10/29/12 - The Fowlerville School Board approved the sale of advertisements on portions of its athletic facilities last week. Athletic Director Curt Copeland tells WHMI that the ads could be sold on various indoor and outdoor facilities and be in place by fall of 2013. The district would sell the ad space to supplement the athletic budget. He says that the program will begin with local business sponsors with the help of the Fowlerville Business Association before moving on to larger businesses. The proposal put forward to the school involved selling ad space on scoreboards for about $1000 per year, as well as dugouts, press boxes, fences, and other structures for about $750 per year. The plan also identified eleven spaces inside the competition gym which would cost $2000 per year due to the greater number of exposure opportunities that take place inside the gym. Part of those fees would go to Signature Signs of Fowlerville, which would create the advertisements with the sponsors. Copeland says there will be a screening process within the district to make sure the advertisements are appropriate for display on school grounds. (TD)
Fowlerville Schools to Sell Ads at Atheltic FacilitiesFowlerville Schools to Sell Ads at Atheltic Facilities
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Brighton Man Seeks Dismissal of Sex Tourism Charges
10/29/12 - A Livingston County man accused of abusing poor boys at a residential center he ran in Haiti is asking that the charges against him be dropped due to a legal technicality. Matthew Andrew Carter of Brighton is charged with multiple counts of Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct. Authorities say the 66-year-old traveled from Florida to Haiti between October of 2001 and May of 2011 where he forced poor boys sheltered at the Morning Star Center in Port-au-Prince to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for gifts, money or continued care. Carter, who has been in custody since his arrest in May, 2011 in Miami, filed a motion last week in U.S. District Court in Southern Florida to dismiss the charges because he claims they were filed outside the statute of limitations. The current indictment against Carter was filed in January and cites four instances in which the alleged offenses were committed; the last being in February of 2006. Because the statute of limitations for the crime is five years, Carter maintains the indictment was filed too late and thus should be dismissed. No date has been set to rule on the motion, but Carterâs January trial date is still scheduled. (JK)
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I-96 Shooting Victim "Happy To Be Alive"I-96 Shooting Victim "Happy To Be Alive"
10/29/12 - The Grand Rapids-area man who was wounded Saturday in the latest in a string of shootings along the I-96 corridor says heâs just happy to be alive. Scott Arnold of Delton told the Free Press Sunday that the bullet which hit him in the buttocks as he drove on westbound I-96 near Fowlerville just missed an artery and major nerves. He told the paper, "It was pure luck. ... I feel very, very fortunate, and my kids do, too." The shooting on Saturday was one of two that day and part of a series of two dozen that stretch back to October 16th. The 46-year-old Arnold, who was released Sunday from St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital, had been on his way to the see the Tigers play in Game 3 of the World Series when he heard a loud noise and felt a pain in his side. He pulled off into the weigh station near the Fowlerville exit and realized heâd been shot. Another vehicle was also fired on Saturday, although no one was hit. The two incidents came more than a week after the initial three-day spree that ended October 18th. A multi-jurisdictional task force has been investigating the shootings, ten of which occurred in Wixom. Wixom Police Chief Clarence Goodlein is helping to head up that effort and told WHMI last week that they have made progress in working through the more than 400 tips received so far. Investigators also still working to put together a profile of the shooter and are asking that anyone with information come forward before someone gets killed. A sketch of the suspect (pictured) has already been widely distributed. As for Arnold, he initially hoped the doctors would be able to patch him up so he could still make it to Comerica Park for Saturday nightâs game, but ended up watching the game in his hospital room. He joked to the Free Press that, "If I had been there, I think we would have won." Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAKUP (800-773-2587) or Detective Marc King of the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department at 1-517-540-7953. (jk)
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Proposal 1 Seeks Continuance of Emergency Manager LawProposal 1 Seeks Continuance of Emergency Manager Law
10/29/12 - On Election Day, Michigan voters will have an opportunity to weigh in on six ballot measures, five of which ask them to amend the Michigan Constitution. The first measure, Proposal 1, asks the voters to approve or eliminate Public Act 4 that allows the state to appoint an emergency financial manager to deal with financially distressed communities. This law allows state appointed managers to assume the role of locally elected officials and to modify or terminate existing contracts and terms of collective bargaining agreements. The most recent such appointment occurred last week in the Detroit suburb of Allen Park. The appointment was made under Public Act 72, which was revived after Public Act 4 was suspended for the election. According to Eric Scorsone, an expert on state finance at Michigan State University, the Emergency Manager law has been helpful in reducing local deficits in cities like Pontiac. However, some Michigan voters arenât convinced this is the best course of action. Michael Jean, a Farmington Hills attorney, believes the law infringes too much on local government control and is likely to create wasteful litigation because it infringes on the state constitutional guarantee of local governments to carry out their own affairs and allows emergency managers to rescind contracts, which will inevitably end up in the courts. If Public Act 4 is defeated, the state will rely on Public Act 72, which is more limited in scope and does not allow emergency managers to break contracts or collective bargaining agreements. For additional details on all of the ballot proposals, you can log onto the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, not-for-profit public affairs research organization. Weâve put that link below. (AV/JK)
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Police Search Possible Suspect Vehicle in Freeway ShootingPolice Search Possible Suspect Vehicle in Freeway Shooting
10/29/12 - Police are investigating reports that the freeway gunman thought to be involved in 24 shooting incidents that stretch along the I-96 corridor from Wixom to Perry might have struck again this morning. An incident was reported involving a female motorist traveling southbound on US-23 just north of the I-96 interchange, who said her windshield was struck by something after she heard a loud boom. She is not thought to have suffered an injury, but police have yet to confirm it was a bullet that hit the vehicle. However, police did pull over a dark-colored car, which looked to be a Cavalier, along southbound US-23 near I-96 and handcuffed the driver. They then searched the vehicle with canine units. (pictured) Canine units could also be seen in a wooded area near the interchange. Meanwhile, Brighton Area Schools had been in a state of lockdown, but Superintendent Greg Gray tells WHMI that they were told by law enforcement officials said there was no longer a credible threat and they lifted the order at 11:30am. Howell Schools were also briefly on lockdown, but lifted it after talking with police and determining there was no threat to their facilities. On Saturday, a Delton man was shot in the buttocks while driving eastbound I-96 near Fowlerville. Stay tuned to WHMI, 93.5 FM for details as they become available.
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Public Hearing Set For Newly Proposed Ice Rink Rules In Fenton Public Hearing Set For Newly Proposed Ice Rink Rules In Fenton
10/29/12 - A public hearing has been scheduled for comments about ice rinks and regulations in residential areas within the City of Fenton. The planning commission recently reviewed an amendment to current zoning ordinance that would include a few restrictions for personal ice rinks. The Flint Journal reports the idea of an ordinance to regulate ice rinks came about after a dispute between neighbors last winter. The amendment would permit non-commercial, personal ice rinks as an accessory use in residential zoning but not in front yards. A four-foot setback is required from adjacent residential property lines among other height and maintenance regulations. The amendment says no ice rinks shall be erected prior to November 15th and be removed no later than March 15th, or as weather permits. A public hearing on the proposed amendment is scheduled at the planning commission's November 29th meeting. From there, it would head to the Fenton City Council for a final decision. (JM)
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Pornography Sentence Upheld For Howell Twp. ManPornography Sentence Upheld For Howell Twp. Man
10/29/12 - A Howell Township man's 2010 sentence for distributing child pornography has been upheld by the Michigan Court of Appeals. In an opinion released Friday, the state appeals panel ruled that a Livingston County Circuit Court decision did not abuse due discretion when it revoked bond for Dennis Lloyd Fraser Jr. and sentenced him to prison after he violated terms of his probation. Fraserâs attorney argued that the court was mistaken in revoking his probation prior to paperwork being signed. However, the appeals panel ruled that because the condition that Fraser not engage in new criminal behavior is mandatory, the judge did not abuse his discretion when revoking probation. Fraser pleaded guilty in 2010 to distributing or promoting child sexually abusive material, possession of child sexually abusive material and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. He was sentenced to one year in the Livingston County Jail and five years of probation. But while jailed, the 42-year-old Fraser assaulted another inmate. He was then ordered to serve concurrent sentences of 23 months to seven years in prison for the distribution and computer crimes and 23 months to four years for possession of child sexually abusive material. He has since been released and is serving parole. (JK)
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Prop 2 Seeks Constitutional Protection for Union RightsProp 2 Seeks Constitutional Protection for Union Rights
10/30/12 - Next Tuesday, Michigan voters will have an opportunity to weigh in on a number of ballot measures, five of which ask them to amend the state constitution. Proposal 2 asks the voters to make collective bargaining a constitutionally protected right. The âProtect Our Jobsâ coalition of unions behind this measure argues that putting this right into the constitution is necessary in order to protect employeesâ rights to unionize and collectively bargain. According to Peter Berg, Professor of Human Resources and Labor Relations at Michigan State University, this measure is largely seen as a preventative effort to protect Michigan labor against future legislative attempts to make Michigan a right to work state. Right-to-work legislation would give workers a right to work without having to belong to a union or pay union dues by eliminating union shops and agencies. However, Berg also points out that passing this measure could create a chilling effect on businesses and cause chaos among local townships and districts. Currently, the right of private employees to collectively bargain is governed by the National Labor Relations Act, whereas public employees not under Civil Service protection are covered by the Public Employment Relations Act. For additional details on all of the ballot proposals, you can log onto the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a non-political public affairs research organization. Weâve put that link below. (JK)
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Authorities Turn Up The Heat On I-96 Gunman With $102k RewardAuthorities Turn Up The Heat On I-96 Gunman With $102k Reward
10/30/12 - Police have increased the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the I-96 shooter in hopes that someone who knows the man responsible will come forward. The new reward was announced at a press conference yesterday following two new shooting incidents that occurred over the weekend. A task force of local police has joined with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. ATF Special Agent in Charge David McCain told reporters that the new reward includes $50,000 each from the FBI and the ATF as well as $2,000 from Crime Stoppers for a total of $102,000. McCain added that the ATF has taken this problem seriously since the incidents began on October 16th, but the issue became more urgent after a man was wounded in an attack on Saturday. Authorities are urging people to remain calm and continue with their normal lives, but Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI that motorists should also stay vigilant to help police by reporting any suspicious black or dark blue sedans or unusual behavior on the roads. Anyone with information about the shooter is asked to call 1-800-SPEAK-UP. The identities of those who give tips will remain anonymous. (TD)
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Public Invited To Carve Out New Halloween Tradition & Give Blood Public Invited To Carve Out New Halloween Tradition & Give Blood
10/30/12 - Livingston County residents are being encouraged to take part in a Halloween blood drive to not only save lives in the local community but help patients across the country and offset a large shortage of donations. The Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross says the situation on the East Coast has caused the cancellation of a number of blood drives in some very populated areas, resulting in a significant shortage of blood and platelet donations. Executive Director Renee Wyatt with the local chapter tells WHMI they encourage local residents to take part in any drive and make a donation because the shortage will likely continue for the next few weeks. The Halloween drive will take place in the lower level of the local chapter offices, located off of Grand River in Howell from 11:30am until 5:15pm.Wyatt says all blood types are needed and individuals can call 1-800-RED CROSS or online through the link below to make an appointment. Walk-in donors are also welcome. (JM)
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DTE Says Power Restored To Majority Of Local Customers DTE Says Power Restored To Majority Of Local Customers
10/30/12 - DTE Energy says crews have restored power to the majority of Livingston County homes and businesses that lost power as the fringes of Hurricane Sandy moved through the state. Winds gusting up to 74 mph whipped across the region, downing tree limbs and power lines and knocked out power to thousands of DTE and Consumers Energy customers. DTE Energy reports that only scattered outages remained across Livingston County as of late this afternoon, down from 2,500 reported earlier. Consumers Energy reports that 33,000 of its customers lost power at some point and they were working to restore service to those remaining. Numerous downed power lines were reported across the area this morning and the outages forced the closure of several school buildings in the Hartland and Whitmore Lake areas. M-36 between Leman Road and Hi Tech Drive was also closed in Green Oak Township, where a power pole snapped and was hanging over the roadway. The photo shows damage that occurred late Monday night/early Tuesday morning at the corner of Chilson Road and Alta Vista, near Winans Lake in Hamburg Township. (JM)
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Brighton Twp. Family Displaced By Early Morning Blaze Brighton Twp. Family Displaced By Early Morning Blaze
10/30/12 - A Brighton Township family was displaced following an early morning fire. Firefighters with the Brighton and Howell departments were called out to a home on Hacker Road for a reported chimney fire at around 5:38am. Brighton Area Fire Authority Deputy Chief Michael Evans says when units arrived, they found fire showing through the roof of the one-and-a-half story bungalow home. He says they were able to contain the fire to the attic area, although the home did suffer smoke and water damage throughout it. Evans tells WHMI the contents of the home are likely a total loss but the structure was not, outside of some major roof repairs that will be needed. Evans says investigation shows the cause and origin of the fire was around the ventilation pipe to the wood burning stove in the attic space. There were no injuries reported but the family of three was displaced and is being assisted by the Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross. It responded at the scene to provide them with food, clothing, comfort kits and quilts. The family and pets are expected to stay with fellow family members for the time being but were also given referral slips to area agencies that provide resources and assist families after disasters. Meanwhile, Evans reminds local residents to take some simple safety precautions as we head into the colder months and make sure they have working smoke alarms and chimneys are clean. (JM)
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Parents of Justin Verlander Plan Book Signing in BrightonParents of Justin Verlander Plan Book Signing in Brighton
10/31/12 - The parents of the Detroit Tigersâ most formidable pitcher, Justin Verlander, will pay a visit to Livingston County in November to promote their new book about life with the baseball star. Richard and Kathy Verlander recently published Rocks Across the Pond, which talks about Justinâs early life and career and how parents can encourage their children to reach their potential. They were encouraged to write the book after giving talks around the state to various school and community groups. Richard spoke with WHMIâs Mike Marino and Jon King about the book, telling them it's about life and parenting as well as sports. Richard and Kathy will be at Instant RePlay Sporting Goods in Brighton on Tuesday, November 13th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. when they will discuss the book with local residents and sign copies. (TD)
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Hamburg Business Owners Seek Help In Identifying Suspect Hamburg Business Owners Seek Help In Identifying Suspect
10/31/12 - A local business owner is seeking the publicâs help in identifying the man caught on surveillance video breaking into two Hamburg Township businesses early last Thursday morning. Kendall Kubinec and her husband own JKâs Guitar Garage, which is right next to Wards Equipment Rental. Both businesses in the plaza located on East M-36 near Merrill Road were broken into and Kubinec is hoping someone will recognize the male suspect who was caught on camera while going through their business, noting they just finished rebuilding the plaza after a large fire in May of 2011 and held a grand re-opening about a month ago. She says the suspect only took cash but damaged whatever was in his way to get to it and kicked in the front doors of both businesses and threw the cash registers on the floor to steal the money. She tells WHMI that while only cash was taken, it still ruins your day and Kubinec says a customer recently mentioned other possible incidents occurring at businesses along M-36 and they want to make sure this doesnât happen to anyone else. Anyone with tips or information in the case is asked to contact Hamburg Township Police at (810) 231-9391 or the business through it's Facebook page. A link is posted below. (JM)
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Suspect Still Sought In I-96 Shootings; Sheriff Says Tips Pouring In Suspect Still Sought In I-96 Shootings; Sheriff Says Tips Pouring In
10/31/12 - As the reward has increased for information about a suspect shooting at vehicles in and around the I-96 corridor - so too has the amount of tips, reports and rumors from the public. The reward was upped on Monday to $102,000 and authorities are pulling over cars involved in "suspicious activities." State Police have confirmed that vehicles parked along roadsides, coming out of wood lines on the side of freeways around I-96 or are involved in other things out of the norm are being stopped. Two dozen shootings have been reported this month in Livingston, Oakland, Ingham and Shiawassee Counties. The most recent thatâs believed to be related happened in Fowlerville last Saturday and injured one man. Ten of the incidents have been in Wixom and the suspect is believed to be shooting at vehicles he passes from the opposite direction. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte says people are responding and calling in a number of tips, which the task force is working to prioritize and look into as quick as possible. He says theyâre fortunate the ATF and FBI stepped up with the increased reward, which got everyoneâs attention so theyâre hoping for a positive outcome, preferably sooner than later. Bezotte says theyâre still waiting on ballistics from the two shooting incidents in Fowlerville but adds the FBI and the task force is also working on a profile that should be available soon. Anyone with information about the gunman is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JM)
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Prop 3 Opponents & Supporters Argue Effect on RatesProp 3 Opponents & Supporters Argue Effect on Rates
10/31/12 - On November 6, Michigan voters will vote on a constitutional amendment that would require that 25 percent of Michiganâs power come from clean renewable energy sources. Proposal 3, which was put on the ballot by Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs â a coalition that includes businesses, healthcare and labor organizations, would require electric utilities to produce at least 25 percent of their energy from renewable energy sources by 2025. The measure would also require that facilities used to generate clean energy be located in Michigan or within a geographical area that serves Michigan energy consumers. The coalition behind this measure claims that beyond positive environmental impacts, this measure would also create Michigan-based jobs. Retired Navy Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn is among those speaking in favor of the proposal, although he emphasizes a different aspect than cost savings, saying the issue is one of national security because our nation's dependence on foreign oil causes us to spend too much money to safeguard those sources of energy. On the other hand, opponents of the measure say its economic impact is questionable at best. James Hohman is the Assistant Fiscal Policy Director at the Mackinac Center, a conservative think tank. He says Prop 3 will essentially rob Peter to pay Paul because while it will create some up-front economic activity, it will have a net negative effect in the increased costs that will be paid by ratepayers. Currently, under Public Act 295 passed by the legislature in 2008, Michiganâs electric utilities are already required to generate 10 percent of their total energy from renewable energy sources by 2015. For additional details on all of the ballot proposals, you can log onto the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a non-political public affairs research organization. Weâve put that link below. (JK)
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Howell High Students Prepare for Annual Veterans Day AssemblyHowell High Students Prepare for Annual Veterans Day Assembly
10/31/12 - Some students at Howell High School are working to prepare for an assembly on November 12th to hear from and honor local veterans. Howell Senior Savanah Spagnoletti says it has been held for several years now, giving veterans a chance to share their experiences in the service with the younger generation. While Veterans Day officially falls on November 11th to coincide with the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War One, it is observed on the 12th if that date falls on a Sunday. Spagnoletti says the students working to arrange the assembly were divided into two groups. The first group arranged for the veterans to appear and spread the word about the event, while the second decorated the auditorium and arranged to have a choir and poetry reading as part of the assembly. She says attendance is not mandatory for students, but many classes elect to attend and in previous years the auditorium has been filled. (TD)
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Road Rage Prompts Unfounded Fears of Another I-96 ShootingRoad Rage Prompts Unfounded Fears of Another I-96 Shooting
10/31/12 - A multi-jurisdictional task force says it continues to investigate leads and more than 2,200 tips received about recent vehicle shootings - more than half of which came in after an increased reward was announced. The task force held a press conference Wednesday afternoon in Wixom and officials say they still believe the public will lead them to the individual responsible for firing at moving vehicles in four counties. An incident along I-96 this morning in Livingston County prompted fears that the shooter had struck again but authorities say instead, it was a case of road rage that was unrelated and did not involve a weapon. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI that two motorists were involved in a yelling match on the side of I-96 near Spencer Road. A Detroit television station reported the incident was possibly related to the shooting spree, which turned out to be false. Only three of the more than two dozen reported attacks actually occurred on I-96 and the others happened on trunk lines and local streets. The only injury occurred on Saturday, when a Delton man was hit in the buttocks as he drove on I-96 near Fowlerville. On Monday, a motorist reported her vehicle was hit by a projectile, but that turned out to be a rock. A man driving on a suspended license was pulled over in a black Chevy Cavalier by state police shortly afterward, prompting speculation that he was the shooter but he was cleared by authorities. The task force says it continue to solicit information about a dark-colored car and a suspect matching the previously released sketch. Anonymous tips can be reported to Crimestoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or any police agency. The $102,000 reward stands for information leading to an arrest and conviction. (JK/JM)
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Woman Dead After Apparent Suicide In Front Of Police Station Woman Dead After Apparent Suicide In Front Of Police Station
10/31/12 - Police say there is no cause for any community concern following an incident in the Linden area this morning. The incident occurred directly in front of the police station on Silver Lake Road at around 8:45am. Argentine Township Police Chief Daniel Allen tells WHMI a 45-year-old woman sustained a single gunshot wound to the head, by what appears to have been by her own hand. Incidents of this nature are not typically publicized but due to the location and numerous calls received from concerned citizens, Allen is reassuring the public that this was in no way related to the recent vehicle shootings that have occurred on and around the I-96 corridor. Allen says the Linden Community Schools district was notified as a precaution but a lockdown was not instituted. The incident remains under investigation. (JM)
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Governor Snyder Visits Howell to Discuss Ballot ProposalsGovernor Snyder Visits Howell to Discuss Ballot Proposals
10/31/12 - Governor Rick Snyder visited Citizens Insurance on Highlander Way in Howell this morning to promote Proposal 1 on next weekâs ballot while detracting from the other five proposals. Hundreds of Citizens employees and state and local politicians attended the meeting and gave a warm reception to Snyder, Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, and Canadian Consul General Roy Norton. Snyderâs âYes on 1, No on the Restâ bus tour is touring the state this week to allow the governor to discuss the ballot proposals with Michigan residents. Proposal 1 is a veto referendum of the emergency manager law, which allows the state to appoint a financial manager for local governments or school districts that are failing economically. Opponents say that the law allows appointed bureaucrats from the state to undermine the authority of elected local officials. Snyder argues that the law has tools that give officials an early warning system for financial failure and tools to help local officials recover before their finances reach critical condition. Snyder denounced the other ballot issues as âeconomically devastatingâ and a negative force on Michiganâs economic recovery. He said he believes all of the proposals except for Proposal 1 are tools of special interest groups that do not deserve to be locked into the stateâs constitution. Snyderâs bus tour will continue tomorrow, but will not run through the weekend. (TD)
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