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Attorney Says Employees Unaware Synthetic Pot Product Was Illegal Attorney Says Employees Unaware Synthetic Pot Product Was Illegal

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10/18/12 - The attorney representing two local women accused of distributing a synthetic marijuana substance at a smoke shop says they had no idea they were selling an illegal product and have evidence to prove it. 41-year-old Ronda Roszak of Howell and 27-year-old Melissa Dzierwa of Fowlerville were charged with delivering or manufacturing a non-narcotic controlled substance after police confiscated a product during a routine compliance check April 26th at the Smokers Depot on Lawson Drive in Genoa Township. Defense Attorney Timothy Corr tells WHMI the company that sold the “Gods of Aroma” product to them at a tobacco trade show provided a lab test report specifically stating the illegal chemical was not in it. Corr says both police and Livingston County Prosecutor David Morse were unaware of the lab report the women received with the product, and he will be providing that information to him sometime next week. He says there are discussions about investigating the company doing this to determine if it is falsifying laboratory reports and providing them to store owners, although he declined to identify the company. (JM)

Projectile Fire From Weapon Hits Car On Local FreewayProjectile Fire From Weapon Hits Car On Local Freeway

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10/19/12 - Local authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying the person responsible for shooting off a weapon yesterday, causing projectile fire to strike a vehicle on the freeway in the Howell area. At approximately 2:40pm Thursday, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says a vehicle traveling westbound on I-96 between D-19 and M-59 was struck in the rear driver’s side door by projectile fire from a firearm that came from an unknown location. The vehicle was being driven by a 24-year-old Genesee County resident who was the only occupant and was not injured. The make and model of the weapon involved is unknown but authorities say the path of the projectile was from the south side of westbound I-96. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Marc King at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department at 517-540-7953. (JM)

Board Grants Tax Break for Automotive Supplier In Howell Twp. Board Grants Tax Break for Automotive Supplier In Howell Twp.

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10/19/12 - The Howell Township Board unanimously approved a tax break for a large manufacturing employer at a special meeting Thursday night. Magna International began rebuilding the local plant following a massive fire in 2010 but then went on to expand it by close to 150,000-square-feet for new and future business. President of Livingston Business Development Associates Fred Dillingham tells WHMI Magna has made significant investments and added 120 jobs at the Atreum facility since the blaze. He says it’s a huge benefit to the community and signifies more than an $11 (m) million investment from the company, which has created hundreds of jobs in the township to date. The board approved the industrial facilities abatement request for a seven-year 50% reduction for both real and personal property taxes and commended the company for its dedication and commitment to the township. However, resident and Democratic Trustee candidate Mike Tipton argued with the board about how the meeting was scheduled and publicized as well as typos on the agenda. He told WHMI the board is granting a tax abatement for a huge corporation at the same time the township is supposedly going broke and the timing is poor. A 3.5-mill request will appear before voters in November help cover substantial water and sewer debt incurred by the township. Township officials responded during the meeting to say it was legally posted and was requested by Magna in order to meet state imposed deadlines. The company paid for the meeting and a public hearing on the abatement was held this past June. Magna is a tier one automotive supplier and the plant in Howell Township is one of 29 facilities located in Michigan. (JM)

Spartans Fans Outraise Michigan Rivals for VINA Dental ClinicSpartans Fans Outraise Michigan Rivals for VINA Dental Clinic

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10/19/12 - Spartan and Wolverine fans took their rivalry to another level at Cleary University Thursday to raise money towards the VINA dental clinic in Brighton. The fourth annual fundraiser, held at the Cleary University Johnson Center, included food, games, prizes, auctions and football fans. VINA Community Dental Center received a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to pay for oral and dental care for low-income pregnant women. Over 1,300 low-income patients receive dental care from VINA and more than 7,200 one-hour dental appointments have been provided. Chairman of the board of VINA and local oral surgeon, Fred Bonine, says the fundraiser is a way for the community to help those in need. The clinic requires about a quarter of a million dollars per year to run and the fundraiser amasses $25-30,000. State fans won the challenge this year by raising almost double the amount that Michigan fans did. According to Dr. Christine Love, the chair of fundraising for VINA, these numbers aren’t including the donations that continue to come in after the event. Dr. Ryan Petersburg, a local dentist and member of VINA, took the punishment this year as a Michigan fan proudly displaying the Spartan “S” on his forehead for the next week. His colleague Dr. Bonine says it’s only fair, considering he took a pie to the face last year when State lost and had pie behind the ears for about a week as well. (DK)

Candidates for Howell School Board Meet for Forum at LibraryCandidates for Howell School Board Meet for Forum at Library

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10/19/12 - The Howell Carnegie Library hosted a forum last night for six of the seven candidates vying for the four seats available on the Howell School Board this November.Those candidates are incumbents Ann Routt, Mike Maloney, and Jan Lobur as well as Mike Yenshaw, Deborah McCormick, Stacy Pasini, and Pat Howle. Yenshaw was not present at the forum due to family obligations, but sent a letter to be read in his place. As part of their campaign efforts so far the candidates have split themselves into two slates. Maloney, McCormick, and Howle have described themselves as fiscal conservatives, while Routt, Yenshaw, and Lobur have billed themselves as “experienced, dedicated, and ready.” Only Pasini is not grouped into either slate, but last night she said she had no problem with the process in a nonpartisan race so long as it did not distract from the goal of improving student performance. Maloney, the only incumbent on the fiscal conservative slate, said the practice would be helpful to voters with the financial challenges he says the district would be facing in the future. Maloney also said that his slate formed because the candidates on the other slate had been endorsed by the Michigan Education Association and the Howell Education Association in past elections. Members of that slate pointed out that they have not sought any such endorsements this election, and Lobur said they decided to run as a slate to make their qualifications known to voters. Members of the “experienced, dedicated, ready” slate pointed to the successes and relative health of the Howell district compared to surrounding districts as evidence of positive leadership. Routt also said that their slate formed to keep the election nonpartisan after the fiscal conservative slate received endorsements from the Livingston County Republican Party. (TD)

Stafford Gets Life In Prison For 2011 Murder In Green Oak Township Stafford Gets Life In Prison For 2011 Murder In Green Oak Township

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10/19/12 - One of two men charged in a gruesome murder last year in Green Oak Township was sentenced Thursday during an emotional hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court. Brian Jeffrey Stafford of Brighton Township was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the murder and dismemberment of 40-year-old Christopher London Townsend of Lyon Township on October 15th, 2011. Stafford pleaded guilty last month to charges of 2nd degree murder and disinterment/mutilation of a dead body in exchange for other charges being dropped and that he be granted the possibility of parole. Stafford’s attorney Raymond Cassar was satisfied with the sentence and hopes that the parole board will consider testimony from the victim family when making its decision. Stafford would be eligible for parole in 15 years but officials say because parole boards typically deny parole for this type of offense, Stafford would likely serve at least 20 years in prison before being paroled. The victim’s children directly addressed Stafford several times in the courtroom, who appeared distraught during the entire proceeding. The children and Townsend’s sister told Stafford they forgave him and hoped that jail would help him heal and find inner peace. Retiring Livingston County Prosecutor David Morse told WHMI he was satisfied with the sentence, even though he would have preferred that Stafford not be eligible for parole. During his closing remarks, he noted that Stafford was fascinated by violence and that the murder was clearly a premeditated act because Stafford had multiple chances to prevent Townsend’s death. Stafford was originally charged with co-defendant George Robert Tanner for the murder of the Townsend and the burning of his body on wooded property in Green Oak Township owned by Tanner’s uncle. Tanner’s case remains on hold pending an appeal.(JM)

Fire Prevention Open House Planned for Brighton Station SundayFire Prevention Open House Planned for Brighton Station Sunday

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10/21/12 - The Brighton Area Fire Authority will host its annual fire prevention open house this weekend at Station 31 on Grand River. The event is open to adults and children of all ages, and this year’s theme is “Have Two Ways Out” in reference to fire escape preparation recommendations. In addition to getting the chance to meet local firefighters, Sparky the Fire Dog, and Freddy the Fire Truck, visitors will be able to see demonstrations of safety equipment like fire extinguishers, the Jaws of Life, and residential sprinklers with a live fire display. Some contests will give kids the opportunity to win fire truck rises. Hot dogs, sandwiches, cookies, and a bounce house will also be available. The open house will take place from 10am to 3pm on Sunday, October 21st. For more information, visit the Brighton Area Fire Authority website by clicking the link below. (TD)

N.Y. Court Considers Suit in Sinking That Killed Two Local WomenN.Y. Court Considers Suit in Sinking That Killed Two Local Women

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10/19/12 - State lawyers are urging New York's top court to throw out the liability lawsuit against the inspectors who continually re-certified a tour boat for 48-passenger capacity before it overturned on an Adirondack lake in 2005, killing 20 passengers including two from Livingston County. The 40-foot Ethan Allen tour boat carried 47 passengers and the captain when it suddenly tipped over in clear, sunny weather, sending all aboard into the lake. Among those who died in the incident were 67 year old Hamburg Township resident Stephanie Przybylski and 68 year old Ruth Renkiewicz of Whitmore Lake. Federal investigators afterward said the 40-foot Ethan Allen should have been limited to 14 passengers. Deputy Solicitor General Andrew Bing told the Court of Appeals the inspectors are not the primary wrongdoers, but simply involved in regulatory enforcement. Attorney James Hacker, representing the victims, said the inspectors were negligent. The Court of Appeals is expected to rule before the end of the year. If Hacker wins, the case will go back to the Court of Claims where it originated. Shoreline Cruises, which owned the Ethan Allen and the boat's captain, Richard Paris, previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanor counts of violating navigation law. The National Transportation Safety Board concluded "insufficient stability" was probable accident cause, partly from the passenger load. (JK)

Sheriff Says Drivers Targeted In Likely Related Vehicle ShootingsSheriff Says Drivers Targeted In Likely Related Vehicle Shootings

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10/19/12 - Police say an incident Thursday in which a vehicle was fired upon in Livingston County was one of a series that occurred in several communities and are thought to be related. Authorities in Livingston, Oakland, and Ingham Counties are investigating at least 16 shootings that occurred Tuesday through Thursday for any common threads. Police say both cars and people appear to be the targets. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte says based on reports, they’re seeking a white male suspect driving either a black Mustang or a black Cavalier. He tells WHMI it’s very fortunate there have not been any injuries from these incidents of random fire; they’re operating from the standpoint that whoever is responsible is intentionally trying to hit or injure motorists. He says bullets have been recovered from what is believed to be a semi-automatic handgun and authorities were running ballistics. At approximately 2:40 Thursday afternoon, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department says the car being driven by a 24-year-old Genesee County woman westbound on I-96 between D-19 and M-59 was struck in the rear driver’s side door by a bullet from a semi-automatic handgun fired from an eastbound vehicle. The woman was not injured. That incident happened about 25 minutes after Wixom authorities say someone shot at five vehicles on Wixom Road and as well a similar incident in Commerce Township. The Ingham County sheriff's office then reported five vehicles were targeted by a gunman in Webberville. A witness there told deputies a man driving a black four-door car fired at several cars as they drove on M-52. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents. Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Marc King at the Livingston County Sheriff's Department at (517) 540-7953 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JM)

Prison Time Ordered for Genoa Break-In

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10/20/12 - A Detroit man is headed to prison in connection with a break-in at a Genoa Township business. 68-year-old Michael Edward Donovan was sentenced to 18 months to 10 years behind bars with credit for 172 days served. Restitution in the case is being held open according to court records. Donovan previously pleaded guilty in Livingston County Circuit Court to a single count of breaking and entering a building with intent following the incident at Plymouth-Wayne Welding Supplies on Parkway Drive on Sunday, April 29th. The business was broken into by several suspects who made off with about $8,000 in equipment. An employee of WHMI, whose studios are adjacent to Plymouth Wayne, noticed a vehicle leaving the parking lot in a suspicious manner and called authorities. State Police spotted Donovan walking in the woods near the rest stop on westbound I-96, who reportedly said he was looking for his cat but police say evidence found on him indicated he was involved. The robbery followed an earlier break-in back in January when about $5,000 in equipment was taken. (JK)

Court Awards Green Oak Costs for Barnstormers Demolition Court Awards Green Oak Costs for Barnstormers Demolition

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10/20/12 - It appears to be a case of not “if” but “when” the Barnstormer entertainment complex will be torn down in Green Oak Township. The township has been locked in a legal battle with Owner Rob Cortis after portions of the building were found unfit for occupation. The business remains closed. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader and the township gave Cortis numerous chances to bring dangerous portions of the building up to fire code and into compliance with building safety standards. Earlier this year, the Judge enforced an order from a dangerous building official requiring Cortis to produce the financing, plans, and permits to bring the building into compliance. Judge Reader went on to grant summary disposition in favor of the township this past August, affirming the township’s ability to bring the facility up to code or demolish any unsafe portions, including tearing down the entire building. Just this past week, Judge Reader partially granted a motion filed by the township for sanctions and attorney fees. The Court awarded costs and fees for demolition but did not award attorney fees. Cortis still has the ability to appeal recent decisions in the case, although it’s unclear whether he intends to pursue that avenue or not. (JM)

Authorities Forming Freeway Shooter Task ForceAuthorities Forming Freeway Shooter Task Force

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10/20/12 - Police are working to form a task force to catch the man responsible for multiple shootings in Oakland, Livingston, and Ingham Counties this week. At least 15 shootings have taken place between Tuesday and Thursday, including one on I-96 in Livingston where a vehicle was struck, and the incidents are believed to be connected. Police have not spotted a pattern to the shootings and are urging residents to stay on guard. So far nobody has been injured but several close calls have been reported. Oakland police say authorities will be working overtime this weekend to find the black Mustang or Cavalier believed to be used in the incidents and bring the shooter to justice. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard says the incidents need to be stopped or they could turn out like the rampage that terrorized Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. in 2002. Police are asking anyone with information to call 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)

Kindergarten Teacher Named HPS Teacher of the YearKindergarten Teacher Named HPS Teacher of the Year

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10/22/12 - The Howell Public School District has named Linda Kellams as its Teacher of the Year for the 2012-2013 school year. Kellams is a kindergarten teacher at Hutchings Elementary and has taught for Howell Schools for 24 years. The district reports that it received more than a dozen letters of support from both parents and other teachers nominating Kellams for the award. The letters identified her as a kind, generous, and dedicated teacher who continually seeks out additional work-related training. Parents said she motivates her students to exceed their literacy goals and provides a positive environment in class. She was selected from 15 nominees to receive the award, which was presented to her in a surprise ceremony on Thursday, October 18th. Pictured L-R: Sandra Moore, Cassandra Harmon-Higgins, Linda Kellams, Superintendent Ron Wilson, Jay McDowell, Hutchings Principal Beth Wanlass. (JK)

Howell's 'Doc' May Honored For Lifetime of ServiceHowell's 'Doc' May Honored For Lifetime of Service

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10/22/12 - Doctor Louis May was recognized by the Howell Fraternal Order of the Eagles Sunday for a lifetime of service to the community. Doc May has been practicing medicine in the area since returning from serving in Europe during World War Two, and by his own account has delivered over four-thousand babies. Doc May says he still comes across the individuals that he had the honor to first greet into the world. Doc May founded the Howell Melon Festival and has a city park named after him but is also a proponent of natural cures and has developed natural soy products sold at the Howell Farmers' Market. Speaking at Sunday's ceremony was Matt Pollick, a former worker on May's farm. He said that most people don't know that May has employed many young people through the years and taught them the basics of farming. Pollick has his own farm now and says he owes at least some of that success to May. Doc May celebrated his 90th birthday this past June. (DL/JK)

Probate Court Candidates Campaign on ExperienceProbate Court Candidates Campaign on Experience

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10/22/12 - Both candidates vying for the Livingston County Probate Court seat on November 6th are touting their experience as to why voters should select them for the bench. Lori Marran (seated in picture) is an Attorney Referee working in the in the Livingston County Circuit Court Family Division. She says she would operate as a rule of law judge, meaning she would apply the law as written and not as interpreted. She feels her personal experience allows for a better understanding of the issues coming before the court, having served as a guardian for both her developmentally disabled sister and her father who had Alzheimer’s in his later years. The other candidate is Miriam Cavanaugh, a Senior Trial Attorney in the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office (at lectern in picture) who works in the juvenile and probate court systems. She says she would be devoted to protecting children and families but feels there can sometimes be a lack of confidence by general public in the integrity and fairness of judicial process. Cavanaugh says there can be misperception between doing what is fair and following the law but that is ultimately the duty of a judge. Both Marran and Cavanaugh were gusts Sunday on WHMI's Viewpoint program, which is available for download below. (JK)

Halloween Spooktacular In Downtown Pinckney This Friday Halloween Spooktacular In Downtown Pinckney This Friday

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10/22/12 - A spooky event will return to southern Livingston County this month, but with a new venue and some new attractions. The Pinckney Halloween Spooktacular will take place in and around the Putnam Township square. Last year’s event at the Hamburg Township municipal complex attracted a large crowd and event co-chair Toby Semprevivo says they decided to move it to increase capacity this year. The event features a trunk-or-treat component with candy and coupons; spooky sports; a haunted forest; and a costume and jack-o-lantern contest. Everything at the event including food will be free, but organizers request that a canned or non-perishable food item be donated for a free hot dog. It will take place from 6 to 9 pm this Friday in . Mill Street, Livingston Street, and Howell Street will be closed to traffic and organizers say M-36 could be closed as well, depending on how large the crowd. Semprevivo says precautions have been taken to ensure adequate parking is provided and they’ve partnered with local businesses and churches for extra spaces with school bus shuttles making runs from Pinckney Elementary to the event. (TD/JM)

Community Conversation On Education This Wednesday In Howell Community Conversation On Education This Wednesday In Howell

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10/22/12 - A community conversation on the future of education in Michigan will return to Livingston County this month. The Community Conversation on Education is sponsored by the Center for Michigan and Outreach Coordinator Amber Toth tells WHMI conversations are taking place all over Michigan. The community conversations focus on ideas on how to improve pre-kindergarten through 12th grade education policy. Attendees will also be asked to share success stories of local educational efforts to help provide real-world examples of positive education policy. Toth says the conversations are designed to find common ground in public opinion about education policy so that the Center for Michigan can create a report based on those recommendations in January. The report will then be shared with project participants, legislators and officials at all levels of government within Michigan. The Center for Michigan first hosted a community conversation program through the Livingston Educational Service Agency and others have since been held in Howell and Brighton. The next conversation will take place at Parker Middle School from 7 to 8:30pm this Wednesday, October 24th. RSVP information can be found in the events section, located to the right of our webpage. (TD/JM)

Random Vehicle Shootings On I-96 Prompt School Lockdowns Random Vehicle Shootings On I-96 Prompt School Lockdowns

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10/22/12 - Kids are being kept off school playgrounds and some commuters are changing routes as police search for a suspect in a number of shootings that have mostly damaged vehicles on roads in four counties including Livingston. In the Walled Lake school district, students in Wixom were having indoor recess today with the doors locked. Wixom has had half of the shootings and school officials say they’re not sure how long the policy will be in effect. The small mid-Michigan City of Perry has also been added to the growing list of communities to report a shooting. A multi-jurisdictional task force met this morning and says in all, 22 shootings have been reported to the Livingston, Oakland, Ingham and Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Offices as well as the Wixom and Perry Police Departments. No one has been hurt and the incidents appear to be random but police are investigating them as a pack. No new shootings have occurred since last Thursday evening and they mostly involved vehicles along the I-96 corridor. The local incident involved a vehicle struck by a bullet on westbound I-96 between D-19 and M-59. The suspect is believed to be an unshaven white male in his early 20s to mid-30s, possibly driving a dark 1998 Oldsmobile Alero or a 98 Camry. The task force says investigators have already looked into more than half of the more than 100 tips received and is encouraging citizens to remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activity. Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Marc King at the Livingston County Sheriff's Department at (517) 540-7953 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JM)

Manufacturer Plans To Relocate Headquarters To Lyon Township

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10/22/12 - A large manufacturing company plans to move its headquarters to Lyon Township if pending tax abatements are approved. The Henrob Corporation engineers and manufactures self-piercing rivets used in construction. The South Lyon Herald reports that the company is planning to move its North American headquarters from Livonia to land on Grand River in Lyon Township. The $68.5 million project will be one of the largest investments in the township in the past 10 years, second only to those made by the auto industry. It will redevelop several inactive manufacturing facilities in the township and is expected to create 154 new local jobs. According to Henrob, the opening of the new half-million square-foot facility is due to rapid growth within the company. (TD)

Trial Underway For Brighton Man Charged With Firing Gun At TeensTrial Underway For Brighton Man Charged With Firing Gun At Teens

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10/23/12 - The trial of a Brighton Township man charged with firing a gun at two teens last year gets underway today. A jury panel was seated yesterday in the case against 49-year-old Alan Leroy Parks, who is charged with two counts of felonious assault. The trial begins with opening arguments this morning in Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty’s courtroom. Police allege Parks fired three shots at the vehicle two Brighton Township teens were in while they were turning around on Fleetwood Court near Pleasant Valley Road on November 8th, 2011. The then-19 and 16-year-olds claimed a motorist came out of a driveway as if trying to stop them and then proceeded to fire a gun three times at their truck before forcing them off the road into a ditch. The teens allege that they were mistaken for kids who had been doing doughnuts in the area earlier. (JM)
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