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Authorities Say "Death List" By Parker Middle School Student Not CredibleAuthorities Say "Death List" By Parker Middle School Student Not Credible

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The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident involving a 14-year-old Parker Middle School student who allegedly put together a “death list” of students and teachers targeted for harm. The Sheriff’s Office has determined that there was no credible threat to students and staff. Howell Public Schools Director of Public Relations Tom Gould tells WHMI the student did not have a plan or the means to harm any students or staff. He says Superintendent Erin MacGregor was notified Thursday night by local law enforcement officials that they were conducting an investigation into a student who had created a list of Parker Middle School students and staff who the student would like to see harmed. He says the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office visited the student’s home and spoke with the 14-year-old male student and his family. After a thorough investigation, he says it was determined there was no credible threat... Both the district and the sheriff's office are still completing their investigations and the 14-year-old will be out of school until that time. Gould says they’ll talk to some students that may have been involved and others who are friends with the student. Depending on the outcome of the investigations, he says the student could face discipline from the findings. Gould thanked the Sheriff’s Office for all of their help Thursday night, saying deputies quickly worked to assess what was going on and determined the threat was not credible – which in turn allowed them to bring in students and hold classes as normal on Friday. Meanwhile also on Thursday night, Howell Police investigated a Twitter post in which a Howell High School student threatened to shoot up the school. 17-year-old Sarah Hiler was jailed and is facing charges of Making a Threat of Terrorism and Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. (JM)

Voting Open For Salute to the Stars Dance CompetitionVoting Open For Salute to the Stars Dance Competition

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Livingston County senior citizens benefit from votes cast in a local celebrity dance competition set for mid-March. Online voting for fan favorites in the annual Livingston County Catholic Charities Celebrity Dance Competition opened on Wednesday and continues through March 17th. Each vote cast is $5, and supports the agency’s outreach services to local seniors. Four teams compete in the event set for March 18th at 6:30 pm at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township. A Fan Favorite award goes to the couple who raises the most funds for LCCC, while a panel of four judges decides the overall winners. Along with the dance competition there will be strolling dinner stations, mini auction, honoree presentation and cash bar. To vote on-line for dance teams go to www.livingstoncatholiccharities.org. The cost to attend Salute to the Stars is $60 per person, or $440 for a table of eight. Tickets are available through March 10th. Last year over 83% of the seniors served were at or below the national poverty level. For ticket information, follow the link below or by contacting Julie Amman at (517) 545-5944. (DS)

Mt. Brighton Ski Area Doing Well Despite Mild WinterMt. Brighton Ski Area Doing Well Despite Mild Winter

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The Mount Brighton Ski Area has managed to keep its head above water despite a warm winter. Mt. Brighton was closed at mid-week due to an insufficient base. However, the ski lodge has reopened for the weekend and the snow guns were busy on Friday applying fresh powder on the slopes. The Detroit Free Press quotes General Manager Chris Sorensen as saying Mt. Brighton has fared well, despite the up-and-down weather. He says the ski area can go from no snow cover in two days using its high tech snow making machines. The ski area in Genoa Twp., just outside the city of Brighton, was bought by Vail Resorts a few years ago and $10 million was spent on improving the ski area. Despite temperatures expected to reach the mid-50s later this week, Sorensen says he is optimistic that the ski area will have a good March. On the other hand, the Alpine Valley Ski Area in White Lake Twp. previously closed for the season. Operations Mgr. Gail Crocker says they’ve managed to stay afloat, in spite of the relatively warm weather.(TT)

Brighton Township Looks At SELCRA For Upcoming BudgetBrighton Township Looks At SELCRA For Upcoming Budget

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A move by Brighton Township could save money in the budget in the next fiscal year. Over the next month Brighton Township will be hashing over its budget, including a line item for funding the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority (SELCRA). The Board of Trustees recently heard from new SELCRA Director Jason Spiller, who proposed changing the way Brighton Township and Green Oak split the costs for participating in the organization. Township Manager Brian Vick says a change would mean a savings of nearly $11,600 over the next year. Vick says the SELCRA Board has suggested moving toward a 60/40 split, which would lower Brighton Township's cost for participation rate. He says their two year average was 2,058, and that represented 66 percent. Currently the township pays SELCRA on a per participant basis, which means the township paid an average of $161,630 for programs over the last two years. Under the new funding plan, the township will pay $150,000, while Green Oak pays $100,000. Vick says the current funding plan has been in place since the city of Brighton and Genoa Township were part of the organization. Last year SELCRA underwent a dramatic change leaving just Brighton Township and Green Oak to support it. Two months ago Spiller took over directorship of SELCRA, but Vick says he’s already making plans to expand programming. Vick says Spiller is proposing to add more adult recreation offerings like soccer and basketball, as well as enrichment programs including sewing. The township board will vote on the new budget on March 20th. (DS)

Oak Park Man Sentenced In Local Store Break-InsOak Park Man Sentenced In Local Store Break-Ins

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One of the two Oak Park men police say are responsible for break-ins at two retail stores in Livingston County has been sentenced. 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. Williams pleaded guilty as charged last month and was sentenced Thursday to 54 months to 25 years in prison with a credit of 121 days served. The court did recommend that any and all substance abuse services within the Michigan Department of Corrections be provided to Williams. Restitution has been reserved. His co-defendant also pleaded guilty as charged last month and is set to be sentenced March 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 Sheriff’s 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. (DK)

Lane Closures On US-23 This Week Lane Closures On US-23 This Week

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Lane closures could result in traffic delays for area motorists this week. Starting at 7:00 tonight, there will be a single lane closure on southbound US-23 between Joy Road and Warren Road. M-DOT says the lane closure is needed for a traffic shift and is expected to be lifted by 5am on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday and Thursday, there will be a single lane closure on northbound US-23 between North Territorial Road and Barker Road. The lane closure will be in place each night between 8pm and 7am and is needed so crews can implement a traffic shift. (JM)

Oceola Agrees To Help Fund Road Projects Oceola Agrees To Help Fund Road Projects

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One local township will be splitting the cost of work on two of its roadways this construction season. In Oceola Township the Board of Trustees agreed Thursday night to share the costs of resurfacing, ditch and tree cutting work on Fisher Road between Clyde and Allen and Clyde Road between Fisher and Reds Way. Both roads are unpaved. Township Supervisor Bill Bamber says township trustees agreed to proceed with redoing the structure of Clyde Road from Red's Way to Fisher Road, a 3/4 mile stretch including ditching, tree trimming and 8 inches of limestone. Cooperating with Howell Township to do ditching and tree trimming and applying gravel to a one mile stretch of Fisher Road from Clyde to Allen Road. The township board agreed to have Culver Excavating do the work on Fisher Road at a cost of $86,000, which Oceola will split with Howell Township. Trustees agreed to allow the road to be surfaced with gravel rather than limestone, which is what it would typically use. The $150,000 cost for Clyde Road will be split with the Livingston County Road Commission, leaving the township to pay $92,000 for surface limestone. The Road Commission will cover the cost of ditch work and tree trimming along that three-quarter mile stretch. Along with the road proposals, the township agreed to award a contract to Michigan Chloride to treat the township’s public roads at about $.19 per gallon. (DS)

Reunification Workshop Teaches Response and Recovery in School CrisisReunification Workshop Teaches Response and Recovery in School Crisis

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Members of local school communities and preparedness partners participated in a training session last week to learn how to best respond in crisis situations. Educators, emergency-responders, school officials and even high school students attended the workshop held at the EMS Public Safety Complex in Howell Township. The seminar focused on school crisis management and ensuring seamless reunification and recovery procedures between parents and their children. The event was led by Dr. Melissa Reeves and Executive Director and Founder Michele Gay of the Safe and Sound Schools initiative. Gay tells WHMI the goal is to help prepare stakeholders for the unexpected. The multi-disciplinary teams were proposed with real-life scenarios and participated in exercises, discussing what they felt was the best course of action. Gay brought a perspective to the seminar as a once-public school teacher, as well as the mother of one of the children who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Following the tragedy, Gay and another affected parent founded Safe and Sound Schools in 2013 in hopes of empowering and educating other communities. In order to build schools’ safety and security, Gay feels those involved in a school crisis must be aware of available resources and of one another beforehand, so they are not faced with it for the first time at the crisis site. Gay says she was impressed by the number of stakeholders and the various groups that turned out for the workshop, as it speaks to their dedication for protecting the area’s schools and children. Pictured left to right; Dr. Melissa Reeves, Jennifer Kramer with the Livingston County Department of Public Health and Michele Gay. (DK)

Red Wing Alumni Will Hit The Ice In BrightonRed Wing Alumni Will Hit The Ice In Brighton

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Local hockey enthusiasts will get a chance this weekend to watch a game featuring several Red Wing legends while benefiting four local charities. The 8th annual Hockey Night in Brighton will take place Saturday at 1:30pm at the Kensington Valley Ice House. It will feature the Red Wing Alumni Association, including players like John O’Grodnick and Mickey Redmond, taking on a group of players from The Well Church. Proceeds will benefit North Star Reach, Livingston County Shop With a Cop, The Arc of Livingston and Reaching Higher. Tickets to the game are $10 at the door. There will also be a fundraising dinner and auction afterward. You’ll find details through the link below. (JK)

Alert System Seeking Cell Phone Users To "Opt-In" For NotificationsAlert System Seeking Cell Phone Users To "Opt-In" For Notifications

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A new system is online to help alert local residents about emergency situations, and officials are encouraging those without land lines to join in. The Livingston County Emergency Management Department is officially rolling out the Emergency Alert System that can send direct messages in times of imminent danger to allow citizens to take shelter or other actions as needed. The system is designed to allow emergency responders and community officials to contact and warn the county’s population in its entirety or specific areas. Therese Cremonte is Livingston County’s Emergency Manager and tells WHMI that they’ve already added in all of the numbers listed in the Yellow and White pages. But that means those who don't have land lines will need to “opt-in” to sign-up and register to receive cell phone, text, or email alerts. Cremonte says that while registering, residents can choose more than one type of contact, and prioritize the order of the alerting. She adds that residents can also sign up for less urgent non-emergency notifications, such as specified weather alerts. You’ll find the link to add your cell phone below. Cremonte emphasized that all information provide by citizens in the system is kept strictly confidential and that each individual’s profile may be adjusted as often as required to meet their needs. The emergency alerting project was spearheaded by the Livingston County Emergency Management Department, with support from the Livingston County Board of Commissioners and Livingston County Central Dispatch. (JK)

Fenton Teen Killed In Weekend ShootingFenton Teen Killed In Weekend Shooting

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The investigation is continuing into a fatal shooting over the weekend at a home in Fenton Township. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office was called to a home on Moffett Drive late Saturday night. Once on scene they found an 18-year old Fenton resident with a gunshot wound to the head. Brady Morris was transported to Genesys Health Park in Grand Blanc, where he later died. Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell told WNEM that 9-11 got a call from a 16-year-old saying he had killed his friend. Investigators arrived at the home and took the 16-year-old into custody. He’s being held at a regional detention center. Morris had reportedly been living at the home. Both teens attended Lake Fenton High School in the 2015/2016 year. The two were known to play Russian Roulette but Pickell said he does not believe that’s what happened Saturday. The investigation is continuing but Pickell said it revealed the 16-year-old went into the bathroom, loaded a round into the magazine of a Glock .45, returned to the bedroom, put the gun to the Morris’ head and pulled the trigger. He added that hundreds of rounds of shell casings were found in a crawl space next to the bedroom, and bullet holes were found in several pieces of furniture from prior occasions. Several teens were reportedly at the home of the time of the shooting. An autopsy is scheduled today. Facebook picture. (JK/JM)

Fire Destroys Auto Parts Store In Highland TownshipFire Destroys Auto Parts Store In Highland Township

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A major fire in Highland Township closed down M-59 in both directions for several hours this morning. The fire in the NAPA Auto Parts store on North Milford Road forced officials to closed M-59 in both directions at North Milford Road until about 8:30am. Flames could be seen coming from the building. Several fire departments from surrounding communities were requested to assist in battling the blaze, which destroyed the store. The business was closed at the time and there were no reports of injuries. The North Oakland County Hazmat Team was notified and responded to the scene. Deputies with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Highland Township substation assisted with several road closures and detouring traffic from the scene. An OCSO fire investigator will be assisting the Highland Township Fire Department with a cause and origin investigation. Picture courtesy of WXYZ.

Brighton & Highland Twp. To Host Inside/Out ExhibitsBrighton & Highland Twp. To Host Inside/Out Exhibits

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Two local communities will be taking part this year in an annual program from the Detroit Institute of Arts that places reproductions of artwork outdoors. This year the museum is collaborating for "Inside/Out" to include 10 reproductions of objects from the collection of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Reproductions from both museums will be in 11 communities from April to July, including Brighton, and in 10 other venues from August to October, with Highland Township participating for the first time. Each community will have seven to 12 clustered within walking or biking distance. Exact locations will be posted online. The DIA says they are expanding the number of installation sites from approximately 80 to 120 per three-month season. The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation sponsors the program, now in its eighth year. (JK)

CASA Trainees See Their Soon-To-Be Role At WorkCASA Trainees See Their Soon-To-Be Role At Work

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Local volunteers who want to take a stand for abused and neglected children in the court system got a little closer to what will be their platform in their efforts of advocacy. Training concluded in February for the newest group of CASA hopefuls, or Court Appointed Special Advocates. The CASA program is part of the Howell LACASA Center and teaches its volunteers how to represent a child’s best interest in cases of abuse and neglect. CASAs have many responsibilities, such as visiting the child or children to which they are assigned every 7 to 10 days. They must perform investigations into the different sectors of a child’s life in order to develop recommendations in terms of what is best for the child. Another major duty is attending every hearing in the child’s case, which the latest CASA class got a glimpse of on Monday. I attended an observation session in Judge Miriam Cavanaugh’s courtroom with several other volunteers I trained with and the program’s leaders. Judge Cavanaugh handles the entire child abuse and neglect court docket in Livingston County so we were exposed to real situations that could be similar to what we will experience and work with as a CASA. CASA Program Executive Director Sara Applegate says it helps to take everything we’ve learned and see it in action. We were able to watch the court system at work, while identifying with the legal terms we've been taught and how a CASA interacts with the different parties of the case. Now that the volunteers have had the secondary experience of carrying out the role of a CASA in court, the next step is post-training interviews. The trainees will receive feedback from the program’s leaders and decide if they feel this position is right for them. Those that choose to become a CASA will be sworn in as officers of the court on March 20th, joining the ranks of the program’s 53 other volunteers. (DK)

Final Series Of Meetings Set For Public Input On Commuter Rail Project Final Series Of Meetings Set For Public Input On Commuter Rail Project

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A series of meetings this month will try and further the effort to make a commuter rail proposal into reality. The North-South Commuter Rail project has been a 10-year initiative comprised of several organizations working to create a public transit option in Livingston County. More popularly known as WALLY, for the Washtenaw and Livingston Line, the proposed 27-mile long commuter rail service would run on existing tracks that connect Ann Arbor and Howell, with several stops proposed between the two cities. Promoters say it is represents a cost-effective alternative to ease traffic congestion along US-23 and to promote economic development and job creation in the region. They note that nearly 75% of Livingston County residents commute out of the county to work each day. A study is ongoing by the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority to assess the overall feasibility of the North-South Commuter Rail service and part of that process are community input meetings. Two previous sets of such sessions have been held, with a third and final series set this month. The first will be Monday, March 20th at the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce. That will be followed on Tuesday the 21st at the Northfield Township offices and then on Wednesday the 22nd at Eberwhite Elementary School in Ann Arbor. All three meetings will run from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Organizers say the intent of the meetings will be to provide an update on the status of the project including cost and ridership projections, as well as information on governance and funding strategies. There will be a presentation at the beginning of all three meetings, followed by a discussion to answer questions and obtain public input. For additional information, contact Michael Benham at AAATA at (734) 794-1851 or mbenham@theride.org. (JK)

Medical Marijuana Patients Speak Out About County Grant Program Medical Marijuana Patients Speak Out About County Grant Program

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The Livingston County Board of Commissioners heard concerns Monday night from a large group of card-carrying patients about a new grant-funded Medical Marihuana monitoring program. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office received a grant award of $47,438 for education, communication and enforcement of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. This is the first time the Sheriff’s Office has applied for the grant and some language included was of concern to cardholders and caregivers. An estimated 1,800 people within Livingston County are medical marijuana cardholders. In an effort to ensure that cardholders are adhering to the law, the Sheriff’s Office established the oversight program funded by the 2017 Michigan Medical Marihuana Operation and Oversight Grant. The grant funds would provide electronic equipment, community education and communication resources. Among some of the concerning items patients found of serious concern were four Tasers listed in the grant budget, which will be removed. Those who spoke all raised questions about the constitutionality of potential home-compliance checks, concerns for their children and if they would be targeted. The majority were also leery of providing their last names for the meeting record and refused to do so. Shannon who lives in Howell and was diagnosed in December of 2015 with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She told commissioners that without a specific type of oil, she probably would not be alive today- saying it allows her to get through the day without taking any kind of pharmaceutical drugs. Another cardholder and mother named Jen from Brighton was worried about safety and privacy for fellow patients. She has a very rare genetic disorder and told commissioners she chooses cannabis over dangerous prescription drugs, which have become an epidemic locally, and feels grant funds could be put to better use. Jen pointed out there was $2,000 in the budget for educational sessions and literature – saying more was being spent on batteries than educational materials for the public and it’s disturbing. She feels the grant budget should be revised and that someone with knowledge needs to be educating the public – further commenting she does not want to be tasered. Livingston County Undersheriff Jeff Warder told the crowd they respect and understand their concerns, which are legitimate. There are three prongs to the grant - education, communication and compliance – which he says is directed more “if and when” there are ever dispensaries in the county. Warder stated the number one priority is to educate the community so everyone is compliant and doing the right thing, but also make sure they’re here to help and support – not harass - those people who need marijuana for medical purposes. A resolution was ultimately approved to proceed with the grant program, but Warder stressed the budget will be revised and future internal meetings are planned. Commissioners sympathized with the concerns of patients who spoke out during call to the public, many of them terminally ill. Commissioner and retired Sheriff Bob Bezotte told WHMI he felt the pain of those who spoke and knows it firsthand, saying he has family members fighting the same battle and his heart goes out to them. He says the intent of the grant program is to educate the public - not knock on the doors of law abiding patients, although sometimes tips are received that must followed up on. (JM)

Springtime Seasonal Load Restrictions Modified In Livingston County Springtime Seasonal Load Restrictions Modified In Livingston County

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The Livingston County Road Commission is modifying spring weight restrictions. Effective 6am this Wednesday, the springtime seasonal load restrictions on county roads in Livingston County will be modified and trucks will be permitted to carry normal legal axle loads. Annual transportation permits will be valid for oversize loads only. The Road Commission says weighmasters will continue to patrol and issue citations for overweight loads. Some roads may be posted with truck weight restrictions based on localized conditions. The frost laws are available to road commissions every year, lowering the weight limit on certain roads to prevent them from cracking as the ground beneath them thaws. (JM)

Utility Reminds Taxpayers Of Available Heating CreditUtility Reminds Taxpayers Of Available Heating Credit

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In the midst of tax season, Consumers Energy is spreading the word about a tax credit that some residents may be eligible to file for. Spokeswoman Debra Dodd says many are unaware of the Michigan Home Heating Credit and federal Earned Income Tax Credit, which is available to homeowners or the taxpayer that is paying the residence’s heating bill. Eligibility for the credit is contingent on a taxpayer’s income, but is the only heating assistance that does not require applicants to fall behind on paying their energy bill. The credit can be used for all types of primary heating fuels, including natural gas, electricity, propane, oil and purchased firewood. Dodd says forms to claim the credit can still be filed by eligible applicants through September 30th of this year. Dodd says last year’s average credit for Consumers Energy customers amounted to about $150, though applicants do not have to be Consumers Energy customers to receive it. Dodd says it’s something to consider because there is a significant amount of money that goes unclaimed each year by those who are unaware of the Home Heating Credit. You can find more information about eligibility requirements and filing at the link below. (DK)

Fenton Looks To Add Cameras At Millpond GazeboFenton Looks To Add Cameras At Millpond Gazebo

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One local municipality is considering installing surveillance cameras in an effort to curb vandalism in its parks. The City of Fenton has had a rash of vandalism at its Mill Pond Gazebo over the last several years and is planning to install high tech surveillance cameras to catch those responsible. City Manager Lynn Markland told City Council Monday night the cameras could cost as much as $4,000 to $6,000, but will have the ability to enlarge the image of the those causing the damage. Markland tells WHMI the problem isn’t new. He says they are looking for a way to try and if not stop the vandalism, find out who is doing it. He says the damage gets expensive and when the gazebo is in disrepair it doesn't make the city look nice either. He says they want to try to reduce the damage and if they can, catch the perpetrators. Markland says once the camera is installed at the gazebo it will be monitored through central dispatch. He says there is also a problem at Bush Park with people burning picnic tables and vandalizing the gazebo there as well. He says continually having to repair the damage and replace the picnic tables gets costly. The city hopes to look at installing video cameras there eventually as well. He says he has no idea who the perpetrators are, but hesitates to blame local youth. Markland says every community has vandalism that happens once in a while, but it is not always the kids. He says Fenton has some pretty good people living there, so he doesn’t want to speculate who might be causing the problems. (DS)

Murder Trial Delayed Again For Milford WomanMurder Trial Delayed Again For Milford Woman

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A trial date has again been delayed for a Milford woman charged with murder in connection with her husband's death. Yvonne Cortis was charged with open murder following the death of 68-year-old Greg Cortis, who died from injuries sustained in the November 2015 crowbar attack. She was originally to have stood trial last October, but court records show that it has been delayed until May 1st, the second such adjournment. The previous delays were so Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews could decide on the admissibility of statements Cortis made to police. She ultimately ruled that what Cortis said outside of a patrol car was voluntary and could be used at her trial, while everything said after she was inside the car could not be admitted because she was then technically in custody and they were made prior to her being read her Miranda rights. The most recent delay is to allow for further investigation by a self-defense expert. Cortis was also charged with a count of animal torture for beating the family dog in the attack. Family members said the 59-year-old Milford woman has a history of mental illness, although a mental exam determined she was competent to assist in her own defense. Police say Cortis admitted to beating her husband and dog to put "them out of their misery," although it’s not known if that was one of the statements ruled inadmissible. Cortis remains held without bond. (JK)
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