5/15/13 - A man facing a number of charges after leading multiple police agencies on a chase across Livingston County has entered into a plea deal. 28-year-old Andrew John McCormick of Ypsilanti pleaded no contest yesterday to charges of illegal entry, felonious assault, resisting police, 4th degree fleeing and eluding and malicious destruction of property. In exchange, a count of 1st degree home invasion was dismissed. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such during sentencing, which is set for June 20th. The March 30th incident began when police say McCormick fled from officers attempted to pull him over on M-36 near Pinckney. A chase ensued during which he struck one of the police vehicles and then continued on to a home on Merrick Drive in Putnam Township, which officers quickly surrounded. After about an hour of unsuccessful negotiations, a special response team went inside and discovered McCormick hiding in a bathroom and took him into custody. (JK)
Ypsilanti Man Enters Plea to Police Chase & StandoffYpsilanti Man Enters Plea to Police Chase & Standoff
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Debate on Common Core Held in Brighton by RetakeOurGov Debate on Common Core Held in Brighton by RetakeOurGov
5/15/13 - The local Tea Party group in Livingston County, RetakeOurGov, conducted a debate at Memories Restaurant and Lounge in Brighton Township Tuesday night on Common Core educational standards. Michigan is one of 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, that have adopted Common Core standards for its public schools. Taking opposite sides in the debate were Eileen Weiser, a member of the state Board of Education and supporter of Common Core, and Melanie Kurdys, who is opposed. Kurdys is a past candidate for the state board and former member of the Portage Board of Education. A show of hands in the capacity audience indicated that virtually everyone in attendance is opposed to Common Core. Weiser told the crowd that Common Core establishes educational standards in two subject areas â math and English/language arts â that she says are necessary if the U.S is to compete in the new global economy. Weiser says there are many misconceptions about Common Core, including that it supposedly establishes a specific curriculum for public schools, which she says is not the case. Kurdys told her audience that the people who established Common Core didnât go about it right. Rather than sitting in a room dreaming up an entirely new set of standards, she says they should have followed the program used by Massachusetts. She says that state has consistently scored the highest among the 50 states in academic disciplines. Common Core was adopted in Michigan by the state Board of Education in 2010 and is supported by Governor Snyder, who has said politics is driving the opposition and not educational concerns. It is set to be implemented starting this year, but it has never been approved by the legislature. Now a state Republican House member from Rochester Hills, Rep. Tom McMillin, has introduced a budget amendment that would prevent the state Department of Education from using state funds to implement the Common Core standards and assessment tests. McMillin has also introduced a bill, now in a house committee, that would force Michigan to withdraw from Common Core entirely. State education officials say moving away from Common Core now would add âgreat costâ to districts and the state which has already paid to align curriculum towards those standards. (TT/JK)
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Fenton Seniors Look to Past & Future For Exit PresentationsFenton Seniors Look to Past & Future For Exit Presentations
5/15/13 - As they prepare to move on to the next stage of their young lives, the seniors at Fenton High School have been giving presentations about themselves and their goals to guest evaluators from around the community. Every graduating senior in the district is required to give an exit presentation this year, which is observed and evaluated by community and business leaders who volunteer their time to give feedback on the presentations. Each presentation was divided into three parts: a discussion of the studentâs character and accomplishments, a summary of his or her career goals, and an explanation of how those goals will be achieved. International Baccalaureate teacher George Kraloski says this is a final chance for seniors to reflect before graduation, and that his students put an impressive amount of individuality into their presentations. In addition to their peers and guest evaluators, several students had parents and family attend to watch them present. Several students said giving the presentation was intimidating, but they were glad for the chance to reflect on themselves and their futures. The presentations began on April 29th and will be completed on May 23rd. (TD)
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Aisin Holdings Property Rezoned For Research And DevelopmentAisin Holdings Property Rezoned For Research And Development
5/15/13 - A rezoning request by Aisin Holdings of America for an 80-acre plot near its main facility was approved by the Handy Township Board last night. Company representatives say Aisin recently purchased the plot, which is just east of its main 800-acre campus, simply because it was up for sale at a low price. They later asked the township to approve a zoning change from agricultural and residential to research and development, integrating the plot into the main facility. The change was recommended by the township planning commission and the county, and last night it received final approval from the township board. Supervisor Hank Vaupel says Aisin has not announced any plans to develop the plot of land, but it could be used to expand a new test track or provide a buffer to help protect the companyâs confidential research. Township officials say there was no reason to deny the rezoning since Aisin has been a model corporate citizen since it came to Handy in 2003. The rezoning will take effect seven says after it is published by the township. (TD)
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Candidates Seek City Council Seats in Brighton & HowellCandidates Seek City Council Seats in Brighton & Howell
5/15/13 - Both Howell and Brighton will feature contested city council races this November. Following Tuesdayâs filing deadline, Brighton City Clerk Diana Lowe says that incumbent council members Ricci Bandkau, Larry Schillinger and Shawn Pipoly will seek re-election to the four open seats in November and will be challenged by residents Kristoffer Tobbe, Shanda Willis and Susan Walters-Steinacker. Councilwoman Claudia Roblee previously announced she would not run again. Meanwhile, in Howell, Mayor Phil Campbell will run unopposed for another term. However, Howell City Clerk Jane Cartwright says the three open seats there will be sought by incumbents Jeff Hansen and Scott Niblock along with challengers Richard Grimes, Nick Proctor, Nikolas Hertrich and Daria Devantier. (JM)
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LESA Superintendent Finalist For Similar Post in Kalamazoo Area LESA Superintendent Finalist For Similar Post in Kalamazoo Area
5/15/13 - The head of Livingston Countyâs intermediate school district is in the running for a similar position to the west. The Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency Board of Education selected three finalists from what was described as a strong pool of candidates following a special meeting Tuesday morning. One of the candidates is Livingston Educational Service Agency Superintendent Dave Campbell, who came to LESA in September of 2011 from Olivet Community Schools. The other finalists include Ypsilanti Public Schools Superintendent Dedrick Martin and Curtis Finch Jr, the superintendent of the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District. KRESA is utilizing a consulting firm to assist in the search and oversees nine school districts based in Kalamazoo County. Public interviews of the three finalists are scheduled to take place next Thursday. (JM)
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LACASA Art & Wine Fundraiser Planned This WeekendLACASA Art & Wine Fundraiser Planned This Weekend
5/16/13 - A wine tasting and art viewing event this weekend will be open to the public and benefit the programs at LACASA. The Howell Mainstreet Winery will host the event on Saturday from noon to 7pm. In addition to complementary wine tasting and house-made Sangria, guests will have the opportunity to peruse the works of Michigan artists Susan Gilland and Lisa Jarrell. They will be on hand to discuss their work, which is described as nature-inspired and expressive art made with organic materials. The artists selected LACASA to benefit from the event, which will donate a portion of the proceeds to the organization. Information on the event can be found in the events section. (TD)
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Work Begins on North LeRoy Construction ProjectWork Begins on North LeRoy Construction Project
5/16/13 - The project to rebuild and improve North LeRoy Street in Fenton is now underway. The $2.9 million project is mostly being handled by the Genesee County Road Commission, with most of the work to the road within the City of Fenton having been finished last year. The Tri County Times reports that barrels have been placed to divert traffic, trees and branches have been trimmed, and portions of the southbound lane from Garnet Road to Bly Road have been removed. The project will ultimately widen North LeRoy from Bly to Butcher Road. It is being paid for with local, county, and state funding, and should be completed in July. (TD)
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Picnic Celebrates Success of Local VolunteersPicnic Celebrates Success of Local Volunteers
5/16/13 - The success of volunteers who work to strengthen and support programs in Livingston County was the focus of a celebration picnic at Howell City Park yesterday. As the need for human services continues to grow locally, the goal is to mobilize volunteers and help meet the needs of area non-profits and organizations. A program of the Livingston County United Way, Volunteer Livingston works in partnership with all agencies to identify and solve social problems affecting area residents. Volunteer Livingston Coordinator Candy Jones-Guerin says everyone works so well together in the community, the picnic offers a way to bring them all together since most volunteers work with multiple organizations. She says there really are a large number of people helping every single day in the community to make a difference. Volunteers who spoke with WHMI said itâs a rewarding feeling that cannot be matched, knowing you've given something of yourself to others. Most added that if they only had more time, they would do even more because there is still a lot of need. Officials say the continued volunteer assistance is crucial to help meet the needs of people in the community. Anyone looking for local opportunities is asked to visit www.volunterlivingston.com, where they can shop around for that perfect fit. A link is posted below. (JM)
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Pinckney Summit Discusses How to Create Draw For VillagePinckney Summit Discusses How to Create Draw For Village
5/16/13 - A community summit in Pinckney last night attracted about two dozen elected officials, business leaders, and stakeholders from the village and surrounding area. The summit was held at the village hall with the aim of improving the village by bringing people and businesses to the downtown. It built upon a meeting that took place two years ago, where lists of the villageâs strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were identified so they could be addressed. The participants at last nightâs meeting reviewed these lists and added new items, then split into smaller groups to identify which items could be addressed in the next six months. Some ideas included marketing the positive attributes of the village to real estate brokers, improving relations with the township, and creating a website to provide a one-stop source for links to all Pinckney area business and governmental websites. Village Clerk Amy Salowitz led the meeting, and she tells WHMI that many issues to be addressed by the village boil down to a need for improved communication between the village, the township, businesses, and residents. A communications group will meet before the next summit to discuss better ways to share information, particularly event calendars, between these different bodies. Another Pinckney summit will be held on June 17th. It will also be located at the village hall and the public is encouraged to attend. (TD)
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Man Scams Putnam Woman for Nearly $10,000Man Scams Putnam Woman for Nearly $10,000
5/16/13 - The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office is looking for a man accused of scamming a Putnam Township woman out of nearly $10,000. Authorities say that on Monday, May 6th an elderly Putnam Township resident said she was approached by a man offering to seal her asphalt driveway for $9,400. The man offered her a warranty and indicated he could start immediately. He was driving a newer model four-door red pickup truck with a yellow top light and was accompanied by a second individual in a white pickup truck which had a sprayer unit in the back. The victim attempted to stop payment on her check after observing the driveway was coated with a thin black substance that didnât seal any of the driveways cracks, but he had already cashed the check. (Pictured here at bank) The suspect provided the name of Jimmy Carroll, and indicated he was from South Carolina. He spoke with a southern accent. Meanwhile, Sheriff Bob Bezotte says the incident is a reminder to residents that they have to exercise caution when dealing with anyone coming to your home offering services. Common scams include driveway seal coating, asphalt work or concrete work, in which the scammer will offer a discount if they can do the âworkâ immediately. The sheriff also cautions against allowing anyone offering such services inside your home or to leave your home to survey the potential work area, as that is often when a second individual will sneak inside looking for valuables. (JK)
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Howell History Days Celebration Planned Saturday Howell History Days Celebration Planned Saturday
5/16/13 - A variety of family activities will offer a blast to the past during this Saturdayâs Howell History Days. This marks the 10th annual celebration and attendees can view the inside of a bee hive, churn butter or scrub on a wash board. Tours of historic buildings are planned and a craft alley and ice cream station can be found on Wetmore Street. The event is hosted by the Howell Area Historical Society and highlights the history of the community, much like a newly released book that will be featured. David D. Finney Jr. and Judith McIntosh authored Howell, which is the latest book in the Images of America series. The book covers roughly 1850 to 1950 and has ten sections. Finney says the hope is that the book will preserve the memories and images of Howellâs past that would otherwise be lost. The Howell History Days celebration will run from 10am until 4pm this Saturday in downtown Howell. (JM)
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Democrat's Winans Dinner Features Senate HopefulDemocrat's Winans Dinner Features Senate Hopeful
5/16/13 - The Livingston County Democratic Party will host its 30th annual Winans Dinner this weekend featuring the man hoping to be Michiganâs newest senator. Congressman Gary Peters, now in his third term, represents Michiganâs 14th Congressional District covering parts of Oakland and Wayne counties. He recently announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in 2014 to succeed Carl Levin, who previously announced he would not seek a seventh term. Local party Chair Judy Daubenmier says Peters fought for loans to rescue the American auto industry and played a central role in shaping a financial reform law she says will provide common sense financial protections for regular Americans. Also set to appear at the dinner is Cindy Estrada, the first Latina vice president of the United Auto Workers, who lives in Hamburg Township with her husband and two children. Also speaking will be former prosecutor Mark Totten, a law professor at Michigan State University whose work has focused on Wall Street reform and consumer protection legislation. The event will be held Saturday evening starting at 6pm at the Lakelands Golf and Country Club. There will be live music, snacks, dessert, and a silent auction. Details are posted in the whmi.com event section. (JK)
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Fenton Man Pleads Guilty As Charged To Gas Station RobberyFenton Man Pleads Guilty As Charged To Gas Station Robbery
5/16/13 - A guilty plea has been entered by the Fenton man charged in connection with an armed robbery at a gas station. 23-year-old Michael Joseph Craig is charged with armed robbery and a separate count of using a firearm while committing a felony. He pleaded guilty as charged in Genesee County Circuit Court and will be sentenced on June 10th. Fenton Police say Craig robbed the Clark gas station on North Leroy Street January 23rd and fled the area. Officers and a K-9 unit were able to establish a track and canvassed the area, which led them to a home on North East Street. While a perimeter was being set up, police say a detective noticed a subject attempting to escape out a back bedroom window and a handgun was observed. A short standoff followed and Craig eventually surrendered. Fenton Police say the weapon, stolen cash and other evidence were later recovered at the residence. (TD)
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Bond Construction Moving Full Speed Ahead in Brighton Bond Construction Moving Full Speed Ahead in Brighton
5/16/13 - A wide variety of construction projects are underway in the Brighton Area Schools district. Itâs been more than 14 years since any major improvements have been made to district facilities and the critical upgrades are being funded through an $88.4 (m) million bond that was approved by voters a year ago. WHMI took a tour of the varsity athletic fields and football stadium area this morning, where a lot of progress is being made and new concessions stands and locker rooms are going in. The grade of the varsity field is being finalized and workers will start to lay some turf in the next several weeks. Retaining walls around the field, plumbing and electrical are all going in as well. Superintendent Greg Gray says across the district, about $27 (m) million worth of work and construction will be done over roughly the next 70 days. Gray says all sorts of great things are happening and everyone is excited about the progress so far, noting lots of technology is coming in so kids are finally getting to utilize it in the classroom. Classroom and technology improvements totaling $16 (m) million are underway while the wired and wireless internet systems are going in and are almost complete but will wrap up over the summer along with fire alarm systems and security vestibules. The athletic fields across the district should be done by mid-August. All of the work should be wrapped up by the start of the next school year, with the potential exception of some minor items and the completion of the new facilities is expected to benefit the community for decades to come. (JM)
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Howell Township Man Gets Prison Time For Donation Jar Theft Howell Township Man Gets Prison Time For Donation Jar Theft
5/17/13 - A man accused of stealing a donation jar from a local store with his wife has been sentenced. 34-year-old Michael Cory previously pleaded guilty to larceny in a building and was sentenced yesterday to serve a minimum of 23 months and a maximum of 15 years in prison. He was also ordered to pay $50 in restitution. Cory was on parole for a previous retail fraud conviction at the time of the crime and is currently incarcerated at a correctional facility in Ann Arbor. The sentence handed down by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader will run consecutive to the one Cory is currently serving. Authorities say the couple walked into a convenience store at M-59 and Grand River with a child on February 16th. Police say surveillance video showed 28-year-old Tena Cory distracting a clerk while Michael stole the collection jar, which was for a girl in Arkansas with Down Syndrome to get a needed surgery. Several members of the community more than replaced the money after hearing about the story. Tena Cory was ordered to spend 21 days in the Livingston County Jail and complete 18 months of probation for her previous guilty plea to the same charge. (JM)
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Business Owners Honored For Care Of Howell's Historic BuildingsBusiness Owners Honored For Care Of Howell's Historic Buildings
5/17/13 - The 7th annual Historic Preservation Awards were hosted by the Howell Downtown Development Authority last night. DDA Director Diane Larking tells WHMI the awards honor building owners who have renovated, maintained, or preserved the historic buildings that characterize Howellâs downtown. She says the historic architecture of Howell is a unique feature that the city can promote and market as a centerpiece to the county. More than 50 people attended last nightâs event, which was held on the third floor of First National Bank. The DDA awarded Casa de Bella on Michigan Avenue the Overhaul Rehabilitation Award for the exterior preservation and interior renovations it has undertaken in the past year. The Preservation Stewardship Award went to Harry Griffith for his work preserving the Crandall Realty building, which is the oldest structure in the entire city. The Yax family, owners of Yax Jewelers, as well as DR Electric on Grand River were both recognized with the new Heritage Business Award. Larking says the award is meant to honor local businesses for their longevity and history of serving Howell residents for decades. At the end of the ceremony the DDA was presented with a book created by the students of the Girls on the Run group, which took a tour of the Fleming School before it was destroyed by fire in January. The book featured photos of the historic building as well as memories of the tour as retold by the girls. (TD)
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Hune Wants Fines & Criminal Charges in Steroid DeathsHune Wants Fines & Criminal Charges in Steroid Deaths
5/17/13 - State Senator Joe Hune has called on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to fine the New England Compounding Center for producing tainted steroids. The center produced the contaminated steroid shots determined to be the cause of the fungal meningitis outbreak in many states, including Michigan. The total number of infections connected to the steroids is up to more than 300 total cases, including 16 deaths in Michigan. Of those 16 deaths, at least four were Livingston County residents. Hune, a Republican from Hamburg Township, said he would like to see the department fine the New England Compounding Center to the fullest extent of their authority. If the center were found to have engaged in negligence or a failure to exercise due care, it could be fined up to $250,000. But Hune says that should only be the beginning. Heâd also like to see criminal charges filed against the company. Of the 320 people affected nationwide, 52 percent of the cases are in Michigan even though the state received only 13 percent of the contaminated drug that was shipped nationally. Health officials say the reasons for the disproportionate rate aren't clear, nor is it known if more cases will surface. (JK)
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Restaurants to Raise Funds For Howell Man Fighting CancerRestaurants to Raise Funds For Howell Man Fighting Cancer
5/17/13 - A fundraising event for a Howell man diagnosed with cancer will take place next week with the help of two local restaurants. Matt Costello of Howell found out in October that he had cancer near the base of his tongue despite never having been a tobacco user. He underwent a 20-hour surgery in November followed by chemotherapy and radiation. The cancer has now spread to his lungs and tests are being performed around the country to determine the best treatments for him. Starting in February, the Costello family has been receiving support from fundraising events organized by family, friends, churches, and coworkers to help pay for Mattâs medical bills. His wife Tylene tells WHMI that the latest fundraiser was organized by one of Mattâs coworkers. It will take place on May 21st, when Sparkyâs Bar and Grill in Highland and the Burger Joint in Milford will donate 10% of all sales to the fund that has been set up for the family. Sparkyâs will run the promotion from 11am to 11pm, and the Burger Joint will offer it from 11am to 9pm. Tylene says her family is overwhelmed by the amount of community support they have received, with more than $10,000 having been raised for their medical bills so far. (TD)
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Hearing Delayed For Accused I-96 ShooterHearing Delayed For Accused I-96 Shooter
5/17/13 - A court hearing for the alleged I-96 shooter has again been delayed in Livingston County. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuetteâs office is prosecuting Raulie Casteel of Wixom on terrorism, attempted murder and other charges in Livingston County, where a pre-trial hearing was scheduled for May 31st. However, on Thursday officials confirmed the date has been moved until June 7th. No reason was given for the delay. Casteel, who is accused of using a handgun to fire on two dozen motorists in a four-county area last October, was previously found competent to stand trial following state forensic testing but his defense team is seeking out an expert to perform an independent psychiatric evaluation. The findings of separate evaluations that were previously ordered to determine criminal responsibility also remain outstanding. A pre-trial in Oakland County Circuit Court is set for May 30th, where Casteel faces 60 charges including attempted murder for shootings in Commerce Township and in Wixom. (JK)
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