5/31/13 - A principal and deputy superintendent in an area school district will be leaving, one for retirement and the other to a new assignment. After 7 years at the helm of Challenger Elementary School in Howell, Deborah Madeja has been named the new principal at Northvilleâs Amerman Elementary School. The Northville school board unanimously approved her hiring this week, citing her outstanding credentials as an educator and dedicated school leader. Madeja was selected from among 145 applicants and four phases of interviews. Howell Superintendent Ron Wilson tells WHMI that once he receives Madejaâs official resignation, heâll post the position. However, he says the pending retirement of Deputy Superintendent of Instruction, Sandra Moore, is a more pressing priority as heâll want whoever ends up in that spot to help pick a new principal for Challenger Elementary. Moore is retiring after 34 years in the educational field. In each case, Wilson expects to head up a search committee that will have representation from the school board, parents, teachers and central office staff. The top candidate will then be recommended to the board. He hopes to have both positions filled by early July. (JK)
Two Howell School Administrators Leaving DistrictTwo Howell School Administrators Leaving District
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Salvation Army Expands Summer Feeding Program for KidsSalvation Army Expands Summer Feeding Program for Kids
5/31/13 - A summer feeding program will kick off again next month across Livingston County, but this time in an expanded form. Beginning June 17th and running through August 8th, the âSummer Lunch Bunchâ program will provide a free meal once every week to pre-registered families with school age children who may not have any other way of getting lunch when schoolâs out for the summer. Organizers have added a fourth service site this year, which now include Howell, Brighton, Pinckney and Fowlerville. Once a week, a box of food will be provided to participating families. There will also be crafts, activities and games for the kids. Theyâve also added a monthly food drop in Hartland for residents in the northern part of the county. The addition of a fourth Lunch Bunch location and the monthly pantry drop off follows statistics that show a more than 30% increase in the number of meals being served from 2011 to 2012. Volunteers are needed for the program to supervise kids, help with crafts, serve food and help clean-up. Donations are also being sought for the program such as brown paper bags, plastic utensils, snack foods as well as pantry pack and craft items. Support for The Salvation Armyâs summer feeding program can be sent to P.O. Box 647, Howell, MI 48844 or dropped off at the local Corps offices at 503 Lake Street in Howell. To volunteer, help with education/awareness, or obtain more information contact Liz at 517-546-4750 ext 107 or Liz_Welch@Usc.SalvationArmy.org (JK)
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Four Taken Into Custody Following Stockbridge Bank RobberyFour Taken Into Custody Following Stockbridge Bank Robbery
5/31/13 - The Farmers State Bank in Stockbridge was the victim of a robbery earlier today. Bank Chairman and CEO Craig Goodlock tells WHMI the suspect fled on foot, but was later apprehended by the Stockbridge Police and Ingham County Sheriffâs Department. The Jackson County Sheriffâs Office, State Police, Meridian Township Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation have also been involved in the operation. Nobody was hurt in the robbery. The Meridian Township Police say they have taken two men and two women from the Lansing area into custody following two traffic stops by the Michigan State Police. (TD)
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Stiggy's Dogs Wins $100,000 Prize In Online CompetitionStiggy's Dogs Wins $100,000 Prize In Online Competition
6/1/13 - A Howell Township-based non-profit organization that assists military veterans has won the $100,000 third-place prize in an online voting contest. Stiggyâs Dogs rescues and trains shelter dogs to be psychiatric service dogs free of charge for military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or traumatic brain injury. Following a last-minute surge of support, it has now taken third place in a The Home Depot Foundationâs year-long Facebook voting program called Aprons in Action against nine other finalists, winning a $100,000 prize. The $250,000 grand prize went to Active Heroes, a support organization for veterans in Kentucky, while the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans of Grand Rapids took second place, receing $150,000. Stiggyâs Dogs Founder Jennifer Petre tells WHMI her organization was able to participate in this competition after winning a smaller Aprons in Action contest for $25,000 in July of last year. That prize enabled them to provide veterans with some personal space at their facility on Bowen Road while they train with the dogs. Petre says she is not sure what Stiggyâs will do with their $100,000 prize. (TD)
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A Blessing in Hell Conferred Upon Motorcyclists A Blessing in Hell Conferred Upon Motorcyclists
6/3/13 - Motorcyclists had a chance to show off their bikes and receive a clergyâs blessing at the âBlessing of the Bikesâ in Hell, MI at Hell Creek Ranch yesterday. The annual event which is sponsored by Abate of Michigan Region 14 included a bike show and contest, vendors, a live band, food and prizes. Sam Watters, Vice President of Forgiven Warriors, one of the local chapters of The Christian Motorcycle Association, gave a corporate blessing from a stage of all the bikes that were at the event each hour. Watters, along with other members of the CMA, also moved through the crowd of bikes throughout the day to perform blessings on individuals and their bikes. About 70 volunteers of the CMA were enlisted to help in yesterdayâs activities and aided in everything from blessing bikes to parking and raffle tickets. Hellâs âBlessing of the Bikesâ was created to raise awareness to the issues that many motorcyclists face such as the repealed helmet law and high insurance fees. Motorcyclist Kevin Zipperian of Hamburg attended the event and says one of the unknown issues is the wires that are often in highway medians are dangerous for bikers in the event that their bike goes down. Zipperian says there have been several instances of the wires decapitating cyclists. Zipperian says they motorcyclists have a legislative officer and many are lobbyists who attend rallies and ride to the state capital to attend the meetings. There they have the opportunity to speak with representatives and be involved with the politics in the state. The âBlessing of the Bikesâ is the largest bike blessing in southeast Michigan.(DK)
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Finnerty Funeral Plans Changed; Memorial Fund EstablishedFinnerty Funeral Plans Changed; Memorial Fund Established
6/3/13 - The funeral plans for a college football star from Livingston County have changed. Originally, services for Cullen Finnerty were to be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brighton. Instead, they have been moved to at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brighton Township. Thatâs where visitation will take place from 1-8pm today, followed by a burial Mass and funeral tomorrow at 11am. Burial will follow at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights. The 30-year-old Finnerty, a former Brighton High School and Grand Valley State University football star, was found dead last week near the Baldwin River, about 30 miles east of Ludington. Autopsy results have so far been inconclusive as to a cause of death, but officials hope additional test results will shed light on just what happened. Finnerty,a 2001 graduate of Brighton High School, led Grand Valley to three Division II national championships. His 51-4 college record makes him the winningest quarterback in NCAA history, from any division. He leaves behind a wife and two young children. Memorial contributions can be made to the Cullen Finnerty Memorial Trust Fund at any Chase Bank branch. Contributions can also be made online through the link below. (JK)
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Salvation Army Recognizes VolunteersSalvation Army Recognizes Volunteers
6/3/13 - The Salvation Army of Livingston County's Advisory Board met recently to recognize the many contributions of longtime volunteers, outgoing members and officers. After 21 years, member Harry Griffith is stepping down from his official capacity on the board but will remain involved with the organization. He was presented with a Certificate of Member Emeritus from headquarters while Advisory Board Member Dave Loar received The Lifetime Service Award for 2013. Loar and his family have been involved with the Army since 1983 from helping keep the Corps vehicles maintained to coordinating the toy store and Christmas distribution as part of the annual Red Kettle campaign. Loar says he was humbled and overcome by the award, saying itâs simply something he does for the kids and the Salvation Army. "Once I saw what the Salvation Army does, how they take care of people...I just never left." The May meeting also marked the final one for Captains Aaron and Jenny Ortman, who have been promoted and will be moving on to take a new role in the organizationâs divisional headquarters in Indianapolis. An open house for the Ortman's will take place on Thursday, June 20th from 3 to 5pm at the Salvation Army offices at 503 Lake Street in Howell. New local officers will be announced in the next two weeks. (JK)
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More Helping Hands Needed to Assist Storm Victims in Fenton Twp.
6/3/13- A number of volunteers helped storm victims in Fenton Township this past weekend but more support is needed. Storm victims and others have been working to clear downed trees and other debris scattered across yards, roads and driveways following the strong winds and tornado that passed through last week. The hard hit areas were Goodrich and Fenton Township where trees were uprooted and homes were damaged. A number in the community helped residents clean-up this past weekend but Genesee County officials say more volunteers are still needed to assist on Jennings Road, north of Thompson Road. Thatâs where most of the damage was reported. They say helping hands and equipment such trucks, backhoes, rakes and shovels are needed. Officials say little blue flags have been placed in the ground by mailboxes that indicate those who are still need in of assistance. (JM)
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Former CEO and Bookkeeper Plead Guilty in Embezzlement ScamFormer CEO and Bookkeeper Plead Guilty in Embezzlement Scam
6/3/13 - Two area men accused of pocketing millions of dollars from a non-profit company for over a decade have entered pleas to felony charges. 67-year-old Jerry Stage of New Hudson, the former CEO of the Compensation Advisory Organization of Michigan or CAOM, is said to have embezzled approximately $2.6 million during an eleven-year period while 55-year-old George Bauer of Commerce Township, the companyâs bookkeeper, covered up his tracks. Stage recently pleaded guilty as charged to embezzling more than $100,000 and conspiracy. Stage will be sentenced in September and both charges are felonies punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Bauer also pleaded guilty as charged to a felony count of conspiracy to embezzle and will be sentenced June 26th. They entered the pleas in Wayne County Circuit Court and together must repay $2.6 million per a joint restitution order. An investigation was conducted by the Michigan Attorney Generalâs Office, which says Stage submitted false or inflated expense reports for family vacations and other items but also inflated his own pay raises and bonuses before retiring in July of 2012. At that time, a review of expenditures was conducted to assess the companyâs financial health. A number of financial reporting irregularities were discovered and the company then retained a firm to conduct an official audit, which revealed Stage embezzled millions. The office says Stage paid Bauer to help him cut checks to himself, and for Bauerâs continued silence. (JM)
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Local Veterans Organization Plans to Expand With $100,000 PrizeLocal Veterans Organization Plans to Expand With $100,000 Prize
6/3/13 - A last minute surge in support helped secure a $100,000 prize for a local non-profit that focuses its efforts on veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or traumatic brain injury. Stiggyâs Dogs of Howell Township learned over the weekend that it had secured third place in the Home Depot Aprons in Action online voting competition against a variety of other veteransâ charities from across the country. The organization transforms shelter dogs into individually trained psychiatric service animals for military veterans living with PTSD or brain injury. Stiggyâs Dogs became eligible for the national competition by winning one of monthly qualifying rounds last July. With the $25,000 gift card and more than 50 power tools received last summer, the organization was able to renovate the sanctuary portion of its Howell Township facility on Bowen Road to meet the accessibility needs of veterans who stay at the facilities while training with their dog. Petre tells WHMI that the $100,000 will now enable them to expand services so that even more veterans are having their needs met by possibly building a training center on site. Two of the top three winners were from Michigan. The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans came in second place, winning $150,000, while the $250,000 grand prize went to Active Heroes, a support organization for veterans that is based in Kentucky. (JK)
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Moratorium Adopted on New Hookah Lounge Applications in Brighton Twp. Moratorium Adopted on New Hookah Lounge Applications in Brighton Twp.
6/4/13 - The Brighton Township Board met Monday night to discuss a new hookah lounge. In a 6-1 vote, members approved a 60-day moratorium on accepting any new applications. The Oasis Hookah Lounge is already going in next to a tobacco shop in the strip mall located at the corner of Grand River and Old US-23 but the township has fielded some additional inquiries from interested parties. Manager Brian Vick reported that hookah establishments are growing in popularity and itâs not something municipalities had to contend with in the past but there are a fixed number of licenses available from the state so really, a community canât become inundated with tons of new applications. However he says the hours of operations, zoning districts and particular uses have been brought up and felt it would be appropriate for the board and planning commission to institute a moratorium and examine ordinances before continuing to move in a particular direction. Since Oasis will be locating in an existing building and the anticipated use is already permitted under current ordinance, it was not required to go before the board or commission. Thereâs an agreement to transfer the state issued license from the tobacco shop to the new establishment, as the owners are related. There were a number of questions raised by board members but Trustee Mike Slaton was the only member to vote against the moratorium, saying he felt sufficient protections are already in place as businesses must follow state rules and regulations along with local ordinances. Trustee Patrick Michel said he wasnât concerned so much about signage or the business being open after-hours but potential sales to minors, health department issues and enforcement. It was noted that multiple agencies would be involved with enforcement such as the county health and building departments or police if any criminal activity surfaced. (JM)
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Rogers Still Mulls Senate Run Despite Growing Field of CandidatesRogers Still Mulls Senate Run Despite Growing Field of Candidates
6/4/13 - About 170 people Monday heard Howell Congressman Mike Rogers say that cyber-attacks â the majority of them coming from China â pose a greater threat to U.S. security than physical military threats from rogue nations such as North Korea and Iran. What they did not hear him say was whether he would run for U.S. Senate, a decision increasingly anticipated by many GOP officials who view Rogers as the best candidate to win the seat being vacated next year by the retirement of Democrat Carl Levin. Even with the expectation that former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land would announce her candidacy for the post, which she confirmed later in the day, all Rogers would say was that he continues to consider a run, but his responsibilities as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee take precedence. But the major thrust of his talk yesterday was on cyber-attacks. Rogers says that computer hackers from China get into computer systems of U.S. companies daily to steal proprietary information, despite the measures taken to stop them. Rogers says that theft of software, engineering and design plans and other such information gives the Chinese an advantage in the highly competitive global economy. Rogersâs presentation is part of an effort seeking passage of cyber security legislation that would safeguard against hackers aiming to destroy networks and steal trade secrets. The GOP-controlled U.S. House has approved the Rogers-sponsored legislation. But because of concerns of potential civil liberties violations, it has drawn a threat of a White House veto and still awaits action in the U.S. Senate. (JK)
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Hearing Set for Unadilla Man Facing Felony Charges in Maryland
6/4/13 - A court date has been set for a Livingston County man facing felony drug charges after Maryland State Police say they found 40 pounds of marijuana in his minivan last month. 52-year-old Stewart Robert Deerr of Unadilla Township was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine and other offenses after State Police in Maryland pulled over his van May 9th. They say the van had a malfunctioning headlight, but that Deerr was nervous when he spoke to the officer, prompting him to request a police dog scan the vehicle. After the dog alerted and a search was performed, officers say the trooper found 39 bricks of marijuana in a drum case in the back of the minivan. Police say cocaine was also found in the vehicle. Deerr, who is being held on a $250,000 bond, is due back in Frederick County District Court June 11th for a preliminary hearing to determine if thereâs enough evidence to send his case to trial. (JK)
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Young Adults Invited to Junior Firefighter Program Information NightYoung Adults Invited to Junior Firefighter Program Information Night
6/4/13 - Any young men or women interested in the business of fighting fires and saving lives is invited to attend an informational program tomorrow night. The Brighton Area Fire Authority, the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority and the Howell Area Fire Authority will host an informational night focusing on Junior Firefighter programs. Information will be provided on how to join each departmentâs cadet programs, which are designed to build communication and leadership skills with young adults while building training in fire and emergency services. The cadet programs typically meet weekly and work side-by-side with firefighters in the community. Interested men and women who are 16 to 18 years old and reside in each departmentâs jurisdiction are encouraged to attend and parents are invited. The informational evening begins at 7pm tomorrow at the Brighton Area Fire Authority Station 32 located on Old US-23 at Hyne Road. Any possible cadets can RSVP or direct any questions to the Brighton Area Fire Authority at 810-229-6640. (JM)
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Cromaine Library Only One of Two in Michigan in 2014 Big ReadCromaine Library Only One of Two in Michigan in 2014 Big Read
6/4/13 - The Hartland Cromaine Library has been named as one of only two libraries in Michigan to receive funding this year for the annual Big Read program. The library has been awarded the grant money six times in the past, and even self-funded a version of the Big Read when the funding was unavailable. The featured book for the Hartland Big Read will be The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Library Director Ceci Marlow says although The Great Gatsby takes place in the 1920's, modern readers will be able to relate to the themes including substance dependence and the abuses of society. The library is planning to help readers of all ages learn more about the Roaring 20's with events that will include live jazz music, period activities and cooking, and history lessons about prohibition and the speakeasy that operated in the local area, called the Black Cat. The program may include a showing of the recent film interpretation of The Great Gatsby. Marlow says the 2014 Big Read program will take place from mid-April to mid-May of next year. The only other Michigan awardee is the Dearborn Public Library which will feature The Call of the Wild. (TD)
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Motorcycle Ride Planned To Raise Funds For Injured TeenMotorcycle Ride Planned To Raise Funds For Injured Teen
6/4/13 - The Putnam Township Fire Department has scheduled a motorcycle ride fundraiser to benefit a local teen who was severely injured in a bonfire accident this spring. The fire department responded to the call on March 30th to provide medical assistance to Sarah Grundy. The 2012 Pinckney high School grad was severely burned in the accident, and is expected to remain in the hospital recovering for up to six more months. To help pay for her medical bills, the Putnam Fire Department will hold a motorcycle ride and luncheon event on July 27th. The ride will cruise throughout western Livingston County, with a hot dog and hamburger lunch included at noon. The cost is $20 per bike and $15 per passenger in advance, or $25 per bike and $20 per passenger on the day of the ride. Those who cannot ride are welcome to provide donations and join the riders for lunch. For more information, contact Assistant Fire Chief Rodney Humble at (517) 304-6739 or Chief Greg Amburgey at (734) 546-2884. (TD)
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New Roof Going Up on Fire Station 32 in Brighton Township New Roof Going Up on Fire Station 32 in Brighton Township
6/4/13 - Some much needed roof repairs are planned to the fire station in Brighton Township this summer. Board members met Monday night to approve the low $59,400 bid from a Canton company to re-roof Fire Station 32, located on Old US-23 near Hyne Road. Itâs one of five operated by The Brighton Area Fire Authority, of which the township is a member. Supervisor Tom Murphy says the roof is more than ten years old now and there wasnât adequate ventilation when the original roof was built, so problems keep popping up that must be fixed. Murphy says the entire roof will be re-done and tiled to address any damage that may be there as well as leaks. Following the bid approval, board members approved a related general fund budget amendment and a 10% construction contingency was also allocated toward the project to account for any unforeseen costs. Both were approved unanimously. Murphy says once all of the bid documents for the roof repairs are signed then construction can begin, possibly by late June or early July. (JM)
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Hearing Delayed for Mother Convicted in Death of SonHearing Delayed for Mother Convicted in Death of Son
6/4/13 - Mishandled paperwork has delayed a court date for the mother of a murdered Argentine Township boy who is claiming the assistance she got from her attorney during her trial in Genesee County courts was ineffective. A court date had been set Monday for 28-year-old Corrine Baker, who is serving a 13 to 30 year prison sentence for her 2010 guilty plea to second degree murder in the death of her son, 4-year-old Dominick Calhoun. But because of a paperwork error, it has been rescheduled for June 25th. Baker is seeking to withdraw her plea by claiming the advice given to her by her attorney was ineffective. As part of her deal with prosecutors, Baker was required to testify against her ex-boyfriend, 27-year-old Brandon Hayes, who is serving a mandatory term of life in prison without parole after being convicted by a jury of first-degree murder and torture in the boy's death. But Baker claims her attorney said the only way she would be able to testify against Hayes, something she insists she very much wanted to do, was by accepting the plea. Prosecutors have said that they had enough evidence to convict Hayes without Bakerâs testimony and their decision to call her as a witness was predicated on the plea agreementâs requirement that she do so, thus her attorneyâs advice was not incorrect. The decision whether or not to allow Baker to withdraw her plea will fall to Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Richard Yuille. (JK)
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Three Accused Of Stockbridge Bank Robbery Arraigned
6/5/13 - Three Lansing residents have been arraigned on charges relating to the robberies of Farmers State Bank in Stockbridge and Independent Bank north of Williamston last month. Todd Bradley White was charged with two counts of bank robbery, two counts of armed robbery, three counts of felonious assault, and one count each of felony firearms and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Andrea Heath and Jessica Felix are both facing one count each of bank robbery, conspiracy to commit bank robbery, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. They were arraigned on Monday. According to the Lansing State Journal, they are being held at the Ingham County Jail with a $500,000 bond set for White and $50,000 bonds set for both of the women. Local police, state police, and the FBI determined that the Stockbridge bank robbery on May 31st was committed by the same people who had committed the Williamstown Township robbery one week earlier. Police are seeking information from the public to help with the investigation. (TD)
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Sheriff's Department Investigating Motorcycle Crash in Howell Twp. Sheriff's Department Investigating Motorcycle Crash in Howell Twp.
6/5/13 - A man was hospitalized following a crash involving a single vehicle and a motorcycle in Howell Township yesterday evening. Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department responded to the crash shortly before 6pm on Oak Grove Road, north of M-59. Undersheriff Mike Murphy tells WHMI preliminary investigation indicates a 23-year-old man on a motorcycle was traveling southbound on Oak Grove Road. He says a 52-year-old Fowlerville woman was traveling northbound on Oak Grove and turned left in front of the motorcycle, and the motorcycle collided with the car. Murphy says the driver of the motorcycle was wearing a helmet and was transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center with serious injuries but is expected to live and the Fowlerville woman was not injured. He says whether any drugs or alcohol were involved or contributing factors remains under investigation, and theyâre also still working to determine exactly who is considered the at-fault driver. (JM)
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