Another local lawmaker maintained a perfect voting record during her first term as a state representative in 2015-2016.
Republican State Representative Lana Theis of Brighton Township says itâs her duty to show up on behalf of residents in the 42nd District, which includes the residents of the city of Brighton and the townships of Brighton, Genoa, Green Oak, Hamburg and Putnam. Theis said sheâs honored to have the responsibility and is proud that she did not miss a single vote.
47th District State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township also posted a perfect voting record during his first term.
During the last legislative session, Theis served as the vice chair of the Committee on Insurance and as a member of the committees on Financial Services, Local Government, and Oversight and Ethics. She was selected by her peers to serve as assistant majority floor leader in the 2017-2018 term. (JM)
Representative Theis Posts Perfect Voting Record During First Term Representative Theis Posts Perfect Voting Record During First Term
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Local Man Gets Prison For Role In Fowlerville-Based Meth LabLocal Man Gets Prison For Role In Fowlerville-Based Meth Lab
A local man charged in connection to a methamphetamine lab that authorities say operated out of a Fowlerville residence has been sentenced.
Last month, 31-year-old Paul Thomas Shaposka pleaded guilty as charged to delivering/manufacturing methamphetamine and as a third-time habitual offender. He was sentenced Thursday to 51 months to 20 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Shaposka and 40-year-old Patrick Hoisington, both of Fowlerville, were charged in June following a drug investigation at Hoisingtonâs residence by the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team. There, the team reportedly found items in every room of the house that are used for making meth. One undercover officer said it was very obvious that the substance was being made there.
Both suspects were bound over to Circuit Court in July. Hoisington pleaded guilty in October to four counts related to operating a meth lab, possessing and delivering the substance, and delivering or manufacturing marijuana. He also pleaded as a second-time habitual offender. He was sentenced to a minimum of two years to a maximum of thirty years in the Michigan Department of Corrections with a credit of 153 days served. (DK)
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Walk For Warmth Teams, Sponsors Sought Walk For Warmth Teams, Sponsors Sought
Livingston County residents can help those facing crisis keep the heat on during the cold winter months during an upcoming event. The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency is hoping community members will again come together to raise funds and keep struggling friends and neighbors warm this winter. OLHSAâs Livingston County Walk for Warmth event is set February 18th at the Hartland Educational Support Service Center on M-59. Individuals and teams are forming and fundraising is well underway. Director for Health, Housing and Nutrition Services Erica Karfonta says Walk for Warmth is OLHSAâs largest event and they appreciate the longstanding community support from both volunteers and donors, some since inception. She says all funds raised stay in Livingston County and OLHSA receives requests from clients already facing shut off notices as early as October. Funds raised are blended with others but OLHSA also works with utility companies to help people keep the heat on. 240 local families were able to be assisted last year. Karfonta tells WHMI they would like to achieve $100,000 as the goal for this yearâs Walk for Warmth, saying theyâve been very close the last two years to hitting that mark. Karfonta notes OLHSA is also working to increase the community action agencyâs Facebook presence and encourages people to âlikeâ their page. She says thatâs where OLHSA will be updating most Walk for Warmth information, including online sign up, registrations and updates. Early registration by February 10th will secure participants a commemorative t-shirt. (JM)
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Livingston County Sheriff Participating In Presidential Inaugural Parade With Mounted Team Livingston County Sheriff Participating In Presidential Inaugural Parade With Mounted Team
Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy will be among three executives making a special appearance with a mounted police drill team in the 58th Presidential Inaugural Parade.
For the third consecutive inauguration, Michiganâs Multi-Jurisdictional Mounted Police Drill Team and Color Guard has been selected to participate. The team is made up of mounted officers throughout the state but this year, three Michigan law enforcement executives accepted an invitation to participate with their mounted officers/deputies in the Inaugural Parade. The three include Murphy, Sheriff Jack Welsh of Lenawee County and Chief Mike Neymanowski of the Oxford City Police Department.
Murphy noted this will be the first time in both Michigan and American history that Michiganâs Law Enforcement executives in full uniform have passed in review with a unit selected to highlight a Presidential Inaugural Parade. Murphy tells WHMI he's excited and honored to attend, and is very proud of their member Diane Brady who will represent not just Livingston County but Michigan in law enforcement.
The inauguration and parade will take place on Friday, January 20th in Washington DC and will celebrate the theme âWe the People: Our American Journeyâ. As Republican as he is, Murphy says heâll be the first one to admit that Donald Trump was not his first choice and acknowledged that as a country; there is some angst out there with the incoming President. But at the end of the day, Murphy says thatâs who was elected and we need to get behind him as commander in chief. (JM)
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Brighton Council OKs Veterans Memorial Sidewalk Paver ExpansionBrighton Council OKs Veterans Memorial Sidewalk Paver Expansion
The Brighton City Council has approved a site plan amendment to allow extension of the sidewalk leading to the Veteranâs Memorial, as proposed by the Veterans Memorial Subcommittee. Action was taken on the amendment at the regular council meeting on Thursday. The project will be completed at no cost to the city. According to veterans' group representatives, who were at the meeting, the reason for the need is that they are running out of room for the commemorative brick pavers that pay homage to veterans. City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI the expanded walkway will allow for more brick pavers to be added. Steve Conway, a member of the subcommittee, says that 751 pavers are installed currently, with space for just 45 more. On average around 45-50 new pavers are added each year, meaning they would run out of room by the end of this year without the additional pavers. The extension will connect the existing northeast sidewalk with the northwest walkway. The City Planning Commission approved the site plan modification at its Dec. 19 meeting and sent it on to council for final approval. (TT)
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Highland Man Admits To Attempting To Rob Local BankHighland Man Admits To Attempting To Rob Local Bank
A Highland Township man has admitted he planned to rob a Livingston County bank in November.
On Friday, 18-year-old Ricky Lee Keyser pleaded guilty as charged to one count of attempted bank robbery. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says Keyser had hatched a plan to rob the Fifth Third Bank located near Grand River and Old US-23 in Brighton Township.
Acting on information obtained through an informant, sheriffâs detectives were able to locate Keyser while he was on the way to rob the bank November 30th. A traffic stop was performed on his vehicle and Keyser, who was unarmed, was taken into custody without incident. A search of his vehicle turned evidence that authorities say confirmed his intention to rob the bank, including a robbery note and clothing to disguise his identity. He faces sentencing January 26th.
Earlier this year, Keyser was charged in Oakland County after he stole a car and smashed it into a 7-11 store in an alleged attempt to gain entry to the building. He also attempted to steal another car from Milford High School and several larcenies were reported in the vicinity. In May, he was sentenced in that case to 210 days in jail, two years of probation and to make restitution. (DK)
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Brighton Council Approves Liquor License Transfer for Buon GustoBrighton Council Approves Liquor License Transfer for Buon Gusto
The Brighton City Council has approved a liquor license transfer to allow Buon Gusto restaurant to sell alcohol as part of its menu offerings. The restaurant is located 501 West Main, at the corner of First Street. The current owners, Kraig and Frances York of Howell, purchased the restaurant last June from former owners Sal and Sylvia Viviano, who retired after running the bistro for 12 years. The Brighton City Police Dept. conducted a routine investigation as part of the application process. Both the police dept. and Brighton Area Fire Dept. determined that the license transfer should be approved, stating there were no outstanding issues and that the applicants, quote, "meet the requirement of the city's liquor ordinances." The new owners have also paid the required license application fee. Although local approval is not required by the state Liquor Control Commission for a license transfer, the city's ordinance code does require approval. The resolution to approve the liquor license transfer was passed on a unanimous vote. (TT)
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Fowlerville Woman Pleads No Contest in Injury AccidentFowlerville Woman Pleads No Contest in Injury Accident
A Fowlerville woman is in jail awaiting sentencing in connection with a crash that seriously injured a person at Grand River and Warner Road northwest of Howell in Howell Township. At an appearance Friday before Judge Miriam Cavanaugh in Livington County Circuit Court, 36-year-old Kathryn Sue Doyle pleaded no contest to a charge of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Although a plea of nolo contendere, or no contest, is not an admission of guilt, it is treated that way at the time of sentencing. Under a plea bargaining agreement, Doyle would be sentenced to nine months in the county jail and be placed on five years' probation. According to the Livingston County Press & Argus, the prosecutor's office agreed not to seek an additional charge of possession of methamphetamine after Doyle allegedly tested positive for possession of meth. Police say the accident occurred last July when Doyle, who was going east on Warner Road, failed to stop when approaching the intersection and rear-ended the other vehicle. The driver of that car was transported to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing with serious injuries but has since been released. Doyle and her female passenger, who is also from Fowlerville, were transported to Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell for treatment. At the hearing, Judge Cavanaugh revoked Doyleâs bond and ordered her to the Livingston County Jail. Her sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 26.(TT)
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City of South Lyon Approves 5-Year Master PlanCity of South Lyon Approves 5-Year Master Plan
South Lyon hopes new 5-year master plan will help with development of its downtown.
The development plan adopted late last month outlines the cityâs plans for commercial and residential development, and includes updates to the land use policy, and access to the downtown areas. South Lyon City Manager Lynne Ladner says the hope is that they will attract more retail business to the downtown. She tells WHMI the plan will guide development plans. She says it will definitely help with the growth and development of the community as well as giving them an idea of exactly what residents want the city to pursue in terms of economic development. Ladner says the plan covers things like the way they will to make additions to and develop park land; the direction that they would like to see the downtown area grow with more concentration on retail versus service businesses, and additional development of parcels within the downtown district.
Ladner says there are a handful of vacant properties in the downtown area and as service businesses outgrow their space or move out of downtown they will be replaced with retail. She says they are working with investors and restaurateurs to attract eateries to downtown as well. Ladner says a number of open meetings were held to gather input from local residents before the plan was finalized. She says another issue of concern has been municipal parking and the need for pedestrian access to the city; both of which are addressed in the master plan. She says the master plan not only includes plans for the next five years, but for several years. Ladner says the master plan will be reviewed frequently to make plans for future development, such as potential relocation of the cityâs post office, park areas and development of downtown properties. (DS)
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Dishwasher Enters Plea In Restaurant Baseball Bat AttackDishwasher Enters Plea In Restaurant Baseball Bat Attack
A Fowlerville man has entered a plea to charges related to a baseball bat attack that occurred in the parking lot of a Genoa Township restaurant.
23-year-old Timothy Borg had been charged in Livingston County Circuit Court with assault with intent to murder in the April 22nd attack of an employee in the parking lot of the former Bubba Changâs restaurant in Genoa Township. But on Friday he pleaded guilty instead to the reduced charge of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder. He also pleaded guilty as charged to assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery. In exchange for the pleas, prosecutors dropped an absconding on bond charge. Borg was employed as a dishwasher at the restaurant where authorities say 51-year-old Guan Han Chen (aka Andy Chen) had recently been fired from, but had returned to the business in an attempt to collect back wages and personal belongings. An argument escalated in the parking lot and a 21-year-old man, believed to be Chenâs son, suffered a skull fracture and injuries on his back after being attacked with a baseball bat.
The Chinese-American buffet was owned by John and Jeremy Hamilton. Jeremy Hamilton allegedly used a baseball bat to smash up Chenâs 2008 Honda Odyssey while Chen testified Johnnie used it to attack his son as he Borg held him in a bear hug. Johnnieâs wife, Angela Hamilton, is charged with tampering with evidence for allegedly hiding the bat afterward. All three of their cases are expected to go to trial February 27th. (JK)
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Construction Continues On US-23 "Flex Route" SystemConstruction Continues On US-23 "Flex Route" System
Crews with the Michigan Department of Transportation are continuing work along US-23 in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties.
Construction is taking place from just south of M-36 up to M-14. M-DOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend says random lane closures will be taking place and then in about a month, things will ramp up a little bit more and motorists will start to see more traffic impacts and work taking place along the corridor. Arend tells WHMI they do have a different traffic configuration in place and remind motorists to slow down, use caution and be courteous other drivers as it is an active construction zone. Arend says especially on northbound US-23, traffic has been shifted over to the outside shoulder so that crews can work in the median if need be.
Overall the work on US-23 involves bridge replacement, widening at several locations, bridge repair, ramp improvements and pavement repairs. Arend says the biggest part of the project will be the inclusion of whatâs known as a âflex routeâ system that will be used for the first time in Michigan to help manage traffic along the corridor and improve congestion and safety. She says crews are upgrading the median shoulders so they can be used at peak traffic times such as rush hour or festival events, and they will be controlled by an overhead electronic signage system.
Early stages of work will include shoulder repairs in both directions, temporary ramp extensions, temporary widening of the Barker Road and the Great Lakes Central Railroad bridges, median drainage work, and minor structure work at 6 Mile, 8 Mile and North Territorial Roads.
Information and project updates are available through the link below. (JM)
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Tyrone Township Family Loses House & Pets In Weekend FireTyrone Township Family Loses House & Pets In Weekend Fire
A local family lost all of its pets after a weekend fire ravaged their Tyrone Township house.
The fire at the home in the 9500 block of Fuller Drive was called in at about 4am Saturday. The Tri-County Times reports that four people were in the home at the time of the fire. One was treated at a nearby hospital and released, while two others were treated for smoke inhalation and cuts. The homeâs owners, Kenneth and Earline Lee, were reportedly living in the house with their adult son and his girlfriend. While the family made it out safely, their seven dogs did not and were killed in the fire.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the family, which lost everything. Youâll find that link below. As for the cause of the fire, that remains under investigation, although officials donât suspect it was suspicious in nature. (JK)
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Group Of Local Women Choose The Torch As Final 2016 Donation WinnersGroup Of Local Women Choose The Torch As Final 2016 Donation Winners
A local nonprofit took a big step forward recently toward their goal of a permanent home to offer skilled training for the disabled.
The Torch and Torch 180 were the December winners of the quarterly gathering of 100 Women Who Care About Livingston County. The group brings together women from across the area to hear a presentation from three local nonprofits. The women, who each write a check for $100, then vote on which group should receive funding. Sandie Cortez is one of the groupâs organizers and along with Karen Mae of Brighton Ford, the group's main sponsor, made the official presentation of a check for $10,125 to The Torch co-founders Rhonda Callanan and Sarah Ruddle this morning on Mike & Jon in the Morning. Ruddle says the money helped them make a down payment on a permanent facility in Livingston County, which will allow Torch 180 an established space to continue training disabled individuals for work in the food service industry. It will also allow The Torch food truck a space to serve as a commissary once they again begin offering free meals around the area in the spring.
Altogether, 100 Women Who Care About Livingston County gave more than $41,000 in 2016 to groups including Meals on Wheels, Reaching Higher and Works Skills Corporation. Pictured from left to right: Sarah Ruddle, Rhonda Callanan, Sandie Cortez and Karen Mae.
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State Police Investigate Fatal Snowmobile CrashState Police Investigate Fatal Snowmobile Crash
A Brighton man is dead after crashing his snowmobile Sunday afternoon.
State Police from the Brighton Post were called to the scene of the crash at 4:08pm, along with the Brighton Fire Department and Livingston County EMS. Mike Evans is the Brighton Fire Departmentâs Deputy Chief and says the 48-year-old Brighton man, identified as Robert Mechigian, was pronounced dead at the scene following initial resuscitation efforts.
Witnesses said the snowmobile was traveling south across the lake at a high rate of speed when it struck the bridge and caught fire. State Police say its unknown if drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in this crash, which remains under investigation. (JK)
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Brighton Woman Killed In Genoa Township CrashBrighton Woman Killed In Genoa Township Crash
A Brighton woman is dead following a traffic crash Sunday night.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says deputies were called out at approximately 9:20pm to the intersection of Golf Club Road and Hughes Road in Genoa Township for a two vehicle crash. Their preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 Jeep Patriot driven by 61 year old Brighton resident was eastbound on Golf Club Road when she attempted to complete a U-turn at the intersection with Hughes Road. As she was completing the U-turn, her vehicle was struck by a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup driven by a 16 year old Howell resident who was also eastbound on Golf Club Road.
The Brighton woman was pronounced deceased at the scene while the 16 year old Howell resident was not injured in the crash. Both individuals were wearing seatbelts while authorities say speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, which remains under investigation by the Livingston County Traffic Safety Bureau. Traffic was detoured around the crash for approximately 2 ½ hours while deputies investigated. The Howell Area Fire Department and Livingston County Ambulance also assisted at the scene. (JK)
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Prospective Designers Sought For Runway RepurposedProspective Designers Sought For Runway Repurposed
Local designers are being sought for the 9th annual Runway Repurposed fashion show.
Runway Repurposed is a fundraiser for the Howell Opera House that combines the art of fashion design with the use of recycled clothing and materials. Residents of all ages with a talent for fashion design are encouraged to take used clothing items and turn them into new designs, which are then displayed and sold at the fashion show and silent auction. Registration for the competition is being held today and Tuesday from 4-8pm at The Howell Opera House. Thatâs when contestants will select pieces of clothing they wish to use to create a new, original garment for the competition.
The event itself will be held February 12th at the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center. The designer categories include Young Beginner, Students, Beginner Adult, Advanced Adult and Avant Garde. Organizers say this yearâs theme is the Four Seasons, while the Avant Garde theme is the Four Elements of fashion. Further details are available online through the link below. (JK)
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Howell School Board Approves Changes To Superintendent ContractHowell School Board Approves Changes To Superintendent Contract
The employment contract for a local school superintendent was updated by the board of education recently.
The superintendent of Howell Public Schools asked the Board of Education to approve changes to his contract that would allow for his evaluations to take place later in the school year. Erin MacGregor asked for the change based on advice from the districtâs attorney, so his evaluations could be performed based on current state law. He says his evaluations will be done annually near the end of the school year, because that is also when student achievement is reported. MacGregor, who was hired on July 1st of 2015 says the change was necessary because of legislative changes to the evaluation process for teachers and administrators. He says the change brings his contract into alignment with the law.
Also changed in the contract that the board can give the superintendent pay raises without having to rewrite his contract. MacGregor says the changes donât change the terms of his contract, but it can be amended to extend it or increase his pay. MacGregorâs current contract is in place until June 2019. (DS)
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Brighton School Board Member Pushes for More Check Signing Oversight Brighton School Board Member Pushes for More Check Signing Oversight
Brighton Board of Education Trustee Bill Trombley raised the question of fund transfers at the board meeting Monday night, saying a recent incident shows the procedure needs more oversight.
Trombley was referring to a fund transfer of about $6,000 from the general fund to jump start the Bulldog Boutique, a resale shop in which proceeds go to area students who need help. Trombley says as it is, district checks have two signersâ Assistant Superintendent of Finance Maria Gistinger and superintendent Greg Gray â and need a third one to ensure that the proper checks and balances are observed. Otherwise,Trombley claims, the district gets into a situation in which it found itself recently, where public funds were used to get the Bulldog Boutique off and running.
The Bulldog Boutique opened last October but closed less than a month later after board member John Conely complained that partisan board of education election campaign literature was being handed out at the store to customers. Trombley says the problem is that public funds canât be used to fund a private enterprise. The boutique is supposed to be completely autonomous from the Brighton Area Schools, and Trombley says a third check signer might have acted as an extra set of eyes to scrutinize such actions more carefully.
In an amended motion, the board requested that administration come back with a recommendation at the next meeting to add a third person to the check-signing process. The boutique originally opened in early October but closed on Nov. 2. It reopened its doors on Dec. 13 with a new board of directors headed by Brighton Mayor pro tem Shawn Pipoly. (TT)
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Hartland Planning Commission To Hear Site Plans For Multiplex CinemaHartland Planning Commission To Hear Site Plans For Multiplex Cinema
Site plans for a movie theater to be constructed in Hartland Township will undergo review this week.
The Hartland Planning Commission meets Thursday and will review site plans for an Emagine Theatre with 10 auditoriums in the Hartland Towne Square development, north of M-59 and west of Clark Road. The applicant, CH Hartland LLC, is looking to construct one stand-alone theater totaling 64,600-square-feet. The theater is proposing to offer alcoholic beverages, thus the applicant will be seeking a liquor license for the facility. At least one of the auditoriums would provide an E-MAX experience. Staffing would include approximately 100 employees, primarily part-time positions.
The theater would be located in the southern end of a development area thatâs approximately 33 acres. Modifications to the parking lot are being proposed and additionally, an amendment to the Hartland Towne Square PD Agreement and Pattern Book is requested to revise wall sign standards. The applicant has submitted architectural and landscape waiver requests, with new landscaping and berms being proposed along the frontage of Hartland Road.
The Planning Commission meeting starts at 7pm Thursday in the Hartland Township Hall. Photo: Emagine-Entertainment. (JM)
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Brighton School Board Elects New PresidentBrighton School Board Elects New President
The Brighton Board of Education has elected Andy Burchfield as its new president for the coming year.
His elevation to the presidency came on a unanimous, 7-0 vote. David Chesney was reelected vice president on a 5-2 vote with Bill Trombley and John Conely voting no; Roger Myers was elected secretary on a 7-0 vote and Ken Stahl was reelected treasurer on a 5-2 vote. Burchfield tells WHMI he is honored to be the board's president, and feels his practice of looking at all sides of a question and weighing them carefully before making a decision will hold him in good stead. Burchfield adds that he gets along well with all factions on the board, which is an advantage when there is dissention among individual board members.
Sharply differing views is something that has occasionally marked the Brighton Board of Education in the recent past. The board also seated two new members - Alicia Reid and Roger Myers â Monday night. Each won a 4-year seat in the November general election. (TT)
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