A settlement has been reached in the divorce case of a Livingston County judge under investigation for alleged misconduct.
Attorney Tom Kizer represents Don Root, the soon to be ex-husband of 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan. Kizer tells WHMI divorces are always unfortunate and difficult, and it was the same for his client but itâs done and theyâve resolved their issues. Kizer says a judgement is being put together and a separate agreement related to property, which will always remain confidential by agreement of the parties. He anticipates the settlement being finalized by the judge within the next ten days to two weeks. The settlement will remain confidential. Kizer says his client is ready to move on with his life and that he and Brennan made the agreement together with the help of their attorneys and a mediator, which is preferable to having a judge decide. He noted property settlement agreements are usually kept separate and thereâs nothing unusual about this case over any other, saying âitâs normal, reasonable, proper and their businessâ.
Meanwhile, a separate investigation is continuing against Brennan. The second aspect of the divorce case dealt with Brennan as an elected public servant and issues related to her behavior as a judge, ethical duties, and potential violations of criminal law that call into question the conviction of a man for a 2008 double homicide in Oceola Township.
A motion filed in the divorce case recently alleged 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.
The motion described the calls as "seriously improper" and indicates that Brennan violated judicial ethics by contacting a witness during a murder trial. It also says they are "the tip of the iceberg". Brennan is further accused of lying under oath.
Kizer says he has shared all information with the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office that he obtained through the process of depositions and discovery material in this divorce case. He says hopefully prosecutors and authorities will examine the evidence and make the right call on several issues.
Requests for comment have been placed with Brennanâs attorney. (JM)
Settlement Reached In Judge Brennan Divorce Case Settlement Reached In Judge Brennan Divorce Case
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Livingston County Implementing New Permitting Software Livingston County Implementing New Permitting Software
Livingston Countyâs permitting and licensing departments are getting a major software upgrade designed to improve processes for customers and increase efficiency.
The countyâs permitting agencies are replacing software from 2001 and upgrading to BS&A. Those include the building department, the drain commissionerâs office, and the environmental health department, which does body art and restaurant licenses so customers will be able to see the status of those types of permits and licenses. Customers would have a pin number and can view the status of a project in real time and where itâs at in review. As for the building department, inspectors will have tablets out in the field and will be able to take photos to provide visual references for customers that can be input with inspection results online and in an email.
Building Official Jim Rowell tells WHMI itâs very sophisticated software that will really help the department and save a lot of resources for customers and the county. Many local communities already use the software for assessing and those that do will be able to view the status of projects online, including where permits and planned reviews are.
Rowell says the advantages are really for the customers since they can apply for inspections, get results and all of the details online, saving a lot of trips to the county. He says some permit types donât require a planned review or zoning review, and people can just apply for those and be approved online.
Rowell noted that some customization that had to be done by the company so all three departments would be in sync. He says Livingston County was unique in that the company customized the software so all three departments could use it, noting each had different requirements. Rowell says most municipalities use the software for assessing and there are numerous people on staff that are already somewhat familiar with it so the training curve will be less.
He says theyâve been working on this for quite a while and are actually starting to see some real results now so itâs very exciting. Rowell says theyâre in the implementation phase right now and converting old data into the format for the new system, which is quite extensive with 20 years of digital data. He says theyâll likely start testing this summer and estimates they should be operational with the software by the beginning of next year.
As for overall building activity, Rowell says the department is doing real well and had a good winter, which continued due to the tempered weather. He says theyâre also starting up a lot quicker than they normally do this time of year. (JM)
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Overnight Closures On US-23 At 8 Mile & Joy Road Start Monday Overnight Closures On US-23 At 8 Mile & Joy Road Start Monday
Motorists traveling on US-23 in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties should be prepared for overnight lane closures next week.
The Michigan Department of Transportation says there will be overnight, single lane closures on US-23 for paving and bridge work.
On northbound US-23, the closures are planned between M-36 and 8 Mile Road from 8pm to 7am Monday through Thursday. On southbound US-23, single lane closures are planned each night between 7pm and 5am starting next Wednesday through Friday.
In Washtenaw County, M-DOT advises starting on Monday, Joy Road over US-23 will have one lane open on the bridge with a temporary signal. The temporary signal is expected to be in place until mid-June. Additional overnight closures will take place to accommodate bridge work at that location.
Details about the closures are available through the provided link. (JM)
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Local Lawmaker Supports More Choice In Curriculum For Students Local Lawmaker Supports More Choice In Curriculum For Students
A local politician gave his support for giving high school students more choice in curriculum.
State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township voted in support of four bills in a package that will allow students to substitute classes on the way to qualifying for high school graduation. Vaupel told WHMI that this legislation is largely about keeping up with, and getting ahead of the times. He said that part of it is the world changing and becoming more technical, and part of it is that weâve lost a lot of trade training. He said high schools havenât all always been able to fit the training in while meeting required curriculum standards.
One bill allows students to fulfil a 21st Century Skills requirement by completing career and technical education courses. The second would remove the expiration date on allowing computer coding to count towards foreign language credits. The third bill accepts completion of an Occupational Safety and Health Admsitration course to count towards fulfilling health education requirements.
The final bill would allow a statistics course to be an alternative to Algebra II. Vaupel said these bills will give students and families opportunities to explore what works best for them now and in the future. (MK)
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Three Charged In Alleged Meth Lab Operation Following Fenton House FireThree Charged In Alleged Meth Lab Operation Following Fenton House Fire
Following a house fire, three people have been charged in connection to the alleged operation of a methamphetamine lab in Fenton Township.
36-year-old Matthew Dues, 34-year-old Jennifer Young and 35-year-old Joshua Forsythe were arraigned Wednesday in 67th District Court. Authorities suspect the three Fenton-area residents were operating a meth lab from a home that two of the defendants live at.
The house caught fire on the afternoon of March 20th. Dues and Young were treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation. The Tri-County Times reports police felt the fire was suspicious and an investigation was carried out with the Michigan State Police Arson Investigation Unit. As a result of the investigation, the Genesee County Sheriffâs Department believes the fire may have been intentionally set to hide evidence of the meth lab, according to Sheriff Robert Pickell.
Court records indicate all three suspects were charged with one count each of operating a meth lab, operating a meth lab near specified spaces and operating a lab with hazardous waste. Young received an additional charge of second-degree arson. She is being held on a $200,000 cash surety bond, while her co-defendantsâ was set at $150,000. A probable cause conference has been scheduled for April 6th. (DK)
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Driver In Green Oak Twp. Hit and Run Crash Plans To Appeal ConvictionDriver In Green Oak Twp. Hit and Run Crash Plans To Appeal Conviction
A local woman found guilty of trying to cover up her role as the driver in a hit and run crash in Green Oak Township is looking to appeal her conviction.
49-year-old Jill Ann Tucker, an attorney from Whitmore Lake, was charged with nine counts connected to the June 2016 incident. On June 4th, Tucker was driving a pick-up on M-36 and did not stop at the intersection of Leaman Road in Green Oak Township. Tucker struck a motorcyclist and another vehicle, and then fled the scene. She reportedly hid her pickup and had the bumper replaced the same day as the crash.
After discovering a witness relayed her identity as the driver to authorities, Tucker allegedly sent naked photographs the witness had on her phone to co-workers and a police officer. The charges against Tucker included failure to stop at the scene of an accident, interfering with a crime report, tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice, unlawful posting of a message, using a computer to commit a crime and operating a vehicle outside of her restricted license requirements.
Tuckerâs trial commenced last month and on the 7th day of trial, a jury found Tucker guilty on all counts. A motion for a stay pending appeal was filed on Tuckerâs behalf and will be heard April 17th. Based on the outcome of that hearing, her sentencing has been tentatively scheduled for April 20th.
An emergency motion was made in March to revoke Tuckerâs bond, which was granted last Thursday. Court records indicate Tucker was not present at Thursdayâs hearing due to her medical condition and the court ordered she be remanded to the Livingston County Jail upon her release from the hospital. (DK)
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Livingston County's Jobless Rate Held Mostly Steady In February Livingston County's Jobless Rate Held Mostly Steady In February
February jobless rates increased moderately in most regional labor markets, with Livingston County being the exception.
Jobless rates were said to be slightly elevated in February as workforce levels continued to track upward. Livingston Countyâs jobless rate stood at 4.8%, falling two-tenths of a percentage point from 5% in January. Livingstonâs ranking among Michiganâs 83 counties also improved two spots to 13th.
The Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives reports unemployment rates rose moderately in 12 of Michiganâs 17 major labor market regions. The rate in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn statistical area, which includes Livingston County, declined slightly. The state says typical seasonal job gains in government and health and education services were somewhat offset by seasonal cuts in trade, transportation and utilities, along with job reduction in manufacturing. (JM)
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Trauma Training Course Looks To Educate Professionals About Impacted ChildrenTrauma Training Course Looks To Educate Professionals About Impacted Children
An event in Howell later this month will educate professionals on ways to more effectively connect with children impacted by trauma.
Organizers for the âEnhancing Your Trauma Toolboxâ course say trauma in children is often mistakenly identified as a diagnosable psychological or behavioral problem. The goal of the free training session is to help participants understand that some of the behaviors seen are rooted in untreated trauma.
Training will focus on topics like the impact of trauma on a childâs brain, behavior and development, how to help those children make connections with their former family, ways to intervene and advocacy.Participants will gain effective strategies to utilize in the classroom and in one-on-one settings with children who have experienced trauma. The training will also illustrate how to provide ongoing support and what resources are available to children who have experienced trauma and those caring for them. Trauma Advocate Maureen Wright tells WHMI this training is critical as new information about the subject is continually being discovered.
The class was first offered last year and brought back by popular demand. It is recommended for professionals who work with children in the welfare or court system, care providers, school, social work and the mental health field, and in voluntary positions. Teaching and social work professionals can achieve continuing education clock hours or units by taking the course. Wright says The Livingston County Trauma Informed System of Care will also be offering the original eight-week curriculum as well.
The course will be held at the Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) from 8:30am to 4:15pm on Wednesday, April 26th. The deadline to register is April 18th and registration details can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Owner Of Dogs Involved In Fatal Attack Facing Criminal Charges Owner Of Dogs Involved In Fatal Attack Facing Criminal Charges
Charges are being sought against the owner of three dogs involved in a fatal attack on two smaller dogs.
The incident occurred on February 25th when Roni Evans was asking her dogs in the City of Howell. Three dogs are alleged to have viciously attacked Evanâs two dogs, a shih tzu and a maltipoo. One pit bull, one pit bull-husky mix and one cane corso are said to have been involved in the attack, although four digs reside at the home in the 500 block of Wetmore Street. The shih tzu survived the attack but underwent several surgeries. The maltipoo died from his injuries.
The Howell Police Department took the initial report and the investigation has since been handed over to Livingston County Animal Control. Director Andy Seltz tells WHMI they are requesting charges through the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office that include three counts of dogs running at large and four counts for failure to license dogs in the home. He says they are also requesting a show/cause hearing on the ownerâs behalf, which would address the actual dog attack. The owner would also need to prove why they should maintain animals. (JM)
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Car Smashes Into Brighton RestaurantCar Smashes Into Brighton Restaurant
The Lil' Chef restaurant in Brighton was forced to close Sunday morning after a car crashed through a plate glass window, sending glass onto customers sitting in a booth.
Brighton Police Chief Rob Bradford tells WHMI that the incident, which he said he appears to be accidental, happened at about 11am when a driver accidentally hit the accelerator, which caused her to "strike the building. A patron inside received treatment from EMS for minor cuts from flying glass. The business is being closed due to
structural issues that will be assessed tomorrow."
This is the second incident of this type at a Livingston County restaurant in 2017. In January, the Fowlerville Farms restaurant off I-96 suffered structural damage, but no injuries, when a car drove through a wall. That was also deemed to be an accident. (JK) Picture courtesy of George Moses.
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54th Annual Home & Garden Show This Weekend 54th Annual Home & Garden Show This Weekend
The 54th annual Livingston County Home & Garden Show is approaching this weekend with an aim to inspire and entertain.
The home show is hosted by Howell Area Chamber of Commerce at the Howell High School Field House. It kicks off Friday and runs through Sunday. A workshop will teach attendees how to give a new look to cabinets and furniture with special paints and techniques while master gardeners will be on hand to answer questions about plants, trees, gardens and landscapes. The Taste of Livingston on Saturday will feature 20 area local restaurants and caterers. A neighborhood marketplace, fine arts show and community resource fair will take place all weekend, in addition to the kid zone. That features Home Depot crafts and projects as well as face painting and balloon creations.
More information is available in the link. (JM)
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Livingston County Hazard Mitigation Plan Finalized Livingston County Hazard Mitigation Plan Finalized
The Livingston County Hazard Mitigation Plan was adopted recently.
Livingston County Emergency Management and the Livingston County Planning Department worked cooperatively to get the plan completed. It will be valid for five years after adoption, which took place during a March meeting of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. Local jurisdictions included in the plan will be working with Livingston County Emergency Management and the Livingston County Planning Department to meet various mitigation strategies outlines in the plan to mitigate noted local hazards.
Emergency Manager Therese Cremonte tells WHMI the plan is to identify risks that are occurring all the time in the county and put them together in a cooperative plan between the county and local jurisdictions so the risks can be assessed and addressed through mitigation planning. She says the federal system provides application opportunities for jurisdictions experiencing certain risk hazards, with flooding being a big one.
All 20 local jurisdictions were included in the planning process. Cremonte noted the multifaceted plan involved a lot of people and departments because each local jurisdiction has varying hazards they deal with. She says all have different concerns that fit into the plan differently but cooperatively. For instance, the southern southeastern portion of the county deals with a lot of flooding while the northern area has a lot of high winds.
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Cinderella's Closet Opens this WeekCinderella's Closet Opens this Week
The LACASA Center will once again host Cinderellaâs Closet for area high school students who want to look like a million bucks for prom without spending a fortune.
Cinderellaâs Closet is held twice a year to coincide with the homecoming and prom season and allows high school girls to shop from a boutique of donated gently-used dresses, which are sold for just $25. All proceeds go to support programs for victims and survivors of interpersonal violence at LACASA. Limited dress scholarships are available by speaking with the project leader on duty. Students that receive a dress from Cinderellaâs Closet are asked to sign the âMy Promiseâ agreement, which asks that they refrain from using drugs or alcohol on the celebratory nights.
The boutique is located at Snedicorâs Green Earth Cleaners on Grand River Avenue in Brighton. A list of the dates and times the boutique is open can be found through the link below. The Brighton Tux Shop, which is located just a few doors down from Snedicorâs, will also be working with LACASA once again to offer a deal for the gentlemenâs attire. Students that sign the promise agreement will receive a 10% discount off their suits and ties from the Tux Shop. (JK)
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Acclaimed Dance Troupe To Perform Annual Recital This WeekendAcclaimed Dance Troupe To Perform Annual Recital This Weekend
The Performing Arts Dance Theater will again take to the stage this weekend with a recital to help their students pursue their passion for dance.
The award-winning dance company has nurtured and trained hundreds of top dancers for more than 20 years, garnering national acclaim at various performances through the years. Founded to provide serious dancers with more intense training and performance opportunities, the troupe has graduated dancers now performing across the country and overseas, while several have gone on to study at professional ballet schools and dance universities, and pursued professional dance careers.
This weekendâs show, called "Where Does The Time Go?â will be performed Saturday, April 8 at 7:30pm and Sunday, April 9 at 2pm at the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. Tickets for the show are $15 each with proceeds helping to defray competition costs for their dancers, including opportunities at college scholarships. They are available at Glenn's School of Dance and at the door an hour before showtime. (JK)
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Event Seeks To Definitively Answer "There's Polo In Hartland?"Event Seeks To Definitively Answer "There's Polo In Hartland?"
A hidden Livingston County gem is looking to be hidden no longer.
The 1st Annual Hartland Polo Classic is set for June 10th at the Detroit Polo Clubâs location off of Bergin Road, near Old US-23 and M-59. Katie Chuba is the Executive Director of the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce and told WHMIâs Mike & Jon in the Morning that this is a chance for the public to enjoy something many likely have not witnessed before.
Detroit Polo Club manager Emmalyn Wheaton is one of four female players at the club. She says many people are surprised to learn theyâve actually been in Hartland for 15 years and the 1st Annual Polo Classic represents a chance to both entertain and inform the public about a sport that most think is only available for the wealthy. Wheaton insists they have a very blue collar vibe and when people are exposed to live polo, they fall in love with it.
Tickets are $75 each in advance and $80 the day of the event. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. Proceeds will benefit the Hartland Chamberâs scholarship fund and community givebacks. Details are available through the link below. (JK)
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Lil' Chef Back Open For Business After Car Crashes Into Building Sunday Lil' Chef Back Open For Business After Car Crashes Into Building Sunday
A local restaurant was back up and running today after what the owner called a scary ordeal.
The Lil' Chef restaurant in Brighton was forced to close Sunday morning after a car crashed through a plate glass window, sending glass onto customers sitting in a booth.
Owner Scott Steele tells WHMI they were extremely lucky no one was seriously hurt or injured. He said it was a scary ordeal because there were a lot of people in that area in booths when the glass shattered. Steele says a commercial building company constructed a temporary wall last night and they were able to re-open at 6am. He says they are down one section, which will impact business, but they hope to have all repairs finished in about a month.
Brighton Police Chief Rob Bradford told WHMI the incident appeared to be accidental. He said it happened at about 11am Sunday when a driver accidentally hit the accelerator, causing her to strike the building. A patron inside was treated by EMS for minor cuts from flying glass. Photo George Moses. (JM)
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Intersection At Grand River & I-96 in Brighton Among Most Dangerous Intersection At Grand River & I-96 in Brighton Among Most Dangerous
An intersection in the City of Brighton is ranked among the most dangerous in Michigan.
The intersection at Grand River & I-96 ranked 8th on the list of the 20 most dangerous intersections in Michigan with the highest number of crashes. The list is based on the latest data available from 2016 and was compiled by Michigan Auto Law attorneys. The list aims to forewarn motorists so they can use extra caution when driving around those areas. The data is still considered preliminary and was provided by Michigan State Police.
Any accident that occurred within 250 feet of any intersection, including turnarounds and on/off ramps to highways are listed. Accidents can include fender benders, injuries or fatalities.
At the intersection in Brighton, there were 103 total crashes and 19 injury crashes only. No fatalities were reported. Google Street View Photo. (JM)
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Convicted Murderer's Son Demands New Trial After Disclosure Of AffairConvicted Murderer's Son Demands New Trial After Disclosure Of Affair
The son of a man sentenced to life in prison for a Livingston County double murder says that a settlement in the divorce case of the judge in the trial won't stop his efforts to prove his father was wrongly convicted.
Jared Kowalski's father Jerome was convicted in 2013 for the murder of his brother and sister-in-law in their Lyngre Drive home in May of 2008. The trial was overseen by 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan. On Friday, the attorney for Brennanâs soon-to-be ex-husband announced that there had been a settlement reached in their divorce. But revelations from the divorce filing have already created controversy after revealing that Brennan was having a sexual affair with State Police Lt. Sean Furlong, who was the lead investigator in the Kowalski murder and obtained the confession of Jerome Kowalski. Brennan and Furlong insist the affair began after the trial, but the divorce petition alleges it began years before and that the pair had extensive phone contact during the trial.
Jared Kowalski has maintained his fatherâs innocence from the beginning, and says the improper relationship between Brennan and Furlong was disclosed before the trial even began, but was glossed over. He cites a letter that was sent to Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt just days before the trial was set to begin in January of 2013. The letter, which was sent by Attorney Tom Kizer, alleged that Brennan had failed to disclose a âlengthy social relationship with officer Furlong and that this officer has even been a social guest in the judgeâs home.â Kizer, who now represents Brennan estranged husband, further states Vailliencourt has âan ethical obligation to fully investigate this issue.â
Jared Kowalski tells WHMI that officials canât act surprised now about the relationship and his father deserves a new trial. "This is a serious situation. We have a double murder homicide that was being heard and what's coming to light now is unacceptable and we want answers. There's really no excuse why...my father hasn't been granted a new trial with all the new evidence that's come out."
Vailliencourt has defended his officeâs handling of the Kizer letter, saying that they, âdid everything at the time that could have been doneâ after receiving the letter, immediately notifying defense counsel and that the matter was promptly addressed in a hearing in front of Chief Circuit Court Judge David Reader. Valliencourt says that âJudge Brennan specifically denied any impropriety and there was no evidence to contradict that or any reason to delay the trial. Judge Brennanâs decision not to disqualify herself was affirmed by the Chief Judge.â He adds that after the revelations were made in the divorce filing, they âimmediately requested investigations by the appropriate authorities to determine what the facts are.â He declined to comment on the status of those investigations and exactly which agencies were contacted.
Either way, Jared Kowalski says justice has been denied his father, who he firmly believes is innocent and that he is working now with the State Appellate Defenderâs Office about getting his father a new trial. A copy of the Kizer letter and a transcript from the hearing with Judge Reader are posted below. (JK)
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Annual Event Looks To Raise Awareness About Substance AbuseAnnual Event Looks To Raise Awareness About Substance Abuse
Organizers are encouraging the community to attend an event next month that offers preventative and proactive measures, as well as awareness about substance abuse.
Event organizer Michele Wagner says one in three families is negatively impacted by substance abuse and hopes to educate the community about the issue through Mitchellâs Hope. Mitchellâs Hope is a grassroots organization started by Wagner, after she lost her son in 2014 from a heroin overdose. The organization will host the 3rd annual âPrevention in the Park: Ending the Silenceâ event at Fowlerville Centennial Park on May 20th from 11am to 4pm.
Wagner tells WHMI the yearly fundraiser is open to anyone and everyone. Wagner says the event will educate community members about the warning signs of substance abuse, how to talk to youth about it, and where to find local resources. Area agencies, professionals, and people in recovery will be in attendance as well.
In addition to being informational, Wagner says the event will also be fun and family-friendly. A silent auction, music, games, bounce houses and yoga will all be a part of this yearâs âPrevention in the Parkâ. Donations are accepted and a portion of the proceeds will be given to the Mission House of Fowlerville, a nonprofit community center. (DK)
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Report: Hamburg Among 2017 Safest Cities in America Report: Hamburg Among 2017 Safest Cities in America
Two area municipalities have been named in the 2017 100 Safest Cities in America report.
The fourth annual report, released Monday, listed Hamburg Township at #65 and South Lyon at #88. The list is comprised after analysts consider the most recent complete FBI crime data from 2015 to rank the cities, which all have a minimum population of 10,000 people.
Both municipalitiesâ police departments were noted as major contributors to maintaining safety in the area, as well as accessibility to recreational amenities. Four other Michigan municipalities were also named on this yearâs list- Oakland, Grosse Ile, Flushing and Brandon Township. You can view the full report at the link below. (DK)
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