About 500 people turned out Sunday for a candlelight vigil and ribbon-tying memorial for an Oakland County Sheriffâs deputy, killed in the line of duty Thanksgiving Day morning.
Deputy Eric Overall was trying to disable a motorist being pursued by deputies from Lapeer County when he placed âstop sticksâ across M-15 in Brandon Township shortly after midnight. However, the suspect, 22-year-old Christopher Berak, reportedly drove off the road and struck Overall, who later died from injuries. Berak was arrested at the scene and later charged with first-degree premeditated homicide and murder of a police officer, both felonies carrying life prison sentences. He remains held at the Oakland County Jail.
Overallâs widow Sonja said her husband had put extra effort in reaching out to youth following the sudden death one of his sons from a previous marriage. The couple just had married in June. Visitation is scheduled from 3-8pm today at the Mt. Zion Church in Independence Township. Overall's funeral will be held at 11am Tuesday, followed by a private procession for family and Oakland County Sheriffâs Office members. Picture courtesy of the Oakland County Sheriff's Facebook page. (JK)
Hundreds Turn Out For Slain Deputy's VigilHundreds Turn Out For Slain Deputy's Vigil
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Students' Handmade Gifts To Be Sold At Pathway Craft ShowStudents' Handmade Gifts To Be Sold At Pathway Craft Show
A yearly craft show will help those shopping for Christmas gifts check items off their list, while also engaging local students.
The Pathway Craft Show will be held Tuesday, December 5th, at Pathway School on Grand River in Howell from 9am to 3pm. The craft show has been running annually for over 20 years and sells items that are handmade by students and staff from the Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA). Event organizers say the craft show will offer a variety of items, including baked goods, cards, dog biscuits, and knit and needle crafts.
LESA students will be at the craft show and in charge of some of the tables. Their teachers say this gives the students a chance to practice money skills and social skills, while helping them feel accomplished in creating the items and presenting their work to other people.
The craft show also serves as an opportunity for the public to see what the schoolâs students are capable of, in addition to introducing community members to the LESA building. (DK)
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Bob Hope Tribute Show To Benefit Area VeteransBob Hope Tribute Show To Benefit Area Veterans
A recreation of the USO shows that were a staple for servicemen and women stationed overseas from WWII though Operation Desert Storm in the early 90âs, will be coming to Howell this weekend to benefit area veterans.
The Bob Hope USO Christmas Tribute Show will perform Friday and Saturday at the Historic Howell Theatre to benefit Disabled American Veterans Chapter 125. Comedian Lynn Roberts will play Bob Hope, along with other classic comedians like Red Skelton, Jimmy Durante and Jack Benny.
There will be evening performances on Friday and Saturday night at 7pm along with a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets are available for a $25 donation to benefit Livingston County disabled veterans and their families. Youâll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Lane Closures Along US-23 Flex Route For Pavement Repairs & MarkingsLane Closures Along US-23 Flex Route For Pavement Repairs & Markings
Lane closures are continuing this week along the US-23 Flex Route and local motorists should prepare for delays.
The Michigan Department of Transportation advises that single lane closures continue this week on US-23 for pavement repairs and placement of pavement markings. Single lane closures are scheduled through Wednesday on northbound US-23 from M-14 to M-36 from 8am to 3pm. Single lane closures will also be in effect on southbound US-23 from M-36 to M-14 through Wednesday, between 10am and 7pm each day.
Finally, M-DOT says there will be nightly single lane closures on both northbound and southbound US-23 through Saturday, December 2nd. Twitter Photo. (JM)
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Public Reception Sunday Will Honor Longtime Howell Library DirectorPublic Reception Sunday Will Honor Longtime Howell Library Director
The longtime director of the Howell Carnegie District Library will be honored with a reception this weekend.
After 38 years at the helm of the library, Kathleen Zaenger is stepping down at the end of the year and âNew Beginningsâ celebration will be held at the downtown library thus Sunday, December 3rd from noon-4 pm. In a video posted on the libraryâs website, Zaenger says sheâll always treasure her time as director but is looking forward to what the future will bring.
Zaenger was the 2017 Grand Marshal for last Fridayâs annual Fantasy of Lights Parade, was a past president of the Michigan Library Association and Livingston Countyâs 2012 Citizen of the Year. Sundayâs event will feature hors d'oeuvres and desserts, a live performances by the award winning Howell High School Band and Choirs, including the Drum Line, a special book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Howell Library and a photography exhibit featuring the work of community icon, the late Duane Zemper. Youâll find additional details through the link below. (JK)
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Sheriff's Office Investigating Breaking & Entering Incidents Sheriff's Office Investigating Breaking & Entering Incidents
Authorities are investigating break-ins at two Genoa Township businesses on Monday.
The two breaking and entering incidents occurred after midnight at Arbyâs and The Pizza Champ, both located on East Grand River. Further details have not been released as the investigation is in the early stages. Lt. Jim Lynch tells WHMI both incidents are currently being investigated by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Detective Bureau.
Anyone with information should contact the Sheriffâs Office tip line at 517-546-8477. (JM)
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South Lyon Fire Chief Mike Kennedy Accepts New Position South Lyon Fire Chief Mike Kennedy Accepts New Position
The City of South Lyon is in the process of hiring a new fire chief.
Fire Chief Mike Kennedy will be leaving after accepting an assistant chief position with the City of Ann Arbor Fire Department. Heâll start December 11th. After spending seven years with the South Lyon Fire Department, Kennedy tells WHMI itâs very bittersweet because heâs sad to leave but excited to move on. Kennedy says heâll forever owe a debt of gratitude to South Lyon as itâs been an outstanding experience and he appreciates the opportunity, noting he worked with a great group with the fire department and great city leadership.
The South Lyon fire chief position has been posted and Kennedy says the goal is to have someone in place by the end of the year but he feels heâs leaving the department in a great spot moving forward. He says the highlight of his career with the City was lowering the departmentâs community ISO rating from a â5â to a â3â and South Lyon is one of only 20 departments in the state to hold that rating. That means residents are not only safer but have decreased fire insurance costs. The department has very strong relationships with its automatic mutual aid communities of Green Oak and Lyon Townships but the department also responds into Washtenaw County, due to the Cityâs location in the southeast corner of the county.
South Lyonâs newly elected Mayor Dan Pelchat congratulated Kennedy on the promotion during Monday nightâs City Council meeting. As for any official last day, Kennedy says theyâll work through a transition through the end of the year. Photo: Linked In. (JM)
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Donations More Than Quadruple Annual Fundraiser GoalDonations More Than Quadruple Annual Fundraiser Goal
A recent fundraising partnership between WHMI and the Gleaners Community Food Bank exceeded all expectations in terms of generosity.
Bridget Brown, the Director of Donor Relations for Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan says that an unofficial final tally of money received during WHMIâs 12 Days of Gleaners indicates members of the Livingston County community donated $43,313 during the twelve-day period that ended the day before Thanksgiving. With Ford Motor Company matching all donations dollar for dollar, plus a $7,500 grant from Sunrise Rotary, Brown says a total of $94,126 was raised for the project to provide every family in need with a full holiday meal. That far surpasses the $20,000 goal that Gleaners said would be needed to provide a meal to the roughly 1,000 families in the area that needed assistance putting a holiday meal on the table. With Gleanerâs organizational buying power, a full meal is possible from just a $20 donation.
The additional dollars will be used to continue the Gleaners mission of helping to provide food for area families in need through the Shared Harvest Pantry in Genoa Township, which is set up like a store, allowing clients to shop for what they need as if they were making a trip to the supermarket. You can find further detail about Gleaners through the link below. (JK)
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Analysis: GOP Tax Bill Would Hurt Most MichigandersAnalysis: GOP Tax Bill Would Hurt Most Michiganders
As the push heats up to pass the Republican tax bill, analysts are predicting that many Michiganders will lose out, particularly those most in need.
According to the Michigan League for Public Policy, under both the plan that passed the U.S. House earlier this month and the bill set to be discussed in the Senate this week, the wealthiest 1 percent of Michiganders will benefit the most, while those towards the bottom of the wage scale will be negatively affected.
Rachel Richards, the Leagueâs legislative coordinator, says the Senate plan, which includes a repeal of the individual health care mandate, would result in nearly 400,000 people statewide losing their health care. "We anticipate premiums on the marketplace to rise by about $1,520 for a family of four, and we would likely see cuts to Medicare nearing $1 billion in order to pay for these changes."
Analysts expect either plan would raise the deficit by as much as $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. Republicans say the massive corporate tax cuts will spur economic growth and stimulate the job market, although many leading economists argue that has not happened with previous cuts and they have little reason to believe it will happen with this one.
Richards adds that a deficit that large would leave lawmakers no choice but to "right size" the budget, which she says would result in drastic cuts that will be felt by all. "Education services, food assistance, basic cash assistance, infrastructure funding, health care. It's going to impact the quality of life on pretty much every Michigan resident."
Both U.S. Sens. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, Democrats of Michigan, have come out against the Senate bill, while 8th District Republican Congressman Mike Bishop, who sits on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, is a strong supporter of the House version. Bishop says the average family in the 8th District would see a $2,786 reduction in taxes, adding that the plan will boost local job creators to expand their operations, increase wages and hire more people. A vote on the bill could come as soon as Thursday. Public News Service Contributed to this story. (JK)
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Sex Assault Incident Again Aired Before Brighton School Board Sex Assault Incident Again Aired Before Brighton School Board
Again the issue of sexual assaults against three young girls â and whether the student who assaulted them should be allowed back in school - came up at Monday's Brighton Board of Education meeting â as it had two weeks ago.
The mothers of the victims, along with about 20 of their supporters, were at the board meeting to show their support, and several of them spoke to the board at the public comments portion of the meeting. The incidents occurred at the victims' homes and not on school property.
Two of the sexual assault victims also again spoke to the board, among other things imploring the district to amend sex education in the classroom so that it concentrates more on preventing sexual assault and so that potential assailants know that the word ânoâ means just that.
The 16-year-old male pleaded guilty last month to one count of first degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of accosting a minor for immoral purposes and four counts of possessing child sexually explicit material. He is in the process of completing a 45-day sentence at a juvenile facility although the plea agreement stipulated he be sent to a residential treatment facility. The juvenile court, however, is not required to adhere to such agreements.
The oldest of the victims, a 14-year-old BHS freshman, vows that she will not return to class if her attacker is allowed to return. The girlâs mother told the board that as a sexual assault victim herself, if it were her, she would also be unable to attend the same school as her attacker.The womanâs daughter told WHMI that she has received tremendous support from her classmates, teachers and others since addressing the board two weeks ago.
Board President Andy Burchfield told the audience that the matter is still in the hands of district attorneys and declined to comment any further. Theoretically, the youth could be home as early as Dec. 4th. However, a hearing is scheduled on that date in Livingston County Juvenile Court which could have something to say about that. The girlsâ support group plans to be at the Judicial Center that day to demonstrate on behalf of the girls and other sexual assault victims. (TT)
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Fenton Free Methodist Church Holding A Gift Wrapping FundraiserFenton Free Methodist Church Holding A Gift Wrapping Fundraiser
A Christmas fundraiser is currently underway in support of the Fenton Free Methodist Church.
Fenton Free Methodist Church Pastor Tony Chick along with Wendy Stine addressed Fentonâs City Council regarding a gift wrapping fundraiser taking place at the church. For the next several weeks, everyone is welcome to drop off their Christmas gifts to be wrapped by church members for a cash donation. The church is looking to put the donations towards building a new kitchen for the many community events they hope to continue to provide. The church has already put on a Harvest Fest, a Trunk or Treat, and holiday parties.
The gift wrapping sessions will be held on the next four Wednesdays from 5pm to 8pm and on the next three Saturdays from 4pm to 8pm. For anyone who would like to participate or has any further questions, they can email; swendy117@gmail.com.
Stine said she is hopeful for a big turnout and promises to make all of the gifts look great. (DF/JK)
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United Way Sets Date For Annual Donation Matching EventUnited Way Sets Date For Annual Donation Matching Event
An annual event will again give area residents a chance to maximize their holiday giving.
The Livingston County United Wayâs Matching Money Monday is set for Monday, December 11th to help the organization that helps strengthen the community. Thanks to generous donors, every dollar donated that day will be matched up to their total funds available. Officials say the money that is raised will stay in Livingston County to help a variety of families in multiple ways including crucial programs like nutritious food in local pantries, utility and shelter assistance and an eviction diversion program.
Those looking to make a donation on matching Money Monday can do so in person at the Livingston County United Way office on Dorr Road in Genoa Township, which will be open from 7am to 7pm that day. The Brighton, Howell, and Hartland Area Chambers of Commerce will also be open during business hours along with many other businesses across the county. More information and a complete list of locations can be found through the link below. (JK)
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Lyon Twp. Officials Discuss Amending Zoning Ordinance to Deal With DensityLyon Twp. Officials Discuss Amending Zoning Ordinance to Deal With Density
A proposed amendment to Lyon Townshipâs zoning ordinance could provide a better balance of control and flexibility between officials and developers in negotiating planned developments.
Christopher Doozan, Senior Vice President of planning group McKenna Associates, says some Lyon Township officials feel the municipalityâs zoning ordinance lacks explicit regulations regarding parallel plans and calculating planned developmentsâ density. In a letter to the townshipâs Planning Commission, he also notes the other end of the spectrum, in which some feel the ordinance needs more flexibility.
McKenna Associates proposed four principles in the letter that developers must adhere to, if township officials agree to amend the zoning ordinance text to include the suggested revisions. The principles are in regards to wetlands, lot size, storm water management facilities, and the ability to accommodate the housing project.
Planning Commission Chairman Mike Conflitti says when discussing a proposed project with developers, officials are always looking out for residentsâ best interest. He feels the proposed revisions would help them do that.
Planning Commission Vice-Chairman Carl Towne says the issue is âarbitraryâ and something thatâs been under review for a couple of months now. The townshipâs Planning Commission discussed the revisions at their meeting Monday and unanimously voted to recommend approval to the Board of Trustees. Secretary Jim Chuck says he hopes it turns out to be a âwin-winâ for all. (DK)
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Inkster Man Sentenced In Fatal Crash That Killed Local Man, Injured OthersInkster Man Sentenced In Fatal Crash That Killed Local Man, Injured Others
A man has been sentenced in connection with a deadly crash in Detroit that left a South Lyon man dead and two Milford residents injured.
42-year-old Deandre Simmons of Inkster was sentenced Monday morning to 4 to 15 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to four charges including reckless driving causing death. Police say Simmons was intoxicated and drove his pickup truck on the wrong side of Canfield Street, striking a group that was crossing last June.
John Dewey McDaniels Jr., formerly of Milford, passed away one day before his 73rd birthday. McDaniels and three Milford friends were in Detroitâs midtown neighborhood and stopped to check out a car exhibit in front of the Shinola store when they were struck. McDaniels died after suffering a crushed pelvis, broken hips and ribs, and various other internal injures. One Milford woman was hospitalized with two broken legs and underwent rehab, another Milford man was treated and released, while a fourth woman was not injured. McDaniels was well known throughout the Milford community and was a longtime resident and volunteer but had moved to South Lyon about a year before his death. The retired Vietnam Veteran also served on the Milford Parks & Recreation Board.
Simmons asked for forgiveness in court and apologized to the victims and their families, calling it a tragic accident he had no control over. (JM)
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Santa Coming To Downtown Milford For Annual Christmas Open HouseSanta Coming To Downtown Milford For Annual Christmas Open House
Santa will be making a stop in Milford Thursday night to see whoâs been naughty and whoâs been nice.
The villageâs annual Christmas Open House in downtown Milford will include strolling entertainment, horse drawn carriage rides, and carolers. Santa will arrive at the Village Center Mall abroad a Milford Fire Department fire engine at 6pm and will visit with children until 9pm.
Santa will also be at Village Center Mall from 6pm to 8pm every Thursday night until Christmas and every Saturday from 10am to 12pm. Additional details are available at the link below.
Photo from Village of Milford's website.
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Three Area Schools Chosen For Statewide Health And Wellness ProgramThree Area Schools Chosen For Statewide Health And Wellness Program
Several schools from the area have been chosen to participate in a statewide-program that aims to create a healthier school environment for students.
80 schools, representing grades K-12, were selected for the âBuilding Healthy Communities: Step Up for School Wellnessâ program, which is supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Participating schools will choose one physical activity and one nutrition component from the program and incorporate it into the studentsâ school day, like healthy smoothies, active recess, and nutrition education. Local participating schools are Hutchings and Southwest Elementary Schools in Howell, and Williamston Discovery Elementary School in Williamston.
Those involved in the public-private partnership say the program provides funds, equipment, curriculum, and training tools needed to create a school environment that supports a culture of wellness. Lynda Rossi, Executive Vice President of Strategy, Government and Public Affairs for Blue Cross, says by offering healthy choices during the school day, students begin to think about them more and can practice making them. Program leaders say this helps to reach the ultimate goal, which is to establish healthy habits that can last a lifetime. (DK)
Photo from Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network website.
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DAV Seeks Community's Help In Granting Veteran Families' WishesDAV Seeks Community's Help In Granting Veteran Families' Wishes
Community members can help veteran families in need this holiday season through the areaâs Disabled American Veterans group.
A handful of Livingston County families that include a veteran or a member on active duty have be chosen by the DAV Chapter 125 in Howell to be recipients of this yearâs Adopt-A-Soldier program. Senior Vice Commander Bryan Bradford
says, âWe want to wrap ourselves around the veteran community and let them know weâre here and we care."
The local DAV chapter will be collecting wish lists from the families this week, which they hope to fill with the publicâs help. Bradford tells WHMI community members can purchase specific items on the list or buy a more general present like a gift card. He recommends gift cards for groceries, gas, or even a restaurant, which is often a treat for the families.
Any community members interested in helping grant the familiesâ wishes should contact Bradford or the DAV Chapter 125. Inquiries can be sent to dav125howell@gmail.com or via Facebook Messenger to DAVChapter125.
(DK)
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Milford Man Who Led Police Chase In Howell Facing ChargesMilford Man Who Led Police Chase In Howell Facing Charges
Charges have been authorized against a Milford man who tried to out-drive and outrun local police.
28-year-old Jonathon Charles Liddy is charged with reckless driving, third-degree fleeing a police officer, operating while intoxicated, assault and battery, and three counts of assaulting, obstructing, or resisting a police officer. He was arraigned on the charges, two of which are felonies, in 53rd District Court earlier this week.
The charges stem from the November 22nd incident that began when a Howell Police officer saw Liddyâs vehicle cross the center line multiple times while driving on Walnut Street around 10:30pm. Liddy reportedly made a wide turn onto Mason Street and then onto McPherson Park Drive, at which time the officer attempted to pull him over. Howell Police Chief George Basar says once the lights were activated, Liddy sped up to about 70mph on the road that has a speed limit of 35mph. Liddy lost control of the vehicle at a curve in the road in front of Thai Summit, hit a curb, and then fled on foot. Chief Basar says Livingston County Sheriffâs deputies assisted in catching Liddy, who was then taken to a hospital.
Liddy reportedly refused to submit to a blood test and was uncooperative to the point that he had to be physically restrained. Authorities say he even tried to bite a security guard. Police were able to obtain a search warrant and after the blood draw, Liddy was lodged in the county jail. He is being held there on a $75,000 cash/surety bond and is due back in court December 6th. (DK)
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Federal Work Requirements Being Reinstated To Receive Food Assistance Federal Work Requirements Being Reinstated To Receive Food Assistance
Federal work requirements are being reinforced for Livingston County residents that want to continue receiving food assistance benefits.
The federal government waived work requirements for more than a decade for able-bodied adults without dependents but now with an improved economy and jobs available, the requirements are being enforced. It does not affect people with families or children. Approximately 16,000 people are potentially affected by the change in ten counties, which includes approximately 1,190 people in Livingston County. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services administers the benefits and started sending out notices this week to notify people of the upcoming change. The changes are effective January 1st and individuals will have three months from that time to find a job or meet the other requirements.
MDHHS Spokesman Bob Wheaton tells WHMI people will be affected but the good news is that the economy is better, more jobs are available and the department is prepared to help people in meeting the requirements.
Able bodied adults are defined as recipients ages 18 to 49 who do not have a disability that prevents them from working or who meet other federal criteria that exempts them from the requirements. Individuals can continue to receive food assistance by working an average of 20 hours per week, each month in unsubsidized employment or in an approved employment and training program. They can also qualify by participating in community service by volunteering at a non-profit organization.
The state has been implementing the work requirements in phases. Livingston is among ten identified in the second phase. Counties identified in the first two phases can be attributed to their low unemployment rates and better job situations. The waiver is expected to be phased out statewide by October 2018 or sooner. The state says phasing out the work requirements goes along with the MDHHS goal of assisting Michiganders in finding employment to âachieve self-sufficiency, end generational poverty and realize their dreams.â
Those impacted should speak to their MDHHS case specialist or visit www.michigan.gov/foodassistance. The link is provided. (JM)
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Shop With A Cop Comedy Fundraiser Coming December 15thShop With A Cop Comedy Fundraiser Coming December 15th
An annual fundraiser is returning to help take less fortunate children in the area on a unique shopping trip with police officers from around Livingston County.
The 15th Annual Shop with a Cop Holiday Dinner Event and Comedy Show is coming back to Whitmore Lake. The program pairs up approximately 120 kids nominated from social service agencies and schools each year with officers representing every police department in Livingston County. The pairs will go holiday shopping for a couple hours and have the opportunity to build a positive relationship and rapport.
The event features 3 comedians, including headliner Dave Landau. Landau, who has appeared on Comedy Central and Last Comic Standing, said heâs really excited to help the program out. Being arrested 12 times as a kid, Landau said he believes itâs important, especially today, to build a good relationship between kids and law enforcement.
The event will take place on Friday, December 15th, at Captain Joeâs Grill in Whitmore Lake. Doors open at 6pm, a dinner buffet begins at 6:30, and the first comedian will hit the stage around 8:30. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased a number of ways. If interested, you can contact Detective Curt Novara at the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office by calling (517) 540-7952, or emailing cnovara@livgov.com. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Captain Joeâs Grill at (734) 257-9000, or by going online through the link below.
Meanwhile, the actual Shop With a Cop event will take place this Saturday when officers from several local departments will meet at Three Fires Elementary School and pair up with this yearâs recipients. They will then lead an emergency vehicle parade of police vehicles with lights on to the Howell WalMart. (MK/JK)
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