4/18/13 - The National Weather Service Tornado Watch warning is NO LONGER IN EFFECT for the following WHMI locations: Livingston County, Genesee County, Oakland County, Shiawassee County, and Washtenaw County. However, periods of rain and thunderstorms are expected to affect Livingston County and surrounding areas into the evening and overnight hours. Brief heavy downpours and winds greater than 40 mph are associated with the storms. Stay tuned to WHMI 93.5FM for the very latest updates and breaking weather bulletins. (JM)
Tornado Watch Canceled For Livingston; Strong Storms Possible Tornado Watch Canceled For Livingston; Strong Storms Possible
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Protestors Brave Storms to Greet Governor Snyder at GOP Dinner Protestors Brave Storms to Greet Governor Snyder at GOP Dinner
4/18/13 - At least 60 protestors gathered to greet Governor Rick Snyder this afternoon despite the rain storms. Governor Snyder is the keynote speaker during tonightâs Livingston County Republicans Lincoln Day Dinner. Senator Joe Hune is emceeing the event. Protestors included local Democrats and various groups, who lined up along Grand River and around Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township to protest the Governorâs policies, tax increases and decisions regarding public education. (JM)
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Brighton Council Holds Hearing on Proposed 2013-14 City BudgetBrighton Council Holds Hearing on Proposed 2013-14 City Budget
4/19/13 - At a public hearing on the 2013-14 Brighton city budget Thursday night, the City Council was informed that the budget picture is much brighter now than it was even a few months ago. In fact, council was told that the projected fund balance at the end of the coming fiscal year is now pegged at $1.5 million. Mayor Jim Muzzin pointed out that in 2009, in one of his long-range budget forecasts, City Manager Dana Foster was projecting a budget deficit of $3 million by 2014. That figure was predicated on no reductions in either staffing or other expenditures coupled with no new revenue sources. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI the improved picture is due to a number of factors, not the least of which is lower than expected medical insurance costs, which Blue Cross Blue Shield is now saying will amount to a 13% increase, rather than 30% as originally stated. A couple of residents, including senior citizen Pat Cole, spoke at the hearing, criticizing the proposed increase in trash pickup rates. Under the proposed budget, residential refuse hauling fees will be increased by 28-cents per month or $3.36 annually, amounting to a 2% increase. Former Mayor Ricci Bandkau says she agrees with Cole that refuse pickup fees should not be increased, saying trash pickup fees have been a bone of contention with residents, since they previously got their trash picked up for free. The proposed budget is open to public inspection at city hall between now and May 16, when the final document will be adopted. (TT)
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Public Blasts Brighton Board on Gray's Possible DeparturePublic Blasts Brighton Board on Gray's Possible Departure
4/19/13 - Emotions were running high at last nightâs Brighton School Board Meeting, which addressed the public on the matter of Superintendent Greg Gray. Gray, who was offered a superintendent position in Portage, interviewed for it this week and told Miles Vieau, the President of the Brighton School Board, that he âmay take it and he may notâ. Vieau says the board discussed what it would take to keep Gray as Brightonâs superintendent, at which the idea of a $67,000 raise came up. However, Vieau says it was not a definite proposal, just an idea. Gray also said he couldnât accept such a raise and the possibility of him taking the Portage superintendent position is a âcareer move for him and his familyâ. Several Brighton community members and Brighton students attended the meeting to voice their concern that Gray is leaving due to inability to work with the board. Brighton senior Kendra Warren tells WHMI she is concerned about Gray leaving since Brighton Schools just regained their footing. Many community members told the board they âmade it impossible for Gray to work with themâ and that he âdidnât leave the district for moneyâ. Lifetime community member Arnella Park and the leadership teacher at Brighton High School, tells WHMI the problem is not Gray, but rather the Brighton School Board, who she says have created a difficult working environment. Board Vice President Bill Anderson said Gray is known as a âhot commodityâ among the districts while Vieau says they âhope to keep him, but will be happy for him either wayâ. At one point, several members of the audience chastised Trustee Nick Fiani who they said was "smirking" at them while they made their comments. (DK/JK)
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Protestors Greet Governor as He Addresses Local GOP Dinner
4/19/13 - Governor Rick Snyder was the featured speaker at the Livingston County Republican Partyâs Lincoln Day Dinner last night, but not everyone welcomed him with open arms. The event, held at Crystal Gardens in Genoa, is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the local GOP. Snyder spoke to the crowd of over 200 people about the changes made in the state since he took office, including the elimination of the Michigan Business Tax, passing balanced budgets, and increasing the rainy day fund from $2 million to half a billion dollars. While he was well-received by the audience, at least 60 protestors gathered in the rain outside the venue to denounce the actions and policies of Snyder and the GOP majority, including increased taxes on pensioners and homesteads as well as the passage of right-to-work legislation. They included Fowlerville Education Association President Mary Aldecoa and Howell High School teacher and Citizens Against Government Overreach President Doug Norton, who both said they opposed the increased taxation on the middle class and reduced spending on schools and other social programs. Snyder says the protestors were gone by the time he arrived. When asked how he would respond to the arguments of the protestors, Snyder said he believed he was doing what was right for citizens and businesses. He says his new budget will bring K-12 funding levels up to 11% above 2010 levels, and defended the passage of right-to-work legislation. He added that with an electorate of almost 10 million some people are bound to be unhappy with his changes. One GOP organizer says news that a protest would be taking place actually increased attendance for the fundraiser. (TD)
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Abuse Victims to Benefit From Cinderella's ClosetAbuse Victims to Benefit From Cinderella's Closet
4/19/13 - Low-cost prom dresses are again being offered to local girls while helping the victims of violence and abuse. Cinderellaâs Closet is made possible through a partnership between Snedicorâs Cleaners and LACASA and is designed to provide high school girls with affordable formal wear with the proceeds going to help abused children and victims of interpersonal violence in Livingston County. Those purchasing a prom dress are required to take the âprom promise,â pledging to remain alcohol- and drug-free on prom night. Organizers say they are still accepting gently-used dresses for donation, with a special request for traditional princess ball-style gowns. Cinderellaâs Closet will be open at Snedicorâs Brighton location today from 3 to 8pm and Saturday from noon to 5pm and then again next Thursday and Friday from 3-8pm and Saturday the 27th from noon to five. All dresses are just $25, with scholarships available for those in need. (JK)
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Highland Teen Charged As Adult in Rape of Girl at KnifepointHighland Teen Charged As Adult in Rape of Girl at Knifepoint
4/19/13 - A Highland Township teen is facing life in prison after being charged as an adult for the alleged armed rape of a 15-year-old girl. 16-year-old Brandon Alexander Markes has been arraigned on charges of assault with intent to murder, assault by strangulation, 1st degree criminal sexual conduct with multiple variables and felonious assault. Detectives with the Oakland County Sheriff Departmentâs Highland Township substation presented the case to the prosecutorâs office for review, which decided to charge Markes as an adult. He was ordered held on a $1.2 (m) million cash or surety bond on all charges, with no 10% option by Judge Robert Bondy in 52-1 District Court in Novi. Heâll return to court for a hearing next Wednesday. The mother of the 15-year-old female victim called 911 to report the incident Tuesday, in which Markes is alleged to have raped the girl at knifepoint in the woods. Police say evidence was collected from the crime scene as well as Markesâ residence, where he was taken into custody and later lodged at Childrenâs Village. Police say the victim sustained serious injuries during the attack and was treated and released from an area hospital. (JM)
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Boston on Lockdown as Police Search For Bombing SuspectBoston on Lockdown as Police Search For Bombing Suspect
WATERTOWN, Mass. (AP) -- Authorities say the two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing killed an MIT police officer and hurled explosives at police in a car chase and gun battle overnight that left one of them dead and his brother on the loose. Thousands of officers swarmed the streets in a manhunt that all but paralyzed the Boston area. The suspects were identified by law enforcement officials and a family member as Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, brothers from a Russian region near Chechnya, which has been plagued by an Islamic insurgency that has carried out deadly bombings. Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who had been known to the FBI as Suspect No. 1 and was seen in surveillance footage in a black baseball cap, was killed overnight, officials said. His 19-year-old brother - dubbed Suspect No. 2 and seen wearing a white, backward baseball cap in the images from Monday's deadly bombing at the marathon finish line - escaped. The law enforcement officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the unfolding case. Authorities in Boston suspended all mass transit and warned close to 1 million people in the entire city and some of its suburbs to stay indoors as the hunt went on. Businesses were asked not to open. People waiting at bus and subway stops were told to go home. Click the link below for the very latest. Picture courtesy of AP. (JK)
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DTE Crews Working to Restore Power to Thousands After Storms DTE Crews Working to Restore Power to Thousands After Storms
4/19/13 - Crews are working to restore power to thousands of homes and businesses following the severe thunderstorms that moved through Michigan. DTE Energy says about 75,000 of its customers were initially affected by storms that struck Thursday. As of 6pm, DTE Energy maps showed approximately 1,700 outages in the Howell area, around 700 in Brighton and more than 250 without power in the Pinckney area. Thatâs in addition to other scattered outages reported across Livingston County. DTE says crews are working to restore power as soon as possible but high winds have been hampering efforts. The hardest-hit areas are in Wayne, Oakland and Washtenaw Counties. (JM)
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Brighton Councilman Wants to Axe DDA Positions to Save MoneyBrighton Councilman Wants to Axe DDA Positions to Save Money
4/19/13 - The Brighton City Council engaged in debate on Thursday night as to which positions among city employees should be eliminated to save money in these tight economic times. Since the start of the recession, the city has been hard-pressed to balance the budget, and - with property values declining each year for the last several - has had to resort to reducing its work force to balance the budget. Brighton work force is now down by almost seven employees, according to City Council Member Jim Bohn, who outlined his own ideas for saving money at the meeting. As it turns out, they don't jibe with what City Manager Dana Foster has in his proposed budget, which resulted in some disagreement among council members. In Foster's budget the positions of two Department of Public Services employees who are retiring this year would not be filled. However, Bohn says that employee cuts have gotten to the point where services such as the DPS cannot adequately be provided to city residents, who will suffer as a result. Under Bohn's proposal, the positions of Downtown Development Authority and Community Development Director Matt Modrack and his administrative assistant, Lauri French, would be eliminated. Foster tells WHMI he respectfully disagrees with that assessment, saying the two positions are important to the city's operations overall, and not just the DDA. Bohn has long been a critic of the DDA and the fact that a portion of the annual city budget goes toward the DDA's operation, charging that the city spends too much money and attention on the downtown and not enough on the needs of its residents. He said instead of cutting more staff positions, the city should concentrate on a tough stance in its upcoming talks with the four city employee unions, all of whose contracts expire this year. Bohn suggested limiting pay increases to 1.5%, saying that, plus eliminating the DDA director's and his assistant's positions, would save the city $400,000. Council Member Claudia Roblee disagreed with Bohn, calling changing that "micromanaging" Foster on the part of council. Bohn has also pressed for a reduction in the DDA's budget, saying there are too many infrastructure needs such as streets that are being unmet. However, Mayor Jim Muzzin disagreed with Bohn, saying over half of the DDA's budget is debt service on previous city improvement projects - obligations which must, by law, be paid off. (TT)
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Judge Reader to Oversee Tainted Steroid Grand JuryJudge Reader to Oversee Tainted Steroid Grand Jury
4/19/13 - A request by the state attorney general has been granted to empanel a grand jury linked to steroid deaths both locally and across Michigan. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette made the request last month for a criminal investigation into the deaths of at least 16 residents, several of them from Livingston County, from contaminated steroids supplied by a Massachusetts pharmaceutical company. In an order dated today, the Michigan Court of Appeals ordered a multi-county grand jury probe of the New England Compounding Center that will be led by Livingston County Circuit Court Chief Judge David Reader. The panel will have jurisdiction in four counties; Livingston, Genesee, Grand Traverse and Macomb. The 13 member grand jury is expected to meet in Livingston County. Schuette said he sought a grand jury because it can compel testimony under oath, while state investigators don't have that power and that there is probable cause to believe crimes were committed in the four counties - which have private clinics that administered the steroids. The Livingston County location was identified as Michigan Pain Specialists in Brighton. In October, following reports that NECC was responsible for the meningitis outbreak, Schuette suspended the companyâs pharmacy license in Michigan, alleging they had been acting as a âdrug manufacturerâ and not a compounding facility. The company had only been licensed to fill individual prescriptions, but is accused of distributing large amounts of medication to various hospitals and clinics in Michigan. Scheutte says that a prosecutor from the AGâs Criminal Division stands ready to assist the grand jury with its investigation. (JK)
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Charges Amended Against US-23 Gun BrandisherCharges Amended Against US-23 Gun Brandisher
4/20/13 - The charges against a man who police say brandished a weapon at a motorist while driving on US-23 last year in Hartland Township have been amended and he's also been sentenced in a separate case. 67-year-old Clarence Leroy Murphy Jr. of Flint was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon for an incident last fall in Hartland Township. 53rd District Court records show prosecutors recently filed an amended complaint deleting one of the charges and amending the other to felonious assault. A driver told police she and her 12-year-old daughter were driving northbound on US-23 last October 29th when a minivan driven by Murphy tried to pass her near Crouse Road, then pulled alongside at which point he waived a handgun while laughing. An exam in the local case is scheduled for Wednesday. Meanwhile, Murphy pleaded guilty to an amended misdemeanor charge of assault and battery at a hearing this past week in Genesee County. He was originally facing assault with a dangerous weapon for a separate incident in Flint Township on September 6th. He was sentenced to 93 days in jail of time already served and that case is now closed. (JM)
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Genoa & Oceola to Consolidate Water Sewage TreatmentGenoa & Oceola to Consolidate Water Sewage Treatment
4/20/13- Genoa and Oceola Townships will work together to provide better sewage treatment for the Oak Pointe Subdivision. Genoa Township is the owner and operator of the Oak Pointe Sewer System, but has approved an agreement that will add flows from this system to another that they own in partnership Oceola Township. The two municipalities currently split ownership of a waste water treatment plant. Officials say the arrangement will solve the subdivisionâs issue with sodium and chloride in waste water discharges, save money, and reduce energy and chemical use by converting the Oak Point Sewer System to a pump station and treating its flows at the Genoa-Oceola Treatment Plant. Both sewer systems will receive additional improvements once the Sewage Treatment Agreement is approved by both townships. (SO)
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Theis Announces Run for State HouseTheis Announces Run for State House
4/20/13 - A local Republican has thrown her hat into the ring for the state House. Brighton Township Treasurer Lana Theis announced today that she is running for the 42nd State House seat, currently occupied by State Representative Bill Rogers of Genoa Township who is prevented from running again by term limits. Theis, who also serves on the boards of the Brighton Area Fire Authority, Livingston Countyâs Meals on Wheels, and the Livingston County Republican Party, said her focus has been on keeping government responsive to its residents and that if elected as a legislator, sheâll be able to do that even more. Theis is a Graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelorâs degree in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. The married mother of two said she is looking forward to being able to apply limited government principles in Lansing. (JK)
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Man Accused Of Leading High-Speed Chase Enters PleaMan Accused Of Leading High-Speed Chase Enters Plea
4/20/13 - A Hamburg Township man has entered a plea to charges stemming from a high-speed chase through Dexter that injured a police officer. A Hamburg Township officer attempted to stop 22-year-old Ryan Roemer for speeding on a motorcycle along Shehan Road on November 7th, 2012 when he rode off, with the chase reaching speeds in excess of 115 miles per hour. Police say Roemer then turned onto a street off Island Lake Road in Dexter. As he circled back south, the police car turned north to follow, resulting in a front-end crash. The officer sustained minor injuries to his arms from the collision and subsequent airbag deployment. In Livingston County Circuit Court last week, Roemer pleaded guilty to a felony fleeing and eluding charge. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to recommend no jail time but he must pay $8,575 in restitution. Roemer will be sentenced May 23rd. (JM)
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Local Men Strut In Ladies' Footwear To Support LACASA ProgramsLocal Men Strut In Ladies' Footwear To Support LACASA Programs
4/20/13 - Dozens of brave men donned womenâs shoes for a walk around the outlet mall in Howell today in support of LACASA. The annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event is held in April to coincide with national sexual assault awareness month. Male participants collect sponsorships before the event, then walk the one-mile circuit around the Tanger Outlet Center wearing womenâs shoes. Prizes are handed out to a number of participants for things like highest heels, best attitude, and most graceful. LACASA President and CEO Bobette Schrandt says the event is designed to raise awareness for the problem of sexual assault as well as raise funds for the programs offered by her organization. She tells WHMI that this year more than 50 people preregistered for the event and event more signed up on the day of the walk. The goal of the event was to raise between $15,000 and $20,000, with 90% of the funds going directly to LACASAâs free programs. The money has not yet been totaled, but Schrandt says the event is on track for the $15,000 goal and could possibly go higher. Many of those participating in this yearâs walk were high school students, and Schrandt says organizers are coming up with ways to increase involvement among young people. (TD)
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New Billboard Touts Strategic Growth Plan for Livingston County New Billboard Touts Strategic Growth Plan for Livingston County
4/20/13 - Anyone traveling along eastbound I-96 in Howell will notice a new billboard touting Livingston Countyâs strategic growth plan. The billboard is the first in a series and located on the north side of the highway, although it will be rotating to various locations throughout Livingston County. The billboard campaign promotes Advantage Livingston, a vision for the increased and sustainable prosperity of the Livingston County area. The billboard also promotes the Advantage Livingston website. Youâll find a link below. (JM)
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Lake Trust Discusses HQ Plans With Brighton Township BoardLake Trust Discusses HQ Plans With Brighton Township Board
4/22/13 - The Brighton Township Board heard a presentation last week from representatives of Lake Trust Credit Union, who attended the boardâs regular meeting to introduce themselves and provide an update on their planned headquarters building. Lake Trust currently has two main centers in Lansing and Plymouth, but is seeking to consolidate its administrative services into one building. It plans to build a new 100,000 square foot facility on a 17-acre parcel near Spencer Road and US-23. It would house about 250 employees at first, but would expand to as many as 350 employees in the following 10-15 years. A representatives from Ann Arbor SPARK called the facility an âemployment multiplierâ based on this intended growth. Plans for the facility include the creation of a campus-style atmosphere with walking trails and a decorative pond. Vice President of Marketing Danielle Brehmer says Brighton Township was chosen as the site for the new location because it offered a central location for the employees, more than 80% of whom would have a commute of less than an hour. She says the company also enjoys a very friendly relationship with the municipality and the community, which they plan to foster through good corporate citizenship and community involvement. The project is still in its preliminary stages. Lake Trust has signed a purchase agreement and has begun due diligence on the site, and a design firm is being selected for the building. (TD)
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Veteran Officer Named as Brighton 2012 Police Officer of the YearVeteran Officer Named as Brighton 2012 Police Officer of the Year
4/22/13 - The Brighton Police officer of the year for 2012 is a nine-year veteran of the Brighton City Police Department. The officer, Brent Pirochta, was honored by the Brighton City Council at Thursday night's meeting. Police Chief Tom Wightman tells WHMI he was an obvious choice as he exemplifies the mission statement of the Brighton Police Department by delivering service to the community with courage, integrity and professionalism. Among his other duties, Patrolman Pirochta is on the department's Tactical Response Unit and is a TASER instructor. He also serves as a defensive tactics and chemical weapons instructor. Chief Wightman says although it is up to him to make the final decision on the Officer of the Year, he acts in accordance with the recommendation of the committee. The Brighton Police force is made up of 17 officers, who have law enforcement responsibility for a small, 2.9-square-mile city of about 7,000 people. (JK)
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Run/Walk at Kensington Will Benefit Marathon Bombing VictimsRun/Walk at Kensington Will Benefit Marathon Bombing Victims
4/22/13 - A run and walk in support of those affected by the bombings last Monday at the Boston Marathon will be held Wednesday at Kensington Metropark. Sponsored by The Running Fit store, the event will also serve as a welcome home for those Michigan runners who participated in the event. The Runners for Boston Unity 4.15-mile run/walk is set for 6:30 Wednesday night at the Metroparkâs east boat launch. Participants are encouraged to wear Boston Marathon gear with the blue-and-yellow colors of the marathon, or their favorite race shirt. While the event is free, t-shirts will be available for $20 with all of the proceeds benefitting One Fund Boston Inc., a charity formed by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino to help those most affected by the bombings. For details on Wednesday's run, call 734-929-9027. (JK)
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