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WEST OAKLAND’S NEWSWEEKLY www.spinalcolumnonline.com

8/22/12

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Commerce couple will say ‘I do’ in the first wedding at OCIA in Waterford - pg. 7

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Commerce board OK’s allocation of $1.8 million for DDA bond payments - pg. 3

pg. 8 Waterford Schools acquired nine buses this summer for the 2012-13 year. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

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PAGE 2

SECOND FRONT PAGE

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

IN OUR 52ND YEAR

YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR:

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

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

Huron Valley State Bank celebrates opening of loan center – page 23

Concerns raised over W. Bloomfield Islamic center By Michael Shelton staff writer

Haven Hill Festival fund-raiser at Highland Recreation Area set for Saturday – page 13

Wixom council mulling ballot question options after millage cap hike’s Aug. 7 defeat – page 15

That’s what HE said: "Why not? Let's do it." — Oakland County Director of Central Services J. David VanderVeen on officials' attitude toward the Oakland County International Airport hosting its first wedding ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 25.

INSIDE Lakes Area News . . . . . .7-17 Special Report . . . . . . . . .8-9 Education . . . . . . . . . .18-19 Local Matters . . . . . . .22-23 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . .25 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Mail Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .35-37

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The West Bloomfield Township Planning Commission and the township’s Wetland Review Board at a joint meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 14 tabled two actions regarding a proposed Muslim cultural center until a site visit is concluded. Members from the commission and review board at 2 p.m. on Sept. 9 will visit the former Eagle Elementary School building site on the northwest corner of Middlebelt and 14 Mile roads, where the center is proposed to be built. The commission’s agenda for the Aug. 14 meeting included a site plan and special land use approval for the cultural center, as well as a floodplain review for a stormwater management system. But those issues will be revisited at the commission’s next meeting scheduled for Oct. 23. If the commission approves, its recommendation for the cultural center will then be sent before the township Board of Trustees for final approval.

Board advances DDA $1.8M for bond repayments By Angela Niemi staff writer

The Commerce Township Board of Trustees has granted approval to advance approximately $1.8 million to the Commerce Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in order for the DDA to meet its bond repayment obligations this year. The DDA previously issued bonds to acquire and improve a number of developable parcels of land in the DDA district, along with constructing the Martin Parkway project — a four-lane boulevard extending Martin Road south from PGA Drive to meet M-5 at Pontiac Trail; building five lanes from PGA Drive

A proposed Islamic cultural center at the former Eagle Elementary School on W. 14 Mile Road in West Bloomfield Township would be nearly 52,000 square feet after a 13,000-square-foot proposed addition to the school that was previously owned by the Farmington Public School District. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

The site encompasses 9.55 acres and would include a 13,102-square-foot addition consisting of a mosque, lobby and multi-purpose room on the existing 38,860-square-foot building, creating a 51,962-square-foot place of worship. The Farmington Public Schools Board of Education has already approved the sale of the former Eagle Elementary School at 29410 W. 14 Mile Road in West Bloomfield for $1.1 million to the Islamic Cultural Association, now located in Franklin.

On July 29, 2011, a lawsuit was filed in Oakland County Circuit Court by Eugene Greenstein and Melvyn Sternfeld, two residents who live near the school, claiming that the Farmington school board had already approved and took bids on the school’s demolition; and that the purchase by the Islamic Cultural Association took place back in January 2011 and didn’t follow an approved bidding process before the sale.

north to a roundabout at Oakley Park Road; and building a large roundabout where M-5 meets Pontiac Trail and the new Martin Parkway. The road project was initiated by the DDA to alleviate area road congestion and to help the DDA market and develop hundreds of acres of property between M-5 at Pontiac Trail and Martin and Oakley Park roads. At the same time, the sale and development of the DDA land is how the bond debt on the road project (approximately $80 million) is expected to be paid off. However, with the current economic climate and deterioration of the real estate market, the ability to sell the DDA property has been hindered and, as such, has left the DDA unable to begin paying off its bond debt as planned. Because the bonds were additionally backed by the limited tax general

obligation and the full faith and credit of the township, the township had to advance money from its general fund to cover the initial DDA bond payments. The board had anticipated this obstacle earlier and prepared for the situation accordingly, said township Supervisor Tom Zoner. In February, the Board of Trustees and the DDA entered into a formal agreement assuring that the DDA will pay the township back for funds allocated for the repayment of bonds. “Because of the bond issues, the township (is) loaning the DDA money until it gets back on its feet,” Zoner said. “The transfer of funds will not happen all at once but instead on an as-needed basis. This way the township can keep the funds in the fund balance bank account so we can still collect interest on the balance in the fund.” ❏

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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 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.

Clayborn prepares for classes at his dream school — UofM

very spring thousands of high school seniors wait with nervous anticipation for college acceptance letters and emails — knowing that after years of hard work and preparation their dreams can either come true or be dashed all within a few seconds. Drew Clayborn from Walled Lake Central was one of those thousands of high school seniors. And just like them he went through the anxiety and excitement that comes when you see an e-mail in your inbox that contains the decision from your dream school. After he clicked on the e-mail, he tried to wait to look. However, out of the corner of his eye as he glanced away he saw the words that told him he got into the University of Michigan. Of course for Drew, getting into his dream school was just the first challenge. The next is finding a way for him to attend his dream school fulltime. Two years ago, Drew broke his neck while practicing a backflip for the spring musical in a hallway at Walled Lake Central. The accident left him paralyzed from the neck down, leaving Drew on a ventilator and requiring 24 hour care. Nevertheless, Drew and his family, with the help of the community, have persevered and are now determined to find a way for Drew to experience all that a college education has to offer. Right now, Drew thinks he will be able to spend 2-3 nights a week on campus living in a room in Alice Lloyd Hall — which is close to U-M Hospital. However, his father, LeDon, is hopeful that eventually Drew will be able to live there full-time and really enjoy college. Fund-raising and continued support from the Drew Crew and the community will hopefully make that possible. This weekend, Aug. 24-26, the Drew Crew will be holding the inaugural Junk for the Drew Crew yard sale, which is being organized by Drew’s nurse, Kandi, to help get him through college. It will take place at 8601 Independence Drive in Sterling Heights. For more information go to www.thedrewcrew.org. Drew is set to start classes on Sept. 4 and recently spoke with the Spinal Column Newsweekly regarding his upcoming plans and getting into the University of Michigan. Please tell our readers what a typical day is like for you. DC: A typical day is hectic. It takes about three hours to get me ready. We start in the bed. I do my therapy, and that takes about an hour and a half. We try to get me ready during that — eat-

eager to help you? DC: It’s been the biggest thing in my life, so at this point I just want to have some way to give it back at some point. I’m just trying to get to the point where I can give back to all those that have helped me, because I know without all their help I wouldn’t be in this room. None of this would be possible. Many in the community consider you to be an inspiration. How does that make you feel? DC: Thankful that they would say that. I’m just grateful for a lot of things — grateful for all my accomplishments and all the help that I’ve gotten. You recently graduated from Walled Lake Central, where you participated in band and were part of the Homecoming Court. Please tell us a bit about the last two years of high school and the challenges you overcame to get accepted into your dream school. DC: It started with the technology really, and being able to do all my school work efficiently. And once that was in place, I just went for it. You’re getting ready to attend the University of Michigan. First, how did it feel to be accepted to your dream school? What are you looking forward to the most about attending UofM? What do you plan to study? Any ideas on the type of career you would like to pursue? Do you plan to live on campus, and what type of arrangements does it take for that to happen? DC: I remember coming home from school one day, sitting here reading my e-mail, and seeing University of Michigan and trying not to look if I got accepted or not. As I was looking away I just saw by glance that I got in. I just broke down and was in shock, really. Taking classes I know I like and taking classes I know I will learn a lot in (are what I’m looking forward to). (I plan to study) computer programming. That is definitely my top class. I’m taking a programming class, calculus, and another one. I will probably look for something in informatics, doing stuff with Facebook or Twitter or Google, or doing medical research or something. (I’ve) not decided yet (about living on campus). We are trying to stay there part-time and being able to be on campus somewhat. But we’ll see. ❏

Q ing and all that. And that takes a good amount of time. Once I’m up I pretty much do everything myself, and I just work on the computer, watch TV, I might go out to the movies or hang out with friends, just normal stuff. So you remain pretty independent? DC: Yeah. We had a group called the Pelican Foundation that did a fund-raiser for me a year ago that gave me environmental controls that I can use, and I’ve been working with that. What has the support and love of your family and friends meant to you? Healthwise, what is the next step for you? What is the next goal you would like to accomplish?

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW

DC: It’s been huge. The only way that any of this has been possible has been because of my family and because of all the support we get from the community and friends — just crazy, crazy possible things. Healthwise — well, the next step is just staying healthy and keep doing my therapy. One day we will hopefully get the call from a therapeutic institute we know saying that they are starting to do clinical trials on humans to try to cure paralysis. The next goal to accomplish is get straight A’s at UofM. You have received a lot of support from the community, whether it’s participating in fund-raisers such as golf outings and spaghetti dinners or volunteering to help. Please tell us what that support means to you, to know so many people are willing and

By Angela Niemi

Read more of this interview at www.spinalcolumnonline.com.

AUGUST 22-28, 2012

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PAGE 7

LAKES AREA NEWS

Islamic Center ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3

Their lawsuit was rejected in court, but an appeal is currently pending. Township Board Liason Steve Kaplan said that the Aug. 14 meeting was the most attended planning commission meeting in the last four years, with 125 people in attendance, including some who had to watch the meeting on televisions in adjacent rooms. Kaplan added that many attendees were in opposition to the center because of concerns over vehicular traffic and the proposed height of the building, which would be 38 feet. Some attendees, as well as Planning Commissioner Jim Manna, also questioned Islamic Cultural Association member Nabil Sullman about additional funding for the proposed cultural center from outside groups and organizations. That prompted the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to contact the U.S. Department of Justice the next day, Wednesday, Aug. 15, regarding what it believes to be inappropriate questioning. “We’re going to continue to monitor the situation. We believe this is based on a national trend in which trustee board members use excuses to block cultural centers and schools,” said Dawud Walid, executive director of the Michigan chapter of CAIR. “We also have a federal lawsuit against Pittsfield Township regarding the Michigan Islamic Academy.” Sullman said at the meeting that the total cost of the project would be between $5 and $6 million when completed over a 3- to 5-year period. ❏

W. Bloomfield OKs six-month ban on drilling activities By Michael Shelton staff writer

The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Monday, Aug. 20 unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on drilling for oil, natural gas and minerals in the community. A one-year moratorium was originally proposed, but was scaled back to six months beginning on Saturday, Sept. 1 and ending on Feb. 28, 2013. Attorney Derk W. Beckerleg of Secrest Wardle stated in a memo to

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 10

➥

Valerie Tison and Matthew Thompson of Commerce Township will be the first couple to take their marriage vows at the Oakland County International Airport on Saturday, Aug. 25. Tison and Thompson met at the airport’s Open House and Air Show two years ago. (Photo by David Yarnall/David Yarnall Photography)

Love is taking flight at OCIA Commerce couple getting married in the place they met By Leslie Shepard staff writer

ove is in the air at the Oakland County International Airport (OCIA). On Saturday, Aug. 25, the green terminal building at the airport will be transformed into a venue for the first wedding ever conducted at the airport. “It’s a public terminal building and we encourage the community to use it when appropriate,” said Oakland County Director of Central Services J. David VanderVeen. “Why not (a wedding)? Let’s do it.” Commerce Township residents Valerie Tison and Matthew Thompson will exchange vows at 3:30 p.m. in a private ceremony at the airport conducted by Tison’s grand-mother, Rev. Gloria Ward. The airport is a perfect setting for the couple since they first met there during an open house and air show two years ago, and because Tison’s grandfather, Jack C. Hays, was an instrumental figure for the OCIA.

“We met at the air show while I was with my grand-parents,” Tison said. “We started talking and spent the day together — my grand-parents asked him to have lunch with us, and that was it. Also it was the last time my grandpa visited me. He suffers from Alzheimer’s.” Hays, an aviator himself, served 22 years with Oakland County Corporation Council, the last 11 years as head of the county’s legal arm. During his tenure, he took a leading role in turning the airport into an international hub. “People who flew in had to go to Detroit Metro (Airport) because the runway here was too small, so administration decided to expand the airport to bring in big jets and international air traffic,” said Hays’ wife, Diane Hays. “Of all his years at the county, he considered his role in making the airport an international one as his greatest accomplishment,” she said. “He talked about it until the day he

no longer could.” Hold a wedding at an airport poses its fair share of hurdles, but the cost is nominal — $15 an hour. “It’s been a challenge because we’re dealing with federal laws,” Tison said. “Originally we were going to do it outside in the ‘Hush House’ (where maintenance crews at the airport tests engines), but it fell through because the air show is the next day; and due to all the vendors, the liability insurance didn’t cover it, so we moved the wedding inside.” While the airport’s green terminal building was designed with subtle beauty and charm, complete with an arboretum and full pane-glass windows, lending itself to a wedding venue, Tison plans to embellish the decor even more. An arch of trillium glass balls connected by beading and strewn with rose petals will be built, with a white swag draped across the top of the arch. “Behind us will be the glass and

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

By Michael Shelton staff writer

SPECIAL REPORT

t’s not just parents and students gearing up for the school year that starts Tuesday, Sept. 4. Area school districts have been hard at work all summer completing a number of tasks to get buildings up to snuff and labor agreements ratified in order to make sure that on the first day of school, students come back to clean and improved buildings and facilities, as well as a complete staff for the individual schools. What follows is a rundown of the various capital improvement projects and other chores the four public school districts servicing west Oakland County completed since students were last hitting the books. HURON VALLEY SCHOOLS Huron Valley Schools has conducted a slew of improvements in or on the grounds of most of the buildings within the district before its nearly 10,000 students plow through the doors. “In the summer we complete audits, hire staff, do annual reports, clean buildings thoroughly, inspect buses, conduct registrations, conduct student scheduling, and plan bus routes,” said Huron Valley Communications Director Kim Root. Approximately 1,300 staff members are on the district’s payroll, including members of 10 bargaining units with contracts that are set to expire June 30, 2013. The largest union is the Huron Valley Education Association with 580 teachers in its membership. If needed, substitute teachers, paraeducators and bus drivers are acquired through the Oakland Human Resources Consortium. “We do a guest teacher hiring and orientation in August and again in January, if necessary,” Root said. The district’s general fund budget is $84.5 million. The district has not needed to borrow prior to a new school year since 2001-02. Many of the district’s improvement projects are completed using building and site sinking fund dollars. According to Michelle Kerns, the district’s owners representative for construction, Huron Valley nets about $1.9 million per year to do enhancements at its 15 schools and other buildings. The lion’s share of building and site sinking fund dollars were used to switch over the Bogie Lake Campus — comprised of Huron Valley Lakeland High School, Lakewood Elementary School and White Lake Middle School — to municipal sewers as of June 1. Other funds were used for a pair of large paving projects, including one at Kurtz Elementary School. About $290,000 was spent to widen and

District improvements How area schools prepped for the new year West Bloomfield High School’s athletic facilities saw improvements to the baseball fields (above) and painting inside and outside the concessions building during the summer break. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang) repave the parking lot. Another $11,000 was spent to repave the bus loop at Heritage Elementary School. “We had small paving projects at six to eight other buildings, but they were miscellaneous paving repairs,” Kerns said. Building and site sinking fund dollars were also used to replace the 25year-old roof and gutters at Johnson Elementary School for $161,000, a project that was completed last week. Some heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment was replaced at Oxbow and White Lake elementaries. In addition, partial flooring was laid at Heritage and Johnson elementaries, Muir Middle School, and Huron Valley Lakeland and Milford high schools. “We have a rotating program at the high schools,” Root said. “Each (is) about 400,000 square feet, so we do a portion each year.” Other projects included a remodeling of the girls locker room at Muir; new lighting at the Lakeland High School auxiliary gym; installation of two outside storage sheds at Milford High School and Lakewood Elementary School; and demolition of two portable trailers at the Duck Lake Center and one at Lakewood, as well as partial painting projects at Johnson, Heritage, Oxbow, Muir, and both high schools. “You can’t facilitate repairs with the BSSF (building and site sinking fund), so general fund dollars were used for small repairs and painting at 18 different buildings,” Kerns said. WATERFORD SCHOOLS The Waterford School District has done everything possible to make sure that students and staff have a smooth transition into the 2012-13 school year. The district has 25 buildings that

require routine maintenance. Its budget is $120.48 million and it employs approximately 1,600 full- and parttime employees. The district also negotiated new contracts for all employee groups for the 2012-13 school year. “All groups renegotiated their health care benefits, increased their contributions to their health care costs, and took a pay freeze,” said Thomas Wiseman, assistant superintendent of business and operations. This also included those individuals not represented by a union, which is the superintendent and administrators.” Wiseman added that the district has enough guest employees to meet its needs for the beginning of the 2012-13 school year. Improvements made to district facilities include creating new academic centers at both Waterford Mott and Waterford Kettering high schools, as well as remodeling kitchens at four elementary schools, updating classrooms at Waterford Kettering and Mason Middle School, and installing interior door replacements at Adams Elementary School and Pierce Middle School. The Waterford district also purchased or leased nine replacement or new buses. “We are also replacing 900 computers and purchasing 33 smart boards to be placed in classrooms throughout the district,” Wiseman said. “All projects are being completed or are already completed. All will be ready for the beginning of the school year.” All buildings in the district are thoroughly cleaned during the summer months. Carpets are extracted, floors are waxed, windows are washed and areas are painted, according to Wiseman. Boilers are also inspected

and licensed. “The district has over 2 million square feet of buildings to maintain,” he said. “Our maintenance and operations staff take care of all these annual and ongoing maintenance chores. This also includes maintaining our parking lots, restriping them and making certain they are cleaned. We also mow all of the district properties and get all athletic fields properly cared for to be ready for the beginning of the sports season.” Wiseman added that the district employs additional part-time staff during the summer to complete these tasks both inside and out. “We have part-time individuals who assist our custodians, we have part-time staff that work on the grounds, and we hire individuals that do painting,” he said. The district also runs summer school at its Crary Campus for high school and middle school students, and operates an elementary summer school program at Haviland Elementary School. “Our performing art centers and pool and fitness centers offer a variety of programs during the summer for our students and community. We also offer free summer feeding programs for all children in our community at our Crary Campus,” Wiseman said. “Thousands of children under the age of 18 took advantage of this program that we initiated this year. This program was funded 100 percent with federal dollars.” Wiseman added that teachers and administrators have been working hard all summer focusing on teaching and meeting students’ educational needs to ensure that all of students are successful. “They have been attending workshops, working in their buildings with each other and planning for a great school year,” Wiseman said.

AUGUST 22-28, 2012

and various areas painted, and Abbott Middle School received new window treatments. All district buildings and sites had some concrete sidewalks replaced. “All construction projects will be completed for the start of the new academic year,” said Pam Zajac, public relations and marketing coordinator. “Window treatments at the middle schools will be done during the afternoon hours after school is done daily.” She added that routine summer maintenance is completed by in-house maintenance staff and temporary employees. Those maintenance duties include work orders and preventative maintenance, playground fall material installa-

agement plan. WALLED LAKE SCHOOLS Walled Lake Consolidated Schools have been busy over the past couple of months preparing for the upcoming school year at the Community Education Center and all of its schools — with the exception of Maple and Twin Beach elementary schools, which were closed at the end of the last school year. Eighteen of the district’s 20 buildings were the sites of capital improvement projects this year. According to Bill Chatfield, the district’s director of operations, the projects totaled around $2 million and came from the district’s building and sinking fund millage, which is up for a renewal on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

The Waterford School District purchased or lease nine replacement or new buses in the lead-up to the 2012-13 academic year set to begin in a few short weeks. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard) tion, tree trimming, mulch installation, and landscaping. Other duties include parking lot painting and hole patching, weed control and grounds turf maintenance, catch basin repairs and cleaning, grass cutting and trimming, athletic field marking, and building and roof inspections. Also included are HVAC upgrades and filter replacements, while GCA Services handles building cleaning. Licensed, contracted vendors handle regulatory compliance inspections in the district, including inspections of fire alarms, sprinklers, suppression systems and extinguishers, as well as emergency lighting and ground fault protection. Other systems inspected include elevators, lift pumps, boilers, and pressurized vessels. Bleachers, playgrounds, flagpoles, parking lot light poles, folding doors and partitions are also inspected. Water testing is also conducted, as well as examination of back flow preventers and cross connections, along with the district’s storm water man-

The major project that finished this summer was at Walnut Creek Middle School, which was replacing the building’s temperature control system for around $600,000. “The result will be improved comfort and reduced energy costs,” Chatfield said. “We went to a digital control system which will replace the old pneumatic air system. It was a very complicated and extensive project. We started during Spring Break in April and will be finishing it up next week.” Other major projects occurred at Oakley Park and Dublin elementary schools, where parking lots were expanded and replaced. The bus loop was also widened at Oakley Park Elementary School. The cost of the project at Oakley Park was $400,000 and the one at Dublin was $300,000. The tracks at Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Western high schools were also resurfaced at $150,000 each. The softball and baseball facilities at Western were also renovated. Meanwhile, doors had deteriorated and needed attention at multiple build-

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ings in the district, including at Sarah Banks Middle School, the three high schools, Geisler Middle School, Glengary Elementary School, Loon Lake Elementary, Oakley Park, Clifford Smart Middle School, Walnut Creek Middle School, and Wixom Elementary School. Deteriorated concrete was also repaired or replaced at several buildings, including Walled Lake Central, the Educational Services Center, Hickory Woods Elementary, Loon Lake Elementary, Pleasant Lake Elementary, Walled Lake Elementary, and Walnut Creek Middle School. “At the Community Education Center, we are also improving the barrier-free entrances,” said Chatfield, adding that total project costs were around $300,000. “We had a number of projects that consumed a majority of this year’s building and site sinking (fund) budget, but we still had the money to make significant improvements to other buildings with smaller projects.” Another significant project was moving the modular classrooms from the recently closed Maple Elementary to Pleasant Lake Elementary. “These are portable classrooms that exist as freestanding classroom facilities that sit on the school site,” Chatfield said. “They are used for overflow situations for buildings with overcrowded conditions, which was the case at Maple three years ago. While we don’t have overcrowded conditions at Pleasant Lake Elementary, they will see the greatest student enrollment increase in the coming years so it seemed like the most natural fit.” Meanwhile, all the district buses have been inspected, with 117 of the district’s 119 buses receiving a perfect inspection evaluation. Two buses were flagged for a rattling brake chamber and a check valve on the air chamber, respectively, but both were fixed and passed inspection the same day, according to Chatfield. With the closing of Maple and Twin Beach elementary schools, a vast majority of the work for maintenance crews has been helping teachers relocate to other schools in the district, in addition to the hundreds of jobs that normally take place during the district’s “deep cleaning” projects, which all were completed satisfactorily. “Even with all the summer programs, camps, and classes going on in our various buildings, our custodial staff did a really great job in getting the facilities ready, even having to work around those activities,” said Chatfield. The district’s budget for the 201213 school year is $150.24 million. ❏ Staff writers Angela Niemi and Leslie Shepard contributed to this report.

SPECIAL REPORT

WEST BLOOMFIELD SCHOOLS The West Bloomfield School District has 10 buildings for schools and administrative and community services, plus one transportation facility. The district’s current budget is $63.4 million and it has an estimated 638 employees on staff. The West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education at a special board meeting on Monday, Aug. 13 officially ratified a new contract with the West Bloomfield Education Association (WBEA) teachers union for the 2012-13 school year. The new one-year contract states that WBEA members will remain on a 6-percent, temporary cut in the salary schedule. WBEA members will also see changes in their medical insurance deductibles, which will now be $500 for single-person coverage and $1,000 for a couple or family. “Members will be paying an increased amount for health care due to the new state cap, which means a higher amount of premium costs for employees,” said Cyndi Austin, the Michigan Education Association (MEA) representative for West Bloomfield Schools. “I think due to the continued financial status of the district, this (contract) is the best that we could hope for.” Prior to the school board meeting, the WBEA held its own ratification meeting on Thursday, Aug. 9 before having its members vote on the contract on Friday, Aug. 10. Dr. Nelson Hersh, treasurer of the West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education, said that the board is happy that the contract is now behind them. “Now we can come together to do what’s best for kids in the classroom,” he said. Improvements that have taken place or are taking place at West Bloomfield High School over the summer include the installation of three new energy efficient boilers, associated piping and pumps, as well as a new hot water heater. The school also remodeled 20 of its instructional classrooms and its pool and gym locker rooms. The school’s pool saw its overhead lighting replaced, as well as its ceiling painted, while the second floor wave flooring had its carpet removed and tile installed. The school’s athletic facilities saw improvements to the baseball fields and painting inside and outside the concessions building. The gym also had its wood floor sanded and painted and new lighting was installed. The school’s auditorium received lighting improvements, while the school had its HVAC ducts cleaned in a few areas. Various areas saw hallway ceilings replaced and fire sprinklers improved. Meanwhile, Orchard Lake Middle School received new window treatments

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OCIA wedding ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 7

you can see all the jets taking off during the ceremony,” Tison said. The couple’s 6-month-old son, Ayden Thompson, will act as the ring bearer and will be rolled down the aisle in a red Radio Flyer wagon; Thompson’s daughter, 4-year-old Maddison Thompson, will be the flower girl. Tison will be dressed in a strapless, satin creation with sparkling embroidery made of Swarovski crystals that run the length of her gown. The wedding purposefully precedes the OCIA’s annual Open House and Air Show, slated for Sunday, Aug. 26 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Numerous planes will be on display during the Air Show, along with aerobatic routines. The show will open with a parachute jumper around 10 a.m. followed by the formation flight of Tuskegee Airmen. There will three headliners. For the first time, female aviator Susan Dacy will be flying her 450-horsepower Super Stearman, a WWII vintage plane used to train naval aviators. Secondly, Erik Edgren will man a clipped wing Taylorcraft in a comedic routine. Lastly, Doug Dodge will be flying a souped-up “Macharia” bi-plane. Both a Learjet from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and the Yankee Air Force will be offering rides in its B-25, along with other helicopter and airplane rides. Activities for kids include a climbing wall, inflatables and more. Admission is free for the Open House and Air Show, but this year a $5 parking fee will be assessed on each vehicle. Visit www.ociaopenhouse.org for more details. ❏

Drilling ban ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 7

the township board that there is an issue with a provision of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, which states that “a county or township shall not regulate or control the drilling, completion, or operation of oil or gas wells or other wells drilled for oil and gas exploration purposes.” Also at issue, according to Becklerleg, is mining activity for the extraction of natural resources within the township. The Zoning Enabling Act states “an ordinance shall not prevent the extraction, by mining, of valuable natural resources from any property unless very serious consequences

Several civilians and Commerce Township public safety personnel were honored at the Board of Trustees meeting held on Tuesday, Aug. 14 for their efforts in helping others. From left to right are William Seery, Michael Bell of the Commerce Fire Department, Sarah McCann of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Commerce Township Substation, Anthony Oryszczak of the Commerce Fire Department, Larry Gray of the Commerce Fire Department, Marcus Leece of the Commerce Fire Department and Zack Schwartz of the Commerce Fire Department. (Photo by Shannon Leece)

would result from the extraction of those natural resources.” However, Beckerleg also pointed out that the township can explore possible regulation of ancillary activities associated with drilling, such as hours of operation, odors and use of roads. The moratorium gives the township board time to prepare regulations regarding oil and gas drilling and mineral mining. Exceptions to the moratorium will have to be brought before the township board after a written hearing request is submitted to the township Clerk’s Office explaining why a property owner or business petitioner’s request should be exempt from the moratorium. ❏

Stack, Malek not running for village council positions By Leslie Shepard staff writer

A pair of familiar faces on the Wolverine Lake Village Council opted

not to run for another term in November. Councilman Mike Stack has decided that six years at the council table is enough. He is ready to pass the torch onto someone else to make a difference on the village’s governing body. “I believe in the spirit of rotation,” Stack said. “I’ve had a good run and its time to call it quits. My business travel will be picking up, so it’s also a matter of scheduling.” Village Council President John Magee credited Stack with a few pivotal changes in the community while he served on the council. “One thing is all the work he and (the late councilman) John Coxeter did in making the sewers a reality,” Magee said. “He did a lot to bring that forward.” Stack served as the council’s liaison to Lakes Area Youth Assistance (LAYA) for four years. Through the years he has been an influential member of the Skill Building Committee that approves funding to help families with pay-to-play fees in school districts. “One of Mike’s greatest contributions is all his involvement with

LAYA,” Magee said. As a member of LAYA’s Mentors Plus Committee, he paired up at-risk kids without role models in their lives with a caring adult. “These volunteers see the kids one time a week for a couple hours,” Stack said. “We recruit adults we know and are now developing a marketing program to get more adults involved through the Rotary (Club) and the Lakes Area Chamber (of Commerce).” He is also the current co-chair for the Taste of the Lakes fund-raiser that benefits LAYA. This year it will be held on Sept. 28 and costs $20 per ticket. “We have 20 different restaurants from the lakes area,” Stack said of the event. “Attendees sample food to glean funds for the administrative end of the program.” A silent auction is also held in conjunction with the event. “I enjoyed having him on council and can’t say enough good things about Mike and his role on council,” Magee said.

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Haven Hill event Aug. 25 offers fun for the family By Angela Niemi staff writer

he Friends of the Highland Recreation Area group will once again be hosting its annual Haven Hill Festival at the Highland State Recreation Area to raise funds for preserving and restoring the Edsel Ford family’s historic Haven Hill estate structures in the recreation area. The festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. While admission to the event is free, visitors need to have a state Recreation Passport on their vehicle registration to enter the recreation area. If not, a pass can be purchased for $10. The Haven Hill Festival will feature a variety of activities, including a vintage baseball game, summer foods, vintage Model A Ford cars, and walking tours of Haven Hill with a shuttle up and down the hill. The baseball game will be played between the Haven Hill Barn Stormers ball club from White Lake and Highland and the Lah-De-Dahs from Greenfield Village in Dearborn. Both teams were formed to show how baseball was originally played “back in the day.” As such, the players will follow the rules similar to those used in the 1860s, which have some major differences from rules governing the

Wolverine council ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 10

Councilman Bob Malek also opted not to run for re-election. He served one partial term in May 2007. In November 2008, he was elected to a four-year term on the council. He also sat on the Zoning Board of Appeals as the council liaison for four years. “He stepped into council during a very hard economic time and put the needs of the village first and foremost,” Magee said. “He always asked the hard questions that needed to be asked.” Malek could not be reached for comment prior to press time. There are five open seats on Wolverine Lake Village Council to be filled by general election voters. Council President Pro Tem Ed Sienkiewicz, Patrick Nagy, Ron Cumbo,

A vintage baseball game at the Haven Hill Festival on Saturday, Aug. 25 will take players and spectators back to the 19th century with the baseball rules used around the 1860s. (Photo submitted by Friends of Highland Recreation Area)

game played today: • Players in the infield have to have one foot on a base when the ball is pitched; • No stealing, swearing, spitting, or sliding is allowed; • For batters, there are no balls or strikes called; • Batters cannot overrun first base, they must stop on it; • No gloves are allowed. Players must catch the ball bare-handed; and • After crossing home plate, a player must approach the scorer’s table, ring a bell, and politely request that

the scorekeeper “tally your ace.” The game will start at 1 p.m. at Goose Meadow inside the Highland Recreation Area. Fans are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, sun umbrellas, and folding chairs for the game. Meanwhile, members from the Livingston A’s will be bringing some of their collector Model A Ford automobiles — which remain in working condition — to this year’s festival. Also on display at the festival will be an exhibit of never before seen photographs from the Ford family’s Haven

Hill estate. The photographs were taken by Harry and Amy North, the original housekeepers employed by the Fords. The photographs were donated to the Friends of the Highland Recreation Area group by Mr. and Mrs. George Penney of Ontario, Canada. The recreation area is located off of M-59 between Duck Lake and Bogie Lake Roads, with parking available at the Goose Meadow picnic shelter area, which is the first right turn after you enter. ❏

Brian Nedrow, and John Scott were the only candidates to file paperwork to appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. The top three vote-getters will earn fouryear council terms, while the next two will earn two-year terms. ❏

who is a member of the club located at 5000 West Shore Drive off Old Orchard Trail, recused herself from voting on the issue at the Monday, Aug. 20 meeting. The city’s zoning ordinance permits accessory buildings within Zone 4, with a front yard setback requirement of 70 feet. The new chemical storage building proposed had a setback of 42 feet, 8 inches; therefore, a front yard setback variance was needed to proceed with construction. “Essentially it’s in line with the equipment storage building that’s there now,” said Director of City Services Gerry McCallum. Several Shady Beach residents attended the meeting to voice concerns that there could be potential dangers associated with a chemical building adjacent to residential property.

“A lot of dialogue took place, but it was a zoning issue,” McCallum said. “It’s called a chemical building, but it’s just for pesticides for the greens and fairways.” “It’s a variance — I don’t think we are aware of any immediate environmental issues,” said Mayor Bruce McIntyre. “The things used on the golf course are the same as what are used in yards.” The club is also required to screen the area on Old Orchard Trail with trees and shrubs. “Most of the concern expressed by council had to with screening requirements between the road and the building,” McIntyre said.

Variance granted for new chemical building at club By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Orchard Lake Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has voted unanimously to grant approval to the Orchard Lake Country Club to construct a chemical storage building near the existing equipment storage structure on the north side of Old Orchard Trail. City Council member Ann Hartzell,

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 15

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LAKES AREA NEWS

OLCC variance ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 13

The club most likely will begin construction soon — it is already behind schedule. “This is the final step — there were a number of things that preceded it,” McIntyre said. “They are already behind schedule in building (the new structure) because of the special use and variance approvals.” A special use modification was approved on June 18 for adding a new building and relocating portions of the existing building on the site in conjunction with an infrastructure restoration project. ❏

Wixom may seek voter approval of 3-3.4 mills Nov. 6 By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Wixom City Council is going back to the drawing board to draft language for another millage proposal to place before voters during the Nov. 6 general election. The council met Tuesday, Aug. 14 to resurrect the discussion on budget deficit reductions in the face of a charter millage cap increase that failed to win enough voter support in the Aug. 7 primary election. City administration presented costs associated with each potential cut. Some of the larger line item cuts included not filling three police sergeant positions, saving $407,886; privatizing or closing the community center, saving $267,949; and privatizing or eliminating parks and recreation, saving $318,018. “Some of the meeting centered on the details on program cuts and putting a back-up dollar figure to each one of those,” said City Manager Mike Dornan. “We answered a lot of questions on these line items and the council came to a greater understanding of how we arrived at these numbers concerning services.” The City Council had already voted to cut five items from the budget in the wake of the charter millage cap increase failing, including the elimination of the Finance Department clerk, overtime leaf collection, capital outlay, and capital improvements, as well as the non-replacement of the police sergeants. The city is facing a deficit of over $1.7 million for the 2013 fiscal year and $2.1 million in 2014.

After being vacant for several years, the former Farmer Jack site in White Lake Township is now home to JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts, which opened with a soft opening late last month before holding a grand opening celebration on Aug. 9. JoAnn’s is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

Now open for business JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts occupies former Farmer Jack site By Angela Niemi staff writer

he building that once housed a Farmer Jack grocery store at the corner of Highland Road (M-59) and Fisk Road in White Lake Township is now the home to two national retailers, both of which became officially open for business in the past couple months. JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts commenced operation with a soft opening on July 27 before having its grand opening on Aug. 9. Its neighbor, Bed, Bath, and

One aspect of the city’s dilemma is how much a mill brings into the city’s coffers has changed over the last five years. According to a residential tax analysis conducted by the city, in 2004 the average sales price for a home was $260,055 (a taxable value of $130,028). At a city operating tax rate of 6.8469 mills, that millage rate brought in $890.29 in annual revenue from a home with the average taxable value. That contrasts sharply to 2011, when the average home sales price was $154,932 (a taxable value of

Beyond, opened on June 19 and had its grand opening on June 23. The building had remained vacant after A&P — the parent company of Farmer Jack — decided to close many of its stores in July 2007. When A&P filed for bankruptcy in December 2010, the lease agreement between the company and the White Lake property owner Gershenson Realty & Investments was broken, allowing the property owner to pursue other tenants. JoAnn Fabrics is a specialty retailer of crafts and fabrics that features $77,466). At a city operating tax rate of 7.5429 mills, that home brought in $584.32 in city taxes for the budget year. From 2004 to 2011, the average decline in city taxes was $306 per single-family household. Deputy Mayor Rich Ziegler said there is one faction in the city determined to quash any effort to increase taxes simply because it has its own agenda. “I call this group the ‘old guard,’ former politicians showing up as the ‘no’ crowd,” Ziegler said. “This group

materials for sewing and quilting, scrapbooking, knitting and cross stitching, as well as other craft materials. The store also offers a variety of classes for adults and children on sewing, quilting, papercrafting, painting, jewelry-making, among many others. The classes can be found online at www.joann.com using the store locator for White Lake Township. JoAnn’s is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ❏ built up the city and drafted labor agreements. Now they tell us we should do a better job and yet we’re trying to maintain what they set up before us.” The other question during the meeting was whether to place a new ballot proposal on the Nov. 6 general election ballot or opt to hold a special election in February. The general con-

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 16

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LAKES AREA NEWS

Wixom deficit ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 15

sensus among council members was to craft ballot language for November. “There was some discussion on a February special election, but there was some consensus that there will be a larger turnout in November and we want people to vote on this,” Dornan said. He added that holding a special election means the city would have to spend between $4,000 to $6,000 on the election. The council has scrapped the effort to raise the charter millage cap in favor of seeking a straight millage. According to Dornan, the council will seek to limit the number of additional mills to a set figure between 3 and 3.4 mills and limit the number years it would be levied to five. It would be dedicated for municipal operating purposes such as police and fire services, or a combination including the Department of Public Works or Parks and Recreation. “What it looks like council will do is draft a ballot question telling the voters how much (the millage would be), how long, and for what they will be paying taxes,” Dornan said.

“We have to identify if it would be just for police and fire or a combination and will probably have an end date and a lower millage than what we want and then still do some cuts,” Ziegler said. The council directed city administration to develop three different ballot questions and present them at a special meeting that was held yesterday, Tuesday, Aug. 21. Language for a new ballot proposal must be submitted by Thursday, Aug. 30 in order to be placed before voters on Nov. 6. ❏

New cost recovery rules for Milford get board’s OK By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Township Board of Trustees voted Wednesday, Aug. 15 to adopt a new ordinance regarding emergency action cost recovery. The amendment replaces the current cost recovery rules and amends the

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AUGUST 22-28, 2012

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PAGE 17

LAKES AREA NEWS

Road project puts squeeze on area businesses By Leslie Shepard staff writer

he road construction along Pontiac Trail and West Maple Road in Walled Lake has been hampering businesses, despite the efforts made by the city and the Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to prevent just that. The road project that began in mid-July involves a complete road reconstruction, where the existing concrete is removed and new concrete is laid on Pontiac Trail from South Commerce to just south of East West Maple. In addition, another 1,000-foot section along Maple east of Pontiac Trail will be replaced. Curb and gutter replacement will also occur, and a new traffic signal configuration will be installed at the Maple and Pontiac Trail intersection. The railroad crossing will be removed. According to Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) Spokesperson Craig Bryson, the project is moving along at an unfettered pace. “Most of the concrete has been placed on southbound Pontiac Trail,” Bryson said. “Also, concrete has been placed in two lanes on Maple, both east and west of Pontiac Trail.” “Currently, the contractor is working on filling in the gaps in southbound Pontiac Trail, where the concrete had not been placed to ensure access to homes and businesses; as well as pouring driveways and curbs for the southbound side of Pontiac Trail,” he said. South Commerce reopened to traffic on Friday, Aug. 17. But despite the progress, merchants in the area have noticed a steady decline in business. “It has been a bit of a detriment,

Cost recovery ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 16

regulations pertaining to the collection of fees for emergency medical and fire services in the township. The new ordinance states that it is in place to “provide for the payment, reimbursement and collection of fees

Steve Blanco (above), manager of the Walled Lake Big Boy restaurant, said that the road construction along Pontiac Trail and West Maple Road has been “hitting us pretty hard.” A lot of support by regular customers is allowing the restaurant to make it through the construction project that has hampered businesses in the area since it began, he said. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

but the roads are so bad,” said Murray’s Auto Store Manager Damon Martinez. “There’s never a good time to do the work, but it needs to be done.” He added that while the store has noticed a dip in sales, the store continues to count on its regular patrons. “Loyal customers still come in and the sales have been impacted a bit, but it hasn’t been as bad as I thought it would be,” Martinez said. He said that signage erected at Walled Lake welcome entrances and the patience of police have been helpful. “The police have been really helpful in accommodating patrons who cut through by not ticketing,” Martinez said. Walled Lake Police Chief Paul Shakinas said vehicle crashes are up 20 percent from last year and he

attributes the spike to the construction project. “We are monitoring traffic and advising people to slow down and use the detour route and not cut through business (parking lots),” Shakinas said. The Big Boy on Pontiac Trail across from the railroad tracks has sustained a greater hardship, but regular patrons still find their way into the restaurant. “The construction is hitting us pretty hard,” said Steve Blanco, the restaurant’s manager. “The signage is good and well appreciated, but people are staying away. We’ve had a lot of support by our regular guests, so we are just tightening our belts to make it through.” The McDonald’s on Maple Road tried a new marketing strategy during the construction. For businesses only,

the eatery would deliver on orders of $10 or more. “Our sales are down,” said Eula Rangel, manager of the McDonald’s. “People are avoiding the whole stretch.” The city held a meeting in the winter to inform businesses of the road project. It also erected signage stating that businesses would be open during construction and efforts were made to visit individual businesses. “The city manager (L. Dennis Whitt) and Wendell Allen (chairman of the DDA Urban and Design Committee) personally visited most of the businesses,” said Walled Lake Department of Public Works Coordinator Lisa McGill. “We are not aware of too many complaints, although some businesses have realized a slight decrease.” ❏

for the fire, medical, rescue and other emergency services provided by the Charter Township of Milford in certain situations where the Township Board of Trustees has determined that the cost of providing those services should be the full or partial responsibility of the persons and/or property that created or caused the need for or

otherwise benefited from the services.” It also states that for any response by the township Fire Department, the person, persons, or entities requiring a response who are not exempt shall pay the response costs. If it’s unclear who the responsible party is, the costs would then be

assessed on a pro rata basis. Then within 60 days after services have been provided by the Fire Department, or as soon as possible, a cost recovery invoice will be sent to the last known address(es) of the responsible party or parties. A process for appealing the assessment is included in the ordinance. ❏

PAGE 18

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

EDUCATION

AYP a mixed bag Local districts earn varying scores

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YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE for the Prep Gridiron! Don't miss our 2012 KICKOFF section, a full-color magazine dedicated to the upcoming high school varsity football season in west Oakland County. You'll find KICKOFF inserted in the Wednesday, Aug. 29 edition of the Spinal Column Newsweekly and packed with more player photographs and comments than ever before, and several new features for each of the 10 lakes area prep teams we cover. As in the past, KICKOFF will include coaching staff assessments of the 2012 rosters and prospects for the following local high school varsity teams: • Huron Valley Lakeland • Huron Valley Milford • Orchard Lake St. Mary’s • Walled Lake Central • Walled Lake Northern • Walled Lake Western • Waterford Kettering • Waterford Mott • Waterford Our Lady Lakers • West Bloomfield Lakers

The recently released 2011-12 Michigan School Report Card is sending a mixed signal when it comes to lakes area public schools: While many individual schools achieved adequate yearly progress (AYP), not one of the four lakes area public school districts achieved overall AYP for the last academic year. AYP, considered the cornerstone of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, is intended to measure year-to-year student achievement. To make AYP, a school must test 95 percent of its students in total and in each required student demographic group as defined by the federal law. The school also must attain the target achievement goal in English language arts and mathematics, or reduce the percentage of students in the non-proficient category of achievement by 10 percent (“safe harbor”). The school must also meet or exceed the other academic indicators set by the state. If even one subgroup of students in a school fails to meet AYP standards, the entire school fails to achieve AYP for the year. High school students’ scores on the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) are used to determine whether the school meets AYP standards, while Michigan Education Assessment Program test scores are used for determining AYP by elementary and middle schools. WATERFORD SCHOOLS Waterford Mott and Waterford Durant High School both failed to make the grade when it comes to AYP, resulting in failure by the district overall to make AYP status. According to the state’s report card, Waterford Mott and Waterford Durant didn’t make progress on the state’s reading and math assessments when it came to AfricanAmerican students. Meanwhile, Waterford Durant didn’t make progress in state reading and math assessments taken by all students. Rhonda Lessel, the Waterford district’s school and community services specialist, said previously that if a subgroup doesn’t make the grade, the entire school fails. The latest results of the MME showed that the majority of the dis-

trict’s high school students tested didn’t meet proficiency standards in all subjects tested: math, reading, science, social studies, and writing. Waterford students’ best subjects were reading, with 389 students meeting or exceeding standards and 409 falling short; and writing, with 354 students meeting or exceeded standards and 447 not doing so. In science, 178 students met or exceeded standards; 617 did not. In math testing, 159 students met or exceeded standards, while 634 fell short. In social studies, 295 students met or exceeded standards while 499 did not. Mott received a composite “D” grade; Durant received no grade. All other schools in the district had their AYP status approved, with Adams Elementary, Schoolcraft Elementary and Haviland Elementary each receiving a “B” grade, the highest grades in the district. As a result, Mott received designation as a “Focus School” which lists schools with the largest achievement gaps. WEST BLOOMFIELD SCHOOLS The Michigan Report Card was a mixed bag for the West Bloomfield School District, as all its schools met AYP standards, but the district overall did not achieve AYP status because of a lack of progress on the state’s reading and math assessments when it came to students with disabilities. Dr. Robert Martin, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said the district has special education students aged 19 to 26 who can’t go to high school or college, but have an Individual Education Plan in which they are taught life and working skills at the district’s transition center. Since they cannot graduate, that counts against the district’s graduation rate of students with disabilities. The state Report Card also listed six West Bloomfield schools with a “Focus School” designation because of their large achievement gaps, including Abbott and Orchard Lake middle schools, Roosevelt, Scotch PAGE 19 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

AUGUST 22-28, 2012

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PAGE 19

EDUCATION

AYP scores ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 18

and Shieko elementary schools, and West Bloomfield High School. The 2012 MME results showed that West Bloomfield High School students’ best subjects were reading, with 300 students meeting or exceeding standards and 164 falling short; and writing, with 294 students meeting or exceeding standards and 170 not doing so. In science, 166 students met or exceeded standards; 297 did not. In math testing, 204 students met or exceeded standards, while 258 fell short. In social studies, 241 students met or exceeded standards while 222 did not. West Bloomfield High School received a “C” grade, as did Abbott and Orchard Lake middle schools. Scotch Elementary was the only school in the district to receive an “A” grade, while Doherty, Ealy, Roosevelt and Shieko elementaries each received a “B” grade. The Oakland Early College program received no grade on the Michigan Report Card. HURON VALLEY Each school in the Huron Valley School District met AYP benchmarks, even though the district itself failed to do so. AYP is a compilation of complex formulas based on self reporting, proficiency, and growth. The state tweaked the process this year to qualify for the No Child Left Behind flexibility waiver. “The target was based on new cut scores so the letter grade went down in certain schools, but it’s not just one thing that calculates it,” said Nancy Coratti, deputy superintendent of instruction.

Free backpacks, supplies for HVS students in need Thanks to the efforts of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Milford, other area churches and the Huron Valley School District, students in need will be able to start out the school year with a free backpack. The donating groups will be distributing backpacks filled with school supplies for Huron Valley families facing financial difficulties on Wednesday, Aug. 29 from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, located at 1955 E.

Given the scores, there is the dichotomy of individual schools making AYP, but the district not. “Every building did, but the district didn’t because the determination was changed and the graduation rate was used in lieu of attendance,” Coratti said. “In our case it was due to the graduation rate of our sub-population (special education and the economically disadvantaged).” Coratti said 50 percent of state school districts didn’t meet AYP because of the sub-population graduation rate, compared to 6.7 percent last year. Though the metric is helpful for in Commerce in Milford, on the corner of Commerce and Burns roads. Those picking up backpacks should bring valid identification with proof of address, as well as proof that students are attending Huron Valley schools. It’s recommended that families bring their bus route postcard, a report card from last year or a current schedule as proof of student enrollment in the district. In addition, the district is asking each recipient to bring in an insurance card. Backpacks must be picked up in person. Due to the number of backpacks needed, no one may request a backpack for another family. ❏

analyzing strengths and weaknesses, it’s only one tool in the toolbox. “The scores were lower across the state this year due to the cut scores being higher,” Coratti said. “We look at multiple metrics when evaluating success and are always looking to continuously improve.” WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS As a district, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools didn’t meet AYP Status overall, nor did it meet the District Reading AYP Status and District Math AYP Status. All 14 elementary schools and three middle schools met AYP Status

Districts to save by sharing food service supervisor The Walled Lake Consolidated Schools District has spent the summer revamping menus to meet requirements of a new federal law; and the person in charge of that is Food Services Supervisor Janet Allen. However, due to a shared services agreement between Walled Lake Consolidated Schools and West Bloomfield Schools, Allen will be supervising both school districts’ nutritional services programs.

Overall, as well as in Reading and Math AYP statuses. High schools did not fare as well. Walled Lake Central didn’t meet Overall AYP Status or Math AYP Status. However, it did meet AYP Status for reading. Walled Lake Central students passed all requirements of attendance/graduation; participation and achievement in English language arts; participation in math; and achievement in math, except for those in one subgroup — students who are economically disadvantaged didn’t meet the AYP for math achievement or having an adequate percent assessed. Walled Lake Western met AYP status for math but not Overall or for Reading categories. One student subgroup — limited English proficiency students — did not meet the standards for state objective, safe harbor, or achieving AYP standards in reading. Walled Lake Northern did not meet AYP status in any of the three categories. While all other subgroups met the requirements in all other categories, one student subgroup classified as economically disadvantaged students failed to meet AYP standards for math and reading, as well as failed to have an adequate percent of that subgroup assessed. Commerce, Keith, Oakley Park, and Twin Beach elementary schools were all named Reward Schools. Geisler Middle School, Maple Elementary, Hickory Woods Elementary, Meadowbrook Elementary, Walnut Creek Middle School, and Walled Lake Western were named Focus Schools. ❏ Staff writers Angela Niemi, Michael Shelton, and Leslie Shepard contributed to this report. The shared services agreement includes the coordination of purchased goods and services, shared menus, coordinating training in service between employees in both school districts, and having one supervisor handling personnel, management, and kitchen inspection duties. And it will save the district money. “It’s a shared compensation contract. The benefit to both districts is reduced administrative costs,” said Bill Chatfield, director of operations for the Walled Lake district He expects the district to save anywhere between $25,000 to $30,000 a year initially, with cost savings going up as the years progress. ❏

PAGE 20

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COMMUNITY LIFE academic honors

Headlines of the Past

– A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –

❐ Baker College in Flint has announced that Catherine Fortney of Wolverine Lake has been awarded her master’s degree in business administration with completion of the spring quarter in June 2012.

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10 YEARS AGO Aug. 21, 2002 With classes resuming in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District this week, a facility is making its debut, as Northern High School opens its doors to students for the first time. The 350,000-square-foot building — proclaimed the home of the Northern Knights — stands on an 83acre parcel adjacent to the Bogie Lake Golf Course, just west of Bogie Lake Road and sough of Cooley Lake. The $69-million project is the result of a bond proposal passed by voters in September 2000. While construction remains ongoing for various parts of the new school ... the classroom and common areas of the building are completed, with finishing touches being applied as late as this week.

❐ Michelle Hyde of White Lake Township has been named to the dean’s list at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant for the spring 2012 semester. She is a graduate of Waterford Mott High School and is pursuing a degree in athletic training.

M-5

40 YEARS AGO Aug. 23, 1972 Four months have passed since the state boundary commission held local public hearings to discuss the cityhood requests of Commerce Township and Wolverine Lake Village. Yet, boundary commission secretary James Hyde told the Spinal Column Newsweekly Tuesday, Aug. 22, that the commission has not met to discuss the requests further. He added that the final decision would not be made for possibility another two months. The commission has the authority ... to decide whether to approve the cityhood request of a community and ... to decide what boundaries the community can claim when it seeks its cityhood vote. 30 YEARS AGO Aug. 25, 1982 Shady Beach — Sunday rock concerts and all — closed down last weekend after the Waterford Township board acted on Friday, Aug. 20, to pull its live entertainment license. In a unanimous 4-0 vote, the board members took away ... (the) license, because, they said, the resort is not large enough to handle the crowds of people attracted to the concerts, sewage facilities were inadequate, overall management was insufficient, the event caused traffic problems, the music was too loud, and the concerts were being held too close to residential areas for the crowds attracted and

20 YEARS AGO Aug. 26, 1992 Although he won his party’s nomination in the August Republican primary for the 5th district county commission seat, Kevin Miltner still faces a tough battle against his former opponent Fran Amos. Amos, who charged that Miltner won the election by employing dirty campaign tactics throughout the campaign, said she has sought and received the support of many Republicans in a bid to keep Miltner out of office. Edged out by 22 votes even though she carried the largest part of the district — Waterford — Amos filed Friday, Aug. 21 asking the county to recount all 19 precincts in the 5th district, which includes 17 precincts in Waterford and two in West Bloomfield.

Welch

the noise produced.

Decker Rd.

50 YEARS AGO Aug. 23, 1962 Union Lake area residents interested in considering a city of Union Lake met Wednesday evening, Aug. 15, at McKibbens Hardware in Union Lake. These residents and businesses have formed the Citizens Committee for Progressive Government and their primary purpose is to study the advisability of forming a city of Union Lake. The citizens committee, under the chairmanship of John Clark, is currently being formed to undertake study of the advantages and disadvantages of the Union Lake area becoming a self-governing area as a city, or remaining under four separate township governments. Clark states that the quick formation of the committee was brought about by the threatened loss of one quarter of the Union Lake area due to Waterford Township’s consideration of incorporating into a city.

❐ Ferris State University and Kendall College of Art and Design in Big Rapids, Mich., have announced that the following students have been named to the Academic Honors list for the semester that ended in May 2012. Commerce: Alexandra Buffone, Jessie Campbell, Kevin Czarnik, Thomas Esper, Grant Furnier, Mikhail Gazaryan, Derek Gerson, Mariellen Krolikowski, Kelly McCarthy, Joseph Nodge, Jessica Rowan, Natalie Russell, and David Walz. Highland: Corey Barnes, Derek Carr, Devan Carr, Jami Dillon, Griffin Godlewski, Kendall Mintus, Jordan Odden, and Miranda Sharp. Milford: Nicole Buescher, Erica Hartwig, Kevin Hutton, Crystal Riepen, and Anne Zimanski. Novi: Brittany Davis, Jacalyn Gendlott, Emma Koury, Kristen Osip, Michelle Spackman, Courtney Staschke, and Megan Stec. Walled Lake: Kyle Fog. Waterford: Emily Anderson, Stephanie Buck, Chelsea Desmond, Grant Flook, Andrew Janette, Amanda Hargraves, Courtney Hicks, Hayley Hungerford, Kyle Jansen van Glaen, Michael Knapp, Wes Loza, Karine Ma, Carman Mclarty, Jamie Mullen, Falina Stearley, Melanie Ronquillo, Casey

AUGUST 22-28, 2012

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PAGE 21

COMMUNITY LIFE

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 20

academic honors Starick, Jonathan Tkac, Victor Urban, and Charlton Zang.

West Bloomfield: Eddie Jerks, Michael Giradot, John Swan, Irene Liberman, Christopher Stromski, and Amanda Ratajczak. White Lake: Erika Doran, Kristofer Dukic, Jessica Laflamme, Alexander McKenzie, Samantha Rhoten, Ellen

community honors

Shafer, and Stacie Zagurny. ❐ Ferris State University and Kendall College of Art and Design in Big Rapids, Mich., have announced that the following students have completed the requirements for certificates; associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees during the semester that ended in May 2012. Commerce: Jessie Campbell, Joseph Nodge, and David Walz. Highland: Corey Barnes, Devon Carr, Blake Hess, and Miranda Sharp. Milford: Timothy Fortin, Stuart Gregory, Stephen Kreiger, and Anne

Zimanski. Novi: Joseph Czapski, Timothy Everett, Jacalyn Gendloff, and Michelle Spackman. Waterford: Stephanie Buck, Brian Gesaman, Courtney Hicks, Greg Meisner, Melanie Ronquillo, Caseey Starick, Ryan Tatu, Victor Urban, and Kyle Jansen van Galen. West Bloomfield: Michael Girardot, John Swan, and Christopher Stromski. White Lake: Kristofer Dukic, Christopher Johnson, Keely Proctor, and Lisa Stiltner.

WEST OAKLAND’S

NEWSWEEKLY

IS NOW ON AND The Spinal Column Newsweekly is proud to announce our new Facebook page! There, you can receive breaking news directly from staff writers, discuss matters important to fellow lakes area residents and stay at the forefront of western Oakland County news. Simply search for “Spinal Column Newsweekly” on Facebook and add our page to participate.

We’ve joined Twitter too! Stay connected to the Spinal Column Newsweekly, the premiere lakes area news source for over 50 years, at home or on the go. Follow @scnewsweekly to get breaking news from western Oakland County, as well as updates about stories you’ve read in the Spinal Column Newsweekly.

VENDORS WANTED

❐ Huron Valley Council for the Arts has announced that two all-male groups, 4GVN and Perfect Fifth, will close out the popular, free Friday Night Live series from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 in downtown Milford’s Center Street Park gazebo. Opening, Perfect Fifth will feature “songs throughout the decades.” The group’s “goal is to inspire and touch as many people as possible” with their music. Recipients of the 2012 Got Talent! Adult Category Grand Prize, the group formed in September 2010 when involved in the Milford High School Center Stage activities and rehearsed their a capella music after school with choir director Maryann Lambrecht. The 4GVN quartet has been together for about two years, combining experienced and new quartet singers. All of its members belong to the Big Chief Chorus, the Pontiac-Waterford Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. From fun songs to love songs, the group performs for a variety of audiences, and for this performance, will sing its selections in the barbershop style — a cappella, four-part, close harmony — including classic barbershop love songs, a bit of “doo wop,” patriotic tunes and contemporary music. Its members enjoy singing and reaching the hearts and memories of their audiences. The group’s motto is simple: “You don’t sing because you feel good; you feel good because you sing!” The members of both groups will perform a joint number during the program. The event is presented by Huron Valley Council for the Arts in conjunction with the Milford Downtown Development Authority (DDA). In the event of rain, the concert will move to Milford Presbyterian Church.

1 Day Only! Sunday, September 16th 11am - 4pm Location:

Walled Lake’s Historic Lakefront District, Ferland Street at E. Walled Lake Drive

Contact:

WLDDA 248.926.9004 events@downtownwalledlake.org www.DowntownWalledLake.org

PAGE 22

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Thurs., Aug. 23 & Wed., Aug.29 7 p.m.

7:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. www.MImontessori.com

6201 W. Maple W. of Farmington Rd. 248-661-0910

Walled Lake Central Class of 2012 Would like to thank our generous sponsors for helping us to make the 2012 Senior All Night Party the best ever!!

Morry Levin / Ludwig & Seeley Lawrence Richards, Jr. (In Loving Memory of Our “Uncle Larry”) Don Roediger/Precision Parties (www. Precisionparties.com) Apple Marketing Walled Lake Central High PTSA Logo Logic (Haggerty just north of Pontiac Trail) Bob Shuman/Shuman Motors Schoolcraft Culinary Chefs (Chef Shawn Loving)

Caribou Coffee (M-5 and 14 Mile Road)

Uncle Bucks (Haggerty Rd. just north of Pontiac Trail)

Johnny Carrino's (CommerceTwp., MI)

Red Robin (Commerce Twp., MI)

Leo's Coney (Haggerty and Pontiac Trail)

Schwartz Deli

Hungry Howies (Downtown Walled Lake) Norm’s Ice Cream (Highland Township) Kroger (Pontiac Trail and Haggerty)

business notes openings ❐ Woodward Auto is bringing a bit of “The Great American Road” west to Highland Township. The new business located on M-59 at Hickory Ridge Road is your one-stop-shop for all of your automotive needs. With 24 years under his belt at their location on historic Woodward Avenue in Pontiac, owner

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LOCAL MATTERS

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

El Mariachi (602 North Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake) Gino's Pizzeria and Restaurant (1999 Cass Lake Road,Keego Harbor) Dream Cakes, LLC (1050 Benstein Rd., Commerce Twp) Spinal Column Newsweekly (7196 Cooley Lake, Waterford)

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here. John Mihelich had always wanted to set up a second shop closer to home in the Huron Valley area, and this year he has done just that. Woodward Auto offers reliable, pre-owned automobile sales specializing in financing for everyone with guaranteed credit approval. “We can help our community get on the road in reliable transportation,

while helping to repair their credit. This is just one financing option as we offer other ways for customers to finance including ‘Buy Here, Pay Here.’” The dealer also offers a full-service repair facility, as well as car and truck accessories. And if you are planning a move, the company is also a certified U-Haul dealer. Mihelich feels that their quaint shop appeals to the community and knows how to go the extra mile, offering personalized services and attention to customer needs. They are also extremely proud of their newest accomplishment this year in the small business community. The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center recently presented Mihelich and Woodward Auto with the prestigious Best Small Business of the Year award in Lansing on May 3. “We invite the community and its businesses to join us in a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Aug. 25, where free food, prizes and fun for all will be served from 1 to 5 p.m. If you have a classic car, bring it by to show it off!” On the tail of the Woodward Dream Cruise, they will be hosting a showing of automobiles from years past during this celebration. Mihelich says “Get it in gear and check us out at woodwardauto.com, or better yet… bring your family to meet ours!”

benefits ❐ When Wesley Berry Flowers hosts their 12th annual Good Neighbor Day event on Wednesday, Sept. 5, they will be giving away 12,000 roses in bunches of a dozen, absolutely free to any adult who visits their florist shops between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until the supply runs out. Wes Berry, the owner of Wesley Berry Flowers, wants everyone who takes a dozen roses to make a promise to keep one rose for themselves and give the others away to 11 different people. This is an opportunity to become acquainted with new people PAGE 23 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

Free Home Repairs For Our Neighbors In Need We help low-income seniors, the disabled, veterans, and even families, who can’t afford to make repairs on their homes. They must be single family homes, sorry Oakland County no apartments, condos or mobile homes. Your mortgage, taxes and insurance must be up-to-date. To see if you qualify, your senior center or city or township office may have an application or you can download one at www.rebuildingtogether-oaklandcounty.org or call 248-432-6551 and leave a message requesting one.

Apply now to get on our list for 2013 help! RTOC Application Processing, P.O. Box 768, Farmington, MI 48332 Phone 248-432-6551

AUGUST 22-28, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 23

LOCAL MATTERS

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 22

benefits or to renew old friendships during “Good Neighbor Day.” Wes hopes that, during this time of economic hardship for many in our community, that we will reach out to our neighbors and friends and let them know that we care about them. Wesley Berry Flowers, a family-owned business that is celebrating its 66th anniversary in metro Detroit, is located at 6677 Orchard Lake Road, just south of Maple in West Bloomfield and at 2985 Haggerty Road, north of Pontiac Trail, in Commerce. For additional locations and more information, call 248-6682881.

weekly agenda ❐ MSU Extension Oakland County is sponsoring a Landowner Oil and Gas Leasing and Michigan Oil and Gas Industry Educational Meeting from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center located at 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Building No. 41W in Waterford Township. Topics to be covered include: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Role in Regulating the Michigan Oil and Gas Industry; Oil and Gas Industry Perspective on Advances in Drilling Technology; Understanding the Standard Oil and Gas Lease; and Legal Considerations in Oil and Gas Leasing. Registration fee is $5 per person. Advanced registration is requested by Friday, Aug. 24. To register, please contact the MSU Extension office at 248-858-0887 or smithlin@oakgov.com.

chamber notes ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of Chamber events, visit www.huronvcc.com: • Milford Summer Concert in the Park, Gemini “Children’s Concert,” 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, Central Park. Hot dogs, hamburgers, pop, ice cream, popcorn available. • 5th Annual In the Pink Derby, 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, rain or shine, Huron Valley Equestrian Grounds, 2380 S. Milford Road, Highland (north of Milford High School off Lone Tree

The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce (HVCC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 15, for the Huron Valley State Bank Loan Center at 522 N. Main Street, Suite 100 in downtown Milford. The center will be headed up by Steven Peacock, senior vice president/senior lender. Whether you need a personal/consumer loan or a business/commercial loan, Huron Valley State Bank’s experienced lending team is there to help. The bank offers commercial loans; mortgages; SBA loans; home equity lines of credit; home equity term loans; auto, boat and RV loans; personal loans; overdraft protection and credit cards. For more information, visit the Huron Valley State Bank web site at www.hvsb.com, or call the bank’s new loan center at 248-387-6080. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Road). Dedicated to raising funds to provide free mammograms for the uninsured and under-insured in our community. Over $20,000 has already been raised. Silent Auction, Taste of the Derby (local area fare). “In the Pink” show clothes not necessary. Sweepstakes classes, fund riding classes, mini jumper classic, fitting and showing, western hunt seat/jumper, saddle seat, gymkhana, trail pee wee, youth, junior, adult. ❐ 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. • 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 248624-2826 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. •The Millerites and a Second Personal Coming, 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society, 405 Cesar E. Chavez, Pontiac. “The Millerites and a Second Personal Coming,” presented by Maureen Thalmann. William Miller set off our nations largest mass delu-

sion, when he predicted the world would end on Oct. 22, 1844. A local farmer’s story highlights the movement’s reach and effect creating a scandal which shook this area. 248338-6732, www.ocphs.org. Admission, $5. ❐ 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. • 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.

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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AUGUST 22-28, 2012

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PAGE 25

PUBLIC SAFETY Unlocked Sunfire with keys in ignition stolen A 1999 Pontiac Sunfire was stolen from the 6000 Block of Ellinwood in White Lake Township sometime between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 20. The vehicle was in an attached garage which had an open side door. The Sunfire was left unlocked with the keys in the ignition, police said. According to White Lake Police Chief Ed Harris, there are currently no suspects in the case and the vehicle has been listed as stolen. The case remains open pending additional information or the recovery of the vehicle. ❏

Man caught with pot, paraphernalia in car Milford Police recently arrested a 26-year-old Brighton man after he was caught with marijuana and a pipe in his car. The incident occurred on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 1:55 a.m. when an officer pulled over a blue 2002 Pontiac at East Dawson Road and Milford Meadows Drive after the driver reportedly failed to come to a complete stop at a red light. The driver allegedly failed the majority of his sobriety tests and a search of the car turned up two plastic bags with marijuana and a pipe in the center console, as well as a digital scale and a marijuana grinder. The suspect was processed, lodged and released after posting a $186 bond. He was issued a civil infraction for disobeying a traffic signal and misdemeanor citations for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. The marijuana collected weighed 5.5 grams. ❏

Teen strikes sister, father during domestic spat West Bloomfield Police arrested a 19-year-old man after he allegedly hit his father in the side of the head and his 16-year-old sister in the back during a family argument at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19 at their residence on Woodview. The 19-year-old was cited for domestic assault. ❏

Laker football player punches teammate, 17 West Bloomfield Township police are investigating an incident that

Absconder caught Milford police nab suspect in CSC By Michael Shelton staff writer

Milford man charged with criminal sexual conduct (CSC) who fled the area after removing his GPS tether device has been apprehended. The Milford Police Department arrested 27-year-old Robert Ernest Hagadorn on Thursday, Aug. 16, just before midnight, at a Childs Lake Estates residence where he had been staying. Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg said the apprehension went smoothly and the suspect is currently being held in the Oakland County Jail. Hagadorn was scheduled to be arraigned Friday, Aug. 17, on charges of violating conditions of his previous bond release. Police had an active warrant for Hagadorn’s arrest out of the Oakland County Circuit Court. In April, Milford police obtained a CSC warrant for Hagadorn and he was charged through the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office with second-degree CSC with a victim under 13-years-old. After Hagadorn was arraigned and lodged in the Oakland County Jail, he was released on bond under court-mandated conditions, including that he wear a GPS tether device to keep track of his whereabouts. Hagadorn Then on Tuesday, Aug. 7, police received word that Hagadorn’s GPS monitoring device had been tampered with. After an investigation, they determined that he had taken the device off and fled the area with a woman and a young child. Officers discovered a note left by Hagadorn saying that he may be heading “Up North,” but no specific location was given. It was later discovered that he did not travel north, but rather to a Novi hotel and the Proud Lake Recreation Area, according to Lindberg. “We started getting tips and he came back to the house that he was staying at in Childs Lake Estates at the urging of his family,” Lindberg said. “The suspect is in custody thanks to the tips generated from media, Twitter and good police work.” The 6-year-old girl with Hagadorn at the time of his arrest last week was returned to family members and is safe, according to Lindberg, who called the arrest “a good win for the community of Milford.” ❏

occurred at a football practice at West Bloomfield High School on Tuesday, Aug. 14, in which a 17-year-old male victim was allegedly punched in the face by a teammate during a water break after the victim laid a rough hit on him during practice. The victim went to Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. ❏

Most items stolen from two vehicles recovered A pair of larcenies occurred during the overnight hours of Wednesday, Aug. 8 in the 5000 block of Park in the Shady Beach subdivision in Orchard Lake Village.

Two unlocked cars were targeted, according to Orchard Lake police. One vehicle’s GPS system was stolen, and the other vehicle was missing a number of items, including a laptop computer and charger, an air compressor, a camera, and the victim’s wallet. According to Detective Darrell Betts, a concerned resident called police after she saw a suspicious vehicle parked in front of her home and two young men jump out around 3 a.m. “We sent a car and watched the suspicious vehicle, but the two men never came back and at some point they ditched the stuff under a tree,” Betts said. “We impounded the car and found items inside that tied one

22-year-old man to the car and he claimed responsibility.” The other young man identified would not confess to any wrongdoing. Most of the items were recovered except for the contents of the victim’s wallet, and his checkbook. The case remains under investigation. ❏

Vacant WB restaurant’s $6K dishwasher stolen West Bloomfield Police are investigating the theft of a $6,000 commercial dishwasher that was taken from the vacant Sea Bass Grill on Orchard Lake Road sometime between July and Saturday, Aug. 18. ❏

Theft from Rite Aid of $160 in razors probed Milford police are investigating an incident where a man attempted to steal razors from the Rite Aid Pharmacy on North Milford Road. The incident occurred on Sunday, Aug. 12 at 9:54 p.m. when a Rite Aid employee in charge said that a thin white male, approximately 6-feet-tall and between 50- and 60-years-old, attempted to steal Gillette razors. The suspect was also described as having bad teeth and a high gum line; wearing a blue coat and jeans; and gray hair that was shoulder length, according to the police report. The employee added that the suspect took razors from his coat and placed them on a shelf and started to exit the store. The employee told the man to return, but he threw down another pack of razors and got into the passenger side of a silver Pontiac. The employee did not get a good look at the driver, but only saw brown hair. Seven packages of razors that had a total value of $159.43 were recovered. The employee was able to take down the license plate number of the getaway vehicle and a LEIN search turned up an address for a woman in Carleton, Mich. The case is open pending further notice. ❏

Woman hit husband in the head with iPad West Bloomfield Police issued a domestic assault citation to a 44-yearold woman who allegedly hit her 45year-old husband in the head with an Apple iPad at their residence on Valley View Lane on Saturday, Aug. 18 around 9:45 p.m. ❏

PAGE 26

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37TH

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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AUGUST 22-28, 2012

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TRANSPORTATION

Road work snarling traffic

PAGE 27

Obituaries

ADAMS, NINA L.; of Tennessee formerly of Waterford and Wyoming; August 9, 2012; age 85. ALTUNA, LYNNETTE RUTH; of Waterford. August 9, 2012 at 63 years of age. BRYANT, WALTER "WESLEY"; of Waterford, died August 12, 2012 at 76 years of age. Beloved husband of Maxine for 57 years. DEAN, MARTHA EDITH; of Fenton and previously of Redford and Milford, passed away peacefully in the care of her family on August 11, 2012. She was 96 years old.

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 previously closed but reopened on Friday, Aug. 17. 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) • 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. • Cost: $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.

DOWNS, VIOLET (MUNGER); beloved wife of the late Martin Downs, Jr., passed away on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at her home in Highland. KELLY, PATRICIA A.; of Waterford, August 10, 2012 at 85 years of age. MATTHEWS, PHYLLIS J.; of Clarkston, passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2012 at 83 years of age. Loving wife of Bob for 62 years. MAZZA, EUGENE JR. "Jerry" of Waterford; August 3, 2012; age 75; born December 23, 1936. MCDONALD, DONALD L.; of Prudenville, formerly of Waterford August 10, 2012 at 87 years of age. Loving husband of Gladys for 68 years. OSBORN, MARY ROSE; age 93, passed away in the care of her family August 7, 2012. OSTROSKI, STEVE H.; of Commerce Township was born June 15, 1936 and died August 9, 2012 at age 76. Beloved husband of 53 years to Gloria. RUBINOFF, RAYMOND; a resident of West Bloomfield, died on August 10th, 2012 at the age of 77. SMALL, ALAN; a resident of Novi, died on August 7th, 2012 at the age of 71.

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

www.spinalcolumnonline.com FAX: 248.360.5308/248.360.5309

PAGE 28

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

AUGUST 22-28, 2012

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PAGE 29

UPDATE

Patterson still recovering Auburn Hills PD forwards crash case to Prosecutor’s Office By Kirk Pinho

Department investigation. Police also said they did not suspect alcohol or drugs to be a factor in the accident that left Patterson with orthopedic injuries requiring three surgeries. He also sustained a laceration to the forehead. Police said it appears that the Volkswagen failed to yield the right-ofway, causing the crash. “Brooks and Jim are receiving excellent care and their families are grateful for the prayers and concern

the public has shown,” said Deputy County Executive Gerald Poisson in a statement. It remains unclear when either man will be discharged from the hospital; Cram is being treated at Detroit Receiving. “(Patterson) is still recovering under the care of McLaren Oakland Hospital,” said Bill Mullan, the county’s media and communications officer, on Monday, Aug. 20. Mullan said Cram, a former

Michigan State Police sergeant who retired from the Flint Post, has worked as a field claims investigator in risk management for eight years. Sometimes Cram is responsible for providing security for Patterson, but those duties aren’t his primary task, according to Mullan. Several different factors go into whether Cram or another county employee accompanies Patterson as a security detail to public events, Mullan said. In the meantime, county officials continue to delve into Patterson’s recommended three-year budget plan for the next three spending cycles. The job of presenting those plans has fallen upon Poisson. The Auburn Hills Police Department forwarded the case to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for review on Aug. 20 due to the extent of the injuries sustained in the crash. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Paul Walton said at this point, there is no timeline for determining whether any citations or charges will be issued as a result of the accident that took place around 4 p.m. on Aug. 10. 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. ❏

which will consider the proposal on Wednesday, Aug. 29, want to stop the taxable $500 payment from going to county commissioners. County employees have taken a pay decrease of 4 percent total during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 fiscal years. The one-time $500 payment would be made to them during the first quarter of the new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. Judges, whose salaries cannot be changed except through amendment to state law, would not receive the $500 payment, nor would unionized

employees. All full-time, non-unionized employees would receive the payment, including countywide elected officials Patterson, Sheriff Michael Bouchard, Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch, Treasurer Andy Meisner, Prosecutor Jessica Cooper, and Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr. “Heck, we’re part-time,” said Commissioner John Scott (RWaterford, West Bloomfield), the chairman of the Human Resources Committee. “Why are we getting this $500?”

Commissioner Craig Covey (DFerndale), noting that he hadn’t heard of the effort before, said his initial inclination would be to not support an effort to strip out the $500 one-time payment for commissioners from the resolution, saying that since it’s for all non-union employees, the commissioners fall into that category. Covey lost in the Aug. 7 primary election to Commissioner Helaine Zack (D-Huntington Woods) and would not receive the $500 payment. County commissioners are currently paid $32,093 per year. ❏

assistant editor

week and a half following a two-car accident that seriously injured L. Brooks Patterson, the 73-year-old Oakland County executive continues to recover from his injuries in McLaren Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, according to county officials. Patterson, first elected as county executive in 1992 after serving 16 years as the county prosecutor, suffered broken wrists and a broken femur in the Friday, Aug. 10 accident at the corner of Walton Boulevard and Opdyke Road in Auburn Hills. The injuries will likely require Patterson to use a wheelchair as he recovers after his release from the hospital, according to county Commissioner Jim Nash (DFarmington Hills), a former U.S. Army medic. Patterson was the front passenger in a black Chrysler 300 driven by Jim Cram, 60, who was also seriously injured in the accident that took place around 4 p.m. that day. The Chrysler was traveling eastbound on Walton and when it entered the road’s intersection with Opdyke on a green traffic signal, it struck a blue Volkswagen Passat driven by a 31-year-old Royal Oak man and occupied by a 51-year-old man. Neither drivers nor Patterson were wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident, according to a preliminary Auburn Hills Police

Scott: No need to give $500 check to commissioners By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Oakland County commissioners will consider next week whether to give the commissioners taking office next year a one-time $500 payment in January. Some commissioners serving on the Human Resources Committee,

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who sustained broken wrists and a broken femur in a Friday, Aug. 10 car accident, underwent his “third and final” surgery to repair the orthopedic injuries he suffered. Alcohol and drugs were not factors in the accident in Auburn Hills, police said in preliminary reports. (Photo from lbrookspatterson.com)

PAGE 30

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

UPDATE

Statewide ballot question tally now at three proposals By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Michigan voters will face at least three statewide ballot initiatives this year, and a slew of others may still yet be placed on the ballot. Following a state Supreme Court order earlier this month to put a proposed repeal of Public Act (PA) 4 of 2011 on the Nov. 6 general election ballot (the new emergency financial manager law), the state Board of Canvassers has also ruled that voters should decide the following when they head to the polls: • Whether utilities should be required to obtain at least 25 percent of their electricity from renewable energy resources; and • Whether the state should amend its Constitution to establish the Michigan Quality Home Council, provide certain information to consumers, require training of providers, and provide limited collective bargaining rights. Yet another ballot proposal up for consideration by the state Board of Canvassers on Wednesday, Aug. 15 to create a constitutional right to unionize and collectively bargain failed to make it to the ballot when the board deadlocked in a 2-2 vote among the four-member body made up of two Democrats and two Republicans. Protect Our Jobs, the committee pushing for the constitutional right to collectively bargain, filed a complaint in the state Court of Appeals and an application to bypass the matter to the state Supreme Court, although Marcia M. McBrien, public information officer for the State Court Administrative Office, said she did not know when or if the high court would act in that case. But with the total number of statewide ballot initiatives up to three, still others remain in limbo, including one that would require voter approval of a new international trade crossing (Detroit/Windsor bridge) and one that would require either a twothirds approval in both state legislative chambers, or a vote of the people in order to raise taxes or create new ones. The state Board of Canvassers has until Sept. 7 to make that determination, one which would require verification of hundreds of thousands of voter signatures, a process which is ongoing, according to Fred

Woodhams, spokesman for Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. In addition, Citizens for More Michigan Jobs — the group pushing a measure to allow up to eight new casinos in Detroit, Clam Lake Township, DeWitt Township, Pontiac, Clinton Township, Birch Run Township, Grand Rapids, and Romulus — has filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court seeking an overturning of a Michigan Court of Appeals directive to the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office to not place to question before the voters in the Nov. 6 general election. The appellate court determined that signature collectors for Citizens for More Michigan Jobs were using petitions that did not include a republication of the affected statutory language, which is required under state law. 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. ❏

Revised plan for managing CWD gets NRC blessing By Angela Niemi staff writer

The Michigan departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Agriculture and Rural Development have updated the state’s plan for managing chronic wasting disease (CWD), a potentially fatal illness among deer. Earlier this month, the state Natural Resources Commission (NRC) adopted changes to the state’s CWD management plan and feeding regulations, which are outlined in the state’s revised CWD response plan. “This plan is critical in guiding our state’s response to CWD, as it did when the disease was found here a few years ago,” said DNR Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason. “Much of

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

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

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

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

8/17/12 +.39 +.46 +.51 +.37 +.12 +.15 +.14 +.30 +.42 +.08 –.35 +.48 +.32 –.30 +.37 –.03 –.60 +.48 –1.47 +.39 +.35 –.32 +.12 +.15 –.30

the 2002 plan is still valid and sound, but we now know a lot more about what causes CWD, how it is spread, what the public thinks about how the disease should be addressed, and the results of CWD management efforts in other states. In light of this, we decided that some modifications to the plan were in order.” CWD is a contagious neurological disease that affects deer and elk by causing degeneration of infected animals’ brains. This results are emaciation, abnormal behavior, loss of bodily functions and death. Transmission of the disease occurs from infected animals to uninfected ones, normally by contact between adult animals or by the contamination of feed or water sources with infected saliva, urine, or feces, or contact with an infected area. Of all deer diseases, CWD is particularly concerning because scientific studies suggest that, once established, CWD can build to a high prevalence in infected deer populations, resulting in increased fatalities and causing population declines over decades. “CWD is a reportable disease, so if the disease is detected in free-ranging cervids or a Michigan privately-owned cervid facility, we will define a surveillance zone around the positive case,” said Steven Halstead, a veterinarian with the agriculture department. “This plan should protect Michigan’s cervid industry, as well as Michigan’s freeranging deer population while meeting our ultimate goal of safeguarding animal health.” The main changes to the plan are: • The plan will be implemented if a CWD-positive animal is found in another state but within 10 miles of the Michigan border, rather than 50 miles under the original plan; • Baiting and feeding will be banned in any county within a 10-mile radius of where CWD is detected; • All privately-owned cervid facilities within that zone will be required to complete increased disease testing of their herds to monitor for signs of CWD; and • If the disease is diagnosed in a privately-owned cervid facility, all facilities that have had contact (through purchases, sales or immediate contact) will undergo increased disease surveillance testing, and exposed animals will be removed from contact herds. For more information on the updated plan or CWD, visit www.michigan.gov/cwd. ❏

AUGUST 22-28, 2012

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PAGE 31

MAIL BAG

Honor to be elected From Commerce Township Trustee-elect Bob Berkheiser, and Trustees David Law, Robert Long, and Rick Sovel: We would like to thank Commerce Township residents for the faith they showed in us during the recent primary election. Being elected by our fellow residents is an honor and we are eager to get to work. There are many tough decisions that will need to be made by the township board in the coming months. Our goals include keeping taxes as low as possible, improving our parks, getting and keeping Commerce on solid financial footing, as well as continuing to maintain high quality public safety services in the face of difficult budget restraints. Our pledge to you is that we will only vote for what we feel is best for Commerce Township and its residents. We will continue to be your budget watchdogs to ensure that each tax dollar the township receives is spent wisely. If any of us can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you, again. ❏

Thanks for support From Highland Township Trustee Mary Pat Chynoweth: To the Highland Township community, thank you for your support in the Aug. 7 election. I look forward to serving Highland for the next four years as your trustee. Congratulations to my fellow board members. I look forward to working with you. Thank you to all 21 candidates who ran for a position. Highland is blessed to have so many qualified and dedicated citizens who came forward with a willingness to be public servants. ❏

Ticking time bomb From Paul Kane, White Lake Township: OMG. Who knew? According to an interview of White Lake’s newly elected treasurer Mike Roman by (an) online news service, White Lake was over $3 million behind, as of last year, in funding what includes the government employees’ retirement fund. Thank you, Mr. Roman, for bringing this to our attention. There is no larger ticking time bomb than all those unfunded pensions for gov-

Don’t wag fingers Operations need to change in Wixom By Nancy Dingeldey Former Wixom City Councilwoman and Oakland County Commissioner uring the Aug. 15 Wixom City Council meeting, Councilman Rich Ziegler chose to point blame on the “has beens” for the recent millage election defeat. I fall into that “has been” category as a former city councilwoman and Oakland County commissioner. The finger should not be wagged at six former office-holders who pointed out questionable ballot language to their neighbors, but rather to themselves and the city administration for presenting a poorly written, ambiguous ballot question. It wasn’t the “has beens” that caused the defeat, but rather the residents who were too smart to accept what was presented. But the outcome of the millage defeat shows the true colors of the City Council and administration ... defensive, disdainful, downright rude. How do you flex your muscles and get back at the “has beens” and those who voted no? Simple ... threats and punishment to the residents. Close the community center, close the senior center, cut the reported needs of police and fire, parks and recreation, and gosh golly, snow removal just might be curtailed. Threats. The mayor and City Council are elected as the community leaders. Their major function is the fiduciary stewardship of the city. That is their job, not one to be glossed over, ignored, or as was said on the record by a councilman during a budget study session, “I don’t know why we’re wasting our time on this. Just do what administration wants.” It’s easy to do the easy thing ... just cut things people want and they will turn around and vote yes. Stepping back and examining all facets of the budget, including the internal operations of the city, is a difficult process but one that absolutely needs to be done. Life at City Hall can’t be operated in the same old same old way. Operations need to change within before asking for more tax money. Yes, it’s likely the city will need more money, but they need to prove it first. But what do I know? I’m just a “has been,” upgraded to a “has been wanna be” by Mr. Ziegler. ❏

ernment employees all across our nation (together with unfunded Social Security and Medicare). Someday those current and future retirees are going to be rather uncomfortable when the checks don’t arrive because the money isn’t there. I would hope that all White Lake employees will do their own due diligence and make sure that promises that were made might one day be kept so that those employees aren’t considered the bad guys when the time bomb goes off. Future taxpayers may not be very understanding when they learn that they, too, have been had. Gratefully, we may get our local problem resolved. However, that ticking time bomb continues elsewhere and other overspending government folks may think we need to bail out some other failing locality, like maybe Detroit ... ? I can get a real queasy feeling in my

Mail Bag provides a forum to express your thoughts. Please limit to 275 words or less. Please type and double space. We reserve the right to edit or not publish any letter. Deadline - Friday at 12 noon. Include name, address and phone number for verification, only your name and community will be published. Letters without names will not be considered. Mail to Spinal Column Newsweekly, P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387; fax 24/7 to Editor 248-360-1220 or email to news@thescngroup.com.

gut when one government employee promises another government employee not to worry because they’ll force that third guy over there, regardless of his own hardships, to pay for their benefits for the rest of their lives, but I guess for now that’s how things work. But add to that that they’re not funding those promises? Now the immorality is blatant and obvious to all. I am so tired of government employees who create problems instead of solve them. ❏

Misguided editorial From Nancy Davis, West Bloomfield, former Orchard Lake city councilwoman, Environmental Committee member, and planning commissioner: Many lake area riparians are disappointed in the Spinal Column Newsweekly’s recent editorial support for the DNR’s (state Department of Natural Resources) policy to exterminate all mute swans on Michigan public lands, as well radically reduce mute swan population on private lands to 2,000. The DNR policy, opposed by the Michigan and U.S. Humane Society, is misguided for the following reasons: • Mute swans are naturalized in the U.S. since at least the 1800s and possibly the 1500s; • Mute swans eat different vegetation than native trumpeter swans and thus do not pose a threat; • Nationally known wildlife experts, such as John Grandy, Ph.D. of the U.S. Humane Society, agree that destruction of wildlife habitat is overwhelmingly due to human activity such as water pollution, runoff, erosion, turbidity from boating, etc. • The DNR itself sanctions the widespread destruction of aquatic vegetation statewide, via mechanical weed harvesting and toxic chemicals; • Michigan’s DNR has permitted the destruction of over 50 percent of Michigan’s wetlands; • Most mute swans are peaceful and non-threatening to humans, or other animals; • The DNR’s population estimate of mute swans, based upon one-week flyovers using just one plane for the entire state, is questionable; • Michigan (with Midwest states) sanctioned killing over 8 million waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.) in the 200708 hunting season alone. • The Michigan DNR is sympathetic to hunting groups, as it keeps nearly $1 million yearly in hunting fees. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

CITY OF WALLED LAKE

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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 If you purchase from non-locally owned and operated businesses or the internet, tax dollars are going to someone else’s community possibly in a completely different state. Invest in our future – buy local, live local, and volunteer local too.

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CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI 48390

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST Notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST for the September 5, 2012 Special Election has been scheduled for August 27, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. at the Charter Township of Commerce Township Hall located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, MI 48390. The Public Accuracy Test is conducted by the Election Commission to demonstrate that the computer program used to record and count the votes cast at the Election meets the requirements of law. Daniel P. Munro Clerk, Charter Township of Commerce SC: 8-22-2012

NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE, COUNTY OF OAKLAND, STATE OF MICHIGAN: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Public Accuracy Test for the September 5, 2012 Special Primary Election has been scheduled for Monday, August 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Walled Lake City Hall, 1499 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390. The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to determine that the program and the computer being used to tabulate the results of the election are counting the votes in the manner prescribed by law. Tamara Williams Deputy City Clerk City of Walled Lake 1499 E. West Maple Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 (248) 624-4847 SC 8-22-12

WHAT LURKS IN YOUR SWIMMING AREA? www.oaklandlakefront.com PUBLIC NOTICE TO THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF WIXOM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST for the Special Primary Election being held on September 5, 2012 will be conducted on Monday, August 27, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at Wixom City Hall, 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, Michigan. The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to determine that the computer and program being used to tabulate the results of the election count the votes in the manner prescribed by law. Catherine Buck City Clerk S.C. 8-22-12

NOTICE OF HEARING

HEARING OF PRACTICABILITY LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD FOR HUNTOON LAKE Notice is hereby given that the Lake Improvement Board for Huntoon Lake in the Township of Waterford, County of Oakland, will meet at the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office Lunchroom, One Public Works Drive, Waterford, Michigan at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 5, 2012, to determine the practicability of a three-year special assessment roll for augmentation well operation and maintenance, weed control program, and beach improvement which will improve the general quality of the lake. This hearing is call pursuant to the provisions of Section 30910 of Part 309 of Public Act No. 50 of 1995. LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD FOR HUNTOON LAKE

AUGUST 22-28, 2012

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PAGE 33

IN OUR OPINION

Recount reforms needed

Municipalities, taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for sore losers M att Sprader, a local businessman who apparently lost in the Republican primary election contest for the White Lake Township supervisor nomination, says he intends to petition for a recount of votes cast in that race, which has prompted us to consider the need for long overdue changes in Michigan’s election recount process. It’s premature to label Sprader’s pledge as an example of a frivolous recount effort, but a more than 200 vote margin of victory for incumbent Supervisor Greg Baroni and an absence of specific accounts of errors or wrongdoing make one wonder about Sprader’s wish for a recount. Time will tell about that, but in the meantime, this case reminds us of the need for Michigan lawmakers to revisit the recount statute. Sprader, who was challenging Baroni in the Tuesday, Aug. 7 GOP primary, was leading the incumbent throughout primary election night as ballots were being counted. After absentee ballots were tallied, Baroni ended up winning the election with 2,058 votes to Sprader’s 1,776. Sprader has said he intends to file for a recount. He added that he doesn’t trust the people who were responsible for counting ballots. He specifically targeted White Lake Township Clerk Terry Lilley, although with general negative comments about Lilley’s trustworthiness while also questioning his intelligence. Lilley has declined to comment on Sprader’s implication and characterization. Sprader will most likely have to wait until Tuesday, Aug. 28 to file his recount petition, as those petitions can’t be filed any sooner than six days after the county Board of Canvassers confirms unofficial election results. The Board of Canvassers is expected to take until today, Wednesday, Aug. 22 to verify the unofficial primary election results. Under the state’s current recount system, the cost

of a recount is $10 per precinct paid by the recount petitioner. The municipality picks up the rest of any recount costs. If fraud or mistakes are found, the money paid by the petitioner is returned. And that’s where the current recount system in Michigan is unfair and ripe for reform. It’s one thing for a candidate who’s lost an election by a handful of votes, or for a candidate with specific, credible evidence of counting mistakes or wrongdoing to seek another counting of ballots and only have to pay $10 per precinct and rely on the municipality to pick up the remaining tab. Unfortunately, there’s been abuse of the current system, whereby candidates who have lost by a significant margin stubbornly insist on petitioning for a recount. They pay their $10 per precinct, and force the municipality to shoulder the rest of the costs. Frivolous recount petitions aren’t new in Michigan — and we’ve even seen a few here in the lakes area over the course of the past two decades. Several years ago, David Law, a former state representative and a current Commerce Township trustee, proposed changes to address the frivolous recount issue. At that time we acknowledged the need for changes, but balked at his initial proposal of requiring recount petitioners to pay all estimated recount costs up front. Law’s subsequent recount reform proposal was more palatable. Although at the time we expressed some reservations, we now think Law was on the right path, and that subsequent proposal could very well serve as a good starting point for a discussion of appropriate recount changes. Law’s 2007 proposal would have bumped up the per-precinct recount fee paid by petitioners to $25. In addition, if the final vote margin was more than 0.5 percent, or 50 votes, a recount petitioner would be

required to pay a $125 deposit. If no fraud or mistake was discovered, the petitioner would be responsible for the full, actual cost of the recount. If fraud or a mistake was found, a full refund of fees would be granted to the petitioner. Just as frivolous recount petitions are a bona fide issue, concern about making recounts cost-prohibitive, thereby discouraging a second tally of votes in a close or questionable election, is a legitimate concern. We’d never advocate for the elimination of recounts or making them so costly that they’re impractical, but something needs to be done to discourage recounts when there’s no indication of fraud and the vote differential between candidates is relatively significant. Typically, a recount doesn’t result in more than a swing of a half-dozen or so votes — depending on the number of ballots recounted. The need for changes is now more imperative given the revenue shortages and fiscal challenges that have hampered municipalities in recent years. Municipalities whose election results are being recounted must pay wages for county staff to recount ballots, which can include meals and any other costs incurred. Depending on the number of ballots recounted, a modest-size recount could easily cost a municipality thousands of dollars. That’s an unacceptable cost for a municipality to have to shoulder, especially in the absence of wrongdoing or errors. Every candidate should have the right to seek a recount, but unless the contest was extremely close or there’s reason to believe mistakes or wrongdoing were the difference, petitioners need to pick up a bigger share of recount costs and spare municipalities — i.e. the taxpayers — the expense of recounting votes for sore losers. ❏

Forego $500 checks to BOC W

ith the news that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Human Resources Committee will consider a resolution that would give members of the county board $500 payments in January, we’re glad to hear that at least one commissioner is attempting to nix those small — but still meaningful — checks to county commissioners, and other members of the county’s governing body should join him in his efforts. At issue is a resolution that would grant the same payments to be issued in the first quarter of the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, to all full-time, nonunionized county employees, who have borne a significant 4-percent pay reduction in the last two fiscal years to help the county balance its budget during shaky economic times. Yet under a resolution the committee will consider next week, county commissioners would also receive a

one-time $500 payment in January. Commissioner John Scott (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield), who chairs the Human Resources Committee, will be leading an effort to strike down those payments for county commissioners, who are considered part-time county employees who earn just over $32,000 per year. Kudos to him for that effort. Long a reliable steward of taxpayer dollars, Scott’s effort, if successful, won’t save the county all that much — $10,500 out of a nearly $800 million budget, a fraction of a percent. But it’s the right thing to do, not only because that’s $10,500 that the county could use elsewhere, but also because it’s a matter of principle. For most, if not all commissioners, their county jobs are not their primary source of income since many retain their employment in the private sector. On the other hand, for full-time employees, their county

salaries are what puts bread on their tables, clothes on their children’s backs and fills the gas tanks. After taking the pay cuts the last two budget cycles, not to mention changes in their benefits and other attempts by the county to scale back costs, the $500 would be a welcomed and deserved carrot for them. As elected officials, county commissioners need to set an example, and voting to give board members a small but not meaningless check isn’t setting a good one. An admirable first step would be for the nine members of the committee to strip the resolution of the language authorizing the $500 payments to the soonto-be 21 county board members and report it to the full county commission for a vote, where commissioners should approve it — with the payments still in tact for the full-time employees. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Participants in the KinderVision Celebrity Golf Benefit have reasons to smile as they helped raise money for The Greatest Save Celebrity Experience initiatives for protecting children in southeast Michigan, including classroom materials and interactive events. (Photo submitted by Patrick Murray)

The Greatest Save a success About 500 attend event to raise awareness for kids’ safety By Michael Shelton staff writer

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory School and Edgewood Country Club in Commerce Township recently played host to a number of baseball greats in order to raise funds and awareness for children’s safety. The inaugural The Greatest Save Celebrity Experience was held Sunday, Aug. 12 and Monday, Aug. 13, and included a youth baseball clinic, a ban-

quet and golf outing with former Detroit Tigers players along with an appearance by Hall of Famer and The Greatest Save National Spokesman Rollie Fingers. The Greatest Save is a non-profit crime prevention program that is supported nationwide by law enforcement officials and is also a recognized charity of Major League Baseball (MLB) with the goal of protecting children and teens from sexual exploitation, abduction, molestation and human trafficking.

The organization educates through age-appropriate safety DVDs, on-site events, online interactive activities and quizzes, classroom materials, and online

View VIDEO CLIPS relative to this story at

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

safety messages. “The Greatest Save is designed to be an umbrella for law enforcement, fami-

lies, schools and businesses to come together for the protection of kids,” said Doug Sebastian, founder of The KinderVision Foundation. The Greatest Save is a division of KinderVision, an organization that was launched in southern California in 1991 after the kidnapping and murder of 7-year-old San Diego resident Leticia Hernandez. Thanks in part to the outreach of PAGE 37 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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Should L. Brooks Patterson get a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt during his car accident?

"Absolutely. It's a law. If I get a ticket (for not wearing a seatbelt), he should. Even the President should." — Michelle Johnson, West Bloomfield Township

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So, partner in space travel, Kit, how where your grades last year.

You know, same as the year before; no worse, no better.

Wait, shouldn’t your grades have improved from the year before?

How should I know, they just group us all together as average, throw us into a classroom and have us take tests with little incentive.

Yep, that sounds like the crazy school system I grew up with, too. Ah ... the memories ...

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AUGUST 22-28, 2012

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The Greatest Save ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 35

former Los Angeles Angels owner Gene Autry, KinderVision eventually started working with Major League Baseball and the organization eventually grew to include offices across the country. Commerce Township resident Patrick Murray is a member of The Greatest Save Founder’s Council and an Edgewood Country Club member who worked along with his wife, Joan, to help organize the events in Commerce after meeting Sebastian and his wife at a similar event in Florida. On Aug. 12, a free youth baseball clinic was held at the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s baseball complex, where children had a chance to improve their baseball skills with the help of former MLB players by working their way through nine stations. “(Former Tiger) Ray Herbert was there giving pitching lessons, and Tom Timmerman from the 1969 Tigers was also there,” Murray said. “We had 203 youth players participate and an equal number, if not more, spectators. So we had about 500 people at the clinic.” Also in attendance was former Tigers player and University of Michigan baseball coach Don Lund. One of the stations was set in the dugout and was known as “The Greatest Save” station, where each child was interviewed on camera. The interview was then put on a DVD that also included safety information. Adults on hand were also invited to participate in a safety survey in order to receive better insight.

FOOTBALL

Mott, Central both start 2012 gridiron seasons tomorrow The long wait for lakes area high school football players and fans is over, as the 2012 regular season begins this week with all 10 west Oakland County varsity teams in action. One lakes area team will be playing at home tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 23, as Walled Lake Central will open its season against Saginaw Heritage. That same night, Waterford Mott and new Head Coach Chris Fahr will travel to Wayne Memorial to take on the Zebras. Then the action really kicks into gear on Friday, Aug. 24, when the majority of west Oakland teams take the field. Walled Lake Western will open its sea-

Later that evening, a banquet and auction were held at Edgewood, where a number of signed MLB memorabilia items were available for auction, including jerseys signed by Al Kaline and Bob Gibson and signed pictures of Hal Newhouser and Charlie Gehringer. One of the items auctioned off was The Greatest Save baseball that was autographed by Baseball Hall of Famers Fingers, Goose Gossage, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter, along with closers Lee Smith, Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera. There was also a 45-minute quesson at home on Aug. 24 when it welcomes Saline. Walled Lake Northern will also open at home on Aug. 24 against Livonia Churchill, as the Knights seek their firstever state playoff berth. Huron Valley Milford is also in action on its home turf on Aug. 24 against Flushing, while West Bloomfield is at home against Jackson. Lakes area teams playing on the road on Aug. 24 include the defending Division 3 state champion Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, which will play at Muskegon. Meanwhile, Waterford Kettering and new Head Coach Kyle Schultz will travel to South Lyon East, while Huron Valley Lakeland faces a tough test at Northville. The only lakes area team in action on Saturday, Aug. 25 is Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes, which will be in Ohio to face Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph.

tion and answer segment with Fingers and Darrell Evans, a former Tiger who hit 414 home runs in his MLB career. “Those guys could have talked for hours because the (attendees) were completely enthralled,” Murray said. He added that Fingers skipped a 30th anniversary reunion of his 1982 American League champion Milwaukee Brewers team that weekend to participate in the festivities in Commerce. On Aug. 13, the Pro-Am Golf Tournament took place at Edgewood with five-person teams. Each team had a former MLB player, including Fingers,

and an awards luncheon was held afterwards. The funds raised at the event will go toward The Greatest Save’s initiatives for children in southeast Michigan. Both Sebastian and Murray declared the event as a success and dates have already been scheduled for next year’s celebrity experience — July 21 and 22. “We’ve extended invites to Al Kaline and Jim Bunning to join Rollie in the Hall of Fame Q&A,” Murray said. For information on The Greatest Save, child safety and future celebrity experiences, visit thegreatestsave.org.

THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the Commerce Township Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing special meeting in the Township Hall Board Room, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township Michigan, for the purpose of hearing the following appeal, on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. A12-09 The Kroger Company of Novi Mi is requesting a variance from Articles 26 of the Commerce Township Zoning Ordinance to eliminate the requirement of a secondary entrance on the Commerce Road elevation to construct a new retail store located at 2855 Union Lake Road. Sidwell No.: 17-12-276-008 The proposed application and site plan, along with the Commerce Township Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map are available for public inspection in the Clerk’s office during regular business hours. Public Comment will be taken in writing at the Clerk’s office until the close of business on the date of the hearing, or in person at the public hearing. For further information please contact the Planning Department, Commerce Township Hall, (248) 960-7050. Kathleen C. Jackson Commerce Township Planner SC: 8-22-12

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CITY OF WALLED LAKE NOTICE OF ELECTION SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COMMUNITY LEGAL NOTICES

To the Qualified Electors: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Primary Election will be held in: The City of Walled Lake County of Oakland, State of Michigan

NOTICE OF ELECTION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012

PRIMARY ELECTION

THE POLLS will be open 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 5, 2012

ALL POLLING PLACES ARE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

IN CITY OF WIXOM

BRAILLE AND AUDIO VERSIONS OF VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE POLLING PLACES LISTED BELOW: Precincts 1 & 2 - Walled Lake Fire Department, 1499 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390

ABSENTEE BALLOTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM: City of Walled Lake – Clerk 1499 E. West Maple Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 (248) 624-4847

To the Qualified Electors: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Primary Election will be held in: City of Wixom County of Oakland, State of Michigan

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012

THE POLLS will be open 7 o’clock a.m. until 8 o’clock p.m. ALL POLLING PLACES ARE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE BRAILLE AND AUDIO VERSIONS OF VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE POLLING PLACES LISTED BELOW: Precincts #1 and #3 - Wixom Community Center - 49015 Pontiac Trail Precincts #2 and #4 - Wixom City Hall - 49045 Pontiac Trail

On September 1, 2012 City Hall will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. which is the last day to request an Absentee Ballot to be mailed. FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING CANDIDATES OF ALL PARTICIPATING POLITICAL PARTIES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES: CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS IN THE 11TH DISTRICT PARTIAL TERM ENDING 01/02/2013 Tamara Williams, Deputy Clerk City of Walled Lake, MI

S.C. 8-22-12

NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP

SEPTEMBER 5, 2012 SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION To the Qualified Electors:

FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING A CANDIDATE FOR A PARTIAL TERM FOR THE 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF ALL PARTICIPATING PARTIES Absent voter ballots for this election may be obtained from the Wixom City Clerk’s Office, 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom MI 48393. Catherine Buck, City Clerk S.C. 8-22-12

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Special Meeting September 6, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Primary Election will be held in:

(Please note the time change)

WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP COUNTY OF OAKLAND, STATE OF MICHIGAN

White Lake Township 7525 Highland Road White Lake, MI 48383

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2012 THE POLLS will open at 7 o’clock a.m. until 8 o’clock p.m.

AGENDA

ALL POLLING PLACES ARE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE BRAILLE AND AUDIO VERSIONS OF VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PLACE LISTED BELOW: PRECINCT PRECINCT PRECINCT PRECINCT PRECINCT PRECINCT PRECINCT PRECINCT PRECINCT PRECINCT PRECINCT PRECINCT

NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO.

1 – Dublin Community Center, 685 Union Lake Road 2 – Dublin School, 425 Farnsworth 3 – White Lake Middle School, 1450 Bogie Lake Road 4 – Township Hall, 7525 Highland Road 5 – Houghton Elementary School, 8080 Elizabeth Lake Road 6 – White Lake Oaks Golf Course 7 – Oxbow Community School, 100 Oxbow Lake Road 8 – White Lake Presbyterian Church, 4805 Highland Road 9 – St. Patrick’s Church Hall, 9086 Hutchins Road (Entrance off Union Lake Rd.) 10 – Lakewood Elementary School, 1500 Bogie Lake Road 11 – Grace Church, 220 Bogie Lake Road 12 – St. Patrick’s Church Hall, 9086 Hutchins Road (Entrance off Union Lake Rd.)

FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING CANDIDATES OF ALL PARTICIPATING POLITICAL PARTIES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES: CONGRESSIONALRepresentative in Congress – 11th District (Partial Term) Absentee Ballots may be requested from: White Lake Township Clerk’s Office 7525 Highland Road White Lake, MI 48383 (248) 698-3300 Ext. 7 TERRY LILLEY, CMC WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP CLERK SCN 8/22/12

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Call to Order/Roll Call Pledge of Allegiance Approval of Agenda Approval of Minutes Continuing Business New Business a. File No. 12-016 Applicant:Carl Raye 10001 Burgess Ct. White Lake, MI 48386 Location: 10001 Burgess Ct., identified as 12-27-428-001 Request: Variance to Article 6 for lot size, lot width, distance to neighbors, and side yard setback. 7. Other Business 8. Next Meeting Date: a. September 27, 2012 9. Adjournment SC: 8-22-12

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD FOR HUNTOON LAKE Notice is hereby given that the Lake Improvement Board for Huntoon Lake, in the Township of Waterford, County of Oakland, will meet at the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office Lunchroom, One Public Works Drive, Waterford, Michigan at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, September 5, 2012, to review, to hear any objections to, and to confirm a three-year special assessment roll for augmentation well operation and maintenance, weed control program, and beach improvement. The total assessment is estimated at $65,526; with individual assessments to be presented at the hearing. The special assessment roll will be on file at the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office for public examination. Any person may appeal and be heard at the said Hearing, which is called pursuant to the provisions of Section 30913 of Part 309 of Public Act No. 59 of 1995. Act 186 of the Public Acts of Michigan, 1973, as amended, provides that the Special Assessment Roll before the Michigan Tax Tribunal may acquire jurisdiction of any Special Assessment dispute. Appearance and protest to the Special Assessment at the time and place of review is required in order to appeal the amount of the Special Assessment, or may protest the Special Assessment by letter filed with the Lake Improvement Board for Huntoon Lake, c/o Water Resources Commissioner, One Public Works Drive, Waterford, Michigan 48328-1907, at or prior to the time of review, in which case the owner or any party having an interest in the real property may file a written appeal of the Special Assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the Special Assessment Roll. LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD FOR HUNTOON LAKE SC: 8-22 & 8-29-2012

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

WANT ADS APPEAR ON www.spinalcolumnonline.com

NOTICES 01-08

REAL ESTATE 12-22

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RENTALS 45-57

ABSOLUTELY FREE WANT ADS • Absolutely Free (#90): An item must be offered FREE to appear in this category. The want ad is FREE to you. One item per ad, one ad per family on any given week. Column is for non-commercial ads only. • Items under $25: Advertise an item for $25 or less and a 10-word want ad is FREE. Special rates for items over $25. • Used Vehicle: Five weeks FREE for private party vehicles. Charge your first week and we schedule it for 5 more weeks. Call to cancel when sold. • Found: Found a lost item? We will run an ad for FREE (#3/Found) to help you find the owner.

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PAGE 40

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•2 buildable lots, newer 2 car detached gar •Existing 3 bed, 2 ba, GR, fp, Florida rm, FR #212084822 • EXT. #279

ITE WH

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 P. TW CE R E MM CO

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$24 9,900

$299,900 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

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

$174,900

$349,900

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

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

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T CE ER M M

$249,900

$199,900

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 #212083639 • EXT. #204

T CE ER

$378,800

$385,000

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

We are full time professional Realtors...

R ME OM

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

$149,900 BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED RANCH QUIET, WOODED SETTING •1,796 sq ft, 2/3 bed, 2 ba, kitch/nook-applian. •GR/DR, fp, deck, FR, ff laundry, attch. garage #212085907 • EXT. #233

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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$319,900

$239,900

$169,900 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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P. TW KE A L

ITE WH

$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 •Family rm, ff laundry, 3 car w/2nd sty. storage #212079251 • EXT. #228

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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

P. TW KE A L

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

ITE WH

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, ff laundry, elevated deck #212051318 • EXT. #234

P. TW KE A L

$389,900 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

$224,900

$539,900 80 FT. OF SANDY SHORELINE ON ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE!

ITE WH

$495,000

$159,900

FABULOUS RANCH CONDO STUNNING VIEWS SERENE COUNTRY SETTING ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT •2 bed, 2 ba, vaulted GR, fp, snack kitch, mstr. suite •75’ sandy shoreline, 200’ deep lot, seawall •FF laundry, daylight bsmt, deck, 2 car attch gar •Possible walkout site, existing 2 br, 2 ba home #212085869 • EXT. #296 #212017000 • EXT. #205

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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

P. TW RD O F

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$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

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 22-28, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 41

Commerce Market Center Laura Prendergast - Team Leader Call about our new agent and veteran’s scholarship programs. 248-360-2900

Lorrie Bailey

lorriebailey@aol.com kw.com

Cell

Keller Williams Realty

Agent

Fax

Beautiful Contemporary on 2.5 Acres. Walkout Finished Basement.

I NEED HOUSES! I KEEP SELLING MY INVENTORY.

CALL LORRIE IF YOU WANT IT SOLD 0

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

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

I Specialize in Referrals and I Appreciate Your Help!

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce Township

248-406-2901

Christine Atkinson

Email: christineatkinsonrealtor@yahoo.com Visit my website

Whether Buying or Selling a Home…

lorriebailey.com

248-884-6723

866.784.0917

CHRISTINEATKINSON.COM KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

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

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

COMMERCE MARKET CENTER

Jennifer Wrobleski

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®

www.JenniferWrobleski.net

G IN ND PE

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

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.

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.

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

featured properties: EN OP

– WATERFORD – ADORABLE, AFFORDABLE HOME WITH LAKE PRIVILEGES! MANY UPDATES IN AND OUT! MUST SEE! 212080568 $89,900

3 1N. SU

– 29175 ELDON, FARMINGTON HILLS – NICE 3 BEDROOM RANCH NESTLED ON .6 ACRES. WOODED STOVE FOR WINTER NIGHTS! 212082821 $127,750

– COMMERCE – BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED COLONIAL. KITCHEN W/GRANITE ISL, HARDWOOD FLRS, RECESSED LIGHTS 212075136 $339,900

– ROCHESTER HILLS – WOODED COUNTRY ESTATE. NEW KITCHEN W/GRANITE, HARDWOOD FLRS, COVE CEILINGS 212077013 $315,000

AUGUST 22-28, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

BECKY KATZMAN McCARTHY

PAGE 43

SUSI GOLLINGER

248-790-9915

Associate Broker - A.B.R.

Lakes Area Specialist

(248) 310-9002

rmccarthy@RealEstateOne.com

susigollinger@hotmail.com

LYON TOWNSHIP

NEW LISTING

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.

cell

cherylyeager.com cherylyeager@yahoo.com

W NE

Custom ranch style home, includes 3 1/2 baths, formal dining, 1st floor laundry, large kitchendinette, professionally finished walkout basement, huge deck overlooks natural area. 3 car garage. Near Henry Ford Hospital, West Bloomfield. Priced at $388,000. - 866-999-1106 Ask for Tom Buchanan, agent 248-326-4568. Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

FOR ALL SHOWINGS CALL SUSI THE POWER TEAM

DIANE BUCHANAN

Cell 248-921-8152 www.realestateone.com/dianeb

ICE

AUDREY STOREY

Residential & Waterfront Specialists SELLING REAL ESTATE SINCE 1980

248-310-8077

TomsPalmBeachBiz@yahoo.com

A SHOWPLACE RARE FIND - 5 BEDROOMS

First floor master with tray ceiling, 2 walk-in closets, garden tub + shower. Spacious kitchen with built-ins, walkin pantry, and new quartz countertops. Two-way fireplace between eating area and great room. Hardwood floors, first floor laundry. Den could easily be 4th bedroom. Finished basement with lav, prepped for wet bar. Excellent storage. Inviting brick paver patio, beautifully landscaped yard. Whole house generator. Easy freeway access. Extremely well maintained home in move in condition. (S.G. 54791 E.G.)

CHERYL YEAGER

TOM BUCHANAN 248-326-4568

TANGLEWOOD GOLF COMMUNITY - PRIVATELY OWNED - $347,000

K LA

EFR

248-363-8300 Ext. 233 248-496-1846

MARY SHIELDS

audreystorey@yahoo.com

Cell 248-245-6090 realestateone.com/mshields

ING

Middle Straits waterfront stunner! totally renovated! 2 master suites! Finished lower level, theatre room! $675,000!

ALL-SPORTS PONTIAC LAKEFRONT One of the best locations on the lake. Enjoy 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. $269,900 (8990 tac)

ING

Large updated kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, private setting. $129,000 3,867 sq. ft. Move right in! Not bank or short sale! Finished lower level plus 4 season and bonus room. $399,000

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • 8430 Richardson

ALMOST 2 ACRES Nestled among the apple trees is this charming Cape Cod in Milford. Three bedrooms, 2 full baths, almost 3 car garage, spacious great room with doorwall. First floor bedroom and laundry area. Dining room featuring hardwood floors. Huron Valley Schools. $145,000. (AS 3162M) ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2012

PAGE 44

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THINKING OF SELLING? THINK CYNDI… THINK SOLD!!!!

CYNDI ROBINSON (248) 431-4571 www.cyndirobinson.com

HIGHLAND VALLEY One of the D nicest lots in the sub! Backs to private Kyle Park and Downey Lake. Enjoy wooded and lake views. Canoes and kayaks allowed. Home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an island kitchen with granite counters. Hardwood floors in entry, dining, kitchen and den! Unfinished walkout is bright with lake picture windows. Beautiful decking! $314,900 MLS#212022371 (788J3) OW

Y NE

13 ACRE ESTATE IN MILFORD KE LA AREA! Exceptional all stone and cedar home with 1,600 ft. frontage on Downey Lake. Exotic woods throughout Tigerwood floors, rosewood and walnut species used for custom cabinetry. Gallery style spaces and large outbuilding for workshop/storage. Five car garage capacity with home elevator. $995,000 MLS#211088932 (809H3) RE

C &A

BJ JASCHUK

TOP AGENT

(248)-684-1065, ext. 308 (248) 891-5159

15 YEARS IN A ROW

STRIKING PROUD LAKE 1.5 STORY Tucked into the hillside! A rare find! 3,112 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 3 bath treasure on all-sports lake, leads to Huron River. Amid 4,700 acres of Proud Lake! Carriage style garage, perennials galore. Two level deck. Seawall. Endless views. Hickory/granite kitchen, stainless steel appliances. Desk nook. All paved roads. On main body of lake. Walled Lake Schools. $389,900 MLS#212080718 (3313G3)

PENDINGS 5670 Berkley, Waterford - 3/1.5/gar bsmt $89,900 2845 Cherry, Highland - 1 acre/3/2 $154,000 3604 Lakeview, Highland/White Lakefront $289,500 2900 Pallister, Highland - 3/2/Lakefront $209,900 4340 White Lake Rd., White Lake Historical/1.5 acres/3 car garage $109,900 8188 Timber Trail, White Lake Found a buyer, Williams Lake Crossing $189,900 Vacant: White Oak Beach, Highland/White Lakefront $119,900

GARY VOLKER 248-330-4086

gvolker@realestateone.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

NICE HOUSE, NICE COMMUNITY AND GREAT YARD

ING

What more could you ask for! 4 bedrooms, living room, and formal dining. Family ready. Trex deck overlooking back lot that offers fun for all ages. Walking trails to unwind after a tough day. Not far from downtown Milford where you can enjoy concerts, parades and the farmer’s market. Asking $259,000. 497TR3 MLS#212068647

READY TO GO

On private road, half mile from pavement. Quiet country living near Marion Township on 2 acres of rolling property. Near Tangers and 10 miles from freeway off Coon Lake Road and Dutcher. (VACHIC3) MLS#211034799 $29,900.

ANNE SHIELDS 248-396-6440

Taking Your Dreams ~ To Reality! ashields@realestateone.com COMMERCE TOWNSHIP Come inside to fully appreciate this almost 4,000 sq. ft. beautiful custom built home in a private setting on 6.3 acres in Sherwood Meadows. Gourmet kitchen. 12kw automatic generator. Custom master bath. Heated inground pool. Wet bath. Composite deck. Tons of storage. Covered front porch and gardens. Andersen windows. Hardwood floors and ceramic tile. $374,500 MLS#212050989 Call Anne for Details

- SECLUDED MILFORD HISTORIC HOME Located on 1.37 acres yet only a mile from downtown Milford. Home has character built on a beautiful setting with lots of shade but room to play. A separate screened-in patio and totally fenced yard. Asphalt circular drive for easy in and out. New roof and gutter scheduled. $170,000 MLS 212074166 Call Gary for All Showings Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

560 N. Milford Rd., Milford • 248-684-1065

WHITE LAKEYOUR SEARCH IS OVER Beautiful home in desired Village Acres sub. Within walking distance to Dublin Elementary and St. Patrick’s Elementary. Kitchen floor 2012, bath enclosure 2012, newer water softener, newly reconstructed chimneys, Pella premium windows, tankless hot water heater, energy efficient home. Large private backyard with patio. Plenty of storage. So much more…A must see!! $154,500 MLS#212084421 Call Anne for Details N., PM SU 1-3 EN 26 P T O S GU AU

MILFORD’S EXQUISITE HOME With over 5,000 sq. ft. of living space in Desirable Old Milford Farms subdivision. First floor master with private deck. Chef’s delight kitchen with walk-in pantry and ceramic tiled bistro. Dual staircases. First floor office. Magnificent landscaping and brick paver patio surrounds inlaid stone Inground pool, tiered decking, finished walkout with fireplace, wine cellar and office. Quiet wooded neighborhood minutes from I-96 and downtown Milford. A must see!! $479,900 MLS#212079048 Call Anne Today! ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2012

AUGUST 22-28, 2012

CONVENIENT CATEGORY LISTINGS NOTICES 1 2 3 4 5 6 8

Bulletin Board Happy Ads Lost and Found Reunions Legal Notices Pathways Obituary

REAL ESTATE 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Lakefront Homes/Property New Houses Open Houses Condos/Flats/Co-ops Vacation Homes/Cottages Commercial/Industrial Michigan/Other Areas Other States Vacation Land/Acreage Investment/ Income Properties Business Opportunities

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NOTICES 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.

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

42 43

Mobile Homes for Sale Mobile Home for Rent

RENTALS 45 46 47 49 50 52 55 56 57

Banquet/Party Facilities Vacation Homes/Cottages Time Shares Commercial/Industrial Shopping Center Units Office Space Storage Houses/Condos Apartments Rooms/Share Quarters

And Lots of Others! Phone Rhonda, Leslie or Cindy for Affordable Rates 248-360-7355

Highland

FALL IN LOVE! Dunham Lake access w/ this well planned home with 3,076 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths. Gorgeous kitchen w/ butler’s pantry, granite counters & terrazzo floor. Great room w/ 2 story see through stone masonry fireplace. 1st floor master suite. 1338 sq. ft. in finished walk out lower level includes family room w/fireplace plus addl. 2 car garage/workshop. Extensive landscaping.

$499,000. England Real Estate (248)887-9736

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.

Houses For Sale

MOBILE HOMES

Houses For Sale

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

HIGHLAND

Hartland

ALL SPORTS MAXFIELD LAKE! Nice 1,735 sq. ft ranch w/ 2 bedrooms. Large living room plus family room with natural fireplace. 1 car detached garage. Treed setting & paved road. Sandy beach & good fishing.

Catherine Ann Dr., N. of Clyde, W. of Hickory Ridge. Choice wooded 5 acre parcel in an upscale area. Walkout basement and daylight windows in basement are available on this property.

$130,000. England Real Estate (248)887-9736

$100,000.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

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

MOBILE HOMES Mobile Homes for Sale

RENTALS Commercial/ Industrial 42

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

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

(248) 624-0709 Mobile Homes for Sale

Houses/Condos 42

RELOCATE YOUR HOME

Vacant Land/ Acreage

PAGE 45

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.

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

$800 month rent 248-624-0418

Looking to rent a house or condo?

Cranberry Lake- White Lake

Sales, purchasing, relocations available. Call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com

248-698-1120

248-912-4628

MOVE IN SPECIALS!! Beautiful multi section homes, 13 month lease $775/month

Houses/Condos

Apartments

HARTLAND

WATERFORD

Clean 1 bedroom, 1 bath ranch. Privileges on Handy Lake. $900.00 monthly plus 1 months security. No pets, non-smoking.

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

England Real Estate (248)887-9736 Apartments

Pontiac Lake 1 bdrm for $459 2 bdrm for $499 Includes all utilities except electric. Security Deposit. For more information & availability call

248-626-7857 WALLED LAKE Mother-in-Law Apt. Modern 840 sq.ft. 1 bdm, Direct TV & Wifi inc., A/C, non smoker, pets negotiable.

$645 per month Olivermich@mac.com 248-755-5073

HELP WANTED General/ Help Wanted

Cashier Full or part time or students. Steve's Deli 6646 Telegragh at Maple Bloomfield Plaza 248-932-0800 Ask for Bob stevesdeli@comcast.net

FAX

YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

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

360-5308 360-5309

PAGE 46

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

General/ Help Wanted

SALES Experienced, counter sales person needed to sell plumbing supplies.

Advance Plumbing Supply Company Walled Lake, MI 48390 Fax resume to 248-669-7471

TAXI & AIRPORT DRIVERS WANTED Full or Part time Day or Night

248-666-2110 OFFICE CLEANING EVENING HOURS MONDAY- FRIDAY NOVI AREA CORPORATE CLEANING GROUP

General/ Help Wanted

Reporter Independent publishing group seeks reporter to cover municipal, school, and community beats for weekly and monthly publications. Experience preferred. Send resume, cover letter, and writing samples to: Editor P.O. Box 14 Union Lake, Mich. 48387-0014 MANUFACTURING SUPERVISOR

Ask for Steve

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 employment@ to:

313-537-8050

chasenedrow.com

248-313-9880 COUNTER CLERKS Part Time for stores in Novi Mai Kai Cleaners

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

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

General/ Help Wanted

Absolutely Free 65

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

248-623-1010

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 69

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. Sales Positions

SALES REPRESENTATIVE 1-800-HANSONS Base plus commission, signing bonus paid training. No cold calling- Confirmed appointments provided. Hanson Windows 248-581-3030 ext 4103

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Used/Wanted

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. 4 KITTENS, 3 females, 1 male. 6 weeks old. Mostly black & white Free to good home. 248-698-2793

CHILD CARE CENTER

Office/Clerical

SCRAP METAL 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

ASSORTED PACKAGING materials. You pick up. Wolverine Lake area. 248-6244753 RAINBOW SWING Set w/ slide and fort. Needs a few boards. You disassemble and take. 248-926-8910 KITTENS, CATS Fixed rescues. Need loving homes. 248-738-4901 or 248-2149898 ROLL-A-WAY COT. You pick up. 248-667-2012

Antiques

ANTIQUE & VINTAGE Garage sale- all good stuff, all great prices. Furniture, small items. Saturday, Aug. 25, 9a.m.-?, rain or shine, 569 Lakeside Drive, Waterford. 48328. Sorry, no early birds.

Garage Sales

103

COMMERCE 1885 CANAL off Wise Rd. Thursday & Friday, 9am-4pm. Huge 2 family sale.

LAKE SHERWOOD Moving Sale August 23rd - 25th 10-5 5038 Wavewood. Commerce & Surfwood Tools, office furniture, 6' banquet tables, peg board hooks, accesories, clothing & much more. THURSDAY, FRIDAY, Saturday, 9am-4pm. 1952 Portlock. Fishing tackle, tools, saws, drills, household, antiques, books. THURSDAY, FRIDAY, Saturday, 9a.m.-5p.m. 5481 Huron Hills, Commerce/ Bogie Lake. Baby items & clothes HUGE SALE Complete living room furniture, 250 scooter, movie posters, lawn mower, and so much more. 1994 Meadow Ridge North of Pontiac Trail East of Decker Thursday thru Saturday 9-5. FISHING LURES, tools, household, 1902 Alton Circle, (off Pontiac Trail). Thursday, Friday, Saturday. 9am-5pm HIGHLAND YARD SALE: 10a.m.-6p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 441 McPherson, Milford Road/ Livingston. Avon & miscellaneous

Garage Sales

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY 103

H IGHLAND THURSDAY, FRIDAY, 8am4pm. Saturday, 8am-1pm. Glens of Highland Condominiums, next to Colasanti's. 333 Asbury Court, 48357. Empty nesters downsizing. Furniture, paintings, lamps, household, and much more. MILFORD

Huron Valley Rustic Furniture Liquidation Sale Save up to 50% off all our Cedar Outdoor Furniture. Lawn Swings, Picnic Tables and more. Bring this ad in for a chance to win a Free Lawn Chair. Drawing to be held on September 1st.

Huron Valley Rustic / South Town Market 211 S. Main St. Milford, Mi 48381 www.huronvalleyrustic.com

248-714-6281 WALLED LAKE 611 GAMMA. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 9am-4pm. Stove, baby stuff, more. WATERFORD THURSDAY, FRIDAY, Saturday, 9a.m.-6p.m. 7158 Redmond, Hospital/ Cooley Lake Roads. Boys, newborn-size 6, men's, ladies clothing, toys, more. WEST BLOOMFIELD 4380 GREEN LAKE Rd. Teacher supplies, tools, furniture, much more. Friday & Saturday, 9am-4pm. ESTATE/ Moving: Furniture/ antiques, art, men's clothing, electronics, leather goods, jewelry, miscellaneous. Thursday through Sunday, 10a.m.-dusk, 7538 Greenway Lane, 48324. Birchwood Park Subdivision off Commerce/ Keith WHITE LAKE THURSDAY, FRIDAY, Saturday, 9am-6pm. 8789 Arlington. Christmas collectibles, much more. COOLEY LAKE Road to Oxbow Lake Road to Parshall to 1281 Bayview. Miscellaneous, antiques. 8-5, August 23rd 24th WOLVERINE LAKE THURSDAY & FRIDAY 10am-5pm. No pre-sales, no dealers. 1660 Lauder Lane. Tupperware, antiques, tools.

Tools

106

FOR SALE: 8" Drill Press, Bench Belt Sander, 12" Band Saw w/stand, 7"Electric Hand Saw, Coleman 8hp. Generator, and more. 248-618-0157

Lawn/Garden/Sod 110 LANDSCAPING SPOTLIGHTS. 3 attachable spotlights, 6 lawn. 248-881-2031

Furniture/Rugs

125

QUEEN HIDE-A-BED $250, Queen sofa $200, ottoman $50, sofa table $100. Excellent condition. 248-363–8152 TWIN HEADBOARDS, Gray vinyl covering. $20. 248-6984168

Household Items

129

EIGHT ASSORTED Baking pans- Calphalon, Mirro. $24.99 for all. 248-425-1004

Stuff/Infants

132

SERTA PERFECT sleeper crib matress $10 248-887-6079

Odds N Ends

138

BATHROOM CABINET, light oak. White toilet. Asking $25, both. 248-698-9283 CARDBOARD MOVING boxes from home depot, used once $25 248-360-2911

LEISURE TIME Bikes

143

LADIES MOUNTAIN Bike "Magna" 18 speed. Like new. $50. 248-738-5925

Fitness Equipment 149 SMITH 2000 WEIGHT Machine, excellent condition, $300 OBO. 248-770-8784

BOATS/ OUTDOOR Boats/Motors/Trailers 164

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

(248)666-9248

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage

181

(248)467-0396 183

MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page 183

FULL REPAIR SERVICES 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

FORD TAURUS SEL 2003, orginal owner, great condtion, loaded, moonroof, leather seats, 73K, $6,500 248-7050685.

25460 TransX Novi, MI 48375

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

Motorcycles

187

HADLEY'S TOWING

UNWANTED AUTOS LLC

Motorcycles

Cars

Auction: 8-29-12, 10a.m 1. 1993 Chevy Van Vin IGBEG25K9PF305404 2. 1999 Mercury Villager Vin 4M2XVIIT2XDJI9387 3. 1998 Olds Silhouette Vin IGHDX03EXWD298203 4. 1999 Buick Century Vin 2G4WY52MOX1492376

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page Classic/ Antique Cars

188

CHEVY BELAIR, 1964. Manual, runs, needs work. $3,000 OBO. 248-240-9438

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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 BUICK LA Crosse CXL 2005, Loaded, one owner, 179,000 miles, $5,200. Call 248-4961824 FORD ESCAPE 2009, White, new tires/ shocks, regular oil change, great conditon, $11,995. 248-520-1740.

PERSONAL/ SERVICES Home/Office Cleaning 368 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

GRAND OPENING! Bring the Family

SATURDAY, AUG. 25TH 1-5 PM

Classic Car Show

PONTOON HAULING Local & Long Distance Winter Storage-$199.99 Snowmobiles, Trailers, RV's Fenced, Gated & Lighted Yard

Let us sell your pontoon.

Tom 248-681-4250 www.tomspontoonservice.com 19FT. MASTERCRAFT w/ tandem trailer, many extras, excellent condition. $18,000. 248-363-1210

FREE FOOD, FUN, PRIZES! Show off Your Classic Car

• Prizes - Gas Cards, T-Shirts, More • Food - Enjoy Lunch on Us! • Bounce House - Fun for the Kids

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

248-714-6125

woodwardauto.com

AUGUST 22-28, 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 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

Cement/Concrete

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.

SEALCOATING • NO SPRAY • ASPHALT REPAIR & GRAVEL FILL

526

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

Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians

528

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

MARCUCCI

513

BOB'S CARPET Mohawk Carpet Great buys! Remnants Living room & Bedroom sized $4 per yd. Low prices on restretching, repairs, pad, & installation.

35 years experience Bob (248)681-5771 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

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

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 Handy Person

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

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

(248)683-7985

248-758-4346

(248)-623-7282

Cabinetry

Drywall

ARROWCONCRETE.NET

SINCE 1983

Carpet Installation

517

545

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

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

**HONEY-DO** HANDYMAN Honey- Do Lists •Electrical •Plumbing •Drywall •Painting •Carpentry •Tile •Finished Basements •Bathrooms

Office: 248-4747270 Cell: 248-320-5360 Over 20 yrs exp. LICENSED & INSURED

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 Home Improvement

547

D&D Construction Roofing• Siding • Insulation • Gutters • Leaf-Guards • Soffits •Trim-work• Decks •Windows

Doug Dible 248-431-6243 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 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

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 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 SUMMER SPECIALS

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

248-762-1534 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

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

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 Siding

577

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

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.

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

Largest Selection of Pre-Owned Vehicles in the State!

OPEN SATURDAY

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

1-866-632-9196 Vehicles Under $10,000

2010 GMC Arcadia Black, SLT-1, sunroof, third row seat, power liftgate, rear spoiler. 12G3016A

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt - 12G3595A . .$9,977

$25,997

2006 Chevrolet Impala - 12G3548A .$9,867

TRUCKS, SUVs & 4x4s 2008 Cadillac Escalade - 12G3507A 2008 GMC Canyon 4x4 - 12G441B 2010 Cadillac SRX - 12G1842A

...

........

2007 Saturn Ion - 12G2203B

345/mo.

2003 Saab 9-3 - 12G3190A

..........

............

155/mo. 2005 Pontiac Vibe - 12G7394P

2007 Buick Lucerne CX Great miles, 6 cyl., 3.8L - 12G3300A

$12,995 CARS

8,968

8,688

2007 Cadillac DTS - 12G586A

7,968

2009 Chevrolet Malibu - 12G7277P . . .$169/mo.

.......

.........

175/mo.

325/mo. 2006 Chevrolet Aveo - 12G7409P . . . .$7,787 2007 Mini Cooper - 12G3357B . . . . . . . . .$178/mo.

2010 GMC Terrain - 12G629A . . . . . . . . . .$256/mo. 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser - 12G3918A .$8,788 2009 Pontiac G8 - 12G3778A . . . . . . . . . . .$199/mo. 2010 GMC Acadia - 12G3016A . . . . . . . . .$276/mo. 2007 Buick Rendevous - 12G1127X .$9,997 2007 Buick Lacrosse - 12G2628B . . . . .$165/mo. 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche - 12G3472A $282/mo. 2005 Chevrolet Uplander - 12G3460A

7,677

2010 Honda Accord - 12G1437A . . . . . . . . .$188/mo.

$ 2008 GMC Yukon Denali - 12G2865A .$365/mo. 2005 Buick Lacrosse CXL - 12G3924A 9,987 2009 Pontiac G6 - 12G4170A . . . . . . . . . . .$168/mo.

2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer - 12G2863A .$189/mo. 2010 Chevrolet Equinox - 12G4052A . 195/mo. $

2011 Jeep Liberty - 12G4109A . . . . . . . . .$188/mo.

NO PAYMENTS UNTIL 2013!!** *See dealer for details

2010 Toyota Camry - 12G4015A

.........

2009 Cadillac CTS - 12G1494A

........

179/mo.

225/mo.

2009 Chevrolet HHR - 12G606A . . . . . . .$160/mo.

Payments on approved credit with 20% cash down. See dealer for details.

Dan Schultz, Regina Woodard and Mike Szettella Credit Specialists at

We Are Able to Get You Financed,

WHEN NO ONE ELSE CAN!

S. Milford Rd.

M-59

I-96

Mon. & Thurs. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

N. Wixom Rd.

E. Commerce

W. Commerce

S. Wixom Rd.

★

Hickory Ridge

US -23

Pleasant Valley

Highland Rd.

Duck Lake Rd.

1-866-690-1592

BAD CREDIT?

•Repo •Collections •Bankruptcy •No Credit WE CAN WORK WITH YOU GUARANTEED APPROVAL

www.thecreditgospel.com

LaFontaine

Tues., Wed. & Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

4000 W. Highland Rd. Highland, MI 48357

Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

(866) 632-9196 www.thefamilydeal.com

• LIMITED TIME ONLY • LIMITED TIME ONLY •

995* OIL OIL CHANGE CHANGE

Call for Appointment

(866) LAFONTAINE® FREE 19 Point Inspection www.thefamilydeal.com EXPIRES 12/31/12 *Excludes diesel & synthetics • *Make/Model restrictions may apply.