WHMI 93.5 FM - Latest News Headlines

Linden Man Sentenced For Molesting Granddaughters

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:20:00 EDT

8/28/08 - A judge sentenced a Linden man today who pled guilty of molesting his granddaughters in Genesee County Circuit Court. 63 year old Darrel Hart Berry was originally charged with three counts of 2nd degree criminal sexual conduct, which carries a possible 15 year prison sentence. However, in court last month he pleaded guilty to two counts of 4th degree CSC in exchange for the third count being dropped. Linden Police say Berry sexually assaulted his two granddaughters, ages 7 and 11, while they visited him at his home. Both girls live with their adoptive parents and told them about the incidents. Genesee County Circiut Court Judge Archie Hayman sentenced Berry to 6 months behind bars with credit for one day already served. He�ll also have to pay close to 1,200 in fines and has registered as a sex offender. (LS)

Putnam Township Loses Legal Battle With Local Family

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:06:00 EDT

8/28/08 - Putnam Township has lost a lengthy legal battle with a local family over a mobile home park. The Michigan Court of Appeals has denied Putnam Township�s appeal of Livingston County Circuit Court Judge David Reader�s ruling allowing the development of 498 manufactured homes on 144 acres north of Swarthout Road, east of D-19. He ruled in May of 2006 that the township engaged in �exclusionary zoning� and �game playing� by insisting on 10-acre lots and that it violated the Hendees' constitutional rights. The dispute began in 2002 when Putnam Township denied the Hendee family's request to rezone the land to sell to Village Point Development LLC. The appeals court also ruled that the township must reimburse the Hendee family $44,926 in court costs but denied separate reimbursement payments. The township has reportedly spent more than $103,000 fighting the planned mobile home park, which was originally proposed as 95 housing units. The township still has the option to take the case to the Michigan Supreme Court. (JM)

Livingston County United Way Announces Campaign Kick-Off

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:04:00 EDT

8/28/08 - With a successful Day of Caring on the books, the Livingston County United Way will kick off its annual fundraising campaign next week. This year�s campaign chairpersons will be introduced along with pacesetter companies that ran their United Way campaigns prior to the kick-off, giving a jump start to the overall campaign season which runs through the end of October. A new nationwide marketing initiative is also underway for United Ways called �Live United�. The kick-off breakfast is set for Thursday morning, September 4th, at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township. Highlights from the recent day of caring will be shared as well and the game show theme from last season will be continued. Special announcements are also planned. (JM)

M-DOT Halts Most Construction Projects For Labor Day Travel

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:19:00 EDT

8/28/08 - In an effort to make end-of-summer travel more convenient for local motorists, the Michigan Department of Transportation is removing all lane restrictions on most road projects for the Labor Day holiday weekend. Beginning at 3pm Friday and lasting through 6am on Tuesday, 81 of 124 projects across the state will have lane restrictions removed. However, for anyone traveling to up north, there will still be some restrictions. M-DOT officials also warn travelers to watch for construction zones and traffic shifts. While many construction zones will be inactive, seatbelt enforcements will be in full swing across the state and officials remind everyone to buckle up. To view a complete list of road projects that will still have some restrictions Click Here (JM)

Local Judge Authorizes Warrants For Wal-Mart Hold-Up

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:18:00 EDT

8/28/08 - Warrants have been authorized in Livingston County for two suspects that police say confessed to the armed robbery of the Fowlerville Wal-Mart store earlier this month. 18-year old Rayshawn Brown and 19-year old Christopher Stark entered the store shortly after 9p.m. August 13th and approached one of the cashiers. Then they demanded money while displaying a weapon. After providing the two with an undisclosed amount of money, they exited the store. Three days later, Brown was arrested on unrelated charges and is currently being held in Jackson County. The next day, Stark was arrested on armed robbery charges and is currently being held in Genesee County. Fowlerville Police Sgt. Everett DeGrush said in addition to the incident in Fowlerville, the suspects are also wanted for at least half a dozen similar robberies in Ingham and Genesee Counties. District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis has now authorized the warrants for two counts of armed robbery against the men. (LS)

Howell To Survey Residents About Various City Services

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:42:00 EDT

8/28/08 - City of Howell residents should look for a new survey in their mailboxes from the municipality concerning city services. This week city council approved hiring National citizen Survey to conduct a survey this year. They�ll mail out the questionnaire to 1,200 randomly selected residents this fall. City Manger Shea Charles tells WHMI the survey will provide critical information from resident about a variety of city services. Although they haven�t had to face cuts in services, with the still slow economy Charles points out its good information to have if those tough decisions need to be made in the future. The survey will cost $9,600 and he expects they�ll begin conducting surveys on a regular basis. (LS)

LESA's "Fill A Backpack For Kids" A Big Hit

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:19:00 EDT

8/28/08 - The backpacks were flying off the shelves Wednedsay afternoon at LESA�s 6th annual �Fill a Backpack for Kids� distribution. LESA�s Director of Early Childhood Jean Garrett tells WHMI the first person got in line at 8:30 in the morning and by 4 o�clock, the line stretched into the parking lot. She says the 1,100 book-bags they had were gone in less than 90 minutes. Garrett says people were very gracious and the process went very smoothly. Last year they had backpacks left over, which were donated to other local organizations. The project has now distributed over 4,700 backpacks since it began in 2002. She adds that they will take names for a waiting list. Interested parents should call (517) 540-6833 and include their name, telephone number, and age or grade of children. (LS)

Jury Finds Weberville Woman Guilty Of Embezzlement

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:49:00 EDT

8/27/08 - A jury has found a Webberville woman accused of embezzling from an assisted living facility in Howell guilty today in Livingston County Circuit Court. 44 year old Rene Sue Regan was charged with one count of embezzlement between $1,000 and $20,000 between 2005 and 2007. Prosecutors allege that Regan, a former bookkeeper for Town Commons Assisted Living, stole the money but the defense contends that the multiple checks she wrote to herself were reimbursement for business-related expenses she made from her personal account. The current bookkeeper testified that she noticed discrepancies in 2006 and missing checks while preparing the company�s tax return. Regan testified she often used her personal debit or credit card to make purchases on behalf of the facility when it was low on funds such as office supplies, food, or prizes for activities. The defense also argued that the embezzling accusation came to light after Regan successfully sought unemployment benefits. She will appear before Livingston County Circiut Court Judge Stanley Latreille for sentencing October 2nd. (LS)

Howell Parts Ways With JV Pom Coach Following Meeting

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:25:00 EDT

8/27/08 - Following an emotional meeting last night, Howell Public Schools has let go the high school�s Junior Varsity Pom Coach Dana Tiderington. Athletic Director Dan Hutcheson tells WHMI they are moving in a different direction concerning the JV pom squad and will not hire her through a third-party contractor. Issues originally arose at Melonfest when relatives of JV Coach Dana Tiderington�s ex-husband wore green t-shirts with what have been labeled as �slanderous accusations�. At a meeting last night held for JV pom parents and students in the high school cafeteria, it was announced that Tiderington was to resign in light of her ex-family members' actions and that it was not good for the program. However, she indicated she had no desire to do so. It was expressed that the ex in-laws would continue their protests until Tiderington was fired. Athletic Director Dan Hutcheson stated at the time that they want what�s best for the squad and administration had concerns about what could potentially happen. He also stated there were other personal issues that could not be discussed. When asked about those issues, Tiderington responded �There are no personal issues in my past or present life that would be detrimental toward the pom program or Howell Public Schools�. It�s expected the school�s varsity pom coach will take over the squad. (LS)

Primary Re-Count To Be Held In Conway Township Friday

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:17:00 EDT

8/27/08 - Only one primary recount will take place in Livingston County. The State Bureau of Elections gave the go-ahead to local clerks to proceed with recounts this week. Requests for two recounts were earlier filed with the Livingston County Clerk�s office � one in Brighton Township and another in Conway Township. Incumbent Brighton Township Treasurer Geri Harmon lost by 60 votes in the primary to challenger Lana Theis. Harmon�s daughter then filed a request for a recount of all 10 precincts last week including absentee ballots. However, the elections bureau ruled that the petition was incomplete and notified the local clerk�s office of the invalid filing, which means a recount will not occur there since it�s past the deadline. Meanwhile in Conway Township, challenger Lorianne Swails lost by three votes to incumbent Eric West and requested the recount. There is only one precinct there and a re-count will take place Friday at 9:30am at the Conway Township hall. (JM)

Fire Station Bond Issue To Appear Before Milford Voters

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:24:00 EDT

8/27/08 - The Milford Township board approved ballot language to place another proposal before voters for a new fire station. The $3.95 (m) million bond issue will appear before voters on the November ballot for the $4.5 (m) million project. The owner of home with a $100,000 taxable value would pay around $30 a year for 20 years. The new station would service both village and township residents and officials have agreed that the 50-year-old fire station on West Huron Street is not only an unhealthy environment for firefighters but its outdated and too small to support the growing community. Township Supervisor Don Green tells WHMI they�ve been working for four years towards a solution and have been saving money along the way to lessen the economic burden on residents. The renovations and addition, if passed, will make the station just over 17,000 square feet. Meanwhile, village officials earlier approved the township�s request for a 25 foot strip of land in South Side Park for the expansion, with the condition that it add some improvements to the park. (JM)

One Public Hearing Revolving Around Hospital Move Set

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:20:00 EDT

8/27/08 - Marion Township�s planning commission will hold its first public hearing revolving around the possible relocation of St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital from the City of Howell. St. Joes, formerly known as McPherson Hospital, has entered into a tentative agreement to purchase the former Marion Oaks Golf Course as a future site for a new facility and introduced plans to the township�s board of trustees last month. Since then, township and hospital officials have been working together to determine what needs to be done to move the project forward before any land purchase is finalized. Township Planner John Enos tells WHMI should the hospital be built in the township, it would need a special use under the suburban or urban residential districts, which would attach more regulations. The public hearing concerns text amendments, such as the current definition of a hospital. The public hearing is set for Tuesday, September 23rd at 7:15p.m. (LS)

Howell To Celebrate 175th Anniversary In 2010

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:19:00 EDT

8/27/08 - How old is the City of Howell? It turns out the question is pretty complicated. Staff put the question to city council at Monday night�s meeting because a debate surfaced when they began to make preparations for the municipality�s 175th anniversary. A centennial celebration has held in 1963 based on the year it was incorporated as a village. 23 years later a 150th anniversary celebration was held based on when the first election was held and in 1995 the city threw an 80th anniversary party based on the incorporation of the city in 1915. Staff couldn�t find any official action establishing a date on which anniversaries would be based so they put it before council. They sided with celebrating in 2010 based on when Howell�s name changed from Livingston Centre and was officially plated. The matter was given to the city attorney to determine if a resolution is needed to keep the celebrations on track in the future. (LS)

Walk To Benefit Hydrocephalus A "Huge Success"

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:33:00 EDT

8/26/08 - The 2008 Hydrocephalus Walk held at Kensington Metro Park August 17th was a big success. The fundraiser for medical research more than doubled their total over last year. Denise Bechard started the Michgan walk last year. At the inaugural walk there was around 100 participants and they raised close to $7,000. So far this year they've raised over $17,000 and had twice as many walkers. She says she�s overwhelmed and overjoyed at the response. Hydrocephalus is a lifelong neurological condition that is more commonly known as �water on brain�. Although the causes are complicated and remain relatively unknown, the main symptom involves spinal fluid building up inside a person�s skull, which can cause headaches, vomiting and seizures. Treatment for the condition is the same as it was 60 years ago and that�s why Bechard says raising money for research is so important. (LS)

Fowlerville Man Arraigned On Child Pornography Charges

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:19:00 EDT

8/27/08 - A Fowlerville man was arrested Tuesday for possessing child pornography. The Livingston County Sheriff�s Department and the Fowlerville Police Department arrested 24 year old Lonzo George Robison for possessing child sexually abusive material and using a computer to commit a crime. Investigators received a �cybertip� that pornographic images of young children were being uploaded to an internet group website. Authorities obtained search warrants and seized the suspects computer, which allegedly contained explicit material. Fowlerville Police were familiar with Robison and he was taken into custody while shopping at the Wal-Mart store. (JM)

Howell High School To Showcase Renovations Thursday

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:39:00 EDT

8/26/08 - After more than $20 (m) million dollars in renovations, the new Howell High School is finally ready for students come September 2nd. New Principal Aaron Moran tells WHMI the biggest change is the new commons area that will greet the community at the front of the building. other changes include the media center being re-distributed with a new hallway and a remodeled cafeteria. The school was shut down last year for the renovations and expansion, which were part of a $97.6 (m) million bond issue approved by voters in 2003. In an effort to showcase the renovations to the community, an open house will be held this Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30pm at the high school that will include band and choir performances. A tailgate party will follow and lead up to the first football game of the season against Walled Lake Northern at 7pm. Hot dog, chips and pop will be sold and WHMI will broadcast live from the event. (JM)

City Of Howell To Seek Input On Street Reconstruction

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:01:00 EDT

8/26/08 - City of Howell officials are gearing up for the project that�ll reconstruct about a third of their streets and are looking for resident�s thoughts. City council has been working on a 3 year master plan as there are about 11 miles of streets in need of significant rehabilitation. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI in preparation for the project, which is expected to get underway next summer, they plan on hiring a firm to conduct a community charrette. Charrettes are short intense design processes that gather input from all the project�s stakeholders. Though they do not have a company signed on to perform the charrette just yet, he says they still hope to have it started by early October. When the planned water system improvements are rolled into the project�s total estimated cost, it equals about $25 million. (LS)

Brighton School Board Approves Bond Request, Delays Cuts

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:35:00 EDT

8/26/08 - Despite facing a multi-million dollar deficit, the Brighton Area Schools Board of Education put off making any budget cuts at their meeting Monday night and instead passed a resolution to put a bond proposal on the November ballot. If the bond is passed by the public, Brighton Area Schools would raise more than $15 million to purchase school buses and update the technology available to students. Superintendent Jim Craig tells WHMI that the bond is necessary to maintain the quality of education in Brighton Schools. Some Board of Education members expressed concern that, due to the school district�s budget deficit, taxpayers would be hesitant to agree to the bond proposal, but Craig stresses that bond proceeds will not be used to offset the deficit and that its approval would not require a millage increase. Also approved for the November ballot is a proposal for a sinking fund millage that make more than $1.1 million available to the district for the repair and purchase of school buildings and sites. The Board of Education did not make any progress on the budget deficit, postponing the issue until its next meeting in mid-September. (JK)

Howell Garbage Contract Expands Recycling, Other Services

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:37:00 EDT

8/26/08 - The City of Howell approved a five year extension to its contract with Waste Management for trash services at Monday night�s meeting and there are a few changes residents will notice. The first is an option to rent a smaller 64-gallon curb cart at a lower price. The second is an expansion of the recycling program. Not only will Waste Management expand the variety of items accepted, but it�ll now reimburse the city $10 for every ton of recyclables returned. City Manager Shea Charles estimates at current recycling rates that�ll work out to about $8,000 per year. The contract proposes to keep rates it charges the city as is for the first year and increase 2% a year after that. A fuel surcharge will be added when diesel fuel costs exceed $4.50 per gallon and the company will offer the city a rebate if the price falls below the $4 mark. (LS)

Man Who Ran Over Trooper With Golf Cart Enters Plea

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:24:00 EDT

8/26/08 - A Genoa Township man who ran over a State Police sergeant with a golf cart earlier this summer has entered a plea in the case. On June 14th, Troopers from the Michigan State Police Brighton Post noticed a golf cart speeding down Coon Lake Road near Chilson Road and gave chase. When 43-year old Scott Cote went through a private yard, Sergeant �Lew� Taylor chased him on foot but was eventually run over. Taylor, who was not injured, caught up with the golf cart and jumped on the back before Cote finally stopped. He told police he had six beers and was heading to his home after visiting a friend. Cote pleaded no contest Monday to charges of operating under the influence third offense; possession of suspected marijuana, resisting and obstructing a police officer, driving on a suspended license and being a habitual offender. A no contest plea isn�t considered an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes. The court took the plea under advisement, meaning Cote can withdraw it at his September 25th sentencing. He faces more than seven years in prison. (LS)

One Year Since Tornado Rips Through Livingston County

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:09:00 EDT

8/25/08 - Sunday marked the year anniversary of the tornado that ripped through Livingston and Genesee Counties destroying homes, trees and anything else in its path. Although memories of the twister on August 24th still linger for some, no lives were lost as a result of it. The Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross responded but also received mutual aid from Washtenaw County. Executive Director Diane Serra says while many businesses were affected in Fenton, the residential damage was much more severe in Cohoctah and Tyrone Townships. Some totally lost their homes while others had only minor damage. Linda Seifried was in charge of disaster relief services that week and says the job was to give food, clothing and shelter to those affected. In addition, a lot of comfort care was required as some were so distraught over what had happened. In Fenton, there was damage done to city hall, the Community and Cultural Center and other businesses. $608,000 were not covered by insurance in clean-up costs, including $577,000 for tree removal. (JM)

Howell Teen Gets Seven Days Detention For Illegal Drug Use

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:04:00 EDT

8/25/08 - A Howell teen charged in the fatal accident that killed her best friend in Iosco Township last November was ordered to serve detention last week after violating her probation. Court records show 17 year old Kayla Kuikahi-Lalonde will spend seven days in a Washtenaw County detention facility after testing positive for marijuana and vicodin at a drug screening July 31st. She pleaded guilty in May to negligent homicide and the unlawful driving away of an automobile after allegedly taking a classmate�s 1998 Dodge Neon and crashing it into a tree on Bull Run Road at Coon Lake Road during a snowstorm. 16 year old Sarah Campanelli (pictured), who died of her injuries Christmas Eve, was a backseat passenger in the crash. Kuikahi-Lalonde was subsequently sentenced to one year of probation in Juvenile Court among other conditions. A review hearing is scheduled to take place tomorrow before Attorney-referee Stacy Combs. Meanwhile, a show cause hearing is scheduled before Circuit Court Judge David Reader on September 11th. She�s facing a separate count as an adult alleging that she violated probation on a second occasion by using illegal drugs. (JM)

Local Entrepreneur Says Invention Cuts Cycle Emissions

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:40:00 EDT

8/25/08 - A Livingston County entrepreneur says moves by China and India to toughen motorcycle emission standards have given him a chance to make it big with his fuel injection system. Kyle Schwulst is the founder of Hamburg Township-based ElectroJet. Schwulst traveled to Beijing just before the Olympic Games to fit police and medical motorcycles with his electronically controlled fuel-injection system that reduces carbon monoxide emissions on small motorcycles by up to 85%. While he wasn�t able to get them installed on the motorcycles actually used for the Olympic Games, they were taken for about a third of the fleet used elsewhere in China. The 29-year-old electrical engineer has worked for Ford, Visteon and Arctic Cat. He says ElectroJet projects sales of 500 million dollars in its first year of sales in 2009. The system will cost motorcycle manufacturers 50 dollars, replacing carburetors that now cost about 35 dollars. (JK)

Friday Blood Drive In Honor Of Brighton Businesswoman

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:41:00 EDT

8/25/08 - Blood supplies in mid-Michigan have dipped to seriously low levels, prompting the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross to team-up with local media outlets and raise both awareness and blood levels. Michael Lenninger is the Blood Donor Recruiter for Livingston County and says the need has never been greater. He points out while all types of blood are at low levels, Type O is extremely depleted. To help remedy the situation, an All Media Blood Drive is being held Friday from 10am to 3:45pm at the Brighton Community Center on Brighton Street. Details are posted in the whmi.com events section. The drive will be held in honor of Doris Longfellow (pictured), a Brighton businesswoman, banker and member of the Rotary Club, who was diagnosed with cancer. She has received numerous blood transfusions to help her endure chemotherapy. Donors will receive a free t-shirt and be entered into a drawing for a $500 gas card or a trip to the Daytona 500 next February. The All-Media Blood Drive will be held this Friday from 10am to 3:45pm at the Brighton Community Center on Brighton Street. Leninger says while they�ll certainly accept walk-ins, they�d appreciate people making an appointment. You can do that by logging on to www.givelife.org or calling 1-800-GIVE LIFE> (JK)