6/7/13 - Two suspects are in custody following an alleged carjacking in Milford, but the alleged theft was not as random as it first appeared. At about 5:40am on Tuesday, a man entered the Milford Township Police Department to report that he had been carjacked by two men at gunpoint. A disturbance complaint then came in from the same general area, leading officers to arrest 33-year-old Neal Pollman of Novi as one of the suspects in the carjacking. The vehicle was found a short time later, having been intentionally crashed into a tree. The other suspect was not found. Police say an investigation revealed that the carjacking was not random. They say the alleged victim had met the two suspects at a designated location to sell them LSD. They say the carjackers had no intention of paying for the drugs, and stole the victimâs car at gunpoint. Witness interviews led the police to arrest 22-year-old Nathaniel Ashbrook of Hartland Township as the other carjacker. He has been charged with armed robbery, possession of a firearm while committing a felony and unlawful driving away a vehicle. Pollman faces a single count of armed robbery. Both are being held on $20,000 bonds and police say additional charges may be brought against the victim at a later date. (TD/JM)
Two Arrested For Carjacking After Alleged Drug Sale Goes SouthTwo Arrested For Carjacking After Alleged Drug Sale Goes South
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Oceola Trustee Honored For Helping Save Brother's LifeOceola Trustee Honored For Helping Save Brother's Life
6/7/13 - The Howell Area Fire Department honored an Oceola Township trustee last night for his part in saving the life of his brother in February. Trustee Keith Huff was working outside on February 26th when his brother Kenneth began experiencing chest pains. Shortly afterward he found Kenneth on the ground and unresponsive, so he called an ambulance. He didnât have formal CPR training, but knew enough to perform chest compressions on his brotherâs heart while he waited for emergency responders. Fire department personnel arrived at the scene and took over the resuscitation efforts, eventually delivering three shocks from a defibrillator. Kennethâs pulse returned, and he was transported to the University of Michigan hospital for treatment. Lieutenant Bryan Hager was the first responder on the scene of the emergency, and he says Keithâs efforts definitely prevented death or serious injury to his brother. Last night, as Keith was taking part in a meeting of the township board, the fire department presented Keith with the Life Saving Award for his efforts. To his surprise, dozens of his close friends and family, including his brother Kenneth, entered the council chambers to witness Keither (seen here hugging his brother) being honored with the award. Chief Andy Pless says this is only the second Life Saving Award the department has presented under his leadership. (TD)
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Case Against Alleged I-96 Shooter On Hold in Livingston County Case Against Alleged I-96 Shooter On Hold in Livingston County
6/7/13 - The case involving the alleged I-96 shooter remains on hold for the time being in Livingston County. The Michigan Attorney Generalâs Office is prosecuting 44-year-old Raulie Casteel on terrorism, attempted murder and other charges locally. He's accused in two-dozen random shootings in a four-county area in October. One man was hurt. At the request of the defense during a brief hearing this afternoon, Circuit Court Judge David Reader granted further adjournments in the case. Casteel was present in the courtroom and his Defense Attorney Douglas Mullkoff indicated that his team was still awaiting the results of independent forensic psychological evaluations. Assistant Attorney General Gregory Townsend agreed the adjournment was appropriate given the pending opinion from the defense expert. A November 3rd trial date has been scheduled in Oakland County, where Casteel is facing 60 charges for shootings that occurred in that jurisdiction. Mullkoff had asked the court to let that case proceed to trial first but Judge Reader instead scheduled an August 16th hearing, saying the completed reports from the defense expert should be received by then and he will address the full status of the case and determine future dates. Photo credit Daily Press & Argus. (JM)
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Local Middle School Students Take Top Cooking HonorsLocal Middle School Students Take Top Cooking Honors
6/8/13 - Local middle-schoolers took top honors at the inaugural Clash of the Cooking Crews competition, held in West Bloomfield last weekend. In the competition students from Parker Middle School in Howell challenged students from three metro-Detroit middle schools in a timed cook off. The event was judged by local chefs and personalities. Each Cooking Crew prepared food from three categories: breakfast, lunch and a healthy snack. Parkerâs Cooking Crew won all three to be named the Grand Champions of the competition. The 22 members of the Parker Cooking Crew spent the past six weeks learning how to prepare healthy dishes, the importance of healthy eating, various cooking techniques and teamwork. The Cooking Crew is an after school program lead by Parker teacher Deborah Miller, Chef Jackie White of Challenger Elementary and several parent volunteers. The Clash of the Cooking Crews competition was organized by Chef Johnny Prep, who developed the concept for the after school Cooking Crews to help middle school students get excited about eating healthy. Prep hopes to turn Clash of the Cooking Crews into a bi-annual event. (JK)
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Highland Township Teen Heads to Trial for Alleged Armed Rape Highland Township Teen Heads to Trial for Alleged Armed Rape
6/8/13 - A Highland Township teen who is being charged as an adult for allegedly raping a girl at knifepoint in the woods of a trailer park is heading to trial. 16-year-old Brandon Alexander Markes was bound over following an exam in 52-1 District Court in Novi, where it was determined there was enough evidence to send the case to trial. Markes is scheduled to be arraigned in Oakland County Circuit Court June 13th on charges of assault with intent to murder, assault by strangulation, 1st degree criminal sexual conduct and felonious assault. Markes has been ordered held on a $1.2 (m) million cash or surety bond on all charges, with no 10% option. The mother of the 15-year-old female victim called 911 to report the incident April 16th in which Markes is alleged to have raped the girl at knife point in the woods. Police say evidence was collected from the crime scene as well as Markesâ residence, where he was taken into custody. Police say the victim sustained serious injuries during the attack and was treated and released from an area hospital.
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New Wind Power Zoning Regulations Enacted By Green OakNew Wind Power Zoning Regulations Enacted By Green Oak
6/8/13 - Green Oak Township has a new set of zoning regulations for wind power generators. The Township Board approved the new zoning amendments Wednesday night to make the issue clearer and more easily enforced. They regulate the size, placement, and type of wind power generators that can be used in commercial and residential settings. Clerk Mike Sedlak says with the proper research and location, full-size commercial windmills can be installed in Green Oak. Residential units are more restrained, consisting mainly of upright units as seen at the Genoa Township Hall. Sedlak says no applications for wind power generator placements have been received, but the township wanted to pass the zoning amendments in anticipation of future requests. (TD)
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Fowlerville Man Waives Exam on Charges of Sending Illicit TextsFowlerville Man Waives Exam on Charges of Sending Illicit Texts
6/11/13 - A Fowlerville man has been bound over for trial on felony charges after authorities say he sent sexually explicit text messages to an 11-year-old girl. 29-year-old Matthew Lewis Colston waived his preliminary exam Monday to charges of child abuse commercial activity, accosting a child for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime. He will now head to circuit court for trial. The childâs parents told State Police that Colston, who owns an IT company based in Williamston, sent their daughter over 500 explicit photographs, which they discovered by using a cell phone app installed on her phone. The parents reportedly became concerned after their daughter started receiving multiple late-night messages. Colston remains jailed on a $500,000 bond. (JK)
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Water and Sewer Rate Increases Proposed in City of HowellWater and Sewer Rate Increases Proposed in City of Howell
6/11/13 - A resolution to increase water and sanitary sewer rates was introduced at Monday nightâs Howell City Council meeting. The Cityâs utility rate advisory has completed one year rate studies for each system and is recommending a 5.5% increase for water rates and a 6% increase for sewer rates. The rates are typically reviewed as part of the annual budget process. Council decided against any adjustments last July and the rates have remained the same since 2011. A memo from the City Finance Director noted there was concern that if the rates were not adjusted now, the utilities would be unable to meet identified targets to maintain a viable long term system. There are three identified targets the system must meet to be able to generate sufficient revenues to fund current operations and have enough in reserves to cover depreciation and also recover the interest cost of debt. The increase for the majority of water customers with 5/8 inch meters range from $3.25 per bi-monthly bill for 10,000 gallons, up to $11.25 for 50,000 gallons. The next largest group of users with one-inch meters would see an increase ranging from $2.75 in bi-monthly billing up to $10.75. As for the proposed sewer rates, increases range from 4.69% to 6.49% of the current bill. A comparison of the Cityâs proposed rates to the current rates of surrounding municipalities was conducted and they were within the range of other systems. Action on the resolution is expected at the next city council meeting. (JM)
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Brighton's Lindbom School Tested for Possible ContaminationBrighton's Lindbom School Tested for Possible Contamination
6/11/13 - The sale of the mothballed Lindbom School in Brighton may have to wait a little longer. The Brighton Area Schools has been banking on the sale to help balance the budget, which is out of whack by about half-a-million dollars this year due to a combination of factors. In addition, the district has a legacy deficit of over $7 million that the state says has to be paid off by the end of next year, and proceeds from the sale of the school canât be used to help pay off the long-term deficit. A party has been keenly interested in purchasing the land and building but heard a rumor the site might be contaminated and asked that it be tested. Although the property is regularly tested and monitored via a series of monitoring wells, the district complied, ordering a test costing $3,500. Superintendent Greg Gray says the problem stems from several decades ago involving industries on the northwest side of town; however, Gray tells WHMI the school districtâs regular testing over the years has shown no contamination at the Lindbom property. Assistant Superintendent of Finance Maria Gistinger told the board Monday that the potential buyerâs concerns werenât about water contamination, since Lindbom is on city water, but potential air and soil contamination. Gistinger says if Lindbom isnât sold by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, then the final budget for the year will show a deficit of up to $656,000. Conversely, if Lindbom is sold by that time, the revised budget will reflect a surplus of about $500,000. Gray says the test results should be known within the next week. (TT)
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Hamburg Man Heads to Trial in Fatal CrashHamburg Man Heads to Trial in Fatal Crash
6/11/13 - The driver involved in an accident that killed a Hamburg Township resident has been bound over for trial. 44-year-old Richard Childress, who is charged with reckless driving causing death in the April 26th crash on M-36 near Kress Road, waived a preliminary exam in district court on Monday and sent his case to circuit court for trial. Police say Childress was westbound on M-36 in an SUV but veered left of center as he approached Kress Road, striking a station wagon head-on driven by 77-year-old John Pavlic of Hamburg Township. Pavlic died the next day at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor as a result of his injuries. Police say drugs are suspected as being a contributing factor in the cause of the crash. A search warrant was obtained for a blood sample from Childress and officials continue to wait for a toxicology report. (JK)
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Normally-Closed Howell Union Contract Talks Take Place In OpenNormally-Closed Howell Union Contract Talks Take Place In Open
6/11/13 - In a departure from normal procedure, a discussion about teachersâ union contract requirements was held in open session during last nightâs meeting of the Howell School Board. Recently-enacted conflict of interest legislation prevented board president Mike Witt and his wife, board secretary Kim Witt, from voting on a contract offered earlier this year, which failed as a result. The board has since put an end to formal negotiations, although informal talks have been taking place. Last night a majority of the board, including the Witts, voted against going into closed session for a discussion on the union contract. That discussion included a recounting by board member Mike Moloney of his suggestions for the contract. Although these included eliminating all language related to union dues or membership requirements, freezing the teachersâ pay, restructuring sick and personal days, and a complete redo on staffing assignments for the coming school year, Moloney admitted it is a toned-down version of his previous requests. He says the recent increase in state aid has lessened the districtâs operating budget, making it possible to reduce the number of concessions requested in the contract. "Even though we passed a deficit budget that has a deficit of over a million dollars, that's a whole lot better than what we were looking at a month or a month and a half ago when we were looking at an over three million dollar operating deficit for the year." Kim Witt disputed Moloneyâs numbers and said the actual deficit figure was closer to half a million dollars, while adding that had Moloney and fellow trustees Doug Moore and Deb McCormick voted for the contract when it was originally proposed, the district would have a balanced budget now. Mike Witt says asking for just one or two of Moloney's demands would be difficult, but getting all of them would be impossible. However, he tells WHMI that a new health care structure could make the contract very attractive for both sides. Witt suggested that the district pursue a health care plan that would reduce out-of-pocket expenses for teachers and save the district about $1 million, bringing it into the black. The board gave permission for Superintendent Ron Wilson to resume informal talks and work on a new contract that could potentially rally the board to achieve consensus. That contract might be reviewed at the boardâs next meeting, or possibly at a special meeting before that. The board also approved a contract last night for the districtâs administratorsâ union. The contract freezes the administratorsâ pay structure, but allows them to advance within that structure. Moloney and board member Deb McCormick voted against it. (TD)
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Recovered I-96 Shooting Bullet Not From Seized Guns Recovered I-96 Shooting Bullet Not From Seized Guns
6/11/13 - Authorities say a new test shows that the only gunshot wound previously linked to the suspect in a string of shootings along Michigan's I-96 corridor came from a different gun. 44-year-old Wixom resident Raulie Casteel faces terrorism and other charges in two-dozen random shootings in a four-county area last October. Authorities have been including only one injury attack in the shooting spree - the Oct. 27 wounding of Scott Arnold of Delton as he drove on I-96 in Livingston County. A spokeswoman for Attorney General Bill Schuette said Monday that surgeons recently removed a bullet from Arnold. Joy Yearout says tests show it doesn't match Casteel's two guns. Casteel was never charged in Arnold's shooting and awaits trial in Livingston County on seven charges including terrorism that are being prosecuted by the Attorney Generalâs Office. He also faces 60 separate charges in Oakland County. Although Casteel was previously deemed competent to stand trial, he is undergoing an independent psychiatric examination at the request of his attorneys, who say he suffers from delusional disorder. Casteel is next due in court for a pre-exam conference August 16th in Livingston County Circuit Court. He is scheduled to go to trial in November in Oakland County Circuit Court on the charges there. (JK)
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Rochester Hills Man Sentenced in Local Stalking Case Rochester Hills Man Sentenced in Local Stalking Case
6/11/13 - A man accused of stalking his ex-girlfriend for more than 18 months and posting nude photos of her on the Internet has been sentenced. 44-year-old Edward John Abdella of Rochester Hills was sentenced as a third time habitual offender in Livingston County Circuit Court recently. He received 60 days of jail time already served, two years of probation and is not to own/possess/or use any computer or internet device. A no contact provision with the victim was also ordered. He earlier pleaded no contest to charges of unlawful posting of a message and a lesser included misdemeanor offense of aggravated stalking from November of 2010 through June of 2012. In return, prosecutors dismissed two separate counts of using a computer to commit a crime. Unadilla Township Police said Abdella became upset after the woman ended their relationship. (JM)
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Brighton Superintendent Isn't Banking on $110 Per-Pupil HikeBrighton Superintendent Isn't Banking on $110 Per-Pupil Hike
6/11/13 - There have been recent news reports stating that â based on the new state educational budget - public school districts in Michigan will be getting an increase of $110 in state per-pupil aid. However Brighton Superintendent Greg Gray says he isnât counting his chickens until theyâre hatched. Gray tells WHMI that reports of school districts getting a $110 increase in per-pupil state aid â which would be a huge shot in the arm for Brighton - are just speculation at this point. Gray says the $110 increase would be great if it happens, but heâs taking it with a grain of salt until the funds are signed, sealed and delivered. Along with a possible state aid increase of $110, Gray and other area districts are also hoping the state approves a pending $50 increase for schools that are among the least funded in the state. All five K-12 Livingston County school districts are among the stateâs most under-funded at around $7,000 per pupil or less in state aid. (TT)
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Hamburg and Genoa Consider Offering Road Millages to VotersHamburg and Genoa Consider Offering Road Millages to Voters
6/11/13 - To keep up with deteriorating roadways, two local municipalities are doing preliminary work on road millages to offer voters in upcoming elections. Green Oak Township voters passed a road millage last year to make repairs to county roads. Hamburg officials are now planning to hold focus groups beginning in mid-July to see if their constituents would approve a similar tax and, if so, which roads they would support repairing with the money. Supervisor Pat Hohl says they were prompted by residents approaching the township and asking for a millage to address local failing roads. Work on a possible millage has also begun in Genoa Township, where officials have compiled a list of ten projects on local roads to have priced by a civil engineering firm. Those projects include paving Crooked Lake near Three Fires Elementary, Herbst Road, Cunningham Lake Road, Beck Road between Latson and Chilson, and Bauer all the way south to the Hamburg Township line. They also include widening Latson just north of Grand River and putting in a roundabout or traffic service at Bauer and Challis. The township board would choose which to offer to the public as part of a potential road millage. Township Manager Mike Archinal tells WHMI all of these projects are on county roads, but he does not blame the Livingston County Road Commission for their poor condition. He points out that Livingston County gets less money per capita from gas tax funding than any other county in Michigan, and while the Road Commission is run very efficiently it simply does not have the money to pay for all the necessary repairs. Genoa is considering placing a road millage on the November ballot, while any such measure in Hamburg would be offered next year. (TD)
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Former Howell Board Member Running for State HouseFormer Howell Board Member Running for State House
6/11/13 - A former Howell school board member whose term was at times marked by controversy announced today that she is running for the state legislature. Wendy Day of Howell made official today that she has filed the necessary paperwork to form a campaign committee for a run at the 47th District state House seat. Currently occupied by Handy Township Republican Cindy Denby, the seat will be open in 2014 because of term limits. Day, who describes herself as a conservative activist and military wife, said her work on the Howell school board and as president of the political action group Common Sense in Government has given her the know-how about Lansing politics, but also a commitment to not turn her back on core conservative principles she feels are often left behind by many Republican candidates. "They're all pro-life, they're all pro-Second Amendment, they're all pro-transparency and limited government. But once they get there and you start watching the votes and the votes don't always line up to the principles that they were running on. I think voters can trust that...if they bless me to go to Lansing, they will know where I stand and that I will stand by my principles even if I'm standing alone." Day served on the Howell school board from 2006 to 2010 and was often criticized for home-schooling her children and not placing them in the district. She says that because of the transparency and fiscal accountability she believes she helped bring to the district; all four of her children are now enrolled in Howell schools. Day also proudly says she was recognized by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy as having a significant role in making Michigan a Right to Work state. Day joins Handy Township Supervisor Hank Vaupel, Hartland school board Treasurer Charlie Aberasturi and local business owner Karl Kling in seeking the GOP nomination in the August 2014 primary. The 47th District encompasses Cohoctah, Conway, Deerfield, Handy, Hartland, Howell, Iosco, Marion, Oceola, Tyrone and Unadilla Townships as well as the City of Howell, the Village of Fowlerville and a portion of the City of Fenton. (JK)
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Update Given On Handy Township's Obligatory Sewer Project
6/12/13 - Itâs been called the âSewer to Nowhere,â but the Handy Township Board got an update from engineers to make sure the West Grand River Sewer project is being built on schedule. After developers defaulted on sewer assessments, Handy Township was left with about $2.9 million in chargebacks to the county and twice that in unpaid bonds. The chargebacks will come due in 2014, and the township is currently working with the county to help mitigate the impact on Handy residents. Litigation is ongoing with all parties, but in the meantime the township is still required under contract to complete the portion of the sewer project on West Grand River. The County Department of Public Works will provide monthly updates on the project as it progresses with a new engineering firm. That update was provided last night by DPW Coordinator Robert Spaulding, who tells WHMI engineering work is currently being done on the project. It will go out for bid in August with the goal of being awarded in September. Construction should be finished by the end of October, with restoration work finished in November and final project closeout scheduled for spring of 2014. With no new developments, a total of five houses are expected to be serviced by the completed sewer. (TD)
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Webberville Woman Sentenced After Striking Bicyclist w/ Car Webberville Woman Sentenced After Striking Bicyclist w/ Car
6/12/13 - A Webberville woman has avoided jail time after being sentenced on a misdemeanor charge for striking a bicyclist, who was hospitalized and suffered serious injuries. 50-year-old Robin Fournier previously pleaded guilty to one count of a moving violation causing serious impairment of bodily function. The misdemeanor charge carried a possible penalty of up to 93 days in jail, which she was able to avoid after being sentenced in 53rd District Court yesterday. She received non-reporting probation and must pay fines and costs and also complete a driver improvement program. Police say Fournier was distracted when she drifted off of Grand River in Handy Township and struck 56-year-old Daniel Paternoster on August 28th, 2012. At the time, Paternoster was riding his bicycle to his job at the Fowlerville Veterinary Clinic. He was originally listed in critical condition and remained unconscious for several days. His has since been released and reportedly continues to rehabilitate from his injuries. (JM)
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Public Hearing Set For Aisin Parcel's Inclusion In Industrial DistrictPublic Hearing Set For Aisin Parcel's Inclusion In Industrial District
6/12/13 - A public hearing has been scheduled as the Handy Township Board considers redesignating a parcel of land to make it contiguous with the corporate property around it. Aisin Holdings of America recently acquired an 80-acre plot near its main facility, which the township recently rezoned from agricultural to research and development. Company representatives say they purchased the land simply because it was up for sale at a low price, and they have no plans for it at this time. However, the township is considering a request to incorporate the parcel into Aisinâs industrial development district. Township Supervisor Hank Vaupel tells WHMI this is a different process from rezoning and will help encourage development on the parcel by allowing Aisin to apply for tax abatement on any new developments on the property. The public hearing on the proposed redistricting will take place at the Township Boardâs next regular meeting on July 9th. (TD)
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Volunteers Sought for Public Health Emergency Exercise Next WeekVolunteers Sought for Public Health Emergency Exercise Next Week
6/12/13 - Livingston County will host a mock emergency exercise next week and as many volunteers as possible are needed to help test the system and mimic a real life situation. The exercise is planned at the Brighton High School campus next Wednesday, June 19th to test mass emergency services during a public health emergency. It will simulate a biological agent terrorist attack and the Livingston County Department of Public Health is recruiting 300 to 500 volunteers, who will be directed throughout the entire drill. Don Hayduk is coordinating the Livingston County portion of the state and regional exercise. He says it will be done in real-time and if something comes up, all of the players and participants will be expected to fix it on the spot. Hayduk says data will be gathered during the exercise and evaluated afterward to determine what worked well, what didnât and how to improve. Volunteers are asked to pre-register and must be 18-years-old or accompanied by an adult. Sign-in starts at 11:30am next Wednesday and the exercise is expected to last until around 3pm. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact the Livingston County Department of Public Health at 517-552-6819 or email Jkramer@co.livingston.mi.us. (JM)
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