A recent dance competition has raised funds to help local seniors.
The Livingston County Catholic Charities annual âSalute to the Stars & Celebrity Dance Competitionâ was held this past Saturday at Crystal Gardens in Genoa Township. Four teams competed for the overall Dance Competition trophy, with each choosing a dance routine to perform which they then spent weeks practicing. Judges for the dance competition were local writers Maria Stuart and Mona Shand, along with Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy and Crystal Thoman. Together they selected Renee & Ed Chodkowski, who performed a character theme dance style to a music mix including âBad to the Boneâ and âGirls Just Want to Have Fun.â
A Fan Favorite was also awarded to Dr. Terry and Kate Braciszewski, who raised the most funds through the on-line voting leading up to the event and in-house voting that night. That $5,448 was part of the more than $17,000 raised to help support LCCCâs Senior Outreach programs that serve home bound and low income county seniors. (JK)
Local Celebrity Dance Competition Helps Local Senior Services Local Celebrity Dance Competition Helps Local Senior Services
↧
↧
Howell Teen Charged With School Threat Heads To TrialHowell Teen Charged With School Threat Heads To Trial
A student has been bound over on charges connected to a threat she reportedly made to shoot up Howell High School.
17-year-old Sarah Hiler was charged earlier this month with Making a Threat of Terrorism and Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. Hiler appeared in 53rd District Court Wednesday for a probable cause conference and was subsequently bound over to Circuit Court for trial. Future court dates for Hiler have not been set at this time.
Howell Police were contacted March 2nd by Howell High School administrators concerning an anonymous threat on Twitter that referenced âshooting up the school.â Police Chief George Basar says investigators were able to confirm Hiler as the individual who posted the Tweet, which was made on an account using a fake name. Basar says even though they determined the threat itself was not credible, Hiler was arrested and jailed.
Hilerâs family has previously said she was being bullied through text messages and social media, but felt that she couldnât talk to school counselors about the harassment. If convicted, Hiler faces up to 20 years in prison. (DK)
↧
Motion: Judge & Detective Had Extensive Phone Contacts During Murder TrialMotion: Judge & Detective Had Extensive Phone Contacts During Murder Trial
New allegations have surfaced in the divorce case of a Livingston County judge which continues to call into question the conviction of a man for a 2008 double homicide in Oceola Township.
A motion (posted below) filed Tuesday in Livingston County Circuit Court by Donald Root, the estranged husband of 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan, alleges that phone records will prove Brennan made three phone calls to Michigan State Police Lt. Sean Furlong during the 2013 murder trial of Jerome Kowalski, who was charged in the murders of his brother and sister-in-law in their Lyngre Drive home. Kowalski was ultimately convicted in the case based on a confession he made to Lt. Furlong, who was the lead detective in the case, and sentenced to life in prison.
Depositions from the divorce case, which was filed last December, have already revealed that Brennan and Furlong were engaged in a sexual affair, although they insist it didn't begin until after the trial. Root has said it began as early as 2009 and that Brennan and Furlong actively concealed that fact leading up to and during the trial. According to the motion, the cell phone number Brennan used at the time of the 2013 trial belonged to Root and the records show the pair spoke three times during the trial, twice on January 17, 2013. The first call was at 8:53pm and lasted 9 minutes. The second was at 10:14pm for 17 minutes. A third call, lasting 9 minutes, was reportedly made that weekend while Brennan was in Washington D.C. The motion describes the calls as "seriously improper" and indicate Brennan violated judicial ethics by contacting a witness during a murder trial. It also says they are "the tip of the iceberg" and that between January 4, 2013 and Kowalski's sentencing on March 5, 2013, there were 37 calls between the two that totaled 363 minutes.
Root's attorney, Tom Kizer, further states in the motion that the phone records indicate Brennan lied under oath when she stated that she and Furlong only spoke once by phone during the trial. But Kizer includes a portion of Furlong's deposition in which he is asked if they had any contact during the trial and he answers "no" at which point Brennan, who was present, interjects that they did have one phone contact. When Kizer objects to her "coaching" the witness, Brennan says she isn't coaching Furlong, adding, "He's forgetting." After the exchange, Furlong changed his answer from "no" to "I don't recall."
Root further alleges Brennan has tried to intimidate several former co-workers who have testified in the case, including 53rd District Court Administrator Francine Zysk, Assistant Prosecutor Shawn Ryan and former court clerk Jessica Yakel. The motion seeks sanctions against Brennan for her alleged âbad behaviorâ and will be heard April 4th by Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Janelle Lawless. (JK)
↧
US-23 To Close At Six Mile Road Early Sunday Morning For 15 Minutes US-23 To Close At Six Mile Road Early Sunday Morning For 15 Minutes
Motorists traveling in either direction of US-23 at Six Mile Road early Sunday morning could experience delays.
The Michigan Department of Transportation advises that at 5am Sunday both northbound and southbound US-23 at Six Mile Road will be closed for approximately 15 minutes for utility relocation. Law enforcement will be assisting with the closure.
More construction will continue next week in Livingston County at Barker Road and US-23.
Starting on Monday and continuing through Friday, April 7th, one lane of traffic will be open on Barker Road using flag control. That traffic configuration will be in place each day between 9am and 2pm.
Also on Monday, starting at 7pm lasting through 5am Tuesday, there will be intermittent, 15 minute stoppages of traffic on Barker Road at US-23 so crews can set beams on the bridge. (JM)
↧
Love Inc. Celebrates 10 Years and Community's SupportLove Inc. Celebrates 10 Years and Community's Support
An open house in Howell Thursday recognized the communityâs helping hands and the 10th anniversary for an area nonprofit.
Love Inc., which stands for Love in the Name of Christ, is celebrating 40 years on a national level; however the local branch that serves Livingston County has been doing so for a decade. The organization is housed in a facility donated by the countyâs Board of Commissioners and was full of supporters and community members at their open house celebration.
The nonprofit is built on a foundation of volunteers and churches that work together to meet the basic needs of struggling individuals or families. Volunteers verify the requested needs before bringing them to the churches they work with to help fill them. Executive Director Katherine Janego says last year, Love Inc. had approximately 4,000 volunteers that contributed over 11,000 hours of volunteer time.
Janego tells WHMI the goal is to establish a relationship with the people they serve while helping to address their needs. The organization's accepts around 800 phone calls a month and handles the requests in a full, slow intake. Janego says that's because they believe in a relational ministry that makes people feel loved by offering prayer and hope.
Board Treasurer Tom Lampert has been involved with Love Inc. for about three years and says the organization is âall about life transformationâ. Lampert continually hears what he calls âlove storiesâ, or stories from the people the organization helps. Thatâs what sets the organization apart- Lampert says Love Inc. listens to an individualâs whole story instead of just one part, âbecause often there is more than what meets the eyeâ.
Both Janego and Lampert reiterated how grateful they are for the churchesâ and community support, and that the organizationâs mission would not be possible without it. (DK)
↧
↧
Judge Denies Local Woman's Attempt To Withdraw Plea In Fatal CrashJudge Denies Local Woman's Attempt To Withdraw Plea In Fatal Crash
A Howell woman that was already sentenced for her role in a fatal motorcycle crash and looking to withdraw her plea has been denied.
A hearing was held in Livingston County Circuit Court for a motion that sought to withdraw a plea from 32-year-old Lisa Finlayson. Finlayson was sentenced last year on charges related to the August 18th crash in 2015 that resulted in the death of a Howell man.
On Thursday, Judge Miriam Cavanaugh denied the motion to withdraw her plea and the courtâs judgement of sentencing. Finlayson will serve the 86 months to 15 years she received, after she pleaded guilty in July to a felony charge of Operating with the Presence of Cocaine Causing Death and a misdemeanor of Operating with the Presence of Cocaine with an Occupant less than 16.
51-year-old Lawrence Pettis of Howell was killed in the incident, after Finlayson struck his motorcycle from behind, pushing it into another vehicle. Her then three-year-old son was a passenger in her car. In August, Finlayson also attempted to flee while being transported to court for a hearing in the crash case. She was captured and charged with one count of escape while awaiting trial for a felony. Future court dates in that case are tentatively scheduled for April. (DK)
↧
Amended Resolution Submitted To State For Brew Pub In HowellAmended Resolution Submitted To State For Brew Pub In Howell
An application for a tax abatement that would aid in building rehabilitation for a brewpub in the City of Howell has been revised and submitted to the state.
Aberrant Ales would be a standard brew pub with kitchen and dining facilities. Council previously expanded the Cityâs Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District, thus making the property at 219 West Grand River eligible for a tax abatement to aid the owner in cleaning up and redeveloping the site to move the project forward.
Council originally approved an OPRA abatement for Abberant Ales and then submitted required paperwork to the state. However, the language needed to be reworked in the resolution and resubmitted to the state, which was done in late February. City Manager Shea Charles said the state requested a few things be tweaked. It was noted because the brewing equipment is designated as manufacturing, it doesnât qualify for OPRA. Therefore, council ended up extending the abatement period to six years instead of five based on the new ruling from the state and removed the brewing area from the abatement.
Charles says the resolution approved by council cleaned that up and other language changes the state requested. He says the city has done other OPRAâs before and they run in to similar situations every so often where the State Tax Commission has modified the rules subsequent to initial feedback. The state will have to decide on whether it will grant the school millage abatement in addition to the local tax abatement. Charles says they should know that sometime in the next few months.
City staff has been working with Clark Gill since 2015 to redevelop the western half of the Country Squire building where the brew pub would be located downtown. However, progress was slowed by the discovery of environmental issues from a former car dealership located on the site. The environmental cleanup work added substantial costs to the project. The potential abatement would freeze the existing taxable value on the property now that it is included in the expanded OPRA district. If granted, that in turn provides an incentive for Gill to make significant improvements to the building without increasing property taxes on it. Facebook photo. (JM)
↧
Competency Exam Ordered For Fenton Teen Charged With Friend's MurderCompetency Exam Ordered For Fenton Teen Charged With Friend's Murder
A Fenton teenager accused of fatally shooting his friend inside his home has been ordered to undergo forensic testing.
Frank J. Manley, attorney for 16-year-old Abdurrahman (Abdu) Ahmed Akl, requested the exam which will determine if Akl was competent at the time of the incident and is able to assist in his own defense. The motion was granted by Judge Mark McCabe in Genesee County Central District Court Thursday. A follow up hearing for the forensic evaluation has been set for May 24th.
Akl is charged as an adult with Open Murder, Receiving and Concealing a Stolen Firearm, and two counts of Felony Firearms in the shooting death of 18-year-old Brady Alan Morris. The incident took place March 4th when police responded to Aklâs home in Fenton Township after a 9-1-1 report of a male with a gunshot wound to the head. Upon arrival, police were met by Akl outside of the home and took him into custody without incident. At the same time, a semi-automatic pistol was found on the front porch and secured by police.
Authorities say evidence from their investigation indicates that Akl and Morris, who were friends, were alone on the first floor of the residence when the shooting occurred and other members of Aklâs family and one other guest were on the second and third floors. According to the autopsy report, it appears that Morris was shot from behind at point blank range on the top left side of his head. Akl is currently being held without bond at the Genesee Valley Regional Detention Center. (DK)
↧
Howell's Don Burgett Passes Away At 91Howell's Don Burgett Passes Away At 91
A World War II legend has passed away.
Donald R. Burgett of Howell died just after 6pm Thursday surrounded by his family. He had been in hospice care a short time. He was 91. Born in Detroit on April 5, 1925, Burgett was a member of A Company, 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division when he jumped into Normandy in the early morning of June 6, 1944.
Wounded twice, Burgett fought his way through France, Holland and Belgium and ended up in Hitler's Eagles Nest by war's end. He was one of only eleven men out of the original 200 in his company to survive from D-Day in Normandy to the war's end. Burgettâs memoir of the Normandy invasion, âCurrahee; A Screaming Eagle at Normandy,â was widely praised when it was released in 1967 as the first account of the invasion from the perspective of an infantryman and was endorsed by no less than General Dwight Eisenhower. He would also write four other books about his airborne service.
Burgett made his final trip back to Normandy in 2014 when he was awarded the French Légion of Honour, the highest decoration in France. Funeral arrangements are pending. (JK)
↧
↧
Another Howell High School Student Arrested After ThreatAnother Howell High School Student Arrested After Threat
UPDATE: The Livingston County Prosecutor's Office says the suspect is being charged as a juvenile with communicating a threat of terrorism.
For the second time in a month, a Howell High School student is behind bars after making a threat of violence against the school.
Howell Police say they were contacted at about 3:30 Thursday afternoon by administrators with Howell High School about a phone call they had received from a student advising them that another student had âcommented on a threat of violence directed toward the High School for the following day and involving a firearm.â Howell Police immediately began an investigation and within two hours they were able to locate the individual and take him into custody. The 16 year-old-male suspect is a Marion Township resident and is currently lodged in juvenile detention pending formal charges and arraignment. Howell Police Chief George Basar thanked the districtâs administrators for their assistance and commended officers and investigators for their diligent efforts to bring the matter to a swift conclusion.
This latest arrest comes three weeks after another Howell High school student, 17-year-old Sarah Hiler, made a threat on Twitter to âshoot up the school.â She has since been charged with Making a Threat of Terrorism and Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. (JK)
↧
Vaupel Bill Would Help Mothers Surrendering Newborns Remain AnonymousVaupel Bill Would Help Mothers Surrendering Newborns Remain Anonymous
A local politician is spearheading a bill that would help protect mothers who want to give up their newborns for adoption.
State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township delivered testimony this week to the House Health Policy Committee in support of his bill that would allow birth mothers surrendering their babies to remain anonymous. Under current law, which was adopted in 2000, women are allowed to anonymously surrender their newborns at police stations, fire stations, and hospitals within 72 hours of birth. A name would still be recorded on the childâs birth certificate, however.
This new legislation would allow birth mothers to be listed as âunknownâ and babies will be named âBaby Doe.â Vaupel told WHMI that the bill has the support of many in the medical groups and others health care community. Under the current law 175 newborns have been safely delivered with most being placed into stable, loving homes. Vaupel believes the new bill could encourage even more mothers to make a safe decision on the childâs behalf.
The Committee will vote on the bill next week, and if it passes as expected, will then go to the House floor. A similar bill has already passed through the Senate, and if Vaupelâs goes through the House, both sides will consider which will go before the governor for signature. (MK)
↧
South Lyon City Council Approves Rezoning For Possible Self-Storage Facility South Lyon City Council Approves Rezoning For Possible Self-Storage Facility
A challenging site could potentially be home to a self-storage facility in the City of South Lyon.
A property located at 500 Stryker adjacent to the South Lyon Cemetery was recently rezoned by the City Council. Itâs anticipated that a seven-building storage facility totaling approximately 74,000-square-feet would be developed. The planning commission recommended self-storage for the conditional rezoning, which would prohibit other uses including residential. The long, narrow property is said to be a challenging site and the South Lyon Herald reports one-third of the property is part of the Yerkes Drain, a stream that flows through the area. A planning consultant commented most uses would need a second means of access and after weighing options, a storage facility would have the least impact on the cemetery and a manufactured-housing development behind it.
If the project does come to fruition, screening and landscaping would be required. Additional fire hydrant could be required for suppression and the project would have to go back to the planning commission for final site-plan review. (JM)
↧
Florida Man Ordered Resentenced For 2015 Choking IncidentFlorida Man Ordered Resentenced For 2015 Choking Incident
The state appeals court has ordered the resentencing of a Florida man convicted of trying to strangle a woman in Livingston County.
The Michigan Court of Appeals issued an order this week vacating the sentence of 44-year-old Billie Gene Tobler. Tobler was sentenced in 2015 to serve 9 to 30 years in prison after pleading no contest to assault by strangulation. Police say Tobler twice choked a female companion while they were visiting her friend in Brighton on January 1st of 2015. After they left, the victim said Tobler continued the argument and when she tried to get out of the vehicle, he grabbed her hair and prevented her from getting out. She eventually convinced Tobler to stop at a store so she could use the restroom, where she contacted authorities.
In his appeal, Tobler argued that his sentencing score was calculated incorrectly to include the fact that he had violently pulled the victimâs hair, although that happened after the choking incident, which was the sole basis of the charge. He also claimed the sentence calculation assumed they were living together at the time, which the appeals court agreed was not the case. Based on those two errors, it ordered that Tobler be resentenced.
Tobler remains incarcerated at the Saginaw Correctional Facility. His earliest date for potential release is December 31st of 2023, although that could change once he is resentenced. A date for that has yet to be set. (JK)
↧
↧
Livingston County Encouraging Particpation In Statewide Tornado Drill April 19thLivingston County Encouraging Particpation In Statewide Tornado Drill April 19th
Livingston County agencies will be taking part in a statewide tornado drill in April and officials are urging private citizens, local businesses, schools and organizations to do the same.
The County Board of Commissioners previously approved a resolution for all county agencies to participate in the statewide drill that will take place at 1:00pm on Wednesday, April 19th. Livingston County Emergency Manager Therese Cremonte tells WHMI the drill provides an opportunity for everyone to practice their current disaster preparedness plans or make one. She says they should cover all hazards - not just severe weather or fires and the drill provides a time to actually practice.
Meanwhile, Cremonte says they are still encouraging residents without land lines to voluntarily sign up for a system that provides direct emergency alerts. 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. That link is provided. (JM)
↧
Services Announced For War Hero & Author Don BurgettServices Announced For War Hero & Author Don Burgett
Services have been announced for Donald Burgett of Howell, the World War II combat veteran and world-renowned author, who passed away Thursday.
As a member of A Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Burgett jumped into Normandy in the early morning hours of June 6, 1944 and fought with his unit through France, Holland and Belgium, ending up in Hitler's Eagles Nest by war's end. Wounded twice in battle, Burgett help to liberate four concentration camps and spent his life educating the world about the war. His memoir, âCurrahee; A Screaming Eagle at Normandy,â was an instant classic endorsed by no less than General Dwight Eisenhower. Burgett was the recipient of more than a dozen decorations, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the French Légion of Honour.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Twyla, five children, 12 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. Local Disabled American Veterans and family will be hosting a celebration of his life on April 5th, which would have been his 92nd birthday, from 2-8pm at the Howell American Legion Hall on W. Grand River Ave. Burgett will be cremated and his remains placed at the Great Lakes National Cemetery with full Military Honors this summer. Details are expected to follow in the coming weeks, with an estimated time frame of mid-June. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations are requested to either the Burgett Family fund (checks made out to: Donald R. Burgett, can be deposited at any Chase Bank branch or mail to :NBBM KYI-0900 Chase P.O. Box 36520 Louisville, KY 40233) or to the Disabled American Veterans Donald R. Burgett, Chapter 125, 1600 Layson Rd. Fowlerville, MI 48836. (JK)
↧
New Code Enforcement Officer In Northfield Township New Code Enforcement Officer In Northfield Township
Northfield Township is welcoming a new code enforcement officer.
Michael Rankin is said to bring a lot of great experience from his time with the Ann Arbor Police Department, where he was a community standards supervisor for seven years. He has also worked with the Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan Department of Mental Health.
Rankin will typically be in Northfield Township on Wednesdays to handle code enforcement complaints. Heâll be working in partnership with residents and business owners to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living and working environment but also to enhance the quality of life by eliminating unsightly or hazardous conditions. Northfield Township has not had a code enforcement officer in place since November of last year, so Rankin is expected to begin by cleaning up the backlog of complaints since that time.
Some common residential concerns include poorly maintained houses or a lack of landscape maintenance, including mowing and weed removal, excess debris or trash visible from the street and Inoperable vehicles, boats, trailers or equipment stored in public view. Common business concerns include illegal temporary signs such as banners and window signs, outside storage of goods or equipment and lack of landscape maintenance.
A link to online complaint forms and contact information is provided. (JM)
↧
K9 Outfitted With Donated Protective VestK9 Outfitted With Donated Protective Vest
A four-legged member of the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office has received potentially lifesaving body armor thanks to a nonprofit organization.
K9 Flex recently received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Established in 2009, the organization assists law enforcement agencies with potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. The vest for K9 Flex was sponsored by an anonymous donor and is embroidered with the sentiment âIn memory of our first Chihuahua, Pepeâ
Each protective vest for a law enforcement K-9 is valued between $1,795 and $2,234. It has an average weight of four to five pounds and comes with a five-year warranty. All of the vests are custom made in Michigan. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says they are proud and grateful to receive the donation, which will help both Flex and his handler do their jobs safer and more efficiently. (JK)
↧
↧
Five Women Inducted into Brighton Area Women's History Roll of HonorFive Women Inducted into Brighton Area Women's History Roll of Honor
The inductees at the 14th annual Roll of Honor event include Claudia Roblee, Pat Schuch, Gloria Downing, Priscilla Luce Durante and Lucy Newman Lyon. The event was held as part of national Womenâs History Month being celebrated this month. March 25th was picked for the ceremony because on that date 150 years ago residents of the settlement voted to become a village. Roblee is the co-owner of ArtVentures on Main St. in downtown Brighton and chairs the Brighton Arts and Culture Commission. She was on the Brighton City Council from 2007 to 2013 and is currently on the Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors. Roblee is a former member of the city Planning Commission, a past Principal Shopping District Board member, and a past member of the Economic Development Council. Pat Schuch was the first woman superintendent of the GM Lordstown plant and is founder and president of Integra Resources. In addition, she is the author of the book about her experiences in the auto industry titled âDriving in the Middle Laneâ. Gloria Downing was a founder and early state president of the Michigan Association for Gifted Children. She was director of enrichment programs for the Brighton Area Schools from 1985 to 1996. There are a couple of World War II veterans on the 2017 Roll of Honor: Priscilla Luce Durante, a 1941 Brighton High School graduate, served during World War II as a pharmacistâs mate, third class. And Lucy Newman Lyon, a 1934 Brighton High School graduate, served in the US Navy Air Corps during World War II as an aviation machinistâs mate, first class. The Roll of Honor was spearheaded by Joyce Powers, who continues to chair its advisory council. (TT)
Photo: Both new and past Roll of Honor inductees
↧
Michigan State Police Sgt. Chris Pascoe To Retire Michigan State Police Sgt. Chris Pascoe To Retire
A longtime Michigan State Police sergeant is retiring.
Sgt. Chris Pascoe is retiring after 31 years of service. The retirement was noted in a recent article by Sgt. Michael Sura, attached below, who said all good things must come to end, even great careers. He commented they have had a few people leave or retire over the last six months and this will be another tough one for the Brighton Post. He says Sgt. Pascoe has been an excellent leader and a great influence to many at the Post. He was also said to be a very thorough investigator, with some so in-depth the term âA Pascoe Fiascoâ was coined.
Pascoe had been stationed since 2005 at the Ypsilanti Post, before it merged with the Brighton Post in 2011, where he has been ever since. Sgt. Pascoe also worked out of the State Police Headquarters and was promoted to Sergeant in 1994. (JM)
↧
Robots Return To Howell This Weekend Robots Return To Howell This Weekend
A competition and challenge this weekend will bring 40 FIRST Robotics teams to Parker Middle School in Howell.
The 4th annual FIRST Robotics Howell District Competition will bring teams to Howell this Thursday through Saturday. The district says it has grown to be a premier FIRST Robotics Competition with thousands of participants and spectators attending the event each year, bringing business to the Howell community.
During the competitions, alliances of three teams will face off to prepare their robot, or as it is referred to in this yearâs competition, their airship for a take-off. Using their student-built robots, teams must collect balls that are the equivalent of steam pressure, adding them into a structure that stands in for a boiler. They also have to deliver gears to the robot operators, otherwise known as airship pilots, for installation and latch onto their airship before the end of the match. The entire event is free and open to the public.
More information is attached. (JM/JK)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
