Local students are hoping to raise enough funds for a project to install handicap accessible doors at the Fowlerville Senior Center.
Students in the Fowlerville Online Learning Academy are looking to help out the senior center, located at 203 North Collins Street. The building was originally built by the district and used as an elementary school in 1949. The Academyâs computer lab used to be located in the senior center but recently moved. Bonds were established between students and senior citizens, many of whom use canes or walkers. Two years ago, students worked to raise about $14,000 to help fund a project to replace all of the windows. The doors at the two entrances to the building are more than 50 years old and the seniors are already replacing those at a cost of $6,400. Students in the Academy wanted to go a step further and want to raise $4,000 make the main front entrance handicap accessible, with electric doors.
The cost to make the doors handicap accessible is an additional $4,000 and the idea came from 10th grade student Cassidy Duffield. She noticed what a hard time some of the seniors had opening the doors every day, so she regularly would open doors for them. Fowlerville Community Schools Technology Director Grace Damerow says many times seniors have their hands full, as the center also has a small food pantry. She says theyâve been fundraising and soliciting donations but they could use a boost as they would like to have handicap hardware installed at the same time the new doors are installed.
Students have also been approaching Fowlerville businesses and collecting cans and bottles. Damerow says they have a bit of a ways to go before hitting their goal and would appreciate any support from the community. More information and a link to donate is provided. (JM)
Donations Sought For Project At Fowlerville Senior CenterDonations Sought For Project At Fowlerville Senior Center
↧
↧
Suspects In Whitmore Lake Shooting Threat Due Back In CourtSuspects In Whitmore Lake Shooting Threat Due Back In Court
Two suspects will be back in court Tuesday on charges for threatening to shoot up a Whitmore Lake school building.
18-year-old Eric Gordon Deaton and 17-year-old Michael Gage Perks, both of Whitmore Lake, are charged with false report or threat of terrorism, a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. A probable cause conference for both is set for 8:30am Tuesday in 14-A Washtenaw County District Court. Northfield Township Police received information March 13th from Superintendent Tom DeKeyser regarding a threat to âshoot up a school buildingâ within the district, which was forced to close its building the following day as officers investigated.
Deaton (left) and Perks (right), along with two other teens, were identified as suspects. A firearm was later recovered as part of the investigation. Charges were denied against a third subject, 17-year-old male, while a 16-year-old juvenile was released pending further investigation. All of the suspects are current or past students of Whitmore Lake schools. (JK)
↧
Parole Absconder Who Led Police Chase ArraignedParole Absconder Who Led Police Chase Arraigned
Arraignment has been held for a parole absconder who lied about her age, following her involvement in a retail fraud incident and police chase.
23-year-old Lamika Samon James of Detroit is charged with 3rd degree fleeing a police officer, organized retail crime, 1st degree retail fraud, driving on a suspended license and providing false identification to a police officer. Her arraignment in 53rd District Court was held Friday.
The charges against James stem from an incident that occurred at the Kohlâs store off of Whitmore Lake Road in Brighton Thursday. Green Oak Township Police were called out to the store at around 2:44pm for a retail fraud in progress report in which a suspect was seen removing security devices from high end electronics and placing them in a bag.
Before authorities arrived, police were advised the female suspect had fled and refused to stop when confronted by store employees. Police located the vehicle and gave chase, which proceeded along Whitmore Lake Road, southbound US-23 and then east on M-14. Police say the suspect, later identified as James, eventually lost control of the vehicle and crashed just west of I-275 near Sheldon Road.
James was taken to St. Maryâs Hospital in Livonia and told officers she was a 16-year-old juvenile who resides in Detroit. Jamesâ mother arrived at the hospital and stated the same. Police say investigation soon revealed that information was false as James is not a juvenile, but rather a 23-year-old parole absconder that has been wanted since December of 2017 by the Michigan Department of Corrections.
James returns to court April 3rd for a probable cause conference. (JK/DK)
↧
Grant To Aid Sheriff's Office With Medical Marijuana ProgramGrant To Aid Sheriff's Office With Medical Marijuana Program
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office has been awarded grant funds to support a Medical Marijuana program centered community education and compliance.
The Public Safety and Infrastructure and Development Committee met Monday night and approved a resolution authorizing the 2018 Michigan Medical Marijuana Operation and Oversight Grant. The grant funds total $47,229 and can be used during the grant period of January 1st, 2018 through September 30th. Through the grant agreement, the Sheriffâs office will be reimbursed for funds spent as part of the program such as equipment, educational literature and the purchase of a new vehicle. The county gets reimbursed for authorized expenditures incurred and no matching funds are required. Funding for different counties is determined by the number of registered medical marijuana cardholders in each, and cards are approved through the state. The identities of cardholders are not considered public information, as they are protected under HIPAA laws or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Undersheriff Jeff Warder tells WHMI they plan to utilize the grant for educational purposes and to make sure people stay complaint, but there will not be random checks. He says the Office would still look into any formal complaints that are made and hopefully educate the individual if they happen to be out of compliance, adding money from grant allows them the opportunity to do so without taxing their patrols. Warder stressed he hopes people understand that they are not looking to do random compliance checks or compliance enforcement. He says the grant is made possible through the state and it is money they can use toward education and working with all of the cardholders in the county while forming a partnership with them.
This marks the second year the Sheriffâs Office has applied for the grant and been awarded the funds. The full Board of Commissioners still needs to vote on the final resolution to accept the grant. (JM)
↧
Congressman Bishop Files For Re-ElectionCongressman Bishop Files For Re-Election
The man who represents Livingston County in Congress has filed for re-election.
8th District Republican Congressman Mike Bishop, along with a former Rochester Adams government teacher and several area students, were on hand as the necessary signatures for Bishop to run for re-election were filed. Bishop was joined in Lansing by his former Rochester Adams High School civics teacher, Greg Clevenger, who has known the Bishop family for decades. Bishop filed all of the necessary paperwork and petitions to seek re-election and released a new short video titled âMy Home with Mike Bishop." The long-form digital video shows Congressman traveling the district where he has lived his life. Bishop says he grew up here and the community is important to him while the people and the issues they face are personal. Bishop says thatâs why heâs honored to serve as their congressman and the reason heâs running for re-election.
As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Bishopâs campaign says he worked to enact the most recent tax reform that increased the take-home pay of families and small businesses across the district resulting in higher wages, bonuses and the ability for small businesses to expand and hire more employees. It says as a member of the bipartisan "Problem Solvers Caucus," Bishop has a strong record of legislative accomplishment including the passage last week of the bipartisan Child Protection Improvements Act (CPIA). The CPIA was described as important legislation which allows youth-serving organizations in every state (such as YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts) to access FBI background checks for prospective staff and volunteers.
Democrats Elissa Slotkin and Chris Smith have both filed for the 8th District seat. The filing deadline is April 24th. (JM)
↧
↧
Dexter Man Wins $1.9 Million Lotto JackpotDexter Man Wins $1.9 Million Lotto Jackpot
Winning a $1.9 million Lotto 47 jackpot turned a local Michigan Lottery skeptic into a believer.
Eric Hartman, of Dexter, matched all six Lotto 47 numbers drawn March 14: 03-14-29-34-40-47. He bought the winning ticket at the Marathon gas station on Main Street in Dexter. The 33-year-old Hartman said that, âUp until about 12 days ago, I didnât think anyone won the Lottery. I thought it was all a conspiracy, but I have a much different outlook now.â
Hartman says he was on lunch at work when he heard that a local player had won the jackpot. He said he went and checked his ticket, and couldnât believe that he had the winner. He then left work early to get his ticket home and in his safe. Hartman visited Lottery headquarters Monday to claim the jackpot. He chose to receive his prize as a one-time lump sum cash payment of about $1.2 million rather than 30 annuity payments for the full jackpot.
Hartman says he has a young daughter, so the jackpot will definitely help out with her expenses, adding that he will probably invest most of it for now. While winning felt great, Hartman says he already has a great life, âso this is just icing on the cake for me.â (JK)
↧
Nassar's Boss At MSU Charged With Inappropriately Touching StudentNassar's Boss At MSU Charged With Inappropriately Touching Student
A Michigan State University official who oversaw a clinic where former sports doctor Larry Nassar worked is facing criminal charges for allegedly inappropriately touching a student and storing nude photos of female students on his work computer.
William Strampel, who was dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine until late last year, was charged Tuesday with a felony, a high court misdemeanor and two misdemeanors. He is due to be arraigned in the afternoon. The complaint charges Strampel with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, neglect of duty and misconduct of a public official.
The 70-year-old Strampel told police last year he never followed up after ordering Nassar in 2014 to have a third person present when providing treatment to "anything close to a sensitive area." Nassar will spend his life in prison for molesting patients under the guise of treatment. Picture courtesy of WLNS. (AP)
↧
MTA Addresses Fenton City CouncilMTA Addresses Fenton City Council
Fentonâs City Council was presented Monday night with information regarding the success Mass Transit Authority has had within Genesee County over the past few years.
With a millage renewal approaching this August, Fentonâs Service Center Manager of MTA Michael Messer addressed the council to promote the high quality of service that has been provided over the past few years to Fenton. MTA provides year ride services for the mobility challenged and its services are used all throughout Genesee County. Last year alone, MTA delivered over 34,000 rides to Fenton customers. MTA has been in service since 1971 and has been in Fenton for over 10 years. Aside from promoting the positive services provided by MTA, Messer also told the council how they have become far more fuel efficient. Since converting from diesel and unleaded fuel to running primarily on propane and hybrid electric vehicles, MTA has greatly cut down on fuel emissions. The switch has also saved MTA roughly $3 - $4 million in fuel expenses in the past three years.
A millage renewal for MTAâs services throughout Genesee County will be proposed in August. Messer said he feels confident that the millage will be renewed due to the positive feedback MTA receives all throughout the community. Currently, MTA must seek millage renewals every two years to continue their services in Genesee County. Messer told WHMI that they are also working towards an agreement that will see the proposal only need renewal every ten years instead. (DF)
↧
Trial Set For Suspect In Death Of Pregnant Linden Woman & Co-WorkerTrial Set For Suspect In Death Of Pregnant Linden Woman & Co-Worker
A trial date has been set for a woman charged in the shooting death of a pregnant Linden woman and her co-worker.
55-year-old Jacquelyn Tyson was found competent last month to stand trial on two counts of pre-meditated 1st degree murder and two counts of felony firearms. Last week, a trial date was set in Genesee County Circuit Court for July 18th. Tyson is charged with shooting 20-year-old Lyric Work and 45-year-old Tamara Johnson at the leasing office of the Grand Oaks Apartments in Grand Blanc on July 26th, 2016. Johnson was pronounced dead at a hospital while Work, who was pregnant, was put on life support so the baby could be delivered. Work then passed away three days later. Her child survived.
Authorities have yet to say what the motive was for the shooting. However, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton previously said the shootings could have precipitated from a dispute over Tyson's apartment.
Tyson is being held without bond at the State Forensic Center for Psychiatry, and was twice declared incompetent, but was said to be making progress with treatment and medication. She will remain at the center until trial. A June 1st deadline is also set for a Cobbs Proposal, where the defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge discuss what sentence would be handed down under a plea agreement. A defendant may withdraw their plea if the actual sentence differs from the agreement. (JK)
↧
↧
Howell Named Great American Main Street Award WinnerHowell Named Great American Main Street Award Winner
Howell Main Street was named the winner of the 2018 Great American Main Street Award presented by the National Main Street Center at their annual meeting in Kansas City Monday night.
Selected by a national jury of community development professionals and leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, Howell Main Streetâs achievement was recognized for, âtransforming the downtown district into a cultural destination through community-driven economic development and placemaking efforts.â Patrice Frey, President and CEO of the National Main Street Center said that, âHowell is a prime example of a small rural community that is doing big things,â adding that it has all the charm youâd expect in a historic Main Street community, but sets itself apart as a supportive place for entrepreneurs and business owners, which is how theyâre seeing small communities stay competitive in todayâs economy.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation noted that despite a challenging regional economic environment, âdowntown Howell now has a vacancy rate of just 1.2 percent and is home to a diverse mix of businesses that foster a strong sense of place to attract and keep people downtown.â The MEDC says that âanchored by entertaining destinations like the new local brewery Aberrant Ales, entrepreneurial attractions like the Frontal Lobe co-working space, and cultural institutions like the Howell Opera House and Howell Movie Theatre, downtown Howell is once again a destination.â
Howell Main Street C.O.O. and DDA Director Cathleen Edgerly said that while âDowntown Howell has long-been a charming and family-friendly town⦠the community recognized that we needed to grow, change, and get creative in our approach to making Howell a destination for our residents and visitorsâ and that, âThe Main Street program was just the change that was needed,â providing âstrategic planning, collaboration and (a) creative visionâ they are proud to have fostered a strong sense of place in the community. Picture Credit: Top - Richard Lim Photography, Middle - National Main Street, Bottom - Howell DDA (JK)
↧
Ex-MSU Dean Charged With Inappropriately Touching Student ArraignedEx-MSU Dean Charged With Inappropriately Touching Student Arraigned
The attorney for a Michigan State University official denies that his client inappropriately touched medical students or received sexual favors in exchange for boosting their standing in school.
70-year-old William Strampel, who was a supervisor of disgraced former sports doctor Larry Nassar, was arraigned today by video from the Ingham County Jail on four charges including Strampel with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, neglect of duty and misconduct of a public official. His lawyer, John Dakmak, told reporters that Strampel expects to prevail on all charges, and they look forward to their day in court. Strampel, who was dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine until December is accused of willful neglect of duty in his dealings with Nassar. He's also charged with groping female medical students. His work computer allegedly contained photos of nude women, sex toys and pornography, as well as a video of Nassar performing a "treatment" on a young patient.
Strampel's probable cause conference will be held 8:30am on April 27th. He was released on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond and was ordered not to initiate contact with witnesses, victims, or any current or former MSU medical student. (JM)
↧
Judge Rules Against Local Developer Over Antique Lighthouse LensesJudge Rules Against Local Developer Over Antique Lighthouse Lenses
A judge has ruled in favor of the government in a dispute over ownership of two antique lighthouse lenses purchased and restored by a local man.
Steve Gronow of Genoa Township was the target of a federal lawsuit over the two long missing lenses said to be worth at least $600,000. The government sued Gronow in U.S District Court, saying he had no right to lenses from the Spring Point Ledge lighthouse in Maine and the Belle Isle lighthouse in Detroit. The recent court decision means Gronow must surrender the lenses. He calls it a "huge disappointment." The Coast Guard says it's still the owner of the lenses. The Maine lighthouse was automated around 1960, and the Detroit lighthouse was replaced in 1930. Gronow bought one lens from an eBay seller and the other from the Henry County Historical Society in Indiana. The legal battle has been lengthy and both parties had competing motions for summary judgment but Federal Judge Mark Goldsmith said Monday that the government never gave up ownership, even if the lenses changed hands over the years.
Federal court records and interviews describe a decades-long hunt for the lenses and Gronow as a wealthy man whose hobby is finding maritime antiques, occasionally in war zones. Gronowâs home contains a private collection of maritime antiques, which he has dubbed the Maritime Exchange Museum (pictured). Gronow earlier told The Detroit News âitâs interesting now that because someone had the forethought to care for the lenses all these years â instead of smashing them to bits â that the government is coming out of the shadows and demanding they be returned without compensationâ. Members of the lighthouse community say the Justice Departmentâs actions against Gronow amount to the bullying of a preservationist who has saved rare treasures that the government once treated like junk after it switched from manually operated lighthouses to automated beacons.
The recent court opinion and order is attached. (JM)
↧
Pinckney Student Advocates For Diabetes Sufferers In WashingtonPinckney Student Advocates For Diabetes Sufferers In Washington
A local student represented the state the Michigan in helping urge Congress to make an invisible illness a national priority.
Reece Ohmer is an 11th grade student at Pinckney Community High School. Last week she met with 8th District Congressman Mike Bishop and 8th District Legislative Director Daniel Harder for the American Diabetes Associationâs, or ADAâs, 2018 Call to Congress Advocacy Day in Washington D.C. The event took place on Capitol Hill, where Ohmer and more than 150 others participated in meetings with members of congress to urge them to address the diabetes epidemic. More than 114 million Americans are living with, or are at risk for the disease.
In a newly released report from the ADA, Economics of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2017, they label diabetes as the most costly disease in the country. According to their study, the cost of diagnosed diabetes has risen 26% over the past 5 years. This is due to the increased prevalence of the disease and the increased costs per person living with it. Largest contributors to cost are a higher use of prescription medication beyond diabetes medication, higher use of hospital inpatient services, medications and supplies like insulin to treat it directly, and more office visits to physicians and health providers.
In their meetings with representatives from congress, Ohmer and others asked for additional funding to go to the primary federal agency which conducts research on finding a cure and advance treatments for diabetes. Funds were also requested to be allocated to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionâs Division of Diabetes Translation for their efforts in reducing complications in treatment and help in managing the disease. Advocates also asked for increased transparency, affordability, and access to insulin so that no one who depends on the medication has to worry about being able to afford it. (MK)
↧
↧
Community Officials And Leaders Weigh In On Opioid CrisisCommunity Officials And Leaders Weigh In On Opioid Crisis
Local officials and community leaders led a round-table discussion Tuesday regarding the opioid crisis and whatâs being done to combat the problem in Livingston County.
The event was held by 8th District Congressman Mike Bishop at Putnam Township Hall and attended by approximately 60 residents. The meeting featured a panel comprised of Bishop, State Representative Hank Vaupel, Undersheriff Jeff Warder, Putnam Township Fire Chief Greg Amburgey, Community Alliance Coordinator Kaitlin Fink and Karen Bergbower with the countyâs Misdemeanant Drug Court program. Each panelist shared a different perspective on the impact opioid abuse and overdose is having, as well as individual and group efforts to mitigate the prevalence of the issue in the county.
Congressman Bishop brought up a bill he plans to introduce that would attack the problem on an international level by stopping the influx of drugs from foreign countries through the United States Postal Service. The USPS doesnât have the same requirements as private mail carrier companies in regards to identifying whatâs inside a package, where itâs coming from and where itâs headed. Bishop says there is a need to increase efforts to give the USPS the ability to do that.
Representative Vaupel also shared a perspective that looked at the opioid crisis from its early beginnings, noting that Medicaid reimbursements were judged on outcomes and outcomes were judged on patient satisfaction. Vaupel says one of the vital signs was pain control, "so it was to nobody in the medical professionâs advantage to try to really control the prescribing of the opioids."
Fink and Bergbower touched on a number of preventative and treatment measures that are underway or available in the area. Still, Bergbower says a piece of the puzzle also includes educating patients and health professionals that âjust because itâs prescribed, doesnât mean itâs safe.â
However Claire Donovan of Pinckney feels government officials are late to the party. She spoke to the drug problem she says Pinckney experienced for over 14 years, saying the community rose to the challenge and pulled together to address it. Donovan told the panel she feels officials have âbeen slowâ to be a part of that team. Donovan says Pinckney received snide remarks and was âcommunity-shamedâ. She feels the opioid problem is now getting recognition because it has grown to larger areas. Donovan says "officials need to be listening closer and communicating more."
After the panel discussion, there were a few questions taken from the audience. One resident claimed Bishop accepts campaign donations from opioid manufacturers and asked if he would cease to do so. Bishop responded to say, âThe very idea that somehow campaign contributions impact the way I vote or the way I represent my community is quite frankly ridiculous and I want you all to know Iâm here today to talk about solutions, not to talk about politics.â Speaking in regards to the other panelists, Bishop said, "This has nothing to do with them and I know that thereâs an election coming up. I do this because I care...Iâve never had anybody question my integrity and Iâm not going to start today." (DK)
↧
Tyrone Township Boy Returns Home After Heart TransplantTyrone Township Boy Returns Home After Heart Transplant
A Tyrone Township teen who underwent a heart transplant has returned home in record time.
13-year-old Aiden Saunders underwent a heart transplant March 15th at the University of Michigan Mott Childrenâs Hospital in Ann Arbor. Aiden, a competitive swimmer with the Hartland Hurricane swim team was admitted after doctors discovered he had severe congestive heart failure, with his heart only functioning around 18%. Within days of being placed on the transplant list, a heart became available and the twelve-hour surgery was performed, with almost instantaneous excellent results.
On Tuesday, Aiden was discharged and allowed to return home (pictured here with his three sisters) to the Lake Shannon community in Tyrone Township, where he was greeted by neighbors bearing signs and balloons. Aidenâs father, Bill Saunders, said his son has continued to exceed all expectations and was discharged only 11 days after the transplant, while two weeks is typically the minimum. He says the next three months will be the most critical for Aidenâs recovery, since he'll be on the highest immune suppression regimen to help ensure he doesn't reject his new heart.
Saunders says there will be many trips to the hospital over the coming months for biopsies and evaluations, but they continue to have faith that Aiden will continue his path to a full recovery. In fact, he expected that after about three months, Aiden will be able to return to the water, and is looking forward to skiing, wakeboarding, and swimming with his swim team.
Meanwhile, a fundraiser to assist the family with medical expenses is set for next month. The 5K run/walk/bike fundraiser will be held at Lake Shannon on April 28th. A link and registration information is available through the link below. (JK)
↧
Wedding, Large Event Barn Approved In Tyrone TownshipWedding, Large Event Barn Approved In Tyrone Township
A new wedding and large event venue has been approved in Tyrone Township.
At Tuesdayâs regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, Tyrone Township officials granted site plan amendment approval and a special use permit to Vale Royal. Vale Royal features a restored, historic barn, and will be capable of hosting weddings, dances, and several corporate and recreational activities. The venue will operate between May 1st and October 31st. During the meeting, Tyrone Township Supervisor Mike Cunningham expressed concerns about the backwards way the owner put the township through the approval process. Cunningham said, they built the barn and submitted the plan, and when the time for inspections came, they found the owner had built more than they were approved for. The Supervisor said he didnât appreciate that, and that it cost the township money in hiring a lawyer.
Despite this, Cunningham said the plan was not to put Vale Royal out of business, but to help them succeed. He said as long as a business has the criteria for approval, he wants them to be successful. The supervisor continued by saying that it is always good for the township when you have a business like a wedding barn that draws people into the community. It gives people a chance to see what the township and county have to offer.
Two conditions were put on the approvals. One was for installation of fire suppression before the venue would be allowed to host an event with more than 99 visitors. The second was to limit Vale Royal to 1 event for each of their first 3 months. Cunningham told the owner during the meeting that he believes the business will be successful, but before doing anything requiring approvals in the future, to come to the board first. (MK)
↧
Milford Twp. Woman Solves Mystery Of Toxic OdorMilford Twp. Woman Solves Mystery Of Toxic Odor
The mystery of a foul odor detected in a Milford Township neighborhood earlier this month was solved by a local resident.
Teresa Silver says that when she stepped outside her home near Maple and South Milford Road the evening of March 6th, she immediately smelled an odor that made her think of an industrial substance. Concerned for the areaâs natural wildlife and her own health, Silver told the Milford Times she called both the Milford Fire Department and DTE Energy. A DTE representative said they smelled something like diesel fuel, while a firefighter said he did notice a ârace car fluidâ odor. But by the next morning the air was clear with no sign of what may have caused the issue.
After Silverâs neighbor remembered a similar incident years ago when a jet had to dump its fuel, she called the Federal Aviation Administration, which confirmed that was the case. A Mexico-bound Boeing 727 cargo jet jettisoned fuel after departing Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti but requested a return to the airport after having an engine problem. It landed without incident at Oakland County Airport in Waterford Township.
Officials say fuel dumping is standard procedure if a plane needs to lose weight in order to make a safe landing. The FAA told her the fuel is usually in the form of a fine mist which dissipates in the atmosphere before it comes down, although the smell can linger much longer. While she was relieved it didnât pose an immediate hazard, Silver says she still plans to monitor the area for any lingering effects. (JK)
↧
↧
Howell Man Named Hero By Commission For Lifesaving EffortsHowell Man Named Hero By Commission For Lifesaving Efforts
A Howell man is being honored for his lifesaving actions last summer.
Michael Rodriguez, a 54-year-old carpenter, is being honored by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission for saving 45-year-old Matthew Harris of Howell from drowning during an incident last July. The Commission was created to recognize outstanding acts of selfless heroism performed in the United States and Canada. Rescue acts are said to be carefully evaluated, investigated and reported to the Commission for decision. The Carnegie Medal is then awarded to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.
Harris had suffered a medical problem while driving and his vehicle went off the highway, into a 9-foot-deep retention pond. Rodriguez witnessed the incident and pulled over, as Harris was inside the vehicle and unresponsive. Despite being a poor swimmer, Rodriguez dog-paddled out to the car and with the help of bystanders, was able to maneuver the car toward shore. Rodriguez opened the driverâs side door and used a pocket knife to cut the seat belt and free Harris as the car sank, during which he became submerged. Rodriguez grasped Harris from behind and removed him from the submerged vehicle and swam him toward shallow water near shore where bystanders were able to assist them from the water. Harris survived and was not injured but Rodriguez was said to be nearly exhausted and aggravated a previous shoulder injury but has since recovered.
Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI itâs an awesome story in which Rodriguez witnessed an accident and took it upon himself to save a life, which is why heâs being recognized as a hero by the commission. He says itâs also a great story of humanity doing the right thing but especially in the public safety world where people can get a little bit jaded and cynical from seeing people at their worst and what they do to each other, which is kind of crazy sometimes. Murphy says this story really just restores faith in humanity because Rodriguez took it upon himself to stop and didnât just drive by and leave it to someone else to call 911. Murphy says Rodriguez stopped and didnât hesitate to actually jump in and do the right thing so hats off to him and theyâre all proud.
Rodriguez now joins a class of Carnegie Heroes and is among the awardees to be presented with the Carnegie Medal at a gala in June in Pittsburgh. He could not be reached for comment by WHMI. (JM)
↧
Judge Declines To Change Bond Conditions For Teens Charged In School Shooting ThreatJudge Declines To Change Bond Conditions For Teens Charged In School Shooting Threat
A judge declined to alter the bond conditions for two suspects charged in connection with a shooting threat at a Whitmore Lake school.
18-year-old Eric Gordon Deaton and 17-year-old Michael Gage Perks, both of Whitmore Lake, are charged with false report or threat of terrorism, a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. A probable cause conference was held Tuesday for both in 14-A Washtenaw County District Court in which Judge Charles Pope said Deaton must post 10% of a $25,000 bond if he wants to be released from custody, while Perks will continue to wear a GPS tether. Northfield Township Police received information March 13th from Superintendent Tom DeKeyser regarding a threat to âshoot up a school buildingâ within the district, which was forced to close the following day as officers investigated. Deaton and Perks, along with two other teens, were identified as suspects. A firearm was later recovered as part of the investigation. Charges were denied against a third subject, 17-year-old male, while a 16-year-old juvenile was released pending further investigation. All of the suspects are current or past students of Whitmore Lake schools. Deaton and Perks will be back in court April 3rd for a preliminary exam.
↧
Senate Approves Registration Discounts For Handicap-Accessible VehiclesSenate Approves Registration Discounts For Handicap-Accessible Vehicles
Legislation sponsored by an area lawmaker to implement registration discounts for handicap accessible vehicles has cleared the Senate.
The state Senate recently approved legislation that would eliminate a requirement that allows only vans that are modified with a wheelchair lift to receive discounted vehicle registration. Senate Bill 815 is sponsored by Republican Senator Ken Horn represents the 32nd District, which includes Argentine Township, Fenton Township and the City of Linden. The bill would allow vehicles that have been modified with a permanently installed wheelchair lift or hand controls designed to replace the brake and gas pedals of the vehicle to qualify for the discounted registration. Horn says under current law, a passenger vehicle can be completely handicap-accessible and not receive discounted registration because it isnât a van, which he feels is not very reasonable. He says the changes that need to be made to these types of vehicles are sometimes quite extravagant and extremely costly, so offering discounted registration, regardless of the type of vehicle, is a sensible way to help offset some of those costs.
The Michigan Vehicle Code currently allows a van owned by an individual who uses a wheelchair, or an individual responsible for transporting a member of their household who uses a wheelchair, to receive a 50 percent discount on their registration. The tax is calculated based on the weight and type of vehicle and is levied by the secretary of state when the vehicle is registered.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. (JM)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
