10/25/12 - The Howell School Board got a positive audit report for its 2011-2012 budget on Monday, and candidates for school board disagree on what it indicates for the election. There are seven candidates competing for a total of four seats on the board in November. Six of them have divided into separate slates, with three on the âexperienced, dedicated, readyâ slate and three on the âfiscal conservativeâ slate. Mondayâs audit report indicated that the district handled its budget very well in the previous budget year and maintained a positive fund balance. School Board President Ann Routt, who is on the âexperienced, dedicated, readyâ slate, tells WHMI that this flies counter to the claims of her opponents that the district is at risk for financial hardship. She says the district is already being responsible with its money and that it is amazing that they were able to do so well with the budget amid state-level changes. On the other side, Pat Howle of the âfiscal conservativeâ slate tells WHMI that the audit report, while very positive, only relates to last year. She says the district passed a $3 million deficit with its latest budget, and it is this kind of policy that concerns her. District officials point out that while the budget would have been three million in the red, the board anticipated the shortfall and set aside approximately $1.8 million to help offset that. The district is also anticipating profits from the sale of the Latson Road Elementary School property for the interchange project and those monies are not factored into the budget. Incumbent Mike Maloney, who is also on the âfiscal conservativeâ slate, simply said that it was an excellent report and that it is nice to receive some good news for a change. (TD)
Candidates Reflect on Positive Audit Report for Howell Schools Candidates Reflect on Positive Audit Report for Howell Schools
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M-DOT Says Freeway Ramp & Lane Closures Planned On US-23 M-DOT Says Freeway Ramp & Lane Closures Planned On US-23
10/25/12 - Some planned lane and ramp closures along US-23 in Livingston County could spell traffic snarls for local motorists this weekend. The closures are planned near the I-96 interchange for bridge painting at Grand River, along with some shoulder and guardrail work. The left lane on southbound US-23 at Grand River will be closed later this morning from 10am lasting until 2pm. The Michigan Department of Transportation says then on Friday, there will be a single lane closure in each direction on US-23 at Grand River. The closure on southbound US-23 is slated to begin at 8pm, with the northbound closure planned at 10pm. In addition this Friday, the ramp from westbound I-96 to southbound US-23 will be closed and traffic detoured starting at 8pm. M-DOT says all of the lane and ramp closures are expected to remain in place until 5am Monday. (JM)
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Fowlerville May Demolish Blighted South Grand River Property
10/25/12- The Fowlerville Village Council addressed the issue of a blighted property on South Grand River Avenue in the downtown area at Monday nightâs meeting. Council members would like to see the property demolished as part of their efforts to ârefurbish downtownâ and make the property safer for the community. Village attorney David Stoker tells WHMI that the building's walls are bulging, and it is a big safety concern in downtown Fowlerville. The property was sold at a tax-auction to a company that no longer exists. At this point the South Grand River property has more than $3,000 in delinquent taxes. Council members donât think that there is any need to rush the process of demolishing the building considering that there are currently no issues with trespassers on the property. The Village Council is considering waiting until March to obtain the title to the land. They will revisit the issue within the next few weeks. (SO)
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Democrats Criticize 2003 County Health Care Buy-OutDemocrats Criticize 2003 County Health Care Buy-Out
10/25/12 - Democrats running for various seats on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners presented information Wednesday about a 2003 retiree health care buy-out plan they say robbed taxpayers, while county officials counter that it has actually saved millions of dollars. Some Democrats challenging Republicans this November held a press conference Wednesday alleging commissioners received nearly $70,000 in taxpayer dollars by taking a questionable retire healthcare buyout in 2003. The offer allowed various elected and non-union employees to opt-out of the defined benefit retiree health care program and into a defined contribution health savings based on years of service. Democrats say it was inappropriate for part-time elected officials to get a full time benefit such as retire healthcare, especially those who accepted the buyouts but had healthcare from another source such as previous employer. Local Party Chairwoman Judy Daubenmier says some were eligible with only one year of service to the county, versus offers typically made to employees on the verge of qualifying for retiree benefits. She says the buy-outs amounted to $1.9 (m) million of taxpayer money and of those who accepted it, 116 employees had fewer than ten years of service to the county and 66 had fewer than five years. Democrats alleged that outgoing Commissioner Jack LaBelle was a key player in the plan but the county says an administrative team along with legal counsel developed its merits. LaBelle has 44 years of service to the county and is Michiganâs longest serving Commissioner. He declined to comment but did tell WHMI he had no part in developing the plan. County Administrator Belinda Peters says the boardâs goal was to reduce the cost of the retiree health care program to taxpayers and it was a success. She says the cost of the retiree health care program for non-union employees was $10.5 million in 2003 and it was reduced to zero, saving the taxpayers of Livingston County millions of dollars. Given the double digit healthcare inflation since 2003, Peters says the cost of the program for non-union employees would be millions of dollars higher today. The information provided by local Democrats was obtained through a FOIA request and can be viewed in the attachments below. (JM)
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Express Clydesdales Will Lead Fantasy of Lights ParadeExpress Clydesdales Will Lead Fantasy of Lights Parade
10/25/12 - They wonât be pulling a beer wagon, but once again, a familiar sight will greet visitors to the annual Fantasy of Lights Parade in downtown Howell. The world-famous Express Clydesdales will headline the parade, which is set for the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 23rd. Although the Budweiser Clydesdales made an appearance at the 2007 Fantasy of Lights, this will be the first time the Express Clydesdales have appeared in the community. The Express Clydesdales have won their own share of fame, having participated in Macyâs Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade. They also had the honor of escorting Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton in Alberta Canada where they helped kick off the Calgary Stampede. The Express Clydesdales help raise money for the Childrenâs Miracle Network and Express Employment Professionals in Howell are selling raffle tickets for a chance to win two seats on the wagon and ride in the Fantasy of Lights Parade. Tickets are $10 each or $20 for three, with 100% of all proceeds benefiting the Childrenâs Miracle Network at Beaumont Hospital. Tickets will be available to purchase at VGâs in Brighton tomorrow from 3 â 7 p.m., and then on Sunday from 10 a.m. â 4 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased Sunday at the Howell Farmersâ Market. (JK)
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Community Conversation on Education Draws Officials & StudentsCommunity Conversation on Education Draws Officials & Students
10/25/12 - Organizers of a community conversation on education policy in Michigan got a surprise last night when the majority of those who turned out for the event were students. The conversation took place at Parker Middle School and is one of dozens being held around the state by the Center for Michigan to determine public opinion on education policy. Livingston Educational Service Agency Superintendent David Campbell says his organization has wanted a survey or event to gather public opinion on education for several months, prompting them to invite the Center back to Livingston for another meeting. About 60 people attended the conversation, most of them students from Brighton High School who were seeking extra credit. The students also provided the majority of the comments during the meeting, providing feedback on topics ranging from state education spending to increasing community involvement in the schools. Facilitator Hailey Zureich told WHMI that she had never been to a community conversation where students made up a significant number of participants, let alone the majority. She also praised the level of interaction and contribution at the meeting. (TD)
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Tips Offered To MPSERS Members Facing Retiree Benefit ChoicesTips Offered To MPSERS Members Facing Retiree Benefit Choices
10/25/12 - As a number of teachers and school administrators prepare to make decisions about their retirement, one local financial expert advises taking the time to research options but donât let the situation stress you out. Changes affecting the retirement plan for members of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System were recently signed into law and members need to make decisions about their retiree healthcare and pension benefits and contributions. Robert Laura, a Howell-based fiduciary, tells WHMI both are very important, powerful pieces to retirement. While the time frame hasnât been ideal, he says the decisions shouldnât be taken lightly. He says the best thing to do is make a decision based on your current financial situation in the current environment. Laura advises those impacted to not get too overwhelmed or stressed out about it, noting that there are some good options within the pension program and there is no best answer. He says some factors to consider are the age of your spouse, family health history, life expectancy and cash flow. Even though there is a temporary restraining order in place pushing back the deadline, members are being told to make their choices by the deadline this Friday at 5pm. The Michigan Supreme Court is still considering whether the deadline will apply and a Court of Claims Judge previously stated any choices members made could be rescinded or changed if the law is found to be unconstitutional. (JM)
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Evidentiary Hearing Continued For Man Accused of Double MurderEvidentiary Hearing Continued For Man Accused of Double Murder
10/25/12 - An evidentiary hearing was continued today for the man charged in the 2008 double-homicide of his brother and sister-in-law in Oceola Township. 66-year-old Jerome Kowalski is charged with two counts of open murder and felony firearms in the shooting deaths of Richard and Brenda Kowalski on May 1st, 2008. Authorities say Kowalski admitted he killed the couple but his attorney insists the statements were only made after a lengthy interrogation. An evidentiary hearing that began last month continued today, with decisions about exhibits and jury instruction made behind closed doors. The evidentiary hearing was ordered by the Michigan Supreme Court, which directed Judge Theresa Brennan to reconsider her decision to exclude expert testimony pertaining to Kowalskiâs psychological condition. All of the parties reached an agreement to allow testimony pertaining to Kowalskiâs susceptibility to influence from authority, so long as it did not make claims about whether it actually influenced his confession. A final status conference will be held on November 20th to finalize the decisions reached at todayâs hearing. The trial is still scheduled for December 3rd. (TD)
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December Trial Reaffirmed in Oceola Township Double-HomicideDecember Trial Reaffirmed in Oceola Township Double-Homicide
10/26/12 - All lights are green for a December 3rd trial date for the man charged in the 2008 double-homicide of his brother and sister-in-law in Oceola Township. 66-year-old Jerome Kowalski is charged with two counts of open murder and felony firearms in the shooting deaths of Richard and Brenda Kowalski on May 1st, 2008. Authorities say Kowalski admitted he killed the couple but his attorney insists the statements were only made after a lengthy interrogation. An evidentiary hearing that began last month continued Thursday, with decisions about exhibits and jury instruction made behind closed doors. The evidentiary hearing was ordered by the Michigan Supreme Court, which directed 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan to reconsider her decision to exclude expert testimony pertaining to Kowalskiâs psychological condition. All of the parties earlier reached an agreement to allow testimony pertaining to Kowalskiâs susceptibility to influence from authority, so long as it did not make claims about whether it actually influenced his confession. A final status conference will be held on November 20th to finalize the decisions reached at Thursdayâs hearing. Barring a development or possible plea deal, jury selection will get underway December 3rd.
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Disability-Focused Nonprofit Celebrates 40 Years of ServiceDisability-Focused Nonprofit Celebrates 40 Years of Service
10/26/12 - A local nonprofit focused on helping people with disabilities train for and find employment held events around Brighton yesterday to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The Work Skills Corporation is a Brighton-based nonprofit organization that was founded in 1973 by parents who were concerned by a lack of vocational training available to local special needs graduates. Today it provides training and job placement for people with barriers and disabilities, and also offers health care services, and alternative education in Ann Arbor and Brighton. The organization held an open house including tours at its headquarters on Summit Street in Brighton last night. Work Skills is the parent company of Studio West, an art studio in downtown Brighton. Studio West supervisor Lauren Donahue tells WHMI the facility helps people with a wide range of disabilities create and market their own works of art. The studio also partners with the Brighton Artistsâ Guild. Studio West held a âpaint and pourâ event as part of last nightâs 40th anniversary celebration. Participants were provided with paint, canvas, and instruction to allow them to create their own works of art. All the entrance fees for the events went to benefit the Work Skills Corporation. (TD)
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Program Receives Grant to Help Seniors Feed Their PetsProgram Receives Grant to Help Seniors Feed Their Pets
10/26/12 - A program to help low-income seniors make sure their family pets are fed has received a grant to help them through another year. The Livingston County Senior Nutrition program runs Chef Wheelie's Pet Meals on Wheels, which delivers food to seniors who struggle to feed their pets. Organizers say they were recently awarded a $1,000 grant by the Banfield Foundation to help them with equipment and supplies as well as transportation costs. However, they stress that they are still absolutely in need of the public to make moist-cat-food and moist-dog-food donations. Pet food donations can be dropped off at the Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy in Brighton, Be Our Guest Adult Day Service in Howell and the Livingston County Senior Nutrition Center in the old Hartland High School on M-59, west of US-23. They will also pick up donations. You can call them at (810) 632-2155 or find more information on their website, a link for which is posted below. (JK)
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State Fines Green Oak Township Manufacturer For Safety Violations State Fines Green Oak Township Manufacturer For Safety Violations
10/26/12 - Liquid Manufacturing in Green Oak Township has received a hefty fine from a state agency for what it deemed to be health and safety violations. The Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration or MIOSHA conducted three separate inspections at the brewing, distilling and packaging facility on Whitmore Lake Road and citations were issued October 12th. MIOSHA Spokeswoman Elaine Clapp tells WHMI the total penalties issued for all three inspections is $104,300. She says the inspections were conducted concurrently and related to an employee complaint and both health and safety hazards were reviewed. She says the inspections resulted in 31 âseriousâ violations, 2 ârepeat seriousâ violations and several âother-than-seriousâ violations, which carry no penalties. Clapp says some of the violations involved machine guarding and variety related to training including lockout. There is an appeal process to contest the inspection findings, citations, penalties and abatement. Clapp says an employer has the opportunity to contest the citations completely and ask that they be vacated. An employer can also appeal the size of penalty, whether a violation should have been classified as serious or other-than-serious or request an extension for the time allowed to correct violations. Liquid Manufacturing CEO Peter Paisley declined to comment, other than to say his attorney is looking into the matter and the appeal process. (JM)
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Barnstormer Appealing Ruling In Favor Of Township For Demo Barnstormer Appealing Ruling In Favor Of Township For Demo
10/26/12 - The owner of Barnstormer entertainment complex in Green Oak Township plans to appeal a local judgeâs decision that could lead to demolition of the facility. Green Oak Townshipâs fire department and building officials identified numerous code violations years ago and the facility was closed to the public in March. A lengthy legal battle ensued and a court-ordered plan for phased improvements to the building was submitted by Owner Rob Cortis but rejected as incomplete. Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader went on to grant summary disposition in favor of the township this past August, affirming the townshipâs ability to bring the facility up to code or demolish any unsafe portions, including tearing down the entire building. Cortis confirmed that he plans to appeal the ruling and will continue working with the township but referred any further comment to his attorney. Meanwhile, Green Oak Supervisor Mark St. Charles says they understand Cortis has appealed but have not received any official notification yet. He tells WHMI they intend to let the legal process play out before taking any action with the building. If it is demolished or any unsafe portions brought up to code, St. Charles says the costs would be incurred by the township. However, he says those would be assessed back to the property owner or placed on the tax roll. (JM)
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Volunteers Sought For Pinckney Cemetery Clean-UpVolunteers Sought For Pinckney Cemetery Clean-Up
10/27/12 - Volunteers are being sought for a cleanup event early next month at the Pinckney Cemetery. The volunteers are needed to clean up summer decorations, fall leaves, trash, and other things around the cemetery. They are asked to bring Rakes, gloves, wheelbarrows, and clippers if possible, but none of these items are required to volunteer. Village Clerk Amy Salowitz tells WHMI the event is a great opportunity to volunteer, but it is also necessary to make sure the 177-year-old cemetery is maintained. The cemetery is owned by the village, but it is technically also a separate entity funded through the sale of plots. This funds basic maintenance by the village DPW, but the cleanup day helps supplement that service. The cemetery is located on M-36 just west of downtown Pinckney. The cleanup day is scheduled for Saturday, November 3rd at 9am. The event will be moved to the following Saturday if weather is unfavorable. (TD)
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Long Time Interpreter Retiring From Kensington MetroparkLong Time Interpreter Retiring From Kensington Metropark
10/27/12 - A long-time interpreter is retiring from the nature center at Kensington Metropark. Robert Hotaling is retiring after interpreting the natural wonders of Kensington Metropark to the public for 40 years. His last day at the parkâs nature center is Wednesday, October 31st. Several hundred thousand people visit the Kensington Metropark Nature Center and adjoining nature area each year and Hotaling began his career there as a part-time interpreter in 1972. He was later hired full-time as an interpreter, a post he held until 2003 when he was named supervising interpreter, overseeing interpretive programs at Indian Springs and Hudson Mills Metroparks, in addition to Kensington. Dedicated to the preservation of natural places, Hotaling spearheaded the removal of invasive alien plants within the park and maintained plant and animal observations, which included three annual bird counts per year for well over three decades. Hotaling is said to be looking forward to continue enjoying his interests in birds, snakes, fossils, wildflowers and local history in his retirement. (JM)
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Lane & Ramp Closures In Effect On US-23 This WeekendLane & Ramp Closures In Effect On US-23 This Weekend
10/27/12 - Local motorists may want to plan extra time when traveling along US-23 in Livingston County this weekend due to intermittent traffic back-ups associated with lane and ramp closures. A single lane closure is in effect on northbound and southbound US-23 at Grand River. The ramp from westbound I-96 to southbound US-23 is also closed this weekend and traffic is being detoured. The Michigan Department of Transportation says the closures are near the I-96 interchange for bridge painting at Grand River, along with some shoulder and guardrail work. M-DOT says all of the lane and ramp closures will remain in place until 5am Monday. (JM)
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Off-Duty Sheriff's Deputy Injured In Motorcycle Crash Off-Duty Sheriff's Deputy Injured In Motorcycle Crash
10/27/12 - An off-duty Livingston County Sheriffâs Deputy was injured in a motorcycle accident Friday afternoon. The crash happened at around 3:30pm on Latson Road, north of Grand River near the Hampton Ridge subdivision and involved a vehicle and a motorcycle. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI an off-duty deputy was traveling by the crash site and he was actually first on scene prior to the arrival of emergency crews and other responding units. As it turns out, Bezotte says it was one of his deputies riding the motorcycle. Bezotte says the deputy was traveling southbound on Latson Road and the car in front of him was making a right turn into Meijer. He says another vehicle that was making a left, coming out northbound onto Latson Road pulled out in front of the deputy on the motorcycle. The driver of the vehicle deemed to be at fault was cited by Michigan State Police for careless driving. Bezotte says the deputy was injured and transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor to get checked out but is expected to be okay. Bezotte says once they learned the off-duty deputy was involved, they immediately contacted Michigan State Police to assist with the investigation. (JM)
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Police Search for I-96 Gunman After Two Shootings Near FowlervillePolice Search for I-96 Gunman After Two Shootings Near Fowlerville
10/27/12 - The westbound lanes of I-96 were closed for several hours Saturday as authorities searched for a suspect wanted in two vehicle shootings. Two vehicles were shot at within half an hour on eastbound I-96 near the Fowlerville weigh station and authorities are linking the incidents to a string of shootings that have occurred across southeast Michigan. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI the first incident was reported shortly before noon on eastbound I-96 and involved shots being fired through the rear window of a vehicle. The second incident also occurred on eastbound I-96 and was reported at 12:19pm. Bezotte says the 46-year-old Delton man, who was on his way from the Grand Rapids area to Detroit to watch the Tigers in the World Series, was shot in the buttocks through the driverâs side door. He was transported to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital. Multiple police agencies are searching for the suspect and based on reports, authorities are searching for a black or dark colored vehicle. Shots have been fired on at least 24 cars since October 16th and most of the shootings involved cars near I-96. No injuries were reported prior to todayâs shooting, which was the first incident since October 18th. Police used K-9 units and a helicopter in their search. Anybody with any information is asked to call Detective Marc King at the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department at 517-540-7953 or they can call Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JM/JK)
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Search Continues for I-96 Gunman Following New ShootingsSearch Continues for I-96 Gunman Following New Shootings
10/28/12 - Two more shooting incidents occurred on I-96 yesterday, injuring one man and closing the westbound side of the freeway for more than two hours. Two vehicles were shot at within half an hour of each other on eastbound I-96 near the Fowlerville weigh station and authorities are linking the incidents to a string of shootings that have occurred across southeast Michigan. The gunman is believed to be driving a black sedan. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI the first incident was reported shortly before noon on eastbound I-96 and involved shots being fired through the rear windows of a vehicle. The second incident also occurred on eastbound I-96 and was reported at 12:19pm. The victim, a 46-year-old Delton man, sought assistance at the Mobil gas station on Fowlerville Road where Emily Roll was working as a clerk. She tells WHMI the man asked staff to call the police and that it appeared the bullet had traveled through his wallet and into his buttocks, sending him to the hospital and cancelling his plans to attend the Detroit Tigers game. The manâs injury was the first reported in the string of shootings that began on October 18th. Bezotte says police are encouraging residents to stay vigilant because the shooter could strike again. He says anyone with information should call 1-800-SPEAK-UP right away to inform the authorities. State police closed I-96 westbound at Fowlerville Road for more than two hours following the attacks to search for evidence with helicopters and K-9 units. (TD)
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Santa Will Once Again Help Tyrone Collect Food for Gleaners
10/29/12 - Tyrone Township will once again hold an annual food collection event for Gleaners Community Food Bank featuring Santa Claus this December. The event has been held the last two years to collect canned goods, nonperishable items, and monetary donations for Gleaners and the Livingston Pet Pantry. Supervisor Mike Cunningham tells WHMI that the event not only provides food for the needy, but also creates an uncommon opportunity for children in a rural community to come out and meet Santa without leaving the area. The Santa food collection event has collected about 1,400 meals for Gleaners in the past two years. This yearâs event will take place on December 1st from about 1:00 to 2:30 in the afternoon. Cunningham says no registration will be necessary, and encourages people to bring their children and pets for photos. Donations will be accepted in the form of canned goods, nonperishable items, and monetary contributions. Call (810) 629-8631 for details. (TD)
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