An open seat on South Lyonâs City Council could be filled this week.
Council is expected to review, interview, and discuss applicants interested in the position at a special meeting this Thursday at 7:30pm at City Hall. Mayor Dan Pelchat has said Council may even choose someone to fill the vacancy at the meeting.
Rather than appointing the candidate from the last election with the next highest number of votes, City Council decided to open the spot up to applications. Those were due last week and Pelchat says ideally, Council is looking for the âultimate utility player.â Pelchat says they are also looking for someone with the cityâs interest as a priority, who is open to different ideas, and able to bring their own ideas to the table.
The opening came as a result of the resignation of Councilman Joe Ryzyi, who left the position for family and job commitments. Pelchat says Ryzyi did a great job and wished him well, adding that whoever steps in will have big shoes to fill. (DK)
South Lyon City Council To Consider Applicants For Open Seat South Lyon City Council To Consider Applicants For Open Seat
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FIRST Robotics Clubs Expand To All Howell Public Schools FIRST Robotics Clubs Expand To All Howell Public Schools
Howell Public Schools has made robotics clubs official in all elementary and secondary schools.
The Board of Education met last week and approved increasing district support for the FIRST or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology robotics clubs.. The move expands the clubs, making them available in all elementary and middle schools with a goal of inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators. The mentor-based programs build science, engineering and technology skills. There are a few elementary and middle schools programs operating already but the board approval aims to increase access by intentionally putting formal clubs at each elementary building and middle school with district sponsored support.
Superintendent Erin MacGregor tells WHMI itâs a great investment and a âgame changerâ for the district, saying itâs been a valuable program with high interest. He says the program has worked well on smaller scale and the expansion district wide will be great for kids. MacGregor noted all of the teacher and parent support, which has built the foundation for the FIRST Robotics Clubs. He says a staff advisor will be working closely with parents but the district will also be taking steps to put some resources behind the program, because it has been all fundraising and parental support in the past. Board member Greg Gilligan abstained from the vote as heâs involved with the program. He noted there has been tremendous growth in enrollment and stressed the need to provide some support.
Team KAOS (pictured) is one of Howellâs FIRST Tech Challenge teams and claimed a state championship title. They will now advance to the FTC Super Regionals event this March in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The team is expected to be honored during the next Board of Education meeting on January 22nd. Howellâs other FTC team, Team KILTS, finished the qualifying rounds in fourth place and was also selected to compete in the division quarterfinals as part of an alliance. (JM)
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Crash Closes Portion Of Southbound US-23 In Fenton Monday Crash Closes Portion Of Southbound US-23 In Fenton Monday
A Monday crash on US-23 in Fenton partially shut down the freeway and sent at least one person to the hospital.
Southbound US-23, south of Owen Road, was down to one lane due to the crash that happened around 11am. Police and crews with the Fenton Fire Department responded to the scene, which involved a semi and another vehicle. The Tri-County Times reports at least one person was taken to the hospital and one vehicle was totaled. A third vehicle was in a ditch on the side of the highway.
The crash caused significant back-ups and a separate crash impacting traffic was reported on northbound US-23 at the White Lake Road exit, which was cleared after 7pm. Meanwhile, various other traffic incidents and spinouts were reported across Livingston County as snow fell throughout the afternoon and early evening. Facebook photo. (JM)
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Crashes Lead To Roundabout Reconstruction Crashes Lead To Roundabout Reconstruction
Reconstruction of a roundabout in Green Oak Township aims to help reduce crashes.
The Livingston County Road Commission earlier announced upcoming construction projects, including one at the dual roundabout near the Green Oak Village Place Mall at the intersection of Lee and Whitmore Lake Roads at US-23.
Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI they plan to shrink the Whitmore Lake roundabout, which is partially three lanes. He says what theyâre finding is that almost all of the crashes occurring at the roundabout, involve improper turns. Craine says people panic when they find themselves in the wrong lane and then turn without checking to see if anyone is behind them.
Craine says the project involves very complicated construction that will result in several complete closures at Whitmore Lake and Lee Roads and have a major impact on traffic. The longest is anticipated to total 14 days but there will also be a lot of nighttime closures. He says work involves ripping out all of the old concrete to essentially increase the size of the island, narrow the roundabout from the inside toward the outside and then repave everything.
The project is expected to be let out to bid in February and among the specifications is to not allow any closures until after school lets out. Craine says any contractor would be given about 60 days to complete the project, on account of how many retailers are located in the area and not wanting to harm back to school sales. He says theyâre concentrating construction roughly between the second week of June and the last week in July. (JM)
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Teams & Individuals Still Being Sought For 2018 Polar PlungeTeams & Individuals Still Being Sought 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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Volunteers Sought For 10th Annual Pink PartyVolunteers Sought For 10th Annual Pink Party
The Pink Party is once again planning to take over downtown Howell, and volunteers are being sought to help make the night a success.
This will be the 10th year that businesses across the downtown take part in the party by providing food, drink, giveaways, and special deals to anyone who purchases a passport to the event. This yearâs party is set for Thursday, June 14th with all proceeds going to breast cancer research and awareness at the St. Joseph Mercy Health System.
Volunteers are being sought for a variety of positions, including Committee Chairs for Queen of the Night, Publicity, Sponsorship, Decorating and Escorts. Those interested in participating can attend an organizational meeting this Thursday, January 18th at The Frontal Lobe in Howell at 6pm. For more info contact the Pink Party @ 1-810-623-1181. (JK)
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South Lyon City Council Exploring Options To Get Budget Done South Lyon City Council Exploring Options To Get Budget Done
The South Lyon City Council will discuss options to aid in preparing the budget as the city manager remains on leave.
City Manager Lynn Ladner is currently on a leave of absence due to what was described as a âserious health issueâ, which is expected to last until sometime in February. The Michigan Municipal League recommended five potential interim managers but Council wasnât impressed as many were from out of the area or state. Police Chief Lloyd Collins has since been named acting interim city manager in Ladnerâs absence and Council approved a 25% pay increase for Collins for the increased duties. Council is looking at possibly hiring retired South Lyon Community Schools Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Jim Graham or potentially someone from a Southfield firm to assist in preparing the budget. Those options are expected to be discussed during the next city council meeting on January 22nd.
The City is dealing with some pressing budget issues that have been repeatedly discussed by over the course of several meetings and members have expressed a need for a plan to deal with unfunded pension liabilities. In addition to getting the 2017-2018 budget done, the City needs to engage in negotiations with three employee labor unions and make a shift to a defined contribution pension plan for new hires. (JM)
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Coon Lake Road Closed Between Bull Run & Rafferty Roads Coon Lake Road Closed Between Bull Run & Rafferty Roads
A portion of Coon Lake Road is closed in Iosco Township.
The Livingston County Road Commission advises that Coon Lake Road between Bull Run Road and Rafferty Road has been closed at the drain, located just west of Rafferty Road. Access to properties east of Rafferty Road will be from Dutcher Road. All properties west of 7245 West Coon Lake Road will be from Bull Run Road.
Old age and corrosion are to blame and replacement materials have been ordered. The Road Commission says the replacement schedule will be determined on delivery of materials and weather, and could be as much as a couple of weeks. (JM)
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Settlement Officially Ends Police Chase LawsuitSettlement Officially Ends Police Chase Lawsuit
A settlement agreement has been finalized, officially ending a lawsuit filed against a former Fowlerville police officer connected to a fatal motorcycle accident.
Former Fowlerville Police Officer Frederick Miller was being sued by Mary Stamm on behalf of the estate of her son who died after his motorcycle crashed into Millerâs vehicle during a high speed chase. A monetary settlement between the parties was reached last September, although the terms of the agreement were not released. Court records show that a finalized agreement has been entered, and while the financial terms remain sealed, the settlement will be shared between his parents and brother.
The incident that spawned the lawsuit began in the early morning hours of May 17th, 2011 on westbound I-96 when police say 20-year-old Carl Albert Stamm IV failed to pull over for speeding. Video from patrol cars indicated he was traveling at approximately 126 mph when he crashed into the back of Millerâs patrol car.
The settlement agreement followed a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court last year to decline to hear an appeal by Miller, which was filed after a ruling by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that determined there were disputes of material fact regarding whether Miller intended to block Stamm and whether Stammâs conduct posed an immediate threat to others. The appeals court said because the evidence was such that a jury could return a verdict in Mrs. Stammâs favor, the lawsuit against him could continue, denying his contention that he was immune from liability because he was acting in his role as a police officer. (JK)
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Brighton District Library Announces 2018 Board OfficersBrighton District Library Announces 2018 Board Officers
The Brighton District Library has announced their Board officers for 2018.
The Brighton District Library serves more than 45,000 residents from the City of Brighton as well as Brighton, Genoa, and Green Oak townships. Tuesday, the libraryâs board of trustees introduced its officers for the current calendar year. Local attorney and deacon at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Patrick McDonald, will serve as board president, replacing Kathryn Poppy. Retired journalist Arla McPeek will serve as vice president. Brighton Mayor Jim Muzzin will become treasurer, while Realtor Jordon Genso will serve as secretary.
More information on everything going on in the life of the library can be found on their website, www.brightonlibrary.info (MK)
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Pair Accused Of Stealing Snow Plows Headed To TrialPair Accused Of Stealing Snow Plows Headed To Trial
Two men that allegedly stole snow plows from a business in Hartland Township are headed to trial.
26-year-old Joshua Couden of Wixom and 28-year-old Albert Cook III of Webberville are accused of stealing eight Western Snow Plows from Beauchampâs Landscaping on Old US-23. At a recent hearing, Judge Suzanne Geddis determined there was enough evidence to send the case to trial and both men were bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court.
The theft occurred in the early morning hours of November 20th, with the plows being taken from an adjacent parking area of the retail outlet. After Beauchampâs reached out to the community for help in finding the perpetrators, police received several tips regarding sightings of a truck pulling a trailer full of plows the morning of the theft.
Beauchampâs employees also located social media and Craigslist ads displaying identical plows for sale. The tips and ads helped in the suspect development and LAWNET detectives assisted with surveillance. A search warrant was obtained and executed at an address in Webberville, where the eight stolen plows were recovered along with several vehicles, construction equipment, trailers, and other miscellaneous items totaling over $250,000.
Couden and Cook were arrested and charged with receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle. Couden is also facing charges of receiving and concealing stolen property and larceny, while Cook faces three additional counts of felon in possession of firearms. Future court dates for the pair have not been set at this time. (DK)
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Arrest Of Stockbridge Man Helps Police Bust Illegal Drug Manufacturing FacilityArrest Of Stockbridge Man Helps Police Bust Illegal Drug Manufacturing Facility
A Stockbridge man was arrested and a massive quantity of dangerous drugs are off the streets after an assault investigation led authorities to an illegal drug manufacturing facility.
Ingham County Sheriffâs deputies responded to a home in Stockbridge Township at around 11:30pm on January 9th on a report of a felonious assault that had just occurred in which a male subject had physically assaulted his girlfriend and also allegedly pointed a handgun at her. 21-year-old Kody James Krusinski of Stockbridge was stopped while driving and arrested after deputies located numerous vials in the vehicle that are believed to be liquid fentanyl and anabolic steroids.
A search warrant was executed the next day at Krusinskiâs home in the 4500 block of Shepper Road by deputies and the Tri-County Metro Narcotics Squad, which turned up suspected liquid fentanyl and anabolic steroids. Deputies also located information that led them to a commercial facility in Pittsfield Township. A second search warrant was executed and approximately 3/4 of a gallon of suspected liquid fentanyl was located, along with several hundred vials of suspected liquid anabolic steroids and liquid fentanyl. Approximately four pounds of suspected anabolic steroid powder and tens of thousands of various pills, which have not yet been identified, were also located.
Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wrigglesworth tells WHMI this was a great example of local police work leading to an arrest and ultimately the discovery of the clandestine lab/manufacturing facility â which he says was almost like something straight out of the âBreaking Badâ television show. He says these types of drugs are killers, no doubt about it. Wrigglesworth said to even get the Fentanyl off the street is amazing but who knows what all the pills were, as they could be liquid Fentanyl turned into powder form and then put in pills for sale. He says the possibilities are endless and these are the types of things the public needs to know, noting local law enforcement is battling this epidemic each and every day so when they can get something like this put out of business, itâs a big win and will ultimately save multiple lives in the state.
The investigation related to the drugs is ongoing and potential charges were said to be pending. Krusinski has been arraigned on separate charges related to the initial incident and those include armed robbery, felonious assault, carrying a concealed weapon and domestic violence. Heâs due in 55th District Court in Mason on Thursday for a preliminary exam conference. (JM)
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County Contracts Collections Firm To Recover $30 Million In Overdue Court FeesCounty Contracts Collections Firm To Recover $30 Million In Overdue Court Fees
Livingston County officials have decided to contract a collections firm to address over $30 million in fines and fees owed to the 44th Circuit Court.
In a memo to the Board of Commissioners, County Clerk Betsy Hundley indicates the Circuit Court Clerkâs office has in excess of $30 million in accounts receivable, $20 million of which is restitution owed to crime victims. Commission Chair Don Parker says the overdue fees do affect court operations because itâs money outstanding. He believes itâs not an issue of the clerkâs office not being aware or forgetting to collect, but rather a systematic problem. Hundleyâs memo lists a lack of resources as one of the contributing factors, noting the office has only one collection clerk who is unable to handle all of the past due accounts receivables.
Parker says looking at other countyâs best practices, it was determined that the best way to remedy the situation was to bring in a third party. On Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a contract with the Court Compliance Corporation for the collection of those overdue fees. The one-year contract includes the option to extend an additional four one-year terms. Parker feels bringing on an agency with a consistent and clear focus has âa lot of potentialâ and hopes it will âyield some fruitâ. He commended the Clerk's office for bringing the issue forward and being proactive about finding a solution.
It is conservatively anticipated that the firm will help bring in an estimated $750,000 per year in additional collections without the need for more staff. Of that, $350,000 is expected to be paid out to victims that are owed restitution and the remaining $450,000 will be allocated for the state and county. (DK)
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Thousands See & Hear Meteor Streak Across Michigan SkyThousands See & Hear Meteor Streak Across Michigan Sky
NASA has confirmed that the bright light and what sounded like thunder in the sky across southeast Michigan was a meteor.
Officials with the space agency confirmed its meteor camera at Oberlin College in Ohio spotted the event at about 8:08 p.m. The image shows a tiny white ball traversing the screen until a bright flash is seen when it appears to make impact. Hundreds of Livingston County residents reported seeing the bright light followed by a loud boom. Angie Lavich posted on the WHMI News Facebook page that she, "...saw it in Brighton. It was like bright daylight for a second and an odd Electric like smell and a distant thunder sound." John R. Farley of Farmington Hills said that he, "was getting the mail when I saw a bright flash. I looked up just in time to see the fireball. It was yellow with a short, bright-green tail. The snow in the air enhanced its appearance. It was a few degrees south from being directly above me, and I heard it hissing like fireworks do. Then it vanished silently."
Meanwhile, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a âM 2.0 Meteorite,â referring to magnitude, about 5 miles west of New Haven. NASA is studying the trajectory and analyzing data, but Bill Cooke with NASAâs meteoroid environment office in Alabama estimates it appears to have been about one or two yards across, weighed more than a metric ton and traveled 40,000 to 50,000 miles to Earth.
Video courtesy of Mike Austin. (JK)
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Players and Volunteers Sought For Charity Pond Hockey Tournament Players and Volunteers Sought For Charity Pond Hockey Tournament
After a two-year hiatus, an annual pond hockey tournament benefitting local families is set to return to Whitmore Lake next month.
Temperatures affecting the ice on the lake cancelled the Michigan Pond Hockey Classic the last two years, but organizers are remaining optimistic for this yearâs event. The tournament will be held February 9th through the 11th and is open to the community.
Tournament Director Mandy Grabowski says the first Pond Hockey Classic was held in 2008 and now serves as an annual fundraiser for the Michigan Pond Hockey Sports Charities (MPHSC). The charity helps local families in need afford the costs and pay-to-play fees associated with youth athletic programs. Grabowski says there was a noticeable decline in program participation when those fees started to skyrocket. The MPHSC partners with schools and athletic organizations to determine what families are in need of financial assistance, and then cover the costs for them so their child can play.
In addition to supporting a good cause, Grabowski says the tournamentâs festival-like atmosphere makes the weekend feel like one big party for the whole town. Live music, skills competitions, a family-skate rink, fireworks, and food are all a part of the Pond Hockey Classic.
Those interested in playing in the tournament have until February 1st to register or until the six remaining divisions fill up. Volunteers and sponsors are still being sought as well. You can find that information and a schedule of the weekendâs events at the link below. (DK)
Facebook photo- Heather Stevens
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NASA Expert Says Meteorites Likely Landed In Hamburg TownshipNASA Expert Says Meteorites Likely Landed In Hamburg Township
Hamburg Township was apparently the landing zone for meteorites from last nightâs celestial event that captivated the region.
The bright light and what sounded like thunder in the sky above Michigan last night was a meteor, which apparently had a trajectory northwest of Detroit from Brighton to Howell. Bill Cooke with NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office says it was "definitely a meteoroid" and a rare sight for Michigan. The meteor was reported at roughly 8:15pm and was an estimated 2 yards in diameter before breaking up about 20 miles over the Earth. Cooke says meteorites, perhaps 1-2 ounces in size, are likely spread over a 2½-mile area west of Hamburg Township. For those on the hunt, Cooke advises against looking for big boulders, saying it would be more like tossing a rock in the snow and would make a hole. He says so long as the meteorite fell on your property, it's yours to keep but laws are different for public land. Since meteorites are rare, they can be rather valuable.
In addition to firsthand accounts from residents throughout Livingston County, reports also came in from several other states and Ontario, Canada. Some Michigan residents reported their homes shaking. The U.S. Geological Service says it registered as a 2.0 magnitude earthquake in Michigan. Video courtesy of Mike Austin. (JM)
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Brighton Township Teen Convicted In Sex Assaults Released From Youth CenterBrighton Township Teen Convicted In Sex Assaults Released From Youth Center
An order has been signed authorizing a Brighton Township teen convicted in a sexual assault case to return home.
The teen is not being identified as he is a juvenile. He was originally charged with 31 felonies but ultimately pleaded guilty to six of the charges, including 1st degree criminal sexual conduct. Livingston County Juvenile Court Referee Chelsea Thomason earlier approved an intensive probation safety and supervision plan but recommended further testing be performed that could shed light on underlying psychological issues and aid in helping the juvenile.
The teen completed a 45-day sentence in the Monroe County Youth Center but remained there until the plan and recent order for release was signed. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader signed the order January 10th, authorizing the release of the teen to the custody of his mother effective January 11th. The order requires the juvenile be placed on full house arrest with a tether and participate in online education. He must also comply with all requirements included in the probation and safety plan, and cannot have any direct or in-direct contact with the victims or their families.
The teen is due back in court January 30th for a restitution hearing. (JM)
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Suspected Bank Robber Arrested Suspected Bank Robber Arrested
The suspect wanted in connection with a bank robbery in Genoa Township last week is in custody.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office apprehended a 35-year-old Howell man wanted for the armed robbery of the Bank of America located at 3400 E. Grand River. The robbery occurred around 2pm last Thursday, when a male suspect entered the bank and presented a note to the teller. The suspect showed the teller a handgun and asked for all the money.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office worked in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Michigan State Police and the Monroe County Sheriffâs Office to locate the suspect in the Howell area. Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI apprehending the suspect was a good overall joint effort and shows the cooperation between local municipalities but noted they also asked for the publicâs help, which really responded. Murphy thanked those who came forward and chose to get involved; saying between law enforcement and the public the case got solved a lot quicker than it would have otherwise.
Murphy says the suspect is also believed to have committed additional bank robberies. He was taken into custody without incident after a traffic stop Tuesday and is currently lodged at the Livingston County Jail. The suspectâs name is being withheld pending his arraignment. (JM)
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Report Says State's Unemployment Insurance Worst In MidwestReport Says State's Unemployment Insurance Worst In Midwest
If you find yourself unemployed and you live in Michigan, it's a double whammy, according to a new analysis that finds the state falls far short of its neighbors when it comes to providing a safety net to those looking for jobs.
The report from the Michigan League for Public Policy puts the state dead last in the Midwest for both the amount and duration of benefits it provides unemployed workers. Report author Peter Ruark says when a worker is unemployed, the resulting spending cuts he or she must make will first impact that personâs family, but will then have a ripple effect. "It also means that the businesses around them are suffering,â he points out. âSo unemployment insurance is actually a very good way to keep the economy somewhat stable when there are periods of high unemployment."
The report says Michigan's jobless can collect benefits for 20 weeks, compared with 26 weeks in all seven nearby states. The report recommends expanding eligibility for unemployment insurance and tying the amount of benefits to the state's average weekly wage. While some cite declining unemployment numbers as proof the system doesn't need any improvement, Ruark says that sort of thinking is what has gotten the state into trouble in the past. "We wait until there is a crisis on top of us and then we say, âOh, this should have been fixed,ââ he points out. âNow is a good time to make sure that we improve the unemployment insurance system so that next time we have a recession, we are prepared as a state."
Lawmakers recently passed a series of bipartisan reforms to the unemployment insurance system after the state wrongly accused nearly 48,000 people of fraud, resulting in having to refund more than $20 million dollars. The Public News Service contributed to this report. (JK)
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Fowlerville Man Gets Probation For Domestic Abuse Incident Fowlerville Man Gets Probation For Domestic Abuse Incident
A Fowlerville man charged in a domestic abuse incident has been sentenced.
24-year-old Michael Glenn Fielding pleaded guilty last month to one count each of domestic violence and attempted interference with electronic communications. Because of that plea, he was sentenced under a provision that placed him on a year of probation and deferred the proceedings. If Fielding successfully completes his probation, the domestic violence charge will be dismissed.
Fielding was charged as a result of the November 5th incident, which began when a Howell woman he was living with asked him to leave her house. The woman reportedly told Fielding she wanted a break from him, which led to an argument. The victim told police Fielding threw her to the ground, slammed her head against the floor, and pinned her down. She says she slapped his face to make him get off of her. Thatâs when she said Fielding swung a pair of keys on a lanyard at her, hitting her in the face.
When she tried to reach for her cellphone, he grabbed it and threw it behind the bed, telling her not to think about calling the police. Fielding reportedly was the one to call 911 and told dispatch a female was out of control and screaming. He met a responding Howell Police officer in the driveway and said the woman had slapped him and he took her to the ground to defend himself. After hearing from both Fielding and the victim, and viewing their injuries, officers placed him under arrest.
Authorities say there have been several calls reporting verbal domestic situations between the two in the last year, including a July incident that led to a request for assault and battery charges to be filed against Fielding. In addition to the probation, Fielding was also ordered to undergo domestic violence and substance abuse counseling. (JK)
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