4/26/13 - An alleged domestic situation Thursday morning ended with a Lyon Township man being shot in the leg. The Oakland County Sheriffâs Office was called out to investigate the shooting shortly after 6am at Pendleton Park Apartments. The incident is alleged to have occurred in the parking lot of the complex, located between Pontiac Trail and Grand River near Milford Road. The 28-year-old victim told police he was leaving his apartment when he was confronted by his ex-wife and others. Police say an argument apparently escalated to a fight, and one of the womanâs friends allegedly pulled out a small caliber handgun and shot the victim in the leg. Police say the victimâs ex-wife and her companions fled the scene and but the OCSO Fugitive Apprehension Team along with U.S. Marshalls Fugitive Team were able to make three arrests last night in the case. All three are from New Baltimore, Michigan and are expected to be arraigned this weekend. Officials say the victim is in stable condition after suffering non-life threatening injuries and the investigation continues. (JM)
Lyon Township Man Shot Thursday Morning After Alleged ArgumentLyon Township Man Shot Thursday Morning After Alleged Argument
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Judge Rules Murder Suspect Can Use "Duress" Defense at TrialJudge Rules Murder Suspect Can Use "Duress" Defense at Trial
4/26/13 - A local judge will allow a duress defense during the trial of a woman charged with felony murder in the death of a homeless man. 51-year-old Antoinette Bea Hix of Gaines and 45-year-old Mitchell Judd Hall of Byron are each charged with 1st degree felony murder and abuse of a vulnerable adult in the death of 71-year old Clarence Elijah Hines. Hix is also charged with per-meditated murder in the first degree. Hix claims that she was under âduressâ when the crime occurred and her defense attorney successfully argued that point and that Hix was a victim of battered womenâs syndrome. Despite objections from prosecutors, Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader ruled the defense will be able to present those arguments during trial. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt tells WHMI his office will review the court's opinion and then determine the appropriate course of action. Police say the suspects left Hines at the side of Sober Road in Conway Township on April 11th, 2010. He was found dead there the following morning. Authorities say Hines died due to a combination of hypothermia and multiple blunt trauma injuries. Authorities say the couple wanted to rid themselves of caring for Hines due to his failing health and discussed various options to do so, eventually deciding to drop him off on a rural dirt road. (JM)
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Police Seek Suspect in Brighton Bank Robbery Police Seek Suspect in Brighton Bank Robbery
4/26/13 - Local authorities are seeking a suspect wanted in connection with an armed bank robbery in Brighton this morning. Brighton Police Chief Tom Wightman tells WHMI they are investigating a bank robbery that occurred at 10:15am at 1st National Bank, located on Challis Road, near Grand River. The suspect, dressed in black with a scarf around his face, reportedly jumped onto a counter, brandished a handgun, and demanded money. Bank employees gave him an undisclosed amount of cash before he fled to a car parked across the street. Schools in the immediate area were notified as a precautionary measure. Police are now asking for the publicâs help in identifying the man. He is described as a white male in his 20âs, standing about 5â4â tall. His vehicle is described as a newer model silver four-door sedan, possibly a Nissan. It had tinted windows, low-profile tires, a moon roof, a rear spoiler, and possibly some damage in the left rear corner. Anyone with information on the suspect or the vehicle should contact the Brighton Police Department or call (810) 986-5996, which is a special number set up to take tips for this case. (JM/TD)
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Women Outdoors: Kensington Adventure Program Set for June Women Outdoors: Kensington Adventure Program Set for June
4/27/13 - Registration is now open for a program for women who want to learn about kayaking, yoga, and archery at the Kensington Metropark. The 14th annual Women Outdoors: Kensington Adventure program is scheduled for June 22nd. The event is a one-day workshop that teaches the basics of kayaking, including safety and basic paddling, as well as how to safely target shoot with a bow. For the first time, this yearâs program will also include instruction on basic yoga postures and techniques. The cost is $60 per person, which includes all sessions, materials, demonstrations, and lunch. Women 18 and older can register before the deadline on June 18th. To register, contact Kensington Metropark at (810) 227-8910 or email sherrie.borchardt@metroparks.com. (TD)
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Envision Brighton Program Results to be Presented at Conference Envision Brighton Program Results to be Presented at Conference
4/27/13 - Two city officials will be presenting the results of the Envision Brighton World Café program during an upciming conference in Lansing. Following the success of the program in January 2011, Brighton City Councilwoman Claudia Roblee, who also serves on the Principal Shopping District Board, says she thought other Michigan communities might benefit from the exercise and encourage others to host their own. Roblee and project partner Lauri French will present the processes and results from Brightonâs World Café experience during the 2013 Building Michigan Communities Conference taking place on Monday in Lansing. French is the Cityâs Deputy Director for Community Development, Planning & Zoning and the Downtown Development Authority. The two will present the information during one of the workshops at the conference. The World Café process is used to facilitate visioning or problem solving in large groups. While Brighton came through the economic downturn fairly healthy, officials say they wanted to keep the momentum going and sought input to help create a vibrant, healthy, sustainable downtown. Roblee says in an era when local governments are working hard to engage citizens, she found the program helped drill down into the real priorities of participants, who felt strongly about the downtown. The complete press release issued about the presentation can be found below. (JM)
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Surveillance Photo of Brighton Bank Robber Released Surveillance Photo of Brighton Bank Robber Released
4/27/13 - Brighton Police have released surveillance photos of the man wanted in connection with an armed bank robbery on Friday morning. Police say the suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash after robbing the 1st National Bank on Challis Road at gunpoint on Friday morning. Police say he left the area in a vehicle that was parked across the street, which has been described as a newer model mid-size silver 4-door sedan with tinted windows, low-profile tires, a moon roof and rear spoiler. Police say the vehicle has minor damage on the left rear corner and is possibly a Nissan or similar vehicle. The suspect was wearing dark clothing and a scarf to hide his face and is described as a white male, possibly in his mid-20âs standing about 5-foot-4. Anyone with information about the suspect or the vehicle should contact the Brighton Police at (810) 986-5996. (JM)
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Hamburg Township Police Investigating Fatal Traffic Crash Hamburg Township Police Investigating Fatal Traffic Crash
4/27/13 - Police suspect that drugs may have played a role in a head-on crash Friday afternoon that left a Hamburg Township man dead. The crash occurred shortly after 4pm on M-36 near Kress Road and snarled traffic in the area for hours. Police say preliminary investigation reveals a 44-year-old Hamburg Township man was traveling westbound on M-36 in a silver Ford Explorer Sport Trac but veered left of center as he approached Kress Road, striking a gray Ford Fusion station wagon head-on. The driver of the Ford Fusion was a 77-year-old Hamburg Township man, who passed away early this morning as a result of his injuries at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. Police say drugs are suspected as being a contributing factor in the cause of the crash. A search warrant for a blood sample from the driver of the Ford Sport Trac was executed by officers at the hospital and police are now awaiting toxicology reports. Police say the names of the two men are not being released at this time. Accident investigators from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department are assisting and M-36 was shut down in both directions at Kress Road for roughly four hours while police worked at the scene. (JM)
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Howell High Students May Build Houses On Parker PropertyHowell High Students May Build Houses On Parker Property
4/26/13 - After completing construction on a house in the Sundance subdivision, a student program at Howell High School is setting its sights on the Parker Middle School campus. The high schoolâs vocational building trades program includes about 80 students divided into three classes this year. They build a fully-functional house every year, with crews of students on-site for about six hours a day under the supervision of the program instructor and two paraprofessionals. This yearâs home was recently completed in a subdivision east of the Marion Township hall and is now being shown for sale by a real estate broker. With that project completed, the program will need a new location for construction in the fall semester. Last week, the Howell School Board discussed the possibility of allowing the students to build houses on unused portions of the Parker Middle School campus. Wilson says there would be enough room for two or three new houses on the northeast corner of that property, and the close proximity of the middle school would alleviate the need for portable classrooms. The board is expected to make a decision about the proposition at its next meeting, and if approved construction on the Parker site will begin this fall. (TD)
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Howell Homicide Call Turns Out To Be A HoaxHowell Homicide Call Turns Out To Be A Hoax
4/28/13 - Police, fire, and medical crews were called out to an address in the City of Howell for a domestic dispute and possible homicide last night. However, the home specified by the caller turned out to be vacant. Howell Police Chief George Basar tells WHMI the call was a hoax. The response tied up emergency responders for a couple of hours, including the Sheriffâs Department and Michigan State Police, and there is currently no estimate as to how much taxpayer money was wasted as a result of the prank. Calling police out to homes for fake homicides, especially at celebrity homes, is currently a trend on the West Coast known as âswatting.â Basar says his department will do its best to find those responsible, but the call was a computerized message and swatters often run their calls through computer networks and proxies all over the world. This makes them difficult to find and prosecute. Photo courtesy Wesley Sheeks. (TD)
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Local Pizzeria Holding Job Fair in Genoa TownshipLocal Pizzeria Holding Job Fair in Genoa Township
4/29/13 - A new addition to the local restaurant community will be hosting a hiring fair today and tomorrow. Ypsilanti-based Aubreeâs Pizzeria & Grill is expanding into Genoa Township and will open its sixth location in the old T.W. & Friends building off Grand River. Approximately 150 positions ranging from servers to bartenders and cooks need to be filled. Managing Partner Matt Morrison says theyâre seeking experienced servers, bartenders, line cooks, hosts, delivery drivers and dishwashers are being sought. He says the job fair will pretty much be a hire-on-the-spot atmosphere. The job fair will run today from 10am until 5pm and again tomorrow from noon to 7pm at the new location at 4433 East Grand River. (JK)
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Despite Student Gain, South Lyon Schools Facing Deficit
4/29/13 - The South Lyon Community School District is facing a potential budget shortfall of more than $800,000 this fall. The proposed budget includes about $61.3 million based on a projected increase of about 110 students. The South Lyon Herald reports that last year the district anticipated a 90-student increase, but instead saw a jump of about 270 students. However, last year's budget also included a deficit, and this year the $824,000 shortfall will be taken out of the district's $7.6 million fund balance. Officials say questions about per-pupil funding changes at the state level make this year's funding uncertain, but they believe there will be no deficit in the 2014-2015 school year. The public will be allowed to make comments on the topic at the school board's regular meeting on Monday, May 20th. The board is expected to vote on the budget in June. (JK)
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Organizers Begin Work On This Year's Pink Party In HowellOrganizers Begin Work On This Year's Pink Party In Howell
4/29/13 - The Pink Party is once again planning to take over downtown Howell, and volunteers are being sought to help make the night a success. Businesses across the downtown take part in the party by providing food, drink, giveaways, and special deals to anyone who purchases a $30 passport to the event. All proceeds go to breast cancer research and awareness at the St. Joseph Mercy Health System. Groups that purchase eight or more passports will be provided with a tuxedoed assistant to carry bags, open doors, and fetch refreshments for the group. Passports go on sale Wednesday, and the party itself will take place on June 13th. Last yearâs event brought an estimated 3,000 people into downtown Howell. All proceeds go to breast cancer research and awareness. New this year is the Pink Party Yearbook, which will highlight the stories of 13 local women and their experiences with breast cancer. A silent auction will also be held at the Howell Opera House for a variety of donated items. Volunteers for many different jobs are currently being sought, as well as donations for the auction. Those interested in participating can attend an open community meeting tonight at All Saints Chapel on Walnut Street. That meeting will also include a presentation by representatives from St. Joeâs on how they have spent the $55,000 raised at last yearâs Pink Party. Volunteer opportunities can also be found by calling (810) 623-1181 or by following the link below. (TD)
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Green Oak Reverses Course, Allows Company to ExpandGreen Oak Reverses Course, Allows Company to Expand
4/29/13 - Green Oak Township recently reversed an earlier decision and will now allow Liquid Manufacturing to work with two other beverage companies at its local facility. The company and the township have been in litigation with one another for years over alleged fire, safety, and sewer ordinance violations. One of the townshipâs primary complaints has been Liquid Manufacturingâs wastewater discharge, which they said made up the majority of the volume in the sewer system and could not be adequately treated by the township sewer system due to the high concentration of certain substances, particularly sodium. However, the company recently switched to a potassium-based water softener, which brought its sodium levels within an acceptable range. The township had earlier denied a request by Liquid Manufacturing to help produce beverages for companies in Houston and Chicago, but Township Clerk Mike Sedlak tells WHMI that on the advice of a court authority that decision has been overturned. It is now expected to enter into a consent agreement outlining how the facility will be brought up to code. Sedlak the decision will allow Liquid Manufacturing to generate additional cash flow, which will allow them to make the necessary improvements and install a wastewater pretreatment plant. Supervisor Mark St. Charles says the additional business for the company could also generate new local jobs. (JK)
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Slain Officer to Be Honored Before Tiger GameSlain Officer to Be Honored Before Tiger Game
4/29/13 - A West Bloomfield Township police officer from Livingston County who was killed in the line of duty will be honored during tomorrow nightâs Tiger game at Comerica Park. Patrick OâRourke of Tyrone Township was killed last September after responding to a domestic-violence call. The 12-year police veteran will be honored Tuesday before the Tigers play the Twins. $10 from each ticket to the game will also be donated to help build the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington D.C. The game is scheduled to start at 7:05pm, but pregame ceremonies begin at 5:30 and will feature a display of area police cars in front of Comerica Park on Witherall Street. OâRourke is survived by his wife Amy and four children. Youâll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Walk to Raise Funds & Awareness for Rare Genetic DisorderWalk to Raise Funds & Awareness for Rare Genetic Disorder
4/29/13 - The mother of a young Fowlerville-area girl diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder is urging community support at a walk next month designed to raise both funds and awareness. The Angelman Syndrome Walk-A-Thon is a 2.2 mile walk that will be followed by a picnic on Saturday, May 18th at Linden County Park. Angelman Syndrome is a complex genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system, resulting in delayed development, intellectual disabilities, severe speech impairment, seizures and problems with movement and balance. It is rare in that one in every 15,000 children are diagnosed and Tyfanie Faron received the news when her daughter Avery was 2-years-old. She says they noticed Avery had a speech delay, which prompted them to get some genetic testing done and finally a diagnosis. After Avery was diagnosed, Faron says they connected with the Angelman Foundation and were able to get in touch with other families and form a support network, which is why she is urging community support for the walk. All of the funds raised will go to the Foundation, which seeks to advance awareness, understanding and treatment with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. You can find details about the walk through the link below.
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Hartland Allows Wells To Reduce Summer Water Usage SpikesHartland Allows Wells To Reduce Summer Water Usage Spikes
4/29/13 - Hartland Township officials will allow many businesses to install private wells to reduce demand on the township water system this summer. Currently the township does not allow private wells within the Water District, which covers the main commercial areas along M-59 and Hartland Road. Public Works Director Robert West says the township water system experiences heavy demand during the summer that peaks in the morning hours when people and businesses tend to bathe and water their lawns. A new change to township regulations would allow landowners in the district to install wells on their property and use the water for non-drinking purposes. Treated water is not needed for uses such as irrigation, so large water customers would be able to save money by installing a shallow well for those uses. The new wells would still be subject to township regulation, including rust removal requirements. West says the township could lose water revenue as a result of this change in rules, but says the priorities at this time are reducing the demand on the system and helping out residents. (TD)
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Hamburg Man Arraigned in Fatal Head-On CrashHamburg Man Arraigned in Fatal Head-On Crash
4/29/13 - The driver involved in an accident that killed a Hamburg Township resident has been arraigned in the incident. 44-year-old Richard Childress was arraigned Sunday on a charge of reckless driving causing death in the Friday afternoon crash on M-36 near Kress Road that snarled traffic in the area for hours. Police say Childress was westbound on M-36 in an SUV but veered left of center as he approached Kress Road, striking a station wagon head-on and severely injuring 77-year-old John Pavlic of Hamburg Township. Pavlic passed away Saturday at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor as a result of his injuries. Police say drugs are suspected as being a contributing factor in the cause of the crash. A search warrant was obtained for a blood sample from Childress and officials are now awaiting a toxicology report. Childress remains jailed on a $150,000 cash or surety bond and is due back in court for an exam conference on May 6th. (JK)
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MSP Police Investigating Monday Morning Crashes on US-23 & I-96 MSP Police Investigating Monday Morning Crashes on US-23 & I-96
4/29/13 - Police are investigating a few accidents that occurred on different freeways this morning. The crashes remain under investigation by Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post. The first involved multiple vehicles on M-59 near US-23 in Hartland Township at around 8am. Then later at around 10:30am, troopers handled a single vehicle crash on westbound I-96, just before Dorr Road in Genoa Township. Police say a Brighton woman was traveling in the center lane but drifted to the right and onto the shoulder before striking a guard rail. Police say she sustained injuries and was transported to to St. Joseph Hospital in Howell for treatment. (JM)
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Census to Contact Local Residents for Housing SurveyCensus to Contact Local Residents for Housing Survey
4/30/13 - Some Livingston County residents will be included in a Census survey about housing next month. Field representatives with the U.S. Census Bureau will be contacting households in southeast Michigan as part of its American Housing Survey. The Census says surveys are expected to be taken this May in Livingston, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, St. Clair, and Lapeer Counties. Advance letters already have been mailed to select addresses. Census representatives will follow up with those households by telephone or in person. The American Housing Survey lists information on the size and composition of housing inventory. Questions on the survey include the number of rooms, heating and cooling equipment, and the cost of the housing. Each survey takes about 45 minutes to complete. (JM)
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Cityhood And Property Tax Issues Face Dexter Voters Next WeekCityhood And Property Tax Issues Face Dexter Voters Next Week
4/30/13 - Property taxes and the possibility of city-hood will be the subject of a special election for the Village of Dexter in May. Information on the city-hood process and the tax changes will be spelled out in the April newsletter and on the villageâs website, but Dexter Patch reports that the city will save about $1,000 by not sending out an informational mailer. The ballot will ask Dexter residents whether the city should continue proceedings to incorporate the village, along with lands in Webster and Scio Townships, as a Home Rule City. It will also ask voters to vote on whether to give Dexter Community Schools to ability to increase property taxes as high as 18 mills on non-homestead property, overriding the Headlee Amendment to the Michigan Constitution, for the next 20 years. The final question will ask voters to authorize a 3-mill tax increase on behalf of the schools for that same 20 year period. The election will be held on May 7th. (TD)
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