5/2/13 - The community is being invited to step into the season with a 24-hour walk-a-thon this weekend. Teen Center Co-Director Tim Church says the kids really have a desire to get more active and lead healthier lifestyles so all proceeds will go toward opening up a fitness room at the teen center. He says a teen advisory board was started up at the center and the kids raise funds throughout the year for different projects, with the goal in mind of providing a safe and healthy environment for middle and high school kids. He says they decided to host a walk-a-thon that begins at noon this Saturday and will conclude at noon on Sunday at Page Field, located behind the Barnard Center in Howell. Community members are encouraged to donate funds but Church says it would be great if people could try and make time to come out and walk with the teens to show their support. He says the kids are dedicated and everyone will be out, rain or shine, so long as thereâs no lightening. For those that canât make the event but would still like to donate are able to do so at the teen center or by mail. Complete details can be found below and online updates will be posted during the walk-a-thon. (JM)
Howell Teen Center Gets Active During 24-Hour Walk-A-Thon Howell Teen Center Gets Active During 24-Hour Walk-A-Thon
↧
↧
Ex-Linden Officer Enters Deal to CSC ChargesEx-Linden Officer Enters Deal to CSC Charges
5/2/13 - There will be no additional jail time and the possibility of a clean record for a former Linden police officer charged with criminal sexual conduct. 37-year-old Wade Clayton Dilley of Fenton had been charged with multiple counts of 2nd and 3rd degree CSC involving a person under the age of 13 from incidents in Fenton and Mundy Township. At a hearing this week, Dilley pleaded no contest to the charges. In return, prosecutors agreed to dismiss all the charges after one year if he complies with the terms of probation set by the court, which include no contact with the victim and no unsupervised visits or contact with anyone under 16 who are not his own biological children. Authorities say they agreed to the deal because as the case progressed through the courts, evidentiary issues with witnesses developed which would have made it difficult to prove Dilleyâs guilt at trial. They added that both the victim and her mother approved of the deal. Dilley was employed with the Linden Police Department from 2002 until February 2011, when he resigned. Since the complaints involved both jurisdictions, the Fenton and Mundy Township police departments conducted a joint investigation. Had he been convicted on the original charges, Dilley could have faced up to 15 years in prison. (JK)
↧
Hartland Rejects Settlement Offer in Sahouri LawsuitHartland Rejects Settlement Offer in Sahouri Lawsuit
5/2/13 - A proposed settlement offer with former Principal Tracey Sahouri has been rejected by the Hartland Consolidated Schools Board of Education. In a statement released this morning, the district said it is standing by the decisions that were made in regard to Sahouri, who it says was found to have committed misconduct by both the Michigan Department of Education and the district. Sahouri filed a lawsuit against the district alleging they violated the Whistleblower Protection Act when it failed to renew her administrative contract and eventually re-assigned her to a teaching position. A three-member legal panel came up with a proposed settlement amount of $525,000. The recommendation is not binding and required both sides to agree. Sahouriâs attorney previously said if the district didnât accept the settlement, he thinks a jury will award her far more than that when they go to trial. Sahouri was re-assigned after a state report concluded a breach of security in administering the MEAP test to Creekside Elementary students in 2011. The lawsuit alleges the decision not to renew her contract was made in part because of rumors surrounding criminal charges that had been filed against Sahouri and her husband in a separate case that alleged they knowingly allowed minors to drink alcohol at a party at their home, although those charges were later dismissed. She also claims her removal as principal was in retaliation for reporting ongoing âirregularitiesâ in how the district administered the MEAP tests. (JK)
↧
Former Sergeant Ordered to Pay Legal Fees in Federal Suit Former Sergeant Ordered to Pay Legal Fees in Federal Suit
5/3/13 - A former sergeant who was fired from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department and then filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in federal court but lost has been ordered to pay attorney fees. The civil lawsuit was filed by former sheriff Sergeant Tom Ash against Livingston County, Sheriff Bob Bezotte and Undersheriff Mike Murphy in 2010. A jury verdict was reached in September of last year and Bezotte prevailed. A motion seeking nearly $58,000 for attorney fees was filed, which was granted in part by a U.S District Court Magistrate. Based on variety of factors, including that the County and Undersheriff Mike Murphy were later dismissed from the case as defendants, it was recommended that the prevailing partyâs attorney fees be awarded but limited to $1,698.30. It was also recommended that Ash pay the defendantâs taxed costs, for a total of $3,198.35. The parties now have 14 days to object or seek a review of the report and recommendation. Ash alleged he was transferred to work in the jail after making comments during a union meeting but Bezotte maintained it was because of Ashâs own repeated actions. Bezotte says Ash had been disciplined on a number of occasions and eventually, he was forced to terminate him, including lying during a promotions interview about an affair with an assistant prosecutor. Ash had sought damages in excess of $75,000 and the litigation stretched out for more than two years before Bezotte prevailed. (JM)
↧
Brighton OKs '13-14 City Budget, Nixes Trash Pickup Fee HikeBrighton OKs '13-14 City Budget, Nixes Trash Pickup Fee Hike
5/3/13 - The revised $7.4 million general fund budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 approved by the Brighton City Council Thursday night will result in a projected surplus of $195,000. That's a substantial increase over the $72,000 fund balance contained in the previous proposed budget. The increase in the projected fund balance for next year was accomplished by an amendment approved by council which contained several changes to cut costs. They include a goal of a cap of a 1.5% pay increase for the three unions which will be negotiating new contracts with the city this summer, including the Department of Public Services, the Police Department unions and city clerical workers. Also the city will pursue agreement with three employee groups to pay 5% toward the MERS retirement system. Currently, only the clerical employee union and non-union city administrative employees contribute toward their retirement costs. Council also agreed to eliminate their aircards, saving $3,400. Aircards are a type of wireless broadband modem used for connecting to cellular networks and provide roaming access to the Internet from mobile computers outside the range of Wi fi hotspots. City Manager Dana Foster says the expenditure side of the budget will be increased slightly with council agreeing not to charge city users a proposed 2% increase in the refuse pickup fee, saving residents $3.36 per year. The city will save costs by not filling two vacant positions in the Department of Public Services. Council Members Jim Bohn and Larry Schillinger repeated their opposition to leaving the positions unfilled, saying it will make it more difficult for the DPS to maintain the current level of service. Bohn also repeated his call on the city to eliminate the position of DDA and Community Development Director Matt Modrack and his assistant, Lauri French. He called these eliminations preferable to not filling the two vacant DPS positions, prompting a debate with others on council. (TT)
↧
↧
Testing Shows Burkhart-Grand River Too Weak For Normal SpeedsTesting Shows Burkhart-Grand River Too Weak For Normal Speeds
5/3/13 - Testing has revealed that the damage caused by Enbridge Energy to the roadway near Burkhart Road and Grand River is too extensive to bring the intersection back up to normal operation for at least two weeks. Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine says while boring from the north to the south side of Grand River, Enbridge hit a Howell Township sewer line. That particular line is a forced main, which means it is only in use when needed, so Enbridge did not notice the damage and continued boring. It then hit an MHOG water main, which burst and flooded the roadway. Sinkholes continue to open up in the affected area, so the intersection will remain in an always-stop condition until it is repaired. Craine tells WHMI they initially hoped they could just patch the underlying holes and return the intersection to normal operation. Unfortunately, it appears that the disturbance goes 18 feet below the surface and that the layers of substrata beneath the road are continually collapsing as a result. Craine tells WHMI it will be two to three weeks before the intersection is stable enough to return to normal. It is still not clear who will pay for the damage to the pipes and the roadway, which is estimated to cost about $600,000. (TD)
↧
Brighton School Leaders Discuss Deficit Plan with State Officials Brighton School Leaders Discuss Deficit Plan with State Officials
5/3/13 - Brighton Area School officials were in Lansing yesterday to clarify just one area of its proposed deficit elimination plan with state officials. The district has been working to eliminate its legacy deficit by the end of the 2013/2014 year. Its latest deficit elimination plan was twice rejected by the Michigan Department of Education. The state felt the revised plan submitted was too optimistic in predictions that $4 million in revenues could be realized by providing shared services with private and parochial schools in the areas of art, languages and technology. Brighton started the shared services program in the current school year and plans on expanding it next year, with the elective classes. Superintendent Greg Gray says that was the only portion of Brightonâs latest plan that was discussed yesterday. He tells WHMI those numbers will remain the same and they will continue moving forward while they await a response from the state. He says they will follow up in writing with the pieces the state wanted to see, including the numbers and the schools theyâre talking to in relation to the numbers. Gray says that will be pretty easy to provide and expected it would be done yesterday. All deficit school districts in Michigan are required to submit regular reports to the state and provide itemized details on how they plan to eliminate their deficit. School Board Trustee John Conely also attended the meeting and has said state officials made it clear that the district needs to resolve their deficit as they are entering the fifth year of being a deficit district.(JM)
↧
Mother Of Murdered Boy Seeks to Withdraw PleaMother Of Murdered Boy Seeks to Withdraw Plea
5/3/13 - An ongoing hearing in Genesee County Circuit Court will determine whether the advice given to the mother of a murdered Argentine Township boy was not up to par. In August of 2010, 27-year-old Corrine Baker was ordered to serve between 13 and 30 years in prison for her guilty plea to second degree murder in the death of her son, 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun. Her plea also required her to testify against her ex-boyfriend, 26-year-old Brandon Hayes, who is serving a mandatory term of life in prison without parole after being convicted by a jury of first-degree murder and torture in the boy's death. But Baker is currently seeking to withdraw her plea by claiming the advice given to her by her attorney was ineffective. Baker claims her attorney said the only way she would be able to testify against Hayes was by accepting the plea. The Tri-County Times reports that hearing, called a Ginther Hearing in Michigan, challenges Bakerâs plea and could overturn her conviction. Meanwhile her parents, Martin and Julie Baker, have adopted Dominickâs half-brother, 11-year-old Tyler Baker, after Corrine lost parental rights. The process was finalized in March and the family is now living together in Tyrone Township. (TD/JK)
↧
Renovations Planned For New Oceola Arts CenterRenovations Planned For New Oceola Arts Center
5/3/13 - Several projects are underway to fix up what will be called the Oceola Arts Center before its lease is finalized. The building, which requires some minor fix ups, was given approval by the Oceola Township board at Thursday nightâs meeting to move forward with the repairs. Oceola Township purchased the property adjacent to the township hall last month. Formerly owned by the 2/42 Community Church, it is being leased by Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority. Director Debbie Mikula says the renovations include door repair, broken window latches, an unused plumbing vent on the roof and new smoke detectors. Citizens Insurance donated 60 chairs, a stainless steel refrigerator and table tops to the new establishment which will have several uses. Mikula says they would like to use the largest room for renting out events, such as a bridal shower. The front room will be repurposed, but will stay an audio and video room and the 3 smaller rooms will be used for art purposes. The township purchased the adjoining property which includes a garage. The Howell Fire Department has also made an agreement with Howell Parks and Rec to use the buildingâs garage for trucks and storage. (DK/JK)
↧
↧
Man Charged w/ Brandishing Gun on Freeway Heads to Trial Man Charged w/ Brandishing Gun on Freeway Heads to Trial
5/3/13 - A man alleged to have waived a gun at a motorist on US-23 in Hartland Township last year is set for trial this summer. 67-year-old Clarence Leroy Murphy Jr. of Flint is charged with two counts of felonious assault for an incident last fall in Hartland Township. Heâll go to trial July 15th if no deal is reached by the time of a June 7th pre-trial hearing. A driver told police she and her 12-year-old daughter were driving northbound on US-23 last October 29th when a minivan driven by Murphy tried to pass her near Crouse Road, then pulled alongside at which point he waived a handgun while laughing. He was eventually pulled over by police in Genesee County and taken into custody. A subsequent search of his vehicle turned up a starter pistol, a semi-automatic handgun and a loaded revolver. Murphy pleaded guilty last month in Genesee County to an assault and battery charge for an incident last September in Flint Township that also involved a gun. He was sentenced to 93 days of jail time already served. (JM)
↧
Crowd Packs Brighton Chambers to Support Business OwnerCrowd Packs Brighton Chambers to Support Business Owner
5/3/13 - A capacity crowd was in attendance at the Brighton City Council meeting Thursday night asking that the city stand behind a local business owner being threatened with sanctions because of allegedly running a dog kennel. Leonie Darnell owns Pawsitively Spoiled, which provides pet grooming for dogs and cats as well as supplies and gift items for pet owners and their animals. However, City Manager Dana Foster says they were notified in April that a citizen had registered a complaint to Livingston County Animal Control, alleging a kennel was being run there. That would constitute a violation of state law, since the business is not licensed to operate a kennel. He says they will have the city attorney contact the business and make sure ordinances are being followed. Darnell tells WHMI that she absolutely does not run a kennel, but had been allowing customers to leave their dogs until the end of the business day. However, she insists she has never kept animals overnight. Darnell says the entire episode has damaged her financially and destroyed her reputation. But she was pleasantly surprised at the show of support at Thursdayâs council meeting. Approximately 50 residents packed the chambers and voiced their unanimous support of Pawsitively Spoiled, saying Darnell is conscientious and runs an excellent business. (JK)
↧
Man Crashes Truck Into Garage of Pinckney Home FridayMan Crashes Truck Into Garage of Pinckney Home Friday
5/3/13 - Pinckney Police are investigating an incident this afternoon in which a man drove his truck into the attached garage of a home after experiencing a medical emergency. Police say a 57-year-old Putnam Township man in a Chevy Silverado was driving on West Unadilla Street, when he experienced a medical event and blacked out at around 1:30 this afternoon. Police say the vehicle veered off the right shoulder of the roadway, grazed a tree and struck the attached garage of a home causing what was described as moderate damage. The driver refused medical treatment at the scene and the incident remains under investigation. However based on his medical condition, Pinckney Police say they will be requesting that the Michigan Secretary of State examine whether the man is fit to drive or not. (JM)
↧
Lawsuit Filed Against Liquid Manufacturing for Breach of Contract Lawsuit Filed Against Liquid Manufacturing for Breach of Contract
5/3/13 - A manufacturing company in Green Oak Township is being sued for an alleged breach of contract. Cintas Corporation filed suit against Liquid Manufacturing in Livingston County Circuit Court in February seeking $37,817.91 plus costs and attorney fees. Cintas is seeking compensation for goods and services of nearly $15,000 but the increased amount being sought is due to a provision included in the contract agreement for early termination and other charges for unreturned items. Court records show the suit was filed after Liquid Manufacturing terminated its contract with Cintas prior to its expiration and failed to pay the accounts receivable balance. Cintas Corporation has offices in Michigan that provide uniforms and other goods and services to a variety of businesses. The suit alleges that from August of 2012 through October of 2012, Cintas sold and invoiced goods and services to Liquid Manufacturing. It alleges Liquid Manufacturing failed and refused to timely pay Cintas and as such, breached the parties' contract. The parties are currently scheduled to appear for a status conference in July. A request for comment made by WHMI to Liquid CEO Peter Paisley was not returned. (JM)
↧
↧
Highland Man Pleads Guilty To Larceny, But Not Other ChargesHighland Man Pleads Guilty To Larceny, But Not Other Charges
5/4/13 - A Highland Township man charged in connection with a series of vehicle larcenies and breaking and entering incidents has pleaded guilty in one case in Livingston. 18-year-old Ross Dimercurio pleaded guilty as charged to a single charge of breaking and entering a vehicle to steal property worth less than $200 in Livingston County District Court this week. He will be sentenced on June 10th. There are three circuit court cases against Dimercurio as well, with charges including larceny and home invasion. He also pleaded guilty to more than a dozen charges in Oakland County and will be sentenced in those later this month. His co-defendant there, 18-year-old Devin Newell of Milford, will also be sentenced later this month after pleading guilty to nine similar charges. Police say the pair targeted unlocked vehicles in residential areas in Brighton and Hartland Townships during the late night and early morning hours. (TD)
↧
Man Heads to Trial on Charges Filed for Leaving Car on RR TracksMan Heads to Trial on Charges Filed for Leaving Car on RR Tracks
5/4/13 - A Howell man charged with trying to derail a train is heading to trial. 29-year-old Adam Lezotte is charged with endangering the travel of a train, a felony that can carry a possible life sentence as well as a separate count of unlawful driving away of a vehicle. He was earlier ordered to undergo state forensic testing, including competency and criminal responsibility evaluations. It was determined that there was enough evidence against him for the case to proceed to trial at a recent hearing, and Lezotte was bound over to Livingston County Circuit Court on the charges. Heâs scheduled to appear before Judge Michael Hatty for pre-trial hearing early next month and a July 15th trial date has been set. Lezotte is accused of intentionally leaving his former girlfriendâs car parked on the tracks at Dearborn and Marion streets the evening of Sunday, January 6th following an argument. An eastbound train was unable to avoid hitting the vehicle, which was empty at the time. (JM)
↧
Parker Middle School Students Perform Anti-Bullying Flash Mobs
5/4/13 - Parker Middle School students got a surprise on Friday when more than 100 of their peers took part in a series of flash mobs with an anti-bullying message. The performances took place during the lunch periods for all three grades, with choir students standing up or coming in from the surrounding halls to perform a dance routine. The song âWe're All in This Togetherâ from the 2006 film âHigh School Musicalâ was chosen to fit with the school's week-long anti-bullying campaign. Students practice the routine for weeks, taking some time out of every choir class to rehearse. School Councilor Kathleen Gut says the anti-bullying campaign included classroom lessons about different aspects of bullying and how to react to it. Teachers also encouraged students to interact with people outside of their normal social group to improve relationships between peers. Gut says the campaign is planned to take place in future years as well, and next year it will take place sometime I the all to help create an anti-bullying atmosphere early on in the school year. (TD)
↧
Brighton City Councilwoman Not Seeking Re-Election Brighton City Councilwoman Not Seeking Re-Election
5/4/13 - A Brighton City Councilwoman has announced that she will not run for re-election but says the future looks good for the community. Claudia Roblee says she has a number of new opportunities in her personal life that she wants to develop and needs the time to be able to do so. She says she learned a lot during her time but also believes that having the same people on Council or any level of government year after year can lead to stale thinking and feels making room for new blood and thinking is essential. Some of Robleeâs achievements include spearheading the drive to institute the four-point economic development approach of the Michigan Main Street Program. She also brought forward the Michigan Municipal Leagues Center for 21st Century Community Program and helped pave the way for a Volunteer Committee for the care of the Imagination Station. According to Roblee though her biggest achievement was âEnvision Brightonâ in which a visioning session was held to find out what stakeholders saw as the future for the downtown. She says current processes and boards have kept the city strong in her opinion and are the means for continued growth. Roblee has served on Council for six years now and was appointed to fill the seat of Cathy Jones in February of 2007. She then ran and won the seat in November of that year and again in 2011. Her full statement that was issued can be viewed below. (JM)
↧
↧
Brighton's Deficit Elimination Plan Accepted By State Brighton's Deficit Elimination Plan Accepted By State
5/4/13 - Less than 24 hours after meeting with state officials, The Michigan Department of Education has approved Brighton Area Schoolsâ deficit elimination plan. District officials met with the state Thursday to discuss the plan and clarify projected student numbers pertaining to shared services. The plan was rejected twice previously based on those numbers, which the state felt were overly optimistic. Superintendent Greg Gray says he received an email early Friday afternoon notifying him the plan had been accepted. He tells WHMI the goal is to be out of a deficit situation by the end of next year and having a qualified deficit elimination plan means a number of things for the Brighton district. Board members have said state officials made it clear that the district needs to resolve the remaining $7.4 (m) million legacy deficit since they are entering the fifth year of deficit status. Brighton started the shared services program this year but plans to expand it next year. Itâs projecting that $4 million in revenues can be realized by providing shared services with private and parochial schools in the areas of art, languages and technology. (JM)
↧
Higher Water Rate To Take Effect In City Of South LyonHigher Water Rate To Take Effect In City Of South Lyon
5/5/13 - South Lyon residents on the municipalityâs water system can expect increased costs beginning next month to help pay for system upgrades. The cityâs current water rate is $1.95 per 1,000 gallons, but starting in June that rate will increase 6% to $2.07 per 1,000 gallons. The South Lyon Herald reports that this same rate of increase will be applied annually until 2016, when rates will level off at $2.49. This yearâs increase will cost an average family of four about $9.60 per year. The increased rates will help pay for a $5.5 million project to replace aging water mains around the city, many of which are more than 50 years old. The city is responsible for half of the cost of that project, with the other half coming from a federal grant, and it should be completed sometime this fall or early next year. (TD)
↧
Brighton Contests and Settles Tax Tribunal CasesBrighton Contests and Settles Tax Tribunal Cases
5/5/13 - A major loss in tax revenue to Michigan cities, townships and villages in the last few years has seen tax bills that have been appealed by companies to the Michigan Tax tribunal. Public school districts, counties, colleges, libraries and other public entities have also suffered as a result of the appeals. According to Brighton City Finance Director Kelly Hanna, in 2011 and 2012 the city paid out $440,000 to property owners â mostly commercial and industrial firms â which appealed their local property taxes to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Hanna says 90 tax cases have now been settled between the city and the contesting parties for the years 2007-2012. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI it's very difficult for cities or townships to win cases that go before the tribunal. The MTT generally either rules in favor of the appealing party, or approves a compromise between the amount of tax relief the property owner is seeking and the value of the property according to the municipality.
Foster says that thanks to the spirited legal defense presented before the tribunal by city attorney Paul Burns and his staff, the city has been able to get the $1.3 million in tax relief the companies sought whittled down to one-third that amount. Currently, the Aberdeen apartment complex; the Brighton Mall, which is contesting 2012 taxes; and Meijer - which is contesting 2011, 2012 and 2013 taxes â are the three largest unsettled cases. MJR Cinema,The Home Depot, the Brighton Mall and Summerville - a senior/assisted living development â are the four largest cases that the city has closed. The taxable value involved in those cases represents over one-third (34%) of the total taxable value in contention. In regard to the Brighton Mall, the mall owners contested tax years 2009-through-2011 before the court decided in the city's favor, ruling its property values should be maintained. As a result, the Brighton Mall received no refund. Still unresolved, Hanna says, are 220 properties before the tribunal for the years 2008-'12, representing a total of $31,000,000 in taxable value. Without being contested by the city, the cases would result in a loss of $540,000 in revenue to the city. (TT)
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
