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Brighton Council Looks at Dredging Choked Mill PondBrighton Council Looks at Dredging Choked Mill Pond

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5/17/13 - The Brighton City Council Thursday night decided to approach the Downtown Development Authority to ask for the funds to have the sediment at the bottom of the Mill Pond tested. The city is looking into the possibility of dredging the scenic Mill Pond, which is a popular attraction in the downtown area. It was reported the pond is becoming choked with sediment, dead weeds and other decayed organic material that has accumulated over the years. The city has dealt with the problem in the past by conducting regular, seasonal weed and algae removal procedures. However, Council Member Claudia Roblee says the pond is becoming choked and the city needs to be, in her words, “good stewards” of the water. Corrigan Oil Co. has offered to dispose of the accumulated sediment at no cost, if the state Department of Environmental Quality doesn’t require the city to have it disposed of in a landfill licensed to handle such materials. City Manager Dana Foster says the offer of the in-kind service would save the city $300,000. Potentially, it could cut the cost of the dredging nearly in half, from an estimated $700,000 to $400,000. Foster tells WHMI the sediment testing procedure will enable the city to ascertain the size and scope of a dredging project. When the results of the analysis are in, Foster says the City Council will be able to determine whether it is advisable to proceed with dredging or to take the far less expensive route of weed and algae control. The city has $6,000 left in its weed control budget for the remainder of this year and $10,000 in the budget for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1. It was also brought out that in addition to dredging, the bank of the pond needs to be stabilized and the spillway needs to be rebuilt. City Engineer Gary Markstrom of Tetra Tech told council the samples would be taken to a laboratory for analysis to test for metals and hydrocarbons. It was pointed out that since the Mill Pond is not a navigable waterway, the project is not eligible for grant money. (TT)

Congressman Rogers Delivering Graduation Address in Howell Congressman Rogers Delivering Graduation Address in Howell

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5/17/13 - Livingston County’s voice in Congress will offer some words of wisdom to graduating seniors in Howell. Congressman Mike Rogers is a 1981 Howell High School graduate and will be the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremonies on June 1st at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. He met recently with Howell High School’s “We the People” students who had traveled to Washington, DC to take part in the national competition that’s based on the Constitution. Rogers, a Howell Republican, was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and then served as an FBI special agent before being elected to the Michigan Senate in 1995. He’s served Michigan’s Eighth Congressional District since 2001. He’s authored three bi-partisan intelligence authorization bills, which were signed into law. In 2011, he was appointed as Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, and is a leader on national security policy. (JM)

Bond Could be Revoked for Man Charged w/ Scrap Yard TheftsBond Could be Revoked for Man Charged w/ Scrap Yard Thefts

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5/17/13 - A Jackson man accused of helping steal catalytic converters could have his bond revoked next week. The charges against 32-year-old Jeffrey Kern were amended last month to a count of larceny $1,000 or more and receiving and concealing stolen property. Records show prosecutors have since filed an emergency motion seeking to revoke Kern’s bond, which will be heard Monday by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader. Kern and 23-year-old Heather Anders were arrested on January 28th by officers patrolling the area near Michael’s Auto Salvage in Howell. They discovered 13 catalytic converters along Lucy Road that had been stolen off cars within the junkyard, along with saws and other tools. Kern was taken into custody at the scene while Anders, the alleged getaway driver, was found waiting in a nearby parking lot and arrested. Anders was sentenced earlier this month to 45 days in jail and 18 months of probation. She pleaded guilty to a charge of larceny between $1,000 and $20,000 but if she successfully completes probation, that charge will be reduced to a misdemeanor. (JM)

Two Suspects Jailed In Hamburg Home Invasion CaseTwo Suspects Jailed In Hamburg Home Invasion Case

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5/17/13 - Two men were arrested and a stolen car recovered yesterday in connection with a home invasion earlier this week in Hamburg Township. Officers from Hamburg were dispatched on May 13th to a break-in at a home on Bishop Lake Road near Chilson Road. They say the invasion occurred while the residents were at work and several items were stolen from the house, including the owner’s 2006 Mercedes Benz. An investigation followed, which led Hamburg police and the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team, or LAWNET, to observe the area near Ford Road and Haggerty in Canton Township. Yesterday at 1:00pm, a Hamburg officer spotted the stolen car and gave chase to the location under observation by police. Officers from both agencies worked to stop the car and arrest the two men inside without incident. Both suspects are 25-year-old men from Fowlerville. They are being lodged at the Livingston County Jail awaiting charges. (TD)

Murder Charge Filed in 2012 Gun Range DeathMurder Charge Filed in 2012 Gun Range Death

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5/17/13 - A Howell Township man set to be sentenced next week for manslaughter in a fatal shooting last year has now been charged with open murder in the case. 20-year-old Jessce Lincon Stearn had pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge in the June 2012 death of 21-year-old Charles Kimball at the Livingston Conservation and Sports Association gun range in Brighton Township. Stearn told authorities his replica AK-47 had jammed and that when he tried to clear it, it misfired and hit Kimball in the head, killing him instantly. Sheriff Bob Bezotte said they were unable to reproduce the malfunction and that witness statements contradicted the claim that it was an accident. However, prosecutors said they filed a manslaughter charge because there was no evidence Stearn intended to kill Kimball. But that has now changed, prompting a new charge of Open Murder and Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt said the charges were based on new evidence in the case, reportedly statements that Stearn made to fellow inmates in the Livingston County Jail that he had intentionally killed Kimball over an unpaid debt. However, when he was arraigned on the new charges this morning in 53rd District Court, Stearn denied it and a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. The manslaughter count was dismissed and Stearn was ordered held without bond pending a May 22nd pre-exam conference in front of Judge Theresa Brennan. If convicted on the open murder count, Stearn would face life in prison without the possibility of parole. (JK)

Brighton Relay for Life Kicks Off Friday with Survivor Ceremony Brighton Relay for Life Kicks Off Friday with Survivor Ceremony

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5/17/13 - Survivors, supporters, family and friends will continue to walk and raise funds until there is a cure in the fight against cancer. The Relay for Life events raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. Entertainment, activities and fundraisers are featured during the 24-hour relays. Brighton’s event got underway Friday at Brighton High School. A survivor celebration was held prior to opening ceremonies Friday evening and a luminary ceremony was later held at dusk. The Brighton Relay for Life had a Carnival for a Cure theme, with a tropical and upbeat feel. The actual relay was held in the parking lot of Brighton High School’s Performing Arts Center this year because of ongoing construction and renovations to the football field and track. As of Friday evening, 45 teams and 378 participants had raised approximately $74,000 online. The set goal for the entire event is $114,000. Another Relay for Life event kicks off at 9am Saturday at Hartland High School. Community members are encouraged to stop by either and offer support or donate during the course of the weekend. To learn more about Relay for Life, click on the link below. (JM)

Murdock Named 2013 Hamburg Kiwanis Citizen of the Year Murdock Named 2013 Hamburg Kiwanis Citizen of the Year

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5/18/13 - A well-known Hamburg Township man with a community spirit was honored with what officials say was a well-deserved award. Ron Murdock was named the 2013 Hamburg Kiwanis Citizen of the Year during a special ceremony held at a local tavern this past week. The award is bestowed upon individuals who have devoted time and energy volunteering but also helping those in need in the Hamburg community. Murdock had his leg was amputated after being diagnosed with a rare blood disease but continued on with his work and community involvement, which was noted in his nomination. He was named Chairman of the Hamburg Township Parks & Recreation Department for many years and worked on a number of projects during that time including the development of the Lakelands Trail. In earlier years, the father of two spent years coaching youth softball and baseball and served for more than a decade as president of the Pinckney Hamburg Baseball Softball Association. (JM)

Howell School Board Extends Superintendent ContractHowell School Board Extends Superintendent Contract

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5/18/13 - The Howell School Board voted to extend the contract of Superintendent Ron Wilson at its regular meeting on Monday. Board President Mike Witt tells WHMI there is an unusual process by which the district maintains Wilson’s employment. He was hired with in March of 2010 with a three-year contract, but the board has voted to extend it by another year at the end of each school year to prevent the expiration date from drawing closer. Wilson has consistently received positive reviews from the board. The motion unanimously approved by the Board of Education will extend his contract through June 30th of 2015. No other terms of the contract have been altered, unlike last year’s extension which was changed to be more similar to those of other administrators and increased Wilson’s contractual duties to recognize the extra work he was already doing within the district. (TD)

Fugitive Enters Plea to 2008 Sexual Assault in Unadilla Twp. Fugitive Enters Plea to 2008 Sexual Assault in Unadilla Twp.

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5/18/13 - A Mexican fugitive has entered a plea in connection with a sexual assault in Unadilla Township. 31-year-old Varnet Brito was originally charged with 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct for assaulting an incapacitated victim in Unadilla Township on March 19th of 2008. On Friday, he pleaded guilty to a lesser included offense of assault with intent to commit penetration and must register as a sex offender. He entered the plea with assistance from an interpreter who was present for the proceedings in Livingston County Circuit Court. He will be sentenced June 20th. Brito spent four and a half years on the run before being arrested by the Blackhawk County Sheriff's Department in Iowa for disorderly conduct and public intoxication. He was extradited to the Livingston County Jail, where he remains incarcerated and a deportation detainer has also been placed on him for having illegal immigration status. (JM)

Howell High Interact Club Honored For Service And FundraisingHowell High Interact Club Honored For Service And Fundraising

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5/19/13 - The Howell Rotary Club honored its affiliated student group for the thousands of service hours and charitable dollars it contributed to the community during the school year. With more than 125 members, the Howell Interact Club is a youth service organization affiliated with Rotary International. Since August of last year, the group has logged more than 2,000 service hours with programs like the United Way Day of Caring, the Legend of Sleepy Howell, the Tour de Livingston, the Howell Melon Fesitval, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Livingston County Meals on Wheels, and international mission trips. The group also organized three fundraiser events that provided more than $15,000 to charity, including cancer research. The group and some of its active members were honored at a luncheon at the Livingston Educational Service Agency headquarters for their work during the 2012-2013 school year. (TD)

South Lyon Launches Charitable Public Art ProjectSouth Lyon Launches Charitable Public Art Project

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5/19/13 - A new public art project kicks off next month in the South Lyon Area. The “Lyon Around” Project is open to any business or organization and designed to provide a fun activity for community members while helping drive foot traffic. Those participating can sponsor or adopt a “Lyon Lion” for the charity or non-profit of their choice and then transform it into a multi-media work of art. The completed lions should be launched by June 1st and will be exhibited through July 31st. For those without an office or storefront, the chamber has arranged two “pride lands” where multiple lions will be displayed. A map of the lions will then be produced and distributed to community members, who are encouraged to donate change to support a particular charity when they visit each lion. The lion for the project was selected from art contest submissions in the community. Minor assembly kits containing a blank plywood lion and base along with all of the required hardware can be picked up from The Chamber of Commerce for the South Lyon Area. For complete details, click on the link posted below. (JM)

Green Oak Police Search For Home Invaders Who Struck WomanGreen Oak Police Search For Home Invaders Who Struck Woman

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5/20/13 - A Whitmore Lake woman was struck on the head when two men broke into her home earlier this month. The Green Oak Township Police report the incident happened at about 4pm on May 6th at a home near the intersection of Main Street and North Shore Drive. The 25-year-old female occupant was home alone when two men broke in. One of them struck her in the forehead before the pair proceeded to steal the woman’s television and other electronics. One was wearing a mask and the other was not. The two men then fled and police are investigating the incident. The woman did not need medical treatment for her injury. Police Chief Bob Brookins says the family may have been targeted by the thieves, who might be acquainted with the occupants. (TD)

Brighton Millage Rate FallsBrighton Millage Rate Falls

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5/20/13 - Good news for city of Brighton taxpayers: The overall millage rate is being reduced for the coming year. At last week's City Council meeting, the millage rate for the 2013-14 fiscal year was approved. While the operating millage totals 15.2734 mills, the same as the current year, the debt millage will be zero, a reduction of over three-fourths of a mill. The reason for the lower overall millage is expiration of the street millage last year. Last November, by a 125-vote margin city voters rejected a proposed replacement millage that would have totaled 1.12 mills. The 4.8% decrease in overall city taxes for the fiscal year starting July 1st translates to a $54 savings for a home with a market value of about $137,000 and a taxable value of half that, or $68,400. (TT)

Congressman Seeking to Succeed Levin Speaks at Winans DinnerCongressman Seeking to Succeed Levin Speaks at Winans Dinner

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5/20/13 - The man many Democrats hope will be the successor to Senator Carl Levin spoke before nearly 200 fellow Democrats at the annual Winans Dinner Saturday night at the Lakelands Golf and Country Club in Hamburg Township. Among other issues, Congressman Gary Peters of Bloomfield Hills talked about things that he said matter most to Democrats: A living wage, affordable health care, food on the table, a good education for their children and a retirement with dignity. Peters said that what Republicans in Congress are working most to dismantle more than anything is the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. Peters said the 37 house votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act have gone for naught, since Democrats have a clear majority in the senate, and the time and money spent on attempts to repeal it are wasteful. Peters recently announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, and told his audience that regardless of whether people agreed or disagreed with Levin, they always have respected him for his commitment and integrity. Among the Republican contenders mentioned as possible candidates is Congressman Mike Rogers of Howell. After Peters' speech, attendee Anne Brockway of Howell Township told WHMI that Peters has the attributes that would make him a viable successful successor to Sen. Levin. Brockway is the sister of former Democratic Michigan Congressman Mark Schauer of Battle Creek, a Howell High School graduate. Brockway spoke briefly at the dinner, saying her brother is “seriously considering” running for governor against Republican Governor Rick Snyder in 2014. (TT)

Hartland Man Agrees to Plea Deal in Gun CaseHartland Man Agrees to Plea Deal in Gun Case

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5/20/13 - A Hartland Township man has entered a plea to charges filed after firing a gun outside of his home and threatening to use it at his wife's workplace. In court last week, 37-year-old Brian Barnes pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting/resisting a police officer, hunting or shooting in a safe zone and a weapons charge. As part of the deal, which the court took the matter under advisement, Barnes could potentially withdraw his plea, depending on what sentence is handed down June 13th by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty. The charges follow an incident on January 15th in which police were called out to his home. His wife told authorities that Barnes had sent her a series of threatening text messages following an argument, which prompted her to leave the home and take their children with her. She called 911 after he threatened to bring a gun to the daycare center where she worked. Barnes was allegedly intoxicated and fled inside the residence when deputies arrived, who observed broken glass and spent firearm casings outside. With assistance from crisis negotiators, Barnes eventually came out and was taken into custody. Authorities say while they took the threat against the unnamed daycare center seriously, there was never any danger to that facility as Barnes never left his residence. (JK)

Volunteers Sought for Mock Disaster DrillVolunteers Sought for Mock Disaster Drill

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5/20/13 - A number of local volunteers are needed to take part in an upcoming mock disaster to help the community prepare and be ready should a real public health emergency ever occur. Between 300 and 500 people are being recruited to take part in a mock emergency exercise on Wednesday, June 19th, which is designed to simulate a scenario involving a biological agent terrorist attack. Volunteers are being recruited to proceed through a mass dispensing clinic to receive mock medications. The mock disaster will involve nurses, doctors and others who might be put into place should a biological attack, such as anthrax, occur and will test all emergency systems in place in Livingston County including police, fire and EMS. A previous exercise in 2010, pictured here, simulated a school shooting. Local residents are being sought to take part through the United Way's Volunteer Livingston program according to Coordinator Candy Jones-Guerin, who says volunteer sign-in for the mock disaster begins at 11:30am on Wednesday, June 19th at the Brighton High School campus. The exercise will run until 3pm. Anyone interested in taking part can register through the link below. (JK)

Special Needs Students Focus of HPS ProgramSpecial Needs Students Focus of HPS Program

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5/20/13 - The Howell Board of Education heard a presentation last week on a program that is helping improve the lives of students with special needs. The Teaching, Interacting, and Encouraging Students program, or TIES, began last fall at Howell High School. It is a peer-mentoring program wherein students with special needs are each connected with another student for support. The mentor accompanies the TIES student to one class each day to encourage them in positive academic, social and behavioral skills. Following a video presentation at its May 13th meeting, the school board heard from several of the TIES students and their mentors. All of them gave strong endorsements for the program, which they say improved their school experience and helped them form new friendships. Organizers say the program has resulted in better attendance, grades, social skills, and overall behavior, as well as allowing the participants to better connect to their peers. They thanked the board for allowing its creation and hoped that it could continue helping students with special needs for years to come. (TD)

Livingston County Constituents Can Meet w/ Governor's Staff Livingston County Constituents Can Meet w/ Governor's Staff

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5/20/13 - Local residents have a chance to make their opinions or concerns known to state government officials during two events planned in Brighton and Howell. Officials from Republican Governor Rick Snyder's administration are planning to travel across the state this week to take suggestions and answer questions from residents. Representatives from the Office of Constituent Services will visit locations in Livingston, Washtenaw, Ingham, Shiawassee, Clinton and Ionia Counties this Thursday and Friday. Snyder's office says topics that are open for discussion include the state budget and opportunities for getting involved in state government. Snyder says his goal is to make government as accessible as possible and is encouraging everyone interested to attend the meetings. Staff will meet with constituents this Thursday from 8 to 10am at Bagels & Bites on Whitmore Lake Road in Brighton Township and then from 11am until 1pm at Howelling Coffee on M-59 in Howell. (JM)

Handy Twp. Man Enters Plea in Police ChaseHandy Twp. Man Enters Plea in Police Chase

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5/20/13 - A Handy Township man who led police on a chase and then crashed the vehicle has pleaded guilty in a deal reached with prosecutors. 26-year-old Andrew Keeler pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful driving away of a vehicle, 3rd degree fleeing a police officer and operating with a high blood alcohol content of .17% or more, which is double the legal limit. The deal stipulates that he will be referred to the drug court program and may withdraw his plea if that is not granted. Keeler also agreed to pay full restitution and will be sentenced on June 13th in Livingston County Circuit Court. The Livingston County Sheriff's Department says Keeler was clocked traveling 121 mph along westbound I-96 near the Lake Chemung exit on April 4th and fled when a unit tried to stop him. A chase ensued and Keeler led police into the Howell area and along Mason Road. Deputies eventually terminated the pursuit for the safety of the public but were notified shortly thereafter that Keeler crashed on Mason near Truhn Road. Police say he sustained minor injuries and was jailed. (JK)

Howell Veteran Plans Walk To Assist Wounded BrethrenHowell Veteran Plans Walk To Assist Wounded Brethren

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5/20/13 - A local veteran is looking to help other vets with a journey next month across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Joe Ostervik, a Vietnam veteran from Howell, will be walking over 200 miles beginning June 6th in Munising to support Operation Injured Soldiers. He is calling the fundraiser JOIS Walkabout, which stands for Joe’s Operation Injured Soldier Walkabout. Ostervik says the trek, which will end at the Mackinac Bridge, should take about 20 days and cover 215 miles. He will be camping out nights. Ostervik is gathering pledges and donations for his trip, all of it to benefit South Lyon-based Operation Injured Soldiers. The organization provides hunting, fishing, sporting events and camping trips, along with many other outdoor recreational activities, to disabled veterans to help with their physical and mental rehabilitation. Ostervik says he'd like to raise $20,000. Tax deductible checks can be sent to; Operation Injured Soldier, 22645 Pontiac Trail South Lyon, MI 48178. Specify the donation is for JOIS Walkabout. You can find details online through the link below. (JK)
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