BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
LEFT: Randy DePrez, partner with Victoria Park Holdings, LLC (left), and Stephen Pangori, president and CEO of engineering firm Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, appear before the Harrison Township Planning Commission in support of an 82-unit site condo proposal on March 21.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — A proposed condominium development remains in limbo after the Harrison Township Planning Commission voted on March 21 to table its decision to a later meeting. Brought to the township by Victoria Park Holdings, LLC, plan calls for building 82 single-family site condo residences on a 30.5-acre triangle between Jefferson Avenue, Metropolitan Parkway and Prentiss
See CONDOS on page 14A
provide a unified finding.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP— Though the Clinton Township Board of Trustees had other things to get through at its March 18 meeting, the Goo Smoke Shop explosion was the elephant in the room.
Township Supervisor Robert Cannon opened the meeting by relaying comments from Tim Berlin, the pastor at Faith Baptist Church, which Turner Salter attended, thanking the community for its support during the difficult time. Salter, 19, of Clinton Township, died in the March 4 incident. Cannon then addressed the township’s position directly.
MOUNT CLEMENS — If at first you don’t succeed, try again. And again. And again.
On March 18, the Mount Clemens City Commission gave the city approval for the 16th time to apply for a state grant to replace the Crocker Boulevard bridge. Though City Manager Gregg Shipman reassured residents that the bridge is still safe to use, the 63-year-old bridge is showing its age.
“What’s actually the worst part about the bridge … is the pilings themselves are not sitting on piers under the water,” said Jeff Wood, city public services director. “That’s why it needs a full replacement.”
Other issues with the bridge, according to the application for the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Local Bridge Program grant, include surface cracks, old joint sealants and delamination and spalling of the concrete.
The city is seeking $9.3 million from the state for the replacement with $8.9 million estimated for the bridge itself and $407,000
See BRIDGE on page 10A
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Wilbur Jones is taking years of experience in the military, education and sports back to the community where he grew up. He’s hoping to bring people together.
“An open view of our community, the connection back to our community,” Jones said in an interview following the meeting about what he brings to the board. “Trying to get our parents involved in what the school system does.”
Jones was appointed to the Clintondale Community Schools Board of Education at its March 18 meeting, filling a vacancy left by Beverly Lewis-Moss, who left the board in February. He hopes to bring a new perspective.
“Just another fresh, motivated face in there on decision making and bringing ideas,” said Jones, a 1982 Clintondale grad. “I see a lot of things I know they don’t see because I’ve been a
teacher. I’ve been in the system and I’ve been a teacher of the kids they have the most of, which is African American.”
During his 20 years in the United States Army, Jones had tours in the Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, Germany and Kosovo. While there, he learned the value of unity.
“When you come in as a soldier, you’re in a group with all these other soldiers,” Jones said. “They all look different and come from different places. You watch this drill sergeant make us one.”
He retired in 2003, becoming a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps educator in Pontiac. He was there for 20 years. He also coached boys and girls basketball at Mount Clemens and the South Lake district in St. Clair Shores. He’s currently the girls hoops coach at the latter. Through it all, he hoped to eventually return to Clintondale at some point.
Macomb County Annual Secondary Student Show: Nearly 300 original artworks on display 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays until April 13, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, theartcenter.org, (586) 469-8666 SCAN
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton-Macomb
Public Library is putting on activities this April for kids, teens and adults.
The library wraps up its 1-2-3 initiative about immigration with two discussions. Roland Hwang, an attorney and lecturer for the Department of American
MOUNT CLEMENS — The Anton Art Center is asking Macomb County elementary school students to send in their artwork for the Macomb County Biennial Primary Student Show.
Due on Wednesday, April 17, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, students from kindergarten to fifth grade can work with their art teachers to submit up to 20 pieces of artwork per school. Each submission costs $1. More information about the submission process is available at theartcenter. org/artist-opportunities.
“Witnessing the creative freedom of young minds in this art show is truly inspiring,” said Stephanie Hazzard, Exhibition Manager of the Anton Art Center, in a press release. “These young students share their imagination and bring a refreshing perspective to the world of art, reminding us all that creativity knows no age requirement.”
The Primary Student Show will run from April 27 to June 1. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information visit theartcenter.org.
Culture, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Studies at the University of Michigan will speak about the Asian American community in Michigan at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. Kawkab (Kay) El-moussaoui, Immigrant Justice Corps legal fellow from the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, will discuss naturalization at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16.
METRO DETROIT — The Michigan Department of Transportation will begin a traffic shift on the Blue Water Bridge beginning May 29.
The eastbound span will be closed for maintenance work, causing all traffic to be routed onto the westbound span. Dedicated lanes for buses and commuter pass holders will not be accommodated and wide loads will be restricted to 10 feet. Work will be coordinated between MDOT and the Federal Bridge Corp. Ltd.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — The Harrison Township Beautification Commission is seeking help with its Earth Day litter pickup on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Attendees will meet at the Mariner’s Plaza mall and pick up along Metropolitan Parkway. Instructions, bags, gloves, litter pickers, masks and individually wrapped refreshments will be provided.
Interested participants can register by emailing their name, address and phone number to keehns@wowway.com. Call Sue Keehn at (586) 242-3868 for more information.
APRIL 6-7
‘Shrek The Musical JR.’: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. April 6, and 2 p.m. April 7, Macomb Center for the Perfoming Arts on Macomb Community College-Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 2862222, macombcenter.com
APRIL 13-14
‘Carmina Burana’: Performance by Macomb Symphony Orchestra with Oakland Choral Society, Macomb Chamber Choir, Symphonia Chorale and William S. Harrison Chorale, 8 p.m. April 13 and 3 p.m. April 14, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College-Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com
Kids in grades 2-5 can learn about the flora around them during the Those Amazing Plants activity at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, at the South Branch. Teens in grades 6-12 can visit the Main Branch on Saturday, April 13, for an after-hours escape room activity. To register for these events and more, visit cmpl.libnet.info/events.
around them during the Those Amazing Plants activity
“The opportunity presented itself on the school board,” Jones said. “I’m like, ‘I’ve got to take this opportunity to get on the school board and see if I can make a difference,’ and that’s what I did.”
“I’m extremely excited to have him on the board,” Clintondale Superintendent Kenneth Janczarek said in an interview following the meeting. “He’s been an ROTC teacher before in the Pontiac school district. He has a great wealth of knowledge in the community and I’m excited to have him there.”
“I’m ecstatic,” Board President Jared Maynard said. “He’s going to be great. He is very knowledgeable, very level-headed and calm. He brings a great perspective to the board as a veteran.”
Jones has seen problems develop at other schools when issues aren’t addressed early. He’s looking to change that at Clintondale.
“Let’s try to learn to be proactive and prepare ourselves to head a lot of these things off,” Jones said.
Jones said it can help to have someone on the board from the community it represents — a person who can understand its
specific needs.
“That person needed to come from a community of us,” Jones said. “Not from somewhere where the system was so perfect or the kids so perfect that they couldn’t relate to our kids. That’s what you had. Those types of people sitting on boards that didn’t really represent the community. They made decisions for people they really didn’t know. Once I started realizing that I was like, ‘One day I hope I’m able to go back home and be a part of the school system.’”
The budget and getting more people on the board are other concerns he has as a new member. He wants to make sure to do what’s best for the students.
“These children at Clintondale, what makes them better?” Jones said. “How do we push them forward educationally? And if they don’t go to college, how do we push them into a place where they can become successful?”
In addition to his work in education, Jones has been a deacon at Greater Life International Ministries in Clinton Township since 2007.
“I came back home to the church I grew up in and the pastor saw something in me,” Jones said.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
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CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton Township Board of Trustees approved John Gallagher as the township’s new fire chief at its March 18 meeting. Gallagher will take over for Tim Duncan.
“He will be a great chief. We’re looking forward to it,” said Township Supervisor Robert Cannon at the meeting.
Duncan agreed.
“I’ve known John for his whole career,” Duncan said in an interview following the meeting. “Guy’s got a great heart, puts a lot of effort into the department.”
Gallagher was one of three potential candidates for the job. He has served with the township for 19 years in various roles. Gallagher started off as a paramedic. He eventually became the EMS chief, a role he’s been in for the past seven years.
“That role allowed me to really blossom out, to work with the county and with the local medical control authority Medstar,” Gallagher said in an interview following the meeting.
Prior to his time with the township, Gallagher earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Michigan. He’s a registered nurse and has earned a firefighter/ paramedic associate degree from Macomb Community College where he also attended the fire academy.
“It was always something that seemed cool to me, kind of interesting,” Gallagher said about his career. “It came on my radar later in life, but I’m certainly glad it did.”
Since Gallagher became EMS chief, he has been learning from Duncan about the fire chief role.
“He’s certainly allowed me to pick his brain, ask any questions,” Gallagher said. “I have plenty. Just to his best practices and what he identifies as concerns. Just making me aware of day-to-day operations.”
Gallagher said while there was nothing wrong with the way things were done before, he’ll bring a new perspective to the position.
“Just another set of eyes, just another set of experiences that I’ve had,” he said. “I try to have a good relationship with everyone in regards to fire suppression and emergency services. Just a different type of background moving into the position.”
Gallagher is focused on working on the community’s relationship with the department. He said there have been struggles getting a future generation of firefighters.
“I think having great community relations is a good start to addressing that concern,” he said.
Gallagher has been the president for the Clinton Township Kiwanis Club since 2018. The club played a role in getting Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System devices for each of the township’s frontline vehicles. That sparked Gallagher’s interest.
“I saw the community service that they put forward and it’s something that I’m really involved in,” he said. “It kind of really stuck with me.”
A New Baltimore resident, Gallagher is the father to two daughters and a son. Hockey is a passion. His nephew Ty plays for Boston University and was drafted by the Boston Bruins. Lately, he’s been traveling with his brother to catch some of his games. He currently serves as treasurer for the New Baltimore Historical Society, an interest his dad helped nurture.
“It gives me a great opportunity to be involved with the community as well as continuing my quest for knowledge of history,” Gallagher said.
“Very involved person, employee and father,” Duncan added about Gallagher. “Just a great guy.”
Gallagher is slated to start as chief in mid-May.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — The Harrison Township Fire Department walked away from the March 25 Board of Trustees meeting with new gear and three promotions.
Trustees approved the purchase of over $10,000 in tactical gear for the Fire Department as part of an effort to prepare for a “worst day” emergency, such as a mass shooting. Items purchased include ballistic plates, plate carrier vests, bulletproof helmets, tourniquet pouches, pouches for plate carriers and wallets.
“The county is acknowledging that we need to be better prepared and while we’ve done some training, it kind of all took a backseat to COVID,” said Harrison Township Fire Chief David Bostater. “Everybody’s back on track now. They had some grant money and they provided us with our first vest, so we wanted to make sure we were getting like equipment.”
The equipment was defined by Macomb County Emergency Management as
necessary for emergency services to operate in a second-wave capacity to police in a mass shooting.
The purchase of three tablets aims to help improve the department’s readiness and communications. The iPad Pro devices will give fire apparatus crews a direct connection to Macomb County’s dispatch center and give fire truck crews the ability to look up building information en route to an emergency. The tablets cost $3,600 with a $120 monthly data charge.
Firefighters William Nolan, Austin Masalskis-Hardie and Dustin Currie were promoted to the newly-established rank of Engineer. Lieutenant Erik Evans was awarded the department’s 2023 Firefighter of the Year designation.
Elected official raises
Trustees also approved increasing salaries for the positions of township supervisor, clerk and treasurer to $95,000, effective Nov. 20, 2024.
The increases were made to match inflation as per policy adopted in 2021, though inflation-level increases had not been made
because township employee salaries were not raised to match inflation. Had the policy been followed, Township Supervisor Ken Verkest said the three officials would have a salary of $91,110 rather than the current salary of $87,665.
“I think this is a transparent thing, to do it right now and make it active Nov. 20, which is after the election, so basically this is a decision that is going to be decided by
the voters,” said Trustee Dean Olgiati. “If the voters are upset with the fact that these people are getting these particular increases in salary, then they have the option on Nov. 6 to do what they have to do.”
The raise was approved unanimously from the six trustees in attendance. Clerk Adam Wit was absent from the meeting.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
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for the approach. Shipman said some funds will be held back from the streets fund in anticipation of a 20% local match requirement — likely about $2 million after engineering costs. City officials expect to hear back from the state around October, but there’s stiff competition for the state funds.
“There’s only so much money allocated to this program,” Wood said. “This also covers the bridges and overpasses that go over the expressway. They’re eligible to apply for the grant, so it’s not just bridges over water.”
According to the grant application, over 11,700 vehicles crossed the bridge in 2020. Signage indicates it can support trucks carrying up to 73 tons. As one of only two bridges spanning the Clinton River in the city, traffic would be routed across the Market Street bridge if work were to occur.
City residents used the public comment periods at the prior March meeting to raise questions about the Cairns Community Center, which underwent an operational management change in late 2023. Shipman addressed the comments early in the March 18 meeting, announcing how people can run programs at the center and that the city will have someone stationed at the center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting March 26 to answer questions from visitors about the center, how to sign
up for programs, how to start a program and anything else.
Commenters asked about holding a public meeting specifically about the center and its uses, which Shipman provided a response to.
“The Parks and Recreation (Advisory) Board is being brought back for this purpose,” Shipman said. “These meetings are open to the public and will receive public input. We currently have two openings on the Parks and Recreation (Advisory) Board.”
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board previously met quarterly in 2023. Once the two openings are filled, the board will determine its schedule for 2024. Even with the announcement of the board, City Commissioner Jill Yore expressed support for holding a meeting about the center.
“I am personally in support of an inperson meeting so we can talk more about the recreation center at Cairns,” Yore said. “I think that would give us a much better opportunity to hear each other than written questions back and forth, so I look forward to this.”
Many questions posed to the board about the Cairns Community Center had a worried tone about the city’s dedication to keeping the center open. Shipman was clear that the Cairns Center will remain a city facility for the foreseeable future, stating in plain terms the city plans to retain ownership of the center and operate it as part of the recreation department.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043. Bridge
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Canteen Golf and Billiards isn’t just a place to unwind. It’s a place to give back.
The new business, replacing the former ACO Hardware in a strip mall at 41601 Garfield Road, offers golf simulators and pool tables with a variety of games. While the fun center is available to everyone, it puts a special emphasis on veterans.
Canteen features a mural dedicated to those who served. Owner Bert Copple, a U.S. Army veteran, took 75 submissions from those who served to add to the mural. The pictures are arranged on a timeline, spanning the global war on terror.
“It tells the story of the war because there are whole generations that weren’t even alive in 2001,” Copple said. “So, we’re trying to get them to understand why we went to war, what happened, and it tells the good, the bad and the ugly.”
While the wall showcases those who sacrifice, it doesn’t pull punches. It includes things like the torture and abuse at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
See CANTEEN on page 15A
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“We want the public to know that the incident that occurred on March 4 at approximately 8:50 p.m. is being given our utmost attention and will continue to be until it is fully investigated and a report issued,” Cannon said.
Cannon said there was misinformation about the blast and aimed to set the record straight. He said the Goo Smoke Shop erupted into a fire followed by a series of explosions. He explained that the explosion sent debris into the air up to 2 miles away. Cannon said that no township would have permitted the volatile materials found at the scene, such as butane, to be stored the way they were.
“Our building and fire inspectors properly inspected the business prior to issuing a certificate of occupancy in May 2022,” Cannon said. “Contrary to public opinion, the township does not have the ability to subsequently inspect businesses of this type without probable cause.”
He said the police and fire departments responded immediately and, by 9:13 p.m., the Clinton Township Police Department
Facebook page warned residents to stay away from the area.
“Naturally, the public wants to know what’s going on, but we will not jeopardize the investigation by responding tonight to a question-and-answer session,” Cannon said.
Cannon added that the onsite investigation is on hold until early April, saying it was important to have the different agencies work together to provide a unified finding. He said the site is currently being protected by police and private security services. Cannon said there is currently another investigation happening that started following the explosion and is ongoing. He said he also couldn’t comment on that investigation.
Following the usual business, the township opened it up for public comment. Most speakers touched on the explosion.
Resident Paul Schorsch discussed the emotional toll of the event.
“My granddaughters were in my basement crying their eyes out,” he said. “I thought we were being bombed. It was terrifying, I don’t ever want to see that happen again.”
Resident Stephania Messina discussed the ripple effects of the explosion on her family.
“On that day my son, who is seated
back here, lost a friend named Turner (Salter),” Messina said.
She went on to talk about her background as a registered respiratory therapist and how she’s familiar with the safe storage requirements for compressed medical gasses. Messina said in the wake of the explosion, and the increase in vape shops, there should be more regulations of this industry. She also called for more inspections of the shops.
“I live only a few hundred feet from the vacant building, I have five young sons, and I don’t want to lose sleep at night wondering if the next person that moves in is going to be storing similar items that can cause a
similar event,” Messina said. “Most people I’ve spoken with would agree with that. I don’t think that’s hyperbolic. I think that’s appropriate considering what we’ve endured as a community and in light of the loss of a young life that should not be lost in vain.”
Following Messina’s comment, Cannon asked that the meeting hold a moment of silence for Salter.
Later, resident Flora Marie Cusumano commented that the Clinton Township community alert system, through Nixle, was not utilized to warn residents of the explosion.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
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Street. A planned unit development plan would override the existing residential and commercial zoning for the site to be entirely residential. Condos will be custom built with different types of elevations, costing around $400,000-$600,000.
“Our target here is not for people that are wanting to start a family and have kids,” said developer Randy DePrez. “We’re going to be kid-friendly; everything is going to be nice, but I can’t imagine someone moving in here (with) a bunch of kids. It’s to be people whose children are grown and young kids out of college that may move in close to the water, close to their parents and pay student debt off.”
Commissioners and residents, who turned out in droves for an hours-long public hearing, were not as certain with the plan as DePrez hoped. Among the items commissioners wished to see are updates to the landscaping plan, a traffic study that accounts for summertime traffic and additional renderings. While they reportedly did use an environmental consultant, the developers had also not yet spoken with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy or the Department of Natural Resources about how the project would affect wildlife in the area.
Harrison Township Fire Marshal Larry Shackett said he would not approve the plan until the site plan issues are addressed and given an architect’s seal.
“If they send me a letter that’s sealed by an architect, that would be acceptable,” Shackett said.
Township residents who attended the meeting were of varied opinion. While around 10 speakers expressed support for the project, around 15 were against it for one reason or another.
C. William Bardill, a resident and a former township board candidate, took issue with the housing elevation materials as depicted and the density of the development.
“I believe that we’ve got to sharpen our pencils,” Bardill said. “I say you might be able to get about 46 houses in there on 80-foot by 130 (parcels), that’s what I say. Have one street come in there at 45, at the same angle as Jefferson … come in one way and come out the other way.”
Some residents were wholly opposed to the project.
“I find natural beauty to be more than unsightly,” said Carl Bulak, referring back to comments from DePrez about the land being unsightly. “Eating my ice cream over there, I’ve seen some magnificent sunsets with my now-deceased wife. I say leaving the land as it is would just be overjoy from me.”
Bulak then countered claims from DePrez about the development raising property values, saying he wishes property values would decline in the township.
Jason Bernard, a Harrison Township resident and real estate agent, said approving the project would add stock to Macomb County’s limited housing market.
“Our supply of inventory is about 1.21.1 months,” Bernard said. “A healthy market is 3 months of inventory. Simply put, not enough homes for people that need homes. This type of development, I strongly believe, is something that would benefit that greatly.”
Some of the most supportive residents were the owners of the existing vacant land, who have owned the property since it was a farm and went through periods where owning the land was nearly unaffordable.
“While I appreciate some may prefer to keep things as they are, my family has faced many local challenges over the years,” said John Callewaert. “From the splitting of the original 40-acre farm for the creation of Metro Parkway, the loss of my father’s favorite duck hunting location to the creation of canals and homes across Jefferson (and) the construction of schools and churches, all of which impacted us through things like traffic, noise, stormwater management and utilities, we’ve always supported our neighbors and we never resisted construction of additional housing, schools, churches and local infrastructure … I ask that the Planning Commission consider and approve the PUD application based on the merits of the proposal and your review of the process.”
The Callewaerts were supported by Jim Causley, another property owner in the area, through a letter read by DePrez.
Resident Anna Prowalny addressed those who were opposed to the project by arguing the site’s development is inevitable and that
the condos are preferable to larger buildings.
“I would rather see single-family homes than an apartment, Section 8, low-income housing; I don’t want to see any of that,” Prowalny said. “The proposal sounds great but there is a lot of traffic … Something’s going to go in there. I’m sorry, something will go there, and this is a heck of a lot better than senior housing and a big-a** apartment building.”
DePrez, who was taken aback by the opposition to the project, said he wanted the single-family developments at the objections
of firm partners and other developments that have inquired about the site. Should the condo plan be rejected by the township, DePrez said Victoria Park Holdings would work toward a more profitable senior living or apartment complex.
Whether further developing the condo concept or switching to apartments or senior living, Victoria Park Holdings will have to return to the Harrison Township Planning Commission for approval. It is uncertain when the updated plan will go before the commission.
To the qualifed electors of the Charter Township of Harrison, County of Macomb, Michigan.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualifed elector of the Charter Township of Harrison who is not already registered, may register to vote at the offce of the Township Clerk; the offce of the County Clerk; a Secretary of State branch offce, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at mi.gov/vote and mailed to the Township Clerk. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at mi.gov/vote.
The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, April 22, 2024
After this date, anyone who qualifes as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the Harrison Township Clerk’s offce, located at 38151 L’Anse Creuse, Harrison Township, MI 48045 at the following times:
• Regular business hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Election Day, Tuesday May 7, 2024 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For the purpose of voting on the following proposal:
L’ANSE CREUSE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Shall L’Anse Creuse Public Schools, Macomb County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Three Hundred Thirty Million Dollars ($330,000,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of:
• remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings, including for school security;
• erecting, furnishing, and equipping new school facilities and additions to school buildings;
• acquiring and installing instructional technology;
• equipping, preparing, developing, and improving athletic felds and facilities, playgrounds, and sites;
• acquiring sites; and
• purchasing school buses?
The following is for informational purposes only:
The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2024, under current law, is 0.00 mill ($0 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a -0- mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is twenty-fve (25) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 3.67 mills ($3.67 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).
The school district expects to borrow from the State School Bond Qualifcation and Loan Program to pay debt service on these bonds. The estimated total principal amount of that borrowing is $35,718,529 and the estimated total interest to be paid thereon is $54,287,993. The estimated duration of the millage levy associated with that borrowing is 21 years and the estimated computed millage rate for such levy is 7.00 mills. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances.
The total amount of qualifed bonds currently outstanding is $187,750,000. The total amount of qualifed loans currently outstanding is approximately $24,689,928.
(Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.) ADAM WIT, MMC, MiPMC, CLERK
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The “Leatherneck Lounge” at the Canteen caters to those veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. On the first Monday of each month, the business hosts a PTSD support group for veterans. A licensed counselor comes in to assist with the sessions.
“Anyone who just wants to come in to talk and share their story,” said Copple about the event. “The most important thing you can do when you have PTSD is to talk about it. That’s the first step in finding healing.”
Copple said he’s currently in talks with two groups, Helping Paws for Veterans, in Farwell, and Veteran Service Dogs, in Howell, that train emotional support animals for veterans with PTSD. He’s also working to find veterans organizations to donate to. Copple hopes to get these donations from the business proceeds set up later this year.
He said Canteen’s name comes from the place soldiers go after a mission.
“That’s the watering hole,” he said. “You go have a drink, play pool, play darts, whatever the case is. We set this up to feel like that atmosphere.”
The Canteen utilizes Trackman golf simulator projection screens and is the sec-
ond business in North America to use the pool table simulators they have, according to Copple. He estimates that the building has $600,000 in simulators between the golf simulators and the pool tables.
When coming up with the idea, Copple wanted to give golfers a year-round place to come but also wanted to provide something unique for billiards players.
“Billiards is a sneaky popular sport in the United States,” Copple said. “How can I make it more relevant to younger generations?”
The billiards tables feature a number of options other than traditional pool games. Each table is essentially a computer screen with the pool stick functioning like a mouse. There are videos on the table to walk you through how to play each game. A patron could play blackjack, where the table picks up where the cue ball lands to select different cards, and then brush up on their billiards skills in a training mode. Copple highlighted the line assist game in particular. This feature allows you to work on different shots to learn in real time.
“There’s a system called 100 moves that walks you through the 100 moves of how to play pool from the easiest to the most difficult,” Copple said.
The food is all-you-can eat hot dogs
and pizza. Refreshments offered include Coke products and the business also has a liquor license to offer alcoholic beverages.
Utica resident Mike Ferrans, a billiards player, found out about the Canteen by just peeking in the window before the business was open. Copple gave him a tour.
“He let me in and showed me around,” Ferrans said. “I was very impressed with what I saw.”
Rochester resident Mark Koski, a golfer, said he liked how open it is and that there’s food nearby.
“It’s more of a social interaction than
SOUTHFIELD- Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Tanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully.
As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only
cover about 29% of cancers with 71% occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the genitals and can detect it very early. For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive fights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a clinic opened in Southfeld, making these scans available to Metro Detroit residents.
“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difcult
treatments. We can also identify conditions such as brain, abdominal, chest, and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the Southfeld clinic called Bionicc Body Screening.
Te primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, ofering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. Te ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event that something is detected, the advanced screening aims to catch any potential issues at their earliest stages. Tis approach ofers the best opportunity for successful treatment outcomes, should the need arise.
Robert B., age 50, opted for a full body scan from Bionicc Body Screening and a very small tumor
Canteen Golf and Billiards owner Bert Copple is a United States Army veteran and wanted the business to put a special focus on honoring those who served. This timeline mural tells the story of the United States’ global war on terrorism.
the other simulators I’ve been at,” Koski said. Brandon Choranziak, who was playing on the same screen as Koski and hails from Clinton Township, agreed.
“I’m coming back on Saturdays,” Choranziak said.
Billiards player Paul Garant, of Clinton Township, was playing a regular game of pool on the table, but had tried out some of the other features like blackjack.
“It’s clean, it’s close by, everything is brand new,” said Garant. “It feels welcoming.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
was detected. He said, “It saved my life. Teir MRI found a kidney tumor that had been missed by a recent CT scan. I cannot recommend this service more.”
Take the first step to learn more about full body scans by visiting www.BioniccBodyScreening.com and request a free, no obligation Information Kit. Request it today and you’re also guaranteed a copy of their FREE eBook, Catching Cancer Before It’s Too Late! (Tis is a limited time ofer.)
Schedule today at 1-833-BIONICC. 0390-2412
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