A Michigan State Police trooper from the Brighton Post and a Livingston County Sheriff's Deputy were involved in a shooting Tuesday night in Brighton Township.
According to a state police news release, one person is in custody and being treated at a local hospital after the shooting, which happened on Spencer Road near Old US-23, near the old State Police Brighton Post. It was initially reported that the incident occurred at the old post, but information now indicates it was at an adjacent property. Brighton Police also assisted at the scene.
The incident is being investigated by the MSP Investigative Response Team. More information is expected to be released later today. (JK)
Suspect Hospitalized After Shooting Near Old State Police PostSuspect Hospitalized After Shooting Near Old State Police Post
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Five People Reported Killed In Oceola TownshipFive People Reported Killed In Oceola Township
A crash late Tuesday night in Oceola Township has left five people dead.
State Police say a driver heading southbound on Argentine Road, failed to stop at the intersection with M-59 and slammed into another vehicle. One of the cars then burst into flames after coming to rest in a wooded area, just off the roadway. Paula Ivey of Hartland Township was driving on M-59 toward Howell when she came across the scene just after 10:30pm, before emergency responders were on the scene. "As I was approaching...I noticed a bright light to my left and that's when I noticed the car was completely engulfed in flames. Then I noticed another vehicle which was on its side, like a truck maybe. It was horrible. I was completely shocked by what I saw."
The roadway was closed until just before 5am as a result of the crash, which remains under investigation. State Police say they are working to identify the deceased and then notify their next of kin. Three people were also taken to the hospital with critical injuries.
Picture courtesy of WDIV/ClickOnDetroit.com (JK)
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Mike Rogers Among Possible Choices To Head FBIMike Rogers Among Possible Choices To Head FBI
Former Congressman Mike Rogers is among the names being mentioned to replace fired-FBI Director James Comey.
Comey, who had six years left in his term, was fired abruptly Tuesday by President Trump, who cited his inability to âeffectively lead the bureau.â Among the issues mentioned as factors in the decision included Comey's handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails. The White House almost immediately indicated that a search was underway for a replacement. At the top of most lists for possible replacements is Rogers, the Howell Republican who was once an FBI agent before going into politics. He served as Chair of the House Intelligence Committee before deciding to step away from Congress in 2013. That was the same year Comey was selected by former President Obama to become the FBI Director, beating out a list of candidates that also included Rogers, who was endorsed by the FBI Agents Association, a group of 13,000 current and former agents.
Following yesterdayâs firing, Rogers put out a statement saying it was âabsolutely criticalâ that the replacement process be as smooth and efficient as possible to âensure that the FBI gets back on its feet and resumes its focus on its critical law enforcement, national security, and counter intelligence missions.â Other names mentioned as replacements include Ken Wainstein, the former head of the Justice Department's National Security Division and Michael Mason, a former executive assistant FBI director.
The decision to fire Comey has renewed calls by Democrats for the appointment of a special prosecutor to look into ties between Trump officials and Russian meddling in last yearâs election. Some Republicans, including West Michigan Congressman Justin Amash, have also questioned the move.
Rogers had previously worked with the Trump transition team on national-security issues, but was let go shortly after the election when New Jersey Governor Chris Christie lost favor with the President-elect. Christie had brought Rogers on board. (JK)
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911 Having Problems With Land Lines 911 Having Problems With Land Lines
Livingston County Central Dispatch is currently experiencing some land line outages.
Anyone that tries to call 911 from the following exchanges will not be able to get through until the problem is corrected:
517-545, 517-548, 517-540, 517-552, 517-546
To call 911 for an emergency, individuals must dial 517-546-9111 until the issues are resolved. (JM)
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Woman Killed In Crash Was MDOC Probation Agent Of The Year Woman Killed In Crash Was MDOC Probation Agent Of The Year
An Oakland County probation agent is among the identified victims in a deadly crash late Tuesday.
Five people are dead after a driver blew through a rural intersection and smashed into another vehicle. The victims include Candice Dunn, who was killed after being honored at a banquet as Michiganâs 2017 Parole/Probation Agent of the Year. Corrections Department Spokesman Chris Gautz said last night was such a celebration and today, theyâre just devastated. He said Dunn would have turned 36 next weekend.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette commented Agent Dunn was a member of the Michigan Department of Corrections in Oakland County for 12 years and will be remembered for her immense dedication to improving the lives of others.
State Police say a 22-year-old driver from Fenton was driving southbound on Argentine Road when he failed to stop at the intersection with M-59 and slammed into an SUV heading eastbound. One of the cars then burst into flames after coming to rest in a wooded area, just off the roadway.
State Police have identified those involved in the crash:
Southbound car â four occupants
â¢Driver Matthew Jordan Carrier, 22 of Fenton, was pulled from the car and is in critical condition.
â¢Rear driver side passenger Kyle Eugene Lixie, 23, was ejected and is in critical condition.
â¢Front passenger Justin Andrew-Humberto Henderson, 20 of Fenton, is deceased.
â¢Rear passenger Preston Taylor Wetzel, 24 of Fenton, is deceased.
Eastbound vehicle -SUVâ four occupants
â¢Driver Albert Rudolph Boswell, 39 of Oakland County, is in critical condition.
â¢Passenger Candice Lynn Dunn, 35 of Oakland County, is deceased.
â¢Passenger Linda K. Hurley, 69 of Macomb County, is deceased.
â¢Passenger Jerome Joseph Tortomasi, 73 of Macomb County is deceased.
MDOC photo. (JM)
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Blessing Of The Bikes On Sunday, May 21st Blessing Of The Bikes On Sunday, May 21st
A blessing of the bikes event is planned in Howell later this month.
With warmer weather comes more motorcycles and bicycles on roads throughout Livingston County, thus motorists are reminded to âlook twice, save a lifeâ. Now that spring is here, the First United Methodist Church on Bower Street in Howell is gearing up to hold its 2nd annual Blessing of the Bikes event on Sunday, May 21st.
The blessing will take place in between church services at 10:15am. Individuals are encouraged to bring their two wheeled bike, whether a motorcycle or a bicycle, to get blessed for a safe riding season. WHMI Stock Photo. (JM)
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American Red Cross Celebrates 100 Years, Open House Planned In Howell American Red Cross Celebrates 100 Years, Open House Planned In Howell
The American Red Cross office in Howell is celebrating its 100th anniversary with an open house later this month.
A myriad of activities will be taking place throughout the year, with the open house on May 20th serving as the big kick-off. Disaster Services Volunteer and 100th Anniversary Celebration Chair Kathy Alward says the American Red Cross provides help through key areas. She says the first priority is armed services, as the American Red Cross serves as the contact for anyone needing to get in touch with someone in the armed forces. Other areas include blood services, safety certifications and first aid training, and disaster services in which volunteers respond to local and national disasters such as fires to help people who have been displaced. She noted the local office also served as a shelter for those who lost power due to massive windstorms.
The American Red Cross was formed in 1881, but rapidly expanded in 1917, when the Livingston County chapter was formed, in response to American entering into World War I. Alward says they appreciate all of the support from the public through years, adding that they are 90% volunteer driven and receive no government funding.
The American Red Cross office is located in front of Howell High School, across from the Howell Fire Station on Grand River. The open house on Saturday, May 20th will run from 11am to 3pm. Various historic displays will be available and activities are planned throughout the year to celebrate the 100th anniversary. Alward says some concepts in the works include badge workshops for kids and perhaps a celebrity blood drive. For anyone who might not be able to make it to the open house, Alward says theyâll be moving some of the displays they create over to the Howell Carnegie District Library for the community to enjoy. (JM)
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Volunteers Needed For Imagination Station Spring Clean-Up Event Volunteers Needed For Imagination Station Spring Clean-Up Event
Volunteers are being sought to help clean up and tidy the Imagination Station at the Millpond in Brighton, this weekend.
The 6th Annual Spring Kickoff Event at the Imagination Station is scheduled for this Saturday, May 13th, from 9am until noon. The Playground Volunteer Group is asking anyone who is interested in helping with many of the various spring cleaning tasks needed to come by and lend a hand. There are jobs for all ages and skill levels, and the city will provide all of the tools needed. The major task at hand is laying new mulch across the grounds. Other general cleanups include trimming shrubs, pulling weeds, cleaning tables, painting, and more. Volunteers will also receive a goodie bag filled with incentives from local businesses, as a thank you.
Imagination Station volunteers will continue to meet on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at the same time through October 28th. For any further information or questions, email volunteer coordinator Renee Pettengill at brightonimaginationstation@gmail.com. (MK)
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Applications For Vacant Trustee Seat Being Accepted In Village Of PinckeyApplications For Vacant Trustee Seat Being Accepted In Village Of Pinckey
The Village of Pinckney is accepting applications to fill a soon-to-be vacant spot on the Village Council.
Earlier this week, Trustee Heather Menosky notified the board of her decision to resign effective May 31st. Clerk Amy Salowitz said Menosky is moving out of the district and, while still being in the area, will be missed by the village. Menosky will have served for 6 ½ years, was president pro-tem for the last 4, and participated in multiple committees during her tenure. Applicants wishful of fulfilling her term, which ends in November 2018, can pick up an application packet at the Village Hall or online at villageofpinckney.org. The link is below.
The packet asks basic questions about residency, whether or not the applicant is a registered voter, and what kind skill sets they can bring to village and social activities. Salowitz encourages anyone interested to return their application before June 1st, with the hope that council can start conducting interviews at their first meeting next month.
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Man Shot After Pointing Gun At Police In Brighton TownshipMan Shot After Pointing Gun At Police In Brighton Township
A 36-year-old man has been shot after a confrontation with police outside a Livingston County home.
State police say a man was wounded in Brighton Township Tuesday night when he pointed a pistol at officers. A trooper responded to a home in the area of Old US-23 and Spencer Road about 10 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a welfare check request. Police say the man, identified as Ian Little, left the home and walked toward the trooper who retreated to cover and called for additional officers.
State police, Livingston County sheriff's deputies and Brighton police officers arrived. Little refused to obey commands to drop the handgun and was walking toward the officers when he was shot. He was taken to U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor where he underwent surgery. He is expected to survive.
The incident is under investigation. (JK)
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Changes To Large Gatherings Ordinance Considered In Putnam TownshipChanges To Large Gatherings Ordinance Considered In Putnam Township
The Putnam Township Planning Commission is considering ways to make it easier for businesses to hold large outdoor gatherings.
The planning commission is looking to make the process less difficult and encumbering to businesses, but also to better protect the township and its residents. The commissionâs planning consultant offered a pair of possible options. One would be to tie it in to the townshipâs assembly ordinance which is currently applicable to events attended by 750 people or more and reduce that number. The other was to leave the assembly ordinance as-is, and establish a new one with less strict criteria attached to it. For example, an ordinance for a smaller large gathering might not require the same levels of insurance or restrooms that the current one does.
Putnam Township Fire Marshal Jennifer Koch said that many times she doesnât hear about large events until she reads about them on social media or drives by them in progress. She said she was all in favor of businesses holding special events and believes they are good for the community, but safety is still her primary concern. The commission also considered ideas for putting the permit up for application on the townshipâs website, like burn permits. That way Koch will see all of the requests and it could potentially save the applicant a meeting with the township Board of Trustees. The planning commission will continue to pursue these ideas at a future meeting. (MK)
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Lansing Man Bound Over To Trial For High-Speed ChaseLansing Man Bound Over To Trial For High-Speed Chase
A Lansing man who fled from police, leading a high-speed chase on I-96, is headed to trial.
35-year-old Deron Maurice Wilson was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court Wednesday, after a judge found there was enough evidence to send his case to trial. Wilson is charged as a habitual offender with 2nd degree fleeing a police officer, carrying concealed weapons, resisting a police officer, driving with a suspended license, open intoxicants, and felony firearms.
The charges stem from the April 15th incident, which followed after Livingston County Sheriffâs deputies attempted to pull Wilson over for a traffic violation. Wilson took off, leading a high speed chase on I-96. Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy says Wilson traveled east, and then exited at D-19. He then traveled north and re-entered I-96 headed west. Murphy says deputies pursued Wilson until the chase became a safety concern. Not long after, his vehicle was spotted in Lansing and he was arrested without incident.
Future court dates for Wilson have not been scheduled at this time. (DK)
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Pinckney School Board Looks To Fill Vacancy Pinckney School Board Looks To Fill Vacancy
New voices and fresh ideas are being sought on the Pinckney Community Schools Board of Education.
Community members are being encouraged to apply for an open seat on the board after treasurer George Rodgers resigned last month. Letters of interest are currently being accepted for a trustee position and interviews will be conducted at the May 18th board meeting. Whoever is appointed would serve through November 2018.
Trustee Paul Samways feels itâs time for someone with fresh, new ideas to serve alongside others who all have the best interests of the district at heart. Other than Rob Guiloz, who was recruited and elected last November, Samways says the rest of the board has served multiple terms. While blessed to have the incumbent knowledge, he says itâs always good to bring in new blood and ideas. Samways tells WHMI the board is seeking someone active in the community or schools interested in volunteering some of their time to help out kids and wants to get involved. He says candidates donât necessarily have to hail from Pinckney but could come from other school districts and share best practices. He says thereâs not a huge time requirement to serve and the board typically meets every three weeks.
Samways pointed out the district has been struggling with enrollment and is hoping new board members with fresh ideas can help turn around the continuing decline. He says not only has Pinckney not stabilized versus other area districts since 2015, they have lost twice as much as Howell and Brighton. He says what makes that even more concerning that Howell loses more kids to schools of choice than anyone in Livingston County.
Interested candidates should send letters of interest to Superintendent Rick Todd at
RTodd@pinckneypirates.org or mail to 2130 East M-36 Pinckney, MI 48169. (JM)
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Neither Driver In Fatal Crash Had A Valid Driver's LicenseNeither Driver In Fatal Crash Had A Valid Driver's License
It now appears that both of the men who were driving vehicles involved in the deadly Oceola Township crash Tuesday were doing so without a valid driverâs license.
Michigan Secretary of State records indicate that the license of 22-year-old Matthew Carrier, who was driving the vehicle believed to be at fault for the crash, was suspended due to unpaid traffic tickets. Carrier also had past citations for careless driving, speeding, operating while impaired by liquor and driving on a suspended license.
Meanwhile, the driver of the other vehicle, 39-year-old Albert Boswell, was driving with an expired license. Reports indicate Boswell had his license expired in 2002 due to alcohol related incidents in the late 1990s, early 2000s. He was in the process of clearing that up, but he still needed to take a road skills test to get a license.
Boswell was driving a Cadillac (right) eastbound on M-59 Tuesday night when he was rammed by a Subaru (left) driven southbound on Argentine Road by Carrier, who had failed to stop at the intersection. State Police say the crash caused the Cadillac to roll over and the Subaru to catch on fire. Killed in the Cadillac was 35-year-old Candice Dunn, who was returning from a banquet in East Lansing where she had just been recognized as the Michigan Probation Agent of the Year. Dunn's mother, 69-year-old Linda Hurley and her mother's boyfriend, 73-year-old Jerome Joseph Tortomasi, both of Macomb County, were also killed. Boswell was hospitalized in critical condition as was Carrier and a rear seat passenger in his car, 23-year-old Kyle Lixie of Fenton. Two other passengers in the Subaru, 20-year-old Justin Henderson and 24-year-old Preston Wetzel, were killed.
While authorities have not said whether alcohol was involved in the crash, a Facebook post by a woman identified as Carrierâs mother indicated that drugs and alcohol were factors. Stephanie Lee Hopper Allen said her son would likely see prison time and that he remembers nothing from the crash. (JK)
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Student Orchestra to Perform at Hilton School in Brighton, Other Activities PlannedStudent Orchestra to Perform at Hilton School in Brighton, Other Activities Planned
The Prelude String Orchestra, consisting of students in the 3rd through 8th grades at area schools, will play before Hilton Elementary students and parents this evening as part of an event called âPopsicle Playgroundâ.
The theme is Celebrating the Year in Education. The event will be held on the Hilton School playground and is being sponsored by the Hilton PTO. President Sherri Osterman tells WHMI that many activities will be taking place in addition to the musical performance. The student orchestra is composed of elementary and middle school students from the Brighton, Howell, Hartland, Linden, Fenton, Lake Fenton and Holly public schools, plus several home-schooled students. Five members are from Brighton.
The orchestra holds practice sessions and rehearsals in a Fenton Area Schools facility, and members living outside the Fenton area are transported to practice sessions by their parents. Director Lisa Bayer says she started the group because so many school districts around the country have discontinued their orchestra programs, and she thought it important that students continue to have the mentally stimulating and fulfilling aspects of an orchestral program. Osterman says that in addition to the live music, activities include free popsicles, a free Lego pit, chalk art, and a student art display.
In addition, Tim Thurmond, who holds a world record in the creation of balloon sculptures, will create a life-size animal out of balloons. Plus, the orchestra will bring several instruments along for kids to try out. The orchestra, divided into beginners and intermediate groups, will perform medleys from the Harry Potter movies, the Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. Bayer says the event is particularly significant since the Brighton Area Schools will be starting its own orchestra program in the fall, beginning with the 5th and 6th grades. (TT)
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Leader Of Local Boy Scout Troops "Loves" Job & Has "Never Looked Back"Leader Of Local Boy Scout Troops "Loves" Job & Has "Never Looked Back"
The summer season is fast approaching and one local youth organization is preparing to take advantage of it.
The Boy Scouts of America are one of the top organizations in the country and world for training young men to be model citizens. They aim to teach boys valuable life skills, help them build character, and participate in services that benefit the community. Many of the troops are sponsored by churches or the American Legion.
District director for the scouts in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties, Cristina Van Putten, came into scouting through an unusual route, not having children of her own. She says after working in retail for a number of years, a friend encouraged her to take a job with the Boy Scouts. "I was ready for a change...but I love my job. I would never go back. I'm very lucky." Van Putten said there were some interesting facts about the scouts that many people might not be aware of. She told WHMI that the Boy Scouts actually began in England, and they have programming for young men up to age 21. Cub Scouts start at the kindergarten level, and beginning at 14, they offer a co-ed venturing program for the older youths. As the weather warms up, the 13 troops in Livingston County are preparing for their yearly camping trips. Older scouts will go to a variety of camps across the state, while the younger Cub Scouts will participate in day camp at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds from June 24th to the 26th.
Van Putten said the biggest question she receives from parents is about the cost of scouting. She said they never want that to be an issue and are willing to work with families to ensure that any child who wants to participate in the program can. More information on the Boy Scouts and how to join can be found through the link below. (MK)
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NFL's James Lofton To Present Honor To Pinckney StudentNFL's James Lofton To Present Honor To Pinckney Student
One of professional footballâs all-time greats will be in Pinckney next week to present a student with a Hall-of-Fame honor.
Hannah Kerns is one of 25 student-athletes nationwide who will be recognized as an Award for Excellence finalist by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and U.S. Army. The event will take place as part of Pinckney High Schoolâs Achievement Day ceremony next Wednesday, May 17th. The award focuses on students who show great athletic achievement, an excellence in academics, and show strong community engagement. In addition to receiving the honor, Kerns will in turn recognize Sharyl Meyer as a teacher- mentor who has made a big difference in her life.
Presenting the award to Kerns will be 2003 inductee to the Hall of Fame, James Lofton. Lofton was the first NFL player to gain 14,000 receiving yards and was a part of 3 of the 4 Buffalo Bills teams that appeared in the Super Bowl in the early 1990âs. Kerns, with the other finalists, will attend a special luncheon during the Hall of Fameâs Enshrinement Week in August where the winner will be announced. (MK)
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No Jail For Man Who Bought & Registered Vehicle Involved In Officer's DeathNo Jail For Man Who Bought & Registered Vehicle Involved In Officer's Death
A Dearborn Heights man charged in connection to an incident that resulted in the death of a Hamburg Township police sergeant has been sentenced.
51-year-old Michael David Kelty is the brother of Steven Kelty. Almost one year ago, Steven Kelty was sentenced to serve 15 to 30 years in prison after being convicted of causing the 2014 crash that claimed the life of Hamburg Police Sergeant Jim Sanderson. On September 26th, 2014, the Chevy Trailblazer Steven Kelty was driving collided with Sandersonâs motorcycle at Latson Road and Figurski Drive in Genoa Township. Sanderson, a 20-year veteran of the Hamburg Township Police Department, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Steven Kelty has not had a license since 2002, as it was suspended due to six prior drunk driving convictions. Prosecutors say the car that Steven was driving at the time of the crash was purchased and registered for him by his brother because an unlicensed person cannot register a vehicle. Michael Kelty was charged last September and originally faced up to five years in prison. He pleaded guilty last month to a misdemeanor charge for allowing an unlicensed person to drive and in exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the original charge of allowing an unlicensed person to operate a vehicle causing death.
His sentencing, handed down by Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Hatty Thursday, required him to make restitution in the amount of $10,481 to the victimâs family. The money was ordered due the day of his sentencing, which Kelty paid in full. (DK)
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Grand River Work Continues In Brighton Grand River Work Continues In Brighton
The Grand River construction project in the City of Brighton could be moving into a new phase soon.
Officials say unfortunately due to recent inclement weather, concrete work was slowed down but the contractor has been catching up. Right lane closures will continue until the remainder of the concrete work has been completed, which should be soon. DPW Director Marcel Goch tells WHMI there were minor setbacks due to rainy weather but the project is still on schedule.
Crews focused this week on getting concrete repairs and pouring done to try and eliminate the closure of the right lanes. Goch says theyâre trying to get the closure centered down to Cross Street so crews can focus on work there. After everything cures, they can begin milling and filling with asphalt. The target date to begin is May 30th but it could happen earlier and work is scheduled to be done at night to lessen the impact on motorists and businesses.
After asphalt work, only intermittent outer lane closures are said to be necessary for right-of-way restoration. The project remains on track to be completed by June 30th. (JM)
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Brighton Gallery Celebrates Five Years of Producing "Art With a Heart"Brighton Gallery Celebrates Five Years of Producing "Art With a Heart"
A celebration in downtown Brighton last night recognized the anniversary of an art gallery that displays and sells the work of artists with all kinds of abilities.
Studio West is a publicly accessible gallery that was started as an opportunity for artists with disabilities, students in the community and their allies to consign their art and earn income. The gallery is a venture of Work Skills Corporation (WSC), a community-based organization that helps individuals overcome employment barriers. The galleryâs Artisanâs Corner showcases and sells pieces created by local artists that include people with disabilities and special needs.
Studio West Gallery Supervisor Lauren Donahue says one of the things she loves about the Artisan Corner, is that when an item is purchased consumers are not only supporting an artist but also supporting a gallery that is a venture of a nonprofit, which she believes is very beneficial to the community.
Donahue says art in general and the galleryâs programs are a wonderful outlet for its members, which was echoed by some of the programâs artists attending the anniversary celebration and their family members. Artist Matt Salminen has been a part of Studio Westâs program for about two years and works with a number of mediums, including ceramics and paint. He says he loves the atmosphere of the studio. Mattâs dad, Mark, says the program is excellent because it ââ¦allows people to expand their horizonsâ. Some of Mattâs work was sold at Studio Westâs anniversary celebration Thursday.
Michelle Acevedo has worked as Art Coordinator for WSC and Studio West for over two years now. She says the programâs success and growth is attributed to their goal to not focus on disabilities, but to instead think about the artistsâ abilities. Acevedo says the galleryâs art program began with five students and now has 36 active members. Of those 36, 32 have become professional artists, which means their work is being sold, and 24 of those 32 are commissioned artists.
Julie Smith, Development Manager for WSC, says she enjoys watching the artists at work because she feels they have found their niche and love what theyâre doing. She thinks itâs interesting because so many people dread going to work, but that ââ¦these people are so happy because they get to go to work.â Smith says thatâs WSCâs goal, âto help people succeed.â
Acknowledging all that Studio West has achieved, Tina Jackson, President and CEO of WSC, says the plan for the next five years is to continue to expand the galleryâs programs by connecting with more artists. WSC has been in the community for about 44 years as an employment education and job training organization. (DK)
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