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WHMI 93.5 - Livingston County's Own

Huron River Crest Expected Sunday at 6.9 Feet

5/17/14 - A flood warning remains in effect for the Huron River near Hamburg. The National Weather Service issued the warning on Friday after the river rose above its 6.5 foot flood stage. As of 6:15 this morning, the river was at 6.7 feet and continuing to rise. Minor flooding is expected to continue along the Huron River and at Ore Lake. The flood stage is expected to crest at around 6.9 feet Sunday and remain there through the day until it begins to recede on Monday morning. Serious flooding, involving crawl spaces and foundations, doesn’t usually occur until the water reaches the 7-foot stage, which is not expected to happen. Stay tuned to WHMI or check WHMI.com for further weather and flooding updates. (JK)

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Green Oak Twp. & Trustees Sued Over Liquid Manufacturing

5/17/14 - The company that owns the Liquid Manufacturing Co. building and site in Green Oak Township has filed suit against the township and its trustees, individually. Packaging and Distribution Finance Group, or PDFG, filed suit last week in U.S. District Court in Detroit against the township, Supervisor Mark St. Charles, Clerk Michael Sedlak, Treasurer Susan Daugherty and four trustees. The suit alleges that they have violated both the U.S. and Michigan constitutions in their enforcement actions against Liquid Manufacturing. Until February of this year, the company made energy drinks, beer, wine, flavored vodkas, frozen alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic drinks. The company opened in 2003 on Whitmore Lake Road and later expanded operations to increase and diversify its products. At one time, the company employed over 200 people. Ultimately, it ran into financial difficulty and PDFG foreclosed on the property on Feb. 19th. Liquid Manufacturing clashed with the township on numerous occasions during its 12 years in business, mostly over problems experienced by the Hidden Lake Sewage Treatment Plant involving discharges resulting from the alcohol fermentation and related processes at the plant. The township was also under the gun by the Department of Environmental Quality for an excess of sodium at its plant, mostly caused by the distillery. In its lawsuit, PDFG is asking the court to order that all fees, fines and charges assessed by the township be rescinded and to award the company damages and attorney fees. St. Charles says if PDFG wins the lawsuit and is awarded all of the damages it is seeking, it could cost the township half a million dollars. He says that by law, the money could not be taken from the general fund, but would have to come out of the sewer fund. Since that’s an enterprise fund and therefore must be self-sustaining, the legal bill would fall on the shoulders of residents and businesses connected to the sewage treatment plant. St. Charles denies allegations by PDFG that the township’s actions have amount to an unconstitutional taking of property, violate the equal protection clause of the Constitution or deny due process. Rather, St. Charles says, the township bent over backwards to work with Liquid Manufacturing so that it could come into compliance while continuing operations at the facility. He also says the township came very close to an agreement with PDFG recently that would have resolved the issues and says he is very surprised the company resorted to legal action. PDFG officials could not be reached for comment on the lawsuit. (TT)

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Mark Schauer Rallies Supporters At Annual Winans Dinner

5/17/14 - Mark Schauer, a Howell native who is running for governor, provided the keynote address at the 31st annual Winans Dinner. About 320 Democratic Party members gathered at Lakelands Golf and Country Club to support Schauer and other candidates running for office this November. Schauer, who graduated valedictorian from Howell High School in 1980, believes one key to success is investing in Michiganders. “Send the message that we are a high wage high skill state, rather than low wage low skill state...That’s not the Michigan that I envision.” Schauer brought the crowd to its feet several times saying, “The road to Lansing starts in my home county, Livingston County!” Mike Tipton, who is running for a seat on the Livingston County Board of Commissioners, says Schauer is on the right side of many issues, especially education reform. Tipton said education is vital for jobs, for growth and a better life in Michigan, especially in Livingston County. Schauer told those in attendance that he and his running mate, Lisa Brown, will wake up every day and fight good jobs and a strong middle class. (LR/JK)

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Township Police Seek Public's Help in Identifying Fraud Victims

5/17/14 - The Green Oak Township Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying all of the victims in a series of incidents in which restaurant customers’ credit cards were overcharged. The fraudulent activities occurred at Johnny Carino’s Restaurant at the Green Oak Village Place mall at US-23 and Lee Road. So far, two cases have been uncovered in which patrons’ credit cards were deliberately overcharged. Restaurant management has reviewed all of the credit card purchases handled by the employee and identified many other transactions that were also fraudulently handled. The restaurant has been working with police in trying to identify all of the victims. Police would like anyone who patronized the restaurant between Feb. 22nd and April 19th and may have been over-charged to contact Officer Alicia Montes. The number is 810-231-9626, X- 243. (TT)

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Cohoctah Horse Owner Convicted of Animal Cruelty

5/16/14 - A trial has ended in the conviction of a Cohoctah Township woman on animal cruelty charges. District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader handed down the verdict Thursday against 71-year-old Velva Jean Wainscott of Cohoctah Township following a bench trial. She was charged with cruelty to one animal resulting in death and a second count of cruelty involving two other horses who were malnourished. Livingston County Animal Control officers went to Wainscott's Byron Road farm on Jan. 12 (pictured) after a 911 caller reported seeing a dead horse. Witnesses testified that water for Wainscott's horses was frozen and their hay was filled with feces and urine, making it inedible. Wainscott testified that her horses had adequate water and feed. She says she fed them twice a day and if she was unable to do it, she had many friends who helped her. Wainscott's horses were previously seized by Animal Control in November of 2012 after she was accused of abandoning or cruelty to 10 or more horses. Those charges were dismissed with prejudice and the animals were returned. Sentencing on Thursday’s conviction is set for June 18th.

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Howell Twp. Dog Breeder Refutes Cruelty Charges

5/16/14 - A Howell Township woman is refuting allegations she mistreated animals after authorities removed nearly 100 dogs and cats earlier this week. The Humane Society of the United States and veterinarians assisted Livingston County Animal Control and the Livingston County sheriff's department Wednesday with removal of the dogs from the Suntar Valley Drive property of Margaret Elaine Komorny. Investigators found large-breed dogs and puppies living in what Animal Control and the Humane Society say were substandard conditions at the Raisin Tree Farm. The 76-year-old Komorny says the dogs weren't in overcrowded cages and got care daily. She’s set for arraignment May 29th on the animal cruelty charges related to circumstances at her farm in April, although charges have yet to be brought related to Wednesday's removal. (JK)

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Water Line and Pothole Repair Work Set for Brighton Streets

5/16/14 - Crews will be working to repair a Brighton city water line that goes down Rickett Road on Monday. City Manager Dana Foster tells WHMI the work will take place north of the CSX railroad tracks and will involve some unavoidable traffic delays for motorists, with the roadway reduced to a single lane. Foster says the work will involve permanent, long-term repairs and will take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Foster also says that city crews will be out early next week filling potholes that developed during the harsh winter at several locations throughout the city. Those who want more detailed information on the repair work can go to the city’s website of brightoncity.org. and search under press releases and notices. (TT)

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Howell Area to Host Michigan Libertarian Convention

5/16/14 - Livingston County will serve as the host this weekend for a political party’s state convention. The Livingston County Libertarians will host the Libertarian Party of Michigan Convention Saturday at Cleary University’s Johnson Center in Genoa Township. The party plans to nominate 2014 Libertarian candidates for office representing Michigan as well as delegates to the party’s national convention next month in Columbus, Ohio. Entry to Saturday’s convention is $40, with an extra $10 charge for lunch. Additional charges apply for the banquet dinner and a concert performed by Tatiana Moroz, who has performed at previous libertarian events. Her music is described as a mix of acoustic & electric Rock infused with Blues, Country and Soul with a strong liberty and anti-war theme. You’ll find details through the link below. (JK)

Web Link:	http://michiganlp.org/?page_id=71
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New Riders Academy To Be Constructed in Brighton Twp.

5/16/14 - A new instructional academy aims to give new bike owners an edge on how to safely ride motorcycles. A project to expand the Brighton Harley Davidson and construct a new rider training academy will be moving in two phases following a recent meeting of the Brighton Township Planning Commission. All of the necessary approvals have already been granted including site plans for an expansion of the existing facility on Whitmore Lake Road and the new riding academy called Riders Edge. A bond has already been posted for the entire project but an inspection escrow and other fees must be paid up front before work on the training facility and landscaping can begin. The biggest reason for the delay with the building expansion is disagreements over some of the charges associated with connecting to the municipal water system but discussions are continuing at the township level. A representative for Brighton Harley explained that the business is currently served by a private well but must hook into the municipal water system as part of the addition and expansion. It was also noted during the meeting that the dealership site is located in both Brighton and Green Oak Townships, but officials in the latter would be comfortable with whatever decision was made about phasing. Complete details about the new riding program can be found through the link below.

Web Link:	http://www.brightonhd.com/riders-edge.htm
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Brighton Takes Further StepToward Approval of PSD Assessment

5/16/14 - The Brighton City Council unanimously approved a resolution Thursday night which incorporates lowered property assessment rates for the proposed Principal Shopping District. The PSD Board is asking that the city approve an SAD for the downtown district so that it can promote downtown Brighton as a destination for shopping, dining and recreation. Two weeks ago, council approved the map for the proposed SAD. At a recent meeting, the PSD voted to approve reduced assessment rates for properties in the downtown district of 14 cents per square foot for the main floor in zone 1, and down from 14 cents a square foot to 12 cents for the main floor of parcels in zone 2. The basement levels and upper floors would also have reduced rates under the revised plan. With the lowered assessment rates, the SAD would produce about $70,500 per year, compared to $81,500 under the original scenario. However, City Manager Dana Foster says that won’t be a problem, since the city will at least temporarily assume the expense of staging the annual holiday lighting display, which was a $15,000 PSD expense. Foster tells WHMI a second public hearing will be held at the June 5th meeting, after which a final vote will be taken to confirm the assessment roll. The revenues generated from the SAD would be used for radio, billboard and print media advertising to promote the downtown. The Principal Shopping District has been funded for the last few years by the Downtown Development Authority, but - faced with a reduction in revenues - the DDA can no longer afford the expense. With Thursday night’s vote, the proposed assessment roll will be on view at in the city clerk's office for public examination and notices will be mailed to all affected property owners. It’s hoped the assessments can go on property owners’ summer tax bills to expedite the revenue stream. (TT)

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Former Hamburg Police Official Appeals Ruling in Lawsuit

5/16/14 - A federal lawsuit filed by a former Brighton man who spent more than 15 years in prison for murder is on hold while an appeal is heard from one of the defendants. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit in 2012 by 47-year-old Daniel Albert Newman, who was convicted of murder in 1992 for the shooting death of Harvey Chappelear in his Hamburg Township home. Authorities contended that Newman killed Chappelear in the course of a robbery. But in 2008 a federal appeals panel ruled that because there was no eyewitness or direct evidence that could place Newman at the murder scene, there were not sufficient grounds to sustain a conviction, and he was eventually released. The suit originally targeted Hamburg Township and two former police officials; Officer Patrick Debottis and Lt. Eric Calhoun. But in a ruling last month, the township and Debottis were removed from the lawsuit, leaving Calhoun as the sole defendant. Court records show that an order was recently entered staying the lawsuit, while Calhoun pursues an appeal with the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. He’s seeking a decision on whether or not he has qualified immunity in the case as he maintains that there was probable cause for Newman's arrest and that he acted in good faith. Newman's lawsuit alleges Calhoun violated his Constitutional rights when he failed to disclose evidence to the prosecutor's office, including work boots found at his home that were larger than a shoe print found at the murder scene. He also alleges that authorities ignored a failed polygraph exam of another man who was asked about his involvement in the murder. (JK)

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Howell DDA Award Ceremony Recognizes Building Stewardship

5/16/14 - The eighth annual DDA Preservation Award Ceremony was held last night at the First Presbyterian Church on Grand River in downtown Howell. The event was free and open to the public. To be eligible for the awards, historical buildings must be over fifty years old, or be included in the special new development category. The nominations for the awards were open, and the winners were selected from the nominees by the DDA. This year’s deadline for nominations was March 7th. Awards were presented in three categories: interior design, exterior design and overall stewardship. The award for interior design was given to the J Christopher Salon and the award for exterior design was given to Joe Parker for his work on The Frontal Lobe. The First Presbyterian Church took home the award for overall stewardship. The church thanked the DDA for their continued involvement in the preservation of the historic district of downtown Howell. The DDA also took this time to acknowledge outreach coordinator Lindsey Wooten, for her work as she prepares to head the mainstreet organization for the City of Wayne. Additional information is available online at downtownhowell.org. (KT)

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Thursday Fire Destroys Hamburg Township Restaurant

5/16/14 - The cause of yesterday’s fire that destroyed a Hamburg Township restaurant remains under investigation. Roadies Roadhouse and Saloon on M-36 was destroyed in the fire, which Hamburg Township Fire Chief Mark Hogrebe says was pretty well established once they arrived on the scene, so the decision was made to keep the fight defensive and not send firefighters into the structure. He says a passerby has indicated that nothing was amiss at the business at 5:15 this morning, so the fire must have started sometime after that and when they received the call around 8:15am. Hogrebe says there were no injuries related to the fire and that while a cause remains under investigation, it does not appear to be suspicious in nature. In all, five departments battled the blaze, using up to 250,000 gallons of water to get it under control. M-36 had to be closed for nearly four hours and only reopened to traffic shortly after noon on Thursday. (JK)

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Suspected Howell Twp. Puppy Mill Raided, Owner Charged

5/15/14 - More than 90 dogs and puppies were rescued Wednesday from a suspected Howell Township puppy mill. Livingston County Animal Control became concerned about the welfare of the dogs after receiving multiple reports and visiting the property on Suntar Valley Road. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department served a search warrant on the property and found large-breed dogs and puppies, mainly poodle mixes, living in substandard conditions. Their fur was extremely matted and they were suffering from a multitude of untreated medical conditions, including dental and eye problems. These dogs were allegedly being sold online. Rescuers also found about 20 adult cats and kittens. The owner of the property, Margaret Komorny, has been charged with Failing to Provide Adequate Care to 10 or More Animals, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. She has not yet been arraigned on that charge and Prosecutor Bill Vailliencourt says she will be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Debbie Oberle, director of Livingston County Animal Control said they were, “concerned about the overcrowding and the condition of the dogs on the property.” The animals were safely transported to a temporary shelter where they will be thoroughly examined by teams of veterinarians and receive any necessary immediate medical treatment. Additional animals have been found and charges filed in a related case in Ingham County. Photo: Pam Sordyl/For The HSUS. (JK/TD)

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Final Meeting For Hartland Twp. Safer Roads And Pathways Plan

5/15/14 - The last of a series of community meetings concerning safer roads for Hartland Township was held this morning. Residents gathered at Hartland’s Kahuna Coffee to share thoughts on the Safer Roads and Pathways Plan drafted by a 24 citizen task force. A standardized rating system for the condition of paved roads, traffic, and input from the Livingston County Road Commission helped determine what roads were considered those most in need. New paved roads, gravel road improvements, pathways and the bridge over Dunham Rd. totaled out as a 9 million dollar estimated cost for the township. The task force believes the improvements can be funded by a 1.5 mill/ten year tax increase, costing the average homeowner $150 per year. James Wickman, Hartland Township’s Manager, says incoming funds from the Livingston County Road Commission are slim after Michigan’s brutal winter. Wickman tells WHMI though the record-breaking weather may have cost us, it was opportune for the proposed project, drawing attention to the road conditions. Wickman says the task force will take feedback from the community meetings into consideration while moving forward with their plan. Their next meeting is scheduled for June, with the hopes of recommending the project’s funding on the November ballot. More information on the Safer Roads and Pathways Plan can be found at www.HartlandRoads.com. (DK)

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Motorcycle Crash Claims Life Of Argentine Township Man

Brighton Library to Host Springfest Celebration

5/15/14 - An upcoming celebration marks the start of summer reading fun at the Brighton District Library. The library’s Springfest Celebration marks the end of another school year but also officially kicks off the library’s popular Summer Reading Program. Springfest , will feature face painting, a climbing wall and clown with petting animals, ice cream treats, and the grand re-opening of the reading house throughout the day. Those interested will also be able to sign up for the summer reading program at the event. Science is this year’s theme and a variety of programming is offered to different age groups along with opportunities to see live performances, receive free books of their choice and an opportunity to win weekly or monthly prizes. More than 800 individuals and families attended the Brighton District Library’s Springfest celebration last year, which is free and open to all ages Sunday, June 8th from 1-4pm. Details can be found in the attachment.

Attachment:	BDLSPRINGFEST.pdf
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Election Workers Sought in Green Oak Township

5/15/14 - Election season is starting to ramp across Livingston County and one municipality is putting out the call for election workers. Green Oak Township is one that’s always accepting applications according Clerk Mike Sedlak. He says Green Oak is currently taking applications for precinct chair and co-chair, with paid training being offered to help build up a base of younger workers as election season draws near. Applicants must be a Livingston County resident, over 18-years-old and a U.S Citizen. Applications may be obtained at the Green Oak Township Hall on Silver Lake Road near US-23 or on the municipality’s website. You’ll find a link below. (JM)

Web Link:	http://www.greenoaktwp.com/index.php?nav=100
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Health Officials Encourage Proper Cooking After Local E. Coli Case

5/15/14 - Public health officials are encouraging residents to properly cook their food after several people in the state, including one from Livingston County, were diagnosed with E. coli infections. Tainted ground beef has been identified as the culprit in five diagnosed cases of E. coli around Michigan, with the first symptoms having shown up between April 22nd and May 1st. Dr. Don Lawrenchuk is the medical director for the Livingston County Department of Public Health, and he says the disease is usually more dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. However, the one local case was actually diagnosed in an otherwise-healthy young man, and he is expected to make a full recovery. All of the cases are tied to tainted ground beef, though each patient was exposed through a different provider, so no one retailer or restaurant chain is to blame. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says for every case that is officially reported, local health officials can conservatively estimate that 10 cases go unnoticed because the patient either does not seek medical care or is misdiagnosed. Lawrenchuk says his department therefore expects that several other Livingston County residents have been sickened by E. coli during this outbreak. He says food must be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent foodborne illness, and undercooked food always creates a risk of infection. (TD)

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Pinckney Woman Leading Class Action Lawsuit Against GM

5/15/14 - A class-action lawsuit against General Motors over the recent recall of certain vehicle models has been filed by a local woman. Lorie Biggs filed the lawsuit in Michigan’s Eastern District Federal Court on Wednesday. GM issued a recall of specific models in February due to a problem with the ignition system that could potentially be dangerous. Alyson Oliver, the attorney representing Biggs, says her firm believes GM knew about the defect long before the recall, going so far as to alter the design of the faulty part without changing its part number in an attempt to correct it. However, she says GM never told consumers about the problem, allowing them to purchase vehicles that were physically dangerous and economically worthless since they cannot be resold. Oliver says that is the basis for Biggs’ claim, since she purchased a Saturn Ion that she now cannot sell. Other car owners have already joined the class-action suit, including some that claim to have suffered physical injury as a result of the defect. Some of the car owners want the litigation to be moved from Detroit to California, while GM would prefer to hold the proceedings in New York. A hearing will be held in Chicago on May 28th, at which time a panel will decided where the litigation should take place. (TD)

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Explosion And Fire Destroy Tyrone Township Home

5/15/14 - Firefighters responded to the scene of a house explosion in Tyrone Township Wednesday morning. Hartland-Deerfield Fire Authority Chief Adam Carroll tells WHMI the day had begun like any other at the home, with the occupants going about their normal routine and leaving the house as normal. A neighbor a few doors down reported an explosion at the house just after 9am. When firefighters arrived nearly the entire house was on fire, and most of the windows and doors had been blown out into the yard. Firefighters worked to put out the fire, though the house sustained substantial structural damage and is being called a complete loss. It is believed that a propane leak formed and found a source of ignition. Carroll says officials and residents are relieved that the explosion happened while the occupants were away, so nobody was injured in the accident. Firefighters from Brighton, Howell, Highland, and the City of Fenton all assisted at the scene, along with the Disaster Assistance Response Team. Investigators are now trying to find the propane leak and ignition source that triggered the explosion. (TD)

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The Big Read Will Return To Hartland In 2015

5/15/14 - Once again, the Hartland Cromaine District Library has been chosen to take part in the Big Read next year. The Big Read is a program by the National Endowment for the Arts designed to help nonprofits put reading at the center of community culture and encourage recreational reading. The Cromaine Library was chosen as one of only 77 organizations in the country that will receive grant funding to host a Big Read program between September of this year and June of 2015. Hartland’s Big Read will take place in April of 2015, focusing on the 2003 novel Old School by Tobias Wolf. The novel focuses on a preparatory school in the early 1960’s where children were encouraged to study literature. It includes among its characters some of the most influential writers of the 20th century, including Ernest Hemmingway, Ayn* Rand, and Robert Frost. Library Director Ceci Marlow says the staff is excited to get Big Read grant money for the seventh time, and they plan to offer quality classes and events to tie into the novel. The library’s Big Read event this year was focused on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, and included events with a 1920’s theme. (TD)

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Officials Explain Changes in Emergency Weather Criteria

5/14/14 - As the past couple of days have amply demonstrated, severe weather season is upon us again and local public safety officials are reminding the public that the system for emergency notifications has changed this year. When Monday afternoon’s storm prompted a tornado warning for southern Livingston County, it was based on the information generated by the advanced weather radar systems now in place that indicated the conditions were right for a tornado to form, not that an actual funnel cloud had been spotted as had been the standard in the past. In addition, Brighton Fire Authority Chief Mike O’Brian tells WHMI that while the sirens used to sound for only tornado warnings, they will now also sound for severe thunderstorm warnings with sustained winds over 70mph. Also, because the county is now under a unified alert system, all of the emergency sirens will sound during a tornado warning that affects any part of the county. Officials say the goal is to increase the warning time for residents to seek shelter and hopefully prevent injuries or fatalities should an actual tornado touch down. O’Brian and Livingston County Emergency Manager Mike Kinaschuk will more fully explain the new system during WHMI’s Viewpoint this Sunday morning at 8:30. (JK)

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Auction Set Thursday for Closed Green Oak Beverage Company

5/14/14 - The remaining assets of a now-closed Green Oak Township beverage maker will be auctioned off both online and on site tomorrow. Hilco Industrial is running the auction for Liquid Manufacturing, a brewer and contract packager of alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, which closed its doors in February and laid off its workforce after running into financial trouble. According to Hilco’s website, Thursday’s auction will allow interested buyers to purchase either the entire facility as a turnkey operation with all production equipment and the nearly 12 acres of real estate, or to purchase individual assets. The firm says Liquid Manufacturing may also have a transferrable liquor license available, although that has yet to be confirmed. Opened in 2003, Liquid Manufacturing expanded operations over the next nine years, adding production of energy drinks and energy shots at the height of that market, as well as pouched, frozen alcoholic beverages. The business also produced beer, wine and vodka, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, including juices and sodas. The auction will begin at 10am on Thursday, with interested parties attending and bidding in person at the facility on Whitmore Lake Road or participating remotely via webcast. Details are available online through the link below. (JK)

Web Link:	https://www.hilcoind.com/sale-details?view=detailv...
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Howell DDA To Honor Caretakerss Of Historic Buildings

5/14/14 - The Howell Downtown Development Authority will recognize the people who maintain the city’s image at the eighth annual Historic Preservation and Design Awards tomorrow night. The awards recognize the efforts of building owners in the city to preserve the historic nature of the city’s downtown and design new developments that are in keeping with that heritage. Anyone can nominate building projects or owners for the awards, but the recipients are ultimately chosen by the DDA Design Committee. This year, nominees will be recognized for outstanding stewardship, exterior restoration or rehabilitation, building interior, sympathetic additions to existing architectural style, and compatible new construction or improvement. The public is invited to the awards ceremony, which will be held at the First Presbyterian Church from 6 to 8pm. More information can be found by following the link below. (TD)

Web Link:	http://howelldowntown.com/
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Pinckney High Students Watch Mock Accident Before Prom

5/14/14 - Pinckney High School students witnessed a grim display last week as a reminder not to abuse substances or drive drunk around prom. Senior Jordan Tyler, part of the student-led anti-drug group It Stops With Students, arranged for a mock accident to take place at the school on Thursday. The demonstration included two badly-damaged vehicles with student actors pretending to be injured inside. The student body watched as the Putnam Township Fire Department, Hamburg Township Fire Department, Hamburg Police, Pinckney Police, the Sheriff’s Department, and Livingston County EMS responded to the scene and treated it like a real accident, extricating students with the Jaws of Life and declaring two of them dead. A Survival Flight helicopter also responded to the scene and pretended to take another student away for treatment. Tyler says the mock accident was meant to show students the importance of avoiding substance abuse and drunk driving, with prom scheduled for the following day and graduation coming up. She says the mock accident left a big impression on the other students. She adds that no accidents involving Pinckney High School students took place before or after prom. (TD)

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State and County To Share Cost Of New Airport Fuel Farm

5/14/14 - Hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money and local funds will be spent this year constructing new fuel tanks at the Spencer J Hardy Airport. The county’s General Government and Health and Human Services Subcommittee approved a resolution at its meeting Monday night for the county to enter a grant agreement with the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, which is providing $563,000 for the project. The local match for the grant money will be just over $180,000. Johnson says this is larger than usual for this kind of project, but the state did not have the funds to make the usual 95% of the cost of the project. A fuel farm includes two storage tanks, each holding 15,000 gallons of different kinds of fuel. The current fuel farm is more than halfway through its operating life and is located at the south side of the airport, far away from the new terminal. The new tanks will be located at the north end. The county will also spend roughly $44,000 on construction oversight and materials testing services, which was also approved on Monday. Construction on the new fuel farm will begin in the next 3-4 weeks, with an expected completion time of four months. However, not all of the work will be visible, since the 15,000-gallon tanks will be constructed off-site and installed later. (TD)

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Senate Unanimously Approves Two Pharmacy Regulation Bills

5/14/14 - Two bills sponsored by a local legislator to regulate compounding pharmacies have unanimously passed the Michigan Senate. Senate Bills 704 and 904 were sponsored by Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg following an outbreak of fungal meningitis in 2012 that resulted from tainted steroids from a compounding center in Massachusetts. More recently, Specialty Medicine Compounding Pharmacy in South Lyon was shut down after it was discovered that it had distributed tainted injections and was allegedly acting as a drug manufacturer rather than a pharmacy. The bills sponsored by Hune call for compounding pharmacies to have more internal oversight and record-keeping, perform criminal background checks for pharmacy owners, and submit to regular inspections by the state. The bills have been read for the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform. If the bills are approved by the house, they will go to Governor Snyder for his signature. (TD)

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Trial Set in Murder of Former Brighton Man

5/14/14 - Nearly four years after a former Livingston County man was shot and killed, three suspects will go to trial in the case. 53-year-old John Mick of Goodrich was shot to death at the Flint River Village Apartments in August of 2010. Mick, who lived in Brighton for 14 years, had worked as a security guard at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford before retiring to take the security job in Flint. Security footage from the apartment complex captured a newer-model Chevy Impala backed into a parking lot and police had been searching for two suspects, but more than two years passed without an arrest. That changed after two suspects, 22-year-old Floyd Gene Perkins and 20-year-old Kenya Ali Hyatt, were arrested in February of 2011 in connection with another crime in Mt. Morris Township. Flint Police say they were able to obtain information that led to Perkins and Hyatt being charged with felony murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery by the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office. A third co-defendant, 33-year-old Aaron Williams, was charged in the case last year. All three are scheduled to go to trial June 17th. (JK)

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Fall Trial Set in Hartland Schools Lawsuit

5/13/14 - A trial has been set later this year for a lawsuit filed by a former Hartland Consolidated Schools administrator. Tracey Sahouri sued the district in 2012, alleging it violated the Whistleblower Protection Act when it failed to renew her administrative contract and eventually re-assigned her to a teaching position. Following a decision last month by Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Richard Yuille denying a motion by the district to dismiss the lawsuit, a trial date has now been set for October 21st. Sahouri’s attorney, Tom Pabst, claims her removal as principal at Creekside Elementary was in retaliation for reporting ongoing “irregularities” in how the district administered the MEAP tests. The district contends her re-assignment was based on the conclusions of a state report that determined teachers at the school improperly gained access to material from the tests in 2011, which constituted a breach of security, and thus she’s ineligible for a Whistleblower defense. A three-member legal panel previously recommended the district settle the lawsuit for $525,000, but that was rejected by the Hartland school board, which stood by the decisions that were made in regard to Sahouri, who it says was found to have committed misconduct by both the Michigan Department of Education and the district. Hartland Superintendent Janet Sifferman says the district is prepared to litigate the case. (JK)

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The Pink Party Set To Return To Howell In June

5/13/14 - An annual celebration to help fund local cancer research will paint downtown Howell pink next month. On Thursday, June 12th, the city will be taken over by the Howell Pink Party. The annual event sells passports to local women, which gives them access to exclusive giveaways and deals at participating downtown retailers for the night. This year, offerings from the retailers will include food, wine tasting, and assorted gifts. There will also be entertainment provided throughout the event, which will last from 5 to 10pm. The Pink Party partners with St. Joseph Mercy Health System of Livingston County, and the funds raised will go to local breast cancer research. Organizers are still looking for businesses and sponsors to make the party a success, with a business participation deadline on May 23rd. Pink Party President Diana Biermann tells WHMI the event is also looking for volunteering, including male escorts. Women who purchase the $25 passports in groups of eight or more will get personally escorted around town by one of the tuxedo-clad men who volunteer for the event. For more information on how to participate or volunteer, follow the link below. (TD)

Web Link:	http://www.howellspinkparty.com/
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Cornerstone Church Building for Brighton Future

5/13/14 - The Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Brighton Township will be undergoing some improvements following Monday night’s planning commission meeting.
The church is located on Hilton Road between Grand River and Old US-23, where two additions will be constructed on the west side of the current building and a pole barn added for storage. A special land use permit was required for the project since the church is located in a residential area. It was granted while a preliminary site plan review was also conducted. During the public hearing, some residents in an adjacent subdivision raised questions about ongoing drainage and standing water problems, which may or may not have anything to do with the church property but will be investigated. Officials stated that nothing will be changing dramatically and the traffic impact is expected to be very minimal since the church is not adding extra services or changing times but rather shuffling staff and office space for increased functionality. The Cornerstone Christian School will not be impacted and it was also agreed to work on increasing landscaping plans with the church administratively, preferably along Hilton and Hunter Roads. All of the final approvals and construction plans will be handled administratively with township staff. The proposed building plans for the Cornerstone expansion project may be viewed on the church’s website. You’ll find that link below. (JM)

Web Link:	http://www.cornerstoneforlife.com/Building
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Registration Deadline Approaches For Summer Lunch Bunch

5/13/14 - The Summer Lunch Bunch program will once again offer meals to local children this summer, courtesy of the Salvation Army and the Livingston County Hunger Council. The program provides a free lunch served once a week from June 16th through August 8th. Each week, lunches will be offered at churches in Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, and Hamburg, with transportation assistance available by request. Families who attend will get a free lunch that day, plus a pack of meals to take home for their pantry that week. Games and prizes will also be offered for children. The Hunger Council says for many families, access to nutritious food for their children is reduced when schools close in the summer because the free and reduced cost lunch programs are not available. While participation in the Lunch Bunch is free, families must pre-register to participate. The deadline to apply is June 2nd. For more information, contact the Salvation Army of Livingston County or call (517) 546-4750. (TD)

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Student-Built, Energy-Efficient House Ready for the Market

5/13/14 - Among the homes expected to be up for sale in the near future is an energy efficient unit largely constructed by Howell High School students. 46 building trades program students completed most of the work on the house in Conway Township. It will be shown in open house on June 7 and then be put up for sale. Students built the framework, porch and roof, attached siding, and finished the ranch's central bathroom, while occasionally working with professionals on the project. Students have built several houses in recent years, including a 4,200-square-foot home last year in Marion Township. This year's house is 1,545 square feet. The program receives support from the nonprofit Howell Education Foundation. Proceeds traditionally go back to the foundation for future projects. (JK)

Web Link:	http://www.howelleducationfoundation.com/index.htm...
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New Proposed Position Would Unify Leadership For EMS And 911

5/13/14 - A new plan being proposed at the county level would put two public safety departments under the control of one man. EMS Director Jeff Boyd took over as interim director of 911 central dispatch after the former director of that facility, Don Arbic, left the county’s employ in early April. Last night, County Administrator Belinda Peters presented a new plan for the departments to the county’s health and human services committee. Under the plan, Boyd would be made the sole director of both the EMS and 911 departments, with one deputy director in each department answering to him. Peters says Boyd has been very successful in developing the EMS as well as forging positive relationships in public safety both inside and outside the county. When he retires a few years down the line, his position would be eliminated and the deputy directors would be the top candidates to take over their respective departments. Peters says the county has an aging workforce, with roughly a third eligible for retirement in the next five years, and establishing solid plans for succession has been a high priority for the County Board of Commissioners. The committee last night responded positively to the plan, praising Boyd’s skill and knowledge. The plan must still be presented to the finance and public safety committees before final approval can be granted by the full County Board of Commissioners. (TD)

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Fenton City Council Lifts Ban On Sunday Morning Liquor Sales

5/13/14 - Michigan law allows licensed businesses to sell beer, wine and spirits starting at 7 a.m. on Sunday. However, in 2010 the city of Fenton banned the sale of alcohol before noon. At last week’s meeting, owners of two local party stores requested the council consider reversing the ban on packaged liquor, citing it cost their businesses $30,000 to $50,000 in revenue annually. Assistant Director of VG’s Grocery, Christopher Palmer tells WHMI the losses at his stores on Silver Parkway and North Leroy are between $200,000 and $250,000 annually. Council member Cheryl King added many restaurant patrons want a Bloody Mary with their Sunday breakfast. Taking local restaurants into consideration, the council also repealed the ban on Sunday morning consumption at Fenton restaurants. City attorney Steve Schultz says the new resolutions will be sent to Lansing within the next two weeks. Once they are state certified, Fenton businesses who purchase a special permit from the Liquor Control Commission will be permitted to conduct liquor sales before noon on Sunday’s. Photo credit: AP (LR/JK)

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County's Workforce Nearing Pre-Recession Levels

5/13/14 - A newly released report indicates that the job situation in Livingston County is improving. Employment in Livingston County rose by 2.7% in the last year, and 5.2% in the past two years according to the Workforce Intelligence Network, a collaborative effort between nine southeast Michigan community colleges, local workforce boards and economic development partners. According to the group, Livingston County’s unemployment rate is down to 8.1% from 9.7% last year. By comparison, Southeast Michigan as a whole saw their unemployment rate drop from 9.1% to 8.5% in the past year. Livingston County’s labor force is growing at the fastest rate in Southeast Michigan, up 1% in the last year and 3.8% in the past two. That is close to pre-recession levels. In fact, the report says Livingston County is only about 3,000 jobs away from the pre-recession levels of 2008. (JK)

Web Link:	http://win-semich.org/data-research/quarterly-repo...
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WHMI 93.5 - Livingston County's Own

Bob Maxey Ford Of Howell Student Athlete Of The Week

This week we would like to recognize Brighton Lacrosse player Ben Finnegan. Finnegan had three goals and an assist in the Bulldogs 8-5 win over Hartland this past week. Two of those goals could not have come at a more opportune time ending the Eagles run and opening a lead back up for Brighton late in the game. Although Finnegan is only a junior he has been a strong leader for the team and is a big reason the team is still undefeated in conference play. Once again we would like to recognize Brighton Lacrosse player Ben Finnegan as our student athlete of the week. Congratulations on an outstanding performance from Bob Maxey Ford of Howell and WHMI Livingston County’s Own 93-5.

 

DETROIT (AP) - The revelation of a list of banned words at General Motors is one of the odder twists in the company's ongoing recall of 2.6 million small cars for defective ignition switches. The U.S. government slapped GM with a $35 million fine Friday for failing to report the deadly defect sooner. The government also released a 2008 GM training document that warns employees to not use language that could hurt the company. Adjectives like "bad," ''terrifying," ''horrific" and "evil" are on the list. So are unflattering terms like "deathtrap" and "Hindenburg."

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (AP) - More than five months of ice breaking on the northern Great Lakes has been completed by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard said yesterday that the past winter season is believed to have produced the most expansive ice cover on the Great Lakes in the past 35 years.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - A 21-year-old woman will spend a year in jail for her role in a machete attack and attempted drug robbery of a 36-year-old Indianapolis man on the Northwestern Michigan College campus in Traverse City. WPBN-WTOM report that Alyssa Rodriguez was sentenced yesterday.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - A 57-year-old man has entered a plea in a multivehicle crash that killed two northern Michigan men. MLive DOT com reports that Patrick Doerr pleaded no contest Friday in 63rd District Court in Grand Rapids to two counts of moving violation causing death.