The Brighton Area Womenâs History Roll of Honor Advisory Council will celebrate their 2018 Honorees with an event this weekend.
The honorees will be celebrated during a ceremony this Saturday at 2pm in the Reading Room at the Brighton District Library. Among those being recognized during Womenâs History Month in March are three pioneers for womenâs voting rights. Nina Jones Cord Stowe was the first woman elected to the Brighton School Board in 1913 and a leading advocate for womenâs suffrage. She became a rural teacher in 1926 and taught at the Foster School on Gregory Road in Iosco Township until 1929. Charlotte L. Haight Mellus and Haidee F. Judson Brady were the first two women to vote in the Village of Brightonâs council elections in 1919 following passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Mellus became a certified nurse and helped her husband establish his medical practice in Brighton before helping to operate a summer camp for girls at Silver Lake. Brady was a 1917 graduate from Michigan Agricultural College, the forerunner of Michigan State University, where she became a member of the first womenâs MAC tennis team. Her contributions were recognized with a varsity letter from MSU in 2002. She also taught in the Brighton School District.
Also being recognized is Reneé R. Nix, who established Brightonâs Jumpinâ All-Stars Jump Rope Team in 2007, which earned first place at the International Jump Rope Competition in 2012. A substitute teacher for K-12 students since 2001, Nix has been active leading the Lindbom and Hornung Elementary Jump Rope Clubs, encouraging her students to share skills with Hartland Community Education, and hosting over 35 international exchange students in her home.
Sarah Richardson-Burns was a 1994 BHS graduate who co-founded an Ann Arbor based biomedical device company whose products are still utilized today on electrodes used for a variety of purposes including deep brain and spinal cord stimulation. After being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2013, she founded Align Botanica to develop products combining ancient healing knowledge and medical evidence-based information. These products were in the testing phase when Sarah passed, and her sisters continue to develop products using mindfulness and natureâs medicines.
Mary Zizka St. Pierre, a 1968 BHS graduate who was one of the first female radio DJâs working in Detroit as Midnight Mary until leaving radio in 1989 to earn her nursing degree. She became a trauma nurse and taught Advanced Cardiac Life Support for 20 years and now serves as a member of the Livingston County Nurse Reserve Corps helping to teach CPR classes and immunization clinics. Zizka St. Pierre has been an avid local volunteer, serving as a member of the Livingston Sunrise Rotary Club and co-chairing the annual âMidnight in the Tropicsâ fundraiser. She also volunteers yearly with the United Wayâs Community Connect and delivers Christmas packages for Livingston County Catholic Charities.
Natalie Klein was named the Athletic Championship Honoree for her selection as the 2018 Miss Bowling by the Michigan High School Interscholastic Bowling Coaches Association. During state match play, she finished seventh and eighth her first two years, second her junior year, and third her senior year, leading all girls and boys in the 2018 state final six-game qualifier block. Klein averaged 209 in KLAA competitions, over 20 pins higher than second place.
The Roll of Honor has been recognizing women from the Brighton Area since 2003 as a part of their efforts to bring awareness to womenâs contributions to society. The honorees will be celebrated during a March 23rd ceremony at the Brighton District Library. Youâll find full biographies of all the nominees posted below. (JK)
Ceremony Will Highlight Brighton Women's Roll Of HonorCeremony Will Highlight Brighton Women's Roll Of Honor
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Howell Twp. Working Toward Decision On Recreational MarijuanaHowell Twp. Working Toward Decision On Recreational Marijuana
Howell Township officials are still working to determine whether theyâll permit and regulate recreational marijuana businesses in the community or prohibit them entirely.
The issue was brought up at the townshipâs Board of Trustees meeting Monday, but officials were unsure what action to take, if any. A public hearing seeking input from residents was held at a Planning Commission meeting on February 26th. At the boardâs meeting, Planning Commission Chairman Andrew Sloan stated that the majority of citizens that attended the public hearing werenât even from Howell Township. A motion was then presented to make a recommendation to the board that the township opts out of the businesses, but that failed in a three-to-four vote. The planning commission decided to table the decision of whether to opt out to further explore ordinances that have been established by other communities. Sloan says since that time, heâs considered how the township would be affected if the facilities were permitted.
Because banks are federally insured, they cannot allow recreational marijuana businesses to have checking accounts because recreational marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. Sloan says it concerns him that the businesses would have to make bill payments in cash as that could put a burden on the townshipâs treasurer. Sloan also stated that additional patrols may be needed from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office if the businesses are allowed, which the municipality would be responsible for covering the cost of.
Board members did discuss whether they should move forward with an ordinance prohibiting such establishments while they wait for further progress from the state in developing regulatory framework. But some members felt the planning commission should consider the issue further before taking official action. Board members essentially suggested that the commission look at all aspects of the sale of recreational marijuana, like possible benefits, permitting the businesses in certain districts or banning the facilities altogether.
The board did not take action as the planning commission is set to meet on Tuesday, March 26th, at which time further discussion could take place. Officials are hoping the commission will come up with recommendations for an ordinance or even a draft of one that the board could adopt.
(DK)
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County Committee Approves Sheriff Contract With Tyrone Twp.County Committee Approves Sheriff Contract With Tyrone Twp.
A subcommittee of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners has approved a contract between the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office and Tyrone Township for law enforcement services.
The Public Safety & Infrastructure and Development Committee met Monday night and approved a resolution for a contract extension/renewal for law enforcement services from April 1st through the end of 2022.
Sheriff Mike Murphy says the township pays for an additional eight hours of service every day, seven days a week, which ensures a deputy will be in the municipality during those specific times â although he declined to state the exact times for obvious reasons. Murphy told WHMI heâs glad the board recognizes the value of the contract but more importantly is glad that Tyrone sees the value in having dedicated patrols for the township. Murphy says the Office also recently renewed with Putnam Township about six months ago. He says the contracts speak well for the Office and both townships are satisfied with services and feel like theyâre getting what theyâre paying for.
Putnam pays for the additional services through its general fund while Tyrone has a special assessment district for the township. The Tyrone contract will cost $103,378 for the remainder of 2019. In 2020, it will cost $145,620. In 2021, $150,730 and in 2022, $155,986. The resolution now heads to the county Finance Committee Wednesday and then the full Board of Commissioners for approval next week. (JM)
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Slotkin To Hold First Town Hall Thursday At Oakland UniversitySlotkin To Hold First Town Hall Thursday At Oakland University
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin will fulfill one of her campaign promises later this week.
The Holly Democrat plans to hold her first town hall, open to the public, on Thursday at 6 pm at Oakland University in Rochester. The town hall, which is hosted by the universityâs Center for Civic Engagement, will focus on prescription drug prices and health care, although attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions on whatever topic they choose.
Notecards will be made available to those who are present at the gathering, which they can use to write down their questions. Those will then be handed to Slotkin. Itâs also expected that the event will be broadcast live through the congresswoman's Facebook page.
One of Slotkinâs key campaign promises was to host at least one town hall every three months while in office. (JK)
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VINA Community Dental Clinic Gets Set For Spring Gala FundraiserVINA Community Dental Clinic Gets Set For Spring Gala Fundraiser
An event this weekend will provide essential funds for a local dental clinic that supports the countyâs uninsured residents.
VINA Community Dental Centerâs annual Spring Gala is coming back this Saturday, March 23rd at Lakelands Golf & Country Club in Hamburg Township. The Spring Gala, along with VINAâs annual golf outing and fall tailgate serves as an important fundraiser for helping with the dental needs of Livingston County residents.
Director of Marketing and Development for VINA, Jim Gilmore, says theyâve recently seen a shift in the client base. He said they use to be around 75% limited income adults, and 25% senior citizens, but over the four past years those numbers have come closer to 50-50. He speculates that part of that is because of improved employment options for the limited income adults, and the other part being senior citizens living off of fixed income.
Gilmore estimates that there may be as many as 21,500 residents who qualify for their services. To qualify, patients must be a Livingston County resident, have a limited income of 225% of the federal poverty level (roughly $27,300 for an individual or $56,500 for a family of four), and must not have dental insurance.
To meet the needs of the growing base they have increased their capacity and have 4th-year University of Michigan dental students coming in a couple days each week. Gilmore says their waiting list for an appointment is shorter than usual and all visits cost only $25.
Saturday's Spring Gala event will run from 6:30 until 10pm and feature food, an open bar, live music, a jewelry raffle, a lottery raffle, a wine pull, a silent auction and more. Cost to attend is $125 per person. Tickets are available online by visiting their website through the link below. (MK)
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New Water Treatment Plant Operational In Lyon TownshipNew Water Treatment Plant Operational In Lyon Township
A new water treatment plant is finally operational in Lyon Township.
Officials turned on the newly constructed Woodwind water plant Monday, sending 5,750,000 gallons of iron-free filtered water into over 100 miles of watermain. The townshipâs water system improvement project consists of two treatment plants; the Woodwind Treatment Plant, which is located on Ten Mile Road, and a second wellfield at South Hill. Work on the new plant began in August of 2017 and after months of construction and working closely with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the plant is now fully operational. For years, residents had complained about the discoloration of water due to high levels of iron. The new filtration system with iron-removal will address the issue and the township reported that water tested on Monday showed 99% iron-free.
Supervisor John Dolan, Treasurer Patricia Carcone and Clerk Michele Cash turned on the new system at 10:35am. Dolan called it âhistory in the makingâ. Also present were DPW Director Bob Martin, Artesian of Pioneer water contractor Ed Kidston and Highland Water Treatment Contractor Anthony Dowson. Clerk Cash said the ability to bring great water to residents is a tremendous achievement. She says the township board has worked closely to make it a reality and they have already started construction on the new South Hill plant as well. Facebook photos. (JM)
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Livingston Remains Ranked Third Healthiest County In MichiganLivingston Remains Ranked Third Healthiest County In Michigan
According to a national study, Livingston County remains one of the healthiest counties in the state, while Michigan as a whole has issues that still need to be addressed.
The 2019 County Health Rankings are compiled by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. They show that for the 4th straight year Livingston County ranked 3rd out of Michiganâs 83 counties, behind only Leelanau and Ottawa. The rankings are compiled from data collected across the county which is then weighed, standardized, and organized into two categories; health outcomes and health factors. Health outcomes looks at length and quality of life. The health factors category measures health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the physical environment.
Areas where Livingston County residents excelled include life expectancy, which is 80.8 years on average, and low percentages of residents experiencing poor physical or mental health. Livingston County residents also have higher-than-average percentages of those with health insurance, those receiving flu vaccinations and women who get annual mammograms.
The report also highlighted areas still in need of improvement, including child poverty, which stood at 6%. While still lower than the state and national averages, the long-term trend is increasing. Also in need of improvement was the high rate of adult smokers and adults who are obese.
The report also looked at child poverty statewide, noting that 48% of kids were living in a household that spends more than half of its income on housing, making it difficult for families to afford other essentials that contribute to good health, such as healthy food, medicine, or transportation to work or school. Robert Gordon, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director, said, "When it comes to health outcomes, itâs not always genetic code that most influences how healthy we are. Sometimes it boils down to zip code.â County by county, severe housing cost burden ranges from 9 to 20% of households. In Livingston County, it stood at 10%.
You can get a look at the complete report through the link below. (JK)
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Two Livingston Men Charged With Possessing Child PornographyTwo Livingston Men Charged With Possessing Child Pornography
Two Livingston County men are facing charges for possessing child sexually abusive materials.
23-year-old Clifford Fouts and 32-year-old Stephen Deshon were both arraigned on charges Friday following an investigation by Michigan State Police from the Brighton Post. Fouts is charged with one count of child sexually abusive activity, three counts of possession of child sexually abusive material and four counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He was ordered held on a $100,000 bond. Deshon faces one count of possession of child sexually abusive material and one count of using a computer to commit a crime. His bond was set at $50,000.
State Police say they began an investigation of the two men after receiving tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. They raided a home in Livingston County and found multiple internet-capable devices and evidence that contained the sexually abusive material. Both suspects then turned themselves into troopers at the Brighton Post.
If convicted, they each face up to 20 years in prison. Both men are due back in 53rd District Court for a Probable Cause Conference on March 26th. (JK)
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Howell Nature Center Hosting Live-Trapped LynxHowell Nature Center Hosting Live-Trapped Lynx
The Howell Nature Center is hosting a rare lynx that was captured over the weekend in Sanilac County.
On Monday, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources transferred the Canada Lynx to the Howell Nature Centerâs Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic. The lynx was trapped in Harbor Beach on Sunday. The center says that isnât far from where a lynx was recently confirmed on video in February. The Canada Lynx is classified as a threatened species in Michigan with only rare sightings occurring in the last 40 years, primarily in the Upper Peninsula.
According to a DNR representative, this is the first live lynx captured in the state. Center officials say they are allowing the lynx to settle, âafter a stressful few days.â They add that while it was caught in a leg-hold trap, no limp has been observed but that a full physical examination under anesthesia will be performed soon. It is not yet clear if the lynx is a released or escaped illegal pet or is in fact, truly wild. After physical and behavioral assessments are performed, a determination will be made if it can be released back to the wild.
According to the DNR, this would likely take place in the Upper Peninsula as Michiganâs Thumb area is poor habitat for an animal who prefers a large territory of dense conifer or boreal forests. (JK)
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Crash Involving Semi & SUV Shuts Down intersectionCrash Involving Semi & SUV Shuts Down intersection
Two people were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries following an afternoon crash at a busy intersection.
The crash happened around 11:45am and involved two vehicles at the intersection of M-59 and Byron Road. Sergeant David Fogo with the Howell Police Department tells WHMI a semi-truck was traveling westbound on M-59 and failed to stop for the red traffic light at Byron Road. He says the semi hit a mid-size SUV that was traveling southbound on Byron Road. Fogo says the semi-truck was hauling ice and rolled onto its passenger side but noted there was no spill involved.
The male truck driver was said to be sore but not injured while the female driver of the SUV suffered a broken leg. Both were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The intersection was closed from roughly 11:45am to just after 2pm and the driver of the truck was cited for failing to stop at a red light.
Howell Police were assisted on scene by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office, Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Unit and the Howell Area Fire Department. Following todayâs incident, Sgt. Fogo reminded motorists to pay attention and avoid distracted driving in all forms. (JM)
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Howell Students Enter Meijer Great Choices Film FestivalHowell Students Enter Meijer Great Choices Film Festival
Some students at a Howell elementary school have created public service announcements and entered them in a film festival.
Students in Teacher Kimberly Hahnâs second-grade class at Three Fires Elementary hope to make the world a better place with their public service announcements or PSAs. Working in groups, students used Project Based Learning to create 30-second PSAs focused on the areas of building character, promoting healthy living, and celebrating diversity. Students were said to have worked hard and came up with catchy slogans to build people up and eat healthily. The PSAs were entered into the Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival and a public vote will determine winners. Voting runs through March 29th. Four classroom grants will be awarded for each of the three film festival categories. Individuals may vote once per day through the end of the contest.
The videos and voting website can be found through the provided link. (JM)
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Local Lawmakers Support Plan To Make State Government More AccountableLocal Lawmakers Support Plan To Make State Government More Accountable
Two local lawmakers are among those supporting a bi-partisan plan to extend open record requirements to the governor and legislature.
The House unanimously approved the multi-bill proposal Tuesday, with both Republican State Representatives Hank Vaupel of Fowlerville and Ann Bollin of Brighton Township praising the plan. The package of bills aims to end Michigan's status as one of just two states to fully exempt the Legislature and governor's office from Freedom of Information Act requests. Some information such as communications with constituents could be exempt from disclosure. Other types of communications â including those lawmakers have with state departments and lobbyists â would not be exempt. Vaupel commented that government is better and more trustworthy when it is completely transparent. He says people have the right to hold lawmakers accountable and he supports the measure to open up his own records, as all legislators should. Bollin commented that extending the Freedom of Information Act to the state Legislature and executive branch is long overdue. Bollin served as FOIA Coordinator for Brighton Township for 15 years before joining the Legislature and says all branches of state government should be held to the same standards imposed on local government.
House Bills 4007-13 and 4015-16 now advance to the Senate for consideration. Similar bills passed the House in recent years only to die in the Senate. (JM)
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Hamburg Fire To Purchase Two Gear ExtractorsHamburg Fire To Purchase Two Gear Extractors
New cleaning equipment will help better protect firefighters in Hamburg from long term health risks that may come from the job.
At Tuesday nightâs meeting of the Board of Trustees, Hamburg Township officials approved the purchase of 2 gear extractors for the township fire department. Hamburg Township Fire Chief Nick Miller says these heavy duty, industrial washing machines are known for promoting longer, healthier lives with firefighters. Research has shown that because of smoke and toxin exposure, cancer rates are higher in firefighters, and that contaminated turn-out gear is a significant factor in this.
Miller says of the extractors, âTheyâre designed to thoroughly wash the firefighterâs gear. One of the concerns for their health is that they are exposed to carcinogens and are having an increase in cancer as they progress through their career. Weâre trying to prevent that. Weâre making some changes in the department, but also introducing these products to remove the harmful ones and keep them healthy for a long time.â
Miller said that the 2 washers they currently use donât meet industry standards. He said firefighting gear needs to be washed at certain temperatures with a certain amount of g-force to fully remove the harmful products from them. Both fire stations in Hamburg will receive one of the extractors, which fully comply with current National Fire Protection Association standards. The township considered 3 bids, but only the one from a company out of Westland, whose bid fell in the middle, met all NFPA requirements. At Millerâs recommendation, the Board of Trustees approved the purchase for just under $19,500. All but $3,000 of that was available in the budget, but after internal discussions, it was determined that the budget can handle the extra cost with an amendment. Miller said purchasing both at once saves the township $1,500-$2,000 as opposed to buying one this year, and the second next year.
Miller said, âIt is all about taking care of our firefighters; thatâs for sure. And we want them to have a healthy life with their families after theyâre done serving their community.â (MK)
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Cell Phone Outage Affects Thousands Of Customers Across RegionCell Phone Outage Affects Thousands Of Customers Across Region
An outage involving both AT&T and Verizon phone customers has been somewhat resolved after thousands were left without cell service yesterday throughout the Livingston County area and beyond.
Livingston County Central Dispatch says they are getting a better return rate this morning for areas that had been affected, including Howell, Brighton, Fowlerville and Pinckney.
Neither company has said what was the cause of the outage or when it will be completely resolved. (JK)
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Lt. Governor Gilchrist Visits Operating Engineers FacilityLt. Governor Gilchrist Visits Operating Engineers Facility
Michiganâs Lieutenant Governor was in Howell Township yesterday to visit with the people training the workers who will help improve the stateâs roads and infrastructure.
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist took a tour of the 555-acre Operating Engineers 324 site, Tuesday afternoon. The event was part of Gilchrest and Governor Gretchen Whitmerâs âRoad to Opportunity tourâ in support of their proposed $60-billion 2020 state budget. Gilchrist said that if their budget is fully implemented, partners like Operating Engineers will be instrumental in training and building up a skilled work force that will move the economy and infrastructure forward.
During the tour, the Lt. Governor observed several of OE 324âs programs and training opportunities like pipe distribution, excavation, and working a disaster site. Gilchrest said it was a shot to perform an exercise in one of the cranes, himself, that really showed him the importance of what Operating Engineers 324 does. He said that what was really driven home to him was that âwe call those skilled trades for a reason.â The Lt. Governor said that âthe hand-eye coordination, the depth perception, the understanding of the controls, and timing is something that he has a great deal of respect forâ¦â
Gilchrist said that with Operating Engineers 324 having more apprentices today than possibly ever, it shows that people are hungry for work, and skilled-trade employers are hungry for those who can fill the needed roles. He said that he and the governorâs office are really glad to see institutions like this, and that that want to work with them and other like-partners to give more people who want access to the training, that training.
The Lt. Governor said that Operating Engineers 324 was âan amazing resource for not just Howell and the surrounding community, but the state of Michigan.â More information on Operating Engineers 324 can be found at www.OE324.org (MK)
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"Reality Tour" Features Intense Depiction Of Substance Abuse Outcomes"Reality Tour" Features Intense Depiction Of Substance Abuse Outcomes
A unique prevention and intervention program focused on the contributing factors and potential outcomes of drug abuse, giving community members an emotional experience and harsh reality check.
About 20 adults and children participated in the Reality Tour, which was held at the Livingston County EMS building in Howell on Tuesday. The event, hosted by Wake Up Livingston (WUL), shared information about various drugs, what can be done to prevent substance abuse, and resources that adults can use to kick start conversations with kids. Each participant was assigned a profile outlining their imaginary addiction to highlight the aspects and avenues that led them to substance abuse.
The most jarring part of the seminar was dramatic skits performed by Pinckney High School students from the Students Leading Students program. The skits depicted the progression of addiction, with scenes of peer pressure at parties, users being arrested and a funeral for an overdose victim. Another scene enacted a scenario in which a student has overdose, while a panicked nurse begs the victimâs friends to tell her what happened.
17-year-old Anna Blanchard played the role of a drug dealer who was later arrested by Christine Hur, a deputy with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office. Blanchard says the goal of the skit was to show attendees that anyone can fall victim to addiction and face the resulting consequences. 17-year-old Allisson Siegel played the role of a partier, pressuring those attending the event to drink and do drugs with her. Kalie Alexander also acted as a partier, in addition to a student who watched her friend die of an overdose. 17-year-old Tori Conquest played the overdose victim and 15-year-old Benjamin Welch acted out a scene in which he purchases drugs, but later ends up in jail.
WUL Facilitator Kristal Reyes says the most important takeaway from the event is for attendees to think before they act, driving the point home with the hashtag, âsee beyond the next 10â. The slogan encourages individuals to consider how the consequences of drug abuse can affect the next ten minutes, ten days or ten years of their life.
The program concluded by giving participants the opportunity to commit to a drug-free life by placing their handprint on the Reality Tour banner. The Reality Tour is a national Drug Prevention Program project created to combat the opiate crisis. (DK)
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Local Nonprofit To Benefit From 80's-Themed Adult PromLocal Nonprofit To Benefit From 80's-Themed Adult Prom
An event next month will provide both a chance to travel back in time and also help a local organization in its efforts to provide job training for disabled workers.
An 80âs Adult Prom will be held on Saturday, April 6th at Fowlerville High School to benefit Torch 180 as it works to remodel the old Fowlerville Library building into a culinary kitchen and coffee shop. The group provides employment opportunities through food-industry training for people with disabilities. For the past several years they have operated out of a variety of temporary facilities, managing along the way to train and graduate several dozen individuals through a ServSafe program that allows them to be hired in the food service industry.
Founders Rhonda Callahan and Sarah Ruddle, speaking on WHMIâs Mike & Jon in the Morning, say they purchased the old Fowlerville Library in November and are now focused on raising the $600,000 needed to remodel the building into a culinary kitchen and coffee shop. While they are working hard to secure a loan to pay for that work, they say they were grateful when they were recently approached by the Fowlerville-based theater group âThe Unfetteredâ and the Fowerville High School Tech Club to host the dance event with proceeds used to benefit the group.
The 80âs Adult prom is open to anyone 18 and over. In addition to music from the 80âs, there will also hors dâoeuvres and desserts as well as a silent auction. There will also be a photo booth and voting for Prom King & Queen, Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Youâll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Canada Lynx To Be Moved To Detroit ZooCanada Lynx To Be Moved To Detroit Zoo
After making headlines, a Canada Lynx will soon be leaving Livingston County.
The lynx, which was brought to the Howell Nature Center on Monday by the Department of Natural Resources, will soon be on its way to the Detroit Zoo. The animal was trapped in Harbor Beach on Sunday, near where a lynx was spotted on video in February. The Canada Lynx is classified as a threatened species in Michigan with only rare sightings occurring in the last 40 years, primarily in the Upper Peninsula.
Howell Nature Center officials say while the cat is doing well, their goal is to offer the best possible outcome for animals brought to the centerâs Wildlife Clinic. Because it was determined that additional resources were needed to include a full physical and behavioral assessment, the lynx will be transferred to the Detroit Zoological Society later this week. It is not yet clear if the lynx is a released/escaped illegal pet or is in fact, truly wild.
After the evaluation, a determination by the DNR will be made if it can be released back to the wild. According to a DNR representative, this is the first live lynx captured in the state in more than 40 years. (JK)
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Attorney Seeks Special Prosecutor In Kowalski RetrialAttorney Seeks Special Prosecutor In Kowalski Retrial
A motion has been filed to remove Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt from the re-trial of Jerome Kowalski.
Attorney Mark Gatesman is representing the 72-year-old Kowalski as he seeks a new trial in the murder of his brother and sister-in-law in their Oceola Township home in 2008. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2013, but had the conviction vacated after misconduct came to light involving a relationship between Judge Theresa Brennan, who presided over the case, and former State Police Detective Sean Furlong, who was the lead witness for the prosecution.
Gatesman filed the motion with Genesee County Judge Matthew Stewart to petition Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel for a special prosecutor. Gatesman maintains that Vailliencourt knew of the affair but still proceeded with the trial. Vailliencourt vehemently denies that, telling WHMI, âThere is no basis or justification for the defendantâs efforts. Weâll address this matter in court and we look forward to having this case proceed to trial.â
Vailliencourt previously said his office did everything at the time that could have been done after they received a letter from local attorney Tom Kizer days before the trial was set to start in which he said that he had received information Brennan and Furlong were engaged in a relationship. Vailliencourt said he immediately notified defense counsel and the matter was promptly addressed in court, adding that, âJudge Brennan specifically denied any impropriety and there was no evidence to contradict that or any reason to delay the trial. Judge Brennanâs decision not to disqualify herself was affirmed by the Chief Judge.â (JK)
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2FOG's Pub Investigating "Blatant Attack" On Business2FOG's Pub Investigating "Blatant Attack" On Business
A business in downtown Howell is fed up with recent social media attacks seeking to damage its reputation.
2FOGâs Pub published a Facebook post March 14th stating that within a ten-day period, the business received about a dozen 1-star reviews on its Google business page â more than double that of their entire first four years. The post reads that 2FOG's does not block itâs site(s) and does not remove bad comments or bad reviews. Owner Joe Parker says theyâve had enough and turned the matter over to Google, as well as the local Sheriff's Office and a Cyber Security Firm to determine the person and/or persons behind the attack. Parker stated they monitor reviews very closely and know the normal trends of bad reviews that come in but this was a blatant attack on their business.
In a Facebook video, Parker said they decided to attack the situation and be aggressive. He intends to pursue legal action and said there has been amazing support from the community. Parker commented that some posts insinuated the reviews might be coming from another restaurant or business in town. Parker stated his understanding is that is not the case and local business owners pretty much get along well and work together as all are community minded. The video states 2FOGâs will continue to seek legal action and pursue charges on the person and others involved.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office has since confirmed that a report was made. The post is attached and a link to the Facebook page is provided. Facebook photo. (JM)
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