Quantcast
Channel: WHMI 93.5 FM - Latest News Headlines
Viewing all 26045 articles
Browse latest View live

Brighton Attorney Withdraws From 8th Congressional District Race Brighton Attorney Withdraws From 8th Congressional District Race

0
0
The race for the 8th District congressional seat has one less contender as Brighton woman seeking the Democratic nomination has dropped out. Environmental Law Attorney Darlene Domanik previously announced she would seek the Democratic nomination against Republican Congressman Mike Bishop in 2018. She has since withdrawn her candidacy, thanking supporters in an announcement on Facebook. Domanik said “the reason is quite simple: campaign finance” and the only way her campaign could continue through the primary would be to provide approximately $100,000 of personal savings to fund it. Domanik says it’s just not possible, given she’s retired and her husband expects to retire within the next year. She says they were able to raise sufficient money initially but donations were not keeping pace with the rising monthly expenses. Domanik says that was exacerbated by the emergence of other “fine candidates” seeking funds from the same pool of donors, and she’ll support them in any way possible. Domanik says she has not lost faith that the people of the 8th District are ready for a major change in representation and leadership, adding events over the last year have demonstrated the shocking disconnect between their values and legislators. She says the 8th District representative must promote the values shared by all constituents - regardless of party affiliation – and voters need to elect a person who will create unity, not demonize one group or another and drive everyone further apart. Former Department of Defense official Elissa Slotkin filed in July to run for the Democratic nomination in the 8th District. (JM/JK)

Street Closures Released For 2017 South Lyon Pumpkinfest Street Closures Released For 2017 South Lyon Pumpkinfest

0
0
South Lyon Police are advising the community about some street closures ahead of this weekend’s Pumpkinfest event. Authorities say North Wells Street will be closed from 7am to noon on Friday for set up. The main downtown streets of Lake and Lafayette, also known as 10 Mile Road & Pontiac Trail, will be closed from 12pm on Friday until 8pm on Sunday. There will be posted detour signs routing vehicles around the downtown area. The Pumpkinfest Parade and Pumpkinfest Run begin at 9:55am on Saturday and last until around noon. Police ask that motorists proceed with caution as there will be several persons and vehicles moving about during the parade. There will be no parking and temporary no parking signs posted on various streets in the downtown area during this weekend's activities. A complete list of closures and detour routes has been released by South Lyon Police and is attached. (JM)

Hartland Township Receives Unqualified Opinion On AuditHartland Township Receives Unqualified Opinion On Audit

0
0
The Hartland Township Board of Trustees received glowing marks on their previous fiscal year’s audit report. An “unqualified opinion” is the best mark an auditor can give a municipality, which is what the Hartland Board once again received during their regular meeting Tuesday night. Auditor John Pfeffer of Pfeffer, Hanniford & Palka said the importance of an unqualified opinion plays largely into the speed in which the township can receive their state shared revenues. State shared revenues accounted for a little more than half of Hartland Township’s total revenues last year. For 2016-17, the township brought in around $2.4 million, while having expenses of $1.8 million. They stayed within budget and were able to add 144% of their annual expenditures to the fund balance. Pfeffer said this was a good number, but he expects the fund balance to drop next year. Supervisor Bill Fountain said this isn’t a surprise to the board. He said they have had several projects start this year, with most being in the parks, and even approved playground equipment to be installed next year at Tuesday’s meeting. Fountain said that after these projects are paid for they will be able to begin growing the fund again, like they have in previous years, and he expects the number to be back to the current amount in a couple years. Hartland Township will continue to have a double-A financial rating, which is just a notch below triple-A which is the best. This, along with the unqualified opinion will play in the township’s favor should they need bonding or financing. Pfeffer also took a moment to compliment the township’s internal control, stating that he has used Hartland as a model example for other townships. A complete copy of the 2016-17 audit report can be found on Hartland Township’s website, a link for which is below. (MK)

Man Who Fled From Police In High Speed I-96 Chase Enters PleaMan Who Fled From Police In High Speed I-96 Chase Enters Plea

0
0
A Lansing man has admitted to charges connected to an incident in which he fled from police and led a high-speed chase on I-96. 35-year-old Deron Maurice Wilson pleaded guilty as charged Friday in Livingston County Circuit Court to the six counts against him. Wilson was 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. A sentencing agreement calls for a sentence of two years on the firearms charge and two consecutive years on the others. The charges stem from the April 15th incident, in which Livingston County Sheriff’s 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. Wilson will be sentenced October 5th. (DK)

Howell Man Found Not Guilty In Harley Davidson Dealership Embezzlement Case Howell Man Found Not Guilty In Harley Davidson Dealership Embezzlement Case

0
0
A Howell man accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from a motorcycle dealership by selling parts on the side has been found not guilty on all charges. An Eaton County jury acquitted 52-year-old Stephen Elliott on all counts today, after deliberating for just two hours. He was charged with embezzlement of $100,000 or more and accused of selling parts on the side from Capitol Harley-Davidson in Dimondale. He was accused of embezzling an estimated $280,000 over the course of a five year period from 2009 to 2014, the last year he worked at the dealership. Elliott’s Defense Attorney Neil Rockind tells WHMI his client has steadfastly denied the allegations and any parts sold was done with the owners blessing. He says although Elliott was hired as the general manager, the owner was actively involved in managing the business. Rockind says there was also a revenge component to the case as Elliott and the owner had entered into an agreement to potentially purchase the dealership. When it appeared that would not pan out, Elliott left the dealership but was then accused of embezzlement. Rockind says this is an “extraordinary case of the legal system working” and they are thrilled with the verdict. After three years, he says Elliott is able to get back to a life of normalcy and have this cloud over his head lifted. Elliott told WHMI “I’m happy to be vindicated and thankful for friends and family who knew I was innocent.” (JM)

Proposed Housing Development In Milford Township Temporarily StalledProposed Housing Development In Milford Township Temporarily Stalled

0
0
A rezoning request that was met with disapproval by the Milford Township Planning commission has continued to stall out at the township level. Several residents left the Board of Trustee's meeting Wednesday night shaking their heads and grumbling after Supervisor Don Green announced that developer Ray LeDuc requested that the rezoning of his proposed Belle Terre subdivision be tabled. LeDuc is hoping to build the 157 house sub on approximately 67 acres west of Milford Road and south of Rowe Road. To do so requires rezoning from restricted office and suburban residential to single family residential. The Milford Township Planning Commission unanimously rejected the conditional rezoning request at their August meeting for reasons including incompatibility with the township's master plan and the negative effect it would have on adjacent neighborhoods. The developer previously told the planning commission that the rezoning would be appropriate and serve as a transition between higher and lower intensity land uses. Residents opposed to the change collected around 1300 signatures, roughly 1000 of them online, in support of not rezoning. Traffic and the disruption of wetlands were often cited as concerns. Green said the request to table came late Wednesday afternoon before the meeting so that the developer could do additional paper work to present to the board at their October 18th meeting.(MK)

Livingston County Community Alliance Receives Drug Free Communities Grant Livingston County Community Alliance Receives Drug Free Communities Grant

0
0
A non-profit coalition has received a federal grant that will help implement drug prevention programming for youth in Livingston County. The Livingston County Community Alliance received a grant from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration that will provide $125,000 per year for the next five years to build youth-led prevention teams. The Drug Free Communities Grant will help the coalition create youth-led prevention teams across the county, which will develop strategies to combat drug use and provide a large amount of local prevention activities. Those teams will in turn provide drug prevention programming to youth in Livingston County, so they can educate their peers and come up with activities to decrease youth substance use. A student group in Pinckney Community Schools, It Stops with Students, will serve as a mentor model for the Fowlerville district first, with the ultimate goal of expanding into each school district in the county. LCCA Coordinator Kaitlin Fink tells WHMI the program will aim to reduce and prevent youth substance use but also touch on underage drinking. She says they’ll be implementing a program for parents focused on being a “safe home”, meaning parents won’t allow drug use or drinking to occur in their home and a home registry will be created. Fink says the team will have a pretty substantial role as students will create the program, attend training and do presentations to build momentum. As part of the teams, students will provide activities and awareness campaigns that will ultimately decrease prescription drug use and heroin use, which Fink says remain big problems in Livingston County. The Coalition applied for the grant in March. Fink says 2,200 grants were submitted nationally and LCCA was one of the 719 selected. She says they’re excited because this was their second year applying for the grant and they finally received the needed funding to help combat and ultimately decrease prescription drug use and heroin use. (JM)

Howell Family Afftected By Rare Nerve Disorder Holding BenefitHowell Family Afftected By Rare Nerve Disorder Holding Benefit

0
0
A local family is holding a benefit in honor of their son who suffers from a neural disease with no known treatment or cure. Howell residents Lee and Ruth DeWitt are bringing awareness to Friedreich’s Ataxia with a screening of the film, The Ataxian, at the Historic Howell Theatre on Sunday, October 8th. The DeWitt’s are holding the screening in honor of their son Jack, a senior at Howell High School, who suffers from the disease. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports Friedreich’s Ataxia is a rare, inherited disease that usually begins in childhood and leads to increasingly impaired muscle coordination over time. It can shorten life expectancy, cause scoliosis, heart disease, and diabetes. The disorder does not affect thinking or reasoning abilities. The film is an award winning documentary that shares the story of one Kyle Bryant, who is also affected by the disease, and his journey across the United States in what has been called “the world’s toughest bicycle race.” Bryant will be at the event and participate in a question and answer session following the film. Doors open at 2pm with the documentary starting at 2:30. There is a suggested donation on $20 per person, though any amount is welcome. All money raised will go to the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance , a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure. To reserve tickets, visit the link below. (Photo - Facebook)(MK)

Hartland School Board Approves Property TransferHartland School Board Approves Property Transfer

0
0
Some parcels of land are being transferred between the Hartland and Brighton school districts. Two parcels of land are currently divided between Hartland Consolidated Schools and Brighton Area Schools. However, parts accessible by road are exclusively within the Brighton district. A resolution authorizing the property transfer in the Deer Creek subdivision north of Hilton Road, off of Old US-23, was approved unanimously by the Hartland Board of Education on Monday night. It’s said to be a straight forward transfer that benefits both school districts, helps the Brighton Township assessor and incurs no cost for Hartland schools. Hartland Superintendent Chuck Hughes tells WHMI they do this from time to time with properties along the borders where it makes sense, generally new subdivisions or property splits, when considering access to the property, bus stops and where kids in a neighboring subdivision go to school and so on. The Brighton Board of Education is said to be taking up a similar resolution in regard to property that sits solely within that district but is being transferred to Hartland. (JM)

Northfield Twp. Man Under Court Order To Remove CarsNorthfield Twp. Man Under Court Order To Remove Cars

0
0
A Northfield Township man is making headlines as he tries to fulfill a court order to clear his land of the more than 150 cars located there. 74-year-old Ron Dauzet was ordered by a Washtenaw County judge in June to sell at least 20 vehicles a month from his property on East North Territorial Road. There were nearly 220 vehicles then, but he’s been able to whittle it down to approximately 160. The judge cited Northfield Township’s Anti-Blight and Inoperable Motor Vehicles ordinance in issuing the consent ruling that requires an ordinance officer to visit the property each month and make sure Dauzet has removed at least 20 cars. But Dauzet insists his collection, which he started in 1963, isn’t junk and that most of the vehicles are still operable. Dauzet was featured earlier this week in an article on automotive website Jalopnik.com, which spawned reports by several Detroit TV stations and an article today in the Detroit Free Press. Northfield Township officials have declined to comment about the ruling as it remains active in the court system. Picture courtesy of Jalopnik. (JK)

The Daily Show Goes To Hell (These Headlines Just Write Themselves Sometimes)The Daily Show Goes To Hell (These Headlines Just Write Themselves Sometimes)

0
0
It’s official; The Daily Show is going to Hell. Or more accurately it has already been there. Ann Arbor native Michael Kosta is the newest correspondent for The Daily Show and brought a crew Wednesday to the tiny Putnam Township hamlet to film a segment for the Comedy Central program. Kosta had himself appointed as the mayor of Hell and shot several scenes beside Silver Lake in the nearby Pinckney State Recreation Area. Kosta reportedly used his temporary powers to declare the lake as Silver Ocean. Local community members from Michigan Residents Against the ET Rover pipeline were also present, letting Kosta know that Silver Ocean was actually “entrapped by a 42 inch pipeline," referring to their ongoing opposition to a natural gas pipeline being built nearby. Then, as people have done for years, Kosta purchased a square inch of Hell for $1 from the unofficial Mayor of Hell, businessman John Colone. Colone has been trying for more than two years to sell his portion of Hell, a five-acre parcel which includes Screams Ice Cream Parlor, a miniature golf course and wedding chapel. The current asking price of $900,000 would also include the rights to merchandise and marketing. At the conclusion of the Daily Show taping, Colone used his powers to impeach Kosta. It’s not known when the episode featuring Hell will air. (JK)

Local Officials Responsible For Bill Removing Confusing Iconography From BallotsLocal Officials Responsible For Bill Removing Confusing Iconography From Ballots

0
0
Governor Rick Snyder has a signed a bill spearheaded by local officials to remove iconography from ballots. Livingston County Clerk Elizabeth Hundley and retired Elections Coordinator Joan Runyon were joined by State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township for a ceremonial bill signing this past Tuesday in Lansing. Vaupel said it was a grassroots, workhorse effort by Runyon and the clerk’s association to get the political vignettes, or icons, removed from future ballots. Vignettes began appearing on ballots in Michigan back in the 1890s and were a tool for helping voters identify candidates by their party affiliation. Vaupel said that in current times, they are more of a hindrance than a help. As ballots have become longer and more complex, the size of the pictures has reduced to a point where it has often become difficult to recognize what is being portrayed on them. The vignettes have caused confusion in the past, as some voters have circled them, believing they were casting a straight-ticket vote. Vaupel said this mistake has caused votes to not count, and that is a serious problem. For residents needing assistance with reading the ballot, each precinct is now required to offer an AutoMARK machine which can read it to them, further rendering the icons unnecessary. The bill takes effect immediately meaning the vignettes will be absent on November ballots.(MK)

Fenton Man Charged in Deadly Crash Bound Over For TrialFenton Man Charged in Deadly Crash Bound Over For Trial

0
0
A Fenton man facing 19 felony counts connected to a fatal car crash that left five people dead is headed to trial. 21-year-old Matthew Jordan Carrier was bound over to Livingston County Circuit for trial, following a hearing earlier today. Carrier is charged in the May 9th incident that occurred at the intersection of Argentine Road and M-59 in Oceola Township. Authorities say Carrier had a BAC of .15 and was driving over 100mph southbound on Argentine Road. Carrier failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection and hit a Cadillac that was traveling eastbound on M-59. Two people in the Subaru Carrier was driving, 18-year-old Justin Henderson and 24-year-old Preston Wetzel, were killed. A third passenger, 23-year-old Kyle Lixie, was seriously injured. The Cadillac that was hit was driven by 39-year-old Albert Boswell, who survived but was seriously injured. The passengers in that vehicle, Boswell’s girlfriend Candice Dunn, her mother Linda Hurley, and Hurley’s boyfriend, Jerome Tortomasi, were all killed. At today’s hearing, testimony was offered by a number of people connected to the incident to determine if there was enough evidence to send the case to trial. Boswell testified, along with several first responders and an individual who saw the crash happen. Hartland Township Resident Edward Beatty ran to help after witnessing the impact and pulled Carrier from the Subaru just before it exploded. Beatty says as he asked Carrier questions and offered words of comfort, he noticed the smell of alcohol on Carrier’s breath. Michigan State Police Trooper Christopher McIntosh, who interviewed Carrier on May 15th, testified as well. McIntosh says Carrier admitted he and his friends had been drinking at a bonfire prior to the crash, but that his friends were either too drunk to operate a vehicle or didn’t know how to drive the Subaru because it was a stick shift. McIntosh says Carrier told him he “felt he was doing the right thing” by driving, despite also being under the influence and having a suspended license as the result of a previous conviction for operating while impaired by liquor. Following testimony, Judge Suzanne Geddis said Carrier’s actions prior to the crash were an obvious disregard of the possible consequences and gave proof to malicious intent. She bound Carrier over for trial on all 19 counts and he waived his Circuit Court arraignment. Future court dates were not immediately set. (DK)

Jones Road In Cochoctah Township Closing For Bridge RepairsJones Road In Cochoctah Township Closing For Bridge Repairs

0
0
A construction project will be closing a road in Cohoctah Township for nearly 2 weeks. Beginning this Monday, September 25th, Jones Road will close at the Great Lakes Central Railroad bridge, located 675 feet east of Oak Grove Road. Rehabilitation of the bridge will take place under contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation. Jones road will remain shut down for the duration of the project, which is expected to completed on Friday, October 6th. (MK)

Local Volunteers Hold Event For Hurricane ReliefLocal Volunteers Hold Event For Hurricane Relief

0
0
A local community service organization turned their regular Thursday night music jam program into a hurricane relief drive. The Howell Elks club partnered with Disaster Relief at Work, or DRAW, to raise money and bring in donations for hurricane relief in Florida. Lori O’Doherty is both a bartender at the club and a member of DRAW and organized the event. She recently returned from helping with hurricane Harvey relief in Texas and is heading down to Jacksonville, Florida on Monday to aid in Irma relief. O’Doherty said the outpouring of help from the community has been amazing and shared one story that touched her heart. She said a couple days prior a young man who carried a bag of cans and looked like he didn’t have much walked in and said he wanted to give. She said he dropped down $3 and some change and, giving what he had, and his generosity was amazing, taking her aback. O’Doherty was joined by other DRAW relief volunteers from around the state including some from Fowlerville, Rochester, and Detroit. She said while in Texas she ran into a team from Fowlerville that was there, unbeknownst to her. One of those volunteers was Shelby Gregg, who came to the event. Gregg said it was really cool to find out that all the way down in Texas they were only a couple minutes away from other people in the area. The group collected cleaning supplies, pet food, pillows, and more that will be put on semi to meet O’Doherty in Florida next week for distribution. More than $3,500 in valued prizes by local businesses and individuals were donated for a silent auction. O’Doherty said there is still time to donate and that anyone wishing to should visit DRAW’s website, a link for which is below.(MK)

"Gold Out" At Hartland Football Game To Benefit Childhood Cancer Awareness"Gold Out" At Hartland Football Game To Benefit Childhood Cancer Awareness

0
0
A local school district’s initiative to help children with cancer has one of their athletic programs challenging others for the cause. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month and the Hartland School District is trying to do their part. Their program, “Hartland Go Gold For Kids With Cancer” culminates with a “Gold Out” at tonight’s football game when the Eagles play the Salem Rocks. Students will have an opportunity to purchase special t-shirts and submit other donations with all proceeds going to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Donations will help with fitting rooms in the pediatric care unit. Assistant varsity tennis coach Mark Fay said he challenged the 17 students on the team to raise funds equaling his after-taxes “salary,” before tonight’s kickoff. The team met the goal 10 days ago and has now challenged their parents, the 200 member marching band, and the rest of the fall athletic teams to do their part for the children at Mott’s. (MK)

Driver in Deadly Crash Headed To Trial Following Witness TestimonyDriver in Deadly Crash Headed To Trial Following Witness Testimony

0
0
A hearing in the case against a Fenton man charged with driving drunk and killing five people in a fiery crash included testimony in 53rd District Court yesterday. The May 9th incident, which occurred at the intersection of Argentine Road and M-59 in Oceola Township, resulted in 19 felony counts against 21-year-old Matthew Jordan Carrier. Authorities say Carrier had a BAC of .15 and was driving over 100mph down Argentine Road when he ran a stop sign at the intersection and hit a Cadillac headed east on M-59. The crash killed two passengers in the vehicle driven by Carrier and three passengers in the Cadillac. At Thursday’s hearing, testimony was given to determine whether there was enough evidence to send Carrier’s case to trial. One of the individuals who testified was Albert Boswell, the driver of the Cadillac and the only survivor in that vehicle. Boswell said he did not have time to brake, as Carrier’s vehicle appeared to come from out of nowhere. Boswell described crawling out of the wrecked car after the impact and calling out to his girlfriend Candice Dunn and her mother Linda Hurley. He tearfully remembered hearing no response from either of them or Hurley’s boyfriend, Jerome Tortomasi. Testimony also came from Hartland Township resident Edward Beatty, who saw the crash happen, pulled over, and immediately ran to help. Beatty pulled Carrier out from under the vehicle just before it exploded and attempted to comfort him until help came. Beatty stated that while talking with Carrier, he noticed the smell of alcohol on his breath. Other testimony was provided by some of the emergency responders first to arrive on scene, all of whom stated that Carrier did name himself as the driver. Michigan State Police Trooper Christopher McIntosh told the court about his interview with Carrier on May 15th. McIntosh says Carrier admitted he and his friends had been drinking at a bonfire prior to the crash, but that his friends were either too drunk to operate a vehicle or didn’t know how to drive the Subaru because it was a stick shift. McIntosh says Carrier told him he “felt he was doing the right thing” by driving, despite also being under the influence and having a suspended license as the result of a previous conviction for operating while impaired by liquor. Following testimony, Judge Suzanne Geddis said Carrier’s actions prior to the crash were an obvious disregard of the possible consequences and gave proof to malicious intent. She bound Carrier over for trial and he waived his Circuit Court arraignment. Future court dates have not been set at this time. (DK)

Fire Heavily Damages Lyon Township Motorcycle ClubFire Heavily Damages Lyon Township Motorcycle Club

0
0
A fire has heavily damaged a barn belonging to the Scorpions Motorcycle Club in Lyon Township. It's the second Detroit-area motorcycle club damaged this week. The Street Royalty Motorcycle Club building on Detroit's west side was destroyed Wednesday by an explosion and fire. The Lyon Township fire forced a closure of Milford Road between 11 and 12 Mile roads this morning as firefighters put out the blaze. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire was under investigation. The club's chapter president told WDIV in Detroit that it appears a mini-excavator, like a Bobcat, was used to break into the building to steal a safe. An excavator was stolen from the nearby Michigan War Dog Memorial that was being used to install a fence. The ATF is investigating both the Detroit and Lyon Township club fires. Picture courtesy of WDIV/ClickOnDetroit.com (JK)

Brighton Initiates "Picture This Brighton" Information ToolBrighton Initiates "Picture This Brighton" Information Tool

0
0
Brighton residents now will now have a new tool to weigh in on what they like, or dislike, about their community and what they would like to see in the future. It’s called “Picture This Brighton" and City Community Development Associate Brandon Skopek says it’s merely an additional engagement tool to help the city get more public input on the new Master Plan being developed. Skopek says the procedure to take advantage of the “Picture This Brighton” tool will be available at the Comprehensive Brighton Master Plan Open House. That will take place on Monday, Oct. 2nd, from 4-8 p.m. at the Brighton Education and Community Center, or “BECC” Building, at E. Main and Church streets. (TT)

Brighton Police to Hold Another Coffee with a Cop EventBrighton Police to Hold Another Coffee with a Cop Event

0
0
The Brighton Police Dept., which held two successful Coffee with a Cop events earlier this year, will have another one next month. However, while the previous events were strictly local, this time, Coffee with a Cop will be held in conjunction with national Coffee with a Cop Day. City Police Chief Rob Bradford tells WHMI the event will be held at Starbucks on Wednesday, Oct. 4th, and is an excellent occasion for the public to bring up any topic they care to with their local police. Bradford says from 30-40 people attended each of the last two Coffee with a Cop sessions, held at Tim Hortons. On another topic, Bradford says Brighton City Police officers will all be wearing pink T-shirts under their uniforms in October, in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (TT)
Viewing all 26045 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images