A local prep academyâs robotics team has qualified for the Super Regionals. The Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy in Brightonâs middle school FIRST Tech Challenge robotics teams has cleared through local competition and will be heading out to Iowa.
FIRST Tech Challenge teams design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in head to head challenges. The program, guided by adult coaches and mentors, is designed to help students develop STEM skills, practice engineering principles, and realize the value of hard work and sharing of ideas. The Charyl Stockwell Miners won two qualifying competitions, one being in Mason in November, and the other in Big Rapids earlier this month.
At the Big Rapids event the team earned the Rockwell Collins Innovate Award for their dynamic robot design. At the state championships, the Miners went 4-1 in qualifying matches and made it to the finals in the Edison Division. Their efforts landed them a spot at the Iowa Super Regionals. The Super Regionals will take place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in March. (MK)
Charyl Stockwell Middle School Robotics Team Advances To Super RegionalsCharyl Stockwell Middle School Robotics Team Advances To Super Regionals
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Stay Safe When Using Generators This WinterStay Safe When Using Generators This Winter
A local fire department is getting the word out to help keep people safe when using portable generators this winter.
In an emergency situation, a portable generator can offer lifesaving benefits, especially while the weather is as frigid as it has been. They can be used for keeping the lights and refrigerators on, or even as a secondary heat source. As winter weather is keeping temperatures low, the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority is sharing these tips to help keep users of generators safe. Only use generators outdoors, away from open windows, vents, and doors. Refrain from operating one inside your house, a crawl space, or even the garage. Running one too close to your furnaceâs fresh air intake vent can result in exhaust being drawn into your house. Fire Chief Adam Carrol cautions people to take special care while fueling a generator. Fuel should never be added while the generator is running, and engines should be allowed to cool for at least 2 minutes before starting the process. Gas and gas cans should be stored away from the generator, tightly capped.
Carroll also recommends annual inspections of fireplaces, furnaces, and chimneys. If using extension cords, make sure they are grounded and rated properly for their application. Uncoil cords and lay them flat as leaving them coiled can cause them to overheat and potentially start a fire. If connecting to your homeâs electrical system, never plug the generator into a home outlet. Instead have a qualified electrician install a power transfer switch for use. These tips, along with adhering to the manufacturerâs operation and maintenance guidelines can keep your home and family safe from the risks using a portable generator may cause. (MK)
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Oakland County Sheriff's Office Looking for Suspect in Rash of RobberiesOakland County Sheriff's Office Looking for Suspect in Rash of Robberies
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is looking for the suspect in a string of robberies of businesses in three counties since early December. One of those robberies was at an Arbyâs restaurant in Hartland Township, in Livingston County.
In another incident, the suspect robbed a Pontiac Subway on Dec. 23rd. getting away with $100 in cash. According to a news release issued by the sheriff's department, officials believe the suspect also is responsible for up to eight similar crimes from Dec. 8-24. Seven of the incidents occurred in Oakland County - two in Pontiac, two in Auburn Hills and three in Waterford Township - along with the one in Hartland in Livingston County and one in St. Clair County.
In the most recent incident, the day after the Subway robbery, there was an attempted armed robbery of a Pontiac florist by a man matching the same description. In all of the incidents, according to the news release, Oakland County Underheriff Mike McCabe said the "descriptions and MO are the same."
The suspect is described as a black male, about 5â7â to 5â9â in height, wearing a black or blue jacket and black mask or scarf covering his face. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (TT)
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AAA Urging Safety Ahead Of News Year's Eve HolidayAAA Urging Safety Ahead Of News Year's Eve Holiday
Livingston County residents and motorists are being reminded to stay safe and drive drug and alcohol-free during the New Year holiday weekend.
Drunk driving continues to be a serious problem on roadways and is a factor in more than one-third of all traffic deaths. For those who do plan to drink, AAA Michigan urges them to take safety precautions in advance by designating a non-drinking driver, call a ride or stay with a friend.
AAA Michigan issues the âGreat Pretenders Party Guideâ as a digital publication to help party hosts plan festive holiday gatherings, which also includes tips on how to help reduce drinking and driving deaths and injuries. AAA Spokeswoman Susan Hiltz tells WHMI it offers various non-alcoholic options for those entertaining as well as recipes. For those who do indulge, she says make sure to find a designated driver or utilize a ride service. The digital guide is located through the link. (JM)
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Make A New Year's Resolution To Explore Outdoor Michigan This WinterMake A New Year's Resolution To Explore Outdoor Michigan This Winter
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking people to make a resolution this New Year to get outdoors and get active.
The DNR is hoping that for 2018, Michigan residents will make an âadventure resolutionâ and commit to exploring more of what the state has to offer during winter months. One special event, a Shoe Yearâs Hike, will take place locally. On New Yearâs Day from 1pm until 4, residents are being invited to take a guided snow shoe walk through the Island Lake Recreation Area. This is part of a First Day Hike event which is coordinated by the National Association of State Park Directors. Last year, more than 62,000 people participated in the event and went on guided hikes covering over 114,000 miles across the country. If the Shoe Yearâs Hike doesnât fit your schedule, the DNR is also encouraging people to see more of Michigan by other means, like cross country skiing or fat tire biking.
For an online calendar of winter hikes and other activities across the state, visit www.michigan.gov/winterfun. Photo- Michigan DNR(MK)
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Gas Prices Predicted To Rise In 2018 Gas Prices Predicted To Rise In 2018
As the year comes to a close, the forecast for 2018 is not a good one for drivers when it comes to gas prices.
According to GasBuddy, prices have risen in Livingston County and the surrounding area during the month of December and are expected to continue to rise. GasBuddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Pat DeHaan tells WHMI that problems at refineries in Illinois are to blame for much of the increase.
According to GasBuddy, a quick check of several area service stations showed a 20-cent per gallon difference between the low and high prices. The lowest gas prices were at the Costco station at US-23 and Lee Road at $2.55 per gallon and the highest price was $2.75 at the Speedway station on Old US-23 at M-59 in Hartland. In Metro Detroit, the average gas price is currently $2.61 a gallon, up 23 cents from a year ago.
For the coming year, the forecasters at GasBuddy are predicting that gasoline and diesel fuel prices will continue to rise in 2018 due to increasing global demand, decreased US crude oil inventories, and the decision by OPEC members and Russia to decrease oil output. Saudi Arabia is the worldâs largest producer of crude oil followed by the US, with Russia third.(TT)
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Plow Crews Busy, Rash of Spinouts & Accidents Due to Slippery HighwaysPlow Crews Busy, Rash of Spinouts & Accidents Due to Slippery Highways
Area law enforcement agencies report there were a large number of spinouts and some rollovers this morning on freeways and roads throughout Southeast and Mid-Michigan.
The reason is a couple of inches of overnight snow that fell in the region. In addition, due to the extremely cold temperatures, the salt poured on roadways by area county road commissions wasnât having much effect.
I-96 and I-75 in particular had a number of rollouts and crashes during morning rush hour today due to the icy roadways. The situation seemed to be worst on I-96 between Williamston and Okemos in Ingham County, I-96 in the Novi area of Oakland County and I-75, I-69 and I-475 in the Flint area.
Despite the myriad of accidents, area law enforcement agencies have not reported any deadly crashes. The situation is not expected to get much better for the New Yearâs holiday weekend. Another inch or so is predicted for tonight with snow showers on the way Saturday. Also, the forecast is for temperatures to remain frigid, hampering efforts to clear the snow from roads. (TT)
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Suspected Dog-Wolf Hybrids' DNA Results PendingSuspected Dog-Wolf Hybrids' DNA Results Pending
Oakland County Animal Control is awaiting the results of DNA samples taken from two dogs suspected of being part wolf that attacked a Highland Township girl last month.
The girlâs family adopted the dogs from an organization in Pennsylvania approximately three weeks prior to the November 30th attack. The two dogs mauled the 7-year-old just after she opened the gate to their pen and bit her mother, who intervened. The girl was taken to University of Michiganâs Mott Childrenâs Hospital and is said to be doing much better.
After the attack, one of the dogs escaped the property. It returned a few days later, at which time it was shot and killed by the owner. The other dog involved was euthanized by Oakland County Animal Control. Supervisor Ron Shankin says it was determined the dogs showed physical characteristics of possibly being part wolf, which led the agency to take DNA samples. The swabs were submitted to a lab in California and Animal Control is expecting the results any day now. Shankin says this is the first time the agency has encountered an animal they suspected to be part wolf.
Shankin tells WHMI there could be ramifications for the owner if the animals are in fact dog-wolf hybrids, as possessing such an animal is illegal in Michigan. He reiterates the breed has not been confirmed and that the investigation is ongoing. (DK)
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Appeal Denied For Man Convicted In Genoa Twp. Home Invasion Appeal Denied For Man Convicted In Genoa Twp. Home Invasion
A local man serving described as the mastermind behind a violent Genoa Township home invasion who is serving a lengthy prison sentence has had his appeal denied.
46-year-old Kennie Whitby of Green Oak Township is serving a 50 to 75 year prison sentence for 13 counts of armed robbery, and 25 to 75 years for one count of home invasion. He was sentenced as a 4th time habitual offender and was the only suspect charged in the case that went to trial. Whitby was found guilty on all charges connected to the armed robbery and home invasion that occurred at a residence on Crystal Valley Drive in June of 2015. Four other defendants all entered guilty pleas in separate cases.
Whitby appealed his conviction and sentence to the Michigan Court of Appeals, which issued an opinion upholding both. In his appeal, Whitby made several arguments related to suppressing his custodial interview and any evidence arising from it, including information obtained from his cellphone. He contended the trial court should have suppressed his entire interview, based on a lack of a video recording of a Michigan State Police trooper advising him of his Miranda rights. The appeals court disagreed. It also found that the trial court did not err in finding that the defendant validly consented to a search of his cell phone.
Whitby also raised issues related to hearsay testimony from a co-defendant but the panel found the trial court did not plainly err or abuse itâs discretion by admitting the testimony. The panel disagreed with further claims made related to ineffective assistance of counsel, instructional error, illegal arrest and charges filed. Finally, Whitby contended the trial court abused discretion when it allowed the prosecution to add information to his pre-sentencing report but the appeals panel again disagreed. That information was related to his attempted escape from the Livingston County Jail one week before his sentencing hearing.
Whitby remains incarcerated at the Bellamy Creek Correctional facility in Ionia. His earliest release date is June 2066. The full opinion is attached. (JM)
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Crowd Funding Campaign Extended For Howell Pop Up Park Project Crowd Funding Campaign Extended For Howell Pop Up Park Project
Officials say there is still time to support a crowd sourcing campaign that aims to bring a transportable park and family friendly fun to downtown Howell.
The National Main Street Center offered a $3,400 matching grant to Howell Main Street to be used towards bringing a Pop Up Park downtown. Earlier this fall, Howell Main Street along with staff from the Downtown Development Authority attended and presented at the International Placemaking Conference in Amsterdam. Meeting with urban developers from around the world, they shared ideas and were inspired by a variety of projects.
Howell Main Street Chief Operating Officer Cathleen Edgerly said one of the ideas that struck a chord and lined up with a community desire for more green space and youth-based activities was a Pop Up Park. Edgerly said the 25 foot by 25 foot mobile park would be the first of its kind in the United States and would offer outdoor seating, games, and activities for kids of all age groups. She said they envision tying it in to existing events like Rock the Block and the Food Truck Rally to begin with.
Howell Main Street had until Friday, December 29th to raise the $3,400 to receive the matching funds. However, Edgerly tells WHMI the National Main Street Center is now extending the deadline to match the funds until January 10th. More information about the project and a link to donate is provided. (JM)
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Stepped Up Drunk Driving Patrols Throughout Livingston County Stepped Up Drunk Driving Patrols Throughout Livingston County
Drive sober or get pulled over. Itâs a familiar message but one that not everyone heeds and the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office will have stepped up patrols this weekend.
The Sheriffâs Office is among the many local law enforcement agencies that will have an increased focus on drunk driving to ensure everyone has a safe New Yearâs Eve and coming year. Sheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI they want everyone to safely ring in the New Year with good spirits, no accidents and no one getting hurt. For anyone that does overindulge and fails to line up a designated driver, Murphy says they would be more than happy to provide a lift for them. On the roads, he advises that people mind their own business and donât get upset by other peopleâs driving habits to the extent it ends up in a road rage situation.
The Christmas and New Yearâs Eve period can be one of the most deadly times of the year, as it is a high-risk time for alcohol and other drug-related crashes. Itâs also a stressful time of year, so in addition to drunk driving incidents, many local law enforcement agencies are tied up with domestic situations and others involving mental health. (JM)
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Improvements Coming To Unadilla Trail SystemImprovements Coming To Unadilla Trail System
Improvements to a multi-mile stretch of trails are coming to Unadilla Township.
State Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township announced this week that a 6-mile section of trails in Unadilla have been included in a list of recreational grant recommendations. That recommendation comes from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, which helps with many things including trails, recreational facilities, and recreational opportunities. Vaupel said these improvements could bring long term health benefits with them. He said that it might help keep people and families moving. The representative said that when children are used to getting out in nature, that it is something that grows with them as they get older, and can spread from generation to generation.
The trails will be improved to allow for better pedestrian and bike traffic on them. It will give users full access to the 22 miles of Lakeland Trails, which is in turn, part of the 240 mile Route 1 of the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail. The Unadilla trail will be resurfaced with compacted limestone aggregate, see the construction of a new dog waste station, and add additional signage and benches at the trailhead. (MK)
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American Red Cross In Need Of Blood And Platelet DonationsAmerican Red Cross In Need Of Blood And Platelet Donations
The American Red Cross is urging community members to give back this winter by donating blood or platelets.
Nearly 64,000 fewer blood and platelet donations were made to the American Red Cross during last yearâs holiday season than the average during the rest of the year. Thatâs why the Red Cross is urging all eligible donors to give back this time of year by donating blood or platelets. Those donations can be used within days, according to Red Cross Communications Manager Todd Kulman.
Blood is perishable and can only be replenished by volunteer donors. Red blood cells, the most transfused blood product, must be transfused within 42 days. Platelets must be transfused within five days. The Red Cross says all blood types are needed and several donation events will be held in Livingston County through January 12th. To express their appreciation, those who give before or on January 7th will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
The following donor opportunities will be held in Livingston County:
Howell
1/2/2018: 12 p.m. - 5:45 p.m., Venture Church, 8457 E. Highland Road
1/5/2018: 11 a.m. - 3:45 p.m., Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital, 620 Byron Road
1/8/2018: 1 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 6686 Oak Grove Road
Hartland
1/12/2018: 2 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., Our Savior Lutheran Church and School, 13667 W. Highland Road
Howell
1/12/2018: 11 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., Hartland Community Education, 9525 E. Highland Road
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Upcoming Dinner Will Name Howell Chamber's Citizen of the YearUpcoming Dinner Will Name Howell Chamber's Citizen of the Year
A community member who has made a significant contribution to the area will be honored at a yearly dinner held by the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce.
The decades-old tradition of naming a Citizen of the Year will take place on Thursday, January 25th. This will be the 61st annual dinner and award presentation celebrating Livingston County and its residentsâ accomplishments. The tradition began in 1957 by honoring the famous Doc May and has continued with last yearâs recipient being Patti Griffith.
Each year, the previous winners gather to select the citizen, keeping it a heavily-guarded secret until the nightâs reveal. Griffith will present the award to her successor at the end of the evening. The dinner will be held at Cleary Universityâs Johnson Center in Genoa Township, starting at 6pm.
Youâll find additional details at the link below. (DK)
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Registration Open For Runway RepurposedRegistration Open For Runway Repurposed
Local designers are being sought for the 10th annual Runway Repurposed fashion show.
Runway Repurposed is a fundraiser for the Howell Opera House that combines the art of fashion design with the use of recycled clothing and materials. Residents of all ages with a talent for fashion design are encouraged to take used clothing items and turn them into new designs, which are then displayed and sold at the fashion show and silent auction.
Designers are encouraged to register online early to reserve a spot. Those who donât register online can do so in person at the clothing and fabric selection set for Saturday, January 13th and Monday, January 15th at Oak Pointe Country Club. Thatâs when contestants will select pieces of clothing they wish to use to create a new, original garment for the competition, which will be held on Sunday, February 25th at Oak Pointe. There are six competition categories this year.
Further details are available through the link. (JM)
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Local Lawmaker's Bill Aids In Unemployment Insurance Agency System ReformLocal Lawmaker's Bill Aids In Unemployment Insurance Agency System Reform
An area legislator is a contributor to legislation that will change the stateâs Unemployment Insurance Agencyâs fraud and identity theft system.
Governor Rick Snyder signed a set of bipartisan bills last week that use a multi-faceted approach in modernizing the UIAâs system. The reform reduces fraud penalties, requires detailed documents for those applying for unemployment benefits to confirm their identity, and prevents the UIA from charging interest on benefit overpayments. The bills also modify the consequences for an employer who fails to provide timely information and requires the agency to reconsider decisions made regarding benefits if the previous decision was sent to a bad address.
Each of the bills was approved unanimously in both chambers and State Representative Joe Graves of Argentine Township says heâs looking forward to implementation. Graves is chair of the House Oversight Committee and helped develop the framework of legislation addressing fraud and unemployment insurance issues. Graves says he and other stakeholders set a goal for 900 workgroup hours and were able to "hammer out what needed to change".
Graves sponsored House Bill 5165, which improves identity theft protections with the UIA. The bill allows the agency to immediately cease paying benefits when it receives an affidavit from a person with a stolen identity and a corroborating report from their employer. Graves says the legislation also expands the agencyâs advocacy program for claimants or employers accused of fraud so they receive free representation unless they are found guilty. Before, those accused did not qualify for the program, deviating from the approach that a citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Graves says the goal was to solve issues within the system rather than criticize the agency. He believes the new plan provides clarity, restores integrity, and improves accountability. (DK)
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Fundraising Underway For OLHSA's Yearly Walk For WarmthFundraising Underway For OLHSA's Yearly Walk For Warmth
The recent frigid temperatures are a solid reminder that winter is here, which is why community members have begun raising money to help keep local neighbors and families warm.
The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agencyâs yearly Walk for Warmth event is set for Saturday, February 24th, at the Hartland Educational Service Support Center. Participants in Livingston Countyâs indoor walk-a-thon raised over $80,000 last year, which was used to support area residents who are facing utility shut-off notices. Funding the emergency assistance will help keep those in need safe and warm in their homes this winter.
OLHSA has set a goal of $90,000 for the 28th annual event and fundraising is already underway. 100% of the proceeds will stay in the respective counties in which the money is raised. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, event organizers say Walk for Warmth is a fun way for the entire family to beat cabin fever and get in some exercise. Registration is now open and those who pre-register will receive a t-shirt. Volunteer opportunities and sponsorship details can be found at OLHSAâs website. Those who are unable to attend the event but still want to give can donate there as well. Youâll find a link below. Picture courtesy of OLHSA website. (DK)
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Fowlerville Schools Planning To Bring $15.3M Bond Proposal Before VotersFowlerville Schools Planning To Bring $15.3M Bond Proposal Before Voters
Administration and the districtâs Board of Education have been analyzing a recently completed facility assessment and discussing their options for financing renovations. Records from a December 19th Board meeting indicate the bond would include projects for every building in the district with a focus on bettering its environment, security, and efficiency.
Among the suggested projects are technology infrastructure upgrades, LED lighting, floor and furnace replacements, and video buzz-in door systems. Also proposed are improvements to the districtâs athletic facilities, specifically its track, football field lighting, and the addition of press boxes.
At their most recent meeting, the districtâ Board of Education authorized Superintendent Wayne Roedel to move forward in developing ballot language and obtaining approval from the state treasury. The board is expected to discuss the ballot language at their January 9th meeting. If approved, the next step would be to begin a community information campaign. (DK)
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Fundraising Underway For 2018 Polar PlungeFundraising Underway For 2018 Polar Plunge
Community members will brave icy waters later this month for the annual Michigan Law Enforcement Polar Plunge.
The event is held annually to raise money for the Special Olympics of Michigan, which provides free sports programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Livingston County. Local individuals and teams have already begun fundraising for the event, which will be held on Saturday, January 27th. Participants of the Livingston County Polar Plunge will jump into Leith Lake, located behind Brighton High School.
Special Olympics Michigan will host 28 Polar Plunges in 2018, and over 200 athletes in Livingston County will benefit from the Brighton event. The pre-plunge party, registration, 50/50 raffle and family friendly activities will be held inside the schoolâs gymnasium. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. The parade of costumes and awards will begin at 1:30 p.m.
A link to more information and registration details can be found through the link below. (JK)
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Sentencing Set Wednesday For Milford Woman Charged In Husband's MurderSentencing Set Wednesday For Milford Woman Charged In Husband's Murder
Sentencing is set tomorrow for a Milford woman charged with the beating death of her husband.
60-year-old Yvonne Cortis pleaded guilty last month to charges of 2nd degree murder and killing/torturing an animal in Oakland County Circuit Court. The charges were filed following the death of 68-year-old Greg Cortis, who died from injuries sustained in the November 2015 crowbar attack. Police said Cortis admitted to beating her husband and dog to put "them out of their misery." Family members have said Cortis has a history of mental illness, although a mental exam determined she was competent to assist in her own defense.
Cortis was originally to have stood trial in October of 2016, but that was delayed so a judge could decide on the admissibility of statements Cortis made to police. The judge ultimately ruled that what Cortis told officers before she had been placed into a patrol car was voluntary and could be used at her trial, while everything she said while inside the car could not be admitted because she was then technically in custody and the statements were made prior to her being read her Miranda rights. Cortis, who has been held without bond since her arrest, faces up to life in prison when she is sentenced Wednesday. (JK)
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