A local teen charged with making an online threat to re-enact the Florida shooting at South Lyon High School returns to court later this month.
18-year-old Ryan Robert Debruyne of Green Oak Township appeared in Noviâs 52-1 District Court Wednesday, at which time a preliminary exam was set for March 22nd. WXYZ reports some friends, fellow students and their parents attended Wednesdayâs hearing and voiced support for Debruyne, saying heâs not a dangerous person.
He remains lodged in the Oakland County Jail, following Judge Travis Reedsâ decision to continue his $10 million bond. Reeds will consider a motion by the defense to lower his bond at the preliminary exam.
Debruyne was charged with making a false report or threat of terrorism after allegedly sending a friend a Snapchat message on February 16th, asking if he would like to re-enact the Florida school shooting that left 17 people dead. Debruyne and the friend both attend South Lyon High School. The friend allegedly responded ânoâ and reported the message to authorities the next day.
Officers interviewed the family and suspect, and a search was performed on the familyâs home and vehicles. Police said no firearms were found in Debruyneâs possession or under his control, but still notified South Lyon Community Schools administrators immediately.
Debruyneâs March hearing will determine whether thereâs enough evidence to send the case to trial. His crime carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. (DK)
Bond Continued For Teen Charged With Threat Against SchoolBond Continued For Teen Charged With Threat Against School
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Woman Convicted In Sex Trafficking Case Gets PrisonWoman Convicted In Sex Trafficking Case Gets Prison
Sentencing has been handed down to a former Livingston County woman who was convicted of conducting a criminal enterprise related to sex trafficking minors.
41-year-old Amber Speed, a former Unadilla Township resident, was sentenced today to five to 20 years in prison. Speed was sentenced before Judge Joyce Draganchuk in Ingham County Circuit Court.
A jury convicted Speed in January on a felony count of conducting a criminal enterprise for running a sex trafficking ring in the Lansing area. The Attorney General's office says girls involved in the operation were minors when they were brought into the ring.
An investigation was launched after a Michigan State Police Trooper, who had attended human trafficking training, came across online ads for an escort operation. Attorney General Bill Schuette today thanked the trooper for his diligence in the case, adding that the case is a âgreat example of how human trafficking education and awareness makes a difference.â
Speed, who resided in Munith, told police in a recorded interview that she did run an escort service in the Lansing area, but denied that the women who worked for her sold sex. Multiple instances of Speed allegedly trafficking minors were said to have occurred from 2009 through approximately 2014.
Schuette says her sentence brings this case to a close and takes a dangerous individual off the streets. (DK)
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Snow Emergency Declared in Pinckney and FowlervilleSnow Emergency Declared in Pinckney and Fowlerville
Due to the Winter Storm Warning, the Village of Fowlerville and the village of Pinckney have both declared a Snow Emergency.
In Pinckney, the Snow Emergency is in effect from noon today until 7 p.m. Friday. In Fowlerville, the Snow Emergency is in effect from 2 p.m. today until noon on Friday.
A Snow Emergency requires all vehicles to be removed from public roads to allow the village to safely clear away snow and ice. Any vehicles left on the roadway during the snow emergency face the prospect of being towed away at the ownerâs expense. (TT)
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Vaupel Named Legislator of the Year by Pharmaceutical GroupVaupel Named Legislator of the Year by Pharmaceutical Group
State Rep. Hank Vaupel of Handy Township has been named the âLegislator of the Yearâ by the Michigan Pharmacists Association.
Vaupel, a Republican who chairs the House Health Policy Committee, says he is âhumbled and honoredâ to receive the award. Vaupel says he has worked on legislation to help pharmacists which would provide solutions to the opioid epidemic. Vaupel says he has strived to give pharmacists a voice and is looking forward to working with them in the future.
In 2017, Vaupelâs committee advanced a proposal that included reforms allowing pharmacists to deny prescriptions they donât feel were written in good faith. Oftentimes, pharmacists said they didnât feel comfortable filing a prescription but felt they had to, due to the legal consequences of a refusal.
The bill sponsored by Vaupel would provide legal immunity to pharmacists who refuse to fill such prescriptions. The measure now awaits consideration by the Senate Health Policy Committee. (TT)
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Early Site Plan For 35 Bed Expansion To The Willows ApprovedEarly Site Plan For 35 Bed Expansion To The Willows Approved
A new addition to an assisted living home in Howell Township has received preliminary approval from the Planning Commission.
Representatives from The Willows were back before the Howell Township Commission Tuesday night with plans for a 35-bed memory-care expansion to the existing facility. Last month, action on their preliminary site plan was tabled until issues with setback distances for the building and parking lot were addressed. Planning Commission Chairman Andrew Sloan said the Zoning Board of Appeals heard their case for a variance, and granted it. As a result, the new parking lot will be reduced from 33 spots to the township minimum of 30.
Per another request of the board, architects moved away from evergreen screening to deciduous trees. Sloan, citing 50 years of nursery experience, cautioned them about their choice to use pin oaks because of the large amount of maintenance they would require near the sidewalk.
A public hearing was held for the site plan and special use permit request that is required. The two residents who spoke complimented the Willows on being good neighbors. A letter to the planning commission asked for a noisy alarm from the lift station on the site to be addressed. One suggested solution was to switch to a silent alarm that goes straight to a cell phone or text message. The site plan and the special use permit with the condition that the alarm be silenced were unanimously voted to be sent to the Board of Trustees with a recommendation for approval. (MK)
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Bond Continued For Teen Charged With Threat Against SchoolBond Continued For Teen Charged With Threat Against School
A local teen charged with making an online threat to re-enact the Florida shooting at South Lyon High School returns to court later this month.
18-year-old Ryan Robert Debruyne of Green Oak Township appeared in Noviâs 52-1 District Court Wednesday, at which time a preliminary exam was set for March 22nd. WXYZ reports some friends, fellow students and their parents attended Wednesdayâs hearing and voiced support for Debruyne, saying heâs not a dangerous person.
He remains lodged in the Oakland County Jail, following Judge Travis Reedsâ decision to continue his $10 million bond. Reeds will consider a motion by the defense to lower his bond at the preliminary exam.
Debruyne was charged with making a false report or threat of terrorism after allegedly sending a friend a Snapchat message on February 16th, asking if he would like to re-enact the Florida school shooting that left 17 people dead. Debruyne and the friend both attend South Lyon High School. The friend allegedly responded ânoâ and reported the message to authorities the next day.
Officers interviewed the family and suspect, and a search was performed on the familyâs home and vehicles. Police said no firearms were found in Debruyneâs possession or under his control, but still notified South Lyon Community Schools administrators immediately.
Debruyneâs March hearing will determine whether thereâs enough evidence to send the case to trial. His crime carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. (DK)
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Crash Blocks Morning Traffic On M-59 In HartlandCrash Blocks Morning Traffic On M-59 In Hartland
A three vehicle crash blocked traffic this morning in Hartland Township.
The crash occurred around 7am on M-59. It blocked both the eastbound and westbound lanes of traffic on M-59 near Cullen Road. Assistant Michigan State Police Brighton Post Commander Lt. Mario Gonzales tells WHMI two vehicles were heading eastbound when one was slowing for traffic, and the other vehicle rear ended him. Gonzalez says the vehicle that was rear-ended struck a westbound vehicle. He says the driver of the westbound vehicle was transported to an area hospital for an injury to her arm, which was believed to be non-life threatening.
The crash remains under investigation. (JM)
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Green Oak Planning Commissions Recommends Marihuana Ordinance AmendmentsGreen Oak Planning Commissions Recommends Marihuana Ordinance Amendments
Green Oak Township officials are amending their medical marihuana activities ordinance to stay current with state legislature.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing during their regular meeting Thursday night to gather comment and opinion on the deletion of one item and rewording of another. None from the public were at the meeting.
The first change was to strike that medical marihuana activities shall not be conducted in accessory structures, as recommended by the township attorney, based on recent case law. Medical marijuana growing is currently allowed in the state within specific residential zones. An individual with their card may grow up to 12 plants for themselves, with caregivers being permitted to grow for up to 5 patients. Township Clerk Mike Sedlak seemed frustrated that the state was allowing this, noting that it could easily be abused.
The second was a rewording of the townshipâs language to opt out of larger, more commercial operations. Larger facilities like provisioning centers, safety compliance facilities, dispensaries, and co-ops are still illegal under state law unless municipalities create an ordinance to allow them. Green Oak Township has opted out of doing this before, and was reaffirming their stance in the amended ordinance. The Planning Commission approved a recommendation to the Board of Trustees by a 5-1 vote. Sedlak dissented.(MK)
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Esper Named Howell Chamber of Commerce DirectorEsper Named Howell Chamber of Commerce Director
With the imminent departure of Pat Convery, the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce has chosen a new interim director. The Chamber Board of Directors recently voted to name Kim Esper as its interim director while the chamber searches for a new permanent director. Esper has been with the Howell Chamber for 23 years and is its current membership coordinator.
In addition to handling membership sales, Esperâs duties include the annual Summer Golf Classic, Community Guide & Membership Directory, Ambassadors Program and Referral Groups Coordinator. A 5-member search committee has been formed to conduct a search for a new permanent director and is currently working on a job description and job posting.
Converyâs last day on the job will be on Friday. During her stewardship the Howell chamber was named the 2016 Outstanding Chamber of the Year, while Convery received the Michigan Chamber Professional Award twice. (TT)
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Free Event Will Help Put Kids On The Path To Reading SuccessFree Event Will Help Put Kids On The Path To Reading Success
A family event from a collaboration of area libraries will help put children on the road to early literary success.
The Livingston Early Literacy Collaborative is holding Family Fun Day: Celebrate Reading at Parker Middle School in Howell on Saturday, March 10th. From 11am until 12:30pm, parents and children 0 to 5 will be entertained and can participate in activities that will highlight core practices for early literacy success. The Merry Music Maker will put on a concert at 11:30, and storybook characters Elephant & Piggie and Pete the Cat will be roaming around for photo opportunities.
Several activities to enhance motor skills, hand-eye coordination, alphabet recognition, and more will be available for kids to participate in. There will be free books and activity bags to help parents continue to lay the foundation for reading success at home.
While the event is geared towards young children, Carla Sharpe, Head of Youth Services for the Brighton District Library, says it stems from a growing problem within the elementary school system. She shared that national test results indicate that 2/3 of Michiganâs 3rd graders have failed to demonstrate 3rd grade reading proficiency on standardized testing. She said that Michigan is in the bottom 10 of states, and while other states that have been low have risen, Michigan is not. A new law is in place this year that requires 3rd graders to be at 3rd grade reading proficiency or they will be held back.
The Collaborative, made up of all 6 county libraries, Child Connect for Family Success, Great Start Livingston, LESA Early Childhood, and MSU Extension, believes that improving pre-reading skills prior to kindergarten is the key to reversing Michiganâs trend. Sharpe said the skills kids learn before the formal reading process are almost more important than learning to read itself. Thus, the Collaborative is focused on engaging parents in developing their childrenâs early literacy skills through information, awareness, outreach, and play-based instructional experiences. (MK)
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Health Department And St. Joseph Mercy Reps To Speak At National ConferenceHealth Department And St. Joseph Mercy Reps To Speak At National Conference
Representatives from the Health Department and St. Joseph Mercy Livingston have been invited to talk at a national conference about their partnership later this month.
Health Promotion and Accreditation Coordinator for the Livingston County Health Department, Chelsea Moxlow Lantto, has been invited to be a âstory from the fieldâ at an upcoming training conference in Atlanta, Georgia, March 13th and 14th. Moxlow Lantto will be joined by Elisabeth Vanderpool, Director of Community Health for St. Joseph Mercy Livingston. The two will share examples of how the local health department and hospital have made a collaborative effort to improve community health throughout Livingston County.
One of the programs to be highlighted is Prescription for Health. Prescription for Health provides fresh produce and health education to patients who experience chronic illness and food insecurity. The program was built using the national Mobilizing for Action through Planning Partnerships framework. That M-A-P-P framework was also used to lay the foundation for the 2015-2020 Livingston County Community Health Improvement Plan.(MK)
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Snow Emergencies & Advisories Declared In Local Cities, VillagesSnow Emergencies & Advisories Declared In Local Cities, Villages
Some local communities have declared snow emergencies and advisories.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect and the City of South Lyon, along with the Villages of Pinckney and Fowlerville have all issued snow emergencies. A Snow Emergency requires all vehicles to be removed from public roads to allow the village to safely clear away snow and ice. Any vehicles left on the roadway during the snow emergency face the prospect of being towed away at the ownerâs expense.
In South Lyon, the snow emergency is in effect from 8pm tonight through 5pm Friday.
In Pinckney, the Snow Emergency is in effect until 7pm Friday.
In Fowlerville, the Snow Emergency is in effect until noon on Friday.
The City of Howell has declared a snow advisory.
Howell City Manager Shea Charles asks that residents help them keep the roads safe and while they will not be towing vehicles, he says they highly encourage people to not park on the street give crews room to work and safely plow. As the storm is predicted to last approximately 12 hours crews will be plowing areas multiple times so we ask residents not to park on the street until Friday afternoon. Final plowing is anticipated to start Friday morning at 4am.
Meanwhile, numerous spin-outs and crashes have been reported on local roads and freeways. Some businesses and government offices also closed early for the day. (JM)
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Livingston County Road Commission Out on Roadways Again TodayLivingston County Road Commission Out on Roadways Again Today
Livingston County Road Commission crews were out all night and this morning plowing and salting area roadways and currently, main roads and freeways including I-96 and US-23 overall are in good shape, but with the caveat that there are scattered slippery spots.
Side roads in the area are a different matter, and Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI that clearing them is a bit dicey due to recent rains in the area that preceded Thursdayâs snowstorm. Craine says the gravel on side roads is very soft. As a result snow plows are allowing a little room between the gravel and the snow so the expensive gravel won't be pushed into the ditches.
Meantime, road commission snowplows and salt trucks are out on the roads again today, working to clear the highways and side roads of the accumulation of up to 8 inches of snow from yesterdayâs storm.
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New Sidewalks, Playground Planned In Hartland TownshipNew Sidewalks, Playground Planned In Hartland Township
New sidewalks and playground equipment will be going in this spring in Hartland Township.
The Hartland Township board has been working to increase recreational opportunities and develop parks. Bids have been received for the Hartland Pathway project, which were deemed favorable, although additional costs are anticipated for excavating work. However, that is not expected negatively impact the project budget. The project calls for the installation of sidewalk on Hartland Road between M-59 and the Village school campus, which Wickman says is a great connection point for walking and biking for the community. He noted the low bid came in under budget, so it looks very promising to get everything done as hoped and have that connection. The sidewalk bid will be up for approval during the board meeting on Monday, March 6th.
Meanwhile, a new playground structure is being installed at Heritage Park. The board was informed in late February that new playground equipment is ready to be put in. The equipment has already been approved, ordered and is ready to go. The break in weather, before Thursdayâs winter storm, allowed staff to get a head start on things. Wickman says theyâll get the equipment in the ground and then bring in the fibar chips for fall protection and be ready to go for kids in the spring. (JM)
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Volunteers Needed For Michigan Challenge BalloonfestVolunteers Needed For Michigan Challenge Balloonfest
Volunteers are being sought for a summer tradition in downtown Howell.
The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging community members to begin thinking about their summer schedule and make plans to volunteer at one of the signature events in the area â the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest June 22-24. Volunteers are needed to help in many areas including hospitality, information, parking and vendors. Officials say volunteering has many rewards and last year, Balloonfest donated more than $11,000 to non-profit organizations.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Michelle Tokan at the Howell Chamber 517-546-3920. (JM)
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Thursday's Snowstorm Dumped up to Eight Inches of Snow on Livingston CountyThursday's Snowstorm Dumped up to Eight Inches of Snow on Livingston County
Things are slowly getting back to normal today after yesterdayâs snowstorm, which dumped up to eight inches if snow on Livingston County and the surrounding area.
Rich Pollman of the National Weather Service at White Lake tells WHMI that the amount of snow that fell varies greatly, depending on the location. he says amounts ranged from about 2 inches in the Fenton area to 5-6 inches in Howell and eight inches from Brighton down to Pinckney at the southern end of the county.
The snow began falling shortly after 10 a.m. and picked up steadily throughout the day, finally tapering off last evening. The storm resulted in numerous spinouts, fender-benders and cars going into the ditch, as well as downed tree limbs, some of which blocked roadways.
Most schools in the area cancelled classes for the day today, including all K-through-12 public school districts in the county and many private, charter, and parochial schools. Livingston County did escape one normal result of a snowstorm that one would expect, however, as no major power outages were reported in the county. (TT)
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Howell Woman Rescued After Crashing Car Into Tree, RiverHowell Woman Rescued After Crashing Car Into Tree, River
A local woman was hospitalized after an accident during Thursdayâs snowstorm in which her vehicle ended up in a river in Marion Township.
The Howell woman was able to escape her partially submerged vehicle after it plunged into the Red Cedar River on Norton Road near Cedar Lake Road. Michigan State Police Assistant Brighton Post Commander Lt. Mario Gonzales says the womanâs small SUV went off the road, struck a tree and careened into the river just before noon. Gonzales says rescuers were able to bust out a rear window and free the 56-year-old woman.
The woman was taken to Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital in Howell to be checked out for what were termed very minor injuries. (TT/JM)
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Some Taxpayers Eligible For Home Heating CreditSome Taxpayers Eligible For Home Heating Credit
In the midst of tax season, Consumers Energy is spreading the word about a tax credit that some residents may be eligible to file for.
This yearâs historically cold winter has led to higher heating bills and Consumers is reminding the community about a credit that could help with energy costs. Spokeswoman Debra Dodd says many are unaware of the Michigan Home Heating Credit, which can be used for all types of primary heating fuels, including natural gas, electricity, propane, oil and purchased firewood.
Eligibility for the credit is contingent on a taxpayerâs income and household size, but is the only heating assistance that does not require applicants to fall behind on paying their energy bill. Customers can also submit their application beyond tax season, as it has a September 30th deadline. Dodd reports the average home credit in 2016 was $171 and applicants donât have to file traditional income taxes to be eligible.
She tells WHMI Consumers also supports free tax preparation services through Michigan 2-1-1 and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. Available services in the community can be found by visiting michiganfreetaxhelp.org.
Dodd says Consumers can also refer customers to other programs or organizations that offer assistance not just in energy bills, but for a variety of needs. More information about the Home Heating Credit can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Brighton Church Removed From City's Water ServiceBrighton Church Removed From City's Water Service
At its meeting Thursday night, the Brighton City Council approved an agreement with Brighton Township regarding the Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church and School at Hacker and Hyne roads in Brighton Township.
The agreement removes the church property from the cityâs water service area and, as a result, Shepherd of the Lakes will be able to start a process church officials hope will lead to an agreement with the Marion, Howell Township, Oceola and Genoa Township Sewer and Water Authority, better known as M-HOG. Although the city has had a franchise agreement with the church, the parish never connected to city water. Instead, the church has been served by a well, which recently tested positive for elevated levels of arsenic.
Now, the church is involved in an expansion project, and wants to connect to M-HOG, which has a water line just across Hacker Road from the church property in Genoa Township.
The parish must still negotiate with, and receive the approval of, Brighton Township, Genoa Township, and M-HOG in order to receive M-HOG water. City Manager Nate Geinzer says the city wants to do the right thing and be a good neighbor, since the city water line is nowhere near the church, being about a mile south of there on Hacker, and the church would be responsible for the huge expense of extending the water line.
As for the future possibility of neighboring properties in an adjacent subdivision wanting to hook up to city water, city engineers and staff say the likelihood of that happening is virtually nil, since they - like the church â would be responsible for the cost of extending the line.
One provision in the agreement requires that if Brighton Township decides in the future to extend its water service area as a part of the Livingston Community Water Authority, then the parties involved would agree to negotiate with the township to connect to the authorityâs water service.
The motion to remove Shepherd of the Lakes Church from the cityâs water service area passed 5-0, with council member Jim Bohn abstaining because he is a church member. (TT)
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Man Who Fled From Police In Car And On Foot Gets JailMan Who Fled From Police In Car And On Foot Gets Jail
Sentencing has been handed down to a Milford man who led a police chase, crashed his vehicle, and then attempted to run from officers.
28-year-old Jonathon Liddy was sentenced Thursday to one year in the Livingston County Jail with a credit of 98 days served and four years of probation. He is also required to make $1,405 in restitution.
Last month, Liddy admitted to charges of reckless driving, third-degree fleeing a police officer, operating while intoxicated, assault and battery, and obstructing or resisting a police officer connected to the November 22nd incident.
A Howell Police officer witnessed Liddyâs vehicle cross the center line multiple times while driving on Walnut Street, then watched the vehicle make a wide turn onto Mason Street and then onto McPherson Park Drive. The officer attempted to pull Liddy over, however once the police vehicle 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. Livingston County Sheriffâs deputies assisted Howell Police in catching Liddy, who was then taken to a hospital.
Liddy reportedly was uncooperative to the point that he had to be physically restrained, refusing to submit to a blood test and trying to bite a security guard. (DK)
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