At its next meeting a nearby village is could approve an ordinance regulating golf carts on its roadways. The Milford Village Council recently heard the first reading of an ordinance that will help keep track of the vehicles and their owners. Police Chief Tom Lindberg says a handful of residents asked for the ordinance because they want to be able to use the vehicles to get from place to place. Lindberg says typically users are older residents who want to go to the local park for concerts or other events, but not have to walk. He says state law permits golf carts on roads where the posted speed limit is 30 miles per hour or less and population is under 30,000 residents. Lindberg says the ordinance will be helpful. He says what the ordinance does, among other things is to require the user to register the golf cart with the police department. He says that way if there is an incident or accident involving village property or theft of one of the carts, they will know who the golf cart belongs to.
Lindberg says after the first reading there may be changes before the ordinance is passed; and that may or may not happen. If it passes, the ordinance will restrict the speed limit of the vehicles to 15 miles per hour, and drivers must be at least 16 years of age. The ordinance will also require rear red reflectors and set limits as to when they may be used. Lindberg says the proposed ordinance only affects a few residents, however those drivers want to legitimize the vehicleâs use in the Village of Milford. Village Council is set to hear a second reading of the ordinance on February 21st.
Village of Milford Set to Regulate Golf Carts on RoadwaysVillage of Milford Set to Regulate Golf Carts on Roadways
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Local School Namesake DiesLocal School Namesake Dies
The woman whose name was put on a local elementary school serving after 43 years in the district, has died. Ann Dolsen retired in 1988 after spending her career as a teacher and principal in South Lyon Community Schools. The stateâs first female principal died on February 4th at the age of 92. New Hudson Elementary was renamed Dolsen Elementary in recognition of the contributions Dolsen made and her longtime involvement in the community. According to her obituary, Dolsen was a longtime Northville resident, having graduated from New Hudson High School in 1942. Dolsen earned her teaching certificate from Michigan Normal College, later earning bachelors and masterâs degrees. She also spent a year teaching at a government school in Japan. After her retirement, Dolsen remained active in her church and community, teaching knitting and making knitted caps for premature babies at hospitals. Dolsen and her husband Francis were married for 60 years. He preceded her in death in September of 2016. A full obituary is available on the Casterline Funeral Home website at www.casterlinefuneralhome.com. (DS)
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Saturday Marks 8 Year Anniversary Of Fenton Woman's Mysterious DisappearanceSaturday Marks 8 Year Anniversary Of Fenton Woman's Mysterious Disappearance
While the strange disappearance of a Fenton woman eight years ago is technically a cold case, police and family members are holding onto hope.
Then 42-year-old Randa Jawhari vanished from her apartment complex on Shiawassee Avenue near US-23 on February 11th, 2009. Police were left with no signs of foul play or other clues as to where she may have gone. Randa, who had been diagnosed with mental illness, didnât own a car, driverâs license or credit card. Fenton Police Chief Rick Aro tells WHMI his update is very similar to last year unfortunately but they continue to look at everything and follow up on every lead received. He says these cold cases can be very frustrating because they would like to get some closure for the family and find out what happened but there are some small pieces of information they need to make that happen and they just havenât found them yet. While now considered a cold case, says that doesnât mean theyâve given up hope of solving it. He says Mr. Jawhari passed away but they still have contact with Mrs. Jawhari as well as Randaâs brother and sisters on a fairly regular basis. Aro says they will do everything they can to get the family some closure and he hopes it happens, noting they still receive tips from time to time, just not as many as in the beginning. Police have long said they believe there are one or two people out there who know something that could really open up the case and provide the tips they need to solve it. A person of interest was identified early on in the case, described as an associate of Jawhariâs who would transport her to different appointments. Detective Scott Townsend is in charge of the case and Aro says anyone with information can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. There is still a reward being offered and the information is passed along anonymously. (JM)
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Brighton Township Board Reviews Support Emergency Operations Plan Brighton Township Board Reviews Support Emergency Operations Plan
The Brighton Township Board met Monday and reviewed a draft plan that deals with how to handle potential emergency situations.
The Support Emergency Operations Plan for Brighton Township basically lays out the game plan for a localized emergency. The plan could be triggered by potential hazmat situations, expressway incidents or crashes, straight line winds or tornados. It identifies chain of command, point persons, different responsibilities and steps that need to be taken. It was noted during the meeting that when declaring a state of emergency, it is imperative that an elected official is the one making that call. It was also said to be important that one person or official doesnât wear too many hats. The clerk and treasurer were deemed to be in the right positions to step up if some unforeseen, unfortunate situation were to take place since theyâre in the building on a daily basis and most available. Trustee Lucille Weaire commented the plan contained a lot of information and was well organized.
The plan is generally a template that has been acted on by other municipalities and doesnât necessarily need official approvals but will eventually be back before the board for adoption. Township Manager Brian Vick tells WHMI all communities with a specified population have to implement a plan and it is Brighton Townshipâs turn. He says the draft will be sent to the county for review and then the state. After the state review, it will come back to the township board for adoption.
The support plan for Brighton Township is part of Livingston Countyâs larger plan. One advantage to participating is that Brighton Township and the county would become eligible for financial disaster assistance to recoup costs if a localized emergency were to happen. The township could be reimbursed up to $100,000, as could the county for the same incident. (JM)
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CASA Training Educates Volunteers About Legal Component Of Child AdvocacyCASA Training Educates Volunteers About Legal Component Of Child Advocacy
A group of individuals training to become childrenâs advocates through a local program delved into the legal aspect of their mission. WHMI's Danica Katnik is among those in the group and offers the following perspective.
CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are trained through the LACASA Center in Howell to represent abused and neglected children in the court system. Training began for the group earlier this week and will continue through February. I have been training as a member of the group, and am learning just how much responsibility the role of a CASA carries.
Thursdayâs lesson was daunting, as we were exposed to the court and child welfare system, the different parties in each case, legal terminology and the laws involved. CASA Program Director Sara Applegate tells WHMI itâs a complicated but important part of training. CASAs must be able to navigate the system so that we can support the child to the best of our ability.
Child Protective Services Supervisor Rebecca Robydek from the Livingston County Department of Health and Human Services visited the class as a guest speaker. She says the legal system âis not as scary as it seems,â and offered some advice to us CASA hopefuls.
Putting the legal aspect aside for a moment, she stressed one thing- to be a champion for the children we will represent. Robydek and program leaders agree the process can be overwhelming, but the focus should be on what is best for the children in each case and ultimately, family reunification.
Robydek shared her point of view as a professional, but recognized the more emotional side of wanting to take home every child that has been hurt or neglected, though she says we canât. An interesting thought Robydek had regarding those the CASAs will come into contact with is, âYou find love in your heart for people you never thought you would.â (DK)
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Weekend Lane Closures On US-23 Between M-36 & M-14Weekend Lane Closures On US-23 Between M-36 & M-14
Lane closures on US-23 could cause delays in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties tomorrow.
On Saturday there will be a rolling lane closure in each direction on US-23 between M-14 and M-36 for pavement patching. The lane closures will be in place between 7am and 5pm. Motorists should expect back-ups and plan extra time when traveling through the corridor during those times. (JM)
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Fowlerville Man Enters Plea In Road Rage Incident Fowlerville Man Enters Plea In Road Rage Incident
A Fowlerville man who authorities say pointed a handgun at another driver during a road rage incident has entered a plea.
34-year-old Steven Michael Burke pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss a second count of brandishing firearms in public and no further charges of felony firearms. The charges stem from an incident the morning of November 29th, when a 32-year-old Fowlerville-area woman called 9-1-1 to report that a man in a SUV had pointed a handgun at her while traveling on I-96. The caller was directed to the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office to file a report while deputies looked for the suspect in the SUV, who was located on eastbound I-96 near US-23. Deputies ultimately stopped a vehicle matching the description and located a handgun. Burke was arrested without incident and lodged in the county jail. He'll be sentenced in Livingston County Circuit Court April 20th.
At the time, Sheriff Mike Murphy told WHMI that road rage and aggressive driving situations appear to be happening more frequently and people need to pay attention when behind the wheel and not let other distractions or driving irritate them. (JM)
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City Of Brighton Accepting Applications For 2017 Biennial Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit City Of Brighton Accepting Applications For 2017 Biennial Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit
The city is now taking applications from artists who are interested in submitting a sculpture for the 2017 Biennial Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit in downtown Brighton contest.
The sculptures selected will be judged by a committee and the winners displayed on downtown streets and public places.
Brighton Administrative Assistant Jessica Reed tells WHMI that the city has sent out notices to artists and prospective artists about the contest. Both large and small sculptures are eligible for consideration, but they must be sculptures and not other art forms such as paintings. Reed says they must be free-standing, outdoor pieces suitable for public display.
Reed says the sculptor will be required to sign an agreement permitting their sculpture to be viewed for two years and, in their application, must submit a couple of photos of the item. They must also agree to allow for the sculpture to be sold. Those whose sculptures are selected will receive a stipend which varies, based on the size of the artwork. The Brighton Arts & Culture Commission will pay a $1,000 stipend per piece for large sculptures which are located on concrete pedestals, while a $500 stipend will be paid for smaller sculptures. Interested artists can contact Reed at city hall for more information or go to the cityâs website for an application form. the link is provided. (TT)
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Walk For Warmth Next Saturday, February 18thWalk For Warmth Next Saturday, February 18th
Livingston County residents can help those facing crisis keep the heat on during the cold winter months during an event next weekend.
OLHSAâs Livingston County Walk for Warmth event is approaching next Saturday, February 18th at the Hartland Educational Support Service Center on M-59. The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency encourages community members to come together to raise funds to help those facing utility shut off notices. Fundraising has been well underway by individuals and teams. OLHSAâs 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.
240 local families were able to be assisted last year as a result of Walk for Warmth.
This yearâs goal is $100,000. Information including online sign up, registrations and updates can be found through the provided link. (JM)
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Fundraising Campaign For Howell Opera House Continues Fundraising Campaign For Howell Opera House Continues
Fundraising efforts continue to âRestore the Gloryâ of a historic building to provide a multi-purpose performing arts and community events structure in downtown Howell.
The Livingston Arts Council owns and manages the Howell Opera House, an iconic landmark built in 1881. The mortgage on the building has been paid off and the first floor was previously renovated into a multi-purpose space. The LAC has been working with an architecture firm and a building fund has been established with plans to begin the next phase of renovation for the second floor historic theater. Officials thanked everyone who has already contributed to the Restore the Glory campaign, saying they are on the way toward the $120,000 goal but not there yet. $11,476 has been raised in online and mailed in donations, which combined with a match brings them to $22,952. The LAC is currently looking for a matching donor for March.
The funds raised will allow the architecture firm to finalize plans for the restoration and renovation of the Howell Opera House, allowing them to apply for a time sensitive Facade Grant. The preservation would maintain the unique features of a theater untouched since the 19th century, while renewing the structure so that it meets contemporary building codes. Further details about the fundraising campaign and how to donate can be found through the link provided. (JM)
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South Lyon Woman Charged In Brighton Mill Pond Escape Attempt Rejects PleaSouth Lyon Woman Charged In Brighton Mill Pond Escape Attempt Rejects Plea
A Livingston County Jail inmate who attempted to escape near the Brighton Mill Pond while awaiting trial has rejected a plea offer.
32-year-old Lisa Finlayson of South Lyon and 40-year-old Nicole Vermeylen of Flushing attempted to escape on an August afternoon, after they were transported over to the 53rd District Court in Brighton for hearings. The two were being escorted from the court building and into a patrol car when they made a break for it. Finlayson jumped into the Mill Pond, but was pulled out shortly after with a dredger. Vermeylen broke into a house and helped herself to a change of clothes but was arrested as she was leaving the home. Finlayson had been in custody for operating while intoxicated causing death. She previously underwent an evaluation and most recently, rejected a plea offer from prosecutors. Motions related to an evidentiary hearing in her case must be filed by March 31st.
Finlayson is currently serving a prison sentence of 86 months to 15 years for a crash on August 18th, 2015 that claimed the life of 51-year-old Lawrence Pettis of Howell. Her pick-up truck struck Pettisâ motorcycle and pushed it into another vehicle. Finlaysonâs 3-year-old son was a passenger in the vehicle and testing later revealed cocaine in her system.
Vermeylen had been awaiting trial on charges of 2nd degree felony child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She was sentenced to 18 months to 5 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections for her escape attempt, as well as prior pleas to charges of home invasion and stealing a financial transaction device. (JM)
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Oak Park Man Enters Plea In Local B&E Incidents Oak Park Man Enters Plea In Local B&E Incidents
An Oak Park man has entered a plea to charges related to break-ins at two Livingston County stores.
29-year-old Kyle Wimbush and 33-year-old Arthur Williams are each charged with two counts of breaking and entering and one count of possession of burglary tools for the break-ins at the Sprint store in Brighton and Target store in Hartland Township. During a hearing in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday, Williams pleaded guilty as charged. As part of the deal, prosecutors agreed to recommend a 54-month prison cap on his minimum sentence. Williams will be sentenced as a 4th time habitual offender on March 2nd while Wimbush requested an adjournment of his hearing to consider a plea offer. A pre-trial hearing is set February 23rd.
Brighton Police responded to an alarm at the Sprint store on Movie Drive around 3:30am on October 31st and found a large rock had been thrown through the window. Numerous cell phones were stolen. About a half hour later, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department responded to an alarm at the Target store on M-59 and also found a rock had been thrown through the door with several Xbox game consoles stolen. Suspect and vehicle descriptions were obtained by Target security and a be-on-the-lookout advisory was issued. A State Police unit spotted a vehicle matching the description and pulled it over on southbound US-23 near I-96, where a search turned up merchandise stolen in both break-ins. (JM)
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Howell Woman Enters Plea In Larceny CaseHowell Woman Enters Plea In Larceny Case
A Howell woman charged in connection to a series of thefts from vehicles in the Howell and Brighton areas has entered a plea.
25-year-old Catherine Barrera is among four young adults from Howell who were charged with stealing items from multiple vehicles in Brighton and Oceola Township. Barrera pleaded guilty as charged to a count of larceny from a motor vehicle and an added count of breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property between $200 -$1,000. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss five separate counts of larceny from a motor vehicle. The first charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor if Barrera successfully completes probation. She will be sentenced March 23rd in Livingston County Circuit Court.
Authorities say electronics, cash, purses, wallets, tools, gift cards and sunglasses were taken from vehicles outside residences last July. The suspects were identified and arrested after a deputy discovered one of the stolen gift cards was used at a local Target store.
24-year-old James Juel, 27-year-old Adrian Ortega and 17-year-old Kendra Keranen have all been sentenced. Barrera and her co-defendants have been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,973. (JM)
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Lane Closures & Traffic Shifts Planned On US-23 Lane Closures & Traffic Shifts Planned On US-23
Motorists can expect lane closures and likely delays on US-23 in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties this week.
The lane closures will take place along US-23 each night between 7pm and 5am the following morning, so crews can shift traffic from the current configuration to the outside shoulder. The work will include existing pavement marking removal and placing temporary pavement marking putting traffic in the new configuration.
On Monday, southbound US-23 traffic will be shifted between 6 Mile Road and North Territorial Road.
On Tuesday, southbound US-23 traffic will be shifted between M-14 and Warren Road.
Also on Tuesday, northbound US-23 traffic will be shifted between N. Territorial Road and 6 Mile Road.
On Friday, both southbound and northbound US-23 traffic will be shifted between 8 Mile Road and M-36.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says all work is weather dependent. If a particular lane closure does not occur on the night it is scheduled, then the back-up date will be the following night. (JM)
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Dates Changed for Brighton's 150th Anniversary Celebration Due to ConflictDates Changed for Brighton's 150th Anniversary Celebration Due to Conflict
The dates for Brightonâs 150th Anniversary celebration have been changed, due to a conflict with the Howell Melon Festival. Originally set for Aug. 17-20, Brighton's 150th Anniversary committee found out after setting the dates that these are the same ones for the 2017 Melonfest in nearby Howell. 150th Committee Chairman Shawn Pipoly says they didnât want to be competing with Brightonâs nearest neighbor, so the dates were scrubbed. Pipoly says the original dates had been picked because there is an event tied to every other weekend in the Brighton area this summer. The committee was left with no alternative but to attach a sesquicentennial event to all of the other summertime events and make it a nearly summer-long celebration. The celebration of Brightonâs 150th birthday will essentially kick off on the 4th of July with Brightonâs Independence Day parade. Some other events that will take place include a mayorâs pancake breakfast, old-time softball games at Sloan Field, a historical tour of the Old Village Cemetery, a time capsule, scavenger hunt, a golf outing, and a community picnic on Main St. will also be tied to the 150th anniversary. The Brighton Area Historical Society has also planned to have life-size wooden cutouts of historical characters in costume at strategic locations in the downtown area. In the coming weeks, the Brighton 150th Anniversary Committee will continue to meet to fine-tune the activities to be staged in the downtown area during July and August to celebrate Brightonâs century-and-a-half as a community. (TT)
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Organizers Gearing Up For Pinckney St. Patrick's Day Parade Organizers Gearing Up For Pinckney St. Patrick's Day Parade
A parade organizers say is unique within Livingston County is approaching next month.
The 13th annual St. Patrickâs Day Parade in Pinckney is scheduled for Saturday, March 11th. It begins at noon at the Pinckney Cemetery and travels along Main Street. Founder and Chairperson Patsy Dible tells WHMI the first year the parade was held on St. Patrickâs Day and around 400 people showed up. Dible says the next year, everyone agreed to move festivities to a Saturday and the event has only continued to grow since. Dible says Pinckney is unique in that before the parade steps off, there are a lot of activities including Irish dancers in the street, a paddy wagon bed race and cutest leprechaun contest.
Meanwhile, the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in Livingston County are presenting a comedy fundraiser to support the St. Patrickâs Day Parade. It will be held on Friday, February 24th at Captain Joeâs Restaurant in Whitmore Lake. The event will feature a night of Irish dancing, an introduction of the Grand Marshal, a 50/50 raffle to benefit the parade and performances by comedians Ron Sweet and Jason Douglas. More information on the Pinckney St. Patrickâs Day parade is attached. (JM)
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Pinckney Man Enters Plea In Sexual Assault Case Pinckney Man Enters Plea In Sexual Assault Case
A Livingston County man who police say raped his female friend has entered a plea to sexual assault charges.
19-year-old Michael Austin Kotch of Pinckney pleaded guilty to an added count of assault with intent to commit 2nd degree CSC in Livingston County Circuit Court Friday. Kotch was originally charged with one count of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct by force or coercion, which was dismissed by prosecutors in exchange for his plea. He also faces possible sex offender registry and/or life time electronic monitoring.
Kotch was charged as a result of the July 12th incident in which police say he raped his female friend in the backseat of her car. Authorities say Kotch and the 18-year-old Fowlerville woman were sitting in her car talking and drinking alcohol. Kotch reportedly brought up wanting to have a one-night stand with someone, at which point the victim began to feel very uncomfortable. Police say the woman tried several different methods to signal for help or leave, but her car battery died and Kotch told her he couldnât find jumper cables. He allegedly began to pressure the woman to have a one-night stand with him until police say he then grabbed her arm and pulled her into the back seat of the vehicle, where he assaulted her.
Kotch remains free on bond with a GPS tether. He will be sentenced March 16th. (JM)
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Brighton VGs Store Being Purchased by Busch'sBrighton VGs Store Being Purchased by Busch's
A Brighton supermarket that has been serving a loyal clientele of satisfied customers for many years will be undergoing an ownership change.
VGs, located at 9870 East Grand Ave. in the Grand Crossing shopping center, is being purchased by Buschâs, another small chain, which is based in Ann Arbor. Buschâs currently has 16 stores in Southeastern Michigan, including Pinckney and South Lyon. The VGs chain has 11 stores in Southeastern and Mid-Michigan. Its stores in nearby Howell and Fenton are unaffected by the Brighton store sale. Buschâs officials say they will extensively remodel the Brighton store following completion of the sale later this year. Buschâs owner John Busch says he has been a Brighton area resident for 16 years and always has wanted to bring one of his stores to Brighton. He says VGs will remain open to customers while the remodeling is taking place and employment at the store will not be impacted. Busch president and CEO Mike Brooks says current VG's personnel will be given the opportunity for employment at Busch's in Brighton, or at one of its other locations in Southeast Michigan.
According to a press release, new features planned for the Brighton location include an expanded produce department, Michigan-made artisan bakery breads, fresh sushi and a world-class wine, beer and liquor department. The meat and seafood counters will also be expanded along with upgrades to the product lines to include selections of gourmet and specialty food items. The purchase price was not divulged. (TT)
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9th Annual Runway Repurposed Event Combines Fashion And Fundraising 9th Annual Runway Repurposed Event Combines Fashion And Fundraising
Amateur fashion designers from all over southeastern Michigan showed their latest creations to a packed house at Crystal Gardens yesterday.
Models paraded across the catwalk for a cause at the 9th annual Runway Repurposed fashion show Sunday afternoon. The yearly event benefits the arts scholarship program of the Grassroots Arts Initiative and the Howell Opera House.
Designers began their projects a month ago, after choosing inspiring pieces of entirely donated clothing to make a new masterpiece. On Thursday, judges got an up-close look at the outfitâs construction, how the designers used their materials and how it fit in with the theme, the âFour Seasons of Fashionâ. At the show, judges focused on creativity, originality and their overall impression.
Committee Co-Chair Barb Smith tells WHMI she is extremely happy with how this yearâs event turned out, calling 2017âs event the ââ¦best year so far.â Smith says a lot of people got creative and had fun with their designs. She feels there was a much higher level of design this year.
The event has five judging categories. Over 70 designers contributed to the fashion show, and awards were given in each design category. One of 13-year-old Gabriella Dibelloâs designs came in 2nd place last year. She returned this year and placed 1st in the Student Designer category. Her piece combined all four seasons.
18-year-old Designer Ashley Hann won the Peopleâs choice Award and placed 3rd in the Student Category. Hann is still in high school but is dual-enrolled at Lansing Community College for Fashion Design. She and her model, Becca Bishop, tell WHMI the fashion show is something they enjoy doing together. Bishop says she loves showing off Hannâs designs, as she always makes things she feels comfortable and beautiful in.
The event also included a silent auction and the work of local artists who designed the trophies. (DK)
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Spaghetti Dinner To Benefit Genesis House in FowlervilleSpaghetti Dinner To Benefit Genesis House in Fowlerville
A fundraiser will help benefit a club house that supports individuals with mental illness.
The Genesis House is hosting its annual Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday, March 2nd from 3 to 7pm at the club house located at 501 West Grand River in Fowlerville. The Spaghetti Dinner will raise awareness and funds for activities. There is a suggested donation of $10 a person for dinner.
By hosting the fundraiser at the club house, organizers hope to educate the community about what theyâre doing and the impact they are having on peopleâs lives. (JM)
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