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WHMI 93.5 - Livingston County's Own

Brighton Area Schools Will Privatize Custodians

2/9/10 - With the Brighton Area Schools facing a deficit projected to rise as high as 15 million dollars in two years, district leaders are moving full-speed ahead with a plan to right-size and cut costs. To that end, Monday night the board considered proposals from two private custodial companies as well as a package of concessions from its own 40 full-time employees. The custodians, who currently make $16 per hour say they were willing to make major concessions, but they couldn’t match the private bids which ranged from $8- $10 per hour. Ultimately, the board voted 6-1 in favor of awarding the contract to Flint-based DM Burr, with stipulations the package include insurance benefits and a starting salary of $9.50 an hour. Board member Bill Anderson says there was no other choice, given the size of the deficit. Vice-President Greg Rassel called on the teachers' union to step up to the bargaining table, calling the custodians a "sacrificial lamb." (MS)

 

One of Seven Howell Superintendent Finalists Drops Out

2/9/10 - One of the seven finalists for the position of Howell Schools Superintendent has dropped out of the running. Lowell Holtz, administrator at Career Education Associates of North Central Illinois - a vocational school based in Rockford – has notified school board President Debi Drick that a schedule conflict developed and he cannot make his scheduled interview time a week from Thursday. Since his was the only interview set for Feb. 18, that leaves just two days of interviews – on February 16 and 17 - with the remaining six finalists. They include the superintendents of the Mount Pleasant, Grass Lake, Clarenceville, Dewitt and Cass City schools and the assistant superintendent of Imlay City Schools. An hour-and-a-half has been reserved for each candidate. After that, a special meeting will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, to decide who will be the next Howell Superintendent. The person selected will get a three-year contract and earn $155,000 per year, plus benefits. (TT)

 

OLHSA Names Partner For Saturday's 20th Annual Walk For Warmth

2/9/10 - The Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency has announced their annual “Partner of the Year” that will be honored this Saturday during the Walk For Warmth. This year’s honoree will be Tammy Shire. OLHSA officials say that last October, Shire, a single mother of three, was able to receive help in finding a place to live through the agency’s homeless prevention program after her home was being foreclosed upon. In appreciation, Shire quickly began volunteering with OLHSA while looking for employment and investigating her return to college. She has since been volunteering with OLHSA in a variety of areas, including helping out at the agency throughout the week. As a volunteer, OLHSA officials say Shire stands out because of her self-motivation and personal accountability. Her efforts will be recognized this Saturday morning at the 20th annual Walk for Warmth, set to start at 9:30 inside the Hartland Educational Service Center. The walk is held to raise funds for Livingston County families struggling to pay their heating bills this winter. You’ll find details on OLHSA's website by Clicking Here. (JK)

 

Howell City Council Approves Budget Ammendments

2/9/10 - The Howell City Council approved some reductions in the current year’s budget to ensure the municipality stays on solid financial footing during tough times at Monday's meeting. The budget amendments allow the city to maintain a $2.8 (m) million fund balance at the end of the current fiscal year and to prepare for less revenue coming in along with falling property tax values. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI that the city was relying on a grant to fill a vacancy in the police department but that didn’t happen so the position will remain vacant. Another position adjusted was that of the Deputy Treasurer. The current deputy is retiring and the position will be filled only a part-time basis. Charles adds that staff is currently developing budget recommendations for the 2010/2011 fiscal year and the budget review with council will begin in March or April. City Council also approved the introduction of an ordinance that would increase water and sewer rates. The rate increases are necessary to help pay for the street program debt and increases in normal operations. (JM)

 

Howell Nature Center Could Be Home To New Church

2/8/10 - A well known Livingston County attraction that focuses on wildlife and camp programs could be home to a new church. The Howell Conference and Nature Center is owned by the Presbytery of Detroit, which has a group that specifically looks to open new churches in the Presbytery’s geographical area. Most recently, sites were being investigated in Dexter and in Livingston County in the Hartland, Howell and Pinckney areas. Nature Center Executive Director Dick Grant tells WHMI that everything is exploratory at this point but the center is being considered as a potential site for the church. However, he adds that teh church would be separate from the center and there would be no changes made to current programming that the community has grown accustomed to. Grant says the church would be very contemporary with an emphasis on nature and serving the community but everything is exploratory in nature. A public meeting on the topic will be held at the Nature Center’s Grindley Lodge on February 21st from 3 to 5pm. (JM)

 

Meeting This Week To Discuss Bridge Project

2/8/10 - A public information meeting will be held this week about upcoming construction that will impact one of the back road ways that many Livingston County drivers use to head towards Ann Arbor. Reconstruction of the Dexter-Pinckney Road bridge over the Portage Lake Canal is expected to get underway as soon as later this month and last through the end of next summer. Officials say it will be impossible to maintain traffic while the bridge is being rebuilt, meaning Livingston County drivers will have to use M-36 and then McGregor Road to get around the work. As for canal traffic, it will mostly be allowed during the project, although there will be several periods in which it will have to be closed off, such as during the removal of the existing bridge and the placement of the new concrete bridge beams. The informational meeting will take place Wednesday from 6-8pm at the Dexter Township Hall. Call (734) 327-6647 for more information or log onto the commission's web page about the project by Clicking Here. (JK)

 

Brighton's Relay For Life To Enroll Long Range Cancer Study

2/8/10 - The Livingston County Community will have a chance to participate in a once –in-a-generation opportunity that aims to change the face of cancer. The American Cancer Society will be hosting enrollment for the Cancer Prevention Study or CPS3 Study at this year’s “Relay for Life” event in Brighton in May. Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 with no history of cancer are being asked to take part but also to make a make a long term commitment as the study is expected to last between 20 and 30 years. Enrollment takes approximately 30 minutes. CPS-3 Volunteer Chairwoman Kris Niemiec tells WHMI the ultimate goal of the study is to enroll 500,000 adults from various racial and ethnic backgrounds across the United States. Men or women between the ages of 30 and 65 with no personal history of cancer are eligible to participate. Involvement in the study will help researchers better understand behaviors and factors that cause or prevent cancer. Niemiec adds that once the target number is achieved, the study officially closes, so anyone interested needs to be willing to commit to the entire length of the survey, which is 20 to 30 years. Niemiec says ACS is using “Relay for Life” events to host enrollment, which is open to the general public. The next enrollment for the study will be held Friday May 21st from 6 to 10pm during Brighton’s “Relay for Life” at Brighton High School. For more information, log onto www.cancer.org/cps3 or call 888-604-5888. (JK)

 

Hamburg Officials Still Seeking Funds For Flooding Study

2/8/10 - The Hamburg Township Board is still hoping that federal funding comes through for a hydrological study of the Huron River. The board is still investigating the possibility of having the US Army Corps of Engineers perform a survey of the Huron River, and around Ore Lake where the threat of flooding is greatest, to determine how that threat can be reduced. The bill for the project that was previously submitted through Congressman Mike Rogers office was approved but the $100,000 has never been appropriated so the board is looking to put more pressure on legislators. Meanwhile, the township’s Flood Hazard Prevention committee also met recently and has discussed getting an extension for when weed harvesting can occur. It’s done to remove Curly Leaf Pond Weed and Eel Grass, which can stop the flow of water in the river and raise the water level of the Huron River by up to 18 inches, seriously increasing the risk of flooding. In addition, the committee has set this year’s annual “River Clean-Up Day” for April 24th. Between 100 and 120 volunteers will be sought for the event. (Pictured are residents in Hamburg sandbagging during flooding in January of 2008)

 

Seven Finalists Selected for Howell Supt. Post

2/7/10 - Seven finalists have been chosen from among a field of 21 candidates for the vacant superintendent's position in the Howell Public Schools. The Howell Board of Education selected the finalists following a lengthy, closed-door session Saturday morning. The seven are Jim Early, assistant superintendent of the Imlay City Schools; Bradley Hamilton, Grass Lake Schools superintendent; Mount Pleasant Superintendent Joseph Pius; Pamela Swert, superintendent of the Clarenceville School District in Wayne County; Dewitt Superintendent Tina Templin; Cass City Superintendent Ron Wilson and Lowell Holtz, administrator at Career Education Associates of North Central Illinois (a vocational school based in Rockford, IL). An hour-and-a-half has been set aside for each interview on three days next week - Tuesday, Feb. 16, Wednesday, Feb. 17 and Thursday, Feb. 18. Interviews will be conducted separately with each candidate beginning at 5 p.m. each day. School Board President Debi Drick tells WHMI that a special meeting will be scheduled - tentatively on Saturday, Feb. 27 - to select the next Howell Superintendent. The person chosen will replace Ted Gardella, who was dismissed last June after barely a year on the job. Deputy Superintendent Lynn Parrish has been acting superintendent since that time. The new superintendent will earn $155,000 per year plus benefits in a three-year contract. (TT)

 

Putnam Twp. Woman Found In Possession Of Heroin

2/7/10 - Unadilla Township police are seeking a warrant charging a Putnam Township woman with felony possession of heroin with intent to deliver and driving on a suspended license, following a routine traffic stop. Township police stopped the 24-year old woman Saturday night for a minor traffic violation on Livermore Road near M-36. While they were conducting a search of the vehicle police found a large quantity of individually-wrapped packets of heroin and a small quantity of illegal prescription drugs. Police learned the woman was on probation out of Indiana for a prior drug conviction. Her car - which Police Chief William Cook says, in his words, “was considered a vessel used to facilitate the drug crime” - was seized. The matter will be reviewed by the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office before a determination is made on possible charges. (TT)

 

Workshops To Educate Local Adults & Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

2/6/10 - A local organization is urging all Livingston County adults who work or volunteer with children to take part in a sexual abuse prevention workshop. The Child Abuse Prevention or CAP Council is again offering the “Stewards of Children” program which teaches critical steps to preventing, recognizing, and responding appropriately to child sexual abuse as it is more common than people would like to believe. Program Director Deanna Norris tells WHMI that the workshops are open to all adults but it targets parents and organizations that serve children and families. She says this is an unusual program in that places responsibility for protecting children directly on the shoulders of adults where it belongs. Norris says in the past they’ve relied on personal safety programs that teach kids about personal boundaries and good touch, bad tough which are important and valuable but the fact remains that the majority of abuse cases involve someone the child or family knows and trusts. Norris recommends that schools, childcare organizations, recreational sport leagues and churches take part in the workshop. Norris says the first 200 trainings are being offered free as a way to allow schools and organizations with tight budgets to benefit from the program. For more information or to register, contact the CAP Council at (517) 548-2200. (JM)

 

Judge Will Hold Evidentiary Hearing In 2007 Robbery Case

2/6/10 - A local judge will hold a hearing to determine whether or not a Highland Township’s man attorney erred while handling his robbery case. 36 year old Christopher Shane Wilson received a 14 to 25 year sentence after after pleading guilty to one count of armed robbery and another count of attempted un-armed robbery in March of 2008. Wilson claims his lawyer withheld witness statements and convinced him to plead guilty by telling him he had no defense and would lose if the case went to trial. Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty recently granted a request to hold an evidentiary hearing in the case but no dates have been scheduled yet. Wilson was one of two men arrested for robbing the Horseshoe Lounge in 2007. Police said he and an accomplice, 26 year old Jason Pruneau, robbed the bar in Fowlerville after they were cut off by the bartender. Wilson said he was robbing the place, while Pruneau insinuated he had a gun. The two then ordered the customers onto the floor and threatened to kill the bartender. Though Pruneau was captured almost immediately by a K-9 unit, Wilson remained at large for several weeks. (JM)

 

Alternative Program At Local School Helping Students Succeed

2/5/10 - Kensington Woods High School in Genoa Township is highlighting an alternative program to a traditional school day that’s helping students find a path to success and graduation. Principal Jim Perry tells WHMI that the FlexTrac program allows students more flexibility in obtaining their diplomas as many have different needs and responsibilities. Perry says it’s a mastery learning degree model, meaning students can take online classes or work from home at their own pace, so long as they are demonstrating “mastery” in core academic areas. Perry adds that the response from students has been great and the concept is gaining in popularity. 11th grader Nick German plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania to study economics and tells WHMI that after going through some difficult situations and leaving middle school, he felt lost. German says enrolling in the program was the best decision he could have made. Perry adds that this is not the work-study or co-op model of the past. He says students must meet all Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements and the program was built around the academic rigor of Kensington Woods curriculum. (JM)

 

Pinckney Schools to Negotiate Transportation Deal With LESA

2/5/10 - The Pinckney School Board approved a resolution at its regular meeting Thursday night that could lead to the consolidation of the district’s transportation needs with the Livingston Educational Service Agency. The resolution will allow members of the Board to negotiate a contract for the consolidation with LESA then present it for the Board’s approval. Although the district could theoretically save money from such an agreement, the real pressure to consolidate comes from the state government, which strongly encourages service consolidation in school districts so long as the classroom is not affected. Other areas of Pinckney’s budget will be examined for possible consolidation once a decision is reached on transportation. However, not everyone is happy with the potential consolidation. Pinckney bus drivers are against the consolidation, saying they would be forced to re-apply for their own jobs and, if hired, would receive lower wages, fewer hours, and reduced benefits. The board expects negotiations to be completed in time for its next meeting on February 18th, and should either approve or reject the final contract at that meeting. (TD)

 

Head-On Crash Sends Unadilla Woman To Hospital

2/5/10 - A head-on accident left a Livingston County woman with critical injuries. Unadilla Township fire and police units were dispatched at 4:25pm to an injury accident on Doyle Road near Roepke Road where they found a Ford Ranger that had struck a tree head-on. Officers determined that the 46-year-old Unadilla woman who was driving had lost control, driven off the right shoulder and struck a tree. The driver was transported to the University of Michigan Medical Center by Survival Flight. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined and the incident remains under investigation by township police. Unadilla police and fire were assisted at the scene by Putnam Township Fire Department and Pinckney Police. (JK)

 

Brighton Manufacturer Presented with MIOSHA Safety Award

2/5/10 - The Brighton branch of German automotive parts manufacturer Eberspaecher was presented with the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Bronze Award at a ceremony Thursday afternoon. The factory makes exhaust and heating parts for automotive manufacturers, including GM, Chrysler, and Volvo. Its Brighton facility has been operating for six years and has expanded four times since it opened, with its latest expansion taking the form of a second facility in Wixom. The Bronze Award is presented to businesses which have implemented specific safety protocols and reduced on-site accidents by half over the course of three years. Ebersparcher has reduced its yearly accidents from 28 to 12 from 2006 to 2008, exceeding the award’s requirements. During the last fiscal year, MIOSHA has presented only nine awards to Michigan businesses. The Bronze Award is considered a stepping stone to higher-level awards, which are awarded for going certain numbers of years without lost-time incidents. (TD)

 

Brighton DDA Gets Green Light To Expand

2/5/10 - Changes are coming to Brighton’s Downtown Development Authority. Thursday night City Council voted to expand the DDA to include portions of East Grand River, the commercial development behind Home Depot, and 2nd street. Also, under the new ordinance, the DDA, which until now primarily paid for “brick and mortar” type works, can take on a large number of projects, from sidewalk repair to police services. But the changes won’t generate any additional revenue, as the city has decided not to capture taxes in the DDA’s expanded zone. At previous meetings members of local civic groups expressed concerns the changes could impact some popular festivals and events, as the DDA will now have the authority to pay for the fees that make them possible - if the DDA so chooses. Still, the ordinances did have enough support to pass through 6-1, with Larry Schillinger the sole dissenting vote. (MS)

 

Former Livingston County Employee Sentenced For Embezzlement

2/5/10 - A former Livingston County employee convicted in an embezzlement case will avoid jail time. 43 year old Julie Wyland Crouse was ordered to serve 18 months of probation and must repay more than $23,000 in restitution. In exchange, officials say they will reduce her charges to misdemeanors as long as she successfully completes probation. Crouse previously pleaded no contest to two counts of embezzling at least $1,000 but less than $20,000 from the county in 2005 and 2006. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such at sentencing. Crouse was hired as the county’s medical benefits program administrator in January 2005. In that role, she accepted employee benefit forms and claims that were processed and forwarded to payroll for reimbursements. Authorities allege that Crouse requested and received about $18,000 in reimbursements through an employee health benefit flexible savings account that she was not entitled to. County administrators discovered discrepancies in the county’s books in December of 2008 following an audit. Crouse declined a request to explain the scheme to county officials but she’s expected to relay the information to her attorney so that it can use the information to prevent future schemes. (JM)

 

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WHMI 93.5 - Livingston County's Own

High School Results 2-5

DETROIT (AP) - Jurors are returning to the federal courthouse today for the first full day of deliberations in the corruption trial of political consultant Sam Riddle. The jury heard closing arguments yesterday and worked in the afternoon before going home without a verdict.

DETROIT (AP) - Road crews are preparing for what could be a major winter storm with up to nine inches of snow expected in a band south of Lansing and including metropolitan Detroit. National Weather Service officials say the heaviest snow today likely will fall along Michigan's border with Indiana and Ohio.

CORUNNA, Mich. (AP) - Prosecutors are asking a judge to move the murder trial of a trucker accused of killing an anti-abortion protester and a business owner because people in Shiawassee County have strong opinions about one of the victims, James Pouillon. He was fatally shot while protesting abortion outside Owosso High School in September. Trial is set for Feb. 23.

UNDATED (AP) - A congressional panel will hear from Obama administration officials today about their plan for protecting the Great Lakes from Asian carp. The House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment hearing will be held in Washington.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Lots of people are trying to get out of the nation's capital before the next predicted snowstorm starts tonight but travel remains limited. Meantime, the digging out from the weekend blizzard continues as forecasters say a foot or more of new snow could fall.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for more than 500 homes in mudslide-prone foothill neighborhoods outside Los Angeles. A new storm could dump more than an inch of rain. Sheriff's officials say they have begun notifying residents in the affected areas that they need to be out of their homes by 10 a.m.

TOKYO (AP) - Toyota is dealing with another blow to its reputation for quality today as it recalls about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix brake problems. The recall includes more than 130,000 U.S. cars in addition to millions of other models recalled over gas pedal issues.

PARIS (AP) - A Pentagon spokesman says Defense Secretary Robert Gates thinks "time is of the essence" when it comes to more sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. Gates said in Paris that he wants to see the United Nations slap sanctions on Iran in "weeks, not months." Gates is returning to Washington after spending a week in Europe.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - An analyst says reports that North Korea has dispatched a top nuclear envoy to China to discuss restarting disarmament talks shows the regime is feeling the pinch of international sanctions. Today's trip comes a day after Kim Jong Il pledged Pyongyang's commitment to a nuclear-free Korean peninsula.