Authorities have arrested man believed to be connected to a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred in Wixom, Monday night.
Officers from the Wixom Police Department, with help from federal and state law enforcement partners arrested Miguel A. Ibarra Cerda, Tuesday afternoon, in the Lansing area. The arrest was made without incident. The 21-year-old Cerda is from Commerce Township and was being sought by police for his possible involvement as the driver of a blue Honda minivan that struck and killed 14-year-old Justin Lee of Wixom, who was riding his bike when he was hit, a day earlier. The minivan was found abandoned shortly after the incident in Commerce Township. Lee was a student at Walled Lake Western High School. Grief counselors are on hand at the high school for any friends and classmates who may need assistance working through the tragedy.
The investigation into the accident is continuing forward. The Wixom Police Department is asking anyone with information on the crash to contact them at (248) 624-6114. Photo â Wixom Police Department (MK)
Suspect Arrested In Fatal Hit-And-Run Case In WixomSuspect Arrested In Fatal Hit-And-Run Case In Wixom
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Howell City Council Approves Updated Civic Event PolicyHowell City Council Approves Updated Civic Event Policy
The Howell City Council met Monday night and approved cost sharing amendments to the civic event policy.
Faced with pressing budget issues and an earlier decision to vote down a public safety assessment, members reiterated the decision was not taken lightly but is a compromise, compared to recouping 100% of the cost of services provided during festivals and events. The changes wonât kick in until January 2019, so this yearâs events and festivals wonât be impacted. Council had quite a bit of conversation both last night and previously but felt it was the appropriate time to move forward. Charging fees for City services has been a recurring discussion item amongst Council, given what officials say is a broken state funding model plagued by years of cuts to municipalities everywhere. Prior to approval, leaders from the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce, Howell Area Parks and Recreation Authority and the Howell Main Street all expressed concerns with how the policy would impact their budgets and potentially force them to discontinue events.
Ashley Prew spoke on behalf of the Howell Chamber Board of Directors to say they understand the budget issues and appreciate a strong partnership with the City and have no intention of skirting their financial responsibility to the community or city. However, she noted the Chamber and the Foundation have never petitioned for relief from substantial property taxes, despite being a non-profit, and further providing hundreds of volunteers for events. As a non-profit, Prew said the policy forces the Chamber to re-examine their budgets and seriously reconsider involvement in putting on the events, stressing it might not be financially possible to continue both the Balloonfest and Fantasy of Lights events in the long term. The Chamber further requested Council eliminate the cost share for Fantasy of Lights and/or Balloonfest in total or that it be reduced or be implanted on a gradual basis to address budgetary issues in years to come.
Mayor Nick Proctor commented itâs not easy but given the current fiscal environment and recent failure of a proposed public safety assessment, the City cannot sustain footing the bill for civic event services. He says Council is at the point where they have to provide some modest relief to the general fund and crafted a policy that is in-between doing nothing and 100% immediately. He noted the City does receive certain benefits and there is an economic impact that canât be measured, as well as other intangibles for good will and reputation. However, Proctor says the City is getting stuck with the bill and paying a good chunk of money for people coming in from out of town, and they cannot continue to ask residents to foot the bill entirely.
City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI the City should be able to recover around $40,000 in actual direct event costs, as in-direct costs are part of what they do. He says those include public works and police costs along with the cost for City staff to set-up, put out barricades, pick-up, and all of the other things to host events. The policy changes were approved unanimously. Council members Jan Lobur and Scott Niblock were absent. (JM)
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Police Standoff In City Of Fenton Ends In Apparent SuicidePolice Standoff In City Of Fenton Ends In Apparent Suicide
A domestic situation that started Tuesday morning and led to a police standoff in Fenton ended with the gunman taking his own life.
Fenton Police received a phone call from a woman around 8am who reported being assaulted by her boyfriend. Officers responded to the home in the 600 block of Hickory Street and attempted to make contact with the man but were unable to. The woman had went to the police station so officers cleared the residence and returned to the station, where they learned the 35-year-old suspect had assaulted the victim earlier that morning.
Chief Jason Slater tells WHMI the suspect attempted to strangle the victim and after obtaining arrest warrants, officers returned to the residence to try and take him into custody. When they arrived, Slater says they couldnât make contact and heard from inside the home what they believe was a single gunshot. Slater says they pulled back, took up perimeter points and tried to establish contact with the suspect before enlisting assistance from the Michigan State Police Emergency Services Team.
Slater says the MSP team attempted numerous times to get the suspect to come out of the home, give himself up and allow the situation to end peacefully. Robots and cameras were eventually used to determine the suspect was not on the first or second floor of the home. He says after the basement window was breached, they determined the suspect was lying on the basement floor of the home. At that point, Slater says entry was gained and they learned the suspect had succumbed to what they believe was a single gunshot wound, which ended his life. The man was found dead in the basement around 12:45pm.
Slater says at this point, they believe it was the single shot that resulted in the suspectâs death but that remains under investigation. He says they heard no other gunshots other than the single one that happened in the early morning. Slater said they were awaiting autopsy results for positive identification and notifying family members but anticipate releasing the suspectâs name sometime today. He says the couple had been together for a while and had two children, who were not home at the time of the incident.
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Prosecutor: Murder Convictions Under Review After Complaint Against Judge BrennanProsecutor: Murder Convictions Under Review After Complaint Against Judge Brennan
Livingston Countyâs prosecutor is reviewing the conviction of a man in a double murder trial after a complaint was filed against an embattled judge.
Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says in light of the Judicial Tenure Commissionâs public complaint filed Tuesday against 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan, the 2013 murder conviction of Jerome Kowalski is being re-examined. The 66-page complaint alleges various counts involving Brennanâs failure to disclose/disqualify herself from cases, stating her actions constitute a pattern of improper conduct in violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
The complaint states Brennan did not disclose the full extent and nature of her relationship with former State Police detective Sean Furlong during Kowalskiâs trial, over which she presided and which resulted in his conviction and life sentence. Furlong was the chief witness for the prosecution as he took Kowalskiâs confession, which was later disputed as being coerced. Testimony during Brennanâs divorce indicated the pair had been involved in a sexual affair before, during and after the trial. They claim it only began after the trial. However, the JTC complaint alleges multiple examples of inappropriate contact between the two that contradict that claim.
Vailliencourt says they are reviewing the details of the complaint and will be in contact with representatives of Kowalski to determine the next steps regarding his convictions. Vailliencourt says the complaint sets forth a course of behavior by Brennan that is both outrageous and unacceptable, adding they will take the appropriate action to ensure that justice is done in the criminal case. Ultimately, he says the Michigan Supreme Court is the only entity with the authority to suspend or remove a sitting judge. (JM/JK)
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Camera Jam Will Give Amateur Filmmakers A Shot At The Big ScreenCamera Jam Will Give Amateur Filmmakers A Shot At The Big Screen
An event this weekend in Howell will give amateur filmmakers a chance to show off their work.
Camera Jam 2018 will be presented free of charge by the Historic Howell Theater on Saturday, June 16th at 7pm. Theater owner Tyler DePerro says itâs an open projector event, which means no judges, strict guidelines or awards will be a part of the show.
DePerro says the goal of the Camera Jam is to give people the opportunity to present their stories on the big screen with an emphasis on storytelling and not technology. He adds that, "Professional cameras are not a must to participateâ and that theyâve had entries shot completely on iPhones that are âwonderfully creative."
This year is the fourth year for the Camera Jam hosted by the Historic Howell Theater. DePerro strongly urges parental guidance as the films are not rated.
Picture is a still shot from "Trust The Boys To Get You There" by Drew Laughner. (JK)
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Handy Twp. Seeking Road Millage Renewal On August BallotHandy Twp. Seeking Road Millage Renewal On August Ballot
Handy Township is seeking a renewal of the municipalityâs current road millage, with the proposal set to appear on the ballot for the upcoming primary election.
The proposal, which will come before voters August 7th, seeks approval to levy one mill beginning in December 2019 and lasting through December of 2022. Township officials want to bring the issue before residents in the August primary as no elections are currently scheduled for 2019 and theyâd like to avoid scheduling a special election just for the proposition itself. The millage is only levied on property owners in precincts one and three.
Township Supervisor Ed Alverson tells WHMI the most recent winter taxes garnered approximately $176,000; 100% of which is placed in a separate fund to be used strictly for dust control and road improvements. Dust control is applied two to four times a year based on need, with each application costing about $25,000. The remaining money is used for road improvements. A $175,000 resurfacing project was recently completed on Cemetery Road and work is underway to add gravel, ditching and culverts on Van Orden Road at a cost not to exceed $92,000. In July, gravel and ditching will be added to Converse Road at a cost of $63,000.
The road millage was created in 1986 and has been renewed every four years since. (DK)
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Brighton Salon Owner Passes AwayBrighton Salon Owner Passes Away
Services are set for a longtime Brighton businesswoman who recently passed away.
Michele Bouhana, the owner of Micheleâs Salon and Day Spa, died Monday. She was 68. Bouhana, who served on the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for many years, was also a devoted Rotarian and humanitarian.
Chamber Executive Director Pam McConeghy called her a âtrue pioneer for women in business in Livingston Countyâ adding that she started out with a small salon which she grew through the years, facing âgood times and bad times, with equal zest . . . always with a fire under her belt and a will to succeed.â
Visitation will be held Monday at the Keehn Funeral Home in Brighton with services set for Tuesday morning at St. Patrick Catholic Church. You'll find details through the link below. (JK)
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Fowlerville Schools To Pay For Training Of New K-9Fowlerville Schools To Pay For Training Of New K-9
Fowlerville Community Schools has offered to pay for the complete training for the Fowlerville Police Departmentâs newest K-9.
Since 2012, K-9 Niko has worked alongside Sergeant Jeffrey Soli (pictured). After nearly seven years of service, the Doberman Pinscher will officially retire on June 30th, due to recent hip and heart complications. Taking Nikoâs place will be a 2 ½ year old German Shepherd named Athena.
Fowlerville Police Chief John Tyler announced to the Village Council on Monday night that Fowlerville Community Schools will be paying the full costs of Athenaâs training, which is expected to cost nearly $5,000. Training will consist of preparing the K-9 for duties such as tracking, handler protection, locating narcotics, and search and rescue. With the team spending the majority of their time in the Fowlerville schools, Athena will also need to be trained on how to behave around children.
Athenaâs training will begin on June 26th and she will be active for duty by August. Chief Tyler says Fowlerville Community Schools offered to pay for the full training costs because of the success Sergeant Soli and Niko had in the district over the years. K-9 use has been predominantly used in Fowlerville schools for drug searches and locating runaway children. Tyler said he was very pleased to have Fowlerville Schools offer to pay for the training and is happy with the success that Fowlerville Police has had with being in the schools for over 18 years. (DF)
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Man Charged In Rural King Retail Fraud Headed To TrialMan Charged In Rural King Retail Fraud Headed To Trial
39-year-old Sean Thompson is charged with one count each of unarmed robbery and 3rd degree retail fraud. He recently appeared in 53rd District Court, at which time Judge Carol Sue Reader determined there was enough evidence to bind the case over to Livingston County Circuit Court.
Thompson is charged in connection with the April 7th incident, which occurred at the Rural King on Highland Road. Store employees told responding Sheriffâs deputies they observed a man attempting to conceal an unknown item in his coat. The employees pursued the man, later identified as Thompson, into the parking lot and attempted to restrain him for suspected retail fraud; however he managed to escape and fled in his vehicle.
The employees sustained minor injuries but did not seek medical attention at the time of the incident. Thompson was later located by the Sheriff's Office with the assistance of the White Lake Township Police Department. He is due back in court July 13th for a pre-trial hearing. (JM/DK)
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Highland Township Business To Create 62 New JobsHighland Township Business To Create 62 New Jobs
A local manufacturer was chosen as one of 2 in the state to receive a grant that will help with expansion and the bringing of new jobs to the area. Midwest Glass Fabricators out of Highland Township will be the recipient of a $186,000 Michigan Business Development performance-based grant. This support, which comes from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, will help the family-owned business with an expansion project that is expected to generate $4.7-million in total capital investment. 62 jobs will be created from it.
Midwest Glass Fabricators already produces glass products for storefronts, mall fronts, and shower enclosures, and more. The expansion will allow them to create a glass laminating line for safety and security glass. To help further, the Highland Township Board of Trustees has offered a 50% tax abatement in support of the project. Co-owner and Chief Executive Officer Jim Iaquinto said that that this new line is a step towards providing safety to buildings nationwide at a price that wonât compromise security. Because of this, he believes it will help establish Michigan as a leader in the arena of safeguarding the public. (Photo- Midwest Glass) (MK)
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First Of Four Open Houses For Headlee Override In Brighton HeldFirst Of Four Open Houses For Headlee Override In Brighton Held
City of Brighton officials held the first of 4 public open houses regarding the upcoming Headlee Override Millage Proposal. A very small number of residents showed up for the informational event that was held at the Brighton Police Department, Wednesday night. On August 7th, voters are being asked residents to override the Headlee Amendment so that the city can levy the full 20 mills authorized under the city charter. Currently they only levy roughly 15.65 mills. If passed, it would cost the average homeowner with a median taxable income of $75,000 an additional $326 yearly in city taxes. Broken down, this comes to approximately an extra $27 per month, or 89-cents per day. This would raise approximately $1.85-million annually that would be used to upgrade city streets. The city would then begin a series of 2 year street programs. Every 2 years for the 10 years of the override they would implement a new program based on updated street assessments.
City Manager Nate Geinzer said the reactions heâs heard so far have been mixed. He said the city understands that âwhat weâre asking for is not a small ask, but it is a real ask; thereâs a real need.â Geinzer said if they donât start investing a significant amount into the roads, they are just going to get worse and it will end up costing taxpayers more in the end.
The few people who attended the open house were split on their opinions, as well. Those in favor recognized the conditions of the roads and spoke about something needing to be done. One voter said, after running numbers with a city financial officer at the open house, that the override wouldnât cost him as much as he expected. Others, however, were concerned about living on a fixed income and what taking on the extra taxes would mean. There was also worry about the override making the sale of their home in the future more difficult. Resident Richard Bondy didnât like the length of the override. Bondy said he would like to see the 10-year term halved. After that 5 years is up, City Council can then âcome back to the voters and say, âOkay, voters. Howâd we do?ââ
The City of Brighton has 3 more of these open houses planned. The next will take place on Wednesday, June 27th, from at City Hall. Future open houses are planned for July 11th at the Community Center at 555 Brighton Street, and for July 25th at City Hall. All open house times are from 6pm until 8pm. (MK)
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Pilots Get Fired Up At Michigan Challenge Balloonfest PreviewPilots Get Fired Up At Michigan Challenge Balloonfest Preview
Community members got a preview of some of the hot air balloons that will be a part of this yearâs Michigan Challenge Balloonfest.
The 34th annual event will be held in downtown Howell June 22nd through the 24th. A balloon preview was held at the Howell City Park Wednesday and though only one balloon took flight due to windy conditions, a handful of others were fired up as pilots prepare for shows and competitions that are held at Balloonfest each year.
Balloonmeister Phil Clinger says pilots from all over the country take part in the event, with nearly 50 balloons scheduled to participate. Clinger has flown in the Michigan Challenge for over 20 years and tells WHMI he enjoys the area's community and putting a smile on people's faces.
Balloon pilots are required to go through the same process as aircraft pilots when it comes to obtaining a fixed-wing license. Clinger says another lesser-known fact is the expense attached to ballooning, as a brand new balloon on average costs around $40,000 to $50,000. It costs twice as much to fly a balloon as it does a small aircraft, according to Clinger.
Dennis Hall of Howell has piloted in Balloonfest for about 10 years. He says he enjoys getting to spend time with other pilots and of course, the "spectacular" view. Offering insight to those who haven't had the experience, Hall says it's âtruly a unique form of flight unlike any other", as the ride is without turbulence, shaking and wind. As the balloonsâ ability to take flight is mostly weather-dependent, Hall encourages guests at Balloonfest to be patient; noting pilots are also disappointed when theyâre unable to lift off.
Among the pilots at the preview was Ken Myer, who has participated in Balloonfest for what will soon be 15 years. Heâll be flying Cleary Universityâs balloon and plans to put on a good show as always. Myer says his favorite part of piloting is taking new people for rides to give them the experience of a lifetime, in addition to spectators' anticipation and excitement.
Many of the participating pilots are seasoned veterans and what they have in years of experience, 18-year-old Joey Strutz of Brighton makes up for with his life-long love affair with ballooning. Strutz began attending Balloonfest when he was just three years old. He was invited onto the field by a pilot when he was seven and was "hooked", later deciding to pursue his license after his first balloon ride at age 11. Strutz got his student certificate license when he was 14, and then began training to become officially licensed. He expects heâll complete that process within the next couple of months. His goal is to travel the country to participate in different flying events and to compete in the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship.
The group of pilots say they're looking forward to catching up with their pilot friends, putting on a good show for Balloonfest's guests, and the euphoria of it all. More information about Balloonfest can be found at the link below. (DK)
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Brennan Removed From BenchBrennan Removed From Bench
A Livingston County judge accused of failing to disclose a relationship with a police officer during a murder case and other misconduct has been removed from hearing cases.
County Chief Judge Miriam Cavanaugh said Wednesday that Theresa Brennan's caseload has been removed and reassigned until further notice. The district court was closed Wednesday while judges worked through rearranging their dockets to accommodate the new cases, but will reopen today. The move follows Tuesday's filing of a 66-page complaint against Brennan by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission. Investigators say Brennan had 239 phone calls with state police Sgt. Sean Furlong over a 14-month period while Furlong was involved in a murder case before the judge.
Testimony during her divorce indicated the pair had been involved in a sexual relationship before, during and after the 2013 trial of Jerome Kowalski, who was convicted and sentenced to life by Brennan after Furlong served as the prosecutionâs chief witness. They have since acknowledged an affair but insist it started after the trial. The complaint also says Brennan's secretary shopped for her and ran personal errands on public time.
Brennan hasn't commented since the complaint was filed. But the chorus of local leaders calling on her to resign has grown in the last week, starting with State Senator Joe Hune last week and State Representatives Hank Vaupel and Lana Theis this week, along with six Livingston County Commissioners and others. (JK)
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Trial Date Set For Teen Charged In Whitmore Lake School ThreatTrial Date Set For Teen Charged In Whitmore Lake School Threat
A trial date has been set for one of two suspects charged with threatening to shoot up a Whitmore Lake school building.
18-year-olds Michael Gage Perks and Eric Gordon Deaton, both of Whitmore Lake, were charged in Washtenaw County Trial Court on charges of false report or threat of terrorism after the incident in March. A pre-trial hearing was held Monday for Perks, at which time a trial date was set for October 9th. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Northfield Township Police received information March 13th from Superintendent Tom DeKeyser regarding a threat to âshoot up a school buildingâ within the district, which was forced to close the following day as officers investigated. Deaton and Parks, along with two other teens, were identified as suspects. Police say they recovered a firearm at Perksâ home. At his arraignment, Perks said he was a student at FlexTech High School in Brighton. Police previously said all of the suspects are current or past students of Whitmore Lake schools. Charges were denied against a third subject, a 17-year-old male, while a 16-year-old juvenile was released pending further investigation.
Deaton, who entered a guilty plea in April, will be sentenced Monday under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which will give him a clean record if he successfully completes probation. (JK)
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Northfield Township Officials Expecting North Village Proposals SoonNorthfield Township Officials Expecting North Village Proposals Soon
With the timer ticking down on bids to develop a sizable portion of Whitmore Lake, Northfield Township officials are preparing for the offers to come in.
Over the past couple of years, the different governing bodies of Northfield Township have come together with residents and volunteer groups to put together a vision for the North Village district of Whitmore Lake. The synthesis plan they came up makes a request for a park area, beach area, retail with housing above it, town homes, and an open space area with an amphitheater.
Township Manager Steven Aynes told the Board of Trustees at their meeting Tuesday night that he anticipates 2 offers from developers, but that an extension on the request for proposal, or RFP, time was necessary. The new due date is next Wednesday, June 20th. The Board made a decision to have Township Planner Paul Lippens set the scoring criteria for the bids. Northfield Township Supervisor Marlene Chockley said this should help make the decision on whom to go with âpretty cut and dry.â Chockley said he will find a method to grade aspects of the RFPs like the developerâs financial capability, their experience, and other categories relevant to how well they can finish the job.
Trustee Janet Chick asked for the Board to check in on the legalities of the Planning Commission reviewing and scoring the proposals. Chockley and Treasurer Lenore Zelenock believed that as a legal statutory body, the Planning Commission should be within its right to. Aynes informed the Board that the scoring could be done through near endless combinations of entities that could even include residents or the Downtown Planning Group. Because of the uncertainty, the Board held off on establishing the committee to score the RFPs until they came in. (MK)
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Lee Road Roundabout Reconstruction To Start June 25thLee Road Roundabout Reconstruction To Start June 25th
Reconstruction of the Lee Road roundabout in Green Oak Township will be starting up soon.
Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine says the long awaited and dreaded reconstruction project will technically will begin just before 4th of July, around June 25th, with a relatively benign phase. He says work will be done on the north leg of Whitmore Lake Road and when everything is done, there will be fewer lanes coming into that traffic circle, as theyâre going to eliminate one. Everything that was built as part of the original roundabout project will be completely resurfaced.
Craine tells WHMI the overall goal of the project, in addition to restoring pavement integrity, is to correct a crash pattern that developed in only the westerly or the Whitmore Lake circle in which people are turning the wrong way from the wrong lane. Craine says theyâll eliminate the middle lane at the Whitmore Lake Road roundabout so there will just be two circulating lanes in the roundabouts. Initial work involves pulling out curbing on north side of Whitmore Lake Road, putting in new curbing and then shutting down for the long holiday weekend while the concrete cures. Craine says thereâs a lot of work, with most being done at night. He says during the 14-day period after the 4th of July when the roundabout at Whitmore Lake Road will be closed, detours will either be the freeway itself or Old US-23 up to Grand River and down to Rickett Road.
Craine says because of the amount of traffic in the area, the project has to be done in careful stages and the real action will start after the 4th of July. Since most of the work will be done at night, it will not affect any access to Green Oak Village Place Mall. Craine says people can continue to use the freeway to access the mall, except during evening hours when crews are working there. He says it will be a little tougher on the Costco side, because traffic has to be shifted over to Rickett and Maltby Roads to get back in to the mall.
Information detailing the Lee Road reconstruction project and detours are available on the Road Commission website. Those impacted are also able to sign up for email updates as the project progresses. That link is provided. (JM)
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Retired Judge Appointed To Hear Case Against BrennanRetired Judge Appointed To Hear Case Against Brennan
A retired judge has been appointed to hear the case against a Livingston County judge accused of failing to disclose a relationship with a police officer during a murder case.
The Michigan Supreme Court today appointed retired Wayne County Circuit Court Judge William J. Giovan as a special master to conduct an evidentiary hearing on the Judicial Tenure Commissionâs official complaint against 53rd District Judge Theresa Brennan. Chief Justice Stephen J. Markman said the stateâs highest court has âthe utmost confidence in Judge Giovanâs ability to handle this matter with fairness and expedition on behalf of the people of Livingston County and the people of Michigan.â The announcement follows Tuesdayâs filing of a 66-page complaint against Brennan by the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission. Investigators say Brennan had 239 phone calls with former state police Sgt. Sean Furlong over a 14-month period while Furlong was involved in a murder case before the judge.
Testimony during her divorce indicated the pair had been involved in a sexual relationship before, during and after the 2013 trial of Jerome Kowalski, who was convicted and sentenced to life by Brennan after Furlong served as the prosecutionâs chief witness. They have since acknowledged an affair but insist it started after the trial. On Wednesday, Livingston County Chief Judge Miriam Cavanaugh announced that Brennanâs docket was being reassigned to the countyâs other judges. (JK)
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Old Plank Road In Wixom To Close SaturdayOld Plank Road In Wixom To Close Saturday
A road closure is scheduled this weekend in the City of Wixom for culvert replacement.
The Road Commission for Oakland County expects to close Old Plank Road just north of Pontiac Trail to through traffic on Saturday to replace a culvert under the road. The detour for through traffic will be Pontiac Trail to South Hill Road to Maple Road, back to Old Plank Road and vice versa. Old Plank Road carries approximately 5,490 vehicles daily. The work is being done during the weekend to minimize traffic impacts. The Road Commission says the culvert replacement is expected to be completed by the end of the day on Saturday. However in case of inclement weather, an alternate date of Sunday, June 17th has been set for the culvert replacement.
Details and a detour map are available through the link. (JM)
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Man Arraigned In Hit & Run DeathMan Arraigned In Hit & Run Death
A man accused in the hit-and-run death of a Wixom teenager riding bicycle has been arraigned on felony charges.
21-year-old Miguel Cerda of Commerce Township appeared via video from the Oakland County Jail on Thursday in 52-1 District Court in Novi. He was arraigned on charges of reckless driving causing death and failure to stop at the scene of an accident when at fault resulting in death. Cerda was ordered held on a $350,000 bond. 14-year-old Justin Lee was struck Monday evening by a minivan while riding his bicycle Monday afternoon along Potter Road in Wixom. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Wixom Public Safety Director Ron Moore said the suspect drove the damaged minivan for nearly two miles to a mobile home park, where he parked it and left in a pickup truck. Cerda was arrested Tuesday in Lansing. Cerda is a Mexican national. Prosecutors say he is in the U.S. illegally and federal immigration officials have been notified about Cerda's arrest.
Lee was a freshman at Walled Lake Western. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral expenses and has raised more than $26,000. The link is provided. Funeral services are scheduled at 11am Monday at First Baptist Church of Wixom. (JM)
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Pink Party Celebrates 10 Years of "Fighting Fear With Fun"Pink Party Celebrates 10 Years of "Fighting Fear With Fun"
A rosy glow was cast on Downtown Howell Thursday as community members clad in pink converged on the city for the 10th annual Pink Party.
Proceeds from the yearly town-wide fundraiser are donated to St. Joseph Mercyâs Brighton Cancer Center to support breast cancer research and the expansion of related services. Pink Party President and CEO Diana Biermann says the event is held âfor the community, by the communityâ, as party-goers continue to extend their impact. Since the party's inception, the generated funds have been used to purchase imaging technology, a sterotactic add-on device to the mammography unit and a breast MRI coil. The money is also used to fund a genetic counselor and to aid uninsured and underprivileged women.
Biermann says they aim to âfight fear with funâ. There was no shortage of fun at this yearâs party, which included fitness sessions, traveling entertainment and a parade of survivors and supporters. The evening ended by crowning the âQueen of the Nightâ, who is Tiana Mammoser, a first-time party guest who recently moved to Houghton Lake from New Mexico. Some of Mammoserâs family members are new residents of Howell and encouraged her to come to the party with their group, âWe Came For The Mammariesâ. Mammoser tells WHMI she wants to spread a message of hope, adding, "...thatâs the great part of humanity-projects like this.â
Also in attendance was Pamela Dilucia of Howell- a two-time breast cancer survivor who was first diagnosed in 2014, and then diagnosed with stage-four terminal breast cancer when it returned in 2016. She was later started on a trial chemotherapy pill and has had immense success, with one lesion on her hip becoming non-active and one on her other hip healing entirely. Though she is still technically classified as having stage-four cancer, her doctors have labeled her as showing no evidence of the disease. She says she wants to tell her story because she too needed a story of hope and encouragement while in the hospital.
Through the years, the Pink Party has raised approximately $200,000 for St. Joeâs Cancer Center. Biermann says theyâll know in a couple of months what was raised at 2018âs event. St. Joeâs recently opened its new breast imaging center at the hospitalâs Brighton location, offering screening, diagnostic and biopsy services. (DK)
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