle matching the description on southbound US-23 near I-96. The vehicle was stopped and police say a subsequent search was conducted which revealed the stolen property from both break-ins. Williams and Wimbush were lodged in the Livingston County Jail without incident. Brighton City Police and the Sheriffâs Department are continuing the investigations. (JM/JK)
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Court Denies Brighton Father's Appeal Of Child Abuse ConvictionCourt Denies Brighton Father's Appeal Of Child Abuse Conviction
An appeal panel has denied a request to overturn the conviction of a Brighton man on child abuse charges. A motion seeking to toss out the conviction of Joshua Quincy Burns was denied Tuesday by the Michigan Court of Appeals. Burns, who served less than nine months of a one year sentence in the Livingston County Jail, was convicted of 2nd degree child abuse in a high profile case that involved his daughter. Burns insists the injuries his daughter suffered in the March 2014 incident resulted when his daughter slipped and he grabbed her face to prevent her from hitting the table. In the request to overturn the conviction, Burns claimed that he had ineffective counsel, citing a failure by his attorney to properly dispute prosecution testimony from an expert witness. But in its denial, the appeals panel said that Burnsâ appeal motion failed to demonstrate that the âdefense counselâs performance was so deficient that it fell below an objective standard of reasonableness,â nor was there âa reasonable probability that defense counselâs deficient performance prejudiced defendant.â Burns and his family have steadfastly maintained his innocence and that his conviction was the result of an erroneous conclusion from a doctor they say never directly examined the girl, but only her medical records. (JK)
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Annual Veterans Day Program In Howell November 11th Annual Veterans Day Program In Howell November 11th
Howell High School will again host an annual Veterans Day program. The Howell High School Leadership Class will honor local Veterans for their service to the country on Friday, November 11th during its annual Veterans Day Program. The program will be held in Howell High Schoolâs Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. Veterans and their families are invited to a light breakfast beginning at 8:30am, followed by the main program at 9:30am. This yearâs guest speaker is Howell High School alumnus Dave Davenport, who retired from the U.S. Navy. The Veterans Day program is free and open to all Veterans and community members. Veterans are asked to RSVP to veteranshonors@gmail.com or 517-540-8300 if they plan to attend the breakfast. Members of the public do not need to RSVP. (JM)
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Planned Unit Development Agreement To Bring Homes To Green OakPlanned Unit Development Agreement To Bring Homes To Green Oak
Green Oak Township has approved a planned unit development agreement that will allow for the building of nearly 100 homes. The Board of Trustees listened to a presentation by the developer, listened to concerns from residents, and asked many questions of their own at their regular meeting Wednesday night. The new 53-acre Willow Woods subdivision will be located on the south side of Winans Lake Road have 97 single family units that Township Supervisor Mark St. Charles said would attract the middle class. Neighboring residents were concerned about run-off into existing wetlands and many wanted additional site investigations done. The board thoroughly questioned representatives from the developer to make sure their storm water management plans were comprehensive enough to combat any issues that could arise. They felt it was also important to add plans in the agreement for the regular testing of water for sodium and phosphorous and the prohibition of any coal-based tar sealers on asphalt. St. Charles said that it was imminent that something was going to be developed there and that it was important that it be done with a PUD agreement.This way they can negotiate features of the development like how roads are paved and what happens with trails. Had the PUD not passed, the developer could go the route of standard site planning and would be allowed to develop the land however they like as long as it fit in with local ordinances. Township Clerk Mike Sedlak stated how he was initially against the development, but after spending time with it, the developers, and engineers, believes they have done their due diligence and that Willow Woods will benefit the community. St. Charles says he knows some people werenât going to be happy with this decision, but that sometimes they have to make tough choices and look out for and consider all 19,000 people and the businesses in Green Oak. (MK)
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Public Meeting Set Next Week On Flex Route Plan For US-23 Public Meeting Set Next Week On Flex Route Plan For US-23
The Michigan Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting next Wednesday, November 9th to discuss upcoming construction along the US-23 corridor in Livingston and Washtenaw counties. The project will be on a tight schedule once a contractor is selected, weather permitting, and the open house style meeting will offer residents and commuters a chance to learn more about the $92 (m) million investment planned on US-23 between essentially M-36 and M-14. The project will include the new Flex Route traffic system that M-DOT will be implementing to help manage congestion and safety along the US-23 corridor. M-DOT spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI they anticipate construction starting this month but are waiting to award a contractor and get a schedule regarding where and when they would like to start. Once that happens, she says the project will continue through 2017 as they hope to get everything completed by the end of 2017. Arend cautions that motorists could still see a lot of construction over the winter, depending on weather, because once they start the project, they really want to keep the momentum going throughout the winter and into the spring. Arend noted it is an ambitious project and a lot of work to get done in basically one construction season with the bridge replacement, bridge repair, implementing the new Flex Route system with the upgraded shoulders and all of the electronic signs and message boards. However, she says it is M-DOTâs goal to complete it by 2017 and there will be a very aggressive schedule one the project gets underway. Wednesdayâs public meeting will be conducted in an open-house style format from 4 to 7pm at Whitmore Lake High School on Whitmore Lake Road. Arend noted the traffic control with this project is going to be very complex so motorists are encouraged to sign up for traffic alerts and notifications through the M-DOT website. A project website, www.flexroute23.com, is up and running but Arend says more details will be added as they get closer to the start of construction. (JM)
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International Speaker Bringing Networking And Leadership Program To HowellInternational Speaker Bringing Networking And Leadership Program To Howell
The Rotary Club of Howell and Howell Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting an event for people interested in strengthening their networking and business skills. International professional development speaker Michael Caruso will be making a special appearance presenting his program, âHow to Engage Someone in 15 Secondsâ on November 14th. The program provides tips on strengthening networking, messaging, and leadership skills. Caruso is founder and president of Edison House, a consulting firm that specializes in corporate and personal development. The general public is welcome at this event which takes place from noon to 1:30pm on Monday, November 14th at Block Brewing Company in Howell. The program is $20 per person and includes lunch. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended. Those interested are asked to RSVP through the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce by sending an email to chamber@howell.org, or by calling (517) 546-3920. (MK)
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Area Stakeholders Discuss Brighton's Future In Community Visioning WorkshopArea Stakeholders Discuss Brighton's Future In Community Visioning Workshop
A community workshop brought area stakeholders together to share thoughts and ideas about downtown Brightonâs future. The Brighton Principal Shopping District (PSD) hosted a Community Visioning session at Brewery Becker, looking to form a marketing plan for local businesses with the help of area stakeholders. The event was led by POW! Strategies as an interactive process to build consensus on Brightonâs identity. Those in attendance were divided into teams and took part in several activities that focused on identifying the Brighton of today and their hopes for the Brighton of tomorrow. Participants say they appreciate the cityâs authenticity, attractiveness, high standards and pleasant residents. While planning for the cityâs future, the teams say theyâd like to maintain those qualities while also developing others. The groups hope Brighton in the future will be successful, fresh, innovative, charitable and eclectic. Future development ideas included a Trader Joeâs, more housing and a splash pad. While all of these ideas are merely suggestions at this point, Mayor Jim Muzzin tells WHMI it was a âvery rewardingâ experience to see the communityâs interest in developing a plan. Muzzin feels these types of meetings should occur more frequently, as he guesses the last one was around five years ago. PSD Chairperson Mark Binkley says all of the data collected from the session will be reviewed and someday used in creating a strategic marketing plan. Binkley says the workshop helped identify some areas where there is room for improvement, but overall feels that the general consensus is that Brighton is on the right track. (DK)
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Straight-Ticket Voting Allowed In Tuesday's General ElectionStraight-Ticket Voting Allowed In Tuesday's General Election
The practice of filling out a single bubble to vote for all members of one political party is still an option for local voters Tuesday. Livingston County Elections Coordinator Joan Runyan says most voters are aware that last December, the Michigan Legislature removed the straight party ticket option from the November 2016 General Election ballot. A law banning the practice was signed in January. Then over the summer, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the law for the upcoming election. As a result, Runyan tells WHMI voters should not be surprised when they look at their ballot and see seven political parties under the straight party ticket option. Runyan says itâs really no different from what we have had forever in Michigan and those wanting to vote straight party will continue to do what theyâve always done in the past. Under the partisan section, voters will mark one of the seven parties listed. Runyan says they can then go on to the non-partisan section if they have any proposals and be done with voting the ballot. A new political party has also formed in the State of Michigan. Republican and Democratic are the two major parties that will appear on Tuesdayâs ballot. Others will include the Libertarian Party, the Natural Law Party, the Green Party, the U.S. Taxpayers Party and the Working Class Party. Runyan noted the Working Class is a brand new party in 2016 but only one candidate from that party will appear on Tuesdayâs ballot for the State Board of Education. The other two are running for congressional seats outside of Livingston County. (JM)
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State Investigating Drowning Deaths Of Two Men In Green Oak TownshipState Investigating Drowning Deaths Of Two Men In Green Oak Township
A state investigation has begun into the deaths last week of two men on a lake in Livingston County. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is now officially looking into the deaths of the men from Clarkston; 38-year-old Ian Tracey and 20-year-old Michael Belvin. Both drowned October 28th attempting to save two co-workers from Hidden Lake in Green Oak Township. The deaths and circumstances are detailed online as the 35th and 36th worker fatalities this year in Michigan. According to the posting on the website of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Green Oak Township Police responded to a report of a boat containing two individuals that was sinking about 7:22pm that evening near Stoney Point Drive in the Hidden Lake subdivision. Police say two 20-year-old men from Clarkston were in a 10-foot aluminum boat removing buoys from the lake when it began to sink. Tracey and Belvin attempted to swim out and help, but went under the water themselves. They were located by divers about an hour later and rushed to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead. One man from the capsized boat managed to swim to shore and the other was rescued by a resident in his own boat. They were treated at the scene and released. According to the online report, ââ¦none of the employees involved in the incident used or had access to personal flotation devices.â (JK)
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Arc Of Livingston Celebrity Fashion Show Returns November 17thArc Of Livingston Celebrity Fashion Show Returns November 17th
Local and state celebrities will take to the cat walk in a fundraiser to help those with developmental disabilities. The Arc of Livingston is holding their 23rd annual Celebrity Holiday Fashion Show on November 17th at Crystal Gardens. Arc of Livingston aims to empower and support people with developmental disabilities so that they can participate with and contribute to the community. The evening begins at 5:30pm with hor d'oeuvres and a silent auction filled with many great ideas for holiday shopping by local businesses. Dinner and the fashion show begin at 7pm. Olympic Gold Medalist Tatiana Gutsu is scheduled to appear alongside many state and local celebrities like Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy and the Great Foodini, Renee Chodkowski. This year the show will also be featuring students from Brighton and Pinckneyâs LINK programs, which share many of the same goals as the Arc of Livingston. A live auction with prizes like a week in the Bahamas, a Thunder Bay Resort experience, and a Spartan tailgate package will follow. Six-thousand dollars of jewelry will also be raffled away with tickets being $5 each. Early registration for the event is $75 per person and is highly recommended as the fashion show routinely sells out. To reserve a spot or learn more about the evening, visit the link below. Arc Executive Director Anne Richardson, board chair Kathy Hughes and board member Kathy Prout will be guests this Sunday at 8:30am on Viewpoint. (MK)
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Tyrone Township Man Pleads Guilty To Bank Fraud In Federal CourtTyrone Township Man Pleads Guilty To Bank Fraud In Federal Court
An accused embezzler from Livingston County has entered a plea in federal court. 37-year-old Michael LaJoice of Tyrone Township is set to stand trial in Oakland County Circuit Court for allegedly embezzling millions of dollars from a Clarkston credit union. However, he was also charged in U.S. District Court in Detroit with bank fraud. He appeared in federal court and entered a guilty plea during a hearing on Thursday. The federal bank fraud charges came after Oakland County authorities charged LaJoice with 14 counts of embezzlement for 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. In the meantime, LaJoice has been trying to make restitution by selling off properties including his $1.3 million dollar home in the northeast corner of Tyrone Township. In July, more than $1.1 million in properties LaJoice owned in the Fenton area, including the now-closed Chasse Ballroom and Latin Dance studio, were also sold. LaJoiceâs trial in Oakland County on the embezzlement charge is set for December 12th. (JM)
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Crews Battle Thursday Blaze In Brighton Township Crews Battle Thursday Blaze In Brighton Township
Firefighters were able to quickly contain a Thursday blaze in Brighton Township. The Brighton Area Fire Department was dispatched around 1:45pm to a house fire on Oak Knoll Drive off Hilton Drive. Brighton Fire Chief Mike OâBrian tells WHMI crews could see smoke on the way and were within close proximity to the street. He says they arrived to find a working fire in a residence, although no occupants were home at the time but the homeowner did lose a dog in the fire. OâBrian says crews were able to contain the fire within about 15 minutes. He says there was some overhaul work due to the fire extending up into the attic. He noted the fire started inside of the home and burning waste was not an issue. OâBrian says they are still working to identify a cause but it is not believed to be suspicious and leaning toward it being accidental. (JM)
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