The Michigan Supreme Court has turned down an appeal by the Livingston County Prosecutorâs Office regarding charges against a Howell-based orthopedic surgeon charged with delivering controlled substances. Dr. Michael Holda is charged with seven counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana. His jury trial in Livingston County Circuit Court has been on hold since last July after Livingston County Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt appealed a judgeâs ruling that they could not introduce evidence of other acts committed by Holda to prove that he did not act in good faith. But last week, the Michigan Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal. Vailliencourt made the appeal attempt saying at the time that âwhen certain evidence is excluded, the only time the issue can be considered on appeal is before trial.â But with last weekâs decision, the case returns to circuit court for trial. Holda turned in his license following a raid on Livingston County Orthopedics in May of 2013 by the Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA agents, who were acting as patients, testified Holda prescribed pain medications and other drugs, including Xanax, beyond what would have been medically necessary. Holda insisted that he wrote the prescriptions in good faith and properly questioned them about their symptoms. A jury earlier found Holda guilty in a separate, but related, case involving two counts of manufacturing prescription forms for which he served 30 days in the Livingston County Jail. (JK)
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Case Against Howell Doctor Heads Back To Trial Court After Appeal DenialCase Against Howell Doctor Heads Back To Trial Court After Appeal Denial
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Brighton Board of Education OKs New Laptops For TeachersBrighton Board of Education OKs New Laptops For Teachers
The Brighton Board of Education has approved the purchase of 122 new laptop computers for elementary school teachers. The purchase is part of the technology aspect of the $88.5 million bond issue passed by voters in 2012. The new MacBook Pro laptops will replace 4-year-old laptops. The laptops will cost $1,299 each, resulting in a total cost to the district of about $158,500. The computers were purchased using Michiganâs Statewide Purchasing Online Tool bid, which will make the district eligible for Technology Readiness Infrastructure Grant rebates. The district is placing such purchases on a 3-year cycle, making the next elementary staff computer replacements in 2019. Intermediate, middle and high school faculty laptop purchases will also be placed on a 3-year cycle. (TT)
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Rally To Raise Awareness About Addiction Set June 2nd In Lansing Rally To Raise Awareness About Addiction Set June 2nd In Lansing
An upcoming rally at the state Capitol aims to bring awareness to systemic issues of addiction and that recovery is possible. Livingston County is no stranger to issues of addiction or the heroin epidemic and a number of community stakeholders are involved in the rally set for Thursday, June 2nd. Itâs being organized by Unite to Face Addiction Michigan to promote advocacy, education and outreach. The group has a strong presence in Livingston County and will be bringing awareness to the stigma, perception and barriers to understanding addiction and getting help. The Brighton Center for Recovery is among the oldest facilities in the nation treating alcoholism and addiction. Behavioral Health Community Outreach and Referral Specialist Scott Masi says much of the time, addiction is looked on and treated from a criminal aspect instead of the health issue that it is. He says they want to create strength in unity to break the stigma, improve access to treatment, support prevention and promote recovery from addiction. Masi noted the changing demographic of individuals being treated for heroin addiction, primarily age 18 to 25. He says 4 out of 5 will start with prescription medication before they graduate to heroin - likening it to Russian roulette because of the potency and dangers of Fentanyl-laced heroin. Masi tells WHMI itâs been identified as an epidemic for close to a decade but only recently have the state and federal government started putting resources toward it. He says society struggles to accept addiction and relapses as medical issues but recovery is possible and the success rate is no different than any other chronic illness. Masi says it will take everyone working together to address the issue and encourages attendance at the rally on Thursday, June 2nd on the lawn of the state Capitol. It will feature national speakers and various resources while highlighting the collaborative work being done to address the issue. Details are available in the link below. (JM)
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Fire Destroys Deerfield Township HouseFire Destroys Deerfield Township House
A Deerfield Township house was destroyed by fire over the holiday weekend. The Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority was called out to a house fire in the 7300 block of Green Road on Sunday around noontime. The structure was said to be fully involved upon arrival of firefighters. The family that lived there was reportedly able to exit without injury, although their dog perished in the blaze. The Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority was assisted at the scene by the Fenton, Howell, Brighton and Argentine Township departments. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Video courtesy of Linda Seifried. Picture courtesy of Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority. (JK)
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Black Hawk Fly-in Highlights Fowlerville Memorial Day EventBlack Hawk Fly-in Highlights Fowlerville Memorial Day Event
A special opportunity came to one local community following its Memorial Day Parade. Two members of the Fowlerville High School Marching Band played âTapsâ during a commemorative ceremony at the Greenwood Cemetery following the parade through downtown Fowlerville. The cemetery ceremony that got underway with students from Kreeger Elementary leading the Pledge of Allegiance also featured a pair of bag-pipers and the marching band playing Amazing Grace. Afterward everyone was invited to the downtown community park for a unique opportunity. The Michigan National Guard flew in a Black Hawk helicopter just after noon and landed it in the middle of a field. Two members of the flight crew were local area graduates. Chief Warrant Officer Ian Mihlfeld is a graduate of Fowlerville High School and was a co-pilot on the aircraft. He tells WHMI he signed up especially to fly in this event. He says when he heard they were flying the helicopter into Fowlerville he told himself he had to be part of it. He says he made some phone calls and specifically volunteered to fly out there so he could see the faces and see his hometown and his family and have them come out and see what he does. Mihlfeld says Fowlerville has always been supportive of the military through the school and through the events they've hosted including the Memorial Day Parade and always inviting local units out, like the 1462nd, formerly out of Howell, as well as the 3238 General Support Aviation Battalion out for events like yesterday's. Mihlfeld has been in service for the past nine years and says flying the helicopter takes a lot of training. Specialist Nikki Nestor a 2014 graduate of Brighton High School has only been in service just over two years, but says she is honored to be able to serve. Nestor is a crew chief and aircraft mechanic. Organizer and Chaplain of VFW Post 6464 David Mester says he was pleased with the show of support from local residents for the event. He says he was especially impressed that the crew of the helicopter was all area residents. Mester and Village Council Member Mary Helfmann presented the crew with a commemorative plaque in honor of the day after which the helicopter was open for tours. (DS)
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Putnam Township Facing Deficit In 2016-17Putnam Township Facing Deficit In 2016-17
The Putnam Township Board of Trustees is looking at a short deficit in their 2016-2017 budget. The board held a special workshop meeting last week where they discussed and tried ironing out details for the new budget year that starts in July. Treasurer Pat Carney said many of his estimates were conservative because Supervisor Ron Rauâs estimates for expenditures were conservative as well. Carney also noted that state shared revenues falling behind prediction hasnât helped either. Rau told WHMI that there are always some hurdles to overcome while drafting a budget. He stressed the need to stay fiscally responsible, stating that the board has done that throughout his 10 years as supervisor. Rau attributed a sizable chunk of the estimated $92,000 deficit to the fire department running at a loss. This wasnât a surprise to him because of the breaks they gave residents two years ago, but the township may need the publicâs help this election season. A new fire millage is up for vote in August, one that that the board believes they have to have passed to help turn that deficit around. Carney commented on how if the millage is voted down, they are going to have to ask again for the same amount in November, as they canât afford to drop it any lower. Rau said the general fund is still in good shape with $1.5 million and can cover the losses this year. Trustee Norm Klein believed it was a dangerous practice to use the fund this way. The next step is a public hearing that Rau said will occur in June where the board will vote on the final levees and budgets. (MK)
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Brighton Man Enters Plea To Break-Ins & Car TheftBrighton Man Enters Plea To Break-Ins & Car Theft
A Livingston County man charged in a police chase and crash has entered a plea. Last week, 23-year-old Marc Christian Thibodeau of Brighton was bound over to Circuit Court where he pleaded guilty to breaking and entering a building, unlawful driving away of a vehicle, and third degree fleeing and eluding police. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss one count each of breaking and entering, fleeing and eluding police and operating while intoxicated. The charges stem from the November 1st incident when he allegedly broke into a tattoo studio and then the showroom at Brighton Chrysler, where authorities say he stole a 2015 Dodge Challenger. A chase ensued and eventually ended with his arrest when Thibodeau crashed into a utility pole, causing power outages in Howell and Fowlerville. Thibodeau has pleaded guilty but mentally ill, and his attorney has said his client was in the throes of a schizophrenic episode when the original incident occurred. Thibodeau underwent a psychological examination which found him competent to stand trial at a prior hearing. Those forensic findings were placed on record and will be considered at his sentencing June 28th. Thibodeau is seeking admission into Intensive Treatment court or to be sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which would expunge his record if he successfully completes probation. If either of those conditions is not granted, he will be allowed to withdraw his plea.
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Numerous Road Projects Underway Across CountyNumerous Road Projects Underway Across County
The Livingston County Road Commission has its hands full with several different projects during their busy construction season. One of the main projects underway is completely revamping Grand Oaks Drive in Genoa Township to correct its deplorable condition. Managing Director Mike Craine says there is plenty of work to be done and the Road Commission is aiming to have it finished by the Fourth of July. Also scheduled for completion this summer is two separate projects in Hartland Township. Craine tells WHMI one will resurface Clyde Road from Cullen to Hartland Road. The other will completely reconstruct Hacker Road, from Golf Club Road to just north of M-59. An agreement has been approved with Oceola Township for gravel work on Mack Road to make the road more maintainable. Lastly, the Road Commission has approved a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation to resurface a portion of Brighton Road between Chilson and Bauer Road. The surface of that stretch was first placed in 1978 and after serving many dutiful years, Craine says itâs time for some complicated repairs. That is expected to begin July 18th and the Road Commission anticipates parts of the road will have to be closed completely, with many traffic advisories. (DK)
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Howell Man Strips On Live TV During Libertarian ConventionHowell Man Strips On Live TV During Libertarian Convention
A Howell man who is seeking the Libertarian Party nomination for Livingston County Sheriff made national headlines over the weekend after stripping off his clothes on live TV. James Weeks was at the Libertarian Partyâs national convention in Orlando on Sunday when he came up on stage and said"I figured we could use a little bit of fun." He then began taking off his suit, shirt and tie while dancing. All of it was carried live by C-SPAN. Weeks, who filed May 26th to run as the Libertarian candidate for Livingston County Sheriff, was also in the running to be chairman of the Libertarian Party, but immediately withdrew from that race after his striptease, which he said was done on a dare. Calls for comment from Weeks have been left by WHMI. The only other candidate in the race is Undersheriff Mike Murphy, who is running on the Republican ballot. When asked for his reaction to the incident, Murphy would only say it was, âUnbelievable.â Many delegates at the convention complained about the display, while âThe Hillâ, a Washington D.C. based political publication, reported that at least one delegate sought to revoke Weeks' party membership. Despite the distraction, the convention ended up nominating former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson and former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld for its presidential ticket. (JK)
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Former Howell Teacher Now Facing Federal Child Porn ChargesFormer Howell Teacher Now Facing Federal Child Porn Charges
A former teacher and coach at Howell High School will now face criminal charges related to child pornography in federal court. 59-year-old Duane Millar had been charged in Ingham County with possession of child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime. But last week those charges were dropped and two counts of possession of child pornography were filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit. A search of Millarâs East Lansing home in March followed a three-month investigation by the Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The U.S. Attorney's Office says Millar had child pornography in an email account and on various computers and media storage devices. Howell Public School officials say Millar is no longer an employee of the district. Spokesman Tom Gould says that as soon as the district was made aware of the charges, Millar was placed on administrative leave. The district was in the process of terminating his employment when they received his resignation. Millar had taught world language and coached cross country and track. Millar is currently free after posting a $10,000 bond and is due back in federal court on Thursday for arraignment and an initial pretrial conference. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. (JK)
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4th Annual Rainbow Community Rally Planned In Brighton4th Annual Rainbow Community Rally Planned In Brighton
The community will again join forces to show Livingston County youth that they are loved and welcomed during the 4th annual Rainbow Community Rally. Janet Jasenak serves as treasurer of the Livingston County Chapter of PFLAG or Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. The group organizes the annual event at the Brighton Mill Pond, which is planned Saturday. Jasenak tells WHMI thereâs no politics - just love and peace. She says so many times, LGBT individuals - along with the parents, families and friends - are shunned and not treated very well so the rally is about making people feel welcome and safe in the community, but also support is available if needed. She says they hope people will attend to show others that Livingston County appreciates and welcomes diversity, noting the rally gets bigger every year. The Rainbow Community Rally will take place rain or shine Saturday from 1 to 3pm at the Brighton Mill Pond gazebo area. Live music, face painting, informational tables, inspiration, and entertainment are planned among other activities. Jasenak says for anyone looking to become involved in the cause to support the LGBT community, the local chapter is a good place to start and they also encourage allies to get involved. Details are available in the link below. Facebook Photo. (JM)
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Suspect In Kohl's Theft & Police Chase Enters PleaSuspect In Kohl's Theft & Police Chase Enters Plea
One of the suspects charged in connection with a local store theft and police chase has entered a plea. On Friday, 21-year-old Angelina Bonasera pleaded guilty to one count each of first degree retail fraud and resisting/obstructing a police officer. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss two counts of the latter. Bonasera was also granted a personal recognizance bond and will remain under house arrest until her sentencing June 23rd. Bonasera, along with 20-year-old Dillon McMullen, 19-year-old Nelson DeJesus, 20-year-old Savannah Haley and 26-year-old Keshawn Jones are all charged in a retail fraud and police chase that occurred April 19th at the Kohlâs store in Green Oak Township. The five suspects were arrested after officers responding to a retail fraud call observed the subjects get into a sedan and drive off. When police attempted to stop the car, which had been reported stolen out of Washtenaw County, the suspects tried to flee by driving up an embankment, but ended up crashing in the area behind Kohlâs and Costco (pictured). They then fled the vehicle on foot. Green Oak Police, with the assistance of several other agencies, set up a perimeter and eventually took all five into custody. Jones failed to show for his arraignment May 9th and a warrant for his arrest has since been issued. They are all facing charges of resisting/obstructing a police officer, while four are charged with first degree retail fraud. (DK)
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Howell City Council Adopts Budget Howell City Council Adopts Budget
The Howell City Council has adopted the 2016/2017 budget. Council adopted the budget during a meeting in May and no one spoke during the public hearing held. There were no major cuts or changes and the city is in solid financial shape overall. It was noted council could be looking at some difficult decisions down the road â likely as it relates to projects and priorities. The cityâs fund balance also remains above the 20% recommendation. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the only adjustment is that there will be a slight reduction in the millage rate due to a Headlee rollback, just under two-tenths of a mill. Charles says the city had a unique situation where property values grew so much yet the rate of inflation was very low, which forced the revenue stream down about $38,000 from where they anticipated. Most communities in Livingston County were said to be experiencing a similar rollback. Meanwhile Michiganâs dysfunctional way of funding local governments was a common theme during member comments and Mayor Nick Proctor stated like many other municipalities, the city is under stress due to a broken fiscal model, underfunding and reductions in revenue sharing. (JM)
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State/Local Agreement To Resurface McPherson Park Drive FinalizedState/Local Agreement To Resurface McPherson Park Drive Finalized
A project agreement to resurface portions of McPherson Park Drive in the City of Howell has been finalized. The Howell City Council recently approved a resolution that finalizes the state and local agreement for the project that will take place this summer. The project is being made possible through a Transportation Economic Development Fund Grant the city received in late fall of 2015. The work will encompass the portion of McPherson Park Drive adjacent to Mason Road and the CSX railroad tracks. M-DOT is allowing the project to be a direct grant, so the city will be able to bid and manage the project directly, in conjunction with other small summer projects. It helps with obtaining better pricing but also completing the job quicker. The resolution approving the agreement now goes back to M-DOT and will await a notice to proceed from the city. After bids are awarded, construction will begin. (JM)
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Probation & Counseling Ordered For Milford Township ManProbation & Counseling Ordered For Milford Township Man
A Milford Township man has been sentenced on charges that he exposed himself while asking for directions from a 13-year-old girl. 27-year-old Kenneth James Kimball pleaded no contest in April to a charge of aggravated indecent exposure. Last week, he was ordered to serve 22 days in jail, time for which he already served, as well as five years of probation. A no contest plea is not a legal admission of guilt but is treated as such at sentencing. Kimball was arrested March 28th, a day after Milford Police say they were called to the Childs Lake Estates mobile home park on a report that a man had exposed and fondled himself while asking a girl for directions. The girl told officers the incident happened after the man had driven by her and then turned around before stopping. Milford Police say after the girl provided a description of both the suspect and the SUV, officers located a matching vehicle parked at a home in the neighborhood. When initially questioned by officers, Kimball reportedly denied having anything to do with the incident. However, a follow-up investigation determined Kimball was also a suspect in several other similar incidents. A warrant was then issued and he was arrested. Kimball was also ordered to undergo counseling and must register on the stateâs Sex Offender Registry. (JK)
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Former Fenton Real Estate Agent Sent To Trial On Fraud ChargesFormer Fenton Real Estate Agent Sent To Trial On Fraud Charges
A Grand Blanc man who worked as a real estate agent in Fenton has been bound over for trial on charges of fraud. 45-year-old Thomas Tubbs of Grand Blanc is charged with one count of false pretenses of $100,000 or more. The charges against Tubbs are in relation to when he was a licensed real estate agent for Century 21 ParkPlace in Fenton, which is now Century 21 Woodland. In August, Tubbs allegedly took $150,000 from an Atlas Township couple for what was believed to be a real estate transaction, but never followed through and allegedly kept the money for himself. The residence in question was never purchased or closed on. Dan Borgerding, the broker for Century 21 Woodland, says he doesnât really know Tubbs or âknow exactly what happenedâ, but did confirm to WHMI that the transaction was conducted outside of the real estate company. He guesses Tubbs could have collected the money from the couple under the pretense of flipping a house. Borderging says when he was made aware of the situation, he immediately fired Tubbs, removed his real estate license from the office wall and sent it back to the state. Tubbs was bound over to Genesee County Circuit Court in May and a tentative trial date has been scheduled for October 18th. Tubbsâ criminal history includes two other similar crimes. Court records indicate that Tubbs had been charged with taking over $100,000 in 2014 in Fenton Township. In a separate incident that is scheduled to go to trial this August, Tubbs is charged with larceny by conversion of $20,000 or more. (DK)
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Howell Teachers To Get Summer TrainingHowell Teachers To Get Summer Training
Teachers in one local school district will be attending a training session this summer to help them connect with students. Over the last few years about 180 teachers and a handful of school board members from the Howell Public Schools have given three days of their summer to a program called Capturing Kidsâ Hearts. The Board of Education recently approved a contract for the early summer training that adds another 50 educators to the number of faculty who get in on the special program. Executive Director of Instructional Services Kara Cotton says the hope is that eventually all teachers in the district will have the training, which shows them how to create healthy bonds with their students. She says teachers make good use of the training. She says it is about student engagement and fostering that relationship. There are some protocols put in place to form that connection on how to increase the level of engagement and productivity. She says it's a formula that's been around for a number of years, but it's incredible how the 50 participants walk out as a team and go back to their classrooms where they create that environment within each of their classrooms and within the building as a whole and across the district. Cotton says students benefit in the long run because the training recognizes student engagement. She says it gives teachers a way to address behavior in a positive way and also increases student to student connections. The program is based on 40 developmental protocols that give educators ways to not only bond with their students, but staff and community members. Cotton says the $26,000 cost of the program is grant funded, and the off-site location and food are all donated, so there is no cost to the district. She says a second summer session will be held in August to train another 50 teachers. (DS)
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New Generator Needed To Supply Back-Up Power To Howell City Hall New Generator Needed To Supply Back-Up Power To Howell City Hall
Howell City Hall is getting some upgrades. The existing generator that serves city hall is close to 30 years old and does not provide emergency back-up power to the whole building. After several failures over the last few years, which create additional issues and headaches for staff, it was deemed time to investigate potential replacements and upgrade the emergency standby-generator. Staff felt it would also be an opportune time to consider a generator that would power the entire facility. City Council agreed and approved a proposal for engineering services during a May meeting. It will be a significant upgrade according to City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI city hall is served by a back-up generator and when they were doing repairs, identified potentially updating the generator as part of that project. Now that they are under construction for the repair of the east wall, they've begun preliminary design work on replacing the back-up generator. Right now, Charles says it just serves the police department and a small part of the building but the updated generator would enable them to power entire building during times of power outages. A load study for the building is included in the scope of the proposal approved by council, which will help determine the size of a new generator. The contract includes the removal and replacement of the old generator. Meanwhile, work is ongoing to repair and secure the east wall, which engineers earlier found is separating from the building. At the last update, that project was on schedule. (JM)
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Annual Pink Party To Again Support Breast Cancer Research & CareAnnual Pink Party To Again Support Breast Cancer Research & Care
A very colorful fundraiser is coming to Howell next week. The 8th annual Pink Party is set for Thursday, June 9th. The event benefits St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital breast cancer research and supportive care and last year raised $30,000. Starting at 5pm on the 9th there will be giveaways and special promotions from local businesses all over Howell's downtown. The annual event also features the parade of men, food and wine tasting and the Queen of the Night contest for most creative pink outfit. A $25 passport is required to participate and can be purchased at featured locations or online. Groups who purchase eight or more passports will be escorted by tuxedo clad men (pictured) who will wait on them and carry their shopping bags. For more information or to get involved, click on the link below. (DS)
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Community Discussion Seeks Citizens' Input On GovernmentCommunity Discussion Seeks Citizens' Input On Government
A public forum next week is looking for feedback in order to improve trust between the state government and citizens. The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce will host a community discussion on Tuesday, June 7th from 8 to 9:30 am. The forum, titled âRestoring Public Trust in Michiganâs State Governmentâ will be conducted by the Center for Michigan and is seeking the publicâs input on how to make Michiganâs Government work better for residents. Topics will include state government services, management of the public purse, and oversight of Michiganâs political system. Participants will use a clicker to electronically log in their answers to questions regarding these issues. The Center for Michigan has hosted similar discussions before and it has been said that the information they gather has made an impact on public policy. More information about the event can be obtained by emailing; chamber@howell.org.
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