Explosive allegations have been made in the divorce filing of a Livingston County judge.
According to a filing made by Donald Root, the estranged husband of 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan, the judge was engaged in sexual affairs with two men, one of them a Michigan State Police detective who led the investigation into the double-homicide of Richard and Brenda Kowalski, who were found shot to death in their Lyngre Drive home in May 2008. Judge Brennan presided over the trial of the man charged in the case, Jerome Kowalski, Richard's brother. Jerome Kowalski was found guilty and sentenced.
Root filed for divorce from Brennan on December 2nd, citing a breakdown in the marital relationship due to, "lies, deceit and unfaithful behavior" on the part of Brennan. As part of his case, he had Francine Zysk, the 53rd District Court Administrator and a one-time friend of Brennan, deposed. In her testimony, Zysk said Brennan had admitted to an ongoing sexual relationship with Furlong. The affair was also confirmed by Jessica Yakel, Judge Brennan's former law clerk, who testified that Brennan instructed her to "secretively" book a reservation for Furlong to Key West, Florida using Brennan's credit card and then simultaneously book a reservation for the judge on the same flight in an adjoining seat. Furlong was also deposed in the case and admitted to the affair, but said it didn't begin until late 2013, well after Kowalski's trial in January of that year. But according to Root's divorce filing, the affair began as early as 2009 and was purposely concealed by both Brennan and Furlong leading up to and during the trial. It also purports that the affair has continued through to the present day. The issue over when the affair began is important in that if it started before the Kowalski trial began; it would indicate a serious ethical breach at the very least and potentially an illegal obstruction of justice. The confession that formed the basis of the prosecution case against Kowalski was obtained by Furlong. During the trial, Brennan ruled that a defense expert in coerced confessions would not be allowed to testify. That ruling was appealed several times, but ultimately stood. Kowalski was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without parole for first-degree murder. The divorce affidavit also claims that during Furlongâs deposition for the case, he was asked directly if there was contact between himself and Brennan during the Kowalski trial, to which he replied, âNoâ but then changed his answer to âI donât recallâ after Brennan, who was present, interrupted the proceedings to âremindâ him of phone contact. Other revelations in the deposition from Brennanâs former law clerk include that she regularly performed personal errands and chores for the judge while on county time, including staining her deck and taking her car in for service.
The divorce case is being heard by Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Janelle Lawless, who was selected after local judges recused themselves from the case. A hearing is set Tuesday, February 7th in her courtroom on various motions. A nonjury trial has been scheduled for May 19th.
Judge Accused Of Sleeping With Lead Investigator In Murder TrialJudge Accused Of Sleeping With Lead Investigator In Murder Trial
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Northwest Elementary Sends Valentineâs Day Cards to US Navy ShipNorthwest Elementary Sends Valentineâs Day Cards to US Navy Ship
Local elementary students created Valentine's Day cards and wrote thank you letters to sailors serving in the Navy.
Students at Northwest Elementary School in Howell recently created and sent Valentineâs Day cards to a U.S. Navy Ship. The Northwest Student Council planned the project, purchased supplies to make the cards and helped students create their cards. The Council helped younger students color different Valentines and assisted the older students with writing thank you notes.
Northwest Elementary School Teacher Tara Cote says students were excited about creating and sending the cards to say thank you to sailors and members of the armed forces for their sacrifices. The cards were sent to the USS Carl Vinson, which left for deployment on January 5th from San Diego. (JM)
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Stepping Stones Engagement Center Open For BusinessStepping Stones Engagement Center Open For Business
Substance abuse recovery doesnât just happen during regular business hours. Thatâs the thought behind a recently launched recovery based program intended to offer an extension of support.
The Stepping Stones Engagement Center in Genoa Township is a place where those in need of substance abuse treatment or those in the midst of their recovery can go for support during off business hours. Itâs designed to be a safe place for those struggling with addiction that specifically desire some kind of treatment or want to develop a plan around their recovery.
The program aims to fill a gap to support someoneâs recovery during times when other providers might not be open, thus the center has a living room model and relaxed feel. Livingston County Community Mental Health Executive Director Connie Conklin says the idea is to signify that recovery from substance abuse is a step by step journey that can be difficult to navigate. She tells WHMI they hope to support each personâs path to recovery by focusing on their strengths and potential. Conklin says itâs not necessarily a place someone would go for active treatment. She says the program offers a place for someone to learn how to continue their own recovery within their home and in the community, help develop relapse prevention plans and also support the treatment they might currently be receiving.
Although run through Livingston County Community Mental Health, the program has multiple community partners involved. The Stepping Stones Engagement Center is located 2020 East Grand River in Suite 102, near Livingston County Catholic Charities and the El Patron Mexican Restaurant with a separate entrance.
The center will be open from 5pm to 9am Monday through Friday to fill the gap when other substance abuse providers are typically closed. It will be open 24 hours on weekends. The phone number is 517-376-6262. (JM)
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Prosecutor Calls Allegations Against Judge Brennan "Deeply Disturbing"Prosecutor Calls Allegations Against Judge Brennan "Deeply Disturbing"
Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says if the allegations made in a divorce filing against a sitting 53rd judge are true, then they are deeply disturbing.
The divorce filing from Donald Root, the estranged husband of 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan, alleges the judge was engaged in sexual affairs with two men - one being Michigan State Police First Detective Sergeant Sean Furlong. Furlong was the lead investigator into the double-homicide of Richard and Brenda Kowalski, who were found shot to death in their Oceola Township home in May 2008.
Judge Brennan presided over the trial of Jerome Kowalski, Richard's brother, who was found guilty and sentenced. The confession that formed the basis of the prosecution case against Kowalski was obtained by Furlong, which raises questions about when the affair began. If it started before the Kowalski trial began, then that would indicate a serious ethical breach at the very least and potentially an illegal obstruction of justice. During the Kowalski trial, Brennan ruled against allowing a defense expert in false confessions to testify. That ruling was appealed several times, but ultimately stood. Kowalski was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without parole for first-degree murder.
Prosecutor Vailliencourt told WHMI "The allegations, if true, are deeply disturbing. If there is any evidence of misconduct by the judge, that information should be provided to my office so that we can take the appropriate action to ensure that justice is done. I first learned of these allegations this week from the pleadings that were filed in court. I have brought this matter to the attention of the appropriate authorities for investigation. At this time, it's too early to speculate about what impact this could have. That will have to wait until we know what the facts are."
Meanwhile, other questions have been raised in regard to a deposition from Brennanâs former law clerk that she regularly performed personal errands and chores for the judge while on county time, including staining her deck and taking her car in for service. Attorney Neil J. Marchand is representing Brennan and disputes the allegations by Yakel, calling them a misrepresentation of the facts. He maintains Yakel was a part-time staff member during part of her employment and was on personal time when performing any non-court related work. Further, he says Judge Brennan personally compensated Yakel for any non-court related work done on her behalf."
A hearing on various motions in the divorce case is scheduled Tuesday before Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Janelle Lawless, who was selected after local judges recused themselves. (JM)
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A Crash on I-96 Claimed the Life of A Whitmore Lake Resident A Crash on I-96 Claimed the Life of A Whitmore Lake Resident
A crash in Brighton Township Saturday morning claimed the life of a 47-year old Whitmore Lake resident. The Livingston County Sheriffâs office says at approximately 8 am deputies responded to westbound I-96 at Flint Road in Brighton Township for a single vehicle crash. According to the Sheriffâs office, witnesses indicated that the driver was drifting through lanes before going off the roadway to the right and striking a MDOT camera pole. The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The driverâs identity was not immediately released. The crash remains under investigation, but speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Brighton Area Fire Department and Livingston County EMS. (DS)
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Salvation Army Of Livingston County Seeks Volunteers Salvation Army Of Livingston County Seeks Volunteers
New volunteer opportunities are available for a local non-profit that could use some helping hands year round, not just seasonal holidays.
The Salvation Army of Livingston County is reminding area residents and businesses that it needs help from volunteers on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. While many in the community may have helped out during the busy Christmas season, officials say there are options to do so year round and new opportunities are being introduced. Among some current needs - a skilled receptionist on Fridays, Panera Food Rescue pick up on Tuesday evenings, cooks to prepare lunch at one of the Salvation Armyâs monthly Advisory Board meetings, and volunteer drivers.
Those interested in more information, or that might have a group or idea, are asked to contact Volunteer and Seasonal Programs Coordinator Lizabeth Welch at (517) 295-4347 or liz_welch@usc.salvationarmy.org. The links provided offer specific information to each volunteer opportunity. (JM)
Skilled Receptionist Needed Fridays
http://bttr.im/z06hq
Panera Food Rescue Pick Up Tuesday Evenings
http://bttr.im/bjr1y
Cooks to Prepare Lunch at Monthly Advisory Board Meetings http://bttr.im/t88vw
Volunteer Drivers
http://bttr.im/br59d
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Rover Pipeline Moves Toward Construction With Approved CertificateRover Pipeline Moves Toward Construction With Approved Certificate
A regulatory certificate has been issued that will allow a pipeline project to move closer to construction.
The ET Rover Pipeline is an interstate pipeline system, designed to transport natural gas to markets across the country. It will run through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Michigan. Over 15 miles of the pipeline will pass through Livingston County, specifically in Marion, Iosco, Handy and Putnam Townships.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, has approved the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Rover Pipeline LLC. The certificate, which was issued Thursday, is required before construction can begin.
FERC has stated that the benefits the project will provide to the market âoutweigh any adverse effects on existing shippers, other pipelines and their captive customers, and on landowners and surrounding communities.â Environmental groups have challenged the project and continue to do so, but FERC says âif constructed and operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, the projects will result in some adverse and significant environmental impacts, but that these impacts will be reduced to acceptable levels with the implementation of the applicantsâ proposed mitigation and staffâs recommendations.â
Rover still requires a few certifications and permits, but they are not expected to delay construction. The project is forecasted for an in-service date of November 2017. (DK)
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Downtown Howell Hosts Lunar New Year CelebrationDowntown Howell Hosts Lunar New Year Celebration
It has its roots deep in Chinese tradition, but a ceremony yesterday brought some of that culture into downtown Howell.
Nearly 4,000 firecrackers were ignited to begin a Lion Dance, to kick off the Lunar New Year Celebration. A pair of costumed dancers covered in the brightly colored Lion dress danced to the beat of ceremonial drums outside the Historic Howell Opera House, followed by more dancing inside the building. This is the fourth time the festival has been offered in Howell, and included the Dragon Run 5K in the morning. The Director of the Lion Dance Troup at the Martial Arts Studio in Ann Arbor is Eugene Chun. He says they have always taken the opportunity to educate people by giving martial arts demonstrations, which he says doesn't necessarily focus on kicking, blocking, punching and combat. He says there are many aspects to the martial arts, which he hopes people will realize that are beneficial physically, psychologically and spiritually. Chun says it's hard to express that to people who have very limited or narrow exposure to it.
Chun says the Lion Dance is part of the Chinese martial arts, and as part of the Lunar New Year it is common to have a Lion Dance. He says the dance has at its roots in Buddhist tradition. Chun says like the martial arts, the dance of blessing has evolved over the years. He says there is more to the martial arts than combat, and it has been his personal mission to introduce the form to the general public. He says itâs important to have people see the dance and understand that it is a form of martial arts. During the ceremony audience members could feed the Lion red envelopes with donations as payment for blessings in the future. Howell Mayor Pro Tem Steve Manor says he appreciates bringing the community into the celebration. Manor says he spent his career in the U.S. Foreign Service and experienced different cultures. Now as Mayor of Howell, he says he is pleased that the city is offering this kind of diversity. He says celebrating the Lunar New Year, which is more of a Chinese-Asian celebration brings added diversity to Howell.
Following the Lion Dance there were opportunities for interactive cooking demonstrations with Food Network Cutthroat Kitchen Chef, Tom Lin, as well as other Asian themed activities and a six course meal. (DS)
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DTE Says Credit Will Help Offset Electricity Rate Increase DTE Says Credit Will Help Offset Electricity Rate Increase
An electricity rate increase has been approved for DTE Energy customers, but the company says after Tuesday, their customers will actually notice a rate reduction.
DTE self-implemented a $245 (m) million increase in August, prior to a rate hike hearing. The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) recently approved a $184 (m) million rate order, which means customers will actually see a reduction as of February 7th. Customers should also expect a bill credit to account for the last six months that the hike was in effect.
DTE Spokesperson Stephanie Beres says DTE is trying to improve their aging equipment and infrastructure. By modernizing it, Beres says the utilityâs goal is to provide customers with reliable, safe, clean and affordable energy. Beres says DTE has seen a 70% reduction in power outages in areas where theyâve improved infrastructure, proving that investments being made are really working. President and COO Trevor Lauer says DTE will work with the MPSC to calculate the credit customers receive, which will be applied later this year. (DK)
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Hearing Will Determine Sanctions In Barnstormer CaseHearing Will Determine Sanctions In Barnstormer Case
A judge will rule later this week on the amount of sanctions imposed by Green Oak Township against the old Barnstormer Entertainment Complex.
Rob Cortis still owns the shuttered Barnstormer facility, which has been the subject of lengthy litigation with the township. Multiple safety and code violations led to occupancy being reduced and portions of the building were ordered closed until the conditions deemed dangerous could be rectified.
A motion hearing to determine the amount of sanctions imposed by Green Oak Township against Cortis and his attorney Roger Myers has been set for February 9th. The township is seeking sanctions against Cortis and Myers for what it maintains were frivolous filings that caused lengthy legal delays and additional costs.
RJMC Corporation, on behalf of Cortis, sued the township in 2011 alleging the fire departmentâs actions limiting occupancy were unwarranted and caused him to lose business. The suit also challenged the sanctions imposed by the township. 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan denied the townshipâs request for sanctions, but Green Oak appealed by right and the Michigan Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the case for further proceedings regarding the amount of sanctions to be imposed.
The opinion issued by the COA stated under the circumstances, it was without question that the plaintiffâs claims were frivolous and accordingly, sanctions were warranted. A status conference has been scheduled for February 14th. (DK)
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Name Of Brighton Twp. Crash Victim Released By AuthoritiesName Of Brighton Twp. Crash Victim Released By Authorities
Authorities have released the name of the Whitmore Lake woman killed Saturday morning in a Brighton Township crash.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says 47-year old Angela Marie Montagne died at the scene of the crash, which happened at approximately 8am Saturday on westbound I-96 at Flint Road. According to the Sheriffâs office, witnesses indicated Montagne was drifting through lanes before going off the roadway to the right and striking a MDOT camera pole.
The crash remains under investigation, but speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Brighton Area Fire Department and Livingston County EMS. (JK)
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Legal Expert: Affair Could Have "Disastrous Result" On Kowalski Murder ConvictionLegal Expert: Affair Could Have "Disastrous Result" On Kowalski Murder Conviction
Following revelations of an affair between a Livingston County judge and a State Police detective, the conviction of the man accused in a 2008 Oceola Township double homicide is now being called into question, with one legal expert saying a new trial is likely.
On Friday, testimony became public from the divorce filing of Donald Root, the estranged husband of 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan(left). In it, Root alleges the judge was engaged in sexual affairs with two men - one being Michigan State Police First Lt. Sean Furlong (right). Furlong was the lead investigator into the double-homicide of Richard and Brenda Kowalski, who were found shot to death in their Oceola Township home in May 2008. Judge Brennan presided over the trial of Jerome Kowalski, Richard's brother, who was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. While Furlong and Brennan maintain the relationship began after the trial, Root alleges otherwise. That presents a big problem for Kowalskiâs conviction, according to Wayne State University Law Professor Peter Henning, a former federal prosecutor, who teaches legal ethics. "If the relationship began before or during the trial, it is going to call into doubt the conviction. There is at least a reasonable chance the appeals court would overturn the conviction and the defendant would get a new trial. There are going to be any number of issues raised, but the key question is the timing at this point. If the affair began before or during the trial then it could have a disastrous result."
Henning says if another trial is ordered up as a result of the allegations, the confession that was the basis of Kowalskiâs conviction will be very problematic as Lt. Furlong will almost certainly be called to the stand to explain how it was obtained and thus will be open to cross-examination from the defense about his relationship to Judge Brennan. Professor Henning says that will further add to uncertainty on the part of jurors.
Brennanâs attorneys have called the allegations, âa shameful attempt to intimidateâ the judge into accepting an unfair divorce settlement. A hearing on various motions in the divorce case is scheduled Tuesday before Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Janelle Lawless, who was selected after local judges recused themselves. (JK)
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Cancer Screenings Focus Of Latest Volume In Livingston County Health Series Cancer Screenings Focus Of Latest Volume In Livingston County Health Series
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Livingston County and the United States as a whole, promoting local health officials to stress the importance of screenings.
The Livingston County Health Department has been disseminating the findings of the 2014 Community Health Status Assessment in volumes so the public can better examine the implications of different heath issues, one at a time. The prevalence of cancer and the importance of cancer screenings are being highlighted in the latest volume in the continuing âLivingston Countyâs Road to Community Healthâ series. The series is a partnership between the Southeastern Michigan Health Association and the Livingston County Health Department.
Health Promotion coordinator Chelsea Moxlow tells WHMI the biggest takeaway from the cancer screening volume is that there were 312 deaths related to cancer in 2014 in Livingston County. Moxlow says many probably could have been prevented had screenings taken place or education to promote early diagnosis.
Livingston Countyâs rates typically look better than Michigan or U.S. rates when compared to them but Moxlow says there is definitely room for improvement when it comes to people getting skin cancer screenings. She noted just about 7% of Livingston County residents had screenings in 2014, which is pretty low considering so many people spend time in the sun. There are more than 100 different types of cancer and Moxlow says the biggest message from the health department is that the earlier that cancer is detected, the greater someoneâs chances for successful treatment and overall survival. She says that involves being educated on what screenings to receive and at which age but also making sure to have conversations with your physician or healthcare provider to make sure theyâre doing their diagnosis and youâre doing your part with self-screenings as well.
The latest volume in âLivingston Countyâs Road to Community Healthâ is attached. (JM)
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Threat Closes Mott Community College Including Livingston CampusThreat Closes Mott Community College Including Livingston Campus
Mott Community College in Michigan, including its Livingston County location, is closed for the day after a threat was made related to the school.
College spokeswoman Dawn Hibbard says the "active shooter threat" was made this morning and all of the Flint-based community college's locations are closed for the day. The school has several satellite campuses around the state including on Packard Drive in Howell Township. Hibbard says the college's public safety department contacted the school's president about the threat and the decision was made to shut down all of the campuses.
Details about the threat weren't immediately released. The school originally said classes would resume at 1pm, but has since advised that due to an ongoing investigation, it will closes all campuses for the entire day. The school says it plans to reopen Tuesday. (JK)
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Local Man Admits To Domestic Violence And Arson, Faces Lengthy Prison SentenceLocal Man Admits To Domestic Violence And Arson, Faces Lengthy Prison Sentence
A plea has been entered by a Howell man who allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and started a fire after the altercation in the garage of the home they shared.
In July, 55-year-old Donald Ray Baggett was charged with assault with intent to commit sexual penetration, assault by strangulation and domestic violence. The charges stem from an incident that involved Baggettâs girlfriend, a fight and a suspicious fire.
Baggett pleaded guilty as charged on Friday plus an added charge of 2nd degree arson, which is a 20 year felony. He also pleaded as a 4th time habitual offender, which increases the potential maximum sentence to life.
The July 21st incident began when Baggett allegedly threatened his girlfriend at their home in Marion Township and asked if she had ever cheated on him. He then reportedly strangled her while demanding to know if she had ever slept with any African American men. The victim says Baggett then sniffed her to see if she had had sex with someone else and tried to remove her pants. Baggettâs girlfriend kicked him out of their house, though he was reportedly seen driving in the area later that day.
Authorities say as Baggett was driving by the home around 11:30 that evening, he called to report a fire in their garage. He was later identified as a person of interest in that fire which police said was deemed suspicious because there was nothing in the garage to indicate the cause of the fire. He is set to be sentenced March 9th. (DK)
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Tree Removal To Start In March As Part Of Controversial Pipeline ProjectTree Removal To Start In March As Part Of Controversial Pipeline Project
Residents in four Livingston County communities can expect to see construction activity starting up in the next month related to a controversial pipeline project.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, has approved the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Energy Transfer Partners Rover Pipeline. The certificate was issued Thursday and is required before construction can begin. The 713-mile-long line will reach across northern Ohio and veer into southeastern Michigan, where it will connect with the existing Vector Pipeline locally. More than 15 miles of pipeline will travel though in Livingston County, including in Putnam Township where a number of residents and homeowners have been very vocal in opposing the project.
Supervisor Dennis Brennan tells WHMI the approval of the certificate was expected so no surprises there and the next step in the process will be tree removal. His understanding is that the company needs to have all of the trees along the road in proposed routes cut down by the end of March in Michigan when the protected Indiana Bat begins nesting, so he expects crews will start cutting trees down like crazy.
One of the largest areas affected in Putnam Township is on Patterson Lake Road. Brennan commented the township has been receiving inquiries recently about that tree clearing activity but clarifies it was not Rover but the private property owner that took it upon themselves to have the trees cut down ahead of the pipeline project coming through.
Brennan recently noticed what he thinks might be pipeline just outside of the Village of Pinckney and says the company is likely either staging materials or construction equipment so he expects to start fielding lots of questions. The company cannot begin any construction activity until 30 days after certificate is issued, which he anticipates around March 4th or 5th. The company has indicated it wants most of the work done by the end of summer and hoping to have it up and running by November of 2017, which Brennan says is mighty aggressive but thatâs what theyâre expecting to do.
On the positive side, Brennan says the project will result in a boost to the local economy as there will be a tremendous amount of activity from roughly March through September with construction workers in town. He noted there might also be some business opportunities for local tree removal service companies or construction workers.
Updated project maps are available on the Putnam Township website. That link is provided. (JM)
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Charges Sought Against Student In Threat That Closed Mott CampusesCharges Sought Against Student In Threat That Closed Mott Campuses
Mott Community College, including its Livingston County location, will reopen today after an online threat forced authorities to cancel classes Monday.
An "active shooter threat" was called in early Monday morning forcing college officials to eventually call off classes for the day. The school has several satellite campuses around the state including on Packard Drive in Howell Township. Michigan State Police questioned a 24-year-old Mott Community College student who admitted to the hoax. The student reportedly has a history of mental health issues and is currently receiving treatment. The Genesee County prosecutor will review the case and determine if charges should be filed.
The incident prompted college officials to put the main campus on lock down and then later evacuate students and staff. Police then checked every building on the Flint campus as well as all other Mott facilities. (JK)
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Brighton Twp. Says No Conflict With Members Serving On SELCRA BoardBrighton Twp. Says No Conflict With Members Serving On SELCRA Board
The Brighton Township Board reviewed documents and opinions related to a conflict of interest question raised about two members also serving on the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority.
The township board met Monday night to discuss the issue, which was raised by a resident and longtime board critic who cited a 2004 opinion from the Michigan Attorney Generalâs Office that having a person on a school board and a recreation authority simultaneously is a conflict, especially when a contract is being negotiated. Township Attorney John Harris also rendered an opinion in 2004 that members of the township board should not also sit on the SELCRA Board. The incompatibility of office question posed to the board related specifically to members also serving on the SELCRA board - Supervisor Patrick Michel and Trustee Sam Theis, with Michel as the chairman and Theis as secretary.
Brighton Township Manager Brian Vick told WHMI the board previously directed staff to make contact with State Representative Lana Theis regarding an Attorney General opinion. Theis is the wife of Sam Theis. Communication was received back, along with two Attorney General opinions deemed pertinent to the inquiry. He says township attorneys, who were both present, looked at the material and concurred it was accurate and addressed concerns. He says itâs the concurrence of the board those three items responded to the question of whether or not there was incompatibility of office and ultimately, there is not. The opinions were said to be crystal clear and that they applied to any authorities described in the Michigan Constitution.
Township Bond Attorney Jim Kiefer was then asked to look into the matter based on his prior experience and research, which Harris commented found the constitution provision that quite frankly his office did not. Harris clarified his opinion from 2004 did not address the specific situation, saying the nature of the relationship was different and he wanted it on the public record. Harris stated that involved two members of Brighton Area Schools contracting with SELCRA and is not relevant to the current topic of municipalities incorporating into an intergovernmental agreement sitting on both boards so it really didnât apply.
Members commented they were comfortable with the information received and the board agreed no additional action or opinions were deemed necessary. It was further noted that the township is not bound by any legal opinions, as they are just that; an opinion. Supervisor Michel was absent. (JM)
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Former Howell Teacher Sentenced To Prison In Child Porn Case Former Howell Teacher Sentenced To Prison In Child Porn Case
A former teacher and coach at Howell High School has been sentenced in a disturbing child pornography case.
60-year-old Duane Millar was sentenced in U.S. District Court Monday to seven years in prison, to be followed by seven years of supervised release. The child pornography charges followed a search of Millarâs East Lansing home in March of 2016 after a three-month State Police investigation. Illicit material was found in an email account and on various computers and media storage devices. Soon after the charges were filed, Millar resigned his position with the Howell district, where he had taught world language and coached cross country and track.
Millar had previously pleaded guilty in federal court to a single count of receiving child pornography and was free on bond pending his sentencing. However, his bond conditions were modified after police say they found two stuffed animals, rope, tape and a baseball bat in his car after he was pulled over last October by East Lansing Police for driving with an expired license plate. Court documents indicated the materials were âviewed as lures for children.â Despite that, Millarâs sentence was actually 13 months less than the minimum that sentencing guidelines called for. (JM/JK)
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State of the County Address Highlights Local Efforts, Achievements & GoalsState of the County Address Highlights Local Efforts, Achievements & Goals
In Monday nightâs 2017 State of the County Address, Board of Commissioners Chair Kate Lawrence stated that âThere is much to be proud of in Livingston County.â
The address was given at the Livingston County Public Safety Complex by Lawrence before a room full of community leaders and members. She says there is pride in the countyâs commitment to adapting to support the community, stating it is one of the most sought-after regions to reside in. Lawrence noted the areaâs economic strength, as the average home sale price has risen 9% since last year and the number of foreclosures is down 28%. The county has maintained its Aaa Moody credit rating, which Lawrence says is a reflection of the countyâs dedication to fiscal integrity.
She says the local government is a forward thinking organization that is âeffective, efficient and gets results.â In 2016, Livingston County 911 Central Dispatch made strides for public safety by developing Text-to-911 and becoming one of two centers in the state with proper emergency call- receiving protocol. The Veterans Treatment Court had its first graduating class in August and the county became the first in Michigan to partner with the Army National Guard in efforts to safeguard local data systemsâ confidentiality.
Reflecting on the last year, Lawrence tells WHMI she sees the dedication and passion the county's elected officials, judges, employees and department heads have for their jobs. She says she witnesses it every day and if it wasnât for them, all of these accomplishments wouldnât come to fruition.
In 2017, the Health Department will continue the process to achieve national accreditation and the county will complete its Master Plan. Lawrence says the county hopes to expand broadband internet access and increase economic prosperity. Though she feels a lot of progress has been made, she is already looking ahead to what heights Livingston County will reach next. (DK)
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