SCN-8.15.12 by Kingsett

WEST OAKLAND’S NEWSWEEKLY www.spinalcolumnonline.com

8/15/12

WATERFORD • UNION LAKE • WHITE LAKE • HIGHLAND • MILFORD • WIXOM WALLED LAKE • WOLVERINE LAKE • COMMERCE • ORCHARD LAKE • WEST BLOOMFIELD

HIGHLAND TO TINSEL TOWN

50¢

MAKING THE CUT

Local couple’s 1968 Lincoln used in ‘Sparkle,’ last film of Whitney Houston - pg. 7

‘ELECTRIK’ PROBLEMS

PRIMARY ELECTION NARROWS THE FIELD

Waterford pulls the plug on teen club due to repeated police service calls - pg. 17

CALLING FOR A RECOUNT

Sprader, with barbs aimed at officials, says he doesn’t trust election results - pg. 3

WITH THE AUG. 7 ELECTION OVER, CHOICES IN NOVEMBER TAKE SHAPE pg. 8 Voters now have a clear picture of their choices for elected office and ballot questions facing them in the general election.

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PAGE 2

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

HIGHLAND COIN CHALLENGE

If we can’t beat your best price for your items, we will give you $50 CASH just for stopping in.

HIGHLAND COIN HIGHWAY ROBBERY

Legitimate offers only.

Yes, some of the gold buyers out there are committing highway robbery with the prices they’re paying for your old jewelry, coins and other precious items. Well, there’s a new sherriff in town! Highland Coin & Jewelry is out to put a stop to the low price buyers, the Highway Robbers. To begin with, we always list our buy prices for all to see. We always invite you to check our competition. And we always pay the highest prices! So, go ahead, take the Highland Challenge! Shop around and then come in and see us. We won’t take your treasures to the back room. Nope! We’ll weigh your items in from of you in a safe and secure setting. And *once again, no jewelry store, pawn shop, check cashing store, or hole-in-the-wall in a fancy mall beats Highland Coin. We simply pay more, period!

Current Gold Spot at $1600.00 Current Gold Spot at $1700.00 Current Gold Spot at $1800.00

10K . . . . . . . . .$19.00 per gram 14K . . . . . . . . .$27.00 per gram 16K . . . . . . . . .$31.00 per gram 18K . . . . . . . . .$34.50 per gram 21K . . . . . . . . .$40.50 per gram * 22K . . . . . . . . .$42.00 per gram

10K . . . . . . . . .$20.00 per gram 14K . . . . . . . . .$28.00 per gram 16K . . . . . . . . .$32.00 per gram 18K . . . . . . . . .$35.50 per gram 21K . . . . . . . . .$42.00 per gram 22K . . . . . . . . .$44.00 per gram

10K . . . . . . . . .$21.00 per gram 14K . . . . . . . . .$30.00 per gram 16K . . . . . . . . .$34.00 per gram 18K . . . . . . . . .$38.00 per gram 21K . . . . . . . . .$44.00 per gram 22K . . . . . . . . .$46.00 per gram

Pre-1964 U.S. 90% Coins • Silver Prices at the following Silver Spot US US US US

$28.00 Silver Spot 10¢ . . . . . . . . . . $1.80 each 25¢ . . . . . . . . . . $4.50 each 50¢ . . . . . . . . . . $9.00 each $1.00 . . . . . . $19.00 each

US US US US

$32.00 Silver Spot 10¢ . . . . . . . . . . $2.00 each 25¢ . . . . . . . . . . $5.00 each 50¢ . . . . . . . . . $10.00 each $1.00 . . . . . . $21.00 each

US US US US

$35.00 Silver Spot 10¢ . . . . . . . . . . $2.20 each 25¢ . . . . . . . . . . $5.50 each 50¢ . . . . . . . . . $11.00 each $1.00 . . . . . . $23.00 each

Sterling Silver @ $ 27.50 Spot .60/gram or $ 21.00/oz.

US Silver Eagles $1.00 over Silver Spot Price SILVER DOLLAR 1878-1935 $

20.00 Each

KENNEDY CLAD HALF DOLLAR 1965-1970 $

3.00

HALF DOLLAR 1892-1964 $

9.00+

US 25¢ 1892-1964

DIME 1892-1964

Each

4.50+

1.80+

WARTIME WAR NICKEL 1942-1945 PDS

65¢ Ea.

Each

US Silver 90% 18 X Face based on $28.00 spot $

10k

14k

16k

18k

21k

22k

$ $ $ $ $ 19.00 27.00 31.00 34.50 40.50 42.00 Per Gram Per Gram Per Gram Per Gram Per Gram Per Gram

Prices based on $1,600.00 gold spot

2227 E. HIGHLAND ROAD • HIGHLAND, MI 48356 We are located 1/4 mile West of Duck Lake Rd. on the North side of Highland Road

*Prices subject to change due to market fluctuations

248-714-9780

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WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

IN OUR 52ND YEAR

YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR:

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Community Life • Government • Prep Sports • Schools • Environment • Local Shopping • Arts

Fiesta Fajitas rebounds after rough start – page 21

NO-HAZ collection day in Waterford set for Saturday By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Wixom officials begin mulling budget cuts — page 13

Walled Lake council votes to keep DDA — page 13

That’s what HE said: "The district got stiffed. The people got stiffed." — Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette during a news conference announcing charges against members of former U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter's staff stemming from alleged petition signature fraud.

INSIDE Lakes Area News . . . . . .7-19 Special Report . . . . . . . .8-11 Local Matters . . . . . . .21-22 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . .23 Transportation . . . . . .25-27 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Community Calendar . .36-37 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .38-39

248.360.6397

Waterford Township is hosting a North Oakland Household Hazardous Waste Consortium (NO-HAZ) collection event between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Oakland Community College (OCC) Highland Lakes Campus, located at 7350 Cooley Lake Road. Waterford is part of the NO-HAZ consortium comprised of several north Oakland County communities. Created in 2005, the program provides residents of participating communities with a safe and reliable way of disposing their household hazardous waste. Payment of a $10 fee for a voucher, available at Waterford Township Hall prior to the collection, is required prior to attendance of the collection event. Vouchers are limited and doled out on a first-come, first-serve basis. Accepted NO-HAZ materials include home improvement items such as household paints, stains, driveway sealers, and asphalt/roofing tar. Miscellaneous items such as needles and syringes, expired mediations and

Sprader plans to request recount in supervisor contest By Angela Niemi staff writer

It looks like a primary election recount will be taking place in White Lake Township. Matt Sprader, who was challenging incumbent township Supervisor Greg Baroni in the Tuesday, Aug. 7 Republican primary election, was leading the incumbent throughout most of primary election night. “It was neck and neck all the way through (counting the) absentee votes, and then I pulled ahead,” Baroni said. He won the election with 2,058

Electronic, automotive, yard and garden, and household items, among others, will be accepted at the Saturday, Aug. 18 North Oakland Household Hazardous Waste Consortium (NO-HAZ) collection event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oakland Community College Highland Lakes Campus at 7350 Cooley Lake Road in Waterford Township. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

controlled substances, propane cylinders, fluorescent lamps, and mercury items are also accepted. The following electronic, automotive, yard and garden, and household items are also accepted: computers; TV’s; laptop computers; DVD players and VCRs; motor oil; gasoline; antifreeze; batteries; pesticides and fungicides; pool chemicals; aerosols; and cleaners

and polishers. Materials that aren’t accepted include business or industrial waste; radioactive waste; medical waste; and ammunition, explosives, firearms, freon appliances and certain controlled substances. Contact local law enforcement to determine which controlled substances are prohibited at the NO-HAZ collection. ❏

votes, compared to Sprader’s 1,776. Sprader said late last week he intends to file for a recount. He added that he doesn’t trust the people who were responsible for counting ballots. “(Township Clerk) Terry Lilley is there,” Sprader said. “I just don’t trust Terry Lilley as far as I can throw him. I, Matt Sprader, don’t feel that Lilley is smart enough to tie his own shoes.” Lilley said he had no response to Sprader’s comments at this time. Lilley won the GOP primary election for township clerk with 58.28 percent of the vote, with 2,224 people voting for him. Sprader will most likely have to wait at least until Tuesday, Aug. 28 to file his petition for a recount. According to Joe Rozell, the director of elections for Oakland County, anybody interested in petitioning for a

recount must come to the county six days after the county Board of Canvassers signs off on the unofficial primary election results. Rozell said he expects that it will take until Wednesday, Aug. 22 to make the results official. “We are in the process of certifying the election,” he said. “We are doing an audit, and things could change depending on the results of the audit. We can’t accept any (recount petitions) sooner than that.” The cost of a recount is $10 per precinct and $10 per absentee precinct, a fee which is paid for by the petitioner. There are 12 precincts in White Lake. Meanwhile, the municipality pays the rest of the costs associated with having the votes recounted by the county Board of Canvassers. ❏

PAGE 4

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

OUT AND ABOUT WEST

OAKLAND’S

NEWSWEEKLY

51st YEAR OF PUBLICATION Waterford • White Lake • Highland • Milford Commerce • Wolverine • Walled Lake • Wixom West Bloomfield • Orchard Lake • Union Lake PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: Susan Fancy BUSINESS MANAGER: Dennis Boggs EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Carol Barr EDITOR: ASSISTANT EDITOR: Tim Dmoch Kirk Pinho Staff Writers: Angela Niemi, Leslie Shepard, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Mike Scott, Mark Stowers Staff Photographer: Amy K. Lockard Photography Intern: Damon Tang ADVERTISING SALES: Account Representatives: Cindie Audia, Denise Engelberts, Linda Stickney, Laurie Wasker Sales Assistant/Proofing: Justina Vargas PHONE SALES MANAGER: Lori Snyder Account Representatives: Rhonda Libkuman, Cindy Stawick, Leslie Timko GRAPHICS: Denise Jungjohan, Marcia Reimer, Rob Robar IT MANAGER: Joel Stickney CIRCULATION: Dan Griffin

Steve Graves was on hand on Saturday, Aug. 11 for the Civil War Encampment at Milford’s Central Park, part of the 20th Annual Milford Memories festival in downtown Milford. Event patrons were able to view demonstrations of life in a Civil War camp as presented by different re-enactment groups, and a display and demonstration of an 1836 Confederate infantry canon and Williams Gun. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGER: Carolyn Petherbridge Assistant: Mable McCullough PRESS RELEASES: Deadline 10 a.m. Thursday. Mail to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014. Fax 248.360.1220 or bring to office. After-hours drop box. NEWS TIPS: Post at our website MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: 52 issues - $45 per year.

www.spinalcolumnonline.com OFFICES AT: 7196 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, MI 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday 248.360.SELL (7355) / 248.360.NEWS (6397) FAX 24/7: 248.360.1220 MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387 SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY OAKLAND LAKEFRONT OAKLAND HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY Member of National Newspaper Association Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Waterford Chamber of Commerce

The Spinal Column Newsweekly, all rights are reserved. No portion, whole or part, may be reproduced without prior permission. The names Spinal Column, Newsweekly, SportsWeekly, and West Oakland are protected property. The Spinal Column Newsweekly is co-owned by Steven and Susan Fancy, brother and sister; son and daughter of James Fancy, publisher from 1969-2011.

Pictured from left to right are First Sergeant Johnson, Jonathan Williams, and Private Jay Johnson, who participated in the Civil War Encampment on Saturday, Aug. 11. The Civil War Encampment attraction was sponsored by the General Motors Proving Grounds. Look for more photos from last weekend’s Milford Memories festival on Page 19. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

AUGUST 15-21, 2012

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AUGUST 15-21, 2012

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PAGE 7

LAKES AREA NEWS

From Highland to Hollywood Local couple’s 1968 Lincoln used in Houston flick ‘Sparkle’ By Angela Niemi staff writer

argaret and Raymond Russell of Highland Township will be going to the movies this weekend to see “Sparkle,” but not to see Whitney Houston in her last film role. They are much more interested in seeing if the late singer sat in their 1968 Lincoln with “suicide doors” that was used in the film, which was shot in Detroit beginning last October. The car’s journey into film immortality began when Raymond Russell took the Lincoln to a small auto repair shop on Livingston Road in Highland to see what was going on with the motor. Little did he know that trip would result in his car being in a major motion picture. A person from Sony Pictures had been driving by the repair shop when he noticed the vehicle parked in front. It just happened to be the type of vehicle producers of the film were looking to include in the movie. “He came up to my husband and said, ‘How would you like to have your car in a movie?’” Margaret Russell said. “We were floored. When (my husband) first came home and told me about the offer, I was like, ‘You know how they like to fool old people with scams. Let’s make sure this is real.’” An introduction to an agent from Livonia, as well as a contract and

Absentee ballots found soon after being misplaced By Michael Shelton staff writer

The misplacement of 44 absentee ballots during the Tuesday, Aug. 7 primary election resulted in officials from the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Elections Division and the county Sheriff’s Department paying a visit to West Bloomfield Township Hall last week. According to township Deputy Clerk Joseph Munem, as primary election ballots were being counted, one of the precincts had a stack of ballots

Highland Township residents Margaret and Raymond Russell stand with their 1968 Lincoln, which was used in the filming of “Sparkle,” staring Whitney Houston and set for release on Friday, Aug. 17. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

having to file a 1099 tax form for the money paid to them for the use of their vehicle convinced the Russells the offer was the real deal. “They kept the car for a couple weeks and paid us for the days they used it,” Margaret Russell said. “We don’t really know how it was used in the movie. We have to wait and see it

on Friday. I’m anxious to see the credits at the end of the movie, to see if the car or we are mentioned. I know they put every little detail in the credits.” The Russells acquired the Lincoln eight years ago and only drive it on special occasions, such as during the Dream Cruise. “It really is a beautiful car,”

Margaret Russell said. “It only has 22,000 miles on it. It will be so exciting to see it if it is indeed in the film. “And if Whitney Houston was sitting in the car, it may be a future selling feature,” she said while laughing. She has encouraged her

misplaced. “The ballots were being counted in the counting room and they were placed into a metal box and sealed, but they weren’t supposed to be there,” Munem said. Township Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy said that she then called the county Elections Division. “Our elections are open and transparent,” she said. “We searched high and low and we found them.” When township officials found the temporarily missing ballots, county elections officials were already on their way to the Township Hall, as were Oakland County Sheriff’s Department personnel, according to Munem. “The (Michigan) Secretary of State representative said that we could pro-

ceed to count the ballots and the county Board of Canvassers had the ballots held and they signed off on them,” Munem said. He likened the situation to “misplacing car keys,” while Shaughnessy said that the situation is “probably more common that everyone thinks” when it comes to any election. Despite the misplacement, Shaughnessy said that she was “really, really pleased” with how the election was conducted and ballots were processed. The primary election night absentee ballot glitch came as the West Bloomfield Police Department continues to investigate the reported theft of vote-tabulating computer cards, which were discovered missing on

July 11 from a secured location in the township Clerk’s Office. On Thursday, Aug. 2, the township’s Election Commission held a public accuracy test of random voting machines. Township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste said that Police Chief Michael Patton apprised her of the misplaced absentee ballots, and that she believes what occurred was “a small oversight.” Trustee Steve Kaplan said, with the validation from couny canvassers, he was comfortable with the counts. ❏

PAGE 13 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 13

➥

PAGE 8

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

SPECIAL REPORT

ith the ashes settled following the Tuesday, Aug. 7 primary election, the slate of candidates asking for west Oakland County residents’ votes in the Nov. 6 general election is now largely known, and a slew of local races are drawing the attention of political gurus. Both local Republicans and Democrats have their eyes closely affixed on the new 11th Congressional District race between Dr. Syed Taj, a Democrat serving on the Canton Township Board of Trustees, and Milford Republican Kerry Bentivolio, a Tea Party favorite who withstood a blistering television ad campaign from former GOP state Sen. Nancy Cassis of Novi, who ran in the Aug. 7 primary election as a write-in candidate at the behest of Oakland and Wayne county Republican powerbrokers. Oakland County Republican Party Chairman Jim Thienel said he expects County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, county Sheriff Michael Bouchard and county Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch to give Democrats “zero chance” in those elections. Yet he admitted that state Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake) will put up a “very difficult race” against incumbent Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr., a Highland Township Republican who was appointed to the position in 2011 following the election of Ruth Johnson as Michigan Secretary of State in 2010. “But we’re going to beat (Brown),” he said. “Three (countywide elected official positions) will be very competitive and we’re really going to have to work,” but Republicans will win, he said. He was referring to the race between incumbent county Treasurer Andy Meisner, a Democrat, and state Rep. Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy), who is term-limited; the race between incumbent Democratic county Prosecutor Jessica Cooper, who is squaring off with former state Senate majority leader Mike Bishop, a Rochester Republican; and the Brown vs. Bullard contest. “We’re not going to take Mike Bishop or Marty Knollenberg for granted,” said Frank Houston, chairman of the Oakland County Democratic Party. Thienel said he anticipates a 21member county Board of Commissioners being easily dominated by 14 or 15 GOP county commissioners following the general election. Houston said he expected Democrat Pam Jackson of Commerce Township

The battles brewing Nov. 6 contested races take shape

to put up a strong fight in the 39th state House District. She’ll be running against Commerce Township Republican Klint Kesto to represent the district redrawn by the GOP. “It’s one of those districts that were gerrymandered, but it’s not an unwinnable race,” Houston said. He also pointed to the race for an Oakland County Circuit Court bench seat being vacated by Judge Edward Sosnick, who can’t seek re-election because of state age restrictions on judicial candidates, as a race that will be closely fought by attorneys Karen McDonald and Dan Christ. What follows is a breakdown of the contested local races for elected office that will be decided by voters in less than three months. 11th Congressional District (Waterford, West Bloomfield, White Lake, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, Wixom, Milford, White Lake, Highland) Taj and Bentivolio will square off in the Nov. 6 general election to represent the new 11th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Voters in this district will also decide on Nov. 6 who will serve the remaining term of former U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, who resigned last month following a petition signature flap that resulted in charges filed against four

former staff members in his Livonia office last week. McCotter’s current term expires at the end of the year. Republicans running in the Sept. 5 special primary election for the rest of McCotter’s unexpired term are Bentivolio; Cassis; and Kenneth Crider, Carolyn Kavanagh, and Steve King, all of Livonia. David A. Curson of Belleville is the lone Democrat who filed for the special primary election. The winner of the Republican special primary election will take on Curson in the Nov. 6 special general election. U.S. representatives serve two-year terms and are currently paid $174,000 annually. 14th Congressional District (West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake) After handily defeating a crowded Democratic field on Aug. 7, U.S. Rep. Gary Peters will take on Republican John Hauler in the general election. 29th State House District (Orchard Lake) Incumbent state Rep. Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills), elected earlier this year in a special election to replace former state Rep. Tim Melton, will be taking on Brian Stebick, a Republican from Pontiac. Neither Greimel or Stebick were challenged in the Aug. 7 primary elections. State representatives serve twoyear terms and are currently paid $71,685 per year.

38th State House District (Walled Lake) State Rep. Hugh Crawford (R-Walled Lake, Wixom) of Novi will face a challenger in Novi Democrat Chuck Tindall, a regular office-seeker in the lakes area over the past several election cycles. Both Crawford and Tindall skirted through the primary elections without facing opposition from a member of their respective parties. 39th State House District (Commerce, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, West Bloomfield) After a crowded field of GOP candidates was narrowed down to just one in the Aug. 7 primary election, Kesto will square off against Jackson in the Nov. 6 general election. 40th State House District (West Bloomfield) Vying for the right to represent this district that covers the eastern portion of West Bloomfield, along with Birmingham and Bloomfield Township outside the west end of Oakland County, are Republican Michael McCready of Bloomfield Hills and Democrat Dorian Coston of West Bloomfield. Although Coston was unopposed in the primary election, McCready staved off a trio of formidable challengers en route to a slim Aug. 7 GOP victory. 43rd State House District (Waterford) After handily defeating a Republican

AUGUST 15-21, 2012

Democrat first elected to the position in 2008, and state Rep. Knollenberg will face off in the Nov. 6 general election. Knollenberg, son of former U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, is term-limited in the state House. The county treasurer serves fouryear terms and is currently paid $138,999 per year. Oakland County Water Resources

primary election, Middleton, a former state representative, will face Democrat Phillip Reid, also of Clarkston. 5th Oakland County Board of Commissioners District (Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield, Waterford) In one of the odder races in the county, incumbent Republican

Commissioner County Commissioner Jim Nash (DFarmington Hills) defeated his Democratic opponent in the Aug. 7 primary election and has won the right to take on incumbent county Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch, who was first elected to that job in 2000 after serving as the county board chairman. The county water resources commissioner serves four-year terms and is currently paid $138,999 annually. 2nd Oakland County Board of Commissioners District (Highland) Incumbent Oakland County Commissioner Bob Hoffman (RHighland) will face off with Democrat Sherlynn Everly of Holly in the Nov. 6 general election for a two-year term on the Board of Commissioners that pays $32,093 per year. Hoffman, appointed to the county board following Bullard’s appointment as county clerk, won the right to serve the remainder of Bullard’s unexpired county commissioner term in a May 2011 special election. 4th Oakland County Board of Commissioners District (Waterford) Incumbent Tom Middleton, a Republican from Clarkston, is looking for another two-year term on the county board after first being elected in 2002. Unchallenged in the Aug. 7

Commissioner John Scott will compete against Democrat Alexandria T. Riley in November — and an independent candidate also named John Scott. Commissioner Scott, who is seeking a sixth term on the county board, and Riley were unchallenged in the Aug. 7 primary elections. Commissioner Scott will seek to have a term of designation — effectively meaning that it would state “incumbent” or “Commissioner” next to his name — on the Nov. 6 ballot. 7th Oakland County Board of Commissioners District (Commerce, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, West Bloomfield) Seeking a sixth term on the county Board of Commissioners, incumbent Christine Long (R-Commerce, Milford, Wolverine Lake) faces Democrat Paul Caradonna of Commerce Township in the Nov. 6 general election. 13th Oakland County Board of Commissioners District (West Bloomfield) Incumbent Marcia Gershenson, a Bloomfield Hills Democrat, is looking for her fifth term on the county Board of Commissioners in the Nov. 6 general election. Gershenson will be challenged by Republican Al Zaparackas of Farmington Hills. Oakland County Circuit Court Non-incumbent Position Attorneys Karen McDonald of Royal Oak and Dan Christ of Bloomfield won

PAGE 9

the right to square off against each other in the general election, after earning the two highest vote totals in the Aug. 7 primary election in a field of five candidates. The winner will replace Oakland County Circuit Court Family Division Judge Edward Sosnick. Circuit Court judges serve six-year terms and are currently paid about $139,500 annually. Oakland County Circuit Court Incumbent Position Five incumbent Circuit Court judges — Wendy Potts, Phyllis McMillen, Leo Bowman, Michael Warren and Denise Langford-Morris — are fighting to retain their bench seats against two challengers in assistant Michigan attorneys general Deborah Carley and William Rollstin. Officials say it’s the first time in many years that seated Circuit Court judges have been challenged. 48th District Court (West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake) After a field of four candidates was winnowed to two in the Aug. 7 primary election, incumbent 48th District Court Judge Diane D’Agostini will be challenged by attorney Josh Arnkoff in the general election. D’Agostini, who has served on the bench since 2000, and Arnkoff will fight for a six-year term that currently pays $138,722 annually. 51st District Court (Waterford) Incumbent 51st District Court Judge Jodi Debbrecht, appointed to the bench by former Gov. Jennifer Granholm following McMillen’s appointment to the Oakland County Circuit Court bench, will face Waterford attorney Andrea Dean in the November general election. Highland Township Supervisor A crowded field of Democratic and Republican candidates was narrowed to two finalists on Aug. 7, leaving Republican Rick Hamill and Democrat Doug Bourgeois standing to vie for a four-year term as Highland Township supervisor, a job currently held by Triscia Pilchowski, who did not run for re-election. The Highland Township supervisor is paid $65,691 annually. Milford Township Supervisor Incumbent Don Green easily warded off his three Republican challengers for the township’s chief executive position and — although there are no Democrats appearing on the ballot — still has one more hurdle to clear when he faces independent candidate James Crane, a former Milford Village councilman, in the Nov. 6 general election. The Milford Township supervisor is PAGE 10 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

SPECIAL REPORT

challenger in the Aug. 7 primary election, incumbent state Rep. Gail Haines of Lake Angelus will face a challenge from Waterford Township Democrat Neil Billington, who had launched an unsuccessful recall effort against Haines last year. Billington also challenged Haines in the 2010 Republican primary election, but was soundly defeated. 44th State House District (White Lake, Waterford, Highland, Milford) Coming off a convincing Aug. 7 Democratic primary election victory, Tom Crawford of Milford won the right to take on incumbent state Rep. Eileen Kowall of White Lake Township in the Nov. 6 general election. Oakland County Executive Incumbent Patterson cruised to the Republican nomination for Oakland County executive on Aug. 7, taking 90 percent of the GOP vote against a political newcomer from West Bloomfield. Patterson, a former county prosecutor, will be opposed by Democrat Kevin Howley of Huntington Woods on Nov. 6. The Oakland County executive serves four-year terms and is currently paid $173,500 annually. Oakland County Prosecutor Neither incumbent Cooper, a Democrat from Franklin elected in 2008, nor former state Senate majority leader Bishop faced opposition in the primary elections. Come Nov. 6, they will square off for the right to serve a four-year term as county prosecutor that pays $156,129 per year. Oakland County Sheriff Incumbent county Sheriff Bouchard, a former state lawmaker, easily fended off his Republican challenger in the Aug. 7 primary election. In less than three months, voters will head to the polls in the general election to choose either him or Democratic challenger Jane FeliceBoudreau of West Bloomfield, who ran for the sheriff’s position in 2008. The Oakland County sheriff serves four-year terms and is currently paid $138,999 annually. Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds After being appointed to the clerk/register of deeds position in 2011 following the election of former county clerk Ruth Johnson as Michigan Secretary of State, Bullard, the former chairman of the county Board of Commissioners who previously served in both the state House and Senate, will face a Democratic challenger in state Rep. Brown. Neither Bullard or Brown were challenged in the Aug. 7 primary elections. The county clerk/register of deeds serves four-year terms and is currently paid $138,999 per year. Oakland County Treasurer Incumbent Treasurer Meisner, a

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November contests ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 9

paid $71,623 per year and serves a four-year term. Green was first elected to that position in 2000. Milford Village Council Four seats on the Milford Village Council will be filled by voters during the November general election. Expiring this year are the terms of Council President Terri Rusas-George and councilmembers James Kovach, Elizabeth Heer and Kevin Ziegler. The council president serves a twoyear term and is paid $7.50 a meeting. Village Council members serve fouryear terms and are paid $7.50 per meeting. Rusas-George, Heer, Kovach and Ziegler will all be unopposed on Nov. 6, as no other candidates filed to run. Waterford Township Supervisor Incumbent Carl Solden, a Democrat first elected township supervisor in 2000, is seeking another term. He will compete against Republican Gary Wall in the Nov. 6 general election for a fouryear term that pays $90,987 per year. Wall trounced the other Democrat in the primary election, taking nearly

three times as many votes on the way to victory. Waterford Township Clerk When the dust settled from the Democratic primary election on Aug. 7, Teresa Fortino, daughter of the late Waterford Clerk Betty Fortino, emerged victorious over her Democratic challenger. Fortino will next take on Republican Sue Camilleri in the general election for the right to serve a four-year term that pays between $72,696 and $94,507 annually, depending on experience. Waterford Township Trustee A packed field 13 Republicans and Democrats duked it out in their parties’ respective primary elections for four trustee nominations. Democratic incumbents Bette O’Shea and David Kramer, and Donna Kelley and Garry Nielson advanced to the general election, as did Republican incumbents Anthony Bartolotta and David “Doc” Maloney, and Julie Brown and Karen Joliat. Township trustees serve four-year terms and are currently paid $10,976 per year. West Bloomfield Township Supervisor A bitter battle between incumbent Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste and two Democratic challengers on Aug. 7 ended with Ureste the victor.

Although no Republicans entered the race to become the township supervisor — which comes with it a four-year term that pays $109,347 per year — Ureste faces a familiar face in the general election: Former supervisor David Flaisher, an independent candidate who Ureste ousted four years ago in the 2008 primary election. White Lake Township Supervisor After a close call on primary election night, Supervisor Greg Baroni, appointed to that position in 2011 following former supervisor Mike Kowall’s election to the state Senate, will face off against Democrat Michael D. Smith in the Nov. 6 general election for a fouryear term that pays $75,000 per year. Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Board of Education Two positions on the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Board of Education will be up for grabs on the November ballot this year. Current vice president Peggy Casagrande’s term is set to expire this December, as is Trustee Marc Siegler’s. Casagrande and Siegler were the only candidates to file prior to the 4 p.m. deadline yesterday, Tuesday, Aug. 14. Terms for members of the Board of Education are for six years.

Wolverine Lake Village Council There are five open seats on Wolverine Lake Village Council to be filled by general election voters. The terms of current Councilmen Mike Stack, Brian Nedrow, Bob Malek, Patrick Nagy, and President Pro Tem Ed Sienkiewicz expire in November 2012. Nagy was sworn in April, 2012 to complete the term for former council member Linda Champagne. He must now file to run for the position to seek voters’ authorization to serve the remainder of Champagne’s unexpired term. Sienkiewicz, Nagy, Ron Cumbo, Nedrow, and John Scott were the only candidates to file paperwork to appear on the ballot before yesterday’s deadline, so each will be unopposed on Nov. 6. The top three vote-getters will earn four-year council terms, while the next two will earn two-year terms. Huron Valley Schools Board of Education A pair of four-year seats on the Huron Valley Schools Board of Education are up for grabs in November. The filing deadline was 4 p.m. yesterday, Tuesday, Aug. 14. The terms of board members Charles Dittmar and Lisa Blackwell expire in

PAGE 11 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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November contests ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 10

November 2012. Blackwell, Jerry Aubry, and Eric Wallis will compete for the two seats in November. Waterford Schools Board of Education Two seats on the Waterford Schools Board of Education will be up for grabs in the November general election, as the seats of School Board President Joan Sutherland and Vice President John Himmelspach are set to expire this year. Only Himmelspach and Sutherland filed to run, leaving the two incumbents with no opposition in November. The deadline to register with Oakland County Elections Division for the Nov. 6 general election expired at 4 p.m. yesterday, Tuesday, Aug. 14. Candidates will be running for a sixyear term. West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education The seat of West Bloomfield Board of Education School Board President Bruce Tobin is the only seat up for grabs this year, and will be filled by voters in November. John Reed and Julie H. Beaty will compete for seat now held by Tobin, who apparently withdrew from the race yesterday, Tuesday, Aug. 14. The deadline to register with Oakland County Elections Division for the Nov. 6 election expired at 4 p.m. yesterday, Tuesday, Aug. 14. Candidates will be running for a sixyear term. District residents will also be asked to vote on a building and site sinking fund millage proposal of 1.5 mills over a 10-year period, beginning July 1, 2013 to improve and repair the district’s school buildings. The owner of a property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) would pay $150 in the first year of the new millage’s collection. The district states that the millage would provide the district with estimated revenues totaling $1.63 million during the 2013 calendar year. Oakland Community College Board of Trustees Incumbent Pamala M. David, and challengers David R. Kniffen, Gillian A. Levy, Olga Meyer, Christine Marine O’Sullivan, Latrecia Renee Scott, E. Wadsworth Sherrod III, Randy Ston, Ravi Yalamanchi, Angela River, David Trott, Layne Ashley Sakwa, and Clay R. Jansson all filed to run for two unpaid trustee spots on the Oakland Community College (OCC) Board of Trustees by yesterday’s Tuesday, Aug. 14 filing deadline. ❏

Ballot issues facing voters Constitutional amendments, funding questions on Nov. 6

host of regional and local ballot proposals were approved in the Tuesday, Aug. 7 primary election, and voters will face more come the Nov. 6 general election — although exactly how many state constitutional amendments and local funding questions voters will decide on remains unknown. STATE BALLOT PROPOSALS Across Michigan, voters will decide whether to repeal Public Act 4 of 2011, the law that gives expanded powers to emergency financial managers. Following a lengthy legal battle over the size of the font on circulators’ petition headings, the state Supreme Court approved putting the measure on the November ballot earlier this month. In addition, the Michigan Board of Canvassers meets today, Wednesday, Aug. 15 to consider placing the following four ballot initiatives on the general election ballot: • A proposed state constitutional amendment that would require utilities to obtain at least 25 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources; • A proposed constitutional amendment that would establish the Michigan Quality Home Council, provide certain information to consumers, require training of providers, and provided limited collective bargaining rights; • A proposed amendment to the Michigan Constitution that would establish a new right for employees to collectively bargain; and • A proposed constitutional amendment to establish eight new casinos at specific locations in Detroit, Clam Lake Township, DeWitt Township, Pontiac, Clinton Township, Birch Run Township, Grand Rapids, and Romulus. According to Fred Woodhams, spokesman for Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, the state Board of Canvassers has until Sept. 7 to place the following initiatives on the statewide ballot: • One that would require voter approval of a new international trade crossing (Detroit-Windsor bridge); and • One that would require a statewide vote of the people, or super-majority (two-thirds) approval by both the state House and state Senate before taxes could be raised in Michigan. The Board of Canvassers is still reviewing the hundreds of thousands of signatures collected by supporters of those two proposed ballot issues. A series of other statewide ballot measure petitions — including for the legalization of marijuana; the elimination of the state Senate and term limits for state lawmakers; a ban on collective bargaining for state employees; and a ban on the need to pay union dues as a condition of employment, among others — had been approved by the state Board of Canvassers “as to form,” but the committees backing their placement on the general election ballot had not turned in enough signatures prior to the deadline.

LOCAL BALLOT PROPOSALS Walled Lake Consolidated Schools But it’s not just statewide ballot proposals that will face the west Oakland County electorate come November. The Walled Lake Consolidated Schools will be seeking a renewal of its 10-year, 0.5-mill building and site sinking fund millage during the general election. It generates about $2 million per year for the repair, renovation or remodeling of school buildings, according to Bill Chatfield, the district’s director of operations. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value. City Of Wixom It’s too soon to tell whether Wixom voters will face a ballot proposal in the Nov. 6 general election, but it’s possible that the City Council will come again before the electorate with a proposal to raise the city’s charter millage cap after an effort to hike it by as much as 4.98 mills in the Aug. 7 primary election failed by about 10 percent. Given the time constraints involved in submitting the verbiage for a general election ballot proposal, the City Council may opt to hold a special election on a higher charter millage cap in February. Huron Valley Schools On Monday, Aug. 20, the Huron Valley Schools Board of Education will be considering ballot language for a possible 10-year renewal of its 18-mill non-homestead operating millage levied on all property, except principal residences and other property exempted by law, which is required for the school district to receive its state per-pupil foundation allowance. It would generate $9.16 million for operations during the first year levied and would be collected from 2013 to 2022. Waterford Township Waterford Township voters will be facing a pair of ballot questions in November. The first is a 20-year, up to 0.5-mill new millage for Parks and Recreation Department operations, programs, activities and facilities that would generate $965,000 in the first year levied; the second is an annual special assessment district (SAD) for maintenance, operations and equipment for police and fire services at up to 2.95 mills on all real property not exempt from taxation. If approved, the special assessment would generate $5.44 million in the first year it’s collected. Both would first be levied on the December tax bills. The Waterford Township Board of Trustees voted on Monday, Aug. 13 to place both issues on the Nov. 6 ballot. Milford Township/Village Milford Township residents will be asked in November to vote on a millage for a proposed skate park. The township is asking for a maximum of 0.25 mills for four years, from 2012 through 2015, before being reduced to 0.025 mills for an additional 16 years, from 2016 through 2031. The levy of 0.25 mills is expected to raise an estimated $190,521 in the first year of the millage collection, if approved. ❏

PAGE 12

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PAGE 13

LAKES AREA NEWS

Budget axe hits city after millage cap hike’s defeat

Walled Lake DDA survives council’s dissolution effort

By Leslie Shepard

staff writer

Wixom officials convened last week to implement the first round of cuts to offset a $1.7 million budget deficit, after the effort to raise the city’s charter millage cap failed during the Tuesday, Aug. 7 primary election. “The correct information (on the ballot proposal) was not conveyed to the electorate in a suitable time to make an adequate decision,” said Mayor Kevin Hinkley. “People were confused and thought we would immediately raise the millage from 8 to 12.98 (mills), which wasn’t the case at all.” Wixom voters defeated the initiative to raise the charter millage cap by up to 4.98 mills by 122 votes. “It was close, a 10-percent spread,” said City Manager Mike Dornan. “We had to get the word out and get people to understand, but apparently our efforts weren’t good enough.” The Wixom City Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 8, when Dornan and Finance Director Kevin Brady presented a list deficit reduction alternatives. The list includes the possible elimination of the following: A Finance Department clerk position; 24/7 police and fire station coverage; eliminating parks and recreation and senior services; city events; overtime pay for city staff working at city events; park cleanup; leaf collection; subdivision snow and ice control; equipment repairs and maintenance; capital outlays for police and fire equipment; and facilities repair and maintenance. There’s also potential for closing the Community Center; not filling three police sergeant positions; postponing fire truck debt payments; and canceling City Hall parking lot repairs. By implementing all those cuts, the city would save $1.72 million for the 2013-14 fiscal year and $2.1 million in 2014-15. “No business can survive with the conditions the city has faced,” Dornan said. “But it’s not all bad news. It gives (the city) council direction to meet the deficit in the face of the ballot question failing.” In a 4-3 vote, the council voted to immediately cut the following items from the city’s budget: The finance

The Walled Lake City Council has voted unanimously to keep the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) alive after a second reading of a proposal to dissolve it was defeated on Monday, Aug. 6. “Some people thought the ordinance was being used as a ‘stick’ against the DDA,” said Mayor William Roberts. “I wasn’t in favor of the ordinance to begin with. Things could have been done to the budget, and the DDA board was more than willing. Eventually, council saw the light.” A first reading of the ordinance to dismantle the DDA was approved on June 5, but the council tabled a second reading of the ordinance on June 19. Budgetary issues were at the center of the effort. Since that time, City Manager L. Dennis Whitt has been appointed as the DDA executive director and the DDA bylaws were changed to reflect his appointment. “With the city manager being executive director — that’s way it was up until 2008, and there’s no reason not to have it that way now,” Roberts said. “Before, the only way to get a ‘10’ on the Oakland County Main Street (program) evaluation was if the city manager wasn’t executive director, so we gave (former executive director) Charlene (Long) that title. We got a ‘10’ the first year, and then after that we didn’t.” Whitt has tasked city staff, in particular Deputy Treasurer Jennifer Stuart, with the legwork involved in putting on DDA events. “Under the coordination of the city manager, our staff will be doing whatever we need to to make the events cohesive and flowing,” Stuart said. “I’m the point person, but our staff will be coordinating contracts and working with vendors.” The next DDA event is Pet Awareness Day on Sept. 16. ❏

The “suicide doors” on the 1968 Lincoln owned by Highland Township residents Margaret and Raymond Russell are among the features that make the car rare and coveted, including by the producers of “Sparkle,” a motion picture featuring Whitney Houston’s final film role that’s set for release on Friday, Aug. 17.

‘68 Lincoln ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 7

husband over the years to sell the vintage vehicle, although he has refused. “You know how men are with their cars — boys and their toys. But maybe there’s a reason for clerk position, overtime wages for leaf collection services, capital outlay, and capital improvements. In addition, the council voted to not fill the three police sergeant positions. “There were a lot of numbers without explanation and not detailed enough for us to make a decision (on all the possible cuts),” Hinkley said. “I think the consensus was more information was needed on items and we will be pondering over the next few days whether to move forward and put new language on the November ballot.” The council will determine whether to craft general election ballot language in an effort to raise revenues during two scheduled meetings: One that was held yesterday, Tuesday, Aug. 14, and another on Tuesday, Aug. 28. “Council will decide what services they believe the community wants and the millage amount that can be passed,” Dornan said, adding that some council members want to study the budget further and perhaps form a citizens committee prior to crafting any new ballot language. “(A committee) would probably come to the same conclusion that funds are necessary, but will embrace it because it comes from the commu-

everything,” she said. “Sparkle,” the remake of a 1976 musical of the same name, stars Houston and “American Idol” alum Jordin Sparks, and opens on Friday, Aug. 17. The film set in the 1960s is about three Detroit area sisters striving to become a singing group during the Motown era. ❏ nity,” said Councilwoman Lori Rich. “It makes sense. It’s not to suggest the facts are incorrect or council isn’t being objective, it’s just a way to perceive it differently and it has worked in many communities.” However, such a process takes time and language for the November ballot must be submitted by Aug. 30. Therefore, a special election in February might be deemed necessary. Dornan noted that Wixom voters should keep in mind that the value of a mill has drastically changed over the last five years. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value. The owner of a property with a taxable value of $100,000 pays $100 in city taxes under a 1-mill collection. “The value of a mill five years ago was $1 million (in the city), but with the decline in property values, the value of a mill is now $623,000 — there’s your 38 percent reduction in revenues, not withstanding the reduction in state-shared revenue and the like and the potential of the personal property tax falling off, making it another 17 percent hit,” Dornan said. ❏

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 15

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PAGE 15

LAKES AREA NEWS

Six months tacked on to medical pot ban in Milford By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Village Council voted Monday, Aug. 6 to approve an extension of the village’s moratorium on medical marijuana facilities, now spanning until Jan. 7, 2013. The council also directed that a draft ordinance regarding medical marijuana be written for its consideration. The moratorium forbids land being used for growing and distributing medical marijuana, and bans allowing schools from providing training on the cultivation, processing, and distribution of the drug. According to Interim Village Manager Deborah Frazer, Village Attorney Jennifer Elowsky and Planning Consultant Nick Lomako have been working on a draft ordinance for the village, but nothing has been finalized due to concerns that there will be more changes to the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA). According to Frazer, Elowksy said that over the past several years there have been many court rulings that either do not set legal precedence or do not apply to municipal zoning or licensing concerns related to medical marijuana issues. Elowsky also recommended that the village move forward with preparing and adopting its own laws regarding medical marijuana. Recently, the West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees approved the drafting of an ordinance amendment banning the dispensing and sale of medical marijuana in retail, business and commercial establishments in the township. Medical marijuana use was legalized for qualified patients following authorization by Michigan voters in the November 2008 general election. The MMMA went into effect on April 4, 2009. The act permits physician-approved use of marijuana by patients with debilitating medical conditions including cancer, glaucoma, AIDS, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions as approved by the state Department of Community Health. ❏

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 17

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An assessment of $155,000 to be assessed over a five-year period ($31,000 each year) has been proposed for lakefront properties and backlots with access to Orchard Lake. The annual assessment for each lakefront property owner would be $140, while it would be $96 for each backlot property owner, and $1 per frontage square foot assessed for each institutional property owner. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

New lake assessment sought Public hearing on Orchard Lake SAD slated for Aug. 20 By Leslie Shepard staff writer

he Orchard Lake special assessment district (SAD) that impacts property owners with frontage on or access to Orchard Lake must be re-established for another five years. The SAD, which expired on June 30, collects money to cover the costs of weed harvesting, marine patrols at the Orchard Lake public access site, and goose control measures. The Orchard Lake City Council adopted a resolution in June to initiate the establishment of another SAD, and a public hearing is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 20 during a City Council meeting. Invasive weed harvesting each summer over a two-week period would cost an estimated $24,200 annually, while marine patrol is

expected to cost $5,000 per year. Goose control measures for protecting the water quality of the lake is anticipated to cost roughly $500 annually. This year, the city is tacking on a $300 administrative fee associated with contract facilitation. “This is something new,” said Director of City Services Gerry McCallum. “The city used to do this carte blanche, but now there is a fee for city expenses for performing the SAD work.” The total assessment of $155,000 would be assessed over a five-year period ($31,000 each year). This means the annual assessment for each lakefront property owner would be $140, while it would be $96 for each backlot property owner, and $1 per frontage square foot assessed for each institutional property owner. The Orchard Lake Country Club

would be required to ante up $671, while Orchard Lake St. Mary’s would pay $1,140 and Orchard Lake Community Church would be assessed $495. Some residents voiced concerns that the SAD must be modified by raising the amount collected. “There has been a lot of discussion to get more money to increase the SAD,” McCallum said. Increasing the amount collected would require a re-petition process and time is running out to get the new assessment on the winter tax bill. “Based on the time constraints to get it on the winter tax bill, (the) council suggested to put the renewal in place for this year and then amend it later,” McCallum said. More discussion on the SAD is expected during the Aug. 20 City Council meeting. ❏

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PAGE 17

LAKES AREA NEWS

Milford regroups on home business rules for township By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Township Board of Trustees will look to introduce an amendment to the township’s home occupation and home-based business ordinance at its meeting tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 15. The proposed amendment to the ordinance outlines a limit of two fullor part-time employees at one time; and states that such businesses should occupy no more than 25 percent of a residential floor area, or 25 percent of any attached garage or accessory building if the business is distributed between the principal dwelling, attached garage or accessory building. In addition, the amendment would state that the total electrical service used for a home occupation or homebased business should not exceed 60 amps. The proposed amendment also states that home-based occupations or businesses that produce trash or debris that exceed contracted residential use standards are prohibited, along with the open storage of material, unlicensed vehicles, equipment or refuse associated with or resulting from the business. Last year, the township Planning Commission approved sending an amendment before the township board for introduction, but on July 20, 2011 the board tabled the introduction until its Aug. 17, 2011 meeting, when it sent the amendment back to the commission for more discussion. The Planning Commission began discussing changes to the ordinance back in August 2010, with Planning Commissioner and Township Board Liaison William Mazzara saying that the current ordinance is outdated and revisions are in order. Other commissioners also noted that the existing ordinance doesn’t address residents working out of their homes, changes in technology, and current economic trends. A copy of the proposed amendment is available at the Milford Township website, milfordtownship.com, in the August board meeting packet, which can be downloaded from the minutes and agendas section. ❏

‘Electrik’ failure Waterford teen club’s license revoked By Leslie Shepard staff writer

lub Electrik, the teen social club in Waterford Township, will be closing its doors permanently due to an apparent string of reportedly unruly incidents that occurred inside or on the business grounds. The Waterford Board of Trustees revoked the club’s dance hall license at its Monday, Aug. 13 meeting. A hearing was held with representatives of Alaken, LLC, the licensee, and the township. Immediately following, the board adopted a resolution revoking the licensure. Club Electrik moved into the former Planet Fitness facility at 3635 Highland Road only six months ago. The goal was to provide a safe and entertaining venue for kids ages 14to 18-years-old, but according to township Police Chief Daniel McCaw, there were numerous incidents of misconduct at the site. There were 31 instances between March 4 and July 28 during which the Police Department was dispatched to the club for alleged violations of township ordinances. Evidence, supported by police reports, was presented during the hearing showing that minors consumed alcohol on the property or frequented the premises while “under the influence of alcohol,” in addition to there being a series of noise complaints stemming from the club. “When the owners approached us in February, (the township board) thought it was a great thing for the kids, but 31 violations is shocking,”

Township heroes honored for efforts in helping others Several law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, and civilians were expected to be honored at the Commerce Township Board of Trustees meeting held yesterday, Tuesday, Aug. 14 after press time. Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Commerce Township Substation Sergeant Dennis Servis and Deputies Lee Van Camp II, Michael Summers, and John Jacob, who have participated in Shop with a Cop program and have given public presenta-

said township Trustee Anthony Bartolotta. Calls placed to Alaken, LLC representative Bill Brown were not returned prior to press time. The original concept of the teen club was embraced by the township. The club provided a study environment during the week for students to work on school projects, receive tutoring, or socialize with friends, free of charge. Weekend evenings provided entertainment like music, arcade games, and dancing, and refreshments were available for purchase. Safety precautions were supposedly in place for admittance. All students were required to show proper identification and would be subjected to a search and metal detector for any prohibited items, such as alcohol, drugs and weapons. A strict dress code was also enforced. No bandanas, gym attire or hats were permitted. Security officers or surveillance cameras were supposed to be monitoring the parking lots, exits, bathrooms, and dance floor at all times. “No one showed up from Club Electrik to defend it, and that makes me think they’re in violation and didn’t do what they were supposed to,” Bartolotta said. “That’s one of the reasons I voted to revoke it (the license).” The resolution also stated that there had been no move by the licensees to put additional safeguards in place to ensure problems would not reoccur in the future. ❏ tions on child safety, ID theft, and fraud prevention, were honored for their community involvement with Community Service Citations. Van Camp and Summers were given county Special Commendation Awards for work on a “thorough and professional investigation” in a case where a baby had been killed by its father. Jacob was honored for his investigative work proving that what was originally thought to be an accidental shooting was in fact a deliberate shooting after a December probe. Deputy Gary Richert also received a Professional Excellence Citation for using “excellent law enforcement techniques” in dealing with a subject armed with a knife and firearm, avert-

ing “what very well could have been dire consequences.” Paramedic Danny Daniels was honored for saving the life of an nonbreathing newborn in February by intubating the infant and re-establishing its respiration and a heartbeat. Deputy Robert Loken was honored for his willingness to wade through “3 feet deep of swamp in below-freezing weather” to make contact with a person attempting suicide last December. Firefighters and civilians were presented with awards for their actions in saving Al Wilkinson’s life on Feb. 24 at the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association. Wilkinson had gone into cardiac arrest. CPR was initiated by bystanders Sam Mullins and William Seery, along with Deputy Sarah McCann. Responding at the scene from the Fire Department were Marcus Leece, Tony Oryszczak, Larry Gray, Michael Bell, Robert Hollmeyer, and Zack Schwartz. Wilkinson was transported to DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital by Community EMS personnel Allen Clymer and Stephanie Leckvarcik. ❏

Roofing company owner fatally hurt in traffic accident David Spencer, 52, formerly of Commerce Township and the owner of Spencer Roofing in Walled Lake, died after being injured in a Monday, Aug. 6 motorcycle accident in Genesee County’s Argentine Township. The early evening accident between Spencer’s motorcycle and a pickup truck occurred on Silver Lake Road near McCaslin Lake Road. The wesbound truck reportedly turned in front of his motorcycle, which struck the back of the truck, throwing Spencer from the bike. He reportedly wasn’t wearing a helmet. In addition to Laurie, his wife, Spencer is survived by his children Candice, Mallory, Averi and Dana; father Orville Spencer; siblings Ed (Anne) Spencer, Naomi Spencer, Brad (Kathy) Spencer, Brenda (Chuck) Brodie, Mark (Bethany) Spencer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Donna Spencer, in 2002. The interment of ashes and military honors took place at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly on Aug. 13. Memorials are encouraged on behalf of the American Cancer Society. ❏

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 19

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PAGE 18

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LAKES AREA NEWS

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The sun finally chased the clouds and rain away on Sunday, Aug. 12, the final day of the 20th Annual Milford Memories festival in downtown Milford, and staff photographer Amy K. Lockard was there to document the scene. 1. Vendor Mike Kehr of White Cloud demonstrates a piece of glass art created by his wife, Tracy. 2. Christine Laginess of Milford paints on one of her ceramic pieces at her Art in the Village booth. 3. Huron Valley HOT Team members (from left to right) Nathan Feather, Brenden Elliott, and Caleb Ehardt make balloon animals for young festival attendees as a fund-raising project. 4. Ron Opfer (left) of Wixom and Tom Gorton of Highland Township roast corn on the cob for the Milford United Methodist Church food booth. 5. Joe Hibbert (center), former owner of Uptown Grille in Commerce Township and the owner of the soon-to-open Palate restaurant in Milford, makes up hamburgers for Jack Weaver of Commerce Township (right).

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LOCAL MATTERS

‘My dream has come true’ After rocky — and fiery — start, Fiesta Fajitas is thriving

By Angela Niemi staff writer

hings did not get off to an ideal start for Alberto Alvarado when he decided to branch out from the family business, Mexican Fiesta in Dearborn Heights, with the opening of Fiesta Fajitas in Commerce Township. Fiesta Fajitas opened in November 2009, but was forced to close a little over three months later after a fire nearly consumed everything in the business on the evening of Feb. 12, 2010. However, Alvarado did receive one good sign: In a fire that destroyed or melted everything — including cash registers, televisions, and pop machines — his figurine of the Virgin Mary remain untouched. “Everything melted except for three little flowers and the Blessed Mother,” he said. “It told me to keep on going — along with my faith and my prayers.” That statue of Mary is still in the restaurant on a shelf, keeping watch. Nine months later, on Nov. 17, 2010, Alvarado reopened his restaurant to make his dream come true once again. Alvarado is a co-owner of the family-owned Mexican Fiesta, which was started in 1963 by Sam and Frances Alvarado. It will be celebrating 50 years in business next year. The success of Mexican Fiesta has led to the opening of another location in Canton and a Fiesta Mexican restaurant in Hartland by other family members. Alvarado decided to open Fiesta Fajitas in Commerce, bringing his family’s fresh and authentic Mexican food to the area. “I liked the location,” he said. “I had a good feeling about Commerce Township. I used to come to Commerce all the time and boat on Union Lake, and I always used to say I want to open a restaurant in Commerce. My dream has come true. All I can say is follow your dreams and never give up.” “We wanted to spread out from Wayne County and go to Oakland County to share our food,” added Erica Barnard, one of the managers of the restaurant who first started working with the Alvarado family 19 years

Among other improvements in recent years, Fiesta Fajitas, located on Carroll Lake Road in Commerce Township, recently received approval to start serving alcohol in its cantina. “Our house margarita is just fabulous,” said Erica Barnard, one of the restaurant’s managers. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

ago at Mexican Fiesta in Dearborn Heights before moving over to the Canton location in 1996. After taking time off to raise her children, Barnard was lured back when Alvarado opened his new restaurant. “Over the past couple decades, a lot of people have moved out this way from Wayne County who are familiar with Mexican Fiesta,” Barnard said. “I’ve had so many customers come in and say, ‘Your food tastes just like Mexican Fiesta.’ And when I tell them that’s because we are part of the same family, they say, ‘Thank God. Now we don’t have to drive so far.’” According to Alvarado, Barnard was instrumental in helping address one of the restaurant’s weaknesses — sub-par service — which can be a death sentence to any restaurant. “We had a hard time finding good service in the beginning,” Alvarado said. “We could only find young kids at the time. Now our service has gotten a lot better. Erica helped a lot.” “When I first got here, I came in

and cleaned house,” said Barnard, who shares management duties with Alvarado’s daughter, Ethelvina, affectionately known as “Ya-Ya” to customers. “We worked really hard to find a good fit. Now everybody here is part of a team. There are no I’s. We are just one big family.” One of the major recent changes at Fiesta Fajitas is the addition of a liquor service. The restaurant received its liquor license last week after waiting over a year. Along with a full-service bar, Mexican beers such as Corona, Dos Equis, and Pacifico are now available, in addition to the alcoholic staple of all Mexican restaurants: Margaritas. “Our house margarita is just fabulous,” Barnard said. Both Alvarado and Barnard said they are hopeful that the addition of liquor service will make the atmosphere even more festive. “The atmosphere was great before, but now I think it will be even better since now we can host Sunday Night and Monday Night football

games and have happy hour specials,” Barnard said. Another challenge is letting people know Fiesta Fajitas is in the area. Located in a strip mall at 4835 Carroll Lake Road near Leo’s Coney Island, the restaurant is sometimes overlooked. However, regular customers and word of mouth are helping Alvarado gain more customers. “We are going stronger and stronger,” he said. “Every day we are getting new customers.” New customers will hopefully mean the fulfillment of another of Alvarado’s dreams — “becoming successful enough to help the needy and poor.” The restaurant is looking to start talking with churches about treating one needy family a week to dinner. “I want to do whatever the Lord tells me to do,” he said. A full food menu can be found online at fiestafajitas.com. Customers can order take out online or over the phone. Call 248-363-9000 for more information. ❏

PAGE 22

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LOCAL MATTERS • Huron Valley State Bank, Steven Peacock, 522 N. Main Street, Suite 100, Milford, speacock@hvsb.com, www.hvsb.com. Phone: 248-3876080. Fax: 248-684-0014. Banks.

business notes anniversaries ❐ Teddy Bear Junction of Commerce Township is celebrating their 25th year in business at 2405 Benstein Road, near the intersection of Glengary and Benstein roads. Executive Director Cindy Smith, an alumnus of Central Michigan University, started the center with the help of her family and friends on Jan. 1, 1987. Teddy Bear Junction or “The Educational Day Care” works on developing a wellrounded person — socially, academically, and physically — so that when their children are ready to leave Teddy Bear, they have the tools to do well in their next phase of life. This model day care also uses summer bridge programs to help students maintain their math and reading skills over the summer break. Local elementary schools have reported that they appreciate how well these students are prepared for kindergarten. Teddy Bear Junction also maintains an open door policy for parents so that they can stop in to see their children at any time. For more information, call 248-624-1612.

openings

❐ Gershenson Realty & Investment has announced the addition of two new anchor stores to the White Lake Marketplace, a 364,000-square-foot development in White Lake. A 28,046square-foot Bed Beth & Beyond and 25,660-square-foot Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts join Wal-Mart Supercenter, Home Depot, Office Max, Fashion Bug, Payless, Bath & Body Works, Bank of America, Gamestop, Batteries Plus and Applebees. President & CEO Bruce Gershenson said, “We are very encouraged about the renewed interest in Michigan by key retailers and we are excited to have brought these two quality retail anchors to White Lake Township.” Both Bed Beth & Beyond and Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store held their grand opening celebrations earlier this month.

weekly agenda ❐ DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital will present a free seminar about weight management at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, at Edgewood Country Club located at 8399 Commerce Road in Commerce Township. An internist and a surgeon affiliated with Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital will discuss essential elements for weight management, including nonsurgical and surgical options. Participants will be able to ask questions about nutrition, exercise and weight loss surgery. Seating is limited

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

Support yourself and your community – shop locally! The choices that you make about where to shop are powerful statements to your community. By choosing locally owned & operated businesses, you support: Schools • Police and Fire • Libraries • Parks & Recreation • Roads Invest in our future – buy local, live local, and volunteer local too.

You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here. and advance registration is required either online at www.dmc.org/peoplesmedicalcollege or by phone at 1-888-DMC-2500. Check-in and refreshments will begin at 8:30 a.m. with presentations scheduled for 9 a.m.

chamber notes ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce (HVCC) is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, visit www.huronvcc.com. • The Coffee Club, 8 to 9 a.m., Friday, Aug. 17, MediLodge of Milford, 555 Highland Avenue. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced that the following businesses have joined its membership ranks: • Digital Ink LLC, Renee Lubaway, 42705 Grand River Avenue, Suite 201, Novi, info@digitalinkllc.com, www.digitalinkllc.com. Phone: 248-508-6834. Computer learning. • Amber Lights Photography, Amber Stanley, 341 N. Main Street, Milford, amberlights@comcast.net, www.amberlightsphotography.com. Phone: 248-685-8600. Photographers. • Max & Izzy’s Boutique & Bookstore, Renee V. Cooper, 115 W. Commerce Road, Suite A, Milford, maxandizzys@gmail.com. Phone: 248714-6421. Retail.

❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-624-2826 or visit www.lakesareachamber.com. • Oakland Chamber Network, Oakland County’s largest business card exchange, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, Bayside Sports Grille, 142 E. Walled Lake Drive, at the historic downtown Walled Lake lakefront. Cash bar and appetizers. Admission is $10 prepaid or $15 at the door. Payment must be received by Friday, Aug. 17 for advance R.S.V.P. price. For more information, call 248-624-2826. • Expo, Taste & Fun Fest, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 3, Walled Lake Central High School. Exhibitor registration begins Monday, Aug. 27. Expand your customer base. For an information kit, including “Smart Tips that help turn lookers into buyers,” call 248-6242826 or e-mail info@lakesareachamber.com. ❐ The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-666-8600 or visit www.waterfordchamber.org • Concerts in the Park featuring The Groove Council, 6 p.m., tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 16, Hess Hathaway Park, 825 S. Williams Lake Road, Waterford. Food and beverages available for purchase. Free admission. • Waterford Chamber Ca$h Mob,

noon, Tuesday, Aug. 21, Dairy Queen, 4683 Dixie Highway, Waterford. The Waterford Chamber Ca$h Mob would love for members of the community to join them in their efforts to support local business. Please meet them in the parking lot by noon sharp to receive a Ca$h Mob t-shirt to wear during the event. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun! For more information about the Waterford Chamber Ca$h Mob and future mobbing events, “like” their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WaterfordChamber CashMob • Business After-Hours Mixer, 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 22, Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club, 4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston. Join us for networking, cash bar and appetizers. Cost: $15 advance registrations for non-members and $10 for pre-registered members. Register online at www.waterfordchamber.org or call 248-666-8600 ❐ The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-626-3636 or visit www.westbloomfieldchamber.com. • Mix & Mingle, 8 a.m., today, Wednesday, Aug. 15, Phil Klein Insurance Company, 4312 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 200, West Bloomfield. Morning networking activity. Free for members, nominal charge for nonmembers. • Grub Crawl 2012, 5 to 10 p.m., Sept. 13. The chamber is looking to secure sponsors for our 8th annual Grub Crawl. Sponsorship levels range from $100 to $1,000. Please contact the office for additional information on how your company can participate. NEW! DAILY LUNCH SPECIAL

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PUBLIC SAFETY Rolladium shooters to be sentenced in Sept. Two men on trial for their alleged roles in the Rolladium skating rink shooting in Waterford Township last December have been convicted of assault with intent to commit murder. Both Cheyenne Ingram, 18, and Tre-Andis Marquan-Jose Jamison, 22, faced 14 charges, including assault with intent to commit murder; possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony; carrying concealed weapons; and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. According to Oakland County Circuit Court Judge James Alexander’s staff, Jamison was convicted on all 14 counts. Ingram was found not guilty of the felony firearms charge, but found guilty on all other counts. Sentencing will be handed down for Jamison on Sept. 5, and on Sept. 12 for Ingram. The shooting occurred during a preChristmas skating party at the Rolladium, located at 4475 Highland Road, at around 1:44 a.m. on Dec. 23. Three black male suspects, including Jamison and Ingram, reportedly entered the building and fired handguns from the snack bar area out onto the skating floor area. Five people were struck, but no one sustained fatal injuries. During the investigation, police discovered that the shooting stemmed from two rival gangs out of Pontiac, one known as the Goon Squad and the other as 1st Enfantry. The third shooting suspect, Robert Lee German, an 18-year-old Pontiac resident, is still at large but has been charged with the same crimes as Jamison and Ingram. ❏

Civil War-era currency taken from business Waterford Township police are investigating a breaking and entering incident that occurred on Wednesday, Aug. 8 at the Silver and Gold Exchange located at 7629 Highland Road. The incident was reported around 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 8. According to police reports, arriving officers found the front door glass shattered. Inside the business, the perpetrator had broken into a large safe in the rear of the business, where a significant amount of hydraulic fluid had pooled near the safe and had splattered on the walls. It is believed a tool with a square tip was wielded to punch holes in the safe. Several hundred Civil War-era dollar

Suspect arrested Man charged with robbing credit union By Michael Shelton staff writer

he suspect in the robbery of a Milford credit union, as well as banks elsewhere in Michigan and Illinois, was arraigned in Oakland County Circuit Court on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Carlos M. Vilanova, 48, was arraigned on one count of bank robbery for his alleged theft of money from the Community Choice Credit Union on Milford Road on July 11. A $200,000 bond was set and a pretrial hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 23 in front of Circuit Court Judge Nanci J. Grant. Penalties for a bank robbery vary and can include a life sentence. Vilanova is suspected of allegedly passing a note to a Community Choice Credit Union employee saying that he was armed before leaving the bank with several hundred dollars. No weapon was discovered and no one at the credit union was injured. Vilanova is a Highland Township resident — and formerly of Chicago — who was working in Ann Arbor and Vilanova is also suspected of robbery in Green Oak Township. He is believed to have committed several other bank robberies in Illinois. Investigations into those robberies are on-going. Officers from the Milford Police Department and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Fugitive Apprehension Team arrested Vilanova on July 30 shortly after obtaining a warrant from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office earlier in the day. Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg said that officers were able to track him down thanks in part to social media outlets and tips that were given to Crimestoppers. Lindberg also praised the work of Milford Police Detective Ed Pilch and thanked the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department for its help, as well as John Shoup, the acting special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Detroit Field Office, who worked with the FBI offices in Detroit, Ann Arbor and Chicago. Vilanova was previously arraigned in 52-1 District Court in Novi and bound over to the circuit court for trial. ❏ bills, coins and silver bars dating back to the 1800s were taken from the safe. The incident remains under investigation. Contact Waterford Police Detective Lawrence Novak at 248-618-7515 with any information you may have on this incident. ❏

Punch breaks teen’s jaw in basketball game An 18-year-old man was allegedly punched in the face during a pick-up basketball game at the Jewish Community Center campus on Wednesday, Aug. 8. The game allegedly got physical and the suspect, a young black male, allegedly punched the victim in the face, resulting in a broken jaw that has to be wired shut for six weeks.

The incident remains under investigation. ❏

Drunk man from Holly arrested for prowling West Bloomfield Township police arrested an alleged prowler after he was reportedly spotted by a homeowner who saw him was trying to break into his residence. The incident occurred on Colony at 1:15 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9. Police officers responded, only to find out that the suspect had ran away. However, he was later found a short distance away from the house. He was described as a 35-year-old black male from Davison, wearing a white shirt and checkered shorts. He was allegedly intoxicated. He was arrested for prowling. ❏

Theft of $10K diamond ring under investigation A 5-carat diamond ring valued at $10,000 was stolen from an Anne Drive residence in West Bloomfield Township sometime between Saturday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 12 while the homeowners were on vacation. There was no sign of forced entry at the scene and it’s believed that someone who had permission to be in the house may be responsible for the larceny. The theft remains under investigation. ❏

Thief steals $500 laptop from Wixom apartment The Wixom Police Department is investigating a breaking and entering incident that occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 7 in the 31300 block of Tamarack. According to a Wixom Police Department report, an unknown person or persons entered a woman’s apartment while she slept and stole her laptop computer, valued at $500. The woman told police that she though her doorwall was locked, but that it could be easily manipulated. Police did not find any signs of forced entry. There were no witnesses to the crime. ❏

Marijuana, pipes found in 25-year-old’s vehicle Milford police last week arrested a Holly man who was allegedly driving with a suspended license and had marijuana in his vehicle. On Monday, Aug. 6 on Main Street, a Milford police officer ran a Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) check on a 1999 Dodge traveling ahead of him. It was discovered that the driver had a suspended license and a warrant out of Holly. The officer pulled over the 25-yearold driver and searched him and his vehicle. The search of the vehicle reportedly turned up a purple tin container with a small amount of loose marijuana, seven pipes with burnt residue that resembled marijuana, a grinder with a small amount of loose suspected marijuana, and a screwdriver. The driver reportedly told the officer that he also had a small amount of marijuana in the vehicle, along with another pipe. The driver was issued a misdemeanor citation for driving while his license was suspended and possession of marijuana. ❏

PAGE 24

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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PAGE 25

TRANSPORTATION

Approval of RCOC budget at $103M set for next month By Leslie Shepard staff writer

PONTIAC TRAIL (Walled Lake) • Notes: The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) is continuing its reconstruction efforts on Pontiac Trail between West Maple Road and South Commerce Road. • Closures: During the project, Pontiac Trail will remain open, but will be reduced to one lane in each direction. However, West Maple will be closed at the west side of Pontiac Trail from the start of the project through the end of August. The detour route for West Maple traffic will be Pontiac Trail to Ladd Road to West Maple, and vice versa. South Commerce at Pontiac Trail was closed on July 24 and will tentatively remain closed until today, Wednesday, Aug. 15. While the roadway is closed, the detour route for South Commerce traffic will be Pontiac Trail to Decker Road to South Commerce, and vice versa. West Maple will close at the east side of Pontiac Trail, but not until next month. • Completion date: November. • Cost: $2.6 million. JOHN STREET (Highland Township) • Start date: Tentatively Monday, Aug. 20 • Notes: The project calls for pulverizing the pavement and applying a hot mix asphalt overlay. There will also be drainage improvements. • Closure: The roadway will be closed for the duration of the project. • Detour: Livingston Road to Milford Road to M-59, and vice versa. • Completion date: Sept. 19. • Cost: $228,000. ORCHARD LAKE ROAD (Farmington Hills/West Bloomfield Township border) • Notes: The RCOC has begun work on this resurfacing project on Orchard Lake Road between 13 Mile Road and 14 Mile Road. • Closure: The five-lane road will be reduced to one lane open in each direction, which is expected to cause traffic delays. The road will remain reduced to one open lane in each direction for the duration of the project. • Completion date: Oct. 3. •Costs: $1.4 million.

COMMERCE ROAD (Commerce Township) • Notes: The project involves reconstruction of the roadway, as well as traffic signal upgrades and drainage improvements. Motorists should expect delays. Commerce Road between Carroll Lake and Union Lake roads is now open to traffic. • Detour: Union Lake Road to Wise Road to Carroll Lake Road ,and vice versa. • Completion date: Sept. 15. • Costs: $2.6 million. COOLEY LAKE ROAD (Milford, Highland, White Lake, and Commerce townships) • Closure: Cooley Lake Road, east of Duck Lake to Mystic Valley. • Notes: A gravel road paving project is underway on Cooley Lake Road, east of Duck Lake to Mystic Valley, in Milford, Highland, White Lake, and Commerce townships. • Detour: Duck Lake Road to Commerce Road to Carey Road, and vice versa. • Completion date: November. • Costs: $4.4 million. BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: I-96 EAST OF MILFORD ROAD, WEST OF KENT LAKE ROAD (Milford) • Notes: A series of bridge reconstruction projects are being facilitated in the area and carried out in phases. Crews are currently constructing the inside of the Milford Road bridge. Eastbound and westbound traffic has been shifted onto a new portion of the Milford bridge. One lane in each direction of Milford Road will be open during the project. Crews are also continuing efforts on the Kent Lake bridge (I-96 over Kent Lake Road). Motorists are now able to travel eastbound on the new bridge. By the end of this week, traffic will be shifted to the left center of the roadway to begin a new stage on Kent Lake. This should be in place until the end of September. Work continues to be conducted on I-96 over the Huron River Trail, where eastbound and westbound traffic is now driving on the newly paved bridge. Each bridge project is being reconstructed in phases so three lanes are maintained on I-96 at all times. • Completion date: October. • Costs: $15.5 million.

The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 23 to present a Fiscal Year (FY) 2012-13 budget proposal that anticipates a slight increase in revenues compared to the current budget. The public hearing will be begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Auditorium, located at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. The $103.1-million proposed budget represents an increase of $2.4 million compared to the $100.7-million spending plan adopted for the current fiscal year. The proposed budget includes funding for work on road improvement projects with a total value of nearly $42.8 million, but many of the projects include expenses spread over several budget years. Among the projects planned in the lakes area is a reconstruction project along Haggerty Road between Oakley Park and Richardson roads in Commerce Township, estimated at $1.9 million. Also included is a project to repair, rehabilitate and resurface Cooley Lake Road from Union Lake to Williams Lake roads on the boarder of White Lake and Commerce townships for $450,000, in addition to another on Pontiac Lake Road, from M-59 to Cass Lake Road in Waterford Township, at an estimated cost of $1.2 million. The RCOC’s fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. The new budget is expected to be adopted next month. The 2012-13 proposed budget is higher than the current 2011-12 budget primarily due to an anticipated increase in state-collected road funding and because the road commission plans to use approximately $4.4 million from its fund balance during the upcoming fiscal year. Federal road funding coming to the RCOC during the new fiscal year is expected to decrease by $1 million. The RCOC anticipates receiving $57.7 million in state revenues in FY 2012-13, compared to $56.8 million during the current fiscal year. Another $17 million in federal funding is anticiPAGE 27 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

PAGE 26

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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TRANSPORTATION

RCOC budget ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 25

pated for road improvement projects and $10.5 million will come from the RCOC’s state highway maintenance contract. While FY 2012-13 state revenues to the RCOC will be up slightly compared to the current fiscal year, state revenues had declined for the five previous fiscal years after being flat for nearly 10 years. State revenues, derived primarily from the state-collected fuel taxes and vehicle-registration fees, are the RCOC’s largest source of funding and the main funding source for RCOC operations. State revenue for the next fiscal year will remain below the level received 13 years ago. “These continue to be very arduous times for road agencies in Michigan,” said RCOC Board of Road Commissioners Chairman Eric Wilson. Wilson added that federal funding — which is generally tied to specific road construction projects and cannot be used for routine maintenance operations — tends to fluctuate considerably from year to year. “We’re pleased we will receive more state-collected funding for 2013 than in 2012, but that slight increase will not offset the massive cost increases we have seen for materials and equipment,” said RCOC Board Vice Chairman Greg Jamian. Expenditures for 2012-13 are expected to come in at $103.1 million, reflecting a balanced budget. Operations are expected to be funded at $71 million, while road improvements will come in at $29.6 million and the traffic signal program is budgeted at $2.5 million. Due to budgetary constraints, the RCOC has reduced its personnel by 25 WEST OAKLAND’S

NEWSWEEKLY

IS NOW ON

percent and now employs 142 fewer staff members than in 2007. “Today we have fewer employees than at any time since at least 1962, when the county had half the population it has today, there were far fewer road lanes, and traffic volumes were one-fifth what they are today,” said RCOC Board Member Ron Fowkes. The RCOC will be continuing to cut costs where possible while impacting services as little as possible. “Again in 2013, we will not be filling any position that is vacated unless it is absolutely critical,” Wilson said. “As a result, we are calling on our employees to continually try to find ways to do more with less, or at least to maintain the best possible level of service with fewer resources and less staff.” “While the years of declining budgets have taken a serious toll on the road commission, we have also taken many steps to become more efficient and to cut costs,” said Managing Director Dennis Kolar. “It’s true we are not able to do as much as we did in the past, but we are now using the available resources much more efficiently than ever before. That’s a tribute to the commitment and dedication of the road commission employees.” The costs for the Road Improvement Program are estimated total costs for each project, including any preliminary engineering, right-ofway acquisition and construction costs. For many projects, some of these costs — such as for preliminary engineering or right-of-way acquisition — were paid for under previous years’ budgets, so the total project costs are not necessarily representative of the dollars included in the 2012-13 budget for each project. During the public hearing the Road Improvement Program for 2013 will be reviewed. ❏

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AGE WITH GRACE wins “PEOPLE’S CHOICE” AWARD 3 Years in a row! CUSTOMIZED CARE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME

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PAGE 28

Obituaries

BELOTE, GERELDENE A.; of Waterford, passed peacefully on Aug. 3, 2012 at 82 years of age. BROWN, MILDRED E.; longtime resident of Highland passed away on July 31, 2012. She was 92 years old. CHRISTIE, SANDRA LEE; a long time resident of Milford, died on August 1, 2012. She was 62 years old. FLYNN, DORIS MARY; of Milford passed on August 4, 2012 at West Hickory Haven Nursing Home in the wonderful care of the skilled staff and family at bedside. She was 96 years old. FOSS, JERRY DALE; a resident of Highland, passed away on August 3, 2012. He was 66 years old. GATTEN, JOANNA M.; of Wixom, was born on March 23, 1964. She died July 30, 2012 at the age of 48. Joanna is the beloved wife of 23 years to Jim. HOFSESS, STEPHEN D.; age 73, passed away August 3, 2012. Steve was a loving husband to Terry Hofsess. JONAS, PATRICIA CLARE; age 76, of Waterford died peacefully August 3, 2012. LIMBRIGHT, SUSAN MARY; of Wixom was born on August 15, 1955. She died August 4, 2012 at the age of 56. Susan is the beloved wife of 26 years to Wayne. MCLEAN, DENNIS MICHAEL; of Waterford passed away on August 2, 2012 at 64 years of age. Loving husband of Jane for 14 years. MEEK, CHERYL LYNN; age 54, born on September 6, 1957, passed away on August 1, 2012 in Highland. Beloved wife of Bruce Meek for 36 years. PAULY, LOUISE B.; of Waterford. August 2, 2012 at 89 years of age. PELTIER, GRACE JUNE; of Commerce Twp., was born on October 10, 1924. She died July 31, 2012 at age 87. PERZYK, ROBERT MICHAEL; of Waterford passed away on July 30, 2012 at the age of 83 years. Loving husband of Jo Ann for 59 years. SPENCER, DAVID; passed away after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle accident. He was 52 years old. In addition to Laurie his beloved wife of nearly 7 years, David is survived by his children Candice, Mallory, Averi and Dana; father Orville Spencer; siblings Ed (Anne) Spencer, Naomi Spencer, Brad (Kathy) Spencer, Brenda (Chuck) Brodie, Mark (Bethany) Spencer; also many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Funeral Service was held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty St., Milford on August 11th, 2012. Interment of ashes and military honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly. Memorials to: American Cancer Society. For further information, please phone 248.684.6645 or visit www.LynchFuneralDirectors.com

To place an obituary in the Spinal Column Newsweekly please call the Classified Department at 248-360-7355 or email: lorisnyder@thescngroup.com

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

ENVIRONMENT

Intensive sweep of bays yields no sign of Asian carp By Angela Niemi staff writer

Officials with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as well as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have not found any invasive bighead or silver Asian carp in western Lake Erie after spending a week using intensive electrofishing and gill netting activities in Sandusky Bay, Maumee Bay, and their main tributaries. “The sampling results are very encouraging, especially since we intensely focused on areas where we believed we had the greatest chances of finding these fish,” said Ohio Department of Natural Resources Executive Administrator of Fish and Management Research Rich Carter. “We look forward to the results of the environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis that will help us define future actions.” eDNA is a genetics tool developed by researchers at Notre Dame and the Nature Conservancy which detects the presence or absence of species-specific DNA in an aquatic environment, such as the cells shed by Asian carp through their feces, urine, mucus, and gills. The intensive search in western Lake Erie was conducted after six

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water samples collected from Sandusky and North Maumee bays recently tested positive for the presence of Asian carp eDNA, according to the DNR. The six water samples were among the 417 collected from Lake Erie in August 2011 and analyzed and confirmed by eDNA researchers earlier in July. Four samples from Sandusky Bay tested positive for bighead carp eDNA, and two samples from North Maumee Bay in Michigan waters were positive for silver carp eDNA. Both fish are among four species of Asian carp considered to be major threats to the Great Lakes and have been found in the Illinois River. “We are committed to supporting our state DNR partners in the field,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Deputy Regional Director Charlie Wooley. “Service staff will continue to work side-by-side with DNR employees both on the water and in the labs as we try to answer the question, ‘Are there any live Asian carp in the Sandusky and Maumee areas?’ This ... sampling has not provided any physical evidence that Asian carp are in these two waterways.” ❏

Activities, food at Adventure Day on Saturday, Aug. 18 The Proud Lake Adventure Day will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township. The event is co-sponsored by the Proud Lake Recreation Area and the Walled Lake Consolidated School District Outdoor Education Center. Activities will include canoeing, fishing, games, the Leap of Faith, mountain biking, a nature hike, rock climbing, a zip line, a scavenger hunt, and archery. Hot dogs, pop, and chips will be available for purchase, and ice cream will be on hand for free. Children under 13-years-old must be accompanied by an adult. The event is free, but people will need a state Recreation Passport to enter the park. Parking is available at both the Proud Lake Recreation Area and at the Outdoor Education Center. The Proud Lake Recreation Area is located at 3500 Wixom Road in Commerce. The Outdoor Education Center is at 3577 Sleeth Court in Commerce. ❏

lake levels LAKE LEVELS Following are the lake level readings for lakes and rivers across the western Oakland lakes area, as compiled by Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch’s office. Legal levels are denoted by elevation in feet from sea level; current levels are denoted as plus or minus the legal in hundredths of feet. River depths are measures from the river bottom, at point of measurement. WATERWAYS Cass Cedar Island Commerce Dawson Mill Pond Duck Fox Huron River Long Loon* Maceday-Lotus Middle & Lower Straits Mohawk Oakland-Woodhull Orchard Oxbow Pontiac Shawood-Walled Lake Schoolhouse Scott Sylvan-Otter Union Upper Straits Watkins White Williams

LEGAL LEVEL 929.22 934.00 906.80 928.60 1016.63 930.00 1.08 933.00 949.30 966.70 930.70 949.30 957.50 930.50 942.75 962.83 932.80 949.30 951.00 928.60 927.07 930.80 950.00 1019.10 965.42

7/27/12 Legal –.35 –.18 –.06 –.13 –.10 –.18 –.12 –.20 –.18 –.45 –.16 +.04 –.53 –.35 –.34 –.60 –.18 –1.40 +.03 –.03 –.38 –.02 –.18 –.49

8/3/12 +.07 +.34 +.17 +.08 –.13 –.05 –.20 +.15 –.26 –.05 –.45 –.21 +.12 –.50 –.38 –.48 –.61 –.24 –1.53 +.08 +.01 –.35 –.02 –.09 –.47

*Reading for Loon Lake, in Waterford Township, also applies to Mohawk–Wormer Schoolhouse, Silver and Upper Silver Lakes.

8/10/12 –.01 +.30 +.17 Legal –.11 –.02 –.18 +.15 –.37 –.09 –.52 –.30 +.08 –.62 –.50 –.58 –.68 –.30 –1.70 Legal –1.70 –.46 –.07 –.10 –.59

AUGUST 15-21, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 29

COUNTY

assistant editor

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson remains in stable condition after suffering injuries as an unrestrained passenger in a car accident on Friday, Aug. 10. Bill Mullan, Patterson’s media and communications officer, said on Monday, Aug. 13 that no release date for the five-term county executive — who has undergone at least two surgeries to repair orthopedic injuries and is “resting comfortably” — has been set. County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr. said Patterson suffered

broken wrists, a broken leg and a laceration to his forehead during the accident. According to Thom Hardesty, public information officer for the Auburn Hills Police Department, a preliminary investigation revealed that neither Patterson, nor the 60-year-old Owosso driver of the black Chrysler 300 he was riding in or the 31-yearold Royal Oak driver of a Volkswagen Passat involved in the accident at Walton Boulevard and Opdyke Road, were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Police said it appears that the Volkswagen failed to yield the right-

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non-life-threatening, injuries. The Volkswagen sustained damage to the passenger side, while the Chrysler had “significant” front-end damage, police said. Because of the extend of the injuries sustained in the crash, the case will be presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for review when the investigation is complete. There’s been no decision on whether to issue citations. State Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake, Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) said Friday night that McLaren will likely keep Patterson for “a day or two.” Neither alcohol or drugs appear to be factors in the crash, which remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact the Auburn Hills Police Department at 248-3709444. Patterson, through Mullan, requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to The Brooksie Way, the quality of life event started by Patterson following the death of his son in a 2007 snowmobile accident. ❏

Decker Rd.

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson was seriously injured in a two-car accident on Friday, Aug. 10. He continues to recover in a hospital following two surgeries to address orthopedic injuries. (Photo from LBrooksPatterson.com)

of-way, causing the crash. “The prayers and words of support that continue to roll in have buoyed Brooks, his family, and staff,” said Chief Deputy County Executive Gerald Poisson in a statement released by Mullan. “Thank you to everyone for sending their positive thoughts. They help more than you could imagine.” First responders were called to the scene around 4 p.m. on Friday, where there had been a two-vehicle accident involving the Chrysler and the Volkswagen. The Chrysler 300 was traveling eastbound on Walton. When it entered the road’s intersection with Opdyke on a green traffic signal, it struck the Volkswagen, which was turning southbound in front of the vehicle in which Patterson was riding in the front seat. Patterson was transported to McLaren Oakland Hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Auburn Hills Police Department. The driver of the Chrysler, as well as the driver and 51-year-old passenger of the Volkswagen, were transported to area hospitals with serious, but also

PAGE 30

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Include your firm’s website in this weekly feature at very favorable rates. Phone 248.360.SELL (7355). AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Aerial Graphics www.aerialgraphics.com BEACH RESTORATION TT&C Beaches www.ttcbeaches.com BOAT COVERS Bev’s Canvas Covers www.bevscanvascovers.com BOAT REPAIRS/FURNITURE American Soft Trim www.americansofttrim.com BOATS/NEW & USED Lake Ponemah Marina www.lakeponemahmarina.com BOATING SUPPLIES Boating Supply Center www.boatsupplies.com

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DOCKS & LIFTS American Marine www.americanmarinesc.com LAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES Aqua Weed Control www.aquaweed.com REAL ESTATE Cyndi Robinson - Real Estate One www.cyndirobinson.com Tom Buchanan - Real Estate One www.lakesareahomesearch.com TRAILERS American Trailer Mart www.americantrailermart.com VISITING NURSES & THERAPISTS Affinity Home Care Agency, Inc. www.affinityhomecareagency.com

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AUGUST 15-21, 2012

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PAGE 31

STATE

AG: ‘The district got stiffed’ Four staffers charged in McCotter petition signature fiasco By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

fter three months of being tight-lipped on the investigation into a petition signature scheme that cost former U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter his political career, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office has announced four members of McCotter’s staff will be facing felony and misdemeanor charges for their alleged roles in the fiasco. In a news conference on Thursday, Aug. 9, state Attorney General Bill Schuette announced that charges have been filed against the following staff members working in McCotter’s Livonia congressional office: • Don Yowchuang, the 33-year-old deputy district director from Farmington Hills: 10 counts of election fraud forgery, a five-year felony; one count of conspiracy to commit a legal act in an illegal manner, a fiveyear felony; and six counts of falsely signing a nominating petition as circulator, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail; • Paul Seewald, the 47-year-old district director from Livonia: One count of conspiracy to commit a legal act in an illegal manner and nine counts of falsely signing a nominating petition; • Mary Melissa Turnbull, a 58-yearold district representative from Howell: One count of conspiracy to commit a legal act in an illegal manner, and one count of falsely signing a nominating petition as circulator; and • Lorainne O’Brady, a 52-year-old former scheduler from Livonia: Five counts of falsely signing a nominating petition as circulator. The charges against Yowchuang, Seewald and O’Brady were filed in the 16th District Court in Livonia; the charges against Turnbull were filed in the 52-4 District Court in Troy. It was revealed that of the approximately 1,800 petition signatures submitted earlier this year to the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office as part of McCotter’s candidate paperwork filing process, only a few hundred were legitimate. Of those that were invalid, Schuette said signatures were “Xerox’ed” from previous campaign cycles. The investigation report stated that there were four “separate and distinct” methods allegedly used by Yowchuang, Seewald and O’Brady that

amounted to fraud around the petition filing deadline, May 15: False circulator certifications, submission of duplicated petitions, and two “cut and paste” procedures that included putting signatures from past elections on blank petitions for the current election cycle that had a purported circulator, and putting signatures from past election cycles on a valid petition for the 2012 election cycle that had a proper circulator signature. “Then they did a cut-and-paste job that gives Elmer’s glue a bad name,” Schuette said. “They took signatures from 2006. They did a cut-and-paste job on them and put them on petitions

No charges were brought against former U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter over alleged petition signature fraud that resulted in four former staffers facing jail time.

they wanted to submit for 2012.” Turnbull’s alleged actions occurred around May 3. The investigator’s report into the petition signature scandal that effectively destroyed McCotter’s political career states that “evidence indicates similar fraudulent petition schemes were used in prior elections,” not just 2012. Hundreds of documents were examined during the 2.5-month investigation and 75 witnesses were interviewed, Schuette said. “If we find any other evidence, if we are presented with any other information, we’ll review it in the same painstaking, thorough fashion that we used in this investigation,” Schuette said. “If so, we won’t hesitate to pull the trigger and file new charges.” The investigator’s report stated Yowchuang and Seewald allegedly

conspired together, and that O’Brady allegedly had knowledge that some of the petitions she was signing as the circulator were not genuine. “The investigation conducted by this division revealed that the petition collection efforts were carried out by a dysfunctional congressional staff that had completely lost its moral compass,” the Attorney General Criminal Division report reads. “Staffers functioned in a culture completely indifferent to the requirements of the law, and with the arrogant attitude that the rules simply did not apply to them. More efforts were expended in developing and carrying out schemes to get around the legal requirements for the circulating of nominating petitions than were made to obtain a sufficient number of voter signatures.” Schuette, a former colleague of McCotter’s when the pair served in the state Senate, did not mince words during the news conference. “Former Congressman McCotter was asleep at the switch. He appears to have provided no guidance, no supervision whatsoever (to his staff) … The congressman has resigned in disgrace. The district got stiffed. The people got stiffed. “I don’t care if you’re a Democrat, a Republican, or a man on the moon. If you break the law, there will be consequences.” Schuette said the motivation behind the alleged petition signature fraud is “frankly, immaterial.” “(McCotter) set a standard of conduct that is disgraceful,” he said. McCotter released the following statement, adding that he currently is not available for interviews: “I thank the Attorney General and his office for their earnest, thorough work on this investigation, which I requested, and their subsequent report. For my family and I, this closure commences our embrace of the enduring blessings of private life.” The former five-term congressman’s political downfall began in May, when he announced that he was informed by the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office that his candidate petition signatures raised red flags. Once it was officially determined that just a few hundred of the signatures were valid, well short of the 1,000 signature requirement to appear on the ballot for re-election,

McCotter said he would mount a write-in campaign to run for re-election in the new 11th Congressional District, which represents Waterford, a portion of West Bloomfield, White Lake, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, Wixom, Milford, White Lake, and Highland in the lakes area. Within days, however, McCotter quashed that bid and said he would not be seeking another term in Congress, prompting Oakland and Wayne county GOP powerbrokers to scramble in a search for someone to run as a write-in candidate who they deemed a more palatable candidate than Milford Republican Kerry Bentivolio, who reportedly was considered too extreme by the Republican kingmakers. That write-in candidate was former state senator Nancy Cassis of Novi, who in the Tuesday, Aug. 7 primary election was trounced by Bentivolio, a Tea Party favorite, war veteran, and teacher who ran for the state Senate in 2010. McCotter abruptly resigned from office last month, a move that prompted the state to call for a Sept. 5 special primary election to fill the remaining weeks of his two-year term. Cassis; Bentivolio; and Kenneth Crider, Carolyn Kavanagh, and Steve King, all of Livonia, are the Republicans seeking the GOP nomination on Sept. 5. David A. Curson of Belleville is the lone Democrat who filed for the special primary election, which is expected to cost the state and local units of government $650,000. With Bentivolio now being the Republican nominee, Democrats from Oakland County feel the new 11th Congressional District — the lines for which were redrawn by Republicans following the release of 2010 U.S. Census data — is poachable. Dr. Syed Taj, a member of the Canton Township Board of Trustees, is the Democratic Party’s nominee for the seat in the Nov. 6 general election after he defeated William Roberts, a LaRouche Democrat from Redford Township who has called for the impeachment of President Barack Obama, in the Aug. 7 primary election. The special general election to fill the remainder of McCotter’s unexpired term in the current 11th Congressional District will be held in conjunction with the Nov. 6 regular general election. Members of Congress serve twoyear terms and are paid $174,000 annually. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

50 YEARS AGO Aug. 16, 1962 The five French cadets who spent a week in Walled Lake as guests of the Inter-Lakes Group of the Civil Air Patrol have many wonderful memories to take back home with them. Their visit began on Monday, July 23 with a royal welcome at Metropolitan Airport. That evening, the cadets were dinner guests of the Walled Lake Rotary Club. On Tuesday, the visitors had time to get settled and to become acquainted with their hosts. The next day was a full one. It began with a bus trip to downtown Detroit and a tour of J.L. Hudson's. After returning to Walled Lake for dinner, the group headed for Edgewater Amusement Park. Thursday was spent in Dearborn, where the cadets toured the Ford assembly plant and took in Greenfield Village. On Friday they were off again, this time to visit Belle Isle, Grosse Pointe, and St. Clair Shores, taking time to tour the Twin Pines Dairy. General Motors Technical Center was the next stop. A hike in the Proud Lake Recreation Area, an afternoon of swimming and water skiing, and a farewell party at the American Legion Hall in Milford kept the cadets busy all day Saturday. 40 YEARS AGO Aug. 16, 1972 Daily readings are being taken at the Van Normal Dam in Waterford to see if any further cracking or shifting dam walls is taking place. A crack developing along a side wall about two weeks ago led the county drain commission on Friday, July 21 to shore up the dam walls with 8-by-8 timbers to prevent their collapse. Drain Commissioner William M. Richards told the Spinal Column a subsequent study by the consulting firms of Anderson and Anderson of Pontiac and Hartley and Associates of Union Lake suggested that immediate repairs be made to maintain the dam until the new dam is constructed. Construction of a new Van Normal Lake dam, part of the Multi-Lakes Level Control project, is not expected to begin until Sept. 15 at the earliest, Richard said.

51st District Court than any new structure, according to Waterford Planning Commissioner Jane Windeler. The township board is working with the building authority and an architect to design a new court building to be located on the civic center property at Crescent Lake Road north of M-59. Supervisor James Seeterlin explained several months ago that renovation of an existing school building and construction a new building would both run $1 million. "Since the taxpayers have already paid for the school and the property, why don't we use one of the vacant schools rather than just let them lay there empty," Windeler said. "Williams Lake School looks most like a district court to me. It's fairly large and could be remodeled into a really nice court building." 10 YEARS AGO Aug. 14, 2002 Responding to the narrowest margin of defeat in the lakes area during the Tuesday, Aug. 5 primary election, state Rep. Mike Kowall has begun investigating a recount of votes from his contest against state Rep. Nancy Cassis for the Republican nomination for the 15th state Senate District. In one of Oakland County's closes races, Cassis edged past Kowall to gain the Republican nomination. Cassis attracted 9,435 votes against Kowall's 9,341; newcomer David Wolkinson garnered 1,628 votes in the contest. The narrow margin of victory prompted Kowall to investigate a recount. "It was just too close to let it go," Kowall said last week. "Mathematically, it was less than 1 percent."

Headlines of the Past

30 YEARS AGO Aug. 18, 1982 An abandoned public school building would make a better home for the – A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –

Shaughnessy

Economou Ureste

A collection of gossip, scuttlebutt, and odds and ends from our reporters’ notebooks. (MOSTLY) THE SAME CHARACTERS: With the 2012 primary election in the books, West Bloomfield residents might be treated to an additional four seasons of the hit reality show, “I’m a West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees Member, Get Me Out of Here!” One question remaining is whether Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste or former supervisor David Flaisher will be at the helm after the November general election. However, it wouldn’t be election night without a snag or two, which is exactly what happened on Aug. 7, when 44 absentee ballots were misplaced and Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy had to call the Oakland County election officials, who then called the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. The ballots were, thankfully found, with Deputy Clerk Joseph Munem saying that the ballots were placed in the wrong box. He likened the snafu to “misplacing the car keys.” Meanwhile, the West Bloomfield Police Department is continuing its investigation into the apparent theft of vote-tabulating cards from the West Bloomfield Clerk’s Office, which led to Shaughnessy earlier this month conducting an accuracy test of randomly selected voting machines in a setting open to the public. And by “public,” we mean only the couple of people who bothered to show up. Police Chief Michael Patton said his investigators have interviewed township employees and may administer polygraph tests. Wouldn’t it be neat if West Bloomfield Civic Center TV streams these tests live? We’re not holding our breath ... neither should you. LOBBYIST DUST-UP: It’s been a political hot potato for years, but there may finally be enough support among the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to do away with a contract with a lobbying firm, after

Crawford

Patterson

the BoComm’s General Government Committee voted nearly unanimously to rescind an administratively extended contract earlier this week. One commissioner speaking on condition of anonymity called the vote — which had all but one dissenter, county Commissioner Kathy Crawford (RNovi) — “shocking.” But don’t expect the administration of county Executive L. Brooks Patterson and some on the county board who support having the glad-handers (sorry, lobbyists) to go quietly into that good night, to vanish without a fight, so there may be some arm twisting in the back rooms before the board’s Thursday, Aug. 23 expected vote on the matter. Are the votes there to nix the contract? We’ll see. SPEAKING OF BATTLES: Just in case your hopes for abortion to become a topic of debate during the local elections in west Oakland went kaput, look no farther than the races for Oakland County Circuit Court, sources are telling Oakland Confidential. Seven are vying for one of five incumbent seats on the esteemed bench, while two — after nabbing the two highest vote totals on Tuesday, Aug. 7 — will square off for the right to succeed Circuit Court Judge Edward Sosnick, who can’t seek re-election because an archaic state law prohibits anyone over 70 from getting another term on the bench. It sounds like we can expect campaign literature from some in the race trumpeting their stances on the right to life issue. You may ask, “Pray tell, Oakland Confidential, what exactly does abortion have to do with the Circuit Court?” Answer: From a practical standpoint, very little, which makes it all the more curious. But, as we’ve seen with some from the Circuit Court bench looking to make the leap to, for example, the state Supreme Court, the Circuit Court provides a good stepping stone. We’ll see what shakes from the trees in the coming weeks and months. ❏

AUGUST 15-21, 2012

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PAGE 33

IN OUR OPINION

Pay back locals for election After McCotter folly, Sept. 5 race should be on state’s tab W

ith local units of government still reeling from the effects of the 2008 financial collapse and the dismal Michigan economic climate in the years leading up to it and since then, it only adds insult to injury that they are being forced to absorb the $650,000 price tag officials estimate the Sept. 5 special primary election will cost in the wake of former U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter’s political downfall. Oakland County officials are now rightfully asking that the state reimburse the municipalities in the congressional district for the costs of the special election, and we urge the state to fulfill that request. The scope of the petition signature debacle that lead to McCotter’s resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives abruptly and selfishly last month has finally been made public after an investigation that was triggered by staff in Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson’s Office noticing red flags — and kudos are owed to her and her vigilant team — in the petition signature filings. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, in a press conference last week in which he blasted the former five-term congressman for being “asleep at the switch” while the signature charade was going on, announced felony and misdemeanor charges against four members of McCotter’s Livonia congressional office staff for their alleged roles in falsifying petitions and petition signatures to get the quirky Republican on the Tuesday, Aug. 7 primary election ballot. That was only the most recent development in an embarrassing 10-week soap opera instigated by the petition signature problem McCotter revealed shortly following the May 15 candidate filing deadline. First McCotter said he would be a write-in candidate. Then, within a few days, he decided he wouldn’t. Then local media reported a script for a tawdry television series

pilot that the failed presidential candidate was working on in the aftermath of his short-lived bid for the White House. A bitter battle between the local GOP establishment and the Tea Party wing of the GOP revealed a gaping fissure between the party powerplayers and the conservative foot soldiers, with the Tea Party winning the day in the Aug. 7 primary election with the nomination of Milford Republican Kerry Bentivolio — the only Republican name on the ballot — over former state senator Nancy Cassis of Novi, whom the GOP kingmakers tapped to mount a write-in campaign against the man her team dubbed “Krazy Kerry.” Two days after the dust settled from the primary election, Schuette revealed a laundry list of charges against McCotter’s aides: Election fraud forgery, conspiracy to commit a legal act in an illegal manner, and falsely signing a nominating petition as circulators. That is not the coda here, though, and one won’t be coming for some time. We’ll wait to see what else is revealed in the trials of the four former staffers, but right now something is much more pressing on the minds of local officials — namely, how to scrape together $650,000 to pay for a special primary election to fill McCotter’s seat for the remaining weeks of his current unexpired term. And will they get that money back? We hope they do. Part of the estimated price tag for the special primary election includes the expenses for hiring additional election staff and, according to Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr., in a letter he fired off to Gov. Rick Snyder, “additional equipment because much of the equipment will be sealed from the August primary election and not available for use on Sept. 5.” Admittedly, non-binding resolutions like the one

under consideration by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners seeking state reimbursement of the special election costs have the legal authority of, say, a humidifier. Yet we hope the state takes the one currently being considered — as well as Bullard’s missive — with more than just a grain of salt. Although local officials are unclear about whether existing state law allows for the state to reimburse them for the costs of the special election, they say that if it is not permissible under current statute, lawmakers should get to work on crafting legislation that would allow for such a reimbursement. That’s a good call. With the Sept. 5 special primary election set in stone — featuring Cassis and Bentivolio, as well as Livonia Republicans Kenneth Crider, Carolyn Kavanagh, and Steve King vying for the GOP nomination — state officials need to do right by the people and representatives of the current 11th Congressional District, which represents a portion of Waterford, White Lake, Highland, Milford, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, and Wixom in the lakes area. Schuette said himself that voters in the 11th District got “stiffed” in the fiasco. He’s absolutely right. But we hope the state — which finally has a budget surplus after years of ballooning deficits — will do its part to help rectify that disservice by footing the bill for the election to fill the balance of McCotter’s term. That means state officials need to get on the task of determining if such a reimbursement can happen under current law. If so, it needs to happen. If it isn’t legal under Michigan law, Oakland and Wayne county lawmakers need to get to work on making it so. The locals need the help, otherwise they would effectively be punished in the pocketbook for a disastrous political scheme of which they had no part. ❏

Support for DIA a good sign W

e’re grateful that a majority of Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb county voters casting ballots in the Tuesday, Aug. 7 primary election voted to authorize a millage to support the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). We’d like to believe voters’ approval of the millage serves as an early sign of a new era of regional cooperation and pride. Primary election voters in the three counties were asked to consider a 10-year, 0.2-mill levy to raise $23 million per year for the 127-year-old museum on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, with $10 million of that being generated in Oakland County. The millage will provide financial support for the museum over the next 10 years while the DIA ramps up private sector fund-raising activities to bolster its $100 million endowment to $300 million — a figure that should generate enough interest income to cover the DIA’s annual operating expenses.

A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value. A 0.2-mill levy will cost the owner of a property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) $20 in the first year of the collection. According to unofficial primary election voting results, 143,274 Oakland voters supported the DIA millage (63.68 percent), while 81,703 (36.32 percent) voted against it. In Wayne, 163,543 (68.15 percent) of voters backed the DIA millage, with 76,444 (31.85 percent) voting against it. It was a much more narrow margin of approval in Macomb, where 63,270 people (50.5 percent) voted in favor of the millage, and 61,930 (49.5 percent) voted against it. We’re pleased that voters recognized the importance of pitching in to support a cultural and regional gem that’s beyond compare in southeast Michigan. Failure to authorize the millage would have jeopard-

ized access to the DIA’s world-class collections and programs. It also would have signaled a continuation of the paralyzing parochialism that has pitted Detroit and its suburbs against each other on a variety of issues for far too long. Last week’s voting sends a message to companies mulling investment in southeast Michigan that culture and regional cooperation aren’t dead, but are in place to play their roles in leading the way toward a revitalized and enhanced quality of life for the entire region. One of the benefits of the millage approval — along with new educational and public outreach programs — is that Oakland County residents will receive free admission to the museum for the life of the tax. That new perk began on Wednesday, Aug. 8, so head down to the DIA to celebrate a crucial victory for the whole region and to experience some of the finest art on the planet. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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PAGE 35

MAIL BAG

‘Sincerest gratitude’ From White Lake Township Police Chief Edward Harris: On Tuesday, Aug. 7, the voters in White Lake overwhelmingly renewed millages to maintain their own police, fire and dispatch services. This showing of support does not go unnoticed by those of us who provide said services and your support is truly appreciated. It should also be noted that in the 31 years that I have been with your police department, you, the voters, have continually supported your local public safety agencies. We offer our sincerest gratitude and will continue to provide the best services possible. ❏

Editorials not helpful From Charles Schott, White Lake: Please don’t publish your recommendations for tax votes again. Just print, “We love all taxes — renewals and increases.” I didn’t find your subjective analysis of feel-good statements helpful at all. For example, White Lake Township fire millages: One renewal

and two increases. You recommended we vote yes for all three. However, you failed to conduct due diligence by not reporting the Fire (Department) fund balance of $6 million while annual expenses are only $2 million. In the future, present facts and details and don’t mislead your readers. Keep your opinions to the last page. Just state, “We like all taxes on you all.” ❏

‘The best kept secret’ From Judi Crawford, Highland Township: I wanted to thank the staff, Edna Green and Heidi Bay, and all of the volunteers of Highland Adult Activity Center for a great summertime dinner dance. I was lucky enough to bring a table of friends who all stated how thoughtful and well-planned this event was — though I am sure there is always room for more attendees — and cheap, too! I was surprised to learn that Gwen Borders of Truffles of White

Lake catered the event. I didn’t know they did catering. It was wonderful. Terry Bar of Terry Bar Music (is) a truly great entertainer, and (thank you to) Gunther and Anita Loepertz for presenting the wine table (and this was included in the price). And all this (was) for $10. If you missed it, the next dinner is Friday, Sept. 28 (from) 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and all for only $10. Honestly, it’s the best kept secret in town! ❏

CORRECTIONS An article published in the Aug. 8 edition of the Spinal Column Newsweekly under the headline “Highspeed pursuits: Police policies for nabbing fleeing suspects” inaccurately stated representatives of the Milford Police Department did not return calls seeking information and comments prior to press time. We regret the error. • Photographs published on Page 1 and Page 10 in the Aug. 8 edition should have been credited to staff photographer Amy K. Lockard.

AROUND THE LAKES AREA

CITY OF WIXOM

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Wixom Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing at their next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 4, 2012 for the following topic: PUBLIC HEARING FOR SPECIAL USE #12-008: SALEM WIXOM LLC, 48500 W. TWELVE MILE ROAD, WIXOM, MI 48393: The applicant is seeking special use approval for outside storage of trucks and recreational vehicles. The Wixom Municipal Code, Section 18.09.040 (F) requires approval from the Planning Commission. The property is located at 50947 Century Court zoned M-1, Light Industrial. The tax parcel number is 22-06-101-054. The regular meeting of the Planning Commission begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the City of Wixom Library Conference Room; 49015 Pontiac Trail. Persons having any questions on this matter are urged to attend this meeting. Please contact the Building Department at (248) 624-0880 for further information. Linda Kirby, City Clerk City of Wixom (248) 624-4557 SC: 8-15-12

Weeds•Reeds Muck•Bugs www.oaklandlakefront.com A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly

WE’RE ASKING… What is your favorite thing about Milford Memories? "The little shops, walking around, and having fun."

"I love walking around and seeing all of my friends."

— Reilly Hazel, Commerce Township

NextCat Welcome to No-Haz collection day. What do you have for us today?

— Jaclyn Whegner, Commerce Township

"People watching."

"I like to see the buildings, the town, and everybody out on the street."

— Tom Birkle, Clarkston

— Dick McDonald, Clarkston

By Colin Bartlett

Hey, Tim ... uh... rusty propane cylinder? No problem, we can take care of that.

Eh, just some expired oil and gas from my old racer.

...

Hello, Professor. What do you have for us?

Oh, you know, just some radioactive waste, plutonium, a few acids, shrunken heads, the works.

Professor, you do know Eh ... for totally this is for household legal ... science hazardous waste, experiments. I was right? Why would you never here, OK? have all that junk? OK...

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Jewish Gay Network (JGN) of Michigan: Annual meeting, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills. Event is free & open to the public. Refreshments will be served. To RSVP or for information, please contact JGN President Michael Phillips at 248-432-5661 or mphillips@jccdet.org. ■ After the Cruise Free Car Show at the Big Fish Festival, Bloomfield North Area Chamber of Commerce art show and entertainment, Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26, Abbott Middle School, corner of Orchard Lake and Commerce roads, Orchard Lake. 248875-9773 or e-mail tascmel@comcast.net. ■ Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit: “Cinderella’s Ball,” a dance for couples and singles 30-plus, 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield. For ticket information, call 248-661-1000 or visit www.jccdet.org. ■ Lollipop Co-Op Preschools: Free story time in the park, ages 4 and under, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, Clara Miller Park, 425 Glengary Road, Wolverine Lake. Lollipopco-op.com ■ St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Huron Valley Schools: Distributing backpacks with school supplies for Huron Valley families experiencing financial difficulties. The backpacks will be available for pick up from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, St. Mary’s Church, corner of Commerce and Burns roads in Milford. Valid ID with an address and proof (bus route post card, report card or current schedule) that each child will be attending school in the Huron Valley School District is needed. For more information, e-mail pawlowskid@huronvalley.k12.mi.us. ■ Huron Valley Council of the Arts: Call for Artists, 9th annual Arts & Greens Holiday Market, Nov. 17 and 18, Bogie Lake Green Houses, White Lake. Artist/crafter submission deadline Sept. 1. 248-889-8660. ■ White Lake Historical Society: 27th annual Fisk Farm Festival, craft fair, Civil War battlefield in miniature, story-

tellers, bake sale, musical entertainment, activities, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 8 and 9, 9180 Highland Road, White Lake. Admission $1. 248-887-3344.

a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, May through Christmas, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. oakgov.com/cmarket.

■ Huron Valley Council of the Arts: Trunk & Tail Gate Art Sale, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 9, Huron Valley Council of the Arts, 205 W. Livingston, Highland. Participants/vendors needed. 248-8898660.

■ Big Chief Chorus: Rehearsals, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford. 248-698-9133 or 248-5632109.

■ Walk for Melanoma: 7th annual KDB Melanoma 5K Run/Walk, Oct. 7, east boat launch, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk/run will begin at 11 a.m. Register online at www.aimatmelanoma.org, then click on “Participate in a Fund-raiser.” Registering before Sept. 15 will ensure a free t-shirt. All proceeds go to the AIM at Melanoma. ■ Wixom Farmers Market: Open 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 4, Sibley Park off Pontiac Trail, across from City Hall. wixomparksandrec.com. ■ White Lake Farmers Market: Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday now through Oct. 6, Huron Valley Lakeland High School, 1500 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. whitelakefarmersmarket.weebly.com or 248-755-1195. ■ Milford Farmers’ Market: Open 3 to 8 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 18, E. Liberty Street between S. Main and Union streets in Milford. milfordfarmersmarket.org. ■ Walled Lake Farmers Market: Open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays now through Oct. 31, Walled Lake City Event Field on E. West Maple Road between Decker Road and Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake. 248-624-4847. ■ Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit: Shalom Street Museum, new exhibit, “Be Kind to Our World: Shomrei Adamah,” with butterfly garden, a display about wind energy, and a hydroponic garden, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, now through the end of November, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield. 248-661-1000. ■ Oakland County Market: Open 6:30

■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-6733493. ■ Catholic Social Services of Oakland County: Senior companion volunteers needed to support adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic mental illness, as well as the physically frail and homebound. 248559-1147, ext. 3434. ■ Dads of Foreign Service: Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Sundays, VFW Post No. 4156, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. www.vfw4156.org or 248-698-8302. ■ Friends of Byers: Byers’ Antique Barn now open noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Volunteers are needed at 213 Commerce Road, Commerce. For more information, visit byershomestead.org or call 248363-2592. ■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable transportation needed to visit terminally-ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888-9374390. ■ Huron Valley Council of the Arts: Thoughts and Colors of Nature, a group exhibit by members of the Michigan Association of Calligraphers, now on display at 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland. ■ Milford Police Department: Now taking back unwanted prescription drugs on a continuous basis at 1100 Atlantic Street in Milford. These unwanted prescription drugs may be placed into the secure drop box located in the Police Department lobby. All drugs turned in will ultimately be sent to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for destruction. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

For more information, visit www.milfordpolice.com or call 248-676-2089. ■ Mobile Knit Shop: Knit-Togethers, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield. Sessions are $5 each. 248-421-2566. ■ Mothers & More: Book club meeting, 7 p.m., first Monday of the month, Caribou Coffee, Union Lake Road, Commerce. 248-360-7702. ■ Multi-Lakes Conservation Association: All-you-can-eat fish fry, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, 3860 Newton Road, Commerce. 248-3639109. ■ Rotary of West Bloomfield: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Henry Ford Medical Center, second floor, southwest corner of Farmington and Maple roads. 248-520-0095. ■ Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene: Airport Road Childhood Learning Center is now enrolling for their new Young Fives pre-kindergarten programs for fall at 2840 Airport Road, Waterford. 248-6736161. ■ Waterford Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, The Shark Club on M-59, Waterford. 248-625-4897.

SUPPORT GROUPS

❐ Age with Grace: Caregiver support group meeting, 6 p.m. the first Monday of every month at 2230 E. Highland Road, Highland. Space is limited, so please call to reserve your place. 248-529-6431. ❐ AA Meetings: 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Four Towns United Methodist Church, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-0211. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for life’s hurts, habits or hang-ups, meetings, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Woodside Bible Church, 9000 Highland Road, White Lake. 248-698-1300. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for

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AUGUST 15-21, 2012

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 36

life’s hurts, habits or hang-ups, meetings, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Life Point Christian Church, 501 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-1747. ❐ C.A.S.A.: Kleptomaniacs and Shoplifters Anonymous, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Wesley Room, Commerce United Methodist Church, 1155 N. Commerce Road, Commerce. 248-3588508 or kleptomaniacsanonymous.org. ❐ Divorce Care: Support group meeting for adults and children, 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile, Novi. 248-7559533. ❐ Families Anonymous, West Bloomfield Chapter: Twelve-step support group for recovery for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs, alcohol or related behavioral problems, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, West Bloomfield area. 1-800-736-9805 or www.familiesanonymous.org. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 866-914-3663 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 9 a.m. Saturdays, Central United Methodist Church, 3882 Highland Road, Waterford. 866-9143663 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ Over-Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating, 12-step program, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Road, Waterford. ❐ Postpartum Depression Support Group: Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Commerce. 248-937-5220. ❐ TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): 5:30 p.m. weigh-in, 6 p.m. meeting, Tuesdays, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Conference Room 1-C, 1 William Carls Drive, Commerce. 248363-6369 or e-mail jr.h@att.net.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES ❐ Seniors Open Golf Tournament: 9-

hole competition for ages 50 and over, Friday, Aug. 24, White Lake Oaks Golf Course, 991 Williams Lake Road, White Lake. Cost is $15 per person if registered before Wednesday, Aug. 22; $18 per person after Aug. 22. Carts not included in price. Call the White Lake Oaks Pro Shop for event details at 248698-2700. ❐ Dublin Senior Center: Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) class, 1:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning Sept. 18, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-2394. ❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: Movie: “Albert Nobbs,” noon, Friday, Aug. 17, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248-887-1707. ❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Soup, Sandwich and Movie Day, noon to 3 p.m. Thursdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. 248-9260063. ❐ R.S.V.P: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program needs volunteers, age 55 and up to work at hospitals, cultural institutions, food pantries, schools and more. For more information, contact Carol Heckman at 248-559-1147, ext. 3435. ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Avenue, West Bloomfield. 248-6820770. ❐ Waterford Senior Center: Art Expression, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Room No. 2, 3621 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Five-dollar donation toward class supplies; $1 per day to help offset Waterford Senior Center cost. 248-6839450. ❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Senior Programs: Line dancing, 11 a.m. Fridays at the Corners, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248-4511900. ❐ Wixom Senior Center: “Come As You Are Chorus,” Wednesdays, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. 248-624-0870.

Woodpeckers,” ages 6 and up, 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18; “An Outdoor Edibles Adventure,” ages 8 and up, 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 248-625-6640. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: “Fun on the Farm: Horses,” 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 16; Horse-drawn hayrides, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Kensington Metropark, Milford. 248684-8632 or 1-800-477-3178. ❐ Kensington Metropark: “Huron River Clean Up” with lunch, 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18; “Monarch Butterfly Egg Hunt,” 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration, 810-227-8917

LIBRARY EVENTS ❐ Commerce Township Community Library: Back to School Bingo, school supplies prizes, kindergarten to fourthgrade, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, Richardson Community Center, Oakley Park Road, Commerce. Registration, 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info.

❐ Milford Public Library: Medicare 101 with Kim West of Altruis Health Insurance, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845. ❐ Walled Lake City Library: Afternoon Adult Book Discussion Group, 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. Registration. 248624-3772. ❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Bizarre Day to the Week, movie, all ages, 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248-674-4831. ❐ White Lake Township Library: Teen Movie Matinee. Come see Katniss in action at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-4942.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

Notice is hereby given that the White Lake Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 6, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter, at the White Lake Township Hall, 7525 Highland Road, White Lake, MI, 48383 (north side of Highland Road, just east of Porter Road). The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comments on the draft of White Lake Township’s 2013-2018 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 requires a CIP for any Township which owns and/or operates a public water supply or sewage disposal system. The CIP is reviewed and updated annually. A capital improvement plan (CIP) is a six-year schedule which identifies major public infrastructure projects and physical improvements, and the sources of funding necessary to complete those projects. Capital improvement projects include major expenditures such as new public buildings or expansion of existing buildings, water/sewer line extensions, fire and police facilities, and parks & recreation facilities. It is a tool to access the Township’s long-term capital improvement projects, and to prioritize those projects based on standardized criteria. The CIP identifies cost-saving opportunities for coordinating projects across various Township departments, and creates a bridge between the planning for future public projects and the annual budget. The White Lake Township Planning Commission is responsible for preparing the CIP, and presenting it to the Township Board for adoption. A complete copy of the draft 2013-2018 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) may be examined at the White Lake Township Planning Department, 7525 Highland Road, White Lake, MI 48383, prior to the public hearing during the Township’s regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). The CIP will also be available for review online at the Township’s website: www.whitelaketwp.com. Written comments may be sent to the Planning Commission at the above address prior to the hearing. Oral comments will be taken during the public hearing. This notice is published consistent with the requirements of Michigan Public Act 33 of 2008. Sean O’Neil, AICP Planning Director White Lake Township Clerk

PARKS

❐ Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center: “Just Pokin’ Around:

❐ Highland Township Public Library: Astronomy Night, all ages, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration. 248-8872218.

S.C. 8-15-12

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory Chancellor and Rector Fr. Tom Machalski addresses the large crowd of donors, alumni, students, families, and former players who gathered on Saturday, Aug. 11 for a ceremony to dedicate St. Mary’s new red football field turf, as current St. Mary’s players look on. The Eaglets are just the third football team in the country to use a red field, joining Eastern Washington University and New Braunfels Canyon High School in Texas. (Photo by Mr. Mack Photography)

Eaglets dedicate new turf St. Mary’s ‘couldn’t be happier’ with red football field By Michael Shelton staff writer

Before the Olympics in London held its closing ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 12, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory held a special ceremony of its own to officially debut its football team’s new playing surface adorned with the school colors. St. Mary’s hosted a dedication for its new red Fieldturf football field on

Saturday, Aug. 11, which was then followed by the annual St. Mary’s RedWhite team scrimmage game. The dedication included a blessing of the field by Bishop Francis R. Reese of the Archdiocese of Detroit, who was joined on the field by the school’s chancellor and rector, Fr. Tom Machalski, as well as the school’s headmaster, James M. Glowacki. “We thought the ceremony was fabu-

lous,” Glowacki said. “We had a large turnout of donors, alumni, students, families, and former players, and we couldn’t be happier.” He joked about the intra-squad scrimmage, saying he wanted St. Mary’s to “be the first team to win on the field.” The Eaglets are just the third football team in the country to use a red field, joining Eastern Washington University and New Braunfels Canyon High School

in Texas. The new field coincides with the 100th anniversary of the St. Mary’s football program, which will be celebrated during the 2012 season. “The field looks awesome,” said St. Mary’s Athletic Director George Porritt, who is also the school’s head football coach. “There’s no easy word to describe it. Just the look of it under PAGE 39 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

AUGUST 15-21, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 39

In the foreground from left to right, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory Chancellor and Rector Fr. Tom Machalski, Bishop Francis R. Reese of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and St. Mary’s Preparatory Headmaster James M. Glowacki preside over a dedication of St. Mary’s new red football field turf on Saturday, Aug. 11. The $575,000 project included a renovation of the football field’s bleachers. (Photo by Mr. Mack Photography)

St. Mary’s turf ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 38

the lights, it’s a beautiful looking field. We’ve scrimmaged on it and it’s a great playing surface.” The Eaglets finished 12-2 last season and are the defending Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 3 state champions. The Eaglets will play their first regular season game on their new field on Sept. 7 against St. Marcellinus Secondary School of Ontario, Canada. St. Mary’s began the work of replacing the school’s natural-grass field after a ground-breaking ceremony on June 5. St. Mary’s Athletic Facilities Director Robin Goddard went so far as to fly out to Eastern Washington University to meet with the school’s athletic director, Bill Chaves, as part of his research into the project, and said that the new field has already received national attention. Goodard helped start a fund-raiser to generate the $575,000 necessary for the project, which also included a renovation of the football field’s bleachers. One fund-raising initiative was a program to have donors’ names inscribed on bricks at the stadium. “We sold bricks to alumni at $500 a brick,” Goddard said. The turf was laid by Oakwood

Industries, while the turf was made by Pro Turf of Georgia. Merlo Construction laid the foundation. The construction of the additional bleachers has yet to be completed, but Engan Tooley Doyle & Associates of Okemos is overseeing the project, which St. Mary’s officials state will be completed before the team’s home opener. The idea of a red football field was not without its critics, as some panned the idea of a playing surface with a color other than the traditional green. “Even people who are critics and staunch traditionalists said ‘Wow!,’” Glowacki said. “I don’t care if you’re a traditionalist or not, it’s an awesome-looking field,” Porritt added.

SPORTS NOTE The Walled Lake Northern boys and girls track and cross country teams and girls basketball team will be hosting a 5K run and walk on Saturday, Aug. 25 to raise money for new team uniforms. The 5K event will be held in conjunction with the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association’s Good Old Days event at the Multi-Lakes grounds located at 3860 Newton Road in Commerce Township. Final registration is from 7 to 8:15 a.m.

on Aug. 25. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. The entry fee is $20 until Saturday, Aug. 18, and $25 after that date. Medals will go to the top three finishers in each age group and the male and female winners. The age groups range from 14-years-

old and under up to age 65 and over. Everyone who enters will receive a free T-shirt and a ticket to the Good Old Days event. For more information and to sign up for the race, go to www.goracego.com or contact Tim McBride at 734-320-4061.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The West Bloomfield Township Wetland Review Board will hold a public hearing at the Township Board Room, 4550 Walnut Lake Road on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. to consider the following Wetland/Floodplain Permit Applications: ITEM #1 CASE #PWT12-1848 COOK Parcel: Parcel E, Southpointe Location: 6814 Rue Du Lac Request: A request to remove and replace retaining walls, restore an existing upland beach area, remove noxious plants, remove cobblestone and undertake native landscape treatments within the 25 foot environmental features setback and below the Ordinary High Water Mark of Upper Straits Lake. Applicant: Bill Miller, Miller Landscape, Inc. ITEM #2 CASE #PWT12-1853 LONE PINE ASSOCIATION Parcel: Sidwell #18-24-401-005 Location: 5100 Inkster Road Request: A request to install two (2) 12’ x 6’ x 6” concrete planks at the end of an existing boat launch and install new 36’ x 4’ permanent dock along side below the Ordinary High Water Mark of Walnut Lake. Applicant: Aaron Wallace, Seaside Seawalls, LLC ITEM #3CASE #PWT12-1854 ROSENBLUM Parcel: Sidwell #18-13-126-012 Location: 2652 W. Long Lake Road Request: An after-the-fact request to repair a boulder retaining wall and install plantings within the environmental features setback to Pine Lake. Applicant: James C. Scott Detailed plans are available for inspection at the West Bloomfield Township Environmental Department, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A staff report, as prepared for the Wetland Review Board, will be available for review the Friday prior to the meeting. If you have any questions on this matter, contact the Environmental Department at (248) 451-4818. Marshall Labadie, Development Services Director

S.C. 8-15-12

The Township will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at a public meeting upon two weeks notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk or Environmental Director at (248) 451-4800.

WEST OAKLAND SUPER WANT ADS SUPER RATES! SUPER REACH! PHONE 248.360.7355 • Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5 FAX 24/7• 248.360.5308

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AUGUST 15-21, 2012

NOTICES

www.spinalcolumnonline.com Hartland

Reunions

ST. MICHAEL School Pontiac 23rd "All School Reunion" Sunday, September 16th, 11am Mass at Shrine of St. Joseph 400 South Blvd., Pontiac. Noon reunion gathering at Scott Lake Banquet Center 2100 Scott Lake Rd. (Elks Lodge #810). 1:30pm dinner buffet. Reservation required: Lance Butler 248-335-5243 West Oakland area school reunions. FREE for 4 weeks within a 13 week period (27 word limit). Other Reunions Published 4 weeks for a total cost of $20 for 15 words; each additional 4 words $2. PONTIAC ST. Frederick All Class Reunion is planned for Sept. 9th, 2012. Mass at 11am, lunch will follow at Santia Hall. Tickets: 248-3634209

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Houses For Sale

LOL! Live on lake! Beautiful home on Lake Tyrone. 3 bedrooms, newer sharp kitchen, dining area with cherry cabinets & granite counters open to great room with soaring ceilings. Great views & doorwall leading to deck. Walk-out lower level finished with bedroom, walkin closet & full bath. 4 car gar garage. Paved road. $249,900.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

PRICE REDUCED! Well planned 3480 sq. ft. Colonial with hilltop setting in desirable subdivision. 4 bedrooms, 1st floor den w/walk-in closet & 3 full baths. Huge kitchen with island & 3 pantries, formal dining, bonus room, living room w/fireplace, large deck, walkout lower level, 3 car garage, paved drive & large parking area. $293,500.

Hartland

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

MOBILE HOMES

RENTALS Commercial/ Industrial

Mobile Homes for Sale

1975 ELCONA Mobile $1,000 OBO $495 lot rent 248-6139354

Fawn Lake Pontiac Trail at Maple Pre-Owned Homes: $6,000 - $25,000 Rent: $385 - $400 PLUS MOVE-IN DISCOUNTS On Select Homes

(248) 624-0709 RELOCATE YOUR HOME If you're thinking of relocating your manufactured home, please give us a call at Cranberry Lake a beautiful 55 Plus community. Call for details 248-698-1120

Mobile Homes for Rent

BEAUTIFUL 55+ COMMUNITY Brand NEW homes for rent. Appliances. Lake access.

MOVE IN SPECIALS!! Beautiful multi section homes, 13 month lease $775/month Cranberry Lake- White Lake

248-698-1120

JUST LISTED! Spacious 2776 sq. ft. home with private Dunham Lake privileges. 4 bdrms, 4 full baths. Spacious kitchen w/ breakfast area & doorwall to deck. Formal dining, living room and family room w/fireplace. Finished walk-out lower level leads to extensive decking with 2nd kitchen, recreation room and 2 additional bedrooms. 2 car garage. $245,000.

Milford

ALL-SPORTS MOORE LAKE! Enjoy lakefront living in this newer 1800 sq. ft. home. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, lake views from living room, family room in walk-out lower level. Next to park & walk to downtown Milford. Reduced. $219,900. 1023 Pearson

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

HAVE A HOUSE LISTING? Give us a call to have it appear weekly in Spinal Column’s classifieds. 248-360-SELL Get results!

WALLED LAKE AREA 47

WATERFORD Warehouse or Industrial space for lease. Loading dock, 3 phase. 14 X 14 overhead door. 1,800 sq. ft $850/mo. 7,000 sq.ft. $4,000/mo. Immediate occupancy

248-496-7652 or 248-496-7648 Houses/ Condos

Apartments

PAGE 41

Walled Lake 2 bedroom Washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator included

$800 month rent 248-624-0418

Two bedroom apartment- walk in closets, high speed internet available, heat & water paid, Walled Lake Schools, no dogs. Leasing now.

Move in special!

248-982-3281 WATERFORD 2 Bedroom - Upstairs $550 per month & $550 deposit. Close to Dodge Park. Includes A/C, cable TV, Internet & WiFi. Huge back yard. Small pets welcome. 248-682-5713

Pontiac Lake 1 bdrm for $459 Includes all utilities except electric. Security Deposit. For more information & availability Call

248-626-7857 WALLED LAKE

Looking to rent a house or condo?

Mother-in-Law Apt. Modern 840 sq.ft. 1 bdm, all utilities, Direct TV & Wifi inc., A/C, non smoker, pets negotiable.

call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com 248-912-4628

Olivermich@mac.com

$795 per month 248-755-5073 Rooms/Share Quarters

FURNISHED SLEEPING room for rent. Waterford area, $100 /week. 810-355-8097

HELP WANTED General/ Help Wanted

Material Supply Company Is seeking general labor/ warehouse help. Hours 7am to 3:50pm, M-F, star ting at $8.15 an hour benefits available. Apply in person

E.C.A Service & Supply 1981 Dallavo Drive Commerce MI 48390

CHILD CARE CENTER Seeking Child Care Provider. Early childhood or child related field degree preferred. 35-40 hours a week. Must be able to work until 6 p.m. Commerce Twp area. Call 10a.m.-3p.m.

248-669-6880

Lead Teacher For after care programs in a Montessori setting. 3pm to 6pm, more hours available. Experience and child care credentials helpful.

248-505-4875 LET US LET YOU FIND that perfect employee to fill that spot on your company’s staff. Give us a call at 248-360-7355 or fax to 248-360-5308 or 219-3605309.

MORE ADS ON PAGE 46

Now Hiring/Training School Bus Drivers/Monitors Openings in West Bloomfield, MI Experience Preferred But Not Required Training Provided Benefits Available

Apply in person:

3340 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield

248-865-3680 Or Apply Online: www.durhamschoolservices.com

CNC PROGRAMMER AND SET-UP We are an aggressive and growing CNC machine shop. We are looking for people to Program, Set Up or Run Okuma Mills and Lathes. Overtime, Benefits, Health & Life Insurance, Optical & 401K. Pre-employment Physical Required. Apply in Person and ask for JJ Weekdays 9 am-4 pm

4527 Old Plank Rd. Milford, MI 48381

(248) 685-0961 X233

OAK TREE APARTMENTS Condo Style 2 Bedroom Apartments

Country Setting in the Commerce Area •Private Entry •Patio •Carport •Washer/Dryer •Cathedral Ceilings •Cable •Large Dogs Welcome •Senior Friendly Including Shuttle Services Ask r t Ou Abou ER M SUM LS IA SPEC

Professionally Managed By Senior Village Management

(248) 360-7235

HELP WANTED

Mature person wanted for a full time general shop help and machine operator. Wixom or Farmington Hills locations Overtime, Benefits, Health & Life Insurance, Optical, and 401K. Pre-employment Physical Required. Apply in Person and ask for JJ Weekdays 9 am-4 pm

4527 Old Plank Rd. Milford, MI 48381

(248) 685-0961 X233

PAGE 42

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P. TW KE A L

BIRKDALE POINTE - BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED PRIVATE LOT! •2,921 sq ft, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, great rm, fireplace •Dining rm, granite, daylight bsmt, deck, 3 car #212065846 • EXT. #214

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P. TW KE A L

•2,289 sq. ft. + fin bsmt, 3 bed, 3.5 ba •GR-fp, rec rm-bar/fp, bed 4-egress windows #212079086 • EXT. #265

$199,900

$319,900 INCREDIBLE RETREAT ON PRIVATE, WOODED 5 ACRES! •3,049 sq ft + fin w/o, 3 bed, 3 ba, granite kitch •2-sty rms, post/beam construction, patio, 3 car #212064550 • EXT. #211

$349,900 BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED HOME ON ALL-SPORTS DUCK LAKE! •2,962 sq ft, 4 bed, 2 ba, vaulted dining, library •Fp, vaulted family rm, 1st flr laundry, bsmt #212060746 • EXT. #246

$249,900 GORGEOUS HOME - PRIVATE, WOODED 10 ACRE PARCEL •1,961 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 ba, walkout bsmt •2-sty GR-fp, formal DR, ff laundry, deck #212064550 • EXT. #204

$79,900 BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED CONDOMINIUM TOWNHOUSE •2 bed, 1.5 ba + fin bsmt, granite kitch •Ceramic & hdwd, LC terms, clubhouse, pool #212009441 • EXT. #259

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$174,900

$199,900 BEACON HILL GOLF COMMUNITY END UNIT CONDO •2,000 sq ft, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, 2 mstr. suites •Fireplace, ff laundry, bsmt, deck, 2 car #212066997 • EXT. #238

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$259,900

$299,900

$378,800

$385,000

127 FT. OF BULLARD WATERFRONT GORGEOUS TREED .43 ACRE LOT •2,116 sq. ft., walkout, 4 bed, 3.5 ba, wet bar •Part fin. w/o, circle drive, elevated deck #212051318 • EXT. #234

LAKEFRONT RANCH HOME ON ALL-SPORTS LONG LAKE •3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, open flr plan, Florida rm •GR, new snackbar kitch, deck, dock, 2 car #212075900 • EXT. #241

ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT SPECIAL •2-3 bedroom brick ranch, fin w/o, brick fp •2 car attached gar, elevated deck, patio #212034479 • EXT. #215

10+ ACRE HORSE/HERB FARM WITH CIRCA 1880 FARMHOUSE •2,200 sq ft 2 sty, 4 bed, 2 ba, full basement •14 stall barn, 10 fenced pastures, coop, 8 car #212034718 • EXT. #201

•Meeting Client’s Needs Since 1977 •Dedicated Listing & Buyer’s Agents •160+ Negotiated/Closed “Short Sales”

$89,900 GORGEOUS TRI-LEVEL ON BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED LOT •1,484 sq. ft., 3 bed, 1.5 ba, updated kitch •Large family room, 2.5 car, .31 acre lot #212080761 • EXT. #294

T CE ER MM

SPACIOUS TRI-LEVEL BEAUTIFUL 1.38 ACRE LOT •1,804 sq ft, 3 bed, 2 ba, Florida rm, living rm •Family rm - fp, kitchen appl., shed, 2 car #212056167 • EXT. #262

We are full time professional Realtors...

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NEW CONSTRUCTION SEPTEMBER 1ST OCCUPANCY •1,650 sq ft, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, master jet tub bath •Kitch & dining w/hdwd, doorwall, bsmt, 2 car #212075065 • EXT. #263

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$169,900

$514,000

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SPACIOUS COLONIAL ON LARGE, FENCED LOT •2,080 sq. ft. + fin bsmt, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, deck •GR-fp, FR, 1st flr laundry, 3 car w/storage #212079251 • EXT. #228

RD FO

BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED LOT 327’ LAKE FRONTAGE •4 bed, 3.5 ba, DR, granite kitch, GR, FR •Fireplace, 2nd kitch, 3 car, beach, dock #212070498 • EXT. #287

. WP

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$239,900

P. TW CE R E MM CO

$399,900 BIRKDALE BEAUTY LARGE, NICELY LANDSCAPED LOT! •3,627 sq ft, 4-5 bed, 2.5 ba, LR, DR, jet tub ba •2-story GR, ff laundry, w/o bsmt, 3 car #212073978 • EXT. #237

P. TW KE A L

BRENDEL LAKEFRONT RANCH WITH FINISHED WALKOUT •1.7 wooded acres, 2,000 sq ft & fin walkout •3 bed, 2 ba, 2 fps, patio, green house, 2 car #212079780 • EXT. #236

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$259,900 CHARMING RANCH HOME ON 1 ACRE PRIVATE PARADISE

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$309,900

$495,000

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STUNNING VIEWS ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT •75’ sandy shoreline, 200’ deep lot, seawall •Possible walkout site, existing 2 br, 2 ba home #212017000 • EXT. #205

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Our performance speaks for itself! Call today for a private consultation.

ST WE

LD FIE OM O BL

$224,900 SPACIOUS COLONIAL ON LARGE, PRIVACY FENCED LOT •2,164 sq ft + fin bsmt, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, GR-fp •Library/den, 2nd flr laundry, 3 car, deck #212082375 • EXT. #230

With property inventory down, mortgage rates remain low and home pricing on the rise...

There’s No Better Time To Sell! 800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message 2900 Union Lake, Suite 210, Commerce, MI 48382

248-366-7200

Lakes Area’s #1 Team! Zillow - Preferred Agent

Janet Direct: Steve Direct: 248-755-7600 248-755-7500

janet@TheStocktonTeam.com

steve@TheStocktonTeam.com

www.TheStocktonTeam.com

AUGUST 15-21, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 43

866.784.0917 Call about our new agent and veteran’s scholarship programs

Whether Buying or Selling a Home…

Christine Atkinson I Specialize in Referrals and I Appreciate Your Help!

Office 248-406-2909 Cell 248-310-8572

Email: christineatkinsonrealtor@yahoo.com Visit my website

2900 Union Lake Rd., Suite 210 Commerce Township, MI 48382

CHRISTINEATKINSON.COM KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

Jennifer Wrobleski

2900 Union Lake Rd. Ste. 210, Commerce, MI 48382

www.JenniferWrobleski.net

BRENDEL LAKE - 380’ OF ALL-SPORTS LAKE FRONTAGE! 4 private balconies with electric storm shutters, sound system inside and out, open floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths compliment this 3,126 sq. ft. home. Located on all-sports Brendel Lake with spectacular waterfront views from every room! $499,900

UNION LAKE WHERE DREAMS NEVER END! Move right into this charming all-sports Union Lake front home. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. 2,410 sq. ft. Wonderful family neighborhood. Family dining and formal living room - all with spectacular views! $524,900

CEDAR ISLAND LAKE - 135’ WATER FRONTAGE! Spectacular custom multilevel floor plan located on allsports Cedar Island Lake. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths. 2,831 sq. ft. Complete with heated ceramic floors, granite countertops, outdoor hot tub and much more. A must see! $475,000

CEDAR ISLAND LAKE - PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. 1,092 sq. ft. chef style stainless steel appliances, family room with wet bar, natural fireplace, heated 2 car garage, huge deck and walk-out basement that leads directly to all-sports Cedar Island Lake! $299,900

COMMERCE MARKET CENTER

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

(248) 854-3100 • OFFICE (248) 360-2900 FAX (248) 406-2901 EMAIL jwrobleski@kw.com www.MichiganHomeMarketPlace.com

CELL

REALTOR®

Inventory is low. It’s a great time to sell. Call today for a free market analysis.

2900 Union Lake Rd., Ste 210 Commerce Township, MI 48382

DEBRA LENZEN G IN ND E P

GORGEOUS LAKE SHERWOOD HOME With short ride to main lake and 160 ft. of waterfront. Fully finished walkout lower level with bath, bar, bedroom and entertainment area.

dwlenzen@comcast.net MichiganHomesPro.com

GREAT RANCH HOME With 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and finished walkout lower level complete with bath and wet bar. Patio and deck with fire pit overlooks canal to Huff Lake.

Residential & Lakefront Expert Award Winning, Top Producing Realtor

PAGE 44

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

featured properties:

– HIGHLAND – CHARMING LAKE FRONT HOME. JUST MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN MILFORD 212081091 $124,900

– HIGHLAND – BENCHMARK HOMES ON 1 ACRE IN PINE BLUFFS. OTHER MODELS/SITES AVAILABLE! 212029431 $274,000

– WATERFORD – FIELDSTONE BUNGALOW, INGROUND POOL 2 FIREPLACES, OAK FLOORS 212075108 $95,000

– HIGHLAND – UPDATED RANCH, LAKE PRIVILEGES CIRCULAR DRIVE, LARGE WOODED LOT 212077365 $82,000

AUGUST 15-21, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SANDY JONES

CHERYL YEAGER

248-310-8077 cherylyeager.com cherylyeager@yahoo.com

248-320-3531 Visit: sandyjoneshome.com for all available properties

S SOLD O L D

PAGE 45

SUSI GOLLINGER Associate Broker - A.B.R.

(248) 310-9002 susigollinger@hotmail.com

Recently

Clarkston - 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo White Lake - 3 bedroom, 2.1 bath with beautiful pool Highland - 4 bedroom, 3.1 bath (lease) White Lake - 3 bedroom, 2.1 bath with lake privileges Commerce - 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo ALL-SPORTS Commerce - Golf Manor PONTIAC LAKEFRONT 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath One of the best locations on the lake. Enjoy Commerce - 3 bedroom, 1.1 bath fabulous views from spacious deck. Move-in condition home offering 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, jetted tub in master bath, basement and heated and cooled garage. Well landscaped yard with sprinkling system. Generator. $279,900 (8990 tac)

MARIE’S TEAM

Call me to start your buying process and receive a buyers booklet or to discuss my marketing plan to sell your house!

CAROL WAGNER

586-612-5995

(left to right) Stella, Zoe, Tessa, Hadley, Quinn, Thad

“Dedicated to Servicing all your Home Buying and Selling Needs” cwagner@realestateone.com

248-470-6196

HIGHLAND $82,000 Updated ranch on large wooded lot, fenced backyard, new carpet, newer windows, new cabinets, appliances stay. Tiled bath, freshly painted, new water softener, 2 car detached garage with workshop, circular drive, access to White Lake, swim area, boat launch, White Lake. S.G. 1677L

FOR SHOWINGS CALL SUSI

BECKY KATZMAN McCARTHY 248-790-9915 Lakes Area Specialist rmccarthy@RealEstateOne.com

WEST BLOOMFIELD TRAILS TO LIBRARY, SCHOOLS, PARKS, SHOPS… CLUBHOUSE MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE

WEST BLOOMFIELD GREEN LAKEFRONT Fabulous views. Living room, family room and lower level fireplaces. Quality throughout: ceiling detail, French doors, bow windows. Formal and informal dining, island kitchen, heated Mackinac style porch, 4 bedrooms, 6 baths, finished walkout, 3 car garage. ENJOY! All the numerous amenities. $620,000 MCV2855W MLS 212080482 WEST BLOOMFIELD GREEN LAKEFRONT Fabulous views - Florida room, living room, family room, master balcony. Living room and family room fireplaces, island kitchen, hardwood floors, cove or lofted ceilings in 4 bedrooms, basement and oversized garage. Great location excellent property. Check out the possibilities for yourself! $355,000 MC/2875W MLS 212080417 Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

BRING YOUR SUNTAN LOTION… This stunning 4 bedroom, 2 full bath and 2 half bath, home located in Heritage Hills Estates, features a great room with natural fireplace, a spacious kitchen, first floor master, library/den, finished walkout and a two tier deck overlooking 36’ x 18’ inground pool. Walled Lake Schools. $259,900. Call Carol for further details. LD SO

NEW LISTING

NEW ON THE MARKET!!! This beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath colonial located in Willow Ridge is located on a culde-sac. Home features formal dining room, family room, a large kitchen with oak cabinets, island and doorwall access to brick paver patio. Nice size yard for entertaining. Minutes from M-5 access. Walled Lake Schools. $239,900.

True Gem on huge corner lot! Pride in ownership and immaculate! Completely remodeled and beautifully decorated. Over 1,500 sq. ft. of living area, 3 bedrooms and 1.1 baths, newer carpet and paint, custom solid oak wood floors throughout, kitchen includes all appliances, separate dining area, spacious living room with cultured stone fireplace, finished basement/office area, 2.5 car attached garage, extensive landscaping with brick pavers, tiered deck, back yard perfect for entertaining some exclusions, Walled Lake Schools. $169,000. Call Becky for details.

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • 8430 Richardson

PAGE 46 General/ Help Wanted

www.spinalcolumnonline.com 65

COUNTER CLERKS Part Time for stores in Novi Mai Kai Cleaners

Ask for Steve

313-537-8050 LAWN CARE Wixom area landscaping company looking for experienced commercial lawn care person. Chauffeurs license preferred.

Call 248-361-1818

Activities Staff Part Time Retirement community seeking dynamic, sociable, and organized individual to facilitate activities with independent and assisted living residents. Approx. 32 hours per week, including every other weekend. Preferred candidate will have experience leading activities with senior citizens, creativity, flexibility in scheduling, and be self-directed.

Please submit resume or Apply in person Canterbury on-the-Lake Human Resources 5601 Hatchery Waterford, MI 48329 Fax 248-674-5344 EOE

General/ Help Wanted

DEDICATED RUN $62,000 per Year! HOME WEEKENDS Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, 401K Class A CDL + 1 yr OTR Exp Landair Transport

Call Today! 1-866-640-5996 www.landair.com

TOW TRUCK DRIVER Needed full or par t time, would prefer live in Waterford area. Must be reliable.

248-623-1010

Deli counter & driver help needed. Please call Joe at:

248-255-6215 MANUFACTURING SUPERVISOR A privately owned manufacturing company is looking for a Manufacturing Supervisor to carry out day to day functions of it's production facility. Duties include managing employees, monitoring production processes, safety practices, equipment maintenance, grounds and scheduling. Must have management, mechanical and computer experience. Health care benefits available. Wixom area. Send resume only to: employment@

General/ Help Wanted

TAXI & AIRPORT

Used/Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED Full or Part time Day or Night

PUBLIC AUCTION

248-666-2110 BRICK LAYER & CHIMNEY SWEEP $1,200 plus a week, experience a plus, must have valid driver's license, truck & tools. Required drug testing. 248-640-9593

Accounting/Financial 66 Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Tax preparer's needed! Will train! Flex. hours and locations. Ideal position for college students, retirees and stay at home parents. Great pay! Classroom setting and online courses available. Classes fill fast! Call now

Aluminum .30-.60¢/lb. Copper $2.00-$2.60/lb. Brass .80¢- 1.50/lb. Auto Rads. .80¢-1.10/lb. 1011 Decker, Walled Lk

Mann Metals Corp. (248)960-1200 Absolutely Free

Items must be FREE to respondents, ad free to you. Restricted to residential. The publishing group accepts no responsibility for actions between individuals. Sorry, we do not accept ads for free dogs.

workingat_JH@yahoo.com

BEIGE CERAMIC Tile: fiftythree 4X8inch pieces & eight 4X4inch pieces. You pick up. Commerce/Walled Lake area. 248-669-1357

Medical/ Dental

FREE FOUR Person hot tub with heater, you pick up 248973-7306

248-681-1177 or email us at:

DIRECT CARE Up to $9.03 per hour to start, with Benefits. Small group home setting. Must be Patient & Reliable. Part time: Highland & South Lyon areas. Full time:_ Oxford & Rochester Hills areas. 248-486-5368

Office/ Clerical

Garage Sales

INSURANCE OFFICE In Commerce/ Milford has two full time positions. Customer Service Reps for both personal & commercial lines. A minimum of two year's experience preferred and offers salary & bonuses plus benefits Fax resume to 888-809-8664 or email to jwalker@ agencyadvisors.com

HELP WANTED Walled Lake Office offers part-time office work. Ideal assignment for talented college student.Word processing of WORD, 60+ wpm; some PowerPoint. Filing, copying, telephone answering.

Easy to access Walled Lake location.

Fax resume to 877-504-2990 Immediate need.

GOLD REFRIGERATOR, Side by side - Still works. You pick up, Waterford area. 248-6826606 KITTENS, CATS Fixed rescues. Need loving homes. 248-738-4901 or 248-2149898 SLEEP SOFA - Good condition, Wolverine Lake area.You pick up. 248-624-1292

Auction/ Estate Sales

101

2995 JACKSON Blvd. 48356. August 16th, 17th, 9am-6pm. 18th, 9am-3pm. Household goods, furniture, sewing, crafts, quilting, knitting. 60 years accumulation.

Garage Sales

103

COMMERCE FRIDAY, SATURDAY, Sunday. Sports, kids, furniture, baby. 1758 Big Trail. THURSDAY, FRIDAY, 9am4pm. 5592 Bentwood Lane, Huron Hills Sub. Something for everyone. Huge Sale. THURSDAY, FRIDAY, 9a.m.4p.m. & Saturday- 9a.m.noon, 4660 Commerce Woods Drive off Sleeth. 48382 AUGUST 18TH, 19th, 10a.m.-5p.m. 7990 Marshalsea, 48382. Tools, good stuff.

103

Lawn Tractors/ Mowers

COMMERCE THURSDAY, FRIDAY, Saturday, 9-3. 1537 Robell. Househole, furniture, crafts, more.

SCRAP METAL

chasenedrow.com

“Mini Storage Depot will sell at public auction, contents of Units Numbered (H623/F402, Clayton Smith: household goods, boxes, furniture, sporting goods, tools), (D205, Brett Donohoe: household goods, furniture, boxes, tools), (L1001, Thomas Saunders: boxes, sporting goods, tools), (N1203, Angela Ursin: household goods, boxes, suitcases, sporting goods, tools, inventory), (K937, Marcie Finney: household goods, boxes, furniture, suitcases), (D203, Tammy Paull-Mackenzie: sporting goods, tools), (C169, Brandy Boik: household goods, furniture, boxes), (C166, Darrell McCloud: household goods, furniture, boxes, suitcases, toys, sporting goods, tools, inventory), (M1146, Nicole Hudnall: household goods, furniture, boxes), (O1353, Jeremy Sorrels: household goods, boxes, equipment), (G521, Claudius Hogan: household goods, boxes, furniture, sporting goods, tools), on Friday, August 31st, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. for back storage fees owed. The auction will take place at Mini Storage Depot - 46550 Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390. We reserve the right to reject any and all bids.”

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

MILFORD PURPLE DAFFODILS Collection of vintage works, herbs, home & garden goods. 195 Rose Hill between Buno & Maple, Friday, Saturday, 10a.m.6p.m. WALLED LAKE AUG. 17TH, 18th, 9a.m.4p.m. 2796 Woodbury, Glengary/Benstein. Craft items, baby goods. No early birds. GARAGE SALE August 15th, 16th, 9am. 119 Chestnut Ridge. ESTATE/ MOVING SALE: High end furniture/ antiques, high end art, men's clothing, electronics, leather goods, miscellaneous. Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 16-19, 10a.m.-dusk, 7538 Greenway Lane, 48324. Birchwood Park Subdivision off South Commerce & Keith.

109

NEW HOLLAND tractor, model T1030, bucket, backhoe, blade, 4wd, diesel, 86hrs, $16,000. 248-701-0163 PUSH REAL Lawn mower $25 248-363-4672

Clothing/Apparel

119

HUGE SALE 50%-60% OFF BUSINESS CLOSING B & S APPAREL 45 OAKLAND AVENUE PONTIAC OPEN: MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY 10AM-5PM

Appliances

122

MOVING/ GARAGE Sale Autumn Glen Subdivision, 8380 Jamestown Drive, across from Hess Hathaway Park, off Williams Lake Rd. Thursday thru Saturday, 9am5pm. COOLEY LAKE Road to Oxbow Lake Road to Parshall to 1281 Bayview. Miscellaneous, antiques. 8-5, August 16th, 17th

Tools

106

DAVE'S MOBILE MARINE •Pontoon Hauling •Inboard & Outboard Repair "We Come To You" •Buy & Sell Motors

(248)666-9248 PONTOON HAULING Local & Long Distance

Let us sell your pontoon.

129

WOODEN PLANT stand w/ graduated shelving. 18" wide x 28" long x 28" high. $10 248623-2661 EIGHT ASSORTED Baking pans- Calphalon, Mirro. $24.99 for all. 248-425-1004

$20 PREPAID Phone card for only $10- I can give you a 1800 number to verify, expires June 13, 2013. 248-6232661. WESTINGHOUSE AUTOMATIC white can opener, brand new in box. $5. 248623-2661

LEISURE TIME DUNLOP GOLF driving iron, graphite. $18. 248-553-4967

HIGHLAND’S NEWEST AUTO DEALER

Guaranteed Credit Approval 2012 STORM TRAILER 22 ft., lights inside and out. Must see! $7,400

WE BUY CARS! Paying more for your trade

3365 W. Highland Rd. (M-59) at Hickory Ridge Rd.

248-714-6125

woodwardauto.com

Snowmobiles, Trailers, RV's Fenced, Gated & Lighted Yard

Tom 248-681-4250 www.tomspontoonservice.com

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES

138

BROADCAST SPREADER, Plastic hopper, fertilizer or salt, Ortho, $22. 248-3602911

Wanted Parts/ Salvage

Motorcycles

183

MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page FULL REPAIR SERVICES

Household Items

Sports/Recreational146

AIR TANK- portable 12" diameter, 15 gallon, $15. 248698-4168

164

Summer Storage-$59.99

Odds N Ends

WHITE LAKE

Boats/Motors/ Trailers

MICROWAVE OVEN "Emerson", 12x12, 2007, $20. 248360-8485

WEST BLOOMFIELD AUG. 16TH, 17th, 10a.m.4p.m. 5101 Daron Lane, 43824. Tall Men's. Household. Something For Everyone!

BOATS/ OUTDOOR

181

UNWANTED AUTOS LLC TOP $ Paid For Any: • Junk • Non Running • Wrecked Cars $275 & Up

(248)467-0396

FAX

Motorcycle parts/ Access. Mention ad for up to 20% off! MX • ATV• P.W.C

Lakes MotorSports 4713 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI 48329

248-674-0663 www.lakesmotorsports.com

Trucks/Trailers

185

2002 F-150, V-6, 2wd, 208K miles. $3500. OBO. 248-8673054

Cars

187

FIREBIRD 1979 make offer father/ son project 248-6139354 TURBO NEW Yorker 1984, 4 door, A1 inside and out, like new $2,600 248-698-0917 CHEVY CAVALIER 1998 convertible $2,800 OBO 586303-6500

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page FORD ESCAPE 2009, White, new tires/ shocks, regular oil change, great conditon, $11,995. 248-520-1740.

YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

You can fax your ad 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to the Spinal Column Newsweekly

248-360-5308 • 248-360-5309

AUGUST 15-21, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 47

LAKES AREA SERVICES (248) 360-7355

www.SpinalColumnOnline.com IN PRINT and ON-LINE 24/7

Fax (248) 360-5308

Personal • Business • Maintenance • Improvements • Repair Home/Office Cleaning 368

House Cleaning Professionally done by a team weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Long term references available.

Contact Pam 248-636-7126 COLLEEN'S CLEANING SERVICE is coming to your neighborhood. Residential / Commercial 20 Years Experience • Insured • Local References upon request. Call for FREE Quote or questions 9am-5pm

248-974-5104

REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT Appliance Repair

502

TONY'S APPLIANCE SERVICE Servicing all Major Appliances. •Hot water tank

(248)360-0213 (248)698-8819 Asphalt/Pavement 503

KEITH'S SEALCOATING • NO SPRAY • ASPHALT REPAIR & GRAVEL FILL

SINCE 1983

(248)-623-7282 Carpet Installation

513

BOB'S CARPET Great prices on Mohawk brand. Low prices on pad & installation. Living room & bedroom sized remnants $4 per yd. Restretching &repairs. 35 years experience.

Bob (248)681-5771

Cabinetry

515

Elegant Woodworking •Mantels •Fireplace Surrounds •Furniture •Entertainment Center •Custom Cabinets •Crown Molding •Kitchen Cabinets •Custom Bars Harold Canfield

(248)363-3804 elegant-woodworking.com

Cement/Concrete

517

C&G CEMENT Quality Workmanship Residential-Commercial Over 30 years Experience STAMPED CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS FOOTINGS GARAGE FLOORS BLOCK WORK FREE ESTIMATES Michael (248)363-4783 MILFORD LOCATION

(248)684-5928 ARROW CONCRETE •Driveway Replacements Free Tear outs •Regular & Stamped •Home Owner Friendly •Residential - Commerical Fully Lic. & Ins. 20 Yr. Exp.

ARROWCONCRETE.NET

248-758-4346

MARCUCCI CONCRETE As Seen on ABC TV "Extreme Home Makeovers" Satisfying Customers for Over 30 Years •DRIVEWAY •PORCHES •FOUNDATIONS •BRICK •BLOCK •STAMPED/ COLORED Lic/Ins Visa/ MC Wixom www.marcuccicement.com

248-486-5900

Doors

524

THE DOOR STOP Since 1980 Garage door springs and door openers repaired and/or replaced.

Call Anytime 248-624-4042 (cell) 248-640-6298 CERTIFIED OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE •Garage Doors •Repaired/ Services •New Doors/ Openers •Installed at Factory Pricing •Emergency Service Available

248-624-3161 Drywall

526

R & D DRYWALL & PAINTING •Hang & Finished •Small Repair •Texture Repair •Plaster Repair •Wet Sand

Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians

528

MASTER ELECTRICIAN Insured & State Licensed, 25 years experience. Prompt, courteous service. FREE ESTIMATES. ALL TYPES OF WORK. Competitive Prices

(248)683-7985 Excavating

529

J.J.M BACKHOE SERVICE LLC Backhoe service & landscaping. 38 Years Experience. Small or Large Jobs. Fully insured. Free estimates.

(248)624-6458 NOW IS THE SEASON - Get those outside projects done by calling one of these service professionals.

Handy Person

545

DU-IT-ALL HOME CARE IMPROVEMENTS Specials: •Ceramic Tile •Formica Tops & Kitchens •Exterior/Interior Painting Also, we do complete basements and all other interior work, including electric, plumbing, etc. Call today. Cell #

(248)891-7072 Licensed and Insured

D & S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING •Additions •Garages •Drywall •Painting •Plumbing •Electrical •Tile •Marble •Kitchens •Baths •Basements •Decks 33 Years ... Licensed

248-684-4175 810-714-3058

TOTAL HOME SERVICE 35 Years Licensed PLUMBING • HEATING CARPENTRY • DRYWALL ELECTRICAL NEW SERVICE KITCHENS BATHS CERAMIC TILE

"The job your husband will do tomorrow." (248)887-2366 Heating/Duct Work 546

THOMASON HEATING & COOLING • Furnaces • Boilers • Air Cleaners •Air Conditioners •Humidifiers Service & Replacements

FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION

248-363-1615

Heating/Duct Work 546 CHRISTIAN MECHANICAL CONTRACTING LLC Commercial & Residential "Your one stop shop for all your heating & cooling needs." Mechanical License & EPA Certified

248-660-7685 Lawn/Garden Services

553

A R T

Outdoor Services, LLC Lawn Service •Spring clean up •Gutter cleaning •Landscape •Brick pavers •Mulch & weeding •Insured •Res. & Com. www.artoutdoorservices.com (248)625-5719

LADY LIBERTY ENTERPRISES

Painting/ Decorating

Roofing 562

FARR'S PAINTING Exterior & Interior Wood Repairs • Caulking Staining • Wallpaper Removal Drywall repairs • Water repairs Free Power Washing w/paint. farrshomeimprovements.com

(248) 477-7764 (248) 345-3308 SUMMER SPECIALS

Lakes Painting All types of Painting Drywall Repairs • Wallpaper Removal & Installation . References • Lakes Area Owner Operated Since 1980

248-762-1534

Land Decorating & Maintenance, LLC. Flower bed weeding, Mulching, Brick Pavers/Repairs, Boulder Walls, Lawn Maintenance, Clean-ups, Tree & Shrub Pruning. Insured.

248-634-7041

College Student Looking for Lawn care, mulch/ stone & odd jobs Shawn Larkins 248-931-0295

Plumbing

567

Premier Plumbing Licensed & Insured Complete Plumbing Service New Construction & Remodel Commercial & Residential

248-363-5864 Power Washing

569

FARR'S POWER WASHING •Deck Cleaning / Staining & Sealing •Brick Cleaning •Rust & Mold Removal •Housewashing. •Painting •Deck Repairs. farrshomeimprovements.com

Painting/ Decorating

562

VS PAINTING SUMMER SPECIAL Save 20% this season on exterior/ interior painting, drywall repair, & wallpaper removal on small or big jobs. 25 years experience. licensed and insured. Same day free estimates.

248-894-3239

(248) 477-7764 (248) 345-3308 Roofing

571

ROOF REPAIRS Missing shingles replaced, Chimney flashing resealed, Leaks stopped, Vent stack flashing replaced, Complete roof inspection service, Guaranteed work. 30 yrs exp.

Call Doug Miller 248-360-0344

571

D&D ROOFING •Siding •Gutters & Leaf Guards •Soffits & Trimwork •Decks •Windows

Doug Dible 248-431-6243 Siding

577

Bob: 248-363-0589 idchomeservice.com

585

J.M. TILE & MARBLE CUSTOM WORK •Remodeling •Quality Service •New Construction • Repairs •Grout Sealing • Licensed and Insured

John Miller (248)505-8865 jmtileandmarble.com

Tree Service

587

J ROMO TREE SERVICE •Tree Trimming •Lot Clearing •Tree Removal •Experienced •Quality Work •Affordable •Free Estimates •Insured

(248)939-7420 (248)978-1096 jromotreeservice@yahoo.com

MAXON'S TREE SERVICE •Trimming •Tree Removal •Stump Grinding •Lot Clearing •Firewood & Woodchips "We now have wood fencing & deliver sand, gravel, top soil."

Licensed & Insured Free Estimates

(248)887-2190

587

KODIAK AERIAL TREE SERVICE Tree Trim Removal and Stumps •Free estimates •Insured 30 years experience

248-921-9097 Waterproofing

I.D.C.

Home Service Siding, Trim & Soffitt Guaranteed Professional Installation. Lic./ Ins. References available.

Tile

Tree Service

599

Dry Basements, LLC We Repair: •Poured Walls/ Concrete Block •Waterproofing •Cracked or Bowed Walls •Foundation Repaired Replaced •Underpinning •Crawl Space and Encapsulation •Licensed & Insured •Ron Heck, Builder (248)420-0116

Wells

603

McPherson WELL SERVICE PUMPS •TANKS WELL REPAIR 2, 4, & 5 INCH

Emergency Service 7 days a week 248-

363-6464

aquawells.com All credit cards accepted

BOB WYCKOFF WELL SERVICE "If you have questions, we have answers!" •PUMPS •TANKS • WELL REPAIR

(248)310-0917

Emergency Service Visa & MasterCard

PAGE 48

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

NOW DELIVERING…

Located in Commerce Twp. Celebrating 2 3 Ye a r s Servicing The Lakes Area

Beach Sand & Driveway Gravel

MULCH MADNESS SPECIAL 50% OFF DELIVERY

When you purchase 10 or more yards of mulch. Within a 10 Mile radius.Mon.-Wed. Not to be combined with any other offer. Expires 9/15/12

Check our website www.248Landscape.com

248-366-7980 • 866-MULCH-2-U

for our Weekly Specials

www.248Landscape.com

CALL FOR OUR SUBDIVISION & GROUP SPECIALS LANDSCAPE DESIGN/INSTALLATION

LAWN MAINTENANCE

• Brick Pavers - Retaining Walls • Outdoor Lighting • Sales & Installation of Hardwood & Cedar Mulch • Mulch, Topsoil, Sand & Gravel

• Weekly Lawn Cutting • Spring & Fall Clean Ups • Shrub Pruning - Aeration • Spring Annuals & Perennials • Sprinkler Installation & Repair

MAINTENANCE OF DECKS AND BRICK PAVERS • Complete Restoration of Pavers, Patios and Walkways • Power Washing and Sealing Wood Decks

SPECIALIZING IN REFRESHING AND UPDATING YOUR EXISTING LANDSCAPING

(If you book by 9/15/12 • 400 sq. ft. minimum)

($3500 minimum)

A ASK SK A ABOUT BOUT O OUR UR D DELIVERY ELIVERY AND AND IINSTALLATION NSTALLATION P PRICES RICES See your Landscape Project before and after with our 3D Digital Landscape Design

Quality Service at a Reasonable Price