We are Howell and Brighton Michigan's Hometown Radio Station

Friday, May 9

5/9/08 - Howell-based First National Bank has a new President. 48 year old Ronald Long was appointed to serve as its new President/CEO effective Monday. His annual salary will be $270,000. Long previously served as head of Independent Bank East Michigan, where he had worked since 1990. Long replaces James McAuliffe, who will stay on through the end of the month to help ease the transition. Long is First National’s third President in about one year’s time. Last year, McAuliffe replaced Steven Walsh, who resigned after less than six months in the position for “personal reasons”. (JM)

5/9/08 - A Tyrone Township resident doing some spring cleaning in their back yard found a pipe bomb Thursday. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department reports that the Jeffers Lane resident was clearing leaves off of their pool cover about 4:15 Thursday afternoon when they noticed what appeared to be duct tape wrapped around a cylinder with a wick on one end. The homeowner then contacted 911. The Michigan State Police Bomb Squad was then dispatched and the device was rendered safe. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department tip line at (517) 548–TIPS or the Crime Stoppers anonymous hotline, 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)

5/9/08 - An assortment of crime prevention strategies are the centerpieces of a model set of policies presented to state leaders this week. The so-called Blueprint For a Safer Michigan was the drafted by county governments, sheriffs, police and prosecutors as a first step in developing a comprehensive plan to reduce crime even as resources decline in Michigan. Howell Police Chief George Basar testified this week in front of the state senate as the incoming President of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. He tells WHMI the nine page document is a collaborative effort of prosecutors, sheriff’s associations and others involved in law enforcement and seeks to focus Michigan’s policies on crime prevention strategies that have been proven to work. The document is subtitled “work in progress” because it is meant to start a dialogue about public safety issues. It is also expected to be a guidance tool for incoming legislators. In his testimony Tuesday, Basar noted that since 2001, the Legislature has passed 500 bills creating new crimes or imposing additional responsibilities while a loss in prosecutor staff and police officers has been realized, including a 17 percent loss in the State Police force. Some of the strategies include early childhood education, more police and specialized courts for mental and drug afflicted defendants, better use of technology and improved victims rights. A copy of the blueprint is available for download below. (LS)

5/9/08 - An expansion of the Hurst Substation owned by Detroit Edison was granted approval by the Hartland Township Planning Commission during last night’s meeting. Detroit Edison plans to expand its Hurst Substation located on Old US-23 less than a half a mile south of M-59. Township Manager James Wickman says DTE has reported some rolling black-outs during peak usage times in the last few summers. The two large commercial developments currently being constructed are also expected to add a significant burden to the circuit. For those reasons DTE will tap the proposed ITC transmission lines, connecting them to the substation using only existing power poles. Wickman says no timeline has been established for the expansion and the project still needs approval from the Board of Trustees to move forward. (LS)

5/9/08 - Friends and family of a Livingston County man who was a contestant on the CBS show "Survivor" were surely shouting at their televisions last night. And most likely they were shouting something along the lines of “Don’t Do It!” 22 year old Erik Reichenbach had a sure path to the final four on the show and a chance at a million dollar payoff, but intentionally handed it away and was promptly voted off. The senior at Eastern Michigan University and Hamburg Township resident had won the show’s immunity challenge for the third straight week, but gave it away to one of the four women that remained on the show as a gesture of good faith they convinced him he needed to make in order to have a chance at being the overall winner. He soon learned it was all a con game as the four women wasted no time in eliminating their only male rival. Recihenbach quickly realized the error of his ways, telling the four women as he left the island, "You guys drive me crazy." Erik will now return as part of the jury for the show’s two-hour finale on Sunday. He’ll also be returning to his summer job as ice cream scooper at Screams Ice Cream in Hell. You can see Erik's parting video from the show by Clicking Here (JK)

5/9/08 - Livingston County Prosecutor David Morse announced during a news conference Thursday that 61 year old Jerome Kowalski of Warren will face murder charges in last week’s double murder of an Oceola Township couple. Kowalski pleaded not guilty at his video arraignment in the deaths of his 65 year old brother Richard Kowalski and 58 year old sister-in-law, Brenda. They were found shot to death May 1st in their Lyngre Drive home. At his arraignment, Kowalski's demeanor was described as “composed and calm”. It was learned at the press conference that the weapon used was a pistol and a note was found by Jerome’s son at his home after the murders took place. Authorities would not comment on motive, where the gun was found or where the wounds were located. Lead Investigator Greg Poulson with Michigan State Police at the Brighton Post says before the note was found, Kowalski was a person of interest but only limited information can be released at this time due to the open investigation. Jerome Kowalski is currently under suicide watch at the Livingston County Jail. He faces two charges of open murder and possession of a felony firearm. An exam conference was set for next Tuesday. If convicted on the charges, Kowalski faces up to life in prison. (JK/LS/JM)

Thursday, May 8

5/8/08 - The Howell Schools Board of Education has scheduled a trio of public input session next week as they prepare to search for a new superintendent. On Monday the board finalized a $17,500 contract with Grand Rapids-based Terre Davis & Associates to conduct the search. One of the main issues that was discussed was the gathering of input from members of the community. With that in mind, Dr. Davis will meet with residents at three different sessions next Tuesday at the Howell High School Freshman Campus. The first will be held Tuesday morning from 10-11 in the auditorium. The second will be from 4 until 5 in the afternoon in the media center, with a final session Tuesday night from 7 until 8, also in the media center. Written comments will also be taken, but have to be received by noon on Monday, May 19th. Any written suggestions or comments should be sent to: Dr. Terre Davis, TD and Associates, c/o Superintendent’s Office, Howell Public Schools at 411 N. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843. You can also download the letter from Howell School Board President Phil Westmoreland detailing the public comment sessions below.(JK)

5/8/08 - A Detroit man is jailed after fleeing from Livingston County Sheriff’s early this morning. The 25 year old and a 38 year old female passenger from Royal Oak were on a motorcycle heading eastbound on I-96 shortly before 3:30am when they passed a deputy at well over a hundred miles an hour. When the deputy attempted to stop the motorcycle at Pleasant Valley Road, the man sped off in excess of 130 miles per hour. He was eventually stopped in the Novi area after encountering traffic and being forced to slow down. The man was arrested and booked into the Livingston County Jail for fleeing and eluding, driving on a suspended license and failure to have a cycle endorsement. He also had several outstanding arrest warrants. The Royal Oak woman was released at the scene. (JK)

5/8/08 - Police have said that money may be a motive in last week’s murder of an Oceola Township couple in their home. 61 year old Jerome Kowalski of Warren was arrested Tuesday in the deaths of his brother and sister-in-law and police say a note found in his home indicated money as a factor in the murders. 65 year old Richard Kowalski and his 58 year old wife Brenda were found in the kitchen of their Lyngre Drive home a week ago today by Brenda’s son. Both had gunshot wounds. Jerome Kowalski will likely be arraigned later today. Meanwhile, visitation for the Kowalski’s will be held this afternoon at the Borek Jennings Funeral Home in Howell from 2-4pm and then from 6-8pm. A funeral Mass will be held tomorrow morning at 11 at St. John Catholic Church in Howell. (JK)

5/8/08 - A Fowlerville man has died from injuries suffered in a rollover crash earlier this week. 38 year old Todd Prout died late yesterday afternoon at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. He’d been in critical condition since being taken there Monday after he lost control of the modified truck he was driving, rolled the vehicle over and was ejected. Prout was pinned underneath the wreckage. Police say the hood on the truck came unlatched and flew open, blocking his view. It’s believed Prout then locked up the brakes, causing the crash. A passenger in the truck, 32 year old Erik Patterson of Howell, was not injured. Police say he was wearing a seatbelt while Prout was not. They also suspect alcohol was a contributing factor. (JK)

5/8/08 - Options for cuts in the operational budget for the Howell Public School District were sorted out by the board of education during a workshop Wednesday night into two basic piles, one in which the board needs more time to think about and the “no brainer” pile. Among the line items that fall into the latter category include the reduction of 16 teachers while maintaining the student-teacher ratio, not filling some current vacancies and automatic computer and printer shut down when they’re not in use. More divisive cuts like privatizing bus drivers, cafeteria and maintenance workers and closing the pool at Parker High will be "chewed over" before a decision. They did agree to shoot for what administrators are calling the most likely scenario, which allows for a decline in enrollment of 170 students and assumes state legislators will settle on a $150 per student allotment. That scenario calls for a little more than $2 million in cuts to balance the budget. Board President Phil Westmoreland tells WHMI they are hoping to decide how to get to that point by the end of Monday’s meeting as administration has requested because some options require a timeline to be implemented. Superintendent of Business and Finance Rick Terres pointed out that as the 33rd largest school district out of 757 in Michigan, Howell is close to the least funded; coming in at 736th. The board is expected to make final decisions on cuts at its next meeting, Monday May 12th at 7:30 p.m. (LS)

Wednesday, May 7

5/8/08 - A Whitmore Lake man that smashed the windshield of a Hamburg Township Police patrol car has entered a plea in the case. 40 year old Shannon Moody pleaded guilty Wednesday to one felony count of malicious destruction of property in exchange for the judge taking his plea under advisement. That means if Moody doesn’t like the sentence, he can withdraw his plea. He was arrested after a police car video captured him jumping onto the windshield on Sergeant Jim Sanderson’s patrol car while he was conducting a routine bar check in March at the Hamburg Pub. Meanwhile, Moody is also charged with receiving and concealing stolen property for allegedly having stolen MDOT signs in his garage. He rejected a plea in that case and jury selection is scheduled for June 6th. (JM)

5/8/08 - The City of South Lyon has been scouting a new city manager and two of the candidates are from municipalities in Livingston County. Fowlerville’s Manager Joseph Merucci and Brighton Township’s Manager David Murphy are two of nine candidates interviewed by South Lyon City Council in the past couple of weeks. Other candidates include Durrand City Manager Lynn Markland. The vacancy came after long-time city manager Rod Cook retired earlier this year after serving in that post for 25 years. Cook tells WHMI they are planning to conduct one more round of interviews and have no specific time table set up to fill the position. Merucci and Murphy are also both vying for an open manager position for the Village of Beverly Hills. Both are expected to be interviewed for that spot in front of the public this Saturday. (LS)

5/7/08 - Two camouflaged men sparked the lock-down of Southeast Elementary Wednesday afternoon but Howell Police Chief George Basar says parents shouldn’t be concerned. At roughly 3:30 p.m. the department put the school under lockdown after a report came in that two men sporting camouflage and touting long guns went into the woods behind the school located on Sibley Street. Basar says within 20 minutes it was clear there was no danger after they discovered 14 and 18 year old Howell brothers were “playing war” in the gravel pit with air soft guns that shoot rubber bullets. They took them into custody but were quickly released after it was clear what the situation was and that the two posed no danger. (LS)

5/7/08 - A two car accident forced the closure of Grand River in Genoa Township Wednesday afternoon. The accident happened around noon and it appears as though the driver of a mini-van may have gone into cardiac arrest while driving. Lieutenant Curt Ruf with the Brighton Area Fire Department tells WHMI they were able to sustain a pulse prior to transporting him to a local hospital, but he was in critical condition. Grand River was shut down for about an hour between Herbst Road and Hilton Road while accident reconstructionists worked the scene. (JM)

5/7/08 - A corner landmark in Brighton is almost completely gone now. Crews continued demolition work on the old Lil’ Chef restaurant Wednesday afternoon. The site should be cleared by the end of the week and developers are looking to put in a Starbucks and Olga’s on the corner. Lil Chef has been the county’s only 24 hour sit down eatery since it first opened its doors along a much less congested Grand River Avenue back in 1973. The local tradition for many will live on though as the owner is relocating to the Brookside Mall. (JM)

5/7/08 - Livingston County’s second “Lest They Be Forgotten” monument will be dedicated this weekend in Brighton. The nationally-known program has been building monuments to those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan in hometowns across America for several years. Saturday’s dedication in Brighton will be for Army Specialist Andrew Daul and Staff Sergeant Thomas Christensen. The 6-foot monument (pictured) is topped with a bronze recreation of what’s known as the “field cross”, consisting of a serviceman’s boots, rifle and helmet. The dedication will take place Saturday in the veteran’s section of the Brighton Cemetery beginning at 3pm. The county’s first “Lest They Be Forgotten” monument was dedicated in Fowlerville in 2006. (JK)

Tuesday, May 6

5/7/08 - Retired Sterling Heights Fire Chief Ronald McClain (pictured) has been selected by Lyon Township officials to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Les Cash. McClain began his career at Sterling Heights in 1979 as a firefighter but he quickly moved through the ranks, eventually becoming chief. Cash is retiring from the department after 35 years of service. Young had nothing but praise for Cash’s long-time career adding he has a lot to be proud of. McClain begins training June 2nd and will officially take the reins July 1st after Cash’s retirement becomes effective. (LS)

5/6/08 - Cheryl Leach and Johnathan Krause have won the two four-year seats on the Brighton Board of Education. Unofficial results from yesterday's balloting show Leach with 1,672 votes and Krause with 1,609. Winnie Garret polled third with 1,172. In the Hartland Consolidated School District, voters supported the renewal of a millage on non-homestead property worth $5.3 million by a 3 to 1 margin, 1330 to 464 . In the Fenton School District, Sandra Mathews-Barnes beat out Dean Turkowski and James Cole for the one 4-year term on the Board of Education. That district's operating renewal has also passed with a nearly 3 to 1 margin. Scott Maker and Pamela Snyder edged out John Walsh in the running for two open seats on the Linden Board of Education. Gregory Viener and Sharon Dykstra beat out 3 other candidates for two open seats on the Byron School Board. Complete unofficial results can be found on the Livingston County Clerk's website and the Genesee County Clerk's website. (LS/JK)

5/6/08 - A Handy Township woman facing life behind bars for trying to hire someone to kill her husband was denied a bond reduction in court Tuesday. Last month, detectives from the Michigan State Police Gaylord Post passed along information to the Brighton Post that 48 year old Kimberly Castle Ousley was looking for someone to kill her husband. They developed a second informant in the county who was able to facilitate a meeting with her and an undercover officer at the Brighton Target on April 28th. Ironically, that was also her 48th birthday. Recordings from that conversation along with over evidence culminated in her arrest but no motive or further details about the arrangement have been released. At an exam in 53rd District Court today, Judge Carol Sue Reader denied a request to lower Ousley’s $500,000 bond after prosecutors stated that she was not only a flight risk but a risk to the community and her husband. She’ll be back in court May 22nd. (JM)

5/6/08 - A Hamburg Township manufacturing facility will be laying off 52 workers between now and the end of June. Metaldyne operates a 110,000 square foot plant on M-36 that makes components for the automotive industry. However, due to decreasing demand, the company says they are forced to begin layoffs this week, with 12 employees being let go. That will be followed by 25-30 in mid-June and another 10-12 in late June. Spokesperson Marge Sorge says the layoffs are partially due to an Ohio-based company that used Metaldyne parts in engine manifolds moving their operations to Mexico. Sorge says that they hope to recall at least some of the workers once demand picks back up, but didn’t know how many might eventually be able to return. The Hamburg facility currently employs 177 workers, which union officials say is down from more than 400 in 2001. (JK)

5/6/08 - A Brighton man charged with the drunken driving injury of a woman and five year old boy over the weekend will be back in court tomorrow. State Police say 39 year old Phillip Lee Ray (pictured) was driving Saturday night when his car crossed the centerline and hit another vehicle head-on at Old US-23 and dyne Road in Brighton Township. Ray then reportedly tried to leave the scene of the accident but was prevented from doing so by a male passenger in the other car. He’s been charged with three counts of operating a vehicle under the influence causing serious injury and has an exam conference Wednesday morning in front of 53rd District Court Judge Suzanne Geddis. The driver of the car he hit, 24-year old Heather Cissney of Howell, continues to recover and is listed in good condition. The five year old son of her boyfriend was also injured in the crash, suffering a broken rib and bruised lung, but has been released from the hospital. However, State Police say Cissney may receive a civil citation because the boy was not wearing a seatbelt nor in a child safety seat at the time of the crash. (JK)

5/6/08 - A man had to be airlifted to the hospital late Monday afternoon following a rollover crash in Conway Township on Morhle Road. 38 year old Todd Prout was driving a modified truck when the hood apparently came unlatched and opened, blocking his view of the road. Livingston County Sheriff's officials say Prout panicked and then locked up the brakes, forcing the vehicle to roll over. Prout was ejected and pinned underneath the vehicle. After being freed, he was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital by Survival Flight and was last listed in critical condition. The other person in the vehicle escaped injury. Morhle Road was closed west of Fowlerville Road so the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department could conduct an investigation. They believe alcohol was a factor. (JK)

5/6/08 - One of the two men arrested for robbing the Horseshoe Lounge last year has been sentenced. 34 year old Christopher Shane Wilson of Highland received a 14 to 25 year sentence Monday from Circuit Court Judge Stanley Latreille. Wilson pleaded guilty in March to two counts of armed robbery after police say 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. Pruneau is set for trial in July. (JK)

Monday, May 5

5/6/08 - In order to get the community involved in the decisions necessary to get the school district’s finances back on track, the Brighton Board of Education voted Monday night to create the budget advisory task force recommended by Superintendent Jim Craig. The group will ideally be made up of parents, a variety of district employees, government officials, past and present students, and others but the list has yet to be finalized. By June 2009 the district will face a $3.1 million shortfall. But Craig tells WHMI problems with the budget have been going on for years, citing a heavier series of cuts from 2002 through 2004. Beginning in 2003, Craig says the district began “modestly” using its fund balance and since then stress on the budget has only accelerated. He says the district is built for a student population of around 7,300 students but that’s now dropping to nearly 6,800 and they project another 300 student loss over the next 2 years. A study last year showed that more than half of the students who left the district moved out of the area. Craig says declining enrollment coupled with increasing utility, personnel, and transportation costs and only a comparatively modest increase in state funding are the main reasons for the budget deficit. He has an aggressive schedule in mind for the new task force, which he hopes will meet weekly beginning May 14th. They’ll be charged with reviewing and prioritizing programs and services before making recommendations to the board, which could then implement or reject all or part of them. (LS)

5/6/08 - Livingston County EMS is relocating and expanding to land adjacent to the Livingston County Spencer J. Hardy Airport. The County Board of Commissioners met Monday night and approved the purchase of 13 acres on Tooley Road toward the east end of the airport for a main station. The cost of the property was $440,000. EMS Director Jeff Boyd tells WHMI they currently lease space at LETS and in 2006, he started trying to locate property because the lease expired in 2009.
Boyd says it’s still too early for building cost estimates but they are in the draft stages and evaluating building needs. Meanwhile, University of Michigan Health System officials are in negotiations with EMS to possibly lease space building for its Survival Flight fleet. As for those discussions, Boyd says everything is preliminary. He says the building would be owned and operated by EMS and no general fund dollars will be used for the project. (JM)

5/5/08 - At least three businesses were severely damaged following a fire at the Chelsea Shopping Center near the intersection of Main Street and Old US-12 Monday afternoon (photo courtesy of WDIV Local 4 Detroit). The fire was reported just before 1pm and quickly spread to portions of the Chelsea Grill, The Glass Slipper, Chelsea Pharmacy and other connected businesses in the strip mall. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Firefighters from several departments extinguished the blaze at around 3pm. Mutual aid was requested from the Manchester, Dexter, Saline and Pittsfield fire departments while Unadilla and Putnam Township firefighters covered the Chelsea and Dexter Fire Departments. (JM)

5/5/08 - An accident in Brighton resulted in a car fire and caused some slight traffic back-ups on I-96 Monday. Lieutenant Curt Ruf with the Brighton Area Fire Department tells WHMI the two vehicle accident occurred around 11am on westbound I-96 between Spencer and Flint Roads. Ruf says the cause of the car fire is still under investigation. However, he says it appears the female driver of a 2007 Subaru was cut off and hit the median wall of the freeway and it's possible the fuel line burst upon impact. Ruf says the accident result din only minor injuries and but the Subaru is a complete loss. All of the parties involved in the accident were wearing seatbelts. (JM)

5/5/08 - For the third consecutive week, gas prices are at record highs in both Michigan and Livingston County. According to a Triple-A survey of 2800 stations across Michigan, the average price of gasoline is $3.65 per gallon. While that’s just a one cent increase last week, it’s another record. A check of 17 stations in Livingston County indicates the average price locally is $3.69, an increase of two cents in the last week. The lowest average price was again in the Howell area at $3.66, while Fowlerville again had the highest average price at $3.71 a gallon, although that was actually down a penny from a week ago. (JK)

5/5/08 - A Tyrone Township resident is jailed along with his female accomplice after police say they broke in and robbed a party store over the weekend. A Livingston County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a silent alarm early Sunday morning at the Runyan Lake Food Center on Hartland Road in Tyrone Township. The store owner indicated that a semi-automatic pistol and laptop computer were stolen. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte says that after reviewing surveillance video, they saw that the suspects had entered the store earlier in the evening. Then shortly after the store closed they returned and entered using a key from an employee. The deputy quickly developed a suspect name and the 29 year old male and a 17 year old female were both arrested at a home in Flint and the stolen property located. They are both lodged in the Livingston County Jail pending charges from the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office. Bezotte says they think the suspects stole the key from the employee and don’t consider him to be involved. (JK)

5/5/08 - Two Howell-area residents were arrested Sunday night after police say they were caught robbing a Genoa Township home. State Police at the Brighton Post report that a 26 year old female and a 24 year old male acquaintance were arrested after they fled the home on Herbst Road shortly before 8 o’clock Sunday night. The homeowner had come home to find a strange car in the driveway. She confronted the female suspect who was sitting in the Ford pick-up truck who said she and a friend were looking for someone. At some point the male suspect came running out of the victim’s back door and the pair drove off. They were later arrested by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department. The male suspect is lodged in the Livingston County Jail pending arraignment but the female was released to return home to her two-day old infant child. (JM/JM)

5/5/08 - A local family’s dog is safe after being rescued by firefighters from the Brighton Area Fire Department Monday. Lieutenant Curt Ruf tells WHMI that a 12 year old St. Bernard apparently fell into a septic tank on Chilson Road, just south of Beck Road. He says the dog was also blind but with some ingenuity from fire crews, they were able to rescue the dog. Ruf says the only apparent injuries to the dog were some abrasions to its paws from trying to get out of the tank. He says it’s undetermined how long the dog was in there since the hole was uncovered at around 7:30am and they didn’t get the call until after 10am. Ruf says last they heard, the dog was taken to a family veterinarian and was doing well. (JM)

5/5/08 - A Webberville woman is hospitalized after a crash early Monday morning in Handy Township. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department reports 22 year old Jaime Nicole Tomlinson was traveling on Van Orden Road at about 4am when she lost control and rolled her car over near North Cedar Road. After complaining that she couldn’t feel her legs, authorities called in the Survival Flight helicopter to take her to U of M, where she is listed in critical condition. The police investigation closed that section of Van Orden for more than two hours. Authorities say they have so far ruled out alcohol, but are investigating speed as a possible factor. (JK)

5/5/08 - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has ruled against increasing restrictions on hunting in Milford Township. Several residents had complained about hunters trespassing and using their weapons too close to their homes. That eventually prompted public hearings earlier this year to discuss the issue. The decision by the DNR to deny the change means hunters will still be allowed to hunt in the neighborhood with the permission of property owners, as long as they don't shoot within 150 yards of an occupied dwelling. Residents wanted the safety zone extended to 150 yards from a property line. (JK)

Sunday, May 4

5/4/08 - A Brighton area man was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving and lodged in the Livingston County Jail after a head-on collision that injured two people Saturday night. The crash happened at about 10 p.m. at Old US-23 and Hyne Road in Brighton Township. State Police say the driver, 39-year-old Phillip Ray, struck a car driven by 24-year old Heather Cissney of Howell. Police say Ray tried to leave the scene of the accident but was prevented from doing so by a male passenger in Cissney’s car. Cissney was taken by ambulance to University of Michigan Medical Center for treatment of a broken ankle and other injuries. A five-year-old child in her vehicle, who was not in a child restraint seat, was treated at Saint Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital for a broken rib. (TLT)

5/4/08 - The Gleaners Community Food Bank of Livingston County, whose pantry has been nearly bare lately due to the greater need, is doing a lot better now, as a result of Saturday’s Fill the Gazebo food drive. The event, held at the Mill Pond in downtown Brighton, resulted in about 7,400 pounds of food and $12,000 in cash being donated to the food bank. The Boy Scouts, Brighton High School football players and members of the sponsoring Livingston County Association of Realtors were out in full force collecting sacks of food and personal care items, as well as cash and checks, from generous passersby. Director of Operations Erica Karfonta says Gleaners and local realtors are still accepting contributions of food and cash, which donors may drop off at any Livingston County realtor or at Gleaners’ headquarters on Dorr Road west of Brighton. (LS/TLT)

5/4/08 - The Brighton City Council has approved the site plan for a new, extended stay hotel that represents an investment of $7-8 million on the part of the developers. Construction on the Candlewood Suites hotel is expected to start in July or August, according to the developers, Manhal Shammami and Hathan Hannawa. The three-story hotel will include 108 suites with kitchenettes, Wi-fi and plasma TVs, an indoor pool and fitness area. It will be located on library Drive off Challis Road, across from another extended-stay hotel - the Homewood Suites by Hilton. In contrasting his project with Homewood Suites, Hannawa said the Candlewood Suites are more for the budget-minded traveler. The hotel will be part of the Intercontinental Hotel chain. It’s expected to be completed in the summer of 2009. (TLT)

Saturday, May 3

5/3/08 - Michigan State Police Lieutenant Tom Sands of the Brighton Post tells WHMI detectives have ruled out a murder-suicide scenario in the deaths of a Howell area couple discovered in their Oceola Township home. Sands said divers were on scene to investigate a pond on the property but declined to comment on what the divers were searching for. The investigation began Thursday after an individual reported to authorities that he discovered the bodies of his 58 year old mother Brenda Kowalski and step-father 65 year old Richard Kowalski, after checking on their welfare because he hadn’t heard from them. Authorities say there was no sign of forced entry and believe the bodies had been there for at least a day before being discovered. Sands says both had gun shot wounds, but their official cause of death has yet to be determined by the coroner’s office. Autopsies began Friday afternoon. The Livingston County Major Crimes Task Force is investigating the case. They are still requesting anyone with information call (517) 546-TIPS.

5/3/08 - A rededication ceremony will take place Sunday afternoon in Howell’s Lakeview Cemetery for a Revolutionary War Veteran who spent his last years of life in the area. The Michigan Society Sons of the American Revolution in conjunction with the Philip Livingston Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, descending family members and others will rededicate the grave of Johnathan Cooke Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Cooke was born in 1754 in the area now known as Long Island, New York. When unrest in the colonies began, the Cooke family was in support of change and by early 1775, Johnathan had enlisted as a private in the 3rd New York Regiment. Records show his unit fought at the Battle of Brooklyn against the British. “Michigan Fever” grew in the 1820s, and Cooke, while in his late seventies, moved his family to the Howell area soon after. In 1837 Cooke died at the age of 83. His wife and son are also buried at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception will follow the ceremony at the American Legion Post at 3265 West Grand River in Howell. (LS)

5/3/08 - The father of the Fenton girl whose twin sister died in a car crash in March was granted unsupervised visitation last week. Roger Caswell has agreed to take drug tests and enroll himself and 8 year-old Kasey Caswell in therapy in order to regain custody of her. Kasey’s mother, Kelly Arthurs, may have her parental rights terminated because authorities say she used cocaine before losing control of her SUV and crashing into a utility pole in Mundy Township. Kasey’s twin sister, Kelsey Jo Caswell, died from injuries she suffered in the crash. Kasey was injured and has been staying with her paternal grandmother since she was released from the hospital. Arthurs has not been charged with a crime but is expected to be back in court May 20th for a pretrial hearing in the parental termination case. A bench trial has been set for June 12th. (LS)

5/2/08 - The Brighton Area Fire Department tested three new tornado warning sirens in Genoa Township Saturday. As the area's population continues to grow, Genoa Township officials approved installing additional sirens at Grand River and Hughes Road, Dorr Road near the town hall and at Brighton Lake Road near the Oak Pointe subdivision. Fire Marshall Mike O’Brian tells WHMI residents shouldn’t be alarmed by the tests. However, he says it is a good time to take a minute and practice with your family what to do when severe weather is approaching. The sirens will be tested at noon the first Saturday of the month between May and October. A link to information about severe weather and emergency preparedness plans may be found by Clicking Here (JM)

Friday, May 2

5/2/08 - A Milford doctor wanted by both local and federal authorities has been captured in Portugal. 48 year old James Joseph Kelly II was on the run since February after Milford Police found thousands of pornographic images of girls, some believed to be younger than 8 years old, on a laptop computer seized in a November search of his Hillsdale Drive home. While his case was featured on “America’s Most Wanted”, Milford Police tell WHMI his arrest last week in Portugal came about after he told the U.S. Embassy there his passport had been stolen and applied for a new one. Embassy officials then saw he was wanted on child pornography charges in Michigan and managed to convince him to return the next day while they arranged for an arrest warrant from Portuguese officials. When he returned to pick up his passport, officials say he was arrested and is now waiting extradition back to Michigan. (JK)

5/2/08 - Livingston County homeowners are still having a tough time staying on top of their mortgage payments. Another record high rate of homes foreclosed upon in the county was set last month. According to the county’s register of deeds, 131 houses hit a sheriff’s auction stage in April, up an alarming 87 % from this time last year. April’s foreclosure rate is also 9% higher than in March. Of course local residents aren’t alone; Washtenaw County also saw a record high rate. The number of foreclosed homes has doubled over this time last year in the county. Unfortunately, officials don’t expect the gloomy trend to change too much until late 2009. (LS)

5/2/08- A police impostor is being sought by Unadilla Township Police after an incident earlier this week. Authorities say a 19 year old Chelsea woman was driving along Livermore Road on Tuesday night at about 10:30 when she was pulled over near Doyle Road by a car with a red and blue flashing light. She said a man wearing what appeared to be a police uniform walked up to her car and said he had pulled her over for swerving. She became suspicious, however, when the man ordered her to step out of her car so he could take her to the station for a breath test. He then attempted to grab the woman by her shirt after she had locked her car door and refused to exit her vehicle. She then fled the scene for her home and filed a complaint with the Chelsea City Police Department, who referred the investigation back to Unadilla Township PD. The suspect is described as being about 6 feet tall, weighing about 180 pounds with short to medium brown hair. He had a light mustache and strong odor of tobacco. Anyone with information about the incident or suspect is asked to contact the Unadilla Township Police Department at (734) 498-2325, Ext. 223. (JK)

5/2/08 - Authorities confirm that there are other victims in the case against a Livingston County Sheriff’s Deputy accused of inappropriately touching a female inmate. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI that they became aware of the allegations Friday, April 25th and immediately suspended the deputy. The sheriff’s department conducted an internal investigation over the weekend, which turned up the other victims. The deputy resigned the following Tuesday. Bezotte could not confirm an exact number of victims. The deputy was part of the department’s transport team from October to April 25th and the alleged incidents occurred during inmate transports from the jail to the judicial center. Bezotte says he cannot comment on any other facts of the case but did say the deputy in question has been with the department for 12 years and has never had any disciplinary issues. He earlier told WHMI "this comes as a complete shock to both him and the department and everyone is devastated over the entire situation". Michigan State Police are conducting a criminal investigation at this time. The deputy’s name has not been released pending the authorization of criminal charges, if any. (JM)

5/2/08 - A Howell man who admitted to sexually assaulting a woman at a local bar in February was sentenced Thursday in Livingston County Circuit Court. 21 year old Christopher Michael Rice was ordered to serve one year in the Livingston County Jail with credit for 62 days already served. He did not receive any probation. Rice earlier reached a plea deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to 4th degree criminal sexual conduct by force in exchange for one count of 3rd degree CSC by force being dropped. Police say Rice had been dancing with a 21 year old woman at the Shark Club on D-19 and later raped her. (JM)

Thursday, May 1

5/2/08 - The decision on whether or not to privatize custodians in the Pinckney Community School district is on hold for now as negotiations continue between administration and union officials. With district facing a $1.9 million budget deficit, district officials were looking at seeking savings by allowing a private company to take over the custodial and maintenance duties. The board was set Thursday night to authorize preliminary discussions to begin with the company, but tabled the motion after learning that progress had been made with union officials over a new contract. Superintendent Dan Danosky says they hope to see approximately $400,000 in concessions from the union, but will need a signed agreement within three weeks to completely end discussions of privatizing. (JK)

5/1/08 - With few options left, some residents in Hartland Township have begun circulating a petition in hopes of burying a local issue. ITC Transmission of Novi is now in the process of constructing a 120 kilovolt overhead transmission line through Oakland and Livingston Counties. The company received approval in May of 2007 despite repeated attempts to have the lines buried by Hartland officials and area homeowners. Resident Kathleen Wyeth is one of many leading the petition drive in the community and says when it became clear the Michigan Public Service Commission left them with no other options, they decided to see if there was any interest in the community to pay for the cost of burying the lines. The $25 (m) million bond would encompass 20 years and cost a homeowner an estimated $345 in taxes per year. Wyeth says they believe 600 or 700 signatures are needed to place the issue before voters. Meanwhile, ITC is in the midst of putting up the lines through portions of Milford, Genoa, Oceola and Brighton Townships. Work has not started in Hartland yet as the company is still in the midst of securing easements from various landowners along Pleasant Valley and M-59. (JM)

5/1/08 - It’s that rare teacher that can remain a part of a student’s life years after graduation, but by all accounts former Howell High School Auto Shop teacher Leonard Zubris was just such a teacher. Known by former students at "Uncle Zube", the 64 year old Zubris died last month after a heart attack and his passing has motivated many former students to organize a gathering next weekend in his honor. It will be held Saturday, May 10th at 10am in the auto shop parking lot at Howell High School. A guest book will be available to sign organizers say they're in the process of organizing a memorial scholarship in his honor. For details, please e-mail Chris Radloff at discount714@yahoo.com or Ron Howard at rhoward_3962@yahoo.com

5/1/08 - The Cromaine District Library has selected a new director. Assistant Director of Bloomfield Township Public Library Cecilia Ann Marlow Stuart beat out two other candidates vying for the position in a rather open hiring process that included input from the public and library staff. 18 original candidates were whittled down by a hired consultant. Stuart, a Highland Township resident, has been a librarian for 30 years and has helped in the design of a major expansion that is ongoing at the Bloomfield Library. Interim Director Jeanne Smith tells WHMI she had a positive impression of Stuart when she got a chance to meet her during the two and a half day interview process saying, "I thought that she was probably the best, and I think the library will flourish under her reins. We're just really thrilled." The board of trustees is expected to officially approve hiring Stuart at its meeting May 15th. The base salary for the position is $65,000. (LS)

Wednesday, April 30

5/1/08 - Customers at the Howell Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream store may have wondered why Howell firefighters were dishing out their ice cream last night. It was all part of a national promotion put on by the ice cream chain to sell scoops for just 31 cents and encourage customers to donate to local fire charities. Howell Fire Chief Jim Reed said that Baskin-Robbins will also donate $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation which honors firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty and assists their families. The foundation also provides training for firefighters to prevent line-of-duty deaths and distributes public information on fire prevention. The department also had several fire trucks on display at the store on D-19 and gave tours to the myriad of kids who managed to climb in and out of the rigs while holding on to their ice cream cones. (JK)

5/1/08 - The Boy Scouts of America were presented with a $500 check Wednesday afternoon during a ceremony at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department. The check comes from the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. Representative Edwin Nyhus explains that the Boy Scouts do a wonderful job in moving the kids through their lives so they become upstanding citizens. Lonny Sumpter serves as chairman for the Three Fires District of the Boy Scouts of America, which covers all of Livingston County. He accepted the check and tells WHMI this will help promote programs and pay for summer camps along with volunteer training. Livingston County Undersheriff Mike Murphy serves as Community Chairman of the Friends of Scouting Committee, which assists in local fundraising efforts for the scouts. He tells WHMI that all of the money stays local and goes directly back to the kids. He says the values, morals and leadership taught is imperative to ensure kids get started on the right foot. Anyone interested in helping out with the cause is asked to contact Undersheriff Murphy. (JM)

4/30/08 - Following Monday’s decision by the Howell Board of Education to vacate Parker High School next year, School Board President Phil Westmoreland is trying to answer questions from the community. In an exclusive interview this morning with WHMI’s “Marino & The Morning Crew”, Westmoreland said he understood taxpayers reacting negatively to closing a $72 (m) million facility just a year after it opened. However, he says the board was left to choose from a list of options that went from bad to worse and they made the decision that most benefit students. Westmoreland added that another factor was the increasing input they heard from parents and students that the previous plan to place freshman at the Parker campus next year and put the 10-12th graders at Howell High School was seen as essentially isolating 9th graders from a normal high school experience. He says that by leaving them at the Freshman Campus, they are within easy walking distance of Howell High School. You can download Westmoreland’s complete interview by Clicking Here You can also download below the memo from Deputy Superintendent Lynn Parrish recommending the school board close Parker next year. (JK)

4/30/08 - The sentence and conviction of a Howell man found guilty of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder has been upheld. 45 year old Edward Ford Garland was convicted in March of 2006 for intentionally ramming his Jeep Cherokee into his ex-girlfriend’s car on an icy Hamburg Township road and sentenced to 28 months to 10 years in prison. He had sought to overturn that citing insufficient evidence and procedural errors by the court. The Michigan Court of Appeals disagreed and upheld both his conviction and sentence, although it was an academic argument in light of the fact he’s also serving a 15 to 40 year sentence for a separate conviction in 2007 for home invasion and sexual assault on his girlfriend’s sister. (JK)

4/30/08 - A long-standing eye sore south of the Village of Pinckney will finally come down. Village President Rebecca Foster tells WHMI council voted Monday night to cut the check for the county-issued demolition permit for the Patterson Lake Products site, even though they still have unanswered questions about proposed continuing inspections and what those entail. The cost of the demolition permit was originally quoted at roughly $8,000, but county officials worked with the village to lower the price to a little more than $3,000 after questions were raised about what exactly they were paying for. The demo is largest on record for the county, and ended up prompting a change in how fees for commercial demolitions are calculated. Foster says she’s obviously thrilled that this long-time effort is coming to fruition and expects they’ll get moving on the demo within three weeks. (LS)

4/30/08 - The honors for a Howell veteran continue. Last month Duane Zemper was honored by the Howell Rotary for his service to the nation and community at a ceremony in which he was given military decorations he had earned but never received. Then last week, the Howell Carnegie District Library made Zemper the first recipient of the appropriately titled, “Duane Zemper Award”. Director Kathleen Zaenger says it recognizes community members who have positively impacted the library and that naming it after Zemper was an expression of gratitude for his work in developing partnerships and events that have promoted the library across the region. Zemper is a long-time volunteer in the Howell Archives. Recently many people visited the library to view a special exhibit of his photographs taken during the war when he served as a bombardier on a B-17. (JK)

4/30/08 - The Livingston County Family YMCA announced their first annual Strong Kids Campaign. The matching gift program is partnering the YMCA with Citizens Insurance and Asahi Kasei Plastics. Both have pledged to match up to $7,500 in community pledges. The goal is to raise at least $10,000 so Livingston County kids in need can go to YMCA’s Summer Day Camp or participate in other YMCA youth programs. YMCA officials are challenging Livingston County residents to donate and take advantage of the program that will provide a dollar for dollar match. Pledge forms can be downloaded at www.ymcadetroit.org/LivingstonCounty or by calling the Livingston County Family YMCA at (517) 540-2325. (JK)

4/30/08 - A time trip back to the 1950’s paid off for the Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The group held its annual dinner dance fundraiser last Saturday at the Livingston County Airport, although this year featured an updated theme. The "Boogie Woogie Bandstand" marched up a decade from the previous events which were set to the 1940’s era. However, chapter officials say they were extremely pleased that the event was able to raise $37,366 to help fund their programs and services. Executive Director Diane Serra says helping boost the total was their raffle for a trip to Paris, which brought in almost $8000. She says they also spent less staff time preparing for this year’s event, which may not be reflected in the fundraising total, but has a major impact on their bottom line. (JK)

4/30/08 - A Handy Township woman was arraigned Tuesday on charges of soliciting the murder of her husband. Detective Sergeant Sean Furlong with the Michigan State Police in Brighton tells WHMI two weeks ago, Michigan State Police at the Gaylord Post passed along information that 48 year old Kimberly Castle Ousley was looking for someone to kill her husband. They developed a second informant in the county who was able to facilitate a meeting with her and an undercover officer at the Brighton Target Monday afternoon, which also happened to be her birthday. Recordings from that conversation along with over evidence culminated in her arrest. No details about the arrangement between Ousley and the undercover officer or the motive for the alleged solicitation were released. Furlong says he has spoke with her husband Tracy Ousley, who is in Kentucky taking care of his father, and said he had no idea of his wife’s intentions. Ousley has no prior criminal record. Furlong said her reaction to the arrest was "stoic". She has been lodged overnight in the Livingston County Jail and her bond has been set at $500,000 cash or surety. A preliminary exam conference has been set for Tuesday, May 6th. If convicted, Ousley could face life in prison. (LS)

4/30/08 - The issue of budget cuts and changing numbers were discussed at length at Monday’s meeting of the Howell Schools Board of Education. In a worst case scenario, the district will need to trim $2.9 (m) million from the budget but it’s estimated to be closer to $2.5 (m) million. An e-mail circulated to board members stated there was an $86,000 discrepancy in the estimated $125,000 savings from closing down the Parker pool. Officials say figure is correct and would come from cutting operational costs, chemicals and employees. As to questions about ever-changing figures and extra income in last years budget, Associate Superintendent of Business and Finance Rick Terres says it’s no secret the district yielded an extra savings last year from tax settlements, one time payments from LESA and a budget freeze. Terres added that budgets are only projections and no one can predict what will happen. The district is considering the privatization of food service workers, hall monitors and general education aides, which has brought about protest. Terres added that districts are forced to make cuts every year because the budget increases are greater than the increases in per-pupil state aid. The board is being asked to make final cuts at its May 12th meeting. A budget work session has been scheduled prior to that on May 7th at 5:30pm. (JM)

4/30/08 - Three candidates have filed for an open judicial seat in 53rd District Court in Brighton. The filing deadline was 4pm Tuesday for the August 5th primary. Incumbent Theresa Brennan, Howell Attorney Lyle Dickson and Howell Attorney Jay Drick have all filed seeking the six year term. In 2006, Brennan was elected over Drick to serve out the remainder of the late Judge Michael Hegarty’s term. However, there has been negative criticism from Dickson about Brennan’s courtroom demeanor which Brennan has not addressed except to say she intends to run a positive campaign. Dickson lost an earlier bid for Probate Court to Judge Carol Hackett Garagiola. In 2005, Dickson was handed a 15 day jail sentence for contempt by Judge Hegarty. Last May, Brennan denied a request to set aside that judgment and ordered Dickson to serve the remaining 13 days of his sentence. (JM)

4/30/08 - The Hartland Township Board held a special work session Tuesday night with one topic focusing on budget overages related to it’s ongoing sewer project. Years ago, problems were identified with Hartland’s Wastewater Treatment Plant so the township teamed up with Tyrone Township in a joint system with Genesee County. The new sewer system was built and expanded out but is owned and operated by Livingston County. Work is now nearing completion in Hartland and officials with the Livingston County Drain Commission informed board members that the township was over budget. Township Manager James Wickman says the total project cost was over $27 (m) million and there were cost overruns of $250,000, which is less than one percent so the township is still in good shape. Clerk Ann Ulrich explained says the overage resulted from trying to accommodate developers that found out they were expanding the system and wanted to get in on the project late in the game. Officials anticipate that the overage will be paid out of a bond fund so that user rates will not increase. (JM)

Tuesday, April 29

4/28/08 - After only one year of use, the new $72 (m) million Parker High School will be partially shut down next fall. The Howell Board of Education met Monday night and approved a request from administration to keep 9th graders at the Freshman Campus next year in an effort to save money. That was in contrast to a previous plan that would have sent freshman and 10th graders to Parker and 11th and 12th graders to Howell High School, while closing the Freshman Campus. Under the plan approved last night, however, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students will attend Howell High and Parker will be vacated. Officials say a cost savings will be realized in busing, utilities, teacher staffing and avoiding shuttle services for students. It will also provide better access for freshman to band, choir and advanced classes. Board members voted 6-1 to approve the change with Kim Shumaker serving as the only dissenting vote. Voters approved a $97.6 (m) million bond in 2003 to construct the Parker campus and fund renovations to Howell High, which are on time for completion. Board members say the goal is still to operate both high schools, just not right now during these economic times. Some also voiced concern with security and stated that a plan needs to be developed to avoid interim damage to the building. Meanwhile, the Parker campus will still house career technology classes and construction trade classes along with Lansing Community College courses. A building use study will also be conducted to determine future needs as well as how and when to fully re-open Parker. (JM)

4/29/08 - Rolling Thunder Chapter 5 of Brighton has a busy but very important day planned for Saturday, May 10th. President Randy Galbraith tells WHMI its 5th annual “Ride to Remember” honors Livingston County troops who have died in the current military conflicts and shows support for their families. Registration at Memories Lounge in Brighton begins at 9:30 a.m. and the police escorted ride to the courthouse in downtown Howell takes off promptly at 11 o’clock. There is no charge to participate and those who can’t ride are encouraged to join them for the ceremony at the courthouse, which begins at noon. The Livingston County Sheriff Department’s Honor Guard, Congressman Mike Rogers, and State Senator Valde Garcia will be in attendance but Galbraith insists this is not a political event. Afterwards, the group will head to the Brighton Cemetery to join with Michigan Military moms for the dedication of the “Lest They be Forgotten” memorial in honor of Army Specialist Andrew Daul and Staff Sergeant Thomas Christensen, both of Brighton, who died during Operation Iraqi Freedom. That ceremony will begin at 3 o’clock. (LS)

4/29/08 - The planned auction of items seized from the Hamburg Township home of former Tiger pitcher Denny McLain has been postponed. That’s after Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Stanley Latreille signed a temporary restraining order Monday. McLain’s wife Sharon filed the suit claiming that the Mercer Street home and the items it contains belong solely to her. Latreille has scheduled a hearing for May 15th to go over the claims against McLain, which include a $14,000 debt to Capital One Bank and another $60,000 owed from five other claims against him. The April 11th seizure of property from the McLain home was mostly sports memorabilia as well as TV’s and other electronic equipment. McLain was arrested that day after a warrant turned up from the 53rd District Court in Brighton for his non-appearance at a January creditor hearing. He spent a few hours behind bars before posting bond. (JK)

4/28/08 - The most significant decision a school board ever makes is hiring its next leader. That was one piece of advice from one of four search firms interviewed by members of the Howell Board of Education Monday night that will aid in replacing Superintendent Chuck Breiner (pictured). A $150,000 separation agreement between the Howell district and Breiner was executed earlier that allowed the board to start the search process for a new schools chief. Although there was debate about which firm to hire, board members ultimately settled on hiring Terre Davis and Associates for a total cost of $17,500. Many expressed that her energy and reputation were deciding factors. During her interview, Teri Davis expressed that community input and public work sessions need to begin right away in order to ensure someone is on board by July or August. Although it was a 4-3 vote with members Dan Fondriest, Kim Shumaker and Wendy Day voting against the firm; President Phil Westmoreland expressed that when it comes time to hire a new superintendent – the vote needs to be unanimous. (JM)

Monday, April 28

4/28/08 - Another week, another gas price record set in both Michigan and Livingston County. Triple-A of Michigan says gas prices in the state have hit another record high, increasing for the fifth week in a row. According to a Triple-A survey of 2800 stations across Michigan, the average price of gasoline is $3.64 per gallon, up twelve cents from last week. That’s 68 cents higher than this time last year and surpasses the previous record of $3.52 set just last week. A check of 20 stations in Livingston County indicates the average price locally is $3.67, an increase of seven cents in the last week. The lowest average price was in the Howell area at $3.63, while Fowlerville again had the highest average price at $3.72 a gallon, largely because one station there is selling gas in excess of $3.84 a gallon. (JK)

4/28/08 - Workers at the Gordon Food Service warehouse in Green Oak Township have returned to work after an evacuation of the building this morning. According to Fire Chief William Steele, a leak of anhydrous ammonia prompted the evacuation at around 9:30 a.m. this morning. The substance is used in the refrigerant units at the distribution center. The fire department conducted its own investigation and once it determined there was no threat, turned it back over to an in-house environmental cleanup company. All of the employees at the warehouse, located just south of Kensington and Silver Lake roads, were evacuated and no injuries were reported. Though the exact cause is undetermined, Steele says maintenance crews were working on a filter for one of the units which somehow created the small leak. (LS)

4/28/08 - Michigan State Police from the Brighton Post are continuing to investigate a plane crash last night at the Livingston County Airport. 58 year old Jarolsav Barvik of Allen Park was injured when his single-engine aircraft (a 1978 Mooney M20J like the one pictured) stalled and crashed on the airport’s runway. Authorities say Barvik was attempting to return to the airport at about 7pm Sunday shortly after he’d taken off because he’d noticed an exterior compartment door was open. The crash happened on the western edge of the runway, but by the time witnesses arrived at the scene, Barvik had already exited the craft. He was the only occupant. He was taken to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital for treatment and has since been released. There are no estimates on the damage to the aircraft. (JK)

4/28/08 - The closing of Hamburg Elementary School in the Pinckney district, privatization of custodians in Howell and Hartland and a protracted teacher contract negotiation in Brighton that included threats of a strike. While all of these issues engender public anger on their own, the issue that is widely seen as the root cause continues to elicit a tepid public reaction. School funding inequity in Michigan was again the topic of yesterday’s Viewpoint program on WHMI as we aired the second part of our roundtable discussion in partnership with HUB TV. Last week, we focused on the point of view from elected officials and administrators. Yesterday’s program featured opinions from a both a local parent and a teacher. Rosemary Gass teaches communications at Navigator School in Pinckney and said what the arguments being made by legislators and others concerning Proposal A and its relation to school funding fairness are essentially giving "lip service" to the notion that children are our most precious resource and that their education is a top priority. Also is Robin Rogers-Reef, who has already put one child through the Howell district with another at Parker High School. She spoke about the cynicism from elected officials that anything substantive will get done absent a worst case scenario in which district's go bankrupt and close their doors. To hear last week’s segment featuring State Senator Valde Garcia Click Here. To view it on HUB TV Click Here. The second part of "Viewpoint Roundtable" featuring Gass and Rogers-Reef can be accessed by Clicking Here

Saturday, April 26

4/26/08 - Authorities are continuing their search for a Howell man who fled from police earlier this week. Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI that 26 year old Randall Lee Johnson was one of three men seen by Livingston County Road Commission employees who were loading scrap metal into a pickup truck on Barron Road in Howell Township around midnight Thursday. When deputies arrived and stopped the truck, Johnson fled and has prompted several searches since then. Later on Thursday, the Survival Flight helicopter was utilized to try and find him and then again Friday night. Johnson is described as a white male standing five feet, eight inches tall, weighing between 150 and 160 pounds with a bald head. he is also said to have tattoos on his left arm and shoulder and both legs. There are at least five warrants out for his arrest. Bezotte says there is a $1000 reward for his arrest and that anyone with information can call 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)

4/27/08 - It costs more to rent an apartment or home in Livingston County than almost anywhere else in the state. Statistics compiled by the National Low Income Housing Coalition indicate that the average cost of rent and utilities for a two-bedroom apartment, called the “fair market rent,” is $894 in Livingston County. That is second only to the Ann Arbor area, where the average fair market rent is $942. Both are far higher than in Wayne County - which includes Detroit - where rent averaged $805 per month at the time the data was compiled.Statewide, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $740. A new report by the coalition called Out of Reach 2007-2008 states a Livingston County renter would need to make at least $17 an hour, or nearly $36,000 a year, to be able to afford a two-bedroom rental unit. The Department of Housing and Urban Development - the federal agency in charge of issuing housing subsidies - issues relatively few section 8 vouchers for Livingston County because of the area’s high median income. Details on the report are available at www.nlihc.org. (TLT)

4/26/08 - More than 100 Howell High school students slept outside in cardboard boxes on the lawn of the freshman campus to bring awareness to the issue of homelessness. Students got to work on their boxes after school on Friday for the 3rd annual “A Call to Action…Stop Homelessness”. In an effort to make the experience more realistic, students sleep in cardboard boxes and receive only two peanut butter sandwiches, water and a sleeping bag or blanket. Many students told WHMI they were surprised at the situation locally. There are 95 homeless families in Livingston County. The 24-hour event featured guest speakers from the Salvation Army, Gleaners Community Food Bank and The Connection. Students also collected monetary donations and non-perishable food items which will be donated to a local agency that assists homeless individuals. They expect to achieve their goal of $6,000 this year. (JM)