A lawsuit has been dropped by a woman who alleged that gas emissions from a companyâs Livingston County facility killed her cattle. Peggy Zlatkin owned a farm located on Cherry Blossom Road in Milford, where she kept a herd of Hereford cattle. Zlatkin filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in September alleging that on the evening of November 17th, 2013, the Merit Energy facility on Lone Pine Road in Hartland Township emitted a large quantity of hydrogen sulfide into the air, which was then transported by natural winds to her farm, killing two cows immediately and forcing her to euthanize three others. Zlatkin had been seeking damages totaling $197,500 for the death of her five cows, having to move her herd to a farm in Montcalm County and veterinary expenses. But court records show that on October 31st, she voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice, meaning it can be refiled at a later date. The Merit Energy facility in question is also at the center of an ongoing investigation into potential groundwater pollution. As the plant was being decommissioned last year, it was discovered that the chemical sulfolane was present in nearby soil and groundwater. While no wells used for drinking water have so far shown signs of contamination, testing is continuing at the site while the company works to determine a remediation plan. (JK)
Lawsuit Dropped Against Former Hartland Township Gas Processing PlantLawsuit Dropped Against Former Hartland Township Gas Processing Plant
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Great American Smokeout Set By American Cancer SocietyGreat American Smokeout Set By American Cancer Society
A date has been set to help encourage all smokers to quit. The Livingston County Department of Public Health is on board with the American Cancer Society to celebrate the Great American Smokeout on November 17th. The ACS marks the Smokeout as the third Thursday of November each year by encouraging smokers to take an important step towards a healthier life and quit smoking for good. The Health Department reports that 20.7% of Michigan adults and 10% of youths smoke tobacco. Health Promotion Coordinator Chelsea Moxlow warned that these numbers are actually elevated within the county. She stated that the uninsured, people of lower incomes, and those ages 18 to 34 are more likely to be current smokers than others. Moxlow also said that quitting tobacco is the single best thing one can do for themselves, healthwise. There are positive effects for the short-term and long-term that will benefit a smoker of any age. Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the state with it claiming more than 16,000 lives each year in Michigan. The Health Department recognizes that it often takes several attempts to quit smoking and encourages smokers to keep trying combinations of methods to help find what works. For help quitting, tobacco users can call the Michigan Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-784-8669, or by visiting www.michigan.quitloqix.org. There the uninsured, pregnant, cancer patients and more can find free coaching and may be eligible for free nicotine replacement therapy. More information on the Great American Smokeout can be found on the ACSâs website, www.cancer.org. (MK)
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Bridge Repair Projects Mostly Complete On US-23 In Livingston County Bridge Repair Projects Mostly Complete On US-23 In Livingston County
A rehabilitation project that involved several bridges in Livingston County is close to completion. The Michigan Department of Transportation invested $2.2 (m) million dollars to repair bridges along US-23, six of which are located in the county. Thus far, bridges have been repaired at Lee, Crouse, Clyde, Center and White Lake Road. All of the bridge work is considered to be maintenance. Fixes have included deck patching, joint replacement, overlays, repairs on concrete and steel structures and filling in painted areas. M-DOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI the bridge work they started in late summer and early fall along US-23 in Livingston County is wrapping up and crews were able to get the majority of those bridges competed this fall. The Faussett Road bridge construction is continuing, which had to be completely closed due to the scope of the work and a lack of road width. The posted detour is Old US-23 to Center Road to Runyan Lake Road. It is anticipated that the bridge will reopen in mid-November, weather depending. Arend says crews will still need a few days next spring for the Center Road bridge but the bulk of the project is complete and the bridges have been repaired. (JM)
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Event Will Honor Howell Icon's Legacy & Kickoff Efforts For Permanent MemorialEvent Will Honor Howell Icon's Legacy & Kickoff Efforts For Permanent Memorial
An event later this week will honor the legacy of a Howell icon and explain how the public can help create a permanent memorial. Not long after Duane Zemper passed away in July at the age of 96, community leaders began to discuss ways to make sure his impact on the community was never forgotten. A committee of friends, family, business leaders and government officials quickly formed and is now hoping to raise $65,000 in order to erect a statue of the decorated World War II combat photographer who was also an All-American at Eastern Michigan University and U.S. Olympic track qualifier. But it was Zemperâs devotion to Howell and its residents that is his most enduring legacy. He co-founded the Howell Area Archives, preserving pictures of the area dating back to the 19th century that might otherwise have been lost forever. âZemp,â as he was known to many, was also a lifelong volunteer, donating both time and money to local organizations including a 66-year record of straight attendance at Howell Rotary meetings. In celebration of that legacy, Zemper's life will be honored this Thursday, November 10th with a gathering at the Howell Opera House that will include a showing of "WWII: Through the Lens of Duane Zemper," a public television documentary that earned a regional-Emmy for depicting his exploits as an intelligence photographer with the U.S. Army's 457th Bomb Group. Thursdayâs event, which starts at 7:30pm, will feature beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres. Youâll find further details through the link below. (JK)
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Local Voters Reminded "Ballot Selfies" Banned, No Campaign Materials In Polls Local Voters Reminded "Ballot Selfies" Banned, No Campaign Materials In Polls
Local voters are being reminded to leave the campaign buttons and t-shirts at home or be prepared to ditch them on Election Day. Michigan bans election-related materials at polling places. Livingston County Elections Coordinator Joan Runyan tells WHMI lines will move much quicker and voting will be a smoother process on Election Day if a voter is somewhat familiar with the candidates and issues on their ballot but also some basic rules. Runyan says voters cannot wear campaign material such as buttons or t-shirts bearing any campaign-related images or slogans. That includes pamphlets, fliers and stickers. Runyan says all of those are considered a form of campaigning, so a voter would be asked to either cover the display or remove it. Runyan further reminds that no campaigning is allowed within 100 feet from any entrance to a polling location and that area should be clearly defined for voters, election inspectors, campaigners and election administrators. âBallot selfiesâ or photographs of ballots are also banned in Michigan and are not allowed to be taken inside of polling precincts or booths based on a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. Anyone who would attempt to do so would risk their vote not being counted. Runyan says the use of video cameras, still cameras and other recording devices is not allowed, including recording features that are built into cell phones. She notes the ban applies to voters, poll challengers, poll watchers and election workers. Runyan encourages voters to visit the Michigan Secretary of State website to find their polling location and also view and print their sample ballot ahead of time to be prepared when they enter the voting booth. (JM)
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What's In A Name? Health Departments Seeks To Revert To Old TitleWhat's In A Name? Health Departments Seeks To Revert To Old Title
14 years ago, the Livingston County Health Department changed its name to the Livingston County Department of Public Health, or LCDPH. Now, the department wants to go back to its original title. The title of LCDPH came to be based on the stateâs public health department title and its association to public health. But Dianne McCormick, Director for the Department of Public Health, says the stateâs title has changed multiple times since it was called the Michigan Department of Public Health. The LCDPH is currently working on meeting the requirements for achieving national accreditation. One of those requirements is to have a current department brand strategy. Health Promotion coordinator Chelsea Moxlow says LCDPH is reverting back to the title of the Livingston County Health Department purely from a branding strategy motive. She says the department continues to be referred to as the Health Department and their website still carries that title. An internal employee committee recommended the name change, and a survey found that employees and staff agreed. On Monday, the department received approval from the Livingston County General Government and Health and Human Services Committee to make the switch. The LCDPH began the process towards national accreditation over a year ago. (DK)
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Longtime Genoa Township Supervisor Says FarewellLongtime Genoa Township Supervisor Says Farewell
On election eve, one local township said farewell to two of its trustees and its longtime supervisor. Trustees Linda Rowell and Todd Smith were not re-elected to the Genoa Township Board of Trustees, while Supervisor Gary McCririe (at right) opted not to run. The three were honored last night with resolutions presented by Township Manager Mike Archinal (left). McCririe told the board his life has changed over the last four years, and his recent marriage cemented his decision not to run again. McCririe has held the supervisor position for the last 16 years, and has been a part of the township administration since 1992. He tells WHMI he will miss the people. He says he's really enjoyed every minute of his time with the township. He says the people and the residents are just fantastic, they've been professional, they've been enjoyable. McCririe says he would often get people asking, so how do you deal with that, and oh my gosh it must be just horrible all the time, dealing with this complaint that. He says the real truth is, there's very little of those kinds of issues. Most of his job is completely and totally enjoyable, most of his days are top notch and he says he couldn't have asked for a better place to work. He says he will miss the residents, the interaction at the counter, but more-so than that, the other board members and the staff. McCririe says they are a group of real professional people and leaving them is going to be very difficult. McCririe says over the years he has had to make decisions that upset people, but that is the nature of working in government. He says he took the good with the bad and did his best with it. McCririe says he plans to continue consulting with municipalities across the state to help make the planning process more streamlined. He says he will also work with developers on site plans, and real estate, but will be on the other side of the table from the municipal boards in the future. Former State Representative Bill Rogers won election to the Supervisor position in the August 8th primary election, beating sitting trustee Rowell. Smith was recognized for his 16 years of service to the board and the time he has spent as part of the Howell Parks and Recreation Board. Rowell was recognized for her four years as a trustee. Both Smith and Rowell were unseated in the primary. Their seats will be filled by Diana Lowe and Terry Croft. (DS)
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Former Lions Quarterback Discusses "Mental Fitness" At Healthy Minds PresentationFormer Lions Quarterback Discusses "Mental Fitness" At Healthy Minds Presentation
Retired Detroit Lions quarterback Eric Hipple visited Fowlerville last night to discuss dealing with depression and suicide prevention with the community. Hipple, his daughter Tarah and a consultant from the Mental Illness Research Association, brought the âHealthy Mindsâ program to the Alverson Center for Performing Arts. Hipple is an Outreach Coordinator with the University of Michigan Depression Center. After recently losing a student to suicide, officials with Fowlerville Community Schools felt the presentation was timely in order to reach out to anyone who is also experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts. The âHealthy Mindsâ program focuses on being âmentally fitâ. Hipple discussed mental illness and how it can be treated through maintaining self-esteem, boundaries and recognizing oneâs own choices. Hipple struggled with depression for years before and after his career in the National Football League. He says he attempted to take his own life at one point while experiencing a bad depression. That mental illness manifested itself in his son, who Hipple lost to suicide in 2000. Hipple tells WHMI he has learned from the past and is using it to spread a message to others, in hopes of preventing someone else from going through the pain of losing a loved one to suicide. Tarah Hipple spoke about the guilt and sadness she felt over her brotherâs death. She also struggled with depression for many years and was ultimately diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Through therapy, she says she came to learn that his death was something she would never get over. Instead, she says she now survives and lives with it. Hipple says when it comes to mental illness, âwhat we donât know CAN hurt us." (DK)
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Volunteers Sought For Fall Cemetery Clean-Up In Village of Pinckney Volunteers Sought For Fall Cemetery Clean-Up In Village of Pinckney
The Village of Pinckney is looking for volunteers to help preserve local history by maintaining the community cemetery during an annual fall clean-up event this weekend. The clean-up will take place from 9am to noon Saturday. Volunteers will remove faded décor or plantings outside of regulations and also pick up downed branches and tree limbs. As always, officials say the biggest project will be focusing on leaf removal so the more people and leaf blowers, the quicker the job. The Pinckney Historical Cemetery is located at 647 W. M-36, just west of Downtown Pinckney. Although not required, volunteers are asked to bring gloves, rakes, wheelbarrows, leaf blowers and clippers if possible. Officials say the event is a great opportunity for families, youth groups, seniors or students needing volunteer hours, as well as those seeking community service hours. Anyone with questions should contact the Pinckney Village Offices at (734) 878-6206. (JM)
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Culinary Traffic Jam Set For Howell SaturdayCulinary Traffic Jam Set For Howell Saturday
A mobile feast is on the menu in Howell this weekend. Food trucks from across the state will converge on Downtown Howell this Saturday, November 12 for a first-ever fundraiser for Howell Main Street Inc. to continue their year-round volunteer-led projects. The Food Truck Rally will have a tailgate theme for football season, featuring a biergarten for those 21 and over along with tailgate games. It will run from Noon to 3pm in the parking lot located off of N. Walnut St. by the Historic Howell Depot. Participating Food Trucks include The Torch and Tonyâs Dogs. There is no fee for the event itself, although tickets sold that day will be required for those wishing to enjoy beverages from the biergarten area. Youâll find complete details through the link below. (JK)
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While White House Run Draws Most To The Polls, Local Races & Issues Also On BallotWhile White House Run Draws Most To The Polls, Local Races & Issues Also On Ballot
While the race for the next President of the United States is bringing many out to the polls, there are various races and proposals to be decided by local voters. Voters in all precincts of all cities and townships in Livingston County will be casting ballots for partisan and non-partisan races.
In the 8th District Congressional race, incumbent Republican Mike Bishop will face Democratic Party candidate Suzanna Shkreli, Libertarian Party candidate Jeff Wood, Green Party candidate Maria Green and Natural Law Party candidate Jeremy Burgess.
In the 42nd District, Republican State House Representative Lana Theis will face Democratic candidate Timothy Johnson and Libertarian candidate Jon Elgas.
In the 47th District, Republican State House Representative Hank Vaupel is being challenged by Democrat Keith VanHouten and Libertarian Rodger Young.
One non-partisan race that has generated a lot of interest is for the 53rd District Court bench. Incumbent Suzanne Geddis is being challenged by fellow sitting Judge Carol Sue Reader, whose seat is not up for election in this cycle but she would be prevented from running again due to age limits.
Voters in both Brighton Area Schools and Howell Public Schools are voting for contested school board races. There are four seats up for grabs in Brighton, with eight candidates running, including incumbents Bill Trombley and Andy Burchfield. Also running are James Alexander Jr., Gerry Mann, Rogers Myers, Alicia Reid, William Rockwell and Jason Tracey. In Howell, seven candidates are running for four seats on the school board, including incumbents Marcus Wilcox, Stacey Pasini, and Board President Michael Yenshaw. Also running are Leslie Bohnett, Courtney Tarara, Marcus Wilcox (who was appointed last year) and Mitchell Zajac.
While some township board races were essentially decided in the August Primary election, others have challengers from different political parties appearing on todayâs ballot. Perhaps the most contentious of those races are in Brighton Township, where disagreements over sewer fees have taken center stage. Six candidates are seeking four seats on the Brighton Twp. Board of Trustees, including incumbent Republicans Mike Slaton and Lucille Weaire. Also running are Republicans Sam Theis and Steven Combs and Democrats Mike Palmer and Anna Chatten. The race for Brighton Township Supervisor features Republican and current trustee Patrick Michel facing off against Democrat Jim Sarna.
Livingston County Elections coordinator Joan Runyan noted this will be the first time since 1963 that there are not any state proposals on the ballot.
A millage renewal for dust control and road maintenance is on the ballot in Deerfield Township while a separate millage renewal will appear before local voters within the Dexter District Library boundaries.
In Hamburg Township, a road millage proposal is on the ballot for the purpose of improvements, repairs and maintenance.
Voters within the Howell Area Fire Authority boundaries will decide an operational millage.
In the Whitmore Lake School district, a 1-mill levy is being proposed for three years to create a sinking fund for the construction to repair of school buildings is being sought.
Runyan told WHMI voters should not forget about the non-partisan section of the ballot, which in some cases will include community college, village, school and library board candidates.
There are also some local candidates waging write-in campaigns and Runyan says they must have filed paperwork with officials prior to Election Day in order for the vote to count. Local write-in races include Marion Township treasurer, Tyrone Township trustee, Conway Township supervisor, Whitmore Lake Public Schools Board of Education and Webberville Community Schools Board of Education.
Runyan says it will be a long two-sided ballot but if voters do their homework ahead of time, lines should move quicker and faster. Polls are open until 8pm tonight.
Election results typically become available starting after 9pm on the Livingston County Clerk's webpage and can be accessed through the link. (JM)
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Results For November 8th General Election Results For November 8th General Election
Election results for Tuesday, November 8th can be accessed through the link to the Livingston County Clerk's website.
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Republicans Continue Livingston County DominanceRepublicans Continue Livingston County Dominance
Republicans held onto seats throughout Livingston County in Tuesdayâs General election.
Congressman Mike Bishop secured a second term and will return to represent Michiganâs 8th District. He told WHMI itâs very humbling to go through an election like this where you have to really face the electorate, be judged and have them determine if they trust you for another two years. He says there is a lot of work to be done in the United States Congress to earn back the trust and confidence of the American people and the way to do that is to come together and work together on important issues such as healthcare, jobs, the economy and national security. Bishop said he knows it can be done because it has to and the country is depending on leadership.
Republican State House Representatives Hank Vaupel (left) in the 47th District and Lana Theis (right) in the 42nd District both won re-election.
In the contested 53rd District Court race, Judge L. Suzanne Geddis was elected to another six-year term by a comfortable margin. She was being challenged by fellow sitting Judge Carol Sue Reader, who will still serve through 2018 but is prevented from running again due to current age limits.
Voters in both Brighton Area Schools and Howell Public Schools cast ballots for contested school board races. In Brighton where there were four seats up for grabs with eight candidates running, candidates Alicia Reid and Roger Myers were elected, along with incumbents Bill Trombley and Andy Burchfield were elected. On the Howell School Board, voters re-elected incumbents Stacy Pasini, Marcus Wilcox and Michael Yenshaw along with newcomer Courtney Tarara.
One of the most contentious races was in Brighton Township where disagreements over sewer fees took center stage. Four Republican candidates were elected by voters and include incumbents Mike Slaton and Lucille Weaire, along with newcomers Steven Combs and Sam Theis, the husband of State Representative Lana Theis. Republican candidate Patrick Michel, a sitting trustee, was elected supervisor and Clerk Ann Bollin was re-elected. Incoming Treasurer Rose Drouillard ran-unopposed. Democrat Bob Potocki, who ran for clerk, says the Democratic candidates waged a noble fight. He told WHMI the candidates who were elected relied solely on the idea that they were incumbents and Republicans in a Republican-dominated district and the issues were never brought to the table.
In the contested Howell Township Clerk race, Republican Jean Graham was elected over Democrat Mike Tipton, a sitting trustee. On the township board, voters elected Republicans Matthew Counts, Elizabeth Dean, Clerk Carolyn Eaton (who did not seek re-election as clerk) and Harold Melton. Democrat Lois Kanniainen was the low vote getter. Incumbent Supervisor Mike Coddington and Incumbent Treasurer Jonathan Hohenstein both ran unopposed.
In the contested race for Fowlerville Village President, Carol K. Hill was elected to serve a two-year term. There was an upset on the Fowlerville Village Council, where incumbent trustee Cindy Salfate was voted off. Jerry Bell, Kathryn Heath, Gary Helfmann and Scott Schultheis were the top vote getters.
Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy has officially been elected sheriff over Libertarian challenger James Weeks.
As for local proposals, voters within the Howell Area Fire Authority boundaries approved an operational millage and a road millage passed in Hamburg Township. A millage renewal for dust control and road maintenance was also approved by voters in Deerfield Township.
Local officials who spoke with WHMI on Election night offered these comments:
Tea Party activist and coordinator of local Trump rallies, Wes Nakagiri, says this yearâs election season has been interesting and âeye-openingâ. He says he was surprised by the âmean-spiritednessâ at a local level, when it came to campaign sign defacing and stealing.
Livingston County Democratic chairwoman Judy Daubenmier acknowledged that the county is very conservative. She told WHMI she felt the Democrats had strong candidates and strong issues to run on, but just weren't able to break through. She said it seemed like the party label was what mattered most to voters.
Complete election results for Tuesday, November 8th can be accessed through the link to the Livingston County Clerk's website. (JM)
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Trump Defies Polls, Wins Race For The White HouseTrump Defies Polls, Wins Race For The White House
AP - Donald Trump claimed his place today as America's 45th president, an astonishing victory for the celebrity businessman and political novice who capitalized on voters' economic anxieties, took advantage of racial tensions and overcame a string of sexual assault allegations on his way to the White House.
His triumph over Hillary Clinton, not declared until well after midnight, will end eight years of Democratic dominance of the White House and threatens to undo major achievements of President Barack Obama. Trump has pledged to act quickly to repeal Obama's landmark health care law, revoke America's nuclear agreement with Iran and rewrite important trade deals with other countries, particularly Mexico and Canada.
As he claimed victory, Trump urged Americans to "come together as one united people" after a deeply divisive campaign.
He said he had spoken by phone with Clinton and they had exchanged congratulations on a hard-fought race. Trump, who spent much of the campaign urging his supporters on as they chanted "lock her up," said the nation owed her "a major debt of gratitude" for her years of public service.
The Republican blasted through Democrats' longstanding firewall, carrying Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, states that hadn't voted for a GOP presidential candidate since the 1980s. He needed to win nearly all of the competitive battleground states, and he did just that, claiming Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and others.
Global stock markets and U.S. stock futures plunged, reflecting investor concern over what a Trump presidency might mean for the economy and trade.
A New York real estate developer who lives in a sparking Manhattan high-rise, Trump forged a striking connection with white, working class Americans who feel left behind in a changing economy and diversifying country. He cast immigration, both from Latin America and the Middle East, as the root of the problems plaguing many Americans and taped into fears of terrorism emanating at home and abroad.
Trump will take office with Congress expected to be fully under Republican control. GOP Senate candidates fended off Democratic challengers in key states and appeared poised to keep the majority. Republicans also maintained their grip on the House.
Senate control means Trump will have great leeway in appointing Supreme Court justices, which could mean a shift to the right that would last for decades.
Trump upended years of political convention on his way to the White House, leveling harshly personal insults on his rivals, deeming Mexican immigrants rapists and murderers, and vowing to temporarily suspend Muslim immigration to the U.S. He never released his tax returns, breaking with decades of campaign tradition, and eschewed the kind of robust data and field efforts that helped Obama win two terms in the White House, relying instead on his large, free-wheeling rallies to energize supporters. His campaign was frequently in chaos, and he cycled through three campaign managers this year.
His final campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, touted the team's accomplishments as the final results rolled in, writing on Twitter that "rally crowds matter" and "we expanded the map."
Clinton spent months warning voters that Trump was unfit and unqualified to be president. But the former senator and secretary of state struggled to articulate a clear rationale for her own candidacy.
The mood at Clinton's party grew bleak as the night wore out, with some supporters leaving, others crying and hugging each other. Top campaign aides stopped returning calls and texts, as Clinton and her family hunkered down in a luxury hotel watching the returns.
At 2 a.m., Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta told the crowd to head home for the night. "We're still counting votes and every vote should count," he said. But she later conceded.
Trump will inherit an anxious nation, deeply divided by economic and educational opportunities, race and culture.
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Milford Police Department Caught In A Hairy Situation Through November Milford Police Department Caught In A Hairy Situation Through November
Employees of the Milford Police Department will be growing out their beards during the month of November to benefit âWigs 4 Kidsâ. âWigs 4 Kidsâ is a nonprofit organization that helps children suffering from ailments that cause hair loss by providing them with a custom-fitted wig. The organization also offers social and psychological assistance. The Milford Police Departmentâs fundraiser, âPigs 4 Wigsâ, has raised nearly $18,000 for the âWigs 4 Kidsâ program over the last three years. That money helped purchase 30 wigs for young people in need. Officer Daniel Caldwell will be in charge of this yearâs âPigs 4 Wigsâ and says he is proud of the Milford PD employees, but also of the community for their accomplishments thus far and their generosity. Donations from the community are graciously accepted at department headquarters located at 1100 Atlantic Street in Milford. You can also donate to âPigs 4 Wigsâ by visiting www.milfordpolice.com and following the Facebook link. (DK)
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Haslett Man Admits To Retail Fraud, Other Suspect's Bond RevokedHaslett Man Admits To Retail Fraud, Other Suspect's Bond Revoked
A Haslett man who authorities say was involved in an attempted retail fraud incident at a local shopping center has entered a plea. 20-year-old Zachery Winner is one of four people arrested in the July incident that began at the Tanger Outlet Center in Howell Township. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Department was called by a clothing retailer about several individuals placing high priced items at or near the door. When a deputy pulled up, all four left the store, got into a nearby car and drove off before being pulled over just outside the mall entrance. Two of the suspects, who are black, are alleged to have exited the car and started making racial statements. Those two then fled across I-96 before eventually being surrounded and taken into custody. The backseat passengers, Winner and 17-year-old Torrian Alicea of Lansing, obeyed commands and stayed in the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and found to contain a stolen 9mm semi-automatic handgun, marijuana and alcohol. Winner recently pleaded guilty to one count each of carrying concealed weapons and 2nd degree retail fraud. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed a count of possession of marijuana. They also agreed to not issue an absconding charge for when Winner failed to appear at a September hearing. He is seeking sentencing under the Holmes Youth Trainee Act, which means his record would be expunged if he successfully completes probation. A hearing has been scheduled for December 1st. Torrian Aliceaâs bond was revoked after failing multiple drug tests. She is due back in court November 18th. The two suspects who fled the vehicle in the original incident are a 16-year-old male and 19-year-old Kaylyn Williams. Williams was sentenced in September to 15 months to four years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. The case against the 16-year-old male, who was the driver, has been petitioned into Livingston County juvenile court but may be transferred to Ingham County. (DK)
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Former Donut Dolly To Share Experiences In Vietnam War At Howell Library Former Donut Dolly To Share Experiences In Vietnam War At Howell Library
An event tomorrow will offer a unique perspective from one of the first women to experience the early part of the Vietnam War firsthand, side by side troops in the combat zone. This marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and the Howell Carnegie District Library is hosting its annual Veterans Day event. The community is invited to commemorate the occasion and experience the Vietnam War through the words and images of a woman who lived it all firsthand. From 1965 to 1967, Michigan native and resident Joann Puffer Kotcher served alongside troops as an American Red Cross Dolly Donut volunteer. Although garbed in signature pale blue outfits, they were said to have faced the same hardships and danger as the troops from slogging through mud along a line of foxholes to being inside of a helicopter struck by lightning. Unlike their counterparts in WWII and the Korean War, the Vietnam Warâs Donut Dollies did not pass out donuts but instead brought something differentâ smiles, songs, games and a touch of home to those soldiers serving half a world away. Kotcher will discuss her memoir âDonut Dolly: An American Red Cross Girlâs War in Vietnamâ and speak about her experiences this Thursday at 7pm. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:30pm and Kotcher will sign books before and after the event. Further details are available in the attachments. (JM)
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7th Annual 12 Days Of Gleaners Set To Start This Weekend7th Annual 12 Days Of Gleaners Set To Start This Weekend
WHMI and the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Livingston County are once again teaming up to help make sure local families in need get a holiday meal. Gleaners estimates there are 1,000 area families who will need assistance to put a holiday meal on the table and with the organizationâs buying power, a full meal is possible with just a $20 donation. Starting this Saturday, November 12th and lasting through Thanksgiving, WHMIâs 12 Days of Gleaners will seek donations to make sure every family has a holiday meal. But weâre also bringing awareness to the issue of food assistance in Livingston County and the stories of those who have relied on Gleaners during difficult times. You can find 12 Days of Gleaners details and donation options through the link below. (JK)
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Calley's Opposition To Trump Will "Hurt Him Dearly" In 2018Calley's Opposition To Trump Will "Hurt Him Dearly" In 2018
While many Democrats in Michigan are wondering how to proceed following the GOP sweep of Michigan, Republicans also have some questions to deal with in moving forward.
In the run up to yesterdayâs General Election, many Republicans expressed their opposition to Donald Trump as the nominee, saying he didnât represent the values of the party and many insisting he would lead Republicans to defeat. With Tuesdayâs stunning upset by Trump, many of those exiled Republicans are left to wonder about their political futures. Ken Sikkema is a former Republican State Senate Majority Leader and contributor to WHMIâs Political Pork Barrel. "I think the biggest loser in Michigan last night is Lt. Governor Brian Calley because he prematurely, I believe, right before that video showed up before the second debate, he disavowed Trump and that's going to hurt him dearly if he decides to pursue the governor's race in two years." Inside Michigan Politics Publisher Susan Demas says there is no denying that Trumpâs impressive win is a major upset to the political status quo. But she says his victory in Michigan and other rust-belt states is at least as attributable to what she called his âmessage of racial resentmentâ as to his economic message. But she said Clintonâs inability to garner the same enthusiasm among Democrats that President Obama did in 2008 and 2012 is also a key component. (JK)
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Touch A Truck Will Benefit Toys For TotsTouch A Truck Will Benefit Toys For Tots
An event in Howell this weekend will allow children to explore emergency responder vehicles, while also collecting items for a good cause. On Saturday, Tanger Outlets will be holding its first âTouch-A-Truckâ event to celebrate Veteranâs Day. From 11 am to 2pm, kids of all ages will be allowed to climb, honk and explore a variety of emergency responder vehicles. Patrol vehicles and trucks and from the Howell Area Fire Department, Livingston County Sheriffâs Department, Livingston County EMS and other departments will be on site. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy that will be donated to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Howell-area boy scouts will also be selling refreshments.
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