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1/18/12
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Run in second quarter propels Vikings to win over Warriors - pg. 35
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SUSPECT IN CUSTODY Police nab teen allegedly involved in Rolladium shooting incident - pg. 23
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CHOO-CHOO SHOWCASE Train show coming to Beacon Hill in Commerce this weekend - pg. 11
pg. 8 Additional steps are required for voters when casting their ballots next month. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
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Taste of Waterford event will include red carpet walk By Leslie Shepard
Tip helps police nab suspect in Rolladium shooting — page 23 GM scales back property tax relief request — page 11 That’s what SHE said: "The original concept came from a collection of individuals who tossed the idea around about a performance event and said, 'Why have one category of talent when we have so much talent here in our community?'" — Huron Valley Council for the Arts Executive Director Leah Ohmer, talking about what triggered creation of the Got Talent? competition, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at White Lake Middle School.
INSIDE Special Report . . . . . . . . .8-9 County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . .23 Environment . . . . . . . . . .25 State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Lakes Area News . . . . . .7-15 Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .33-37
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The Waterford Coalition for Youth (WCFY) is putting a touch of glamour into its 14th Annual Taste of Waterford by inviting guests to walk the red carpet during the event scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Oakland Schools Conference Center, located at 2111 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. Each year the coalition works to host an entertaining and creative event that people of all ages can enjoy in an alcohol- and tobacco-free environment. This year, the WCFY is celebrating the sights and sounds of Hollywood through the years. “Everyone is a VIP and will walk the red carpet,” said WCFY Executive Director Heather Halls. “There will also be people in costume dressed up like celebrities.” Entertainment during the evening includes the opportunity to sample food from every vendor on site, youth and children’s activities, glamorous photo booth opportunities, fun movie music, and — most notably — award presentations. Over 35 restaurants and culinary vendors will be on site donating their finest cuisine to help benefit the coalition’s cause. In addition to the exciting entertainment and culinary
‘Outrun Hunger’ event surpassed fund-raising goal This past holiday season, Grace Church partnered with Hospitality House in Walled Lake and the Open Door Outreach Center in Waterford Township to assist families in the lakes area in need of food for Thanksgiving and Christmas by hosting a 5K run event. The inaugural “charity fun run” aimed to feed 100 families this holiday season by raising between $2,000 and
Last year’s Taste of Waterford event was held under the “Deep Sea Adventure” theme. This year, the annual event benefiting the Waterford Coalition for Youth will feature a “Hooray for Hollywood” theme, including a red carpet walk, fun movie music and other sights and sounds of Hollywood. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
delights, a raffle and 50/50 drawing will be held throughout the evening. The WCFY is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to reduce substance abuse and high-risk behaviors in youth. Throughout the year it works to provide educational opportunities for the community on a variety of high-risk subjects affecting youth, such as underage drinking, prescription drug abuse, depression and suicide, Internet safety, and bullying. In addition to these awareness-building initiatives, it implements vendor education, works to increase community compliance regarding the
sale of tobacco and alcohol, provides resource referrals to youth and families, and offers community service, mentoring and career building opportunities. “We work very hard to react to the changing needs of the community and youth through education and awareness, but also by providing important opportunities for families to spend time together in a safe, healthy and fun environment,” said Halls. “It’s all about making positive connections and positive choices and showing kids by example how to do the same. The
$3,000. “The goal was to raise enough money to help feed 100 families in our community during Thanksgiving and Christmas. By the grace of God, we were able to accomplish more than we ever dreamed would be possible,” said Kari Cotter, organizer of the Outrun Hunger event. That goal was surpassed with help from the 283 people from the church and the community who participated. Over $7,400 was raised, which fed 296 families in the lakes areas during the holidays. “We hope ‘Outrun Hunger’ will become an annual charity event that is
both fun and meaningful for our community,” Cotter said. Hospitality House is a food pantry that serves the residents of the Walled Lake Consolidated School District and West Bloomfield Township, and supports southeast Michigan’s fight against hunger by providing advice and aid to pantries in other communities. The Open Door Outreach Center serves families in Waterford, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, Commerce, Walled Lake and Wixom by providing food, clothing, referral information, and other services to those in need. ❏
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Kettering’s Brian Wilson honored as distinguished advisor
B
rian Wilson, 37, is an English teacher at Waterford Kettering High School who is being honored nationally for helping students preserve their memories. Wilson is being honored by the Journalism Education Association (JEA) with a Distinguished Advisor Award for his work advising students in putting together the student yearbook. A Farmington High School and Michigan State University (MSU) graduate, Wilson later decided that he could use his journalism major towards his other love — teaching students — and eventually found his way to Kettering. Now working on his 15th yearbook this year at Kettering and currently serving his eighth year as advisor to the school’s student newspaper, Wilson will soon reap more rewards for his efforts in the form of $500 from the JEA, as well as being honored during the JEA’s national conference this spring in Seattle. What was your reaction upon hearing you would be receiving a Distinguished Advisor Award from the Journalism Education Association, and what does this honor mean to you? What do you plan to do with the $500 that will be awarded to you? BW: My first reaction was complete and total excitement. I was certainly not expecting to be honored at such a level by such a prestigious organization, so it was cool to find out that I had done so. It’s the type of position that you certainly don’t get a lot of short-term or immediate feedback from ... so it’s nice when you get something like this to kind of see that your hard work is making a difference. I’ve actually surveyed my yearbook class, and we’ve talked about it a little bit and tried to figure out the answer (to how to use the $500). We’ve talked about maybe purchasing another camera to use for the staff, I’ve talked about using it to set up scholarship opportunities for my students to go to summer workshops for journalism, or take some of the trips that we do throughout the course of the year. So, we’re not entirely sure yet, but something will get figured out eventually. Tell us about your college career at MSU and how it fueled your passion for teaching young people? BW: When I entered Michigan State, because of my high school journalism background, I was pretty much set on being a reporter. I wanted to be a journalist, and that was pretty much the only goal I had in mind at the time. I spent my first couple years there
Q
Q
taking introductory journalism classes and got to a point where I picked up an education class along the way — I think it was during a summer session — and decided that it was something that I might enjoy, as well, and thought it wouldn’t really hurt me to kind of work my way through and get a journalism degree, but also have the teaching certificate available, as well. I got to a point where I just thought I wanted to teach, I want to be in a high school classroom and see the sparks of inspiration and enlightenment on my students’ faces, that they were able to capture a story the way I had when I was in high school and have a lot of students go on to journalism careers after that. It’s cool to see that sort of thing would have an impact on their lives.
•
NE MINUTE
INTERVIEW
Q
As far as Kettering’s student newspaper is concerned, what do you think is important in developing an effective student journalist? Do you still keep in touch with some of your former students and how they are doing in college and their careers? BW: I think they need to have a sense of ownership of it, as well. There’s certainly a different level of reporting that goes on with the students on my newspaper staff, although I try to get my yearbook and newspaper students all to refer to themselves as student journalists or journalists. I think they need to have a sense of wanting to follow a story, wanting to uncover things, wanting to investigate and really getting at the heart of a story. I think that I do a pretty good job
of instilling that in them so that they want to follow stories and find out where they’re going, and that’s a big part of it. I have a Facebook group set up for alumni of the Kettering publications, and about 160 or 170 people are a part of that group that basically gives us a chance to kind of see where they are today and the things that they’re doing. I have a lot of former students who go into graphic design, who want to become high school journalism advisors, people who are doing some reporting work on a national level, on a local level, and things like that, so it’s cool. It’s one of those areas where you get a chance, because you’re with the students, in my case sometimes two, three, even four years. You have a chance to meet with and talk to students who have a good chance of ending up doing the same things you’re doing, just because they’ve been there so long, they have a passion about it, (so) you really see them blossoming into journalism. I love to have former students come back and talk about what they’re doing at the college and professional level and give my students an opportunity to see what opportunities are there for them. With journalism ever changing, what lessons do you try to pass on to students? BW: I think that it’s tough because it’s kind of a transitional period and I do think even some of the die-hard journalism people are starting to recognize that it’s possible that print may not actually be around. I think there are other people who disagree with that, that think there will always be a place for print. I’m not really quite sure where I stand on it yet. But ... the good part is that the principles of storytelling don’t change. In yearbook, at least at our school, it would be even less likely to see that we ever reached a point where the actual physical yearbook disappeared. I don’t foresee that in the near future, even if newspapers go entirely digital. We’ve started that trend where our newspaper is online, our newspaper does pretty well in the online world, as well, so we’ve started to kind of work into that transition even at the high school level. The yearbook kids like to have it in their hands and they want to be able to sign other people’s yearbooks ... and I’m not sure that’s going to change. ❏
Q
By Michael Shelton Read more of this interview at spinalcolumnonline.com.
JANUARY 18-24, 2012
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LAKES AREA NEWS
Taste of Waterford ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3
Taste of Waterford is such a great way to connect different sectors together in our community for the benefit of our community’s youth.” Guest can purchase tickets for $25 per adult, $15 for youth in grades K12, and $5 for children 4-years-old and under, which includes all the food and entertainment. A reserved table of eight can be purchased for $200. Guests can purchase a personalized 12-inch-by-15-inch Walk of Fame star for $10. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the evening for the best dressed Hollywood guests. An added luxury is donated each year by epc Event Services/DJ Supply of Waterford, which provides free shuttle service to the building and back to your vehicle. For more information, visit www.wcfy.org or call the coalition at 248-618-7424. Tickets can be purchased online directly at www.wcfytow.eventbright.com. After Wednesday, Jan. 25, tickets are available at the door at an increase of $5 per ticket over the prices listed above. ❏
Police academy for citizens begins March 7 in Novi By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The Wolverine Lake Police Department continues to solicit applications for the Lakes Area Citizens Police Academy program that will begin on March 7. The academy is part of a coalition of different police departments, including Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, Novi, and South Lyon. The academy is comprised of a cross-section of citizen participants. Anyone who is 18-years-old and older living or working in the community is eligible to participate. A background check is conducted on each applicant. The Lakes Area Citizens Police Academy was created in order to provide enough information to participating citizens so they are able to make informed judgments about the area police departments and police activity. It is a two-way learning process. “The Citizens Academy was created to increase public awareness and develop a strong relationship between the departments and the community,” said Wolverine Lake Acting Chief/Captain John Ellsworth. “Each graduate gains a deeper knowledge of
“A lot of progress” has been made on Trinity Health’s Rehabilitation and Wellness Center (above) in White Lake Township, according to township Planner Sean O’Neil. The center is located south of M-59 and east of Elizabeth Lake Road at the Village Lakes complex. It will eventually be adjacent to the parcel of land slated for the St. Joseph Mercy medical office, construction on which has yet to start even though plans were approved a few years ago. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Trinity making progress Official: White Lake rehab center is ‘close to being done’ By Angela Niemi staff writer
Construction on Trinity Health’s Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in White Lake Township is “moving along really well,” according to township Planner Sean O’Neil. “They’ve made a lot of progress,” he said. “The shell has been up for some time now, and to the average passerby it looks pretty well along (from the outside).” However, there are still quite a few projects to complete inside the building. “The building has a lot of amenities, so the inside construction is a pretty involved process. However, I believe the builders are targeting this spring for completion, although we haven’t talked about specific timelines,” O’Neil said. The center is located south of M-
how law enforcement fits into the community and, conversely, we become aware of citizen concerns.” The 30-hour block of instruction is conducted once a week for three hours and covers a different area of the police department every week. At
59 and east of Elizabeth Lake Road at the Village Lakes complex. It will eventually be adjacent to the parcel of land slated for the St. Joseph Mercy medical office, construction on which has yet to start even though plans were approved a few years ago. Trinity Health, a national organization, is the parent company of St. Joseph Mercy Health Systems. The new, two-story rehabilitation and wellness center will be approximately 77,000 square feet and contain 96 beds. Half (48) of those beds will be used for rehabilitation patients. Developers define the facility as one that takes over where hospitals leave off. Patients participating in rehabilitation and recovery will learn to use any equipment they need following a surgery. The rehabilitation
area of the building will contain a kitchen, dining room and bathroom for that purpose. The other 48 rooms will be reserved for permanent residents, similar to an assisted living facility. Those rooms will have private living rooms, dining rooms, and a patio. The external architecture of the building will reflect a more homey, residential feel as opposed to an institutional one. While the outside work is nearing completion, O’Neil said a few more tasks need to be done — including signage, landscaping, and lighting. “They are close to being done on the outside,” O’Neil said. “There is more to do on the inside, but they are getting power to the wings in the building. They are close to being done — hopefully, only a couple of months away at this point.” ❏
the end of the academy, there is a graduation ceremony. During the instruction conducted over 10 weeks, participants are taught about topics such as training, communications, criminal investigation, drunk driving enforcement proce-
dures, crime prevention, family violence, juvenile law, and the tactical team.
FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 11
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
SPECIAL REPORT
M
itt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor and Michigan native who has secured victories in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire in the Republican presidential primary season, will appear on your Feb. 28 Michigan presidential primary election ballot — but only if you indicate that you want to vote as a Republican. That’s because state lawmakers again last year designated the state’s 2012 presidential primary election as a closed process, meaning that voters have to declare whether they want the Democratic or Republican ballot when they go to the polls in a few weeks, or when applying for an absentee ballot. An open-and-shut case, right? Not so, say local elections officials, who are fielding complaints from voters in west Oakland County and elsewhere throughout Oakland’s 910 square miles. The issue, area clerks are saying, is that people aren’t aware that it’s a closed process again this year — much like it was in 2008. Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard Jr. said that just the name — a “primary election” — is throwing people off-base when it comes to the voting process this time around. “Most people are going to think this is just like that — you go in the voting booth, and you have a chance to look at both sides,” he said, referring to the “normal” primary elections that are held in August. He and others in his office last week recorded a public service announcement about the closed process that he said he hopes will be shown in the ramp-up to the primary election that will be held in less than six weeks. “I’m hearing anecdotes from various people, (Oakland County Elections Division Manager) Joe Rozell and others,” Bullard said. “I talked directly to (Clerk) Holly Brandt in Milford (Township) and she said probably about 10 of the 200 (absentee ballot) applications she got in the mail didn’t include one (party preference) or another.” And while Bullard, who has been the county’s top elections official for about a year, said that people flubbing up their absentee ballot applications is “a huge burden on local clerks,” it’s even more of a problem when people inadequately complete their ballot at the polls, resulting in spoiled votes.
Primary confusion
Some voters not selecting partisan ballots Voters in the Feb. 28 presidential primary election will have to declare whether they want to vote on a Republican or Democratic ballot in the closed primary process. Some in west Oakland County have either forgotten that the process is closed this time around — as it was in 2008 — or have raised concerns about the additional steps they need to take in order to cast their ballots in next month’s election, according to local and county officials.
“If we can let people know in advance, the better,” Bullard said. Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is working on doing just that, said her spokesman, Fred Woodhams, by issuing news releases in an effort to increase public awareness of the closed primary process, which is similar to what took place four years ago during the presidential primary season. Yet Woodhams said he’s not personally aware of “any widespread concerns.” “Probably people might relay those concerns to the local clerk’s office,” he said. “We send out communications to the local clerks to help them be aware of the upcoming election. Already on the ballot application the people will receive, it will provide information on how to do it. Really, for the most part, it will be very similar to four years ago in that it will be a closed primary.” What follows is a look at how local
clerks throughout west Oakland County are responding to the situation. ORCHARD LAKE In Orchard Lake, some voters appear upset by the closed primary election absentee ballot application, according to Clerk Rhonda McClellan. “I just had one resident yelling that it’s unconstitutional because the person he wanted to vote for wasn’t on the ballot since the candidate wasn’t a Republican or Democrat,” McClellan said. “I told him if he wrote in his candidate it would mean the application was invalid. He would need to vote for his person in November, otherwise he must select one of the two (political) parties.” The new primary absentee ballot application has also been modified to include a U.S. citizenship question that McClellan said voters tend to skip over and not complete. McClellan contacted Oakland County for clarification on the
process, but learned that she, as the clerk, could not check the box for a voter. “It wasn’t on the application before and many haven’t completed it, but the application isn’t valid unless the voter physically marks the box. We can’t do that for them,” she said. The U.S. citizenship question has also been a problem for snowbirds who live out-of-state during the season. “We mail them (absentee ballot applications), but if there’s a problem, the concern is getting them back in time,” McClellan said. Many clerks in the lakes area say that, in general, voters forget that during this primary election they must designate a party and then a candidate. “It’s nothing new, but people tend to forget,” McClellan said. The majority of Orchard Lake’s absentee applications have already been mailed out. Those voters that come into City Hall are instructed how to complete the application.
JANUARY 18-24, 2012
“This proactive approach has reduced the number of returned applications,” said Deputy Clerk Tamara Williams. Five-hundred applications have been mailed out and only six have been returned thus far. The Clerk’s Office hasn’t received many calls or complaints, except from few who have voiced concern over the type of ballot they are requesting. “There has been a few calls — less than 10 people — who are concerned about providing what type of ballot they want, either Republican or Democrat,” Williams said. “They are worried that would register them to that party or how they choose would be recorded. We explain it’s against the law to track a preference and that this won’t tie them to the party.” For example, if a voter wants to vote for a Republican in the Feb. 28 presidential primary election and then for a Democrat seeking another position in August, that is permissible. “There’s no conflict in voting like that,” she said. Right now there is little concern that absentee ballot applications will be received in time to get the ballots out, according to Williams. “If it gets closer to the cut-off (date), which is the Saturday before the election (at) 2 p.m., then I would have to call the voter, but right now I’m not worried,” Williams said. HIGHLAND According to Highland Township Clerk Mary McDonell, her office fields questions from voters during every presidential election. “Some people forget how (the process) works,” she said. “Sometimes it’s not confusion, (but) rather people get upset that they have to declare a party to get a ballot. They don’t really understand what the process is.” In response, her office tries to explain how the process works. “We tell them this is how the parties choose to pick their presidential candidates,” McDonell said. Nevertheless, the Clerk’s Office receives a handful of absentee ballot applications in each cycle that are marked incorrectly. “We had some that came in unchecked for which political party they (wanted),” McDonell said. “In that case, we have to contact the voters. If the phone number is listed, we call them. If not, then we have to mail them the application again with a letter.” The Clerk’s Office receives between 20 and 50 incomplete applications, according to McDonell.
The clerk’s office is also trying to be proactive in catching mistakes ahead of time. “When people drop off their applications in person, we make sure all the boxes are filled out correctly,” she said. “We also answer questions via e-mail. We try to do as much as we can.” COMMERCE Commerce Township Clerk Dan Munro said he isn’t sure whether voters are confused over the Feb. 28 presidential primary process or intentionally choosing not to state which party’s ballot they choose to vote. “Some people may have left the application intentionally blank so as to not have to pick,” he said. “This has caused us to contact a number of voters to request them to be more specific on their ballot applications.” Nonetheless, he said those absentee ballot applications coming back unchecked have been minimal overall. However, when they do come back without a party preference, the Clerk’s Office contacts the voter either by e-mail, phone, or letter. In an effort to remind people they have to check a political party preference to receive a ballot, Munro said the township — which also handles elections for the village of Wolverine Lake — has redesigned the absentee ballot application to make the party request more noticeable than on the standard ballot given to them. “We reconfigured the initial proof we received to make it as prominent as possible,” he said. WHITE LAKE White Lake Township Clerk Terry Lilley said the township hasn’t yet had any major issues with voter confusion. “We’ve had a couple applications that we’ve had to follow up on, but it’s not been a big problem. There’s not been anything we can’t handle,” he said. MILFORD Brandt, the Milford Township clerk, said that the township has witnessed a bit of confusion regarding presidential primary absentee ballot applications and that it’s about the same amount as four years ago, during the 2008 primary election cycle. “There are some people that know what they’re doing and yet they say they don’t want to choose which ballot (Republican or Democrat) and have everyone know what they chose because it’s public record which one people select,” she said. “We try to educate the public and let them know what they have to do so they understand, and we have them tell their
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friends and neighbors. It’s pretty much word of mouth.” Brandt added that if there are any errors on an absentee ballot application, the township — which also handles elections for Milford Village — tries to contact the applicant either by phone or e-mail, or mails the application back to the person’s residence requesting completion of any other requirements. “We try to do it as cheaply as possible,” she said. “We have a permanent (absentee voter) application mailing list. We put the applications in the mail a week and a half ago and we’ve gotten a couple hundred back. We usually send out 1,700 applications.” WEST BLOOMFIELD The West Bloomfield Township Clerk’s Office is doing what it can to ward off voter confusion involving the primary absentee ballot application process. The township has posted a link on its website, wbtwp.com, that will lead Internet users to a page requesting an absentee ballot. That page specifically states that applicants must select either a Republican or Democrat ballot when applying for an absentee ballot, and also states the reasons, according to state law, why someone can request an absentee ballot. The page also contains a link by which an absentee ballot application can be downloaded. Township Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy said her office’s website has also been overhauled to include a link to information on the 2012 election, including sample ballots, a list of precincts in the township and information on political signs. “The more information we get out, the less confusion there is,” she said. “We’ve been relatively successful so far. We’ve had a small bit of confusion on the application where a few voters didn’t check the box (to choose a party’s ballot), but we’re getting the word out.” Shaughnessy added that the office lets people know in the applications that they have to choose a particular party’s ballot. “We’ve processed close to 4,000 applications already, and we initially sent out applications to 8,500 households,” she said. “If there’s a mistake, we then either call them or send the application back and highlight what they missed, whether it’s a signature or a choice of (party) ballot.” ❏ Staff writers Angela Niemi, Michael Shelton, and Leslie Shepard contributed to this report.
SPECIAL REPORT
“If a voter comes up to the counter, we say the application must be completed entirely, but the others we’re stuck with,” McClellan said. WIXOM In Wixom, absentee ballot applications were mailed a little later than anticipated and are beginning to trickle in slowly. “We’ve only received five applications, so it’s too soon to see if we’re going to experience problems,” said Clerk Cathy Buck. “We’re anticipating that people will check off the correct boxes because we can’t process them until they are completed.” In Wixom, there is a permanent absentee voter ballot list and these applications are mailed out automatically. As a measure to ensure that voters are aware of any application changes, staff highlights each new section. “We’ve highlighted those sections on every application going out in hope that the highlighted boxes get their attention,” Buck said. “People need to check if they want a Republican or Democrat (ballot) and tend to forget about it since they haven’t seen the application for four years.” WATERFORD In Waterford Township, some voters are voicing opposition to having to declare a party on the primary election ballot. “There’s not as much voter confusion as voter unhappiness,” said Clerk Kari Vlaeminck. “They don’t want to declare a party, and say it gives up their private vote because they think we’ll know who they’re voting for.” The township has already send out 2,052 absentee ballot applications; 100 returned applications have been sent back to voters due to the question of citizenship going unanswered. “Most voters are filling them out completely, but we’ve had to send a handful back and it’s time consuming,” Vlaeminck said. “Right now we’re working on issuing the ballots.” Like in Wixom, Waterford staff highlighted sections on the presidential primary election absentee ballot application that reflect any changes, so voters are aware. Those stopping by the township, however, are told in person to complete the application entirely. “That is so time isn’t wasted going back and forth,” Vlaeminck said. WALLED LAKE The Walled Lake Clerk’s office warded off much voter confusion by including a note of what sections need to be completed on the closed presidential primary election absentee ballot application.
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he Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority (WLDDA) Urban Design Committee awards the efforts of those businesses that add to the beautification and economic vitality of Downtown Walled Lake. This month, the Urban Design committee recognizes G.E.B. Collision as the winner of the Walled Lake Holiday Display contest and the January Business of the Month. G.E.B. Collision, owned by Geoff and Mary Bennett, continues to raise the bar when it comes to sharing their holiday spirit when decorating their building for passersby to enjoy. This full service auto shop was chosen as the first place winner of the Walled Lake Holiday Display contest for the 2011 holiday season. This is not the first time they have earned this title; this year marks their fifth win. The accolades for the beautiful decorating goes to Mary Bennett, who not only creates their awarding winning design, she decorates for every major holiday and maintains the immaculate landscaping. G.E. B.’s holiday display this year consisted of blue and white lights which were perfectly color coordinated with the façade of their building. Even their Walled Lake DDA Adirondack chairs were included in the decorating and complimented the same color theme. This is certainly an eye-catching display for anyone driving by in the evening when all of the lights are lit. G.E.B. Collision services include structural repairs; frame repair, refinishing and bodywork on cars of all kinds. G.E.B. is a “green” business and uses environmentally friendly PPG waterborne paint. They also offer shuttle and towing services and complimentary exterior and interior cleanup on every completed repair as well as a lifetime warranty on all workmanship. G.E.B. Collision is located at 1625 E. West Maple Road and can be contacted at (248) 926-9373. Or stop by for a free estimate every Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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PAGE 11
LAKES AREA NEWS
Citizens academy ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 7
Instruction consists of lectures, tours, demonstrations, and hands-on experience. Also included in the Citizens Academy are a trip to the district court, Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office, and a firearms demonstration. “It’s an educational process,” Ellsworth said. “We encourage ridealongs with our officers to learn things first-hand. It gives them more of a reality sense approach. By riding along with us they learn there is nothing like a routine traffic stop.” Classes are capped at 35 attendees. Applications are available online at cityofnovi.org or interested individuals can stop in at the Wolverine Lake Police Department. The academy is held twice a year — once in the spring and once in the fall. The first class is scheduled to begin 6:30 p.m. on March 7 at the Novi Police Department Training Center, located at 45125 W. 10 Mile Road. ❏
GM scales back proving grounds tax relief request By Michael Shelton staff writer
Milford Township Supervisor Don Green traveled to Lansing on Thursday, Jan. 12 to meet with General Motors (GM) representatives regarding negotiations over proposed property tax relief for the GM Proving Grounds facility in the township, and said GM has reduced the amount of its original request. “I’m waiting for the math to be done on percentages vs. dollar amounts,” Green said. “I’m also waiting on info from Brighton (Township) for price per acre for land value and price per square foot for buildings. “Why would Brighton’s property values and building values be more or less than ours?” he asked He said that Brighton Township has already settled a similar dispute with GM for a 32.5 percent property tax reduction. Green added that he was hoping to have the final numbers today, Wednesday, Jan. 18. In August 2009, the GM Proving Grounds filed a request for an 80-percent tax break with the Michigan Tax Tribunal, which was expected to cost the township an estimated $500,000
Train show comes to Commerce on Sunday, Jan. 22 By Angela Niemi staff writer
For the second year, a Commerce Township golf course will play host to a train show, this time on Sunday, Jan. 22. “A lot of the train shows are way on the east side of town,” said Brian McKee, one of the event’s organizers. “Last year, we thought ‘Why not have a train show in our area so we don’t have to drive so far?’ A lot of people don’t know about train shows, and we thought it would be fun to put on a show for the folks in the area.” The show — which will be held at the Beacon Hill Golf Club, located at 6011 Majestic Oaks Drive in Commerce — will feature both Lionel and American Flyer trains with over 20 different vendors selling everything from trains and cars to railway photographs and videos, and even a board game based on trains. Both O-gauge and HO-gauge trains and equipment will be featured. A parts dealer will also be on site. “So if people are looking for light bulbs for their cars or specific parts for their engines, they can go to the in revenue. Green also said at that time that the facility was also asking for an 80percent reduction in the assessed value of the property, and that depending on the tax break, the reduction could become permanent or the facility could approach the state Tax Tribunal every year to continue a reduced property tax obligation. He said that once he receives the final numbers, he’ll go before the Milford Board of Trustees to see if it is willing to accept the new tax relief proposal. If the board votes against the proposal, negotiations with GM will continue. Green said that while GM has backed down from its original request for an 80 percent tax break, he is concerned that others will request what GM receives. Township Attorney Jennifer Elowsky was also present in Lansing last week, as well as a representative
A lot of train shows are held on the east side of the metro Detroit area, so Brian McKee and others decided to organize one that will take place in west Oakland County featuring a cadre of train-related goodies. This year’s train show, the second, will be held on Sunday, Jan. 22 at Beacon Hill Golf Club, 6011 Majestic Oaks Drive in Commerce Township. (Photo submitted by Brian McKee)
parts dealer and have him get them what they need. Also if something is broken, they can get it replaced,” McKee said. Dealers will also be present to appraise and purchase trains. Another part of the show will be an interactive train display. “The kids can come up and watch it. They can also push buttons that will start and stop the trains or blow the whistle,” said McKee, who added that model trains can be a fun and educational hobby for children. “It’s not only fun to look at but the kids can help run the trains, too.
“Kids are fascinated by trains. It’s a way to entertain themselves while teaching them how to problemsolve. If something isn’t working, they can figure out what it is and how to fix it,” he said. The price of admission is $3 per person and $5 per family, and will include a chance to win hourly door prizes. The show starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. “We’re hoping for a good crowd and that people who come out ind something they want or just come out to enjoy the trains,” McKee said. ❏
of the Oakland County Equalization Division and the Michigan Tax Commission. ❏
staff determined there is no practical use for them and they should be put up for sale. “No improvements will be done that we have contemplated,” said Assistant City Manager Tony Nowicki. “An abutting property owner could pick them up and expand their private lot. Our goal is to put these properties in the hands of private individuals, not the city.” The property located on Roseworth, in the Hickory Hill Golf and Country Club subdivision, has been deemed unbuildable due to size. It’s approximately 4,791 square feet and lacks an improved public street. The minimum lot size in the area is 7,200 square feet. The second property on Shewbird, located in the Birch Park Club subdivi-
City to sell pair of forfeited parcels to private buyers By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The city of Wixom has begun the process of putting two parcels of land up for sale that were acquired through the Oakland County Tax Forfeiture Program. The Wixom City Council adopted a resolution on Tuesday, Jan. 10 that authorizes the city manager to begin the process. Last November, the city was deeded the two land parcels, one at 2330 Roseworth and the second at 2906 Shewbird. After reviewing the parcels to see if they would benefit the city,
FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 12
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PAGE 12
Obituaries ADAMS, JANET E., of Milford, died peacefully in her home after a brave battle with cancer on January 7, 2012. She was 83 years old. BALCONI, JOHN ANTHONY of Wolverine Lake was born on September 22, 1952. He died January 5, 2012 at age 59. BEAN, JENNIFER NICOLE, age 30, died on January 7, 2012. BURMEISTER, LOUIS R., age 83, of Novi; passed away peacefully on January 7, 2012
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321 Union Lake Rd. White Lake, MI 48326 248-698-8302
MILLER, LAWRENCE R., age 79, born on March 15, 1932 and passed away on December 29, 2011 in Commerce Twp., Michigan. MORAWSKI, JOHN MICHEAL age 59 of White Lake, passed away January 9, 2012. PARSON, PATRICIA ANN, of Milford, passed away in the care of her family January 3, 2012. She was 69 years old. SCHULTZ, RICHARD age 83 of White Lake, passed away January 9, 2012. THOMSON, JAMES N. “JIM”, age 76 of New Hudson, formerly of Maybee, MI, passed away on January 7, 2012. To place an obituary in the Spinal Column Newsweekly please call the Classified Department at 248-360-7355 or email: lorisnyder@thescngroup.com
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JOHNSON, DOREEN F., age 80, of White Lake; went to be with her Lord on December 29, 2011. She was a faithful member of Union Lake Baptist Church,
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LAKES AREA NEWS
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sion, is also unbuildable due to the presence of wetlands on the parcel and the lack of an improved public street. “There is some wetland encumbrance,” Nowicki said. “If you look to the east of the property, it’s part of the Loon Lake Woods wetland park, a low wetlands area.” Now the city must begin the process of advertising and soliciting proposals with special notices sent to the abutting property owners, report these findings back to the council, and schedule individual public hearings on the proposed property sales. After the public hearings, the council will then consider the proposed sales contracts. ❏
Commerce mulls whether to accept donation of land Commerce Township has been offered a donation of four lots located in the Commerce Lake Highlands neighborhood to be used for preserva-
tion and open space. The land is the property of the VanStone family. At one point, the VanStones owned about 200 acres around Commerce Lake and were the developers of Commerce Lake Highlands. The frontage of the four lots totals 215 feet. The township is unsure whether the lots have been deemed buildable, according to Township Clerk Dan Munro. “We don’t know,” he said. “We know there is some water on the property but not the size of a regulated wetland.” As of now, the township has not made a decision on accepting the property due to some outstanding taxes. Taxes on the property have been paid in full in recent years, with the exception of this past year. The amount of taxes owed on the property for 2011 stands at $377. “We go case-by-case whether we choose to take property back, and in the past we have never taken back property that has not been paid in
FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 15
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
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PAGE 15
LAKES AREA NEWS
Property donations ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 12
full,” Munro said. “So we’ve contacted the owners of the property and informed them that if they pay the taxes for the most recent tax bill, we will consider taking back and preserving the land for open space.” ❏
Walled Lake gives Whitt a salary hike in new pact The Walled Lake City Council has amended City Manager L. Dennis Whitt’s contract now that he has been on the job for more than a year. Whitt came on board with the city on May 10, 2010. “He’s doing a good job and has accomplished his No. 1 task of reorganizing the city and making the city more accountable to its way of doing business,” said Walled Lake City Councilman Casey Ambrose. There were several major changes made to the contract that is effective Dec. 6, 2011. First, the council upped Whitt’s annual salary from $85,000 to $110,000. The salary may be increased or decreased by the council and at the same percentage as other department heads across the board. “Three department heads left and we haven’t replaced them right away and saved money with these vacancies,” Ambrose said. “Dennis was the acting treasurer, clerk, and (Department of Public Works) DPW director. We brought him in at a lesser amount compared to other city managers in the community.” Secondly, Whitt will be entitled to a 6-month severance package if terminated at the will of the council. Thirdly, the contract increases a defined contribution/retirement package from 5 to 10 percent of his salary. “I’m not getting the standard MERS (Municipal Employees’ Retirement System benefits) like the police chief, for example, where after so many years you virtually get full retirement,” Whitt explained. “This retirement package is minuscule in comparison and a considerable savings to the city.” Lastly, the council increased Whitt’s cell phone reimbursement from $75 to $100 per month. “There were no negotiations — council decided to make adjustments
Marchers in Milford took to the streets on Monday, Jan. 16 to take part in the 7th annual Huron Valley Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade and celebration, which began with a “March on Main Street.” The theme for this year’s event was “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope” — a phrase that’s engraved on the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington D.C. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
based on a performance evaluation and this was the result,” Whitt said. “They are encouraging me to stay. It was an impressive gesture. “They are a pretty good group of people and we will fix a few things over the next year. Overall it’s been tough, but enjoyable,” he said. ❏
W. Bloomfield asks for meeting with RCOC on project The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously Monday, Jan. 9 to request a meeting between township officials and the
Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) regarding the condition of 0.2 miles of pavement along 14 Mile Road. The board’s meeting agenda originally called for the consideration of a 14 Mile Road improvement project between Haggerty Road and Country Way using Tri-Party Program funds totaling $111,400, but that project never came up for a vote. Total construction cost would be $334,200, with the RCOC, Oakland County, and township each contributing $111,400. The RCOC would fund preliminary and construction engineering activities totaling $83,600. Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste said she and Trustee Steve Kaplan recently visited the stretch of
roadway and it’s in need of repair. “I encourage the board to strongly consider the project,” she said. But Trustee Larry Brown said the township would be “shooting our toes off” by giving money to a project primarily based in Farmington Hills and the money would be better used on an Orchard Lake Road boulevard project. Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy said she was told by Tom Noechel of the RCOC that the original cost of the 14 Mile Road project was about $60,000, with a township Tri-Party share coming to $20,000. “I’m looking at a bill that went from $60,000 to $418,000. Orchard Lake Road overlayed one solid mile of five lanes and it cost us under $1 million and now you’re telling me 1,100 feet is going to cost $418,000. I think it’s an outrageous number.” Trustee Gene Farber said the quote given to the board had a footnote that said the estimate is not a result of a detailed survey and design, and that the amount wasn’t a hard number. “Since we took office, we’ve have done nothing but bang our heads against the wall with the road commission. They will not work with us or keep their promises,” Treasurer Teri Weingarden said. “We welcome the opportunity to continue to work with West Bloomfield Township,” said RCOC Managing Director Dennis Kolar. “The current township leadership has a different idea about what should be done at the Maple/Orchard Lake intersection than what previous administrations, the city of Farmington Hills, the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and the Road Commission agreed to. Since we can’t reach an agreement on that intersection, we have moved to the 14 Mile/Orchard Lake intersection, where we all agree. “We harbor no ill feelings toward township officials and have worked closely with them on a number of projects, including the resurfacing of Orchard Lake Road from 14 Mile to just south of Pontiac Trail. We’re sorry (Weingarden) feels this way, but we continue to think of West Bloomfield and the township board as our partners and look forward to a continued, productive relationship with them.” Instead of voting on the 14 Mile Road Tri-party project, the board voted to have Ureste call Noechel to request a meeting that would include herself, Shaughnessy and Brown to discuss what has happened to the road and why the proposed funding is needed to repair it. ❏
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JANUARY 18-24, 2012
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EDUCATION
Kettering students performing winter play Feb. 2-4
Saturday showcase in HVS Got Talent? competition still accepting applications
By Michael Shelton staff writer
Waterford Kettering High School students will be performing their winter theater production, “Noises Off,” on Thursday, Feb. 2; Friday, Feb. 3; and Saturday, Feb. 4, with all performances starting at 7 p.m. “Noises Off” is a comedy released in 1982 and tells the story of a play within a play as a director and actors prepare to put on a show called “Nothing On.” The play consists of three acts — the dress rehearsal, the matinee performance, and on stage when everything goes wrong. Maddy Ike will play the roles of Vicki and Brooke, while Maddy McCafferty will play both Flavia and Belinda. Maggie Morgan will play Mrs. Clackett and Dotty, while Kyle Gundlach will play Tim. Poppy will be played by Grace Sutherland, and the role of Lloyd will be played by Brad Olwinski. Bradley Smith will play the roles of Gary and Roger, while Ben Boynton will play Philip and Frederick. Storm Foster will also play the roles of Selsdon and The Burglar. Tickets are available online at the Waterford School District’s Performing Arts Center website, www.waterford.k12.mi.us/pac and clicking on Tickets, or by calling 248-673-4205. Tickets are priced at $8 each. ❏
Huron Valley considers using grant writing firm By Leslie Shepard staff writer
Huron Valley Schools may be employing the services of grant writing experts so the district can submit multiple grant applications to procure more funding opportunities. The initiative was included in the 2011-12 district goals. Currently, district officials are mulling over a proposal by Resource Associates: The Grant Experts, as the provider. The 16-year-old company has a
PAGE 17 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
By Leslie Shepard staff writer
I
ndividuals from the Huron Valley Schools community will be showcasing their talents to see who will be crowned winners of the 4th annual Got Talent? competition, to be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 at White Lake Middle School. All pre-registered acts will receive priority consideration from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., while walk-ons will be allowed after 11 a.m. The event is a collaboration of Huron Valley Recreation and Community Education and the Huron Valley Council for the Arts. Pre-registration costs are $10 for solo acts and $20 for group acts, and registration fees on the day of the call for talent go up to $20 for solo and $40 for group acts. “The original concept came from a collection of individuals who tossed the idea around about a performance event and said, ‘Why have one category of talent when we have so much talent here in our community,’” said Huron Valley Council for the Arts Executive Director Leah Ohmer. Got Talent? has become an anticipated showcase featuring all forms of talent, ranging from yoyo masters to singers and dancers. It consists of three rounds — a call for talent, a semifinal, and a final round. Due to popular demand, this year the showcase will feature two categories, K-12 and adults 18-yearsold and over. “This is the first year for an adult category,” Ohmer said. “A lot of people wanted it. We want the kids to complete against all ages in their category, but it would be unusual to audition against adults.” A pair of $1,000 grand prizes will be awarded to the winners — one for the traditional K-12 category and one for the newly-introduced adult category. In addition, the top three category winners will receive medals and $100 gift cards from the event’s sponsors. The grand prize and category win-
You can still try out for a chance to show off your talents in the 4th annual Got Talent? competition — a collaboration between Huron Valley Recreation and Community Education and the Huron Valley Council for the Arts — for the chance to win one of two $1,000 grand prizes. This yoyo master participated in a recent Got Talent? event, which consists of three rounds — a call for talent, a semi-final, and a final round. (Photo submitted by Dianne Deinek, Huron Valley Council for the Arts)
ners will also be given opportunities to gain exposure during performance opportunities throughout the year. There will be three panels of judges who use a point system for technical aspects of individual performances. The judges are local indi-
viduals from the artistic community. One panel will judge vocal; one, theater and dance; and a third will judge music and band acts. Various partnerships between local music businesses, dance stu-
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dios, and other performing arts-related groups are supporting and promoting the program. Huron Valley Schools TV and Kickdrum photography have offered their services to help capture photos and video of the event. Registration information, including printable applications and a full list of rules and qualifications can be found at huronvalleyarts.org and huronvalleyrec.com. Completed forms can be brought into Milford Music, the Duck Lake Center, Huron Valley Council for the Arts, or the Milford and Lakeland pools and fitness centers. Limited registrations will be taken on the day of the event. Participants must be in line by 1 p.m. to be eligible to participate. For questions, contact Greg Morris at 248-6768389. ❏
tiative, but scrapped the idea. “We were considering hiring a fulltime employee, but due to the costs associated with salary and benefits, this would be more efficient,” said Huron Valley Director of Communications Kim Root. Costs for the grant writing services include a fee for each grant submission pegged at roughly $3,300. “We only pay for grants we’re interested in, so it’s very specific to goals and strategic planning,” Coratti said. Once a grant is awarded there would be compounded costs. The firm would receive 10 percent of what’s collected. “That would only be on the large grants like federal PEP (Physical Education Program) grants because they require an outside evaluator,” Coratti said. Discussions on whether to hire a firm for grant writing services are expected to be held Monday, Jan. 23 during a Board of Education dialogue meeting. ❏
Grant writer
Roosevelt PTO holding Jan. 21 fund-raising event
❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 17
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proven track record of securing federal, state and private funding throughout the country, according to the district. According to Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Nancy Coratti, survey results from Oakland County indicate that employing grant writing services is an innovative approach during these financially challenging times and most districts are not employing grant writing services. “We believe we can increase the amount of grants and help the students by having a larger cadre of experts who can concentrate on grants (involving things) such as nutrition, high school students, or energy efficiencies, in a more timely manner,” Coratti said. The district was mulling whether to hire a district employee for the ini-
The Roosevelt Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will be holding a 12-hour scrapbook fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The fundraiser will take place at Santia Hall, located at 1985 Cass Lake Road in Keego Harbor, with all proceeds benefiting Roosevelt Elementary School. The entry fee for the event is $45 per person, and space is limited. There will lunch, dinner and beverages included at the event, as well as raffle prizes and games. For more information or to reserve a spot at the fund-raiser, call 248-7606782 or send an e-mail to carriemacgillis1@comcast.net. ❏
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COMMUNITY LIFE engagements
❐ Gary and Denise Servinsky of Farmington Hills, together with Bob Ketelhut of West Bloomfield Township and Dan and Barbara Griffin of Union Lake, have announced the engagement of their children, Marissa Lyn Servinsky of Farmington Hills and Bryan James Ketelhut of Royal Oak. Marissa is a graduate of North Farmington High School and Western Michigan University, while Bryian is a graduate of West Bloomfield High School and Pennsylvania State University. The couple met by chance two years ago in Dallas, Texas. An autumn wedding is planned for this year.
academic honors ❐ Clarion University in Pennsylvania has annouced that the following students have been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2011 semester: Laura Subject of Novi, Madison Sewell of Walled Lake, and Kelsey Slayton and Jenna Thomas of White Lake. ❐ Davenport University in Grand Rapids has annouced that the following students have been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2011 semester: • Commerce: Michael Blackwell; • Highland: Vicki Kowalczyk; • Keego Harbor: Debra Erb; • Walled Lake: Michelle Gowans and Michelle Lencioco; and • Waterford: Nichole Busch and Scott Richter. ❐ Hope College in Holland, Mich., has announced that the following students have been named to the dean’s list for the first semester of the 2011-
2012 school year: • Commerce: Emily M. Kirschbaum and Elizabeth VarnHagen; • Milford: Chistina C. Bello, Mae C. Bello, Richele M. Ehardt, Dana K. Lindhout, and Heather M. McKeachie; • Novi: Anthony C. Gasparotto, Kelsey J. Masserant, Courtney E. Laux, Kelsey A. Laux, Kirsten M. Schipper, Megan C. Sutika, Amanda L. Sutton, and Jenna R. Sutton; • White Lake: Matthew P. Johnson, Jamie A. Kreindler, and Taylor A. Whitefield; and • Wixom: Sarah A. Krueger. ❐ Andrew Ameen, a seventh-grade student at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic school in Orchard Lake, took first-place in the school’s spelling bee on Thursday, Jan. 12. Andrew, who is also a straightA student, will also participate in the next step of the process to go on to the National Spelling Bee by participating in the regional competition being held on March 11. Andrew also took first runner-up in the event two years ago, his first time participating in the spelling bee, according to his father, Dr. Amir Ameen.
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50 YEARS AGO Jan. 18, 1962 Union Lake now has its own shoe repair service. The new Union Lake Shore Repair is located at 1287 Union Lake Road, next to Traverse Furniture. The owner is 32-year-old George Barton, who has been in the shoe repair business since he started at the age of 17 as an apprentice. Mr. Barton picked Union Lake to open his shop because he recognized the need for a shore repair service in the community. Previously, villagers had to travel to Walled Lake, Milford, or Keego Harbor with their shoe repairs. Mr. Barton does orthopedic work for those who require it. 40 YEARS Jan. 19, 1972 Five numerals — 48034 — will hopefully lead to improved mail service for residents of West Bloomfield Township. The 48034 number is the zip code that will probably be used when West Bloomfield postal boundaries are realigned. Edward A. Kenwood, assistant manager of the Detroit Metro Center of the U.S. Postal Service, said the new zip code should be implemented “very shortly,” a matter of weeks. The township presently has no post office. It is served by seven separate offices — Birmingham, Farmington, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, Pontiac, Walled Lake, and Union Lake. Residents and businessmen have complained of delays of up to five days within township’s area. Because the township has no zip code, mail addressed to West Bloomfield and lacking the proper zip code is often returned to the sender or deposited in the dead letter box. 30 YEARS AGO Jan. 20, 1982 A study on the need to regulate video games and pinball machines located in businesses other than arcades in Waterford was requested last week by township board members. Community Development and Planning Director Robert Dieball explained in a memo to board members that the township’s present ordinance is contradictory. Stringent regulations and procedures must be followed by the owner of an arcade before he is granted permission to operate the machines.
But the ordinance does not regulate a shop owner or another business where the machines operate. Dieball said that if the township is concerned that the games be regulated, it should be consistent and regulate every business with the machines. 20 YEARS AGO Jan. 15, 1992 Children in Milford, Highland, Commerce, White Lake and West Bloomfield townships will have a place to swim and become physically fit if the efforts of some lakes area residents are successful. Members of the Huron Valley YMCA organizing committee began meeting in mid-1991 to develop plans for a YMCA, possibly near the Huron Valley Hospital, according to committee member Jay Eldridge. To get a jump start on the children’s needs, the committee is considering startup programs in Milford, White Lake, Commerce and Highland townships as a base for activities. The committee members have been meeting with township officials to determine if any facilities would be available for startup program centers. 10 YEARS AGO Jan. 16, 2002 The Wolverine Lake Village Council voted last week to postpone introduction of an open burning ordinance that includes a ban on leaf burning within village limits, and to create a committee of community and Village Council members to discuss possible communitywide alternatives to leaf burning. Wolverine Lake Village currently maintains an ordinance created in 1998 allowing residents to apply for permits sanctioning the open burning of leaves through the Commerce Township Fire Department.
Headlines of the Past
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LOCAL MATTERS business notes movers/shakers honors/awards ❐ Certified Hypnotherapist of Associates in Hypnosis, LLC., Walter Rosenblum of West Bloomfield, has the honor to be a featured speaker at the World Hypnosis Day event on Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Authentic Living Center, 1640 Axtell Road in Troy. His topic will be sleep behavior. To mark World Hypnosis Day 2012, the non-profit Michigan Association of Counselors and Hypnotherapists and the National Hypnotist Guild are hosting this day-long event featuring 13 speakers, exhibitors, hourly raffles, free gift bags and refreshments. There is no charge to attend the event and the public is invited. For over 11 years, Rosenblum has been a medical hypnotherapist and works with children, as well as adults. Utilizing hypnotherapy, he is able to bring about positive change and improvement in behavior and physical conditions. For more information, call 248-224-3573 or 248-822-9253.
WEST OAKLAND COUNTY
The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce held its 13th annual awards ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 12 and presented six awards to a variety of recipients. Pictured in the bottom row, from left to right, are Kelley LaFontaine, Maureen LaFontaine, and Dr. Adam Apfelblat. In the top row, from left to right, are Ernie Dell, Wendell Hutchinson, Mike LaFontaine, Ryan LaFontaine, Tom Newcombe of the Waterford Township Parks and Recreation Department, and Bill Burr. (Photo submitted by Marie Hauswirth)
SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL
WACC doles out honors
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
LaFontaine, Hutchinson among those recognized Jan. 12
Invest in our future – buy local, live local, and volunteer local too.
You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here.
changes ❐ The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission announces the re-election of Gerald A. Fisher of Clarkston as its chairman; Oakland PAGE 21 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce held its 13th annual awards ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 12 and rolled out the red carpet to its member businesses and award recipients. The Grammy’s were selected as the gala’s theme. The chamber employed the services of Zodiac Entertainment to provide a crop of entertainers dressed in costume to mimic the celebrities at the Grammy Awards. “Every year we get compliments on the event, but this year was exceptionally great,” said Executive Director Marie Hauswirth, who dressed up as Lady Gaga during the evening.
“There are three major things along with entertainment that we focus on: Thanking the outgoing board members, welcoming the incoming board members, and giving out six awards,” Hauswirth said. The first honor was presented to Wendell Hutchinson of Hutchinson Electric, who received the Above and Beyond Award. “Their customer service is upstanding professionally and for many of us, personally,” Hauswirth said. Hutchinson Electric has been in business over 20 years. Hutchinson orchestrated the electrical work for the vendors at the chamber’s Business & Home Expo, and volunteered his time and resources to the lighting of new gateway signage in
Waterford Township. Dr. Adam Apfelblat was selected as the recipient of the Chamber Support Award. “Adam has been there from day No. 1 supporting and serving as an integral part of chamber operations and its success,” Hauswirth said. Apfelblat was the chamber’s initial newsletter editor, served as executive board secretary, and then served as president for two terms. The Community Partner Award was bestowed on Waterford Parks and Recreation. “Over the past couple years, Waterford Parks and Recreation have partnered to increase participation and heighten the awareness of our signaPAGE 21 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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changes County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch of Royal Oak as vice chairman; and Oakland County Director of Central Services J. David VanderVeen of Clarkston as secretary. They will serve in their roles until Dec. 31, 2012. Fisher has been a commission member since 2009, McCulloch since 2000, and VanderVeen since 1998. Additional members of the parks commission are: A. David Baumhart III of Bloomfield Hills; Robert Kostin of Clarkston; Oakland County Commissioner Christine Long of Commerce; Oakland County Commissioner Gary R. McGillivray of Madison Heights; Oakland County Commissioner John Scott of Waterford Township; and Road Commission for Oakland County Chairman Eric S. Wilson of Orion Township. Pecky D. Lewis, Jr., of Royal Oak, chairman for 18 years and a commission member for 31 years, remains on the commission as chairperson emeritus. Established in 1966, the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission is the policy-making board that oversees the system’s 6,700 acres. Commissioners are tasked with allocating and maintaining resources for 13 parks while making decisions about acquisition of park land, preserving green spaces, constructing and maintaining facilities, and implementing innovative programs and services.
benefits ❐ The Highland-White Lake Business Association (HWLBA) and the American Legion Hall want to lift your spirits and put a smile on your face with “Laughs at the Legion”. These two organizations are partnering together to bring you the 1st Annual “Laughs at the Legion” Comedy Night on Saturday, Feb. 4 beginning at 7 p.m. This public event is will be fun, while benefiting the HWLBA Scholarship Fund. The HWLBA provides two local students with college scholarships based on academics, community involvement and essay entry. Don’t miss out on this first-time experience with headliner Sal Demilio. Sal is a national headliner and performs regularly at such top clubs as Zanies, The Funny Bone, Hilarities, Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, and The Laugh Factory. Sal has complimented such acts as Dave Coulier, Dave Attel, Kathleen Madigan, Nick Dipaolo, Lewis
WACC awards ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 20
ture events,” Hauswirth said. “Through the use of social media, our publications and our websites, on behalf of both organizations, we have been able to resurrect the Concerts in the Park and bring additional attention to other special events.” The LaFontaine Automotive Group was recognized for its communitywide service via the Humanitarian Award. The LaFontaine Automotive Group has been owned and operated by Michael and Maureen LaFontaine for over 30 years. The group is renowned for going the extra mile in the community. “That extra mile means spending Black, and Bobby Collins. Tickets for this public event are $15 per person and a whole table can be reserved. Parties of eight or more can reserve premier seating by pre-purchasing tickets. Tickets and table reservations are available at the HWLBA office, or may be purchased by credit card on our website at www.HWLBA.com. Food and drinks are available for purchase during the event. The American Legion Hall is located at 510 W. Commerce in Milford. ❐ The employees, residents (and their families) of Westlake Health Campus at 10735 Bogie Lake Road in Commerce Township have donated $2,700 to the Open Door Outreach Center through their annual Hope for the Holidays fundraiser. Westlake Health Campus was able to raise these funds by hosting events such as raffles, bake and craft sales, and theme shirt and hat days during the month of December. Westlake Health Campus is committed to strengthening the community. Supporting organizations like Open Door helps to make a difference by improving the quality of life in our community. The Westlake Health Campus is constantly striving to make a positive difference in Commerce, according to Executive Director Colleen Higgins. The “Hope for the Holidays” fundraiser is a company-wide initiative in which each of the 67 Trilogy Health Services communities participated; each designating their own local charity as the recipient. The company as a whole was able to donate over $290,000 to local charities. In last year’s holiday fundraiser, the company raised nearly $240,000 companywide. For more information contact
countless hours and energy raising funds and awareness for organizations whose mission can impact or touch a life in many different ways,” Hauswirth said. This year’s Entrepreneur Award was doled out to Ernie Dell of Cycletherapy. Lastly, the President’s Award was bestowed on Bill Burr of All Saints Cemetery. “Along with the consistent face representing All Saints Cemetery, Bill has been a consistent face of the Waterford Area Chamber, Clarkston Area Chamber and the Waterford Optimist Club. Basically, Bill Burr is Waterford’s Waldo. Wherever you go, Bill has been there supporting the efforts of just about every organization in Waterford,” Hauswirth said. ❏ Community Services Representative Lisa Rauch at 248-363-9400 or email lisa.rauch@westlakehealthcampus.com.
weekly agenda ❐ Oakland County’s OakGreen Program, in partnership with theWARM Training Center will offer a free workshop for residents from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24 and for businesses from 9-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Wixom Community Center, located at 49015 Pontiac Trail in Wixom. Preregister by calling 248624-2850, faxing at 248-624-3090, or visit wixomparksandrec.com. Residents will learn what works for saving energy, inexpensive materials that lower bills, how to shop for energy efficient appliances, and more. Businesses will learn the essentials of making their business more energyefficient including best practices, financing options and how to prioritize the best steps to take. A future workshop is planned for Oak Park. “Oakland County is leading by example. We have been working to reduce our energy consumption in county buildings. Our efforts have translated to a savings or cost avoidance of $4 million in our utility bills since since 205,” said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. OakGreen is an initiative to share information, encourage collaboration and connect Oakland County residents, businesses and communities to resources that can advance environmental stewardship, economic growth and strong communities. The mission of OakGreen is to provide businesses, communities and residents the knowledge and tools to be more sustainable, reduce expenses,
and reduce energy consumption. ❐ DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital will host Women-It’s About Your Health, a free People’s Medical College event, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Crowne Plaza Detroit-Novi, 27000 Sheraton Drive, Novi. This event promises to be a night of fun and pampering, all while educating yourself on women’s health issues. A panel of women’s medical specialists will be on hand to discuss menopause, peri-menopause, robotic GYN surgery, plastic surgery and heart health. There will also be free pamper stations and refreshments designed to indulge you. Preregistration is required as spots are limited. Call 1-888-DMC-2500 or visit dmc.org/peoplesmedicalcollege.
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: • Hosted by The Plum Door Teas, The Coffee Club will be held from 8 to 9 a.m., Friday, Jan. 20, at 210 S. Main, Milford. Join us for this free morning mixer where you’ll enjoy coffee, tea and some of the best scones in town. •January Jump Start Membership Mixer, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, Red Dog Saloon, 250 W. Summit, Milford. Join them for this free mixer exclusively for their members. This is a great way to get your business engines fired up for the new year! Appetizers provided and cash bar. R.S.V.P. the chamber office at 248-685-7129. • The Coffee Club, 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, Huron Valley State Bank, 2920 E. Highland Road, Highland. • Ambassadors Meeting, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, conference room of the Milford Police Department, 1100 Atlantic Street, Milford. • Off the Clock Connect, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, Main Street Grill & Tavern, 327 N. Main Street, Milford. • The Coffee Club, 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, Cryderman ConnectionRE/MAX Classic, 1042 N. Milford Road Suite 201, Milford. • Trade Show Workshop, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, Highland Station, 205 S. Livingston Road, Highland. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced that the following businesses have joined its membership ranks: • Cold Diffusion Fatigue Fighter, LLC, Doug Ballnik, 2434 Bridle Trail, PAGE 22 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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LOCAL MATTERS WEST OAKLAND’S
N E W S W E E K LY
Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 21
Milford, fatiguefighter@netzero.com, www.colddiffusionfatiguefighter.com, Phone: 248-895-3391 Fax: 248-6858218. Inventors/Retail. • Wipp Law Firm PLLC, Nicole Wipp, 1100 Holden Road, Milford, MI 48381, N i c o l e @ w i p p l a w. c o m , www.wipplaw.com, Phone: 248-7870947, Fax: 866-460-1010. Attorney.
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❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) 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: • Each One - Reach One Reception, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, Comfort Suites, Wixom. Invite nonmembers to “come check us out.” Compelmentary appetizers and refreshments. Enter a drawing for a free oneyear chamber membership. Sposored by Comfort Suites, Wixom. Call for reservations, 248-624-2826. ❐ The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC) is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-666-8600 or visit www.water-
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fordchamber.org: •14th Annual Taste of Waterford, 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Hooray For Hollywood! The Waterford Coalition for Youth invites you to walk the red carpet! Fun for all ages! Over 35 culinary establishments — sample all! Adults: $25, students K-12 are $15, children 4-years-old and younger are $5. For more information and for tickets contact the Waterford Coalition for Youth at 248-618-7424 or visit www.wcfytow.eventbright.com • WBAG, 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, Clarkston State Bank, 6600 Highland Road, Waterford. ❐ 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 westbloomfieldchamber.com. • Join us for Mingle, Mix & Meet networking and coffee at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25. This month’s Mingle, Mix & Meet is being hosted by Touch of Europe Spa located at 4301 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards to hand out to attendees. Free to chamber members, $5 for non-members. Register at westbloomfieldchamber.com or call 248-626-3636.
JANUARY 18-24, 2012
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PUBLIC SAFETY Prison for teen who fatally stabbed another A 16-year-old Walled Lake resident was sentenced as an adult to at least four years in prison by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Wendy Potts on Wednesday, Jan. 11, for the stabbing death of another teenager. A jury found Leonard White guilty of involuntary manslaughter on Dec. 12 in the June 4 death of 17-year-old Walled Lake resident Johnathan Rickman. However, White was found not guilty of assault with a deadly weapon. White was originally charged with open murder and assault with a dangerous weapon on June 6. He will now be incarcerated for up to 15 years for his actions. Rickman, a junior at Walled Lake Western High School, died as a result of one stab wound to the torso after police officers responded to a call from Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield about a stabbing victim. Officers then went to a residence on Rafford Lane in West Bloomfield, where four young men were found inside a house. One of them was White, who was then taken into custody. According to a West Bloomfield Township Police Department report, there was a gathering at the Rafford Lane house where people were playing cards and a disagreement broke out between White and Rickman — a dispute which escalated into a fight. White allegedly marched into the kitchen and pulled out a knife and threatened Rickman. According to police, after Rickman left the house, White followed him out to his car and more words were exchanged before White stabbed Rickman in the street. White claimed in court that Rickman was a bully, that Rickman boasted of having a gun, and that he was defending himself with no intention of stabbing Rickman. ❏
Fight between women yields assault citation Walled Lake police arrested a woman for allegedly assaulting another female during a confrontation in the 42880 block of W. 14 Mile on Saturday, Jan. 7. Police were dispatched to the scene and found the victim lying in the apartment complex parking lot covered in mud and breathing heavily. She stated she had been involved in a physical altercation with a woman in a nearby apartment.
Shooting suspect arrested Waterford police continue to search for pair still at large By Leslie Shepard staff writer
T
hanks to a tip from the public, in the early morning hours yesterday, Tuesday, Jan. 17, Waterford Township police arrested one of three suspects in connection to the shooting of five people at the Rolladium skating rink that occurred Dec. 23, and the third previously unidentified suspect has been named. The incident is believed to be gang related. Investigators from the Waterford Township Police Department received information that one Ingram of the suspects, 17-year-old Pontiac resident Cheyenne Benjamin Ingram, could have been in the Madison Heights area. Police, working with the Oakland County Violent Gang Task Force and the Madison Heights Police Department, located Ingram in the area of 14 Mile Road and I-75 and took him into custody without incident. He was the passenger in a vehicle driven by his mother. Ingram was scheduled to be arraigned on a 14count warrant yesterday at 2 p.m. in the 51st District Court in Waterford. According to police, Ingram was arrested and charged in Waterford in
According to police reports, the victim heard the subject arguing outside her domicile with some men and told them to quiet down. An argument between the two women ensued and escalated, resulting in the subject punching the victim in the face. The two proceeded to physically fight until it was broken up by neighbors. Wolverine Lake police also arrived on the scene. Together, officers approached the subject’s apartment. A male, who police recognized, answered the door and said that his girlfriend had got into an altercation with the victim, but shut the door and would not allow police entry.
October 2011 on gun and drug charges after fleeing on foot from a police officer following a traffic stop. At the time of the Rolladium shooting, he was on probation under the parameters of the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, which allows a judge to place a person between 17- and 20Jamison years-old on probation without a conviction in order to avoid a criminal record. Investigators had identified two other shooting suspects including Tre-Andis Marquan-Jose Jamison, a 21-year-old Pontiac resident, and Robert Lee German, an 18-year-old Pontiac resident, who are both still at large. Police had secured a 14-count arrest warrants on German, as well. A similar 14-count arrest warrant is currently being sought on Jamison. Each suspect is wanted for assault with intent to murder; possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony; carrying concealed weapons; and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Township law enforcement officials announced previously that they believe that one of the shooting victims, a rival to the three alleged shooters, was an intended target. The victim was also shot during a
Police informed them that the victim was pursuing charges and they wanted to hear the subject’s side or else they would need to arrest her. The subject refused to comply. Police attempted to gain entry by kicking the door, but then they reached through a window and opened the door. The subject was placed under arrest and cited for assault. ❏
Craigslist ad helps cops recover stolen vehicle A Wixom resident’s detective work led to the arrest of three Detroit residents allegedly involved a string of
similar incident at a Pontiac nightclub in December 2010. Police believe two rival gangs — the Goon Squad and 1st Enfantry [sic] — are involved in the shooting that took place during a preChristmas skating party and wounded a 20-year-old White Lake Township female, as well as a 20-year-old man, another 20-yearold woman, a 21-year-old man, and a 23-year-old man, all from Pontiac. They all sustained non-life threatening gunshot wounds and were taken to area hospitals. Because of the gang affiliations and history of violence, police had found people reluctant to cooperate with the investigation into the German Rolladium shooting. Police also believe friends or family may be harboring the individuals allegedly responsible. Chief Daniel T. McCaw is thanking the public for their help in locating Ingram, and is asking for their continued help in locating the other German and Jamison. Both are considered armed and dangerous. Police are advising the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend them. If you have any information on their whereabouts, please immediately contact the Waterford Police Department at 248-618-7550. ❏
vehicle thefts. In March, the man’s vehicle went missing from an apartment complex parking lot. Shortly after, the man placed an ad on Craigslist saying he was looking for the same type of vehicle that was stolen. One respondent gave an exact description of his missing vehicle. He contacted police and a plan was devised for Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Auto Theft Unit officers to intervene and meet with the seller in Detroit. Deputies met the suspect and identified the car as the stolen vehicle. Three suspects were arrested and four more stolen vehicles were recovered, along with stolen car parts. ❏
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
UPDATE
Under bill, voters could only face tax hikes in Nov. By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
A pair of lawmakers representing a portion of Oakland County are looking to mandate that any tax proposal that would increase revenues to the unit putting the measure on the ballot would have to appear on a November of even-numbered years. The measure put forth by state Reps. Marty Knollenberg (RTroy), who is running for Oakland County Treasurer, and Bill Rogers (RMilford) has been referred to the state House Redistricting and Knollenberg Elections Committee, which is chaired by state Rep. Peter Lund (R-Shelby Township).
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Knollenberg said the legislation, House Bill (HB) 5219, would accomplish three things — maximize voter turnout for tax proposals, make the election timing “more logical” for voters, and “minimize stealth elections.” “If they want to have tax votes, have tax votes when the most people are going to vote (on) them,” said state Rep. Chuck Moss Shaughnessy (R-Orchard Lake). “This is a good thing.” And at least some local clerks agree. “We’ve been working towards that for many years now,” said West Bloomfield Township Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy. “We’ve kind of been consolidating for some time now, and I fully support that. It’s a huge money-saver.” She admitted, however, that the proposal may make it “more difficult” to educate voters on tax proposals since those initiatives would be competing for the public’s attention, along with candidates for a variety of offices — ranging from county commissioner to state representaMoss tive, from governor to President of the United States. “I think trying to put tax increases, whether they are through a special assessment district or a millage, on an off-cycle election really makes it unfair for the residents” to truly express their will, said Commerce Township Clerk Dan Munro. “(The bill) is something that I personally would be strongly in favor of.” In addition, Knollenberg said he is crafting legislation as part of a larger package that would, among other things, require that renewals — not just increases — of existing levies be held on November dates. That legislation, as well as HB 5219, would apply not only to cities, villages and townships, but also school districts, public safety departments, and other taxing authorities. State Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake) could not be reached for comment prior to press time. ❏
Ex-Dem operative gets probation in Tea Party scandal By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
A former Oakland County Democratic Party political operative was sentenced to one year of probation today for his role in the socalled Tea Party scandal that also prompted charges against former party chairman Michael McGuinness. Jason Bauer was sentenced Wednesday, Jan. 11 on six felonies and three misdemeanors, including uttering and publishing, falsely swearing on a legal document to register people to vote, and general violations of the Michigan Notary Public Act, according to staff in Oakland County Circuit Court Judge James Alexander’s Bauer chambers. Bauer is also expected to pay back court costs. Both men, who stepped down from their positions with the county Democratic Party in 2010, pleaded “no contest” to the charges last year. McGuinness was sentenced — also to one year of probation — on Dec. 7, 2011. The two former party officials were at the center of the scandal that eventually caused former Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Ruth Johnson, now Michigan Secretary of State, and County Executive L. Brooks Patterson to request a one-man grand jury of Circuit Court Judge Edward Sosnick, which was convened in September 2010. McGuinness and Bauer were arraigned in March 2011. Bauer was accused of notarizing what were allegedly fraudulent 2010 candidate affidavits — apparently in an attempt to divide the Republican vote in closely contested races to give Democrats the upper-hand in those contests — for Aaron W. Tyler, who was running for the county Board of Commissioners 2nd District seat; Ruth A. Spearman, who was running for the Board of Commissioners 4th District seat; and Johnathon Michael Young, who was running for the state Senate’s 12th District seat that represents communities outside the lakes area.
Uttering and publishing is a 14year felony; perjury is a 5-year felony; and violations of the Notary Public Act are 1-year misdemeanor offenses. The county board’s District 2 represents Highland Township, the village of Holly, and Holly, Springfield and Rose townships. District 4 represents portions of Waterford and Independence townships, and Clarkston. Michael Deszi, the attorney representing Bauer in the case, couldn’t immediately be reached for comment prior to press time, but officials from around the county and state weighed in. Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner, a Democrat who employed McGuinness as his campaign manager during the 2008 election, condemned the actions, saying that it’s “patently wrong for anyone to try to exploit and manipulate our electoral process to gain unfair partisan advantage” in a statement to media. “The actions by these Democrat Party officials is disappointing and was a serious attempt to undermine our system of government,” said Bobby Schostak, chairman of the Michigan Republican Party in a press release. “Voters expect political parties to disagree not lie, cheat or steal. These individuals attempted to confuse voters and manipulate the election by fraudulently creating a political party.” ❏
CLOSED DOORS The Commerce Township Board of Trustees met in a closed executive session on Tuesday, Jan. 10. After the board returned to open, public session, members voted to direct the township’s attorney to enter into negotiations with Walled Lake regarding a sewer contract. The township engineer was also directed to proceed with due diligence for the construction of a water tower. ❏ • The White Lake Township Board of Trustees met in a closed executive session on Dec. 20 to discuss pending litigation involving Ordinance No. 57. After the closed session, the board approved a 180-day moratorium of the ordinance. ❏
JANUARY 18-24, 2012
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ENVIRONMENT
Sludge dumped on former state rec. area land By Angela Niemi staff writer
Kerri Reid, a White Lake Township resident, was running his dog on the open land south of Wise Road and west of Union Lake Road — formerly part of the state-owned Proud Lake Recreation Area — in Commerce Township last week when his dog began to pull him in a different direction. “You know how dogs are when they find something smelly,” said Reid, who knew right away that what his dog was smelling was sludge, semi-solid material that is precipitated by sewage treatment. “They want to go run in it.” A retiree of the Pontiac Wastewater Treatment Plant, Reid said he knew exactly what he was looking at. “I know what sludge is,” he said. “I’ve processed tons of it.” According to Reid, about four pick-up loads of sludge were dumped on the 201-acre parcel, which was acquired by Commerce Township from the state last year. The purchase was the first of two the township will make of Proud Lake Recreation Area land, located along either side of Wise Road west of Union Lake Road and non-contiguous to the main portion of the recreation area. The undeveloped, northern parcel to be purchased in the spring is larger at 301 acres and must be closed on no later than April 15. Reid said he doubts a licensed sludge hauler dumped the sludge in
Oakland County attorney named to Michigan NRC By Angela Niemi staff writer
Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed two new members to the state’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) on Tuesday, Jan. 10. The NRC is a seven-member public body whose members are appointed by the governor. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate. The NRC works with the Michigan
Kerri Reid last week discovered what he believes is sewage sludge, probably from a septic tank, on undeveloped land Commerce Township recently acquired from the state. The land, located south of Wise Road and west of Union Lake Road, used to be part of the Proud Lake Recreation area. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
the area since they would lose their license for hauling. “My guess is that it’s from a septic tank in this area,” Reid said. “An unscrupulous contractor may have been repairing the tank or maybe a do-it-your-self guy pumped his own septic tank out into a tilt trailer. A regular sewage treatment facility wouldn’t do this.” The unauthorized dumping of sludge can pose several public health and environmental issues, such as the spread of E. coli, as well as metal pollutants.
Since it’s most likely that the sludge is from a local residence, Reid said he doesn’t believe metals will be a major concern because they tend to be present mainly in industrial-based wastewater. Yet, he said he believes samples should be tested anyway to make sure. While biosolids can sometimes be used as land fertilizers, they first have to be treated and processed in a treatment facility and must meet the strict regulations and quality standards that are outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before they
can be applied on land. “With 36 years working with wastewater treatment, I consider myself somewhat an environmentalist,” Reid said. “And this is an environmental concern. The area is open to the public, and the public should be aware that this sludge is there.” Commerce Township Supervisor Tom Zoner said the township was just made aware of the issue. “We’re going to send people out there to check it out,” he said. “We won’t know anything until we send someone out.” ❏
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in ways to conserve, protect, manage, use, and enjoy the state’s natural resources for current and future generations. Birmingham resident Rex Schlaybaugh, Jr. and Muskegon resident Annoesjka Steinman will replace Hurley Coleman and Mary Brown, respectively, on the NRC. “I look forward to Rex and Annoesjka’s contributions as we continue efforts to enhance, promote and protect our state’s natural resources,” Snyder stated in a press release announcing the appointments. Schlaybaugh earned a bachelor’s degree from Albion College and a law
degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. He has been a member of the Dykema law firm for 38 years and has served as chairman and CEO of the firm for a three-year term that expired on Dec. 31. He also serves on the boards of the Detroit Economic Club, the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. Schlaybaugh has previously served as a member and chairman of the Oakland University Board of Trustees. He is also an avid fly fisherman. Steinman earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of South Florida and a master’s degree in natural
resources management from Grand Valley State University. Steinman is the executive director and CEO of the Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids and has previously worked for the Ottawa/Muskegon Conservation Districts, managed the Mona Lake Watershed Council, and served as a member of the Muskegon Community Foundation Board and Norton Shores City Council. Schlaybaugh and Steinman will join John Madigan, John Matonich, J.R. Richardson, Frank Wheatlake, and Chairman Tim Nichols on the commission. Both appointees will serve fouryear terms set to expire on Dec. 31, 2015. ❏
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
TRANSPORTATION
New deputy with RCOC a national expert on safety By Leslie Shepard staff writer
Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) Managing Director Dennis Kolar has named Gary Piotrowicz as the agency’s new deputy managing director/county highway engineer. “I am very pleased to announce Gary’s promotion to the deputy managing director/county highway engineer position,” Kolar said. “Gary is well known and highly respected in Oakland County and brings an ideal tool set to the position.” Piotrowicz said he is excited to begin his new role. “I’m looking forward to being involved in a wider range of road commission activities, and helping to ensure that the RCOC continues to be a national leader in all aspects of the road industry, especially as it relates to safety, so that we can
provide the highest level of service possible for our customers, the residents, businesses and motorists of Oakland County,” Piotrowicz said. Kolar, who took over as managing director on Jan. 1, previously held the deputy managing director/county highway engineer position. Piotrowicz, who is a registered professional engineer and registered professional traffic operations engineer, has been employed by the RCOC for nearly 15 years. Most recently, he served as the director of the RCOC’s Traffic Safety Department, which oversees the agency’s traffic engineering, traffic signals, signs, guardrails, and other safety-related issues. Prior to that position, Piotrowicz served as the traffic signal engineer (head of the Traffic Signal Division of the Traffic Safety Department) and was the project manager for the RCOC’s Faster And Safer Travel Through Routing & Advanced Controls (FAST-TRAC) high-tech “adaptive” traffic signal system. Prior to joining the RCOC, he
spent three years with the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) and also worked for a civil engineering firm. “As we continue to struggle with insufficient funding, and as our employee count continues to drop, we need to find ways to provide the same high-level of service we have in the past,” Piotrowicz said. “We need to continue to evolve in the way we do things, continually finding new efficiencies. That is one of my key areas of focus.” Piotrowicz is recognized as a national expert in the field of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and is renowned for his expertise in traffic signal systems and transportation safety issues. “I will also strive to see that we continue to be a leader in the field of ITS, especially as it relates to the safety of our customers who use the roads,” Piotrowicz said. “I will also work to ensure that we continue our involvement and partnership with the auto industry in this regard.” Piotrowicz holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University (MSU) and a master’s degree in transportation, also from MSU. He has participated in the FHA’s Peer-toPeer mentoring program, and has been a member of numerous Transportation Research Board National Cooperative Highway Research Program research panel teams. In addition, Piotrowicz previously served as a member of the TRB Signal Systems Subcommittee and is the co-chair of the Institute of Transportation Engineers Connected-Vehicle Task Force. ❏
WEST OAKLAND COUNTY
SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL
Support yourself and your community – shop locally! The choices that you make about where to shop are powerful statements to your community. By choosing locally owned & operated businesses, you support: Schools • Police and Fire • Libraries • Parks & Recreation • Roads 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.
You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here.
Wilson, Jamian to serve same roles on RCOC board By Leslie Shepard staff writer
Eric Wilson will serve another one-year term as Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) board chairman, and Greg Jamian will serve another term as vice-chairman after being reappointed to those positions during the Oakland County Board of Road
Commissioners meeting held on Thursday, Jan. 12. The third road board member is Ron Fowkes. Wilson has served on the RCOC board since 2007. A resident of Orion Township, he is an attorney in private practice. Prior to his appointment to the RCOC board, Wilson Wilson served for four years on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, as well as nine years on the Orion Township Board of Trustees and 10 years on the township’s Zoning Board of Appeals. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Wilson is a graduate of Western Michigan University and the Detroit College of Law. Wilson was also reappointed to represent the RCOC on the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Jamian Commission for 2012. Jamian, a resident of Bloomfield Township, was appointed to the board in 2009. The CEO of an integrated healthservices company in Troy, Jamian also served on the county Board of Commissioners for four years and was a member of the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees. He is a graduate of Oakland University. RCOC board Fowkes members are appointed by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and serve six-year terms. The RCOC board chairman earns $11,000 per year while the other members earn $10,000 annually. ❏
JANUARY 18-24, 2012
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IN OUR OPINION
Millage election reform bill State House proposals represent a step in the right direction W e know we’re not alone in lamenting the timing of some elections featuring millage or bonding ballot questions, as we often hear complaints about so-called “stealth elections” that include funding questions. We’re not really fans of that particular term, but we share the aversion to seeking an increased, new, or even renewed tax question on an odd-numbered year date or any date in an even-numbered year other than the traditional August primary or November general election date. So we were pleased to recently discover that the Michigan House of Representatives has been asked to consider a bill mandating that any property tax proposal that would increase revenues to the unit putting the measure on the ballot would have to appear on a November ballot of an even-numbered year. House Bill (HB) 5219, introduced by state Reps. Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) and Bill Rogers (RMilford), really amounts to a single sentence: “After Dec. 31, 2011, any question to the electors of a taxing unit that will result in an increase in revenue for that taxing unit shall be placed on the November ballot of an even-numbered year.” According to Knollenberg, the legislation would accomplish three things — maximize voter turnout for tax proposals, make the election timing “more logical” for voters, and “minimize stealth elections.” He’s right, although his second and third points are essentially the same. We do take issue with the “stealth election” label, as all elections are publicized by municipalities in a number of ways — sometimes per statute and other times voluntarily — and by numerous news media outlets. The “stealth election” moniker came into vogue as a result of the Oakland
Intermediate School District’s (OISD) Sept. 25, 2001 special election involving a 1.1704-mill increase for special education programs and a 0.2279-mill increase for vocational education. Both proposals were approved by county voters, leaving the soreheads who didn’t like that outcome to commonly use the “stealth election” handle. Yet, this newspaper wasn’t alone among media outlets that reported on the proposals several times over the months and weeks prior to that election: So, the stealth characterization is pure rubbish. Yet, we agree that the timing of that election wasn’t ideal. There’s no way the OISD could know terrorists were plotting to attack America just a couple of weeks before that election, leaving us all in a daze of shock, disbelief, sorrow and anger that made it tough to focus on anything but terrorists perpetrating their violence right here in America. But, the intermediate district surely could have waited a year for a regularly scheduled 2002 primary or general election — when voters expected to have to cast ballots on any number of political races and/or questions. Anger over the new OISD millages rekindled the socalled election consolidation movement in the state Legislature. Unfortunately, state lawmakers made a bad situation worse by shifting around various election date requirements so many times and in so many ways that no one had a clue when to expect to vote on anything — with the exception of the even-numbered year August primary and November general elections. It’s taken Lansing a decade to move things close to a logical, truly consolidated election cycle; but, there’s still work to do in that regard, and HB 5219 gets us closer to that end.
The bill would require funding ballot questions to appear on “more logical” dates. As such, voter participation in deciding funding questions would be greatly improved. That would make voting results more accurate reflections of the voters’ will. Just as important is the cost savings that would result from the new requirement. Municipal clerks have to hold elections on that date, when political races for everything from local positions to state representatives, congressional seats and more are decided. Holding a millage election in an odd-numbered year in a township, for example, can cost the municipality as much as $50,000 or more, depending on the number of precincts involved. That’s an unjustified and unacceptable waste of public money. Knollenberg says he’s also is working on a bill as part of a larger package that would, among other things, require that renewals — not just increases — of existing levies be held on November dates. That legislation, as well as HB 5219, would apply not only to cities, villages and townships, but also school districts, public safety departments, and other taxing authorities. If a compromise must be made, it should be to also allow millage questions to appear on August primary election ballots in even-numbered years. One remaining issue to address is how to handle millage renewal elections involving collections expiring in odd-numbered years. A reasonable solution would be to require a renewal election during the even-numbered November — or August — election date immediately preceding the millage’s odd-year expiration date. If making that happen requires lawmakers to enact additional reforms, then they should get to it as soon as HB 5219 and it’s companion bill are enacted. ❏
Reasonable RV rules needed T
he White Lake Township Board of Trustees has thankfully instituted a 180-day ban on the enforcement of an onerous ordinance that prohibits township residents from storing recreational vehicles on their property so officials can come up with regulations that allow for the storage of such vehicles on private property. While not an endorsement of any proposal the township may consider in the coming weeks and months, we are hopeful that community members soon be afforded the ability to keep recreational vehicles on their own property — within reason. The board enacted the moratorium on ordinance No. 57, White Lake’s recreational vehicle storage ordinance, at a meeting in December. According to township officials, the regulations were written five decades ago and have only undergone “a couple” of revisions since then. Currently, permanent storage of recreational vehi-
cles or trailers is not allowed on residential properties — a restriction that, given the community’s makeup and the number of people in White Lake who have such vehicles, proves to be far too restrictive. Additionally, the current rules don’t discriminate based on property size. Therefore, even township residents with large amounts of property — 10 acres, for example — aren’t allowed to even stow something as small as a snowmobile on that property, a prohibition that strikes us as being far too onerous. Recently, township residents have begun to raise concerns over the current regulations by complaining to township officials, a series of complaints that prompted the half-year moratorium on enforcement of the ordinance. Township officials said that an amendment will be offered up in the near future that is “acceptable and reasonable” for White Lake residents.
Township officials expect to take safety and welfare — not only of people, but also of property — into consideration when coming up with proposed changes. We’re pleased to see the township board rethinking the rules that are currently on the books. While we are not weighing in one way or the other on the changes that are expected to be forthcoming, we hope that a reasonable and rational solution to the existing problem — that White Lake residents can’t store recreational vehicles on their property whatsoever — will be put forward. Township residents, along with many others in west Oakland County, use recreational vehicles — whether they are travel trailers, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, boats or others — regularly for pleasure. Having an outright ban on storing them on private property is far too restrictive, and we urge the board to adopt a reasonable solution to the issue. ❏
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2012 FOR WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP To the qualified electors of the Charter Township of West Bloomfield, County of Oakland, State of Michigan: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE West Bloomfield Township Clerk’s Office, 4550 Walnut Lake Rd, WILL BE OPEN:
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2012 FROM 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING APPLICATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS IN SAID CITY/TOWNSHIP NOT ALREADY REGISTERED. THE FEBRUARY 28, 2012 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ALL VOTING PRECINCTS OF WEST BLOOMFIELD FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICE:
COMMUNITY LEGAL NOTICES
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES To vote at this election, all persons must be registered. Citizens of the United States, 18 years old, who have resided in the State of Michigan at least thirty (30) days and have established a residence in the Township of West Bloomfield on or before the 30th day prior to February 28, 2012 are eligible to register. Qualified electors may also register to vote or change their address in the following manners: IN PERSON: • At your Township Clerk’s office or at the office of any County Clerk during normal business hours. • At any of the Secretary of State Branch offices located throughout the state during normal business hours. • At the specified agency for clients receiving services through the Family Independence Agency, the Department of Community Health, Michigan Jobs Commission and some offices of the Commission for the Blind. • At the military recruitment offices for persons enlisting in the armed forces. BY MAIL: • By obtaining and completing a Mail Voter Registration Application and forwarding to the election official as directed on the application by the close of registration deadline. CATHERINE SHAUGHNESSY, WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP CLERK 4550 Walnut Lake Road West Bloomfield, MI 48323 248-451-4848
S.C. 1-18-12
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE COUNTY OF OAKLAND, STATE OF MICHIGAN
NOTICE OF LAST DAY OF REGISTRATION FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2012 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION ALL ELECTORS ARE HEREBY GIVEN NOTICE that an Election will be held in White Lake Township on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. This Presidential Primary Election is being held for the purpose of nominating candidates for the following office:
FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2012 FOR THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
To the qualified electors of the City of Orchard Lake Village, County of Oakland, State of Michigan. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE, 3955 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD, ORCHARD LAKE, MICHIGAN, WILL BE OPEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2012 FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING APPLICATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS IN SAID CITY NOT ALREADY REGISTERED. THE FEBRUARY 28, 2012 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PRECINCT 1 OF THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICE:
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES: Barack Obama REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES: Herman Cain Newt Gingrich Jon Huntsman Gary Johnson Fred Karger Ron Paul Rick Perry Buddy Roemer Mitt Romney Rich Santorum Michele Bachmann
SC: 1-18-12
NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Democratic Candidates: Republican Candidates: Michele Bachmann Barack Obama Herman Cain Uncommitted Newt Gingrich Jon Huntsman Gary Johnson Fred Karger Ron Paul Rick Perry Buddy Roemer Mitt Romney Rick Santorum Uncommitted
FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2012 FOR CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE
To the qualified electors of the Charter Township of Commerce, County of Oakland, State of Michigan: NOTICE IS HERE BY GIVEN THAT THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE, 2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE, COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI 48390 WILL BE OPEN:
MONDAY, January 30, 2012 FROM 7:15 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING APPLICATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS IN SAID TOWNSHIP NOT ALREADY REGISTERED.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in conformity with the Michigan Election Law (168.498), the final date for registration in order to vote in February 28, 2012 Presidential Election is Monday, January 30, 2012. White Lake Township Clerk’s Office will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving applications for the registration of the qualified electors in White Lake Township that are not already registered.
Terry Lilley, CMC Clerk Charter Township of White Lake 7525 Highland Road White Lake, MI 48383 (248) 698-3300 Ext. 7
NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION
THE FEBRUARY 28, 2012 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ALL VOTING PRECINCTS OF CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE, FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICE:
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Daniel P. Munro, Clerk Charter Township of Commerce 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Twp., MI 48390 (248) 960-7020
SC: 1-18-12
SC: 1-18-12
JANUARY 18-24, 2012
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
MAIL BAG
SCN ‘acquiesced’
An act of kindness
From Renee Miller, Walled Lake Northern High School Head Volleyball Coach: I am writing in response to the article in last week’s (Jan. 11, 2012) sports section adding a player to the All-Area Volleyball team (“Mutrynowski added to All-Area Volleyball team”). The article was brought to my attention by another coach who questioned me about how this occurred. The athlete added is a quality player and was an important part of our team’s success last season. There are other quality, talented volleyball athletes on teams in the area who also were not selected to the newspaper’s All-Area team. It is impossible to select such teams with unanimous agreement; players, coaches, parents will always be unhappy with the results. By acquiescing to an upset/angry parent, this paper has set a precedent in that every parent of a student-athlete should feel entitled to contact the paper when they feel their son or daughter did not receive the recognition the parent feels they should and have their son/daughter added to AllArea teams in the future. Coaching high school athletes is such a rewarding experience and yet many quality coaches are stepping away from the sports they love to teach due to overbearing parental interference. ❏
From Nick Tuza, Wolverine Lake: These days, most letters (to the editor) seem to be doom and gloom or complaints, but I wanted to write this letter to thank a mystery woman whose act of kindness and compassion really meant a lot to me and my wife at a very sad time. We arrived at the Wixom Veterinary Clinic at the crossroads of Pontiac Trail and Wixom Road with our dog who was fighting for life. They rushed him in for life-saving surgery. As we were outside trying to compose ourselves, this lady approached us and told us that her dog would like to give up one of his toys so when our dog is recovering he will have something to play with. Unfortunately, our dog did not survive the surgery, but this act of kindness and compassion showed us that there are still good people whose kind deeds often go unnoticed. I would also like to thank all the staff at the veterinary clinic for their excellent service and kindness. ❏
Supporting soldiers From Carol Starr-Nash and Mark Nash, Wixom: Our family would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Mark Grimm, owner of Mega Printing in Walled Lake, for making the wonderful “Welcome Home” law signs for our son, Austin, who recently returned from his yearlong deployment in Afghanistan. We so appreciated his very kind gesture and wish to acknowledge his generosity and caring. ❏
CORRECTION An article appearing in the Wednesday, Jan. 4 edition of the Spinal Column Newsweekly under the headline “WLCS musicians to shine as part of MSBOA ensembles” should have stated Brek Moorey from Sarah Banks Middle School was also selected to perform on his French horn. ❏
PAGE 29
Are You Looking For A Weight Loss Option That’s Right For You? Attend a free St. Joseph Mercy Oakland seminar. Learn more about non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical options for weight loss offered through the St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Comprehensive Weight Loss Program.
Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management Tom Rifai, MD, Medical Director of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland’s Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management program will address how a physician-led, lifestyle-based medical program can help restore a patient’s quality of life, help to manage common health conditions and aid in adopting proper nutrition habits. To register, call 248-858-2475. s January 24 s February 7 & 28 s March 20 s April 10 & 24
Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery Jacob Roberts, DO, a general and minimally invasive bariatric surgeon at the Michigan Bariatric Institute will speak about minimally invasive surgical options to treat obesity offered at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland. To register, call 1-800-WHY-WEIGHT. s January 25 s February 22* s April 4 *This seminar will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Auburn Hills at 6 p.m.
Combined - Weight Management and Bariatric Seminar The combined seminars feature both Drs. Rifai and Roberts and offers an opportunity to hear the full spectrum of medical and surgical interventions for weight management. To register, call 248-858-2475. s March 7 s May 5 s July 11
Seminars will be held at 6 p.m. at: St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Franco Communications Center 44405 Woodward Ave. Pontiac, MI 48341
More news about our lakes in our sister publication www.oaklandlakefront.com
AROUND THE LAKES AREA
A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly
WE’RE ASKING… What was your first car? "A 1934 grey Austin Hereford. I got it in 1960 in England."
— Jim Mitchell, Commerce
"A 1949 bronze Mercury Monarch. It's a classic now. I got it in Canada."
— Bert Jarbie, Commerce
"A black Oldsmobile '98. My dad wanted me to have it because it was a big tank and safe. I had a sticker on it that said, 'Twinkle, twinkle little star, what am I doing in this car?" — Rebecca Allor, White Lake
"A 1979 grey Mustang."
— Erica Payne, Waterford
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Huron Valley Recreation and Community Education and the Huron Valley Council for the Arts:4th annual “Got Talent?” competition, Saturday, Jan. 21, White Lake Middle School, 1450 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. Registration. www.huronvalleyarts.org and www.huronvalleyrec.com or 248-676-8389 ■ Church of the Holy Spirit: Free Parish Expo, 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, 3700 Harvey Lake Road, Highland. 248-872-8140 ■ Highland Bells: 18th annual Handbell Concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, Highland United Methodist Church, 680 W. Livingston Road just west of Milford Road, Highland. Afterglow and freewill benefit offering for new wells in Kenya. 248-887-2811. ■ Train Show: Trains and trades, model trains in all scales running on tracks, appraisal and repair on site, 8-foot dealer tables, food and refreshments available, dealer set-up at 8 a.m., show opens 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, Beacon Hill Golf Club, 6011 Majestic Oaks Drive, Commerce, 248-684-2200, ext. 1. Call Brian McKee for dealer reservations, 248-408-5262 or 248-698-3961. ■ MSU Extension: Is a Community Garden in Your Future? An introduction to community gardening with friends, neighbors, municipalities or organizations, 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, Oakland County Executive Office Conference Center, 1200 N. Telegraph, Pontiac. $15 registration fee for materials and refreshments. 248858-0887 or e-mail smithlin@oakgov.com. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: “Fiber, Nuts and More,” felting, hand-weaving, and quilt-making exhibition displayed now through Saturday, Jan. 28, Highland Station House Gallery, 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland. 248889-8660 or www.huronvalleyarts.org. ■ Partnership for Dads:12th annual Fathers’ Conference — “Iron Dad: Fathering with Power, Passion and Purpose,” workshops, breakfast, lunch, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road near the Oakland County Complex, Waterford. For registration and admission fees visit www.parnershipfordads.org or call 248-646-1445. ■ Detroit Model Railroad Club: And Model Railroad Museum’s open house, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28-29, 104 N. Saginaw, Holly. 248-634-5811 or www.dmrrc.org. ■ St. William Catholic Parish:4th annual Celebrate St. William weekend with school open house after all masses, Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28-29, 531 Common, Walled Lake. 248669-4440. ■ City of Wixom Parks and Recreation: Free High Tech Crime Info seminar for cell phone owners and computer users ages 10 and up with adult, 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, Wixom Community Center, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Register by Monday, Jan. 30. 248-6242850 or www.wixomgov.org ■ Lakes Area Rotary Club:”Moonlight, Merlot &
Monet,” wine reception, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, art exhibition/auction, 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, VFW Hall, 2652 Loon Lake Road, Wixom. R.S.V.P. Wednesday, Feb. 1. 248-8848935 or e-mail pat@modernfloors.net. ■ Waterford Parks and Recreation:Daddy Daughter Dance, 4 to 6 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, Mason Middle School, 3835 Walton Boulevard, Waterford. Registration by Friday, Feb. 3. 248-673-3769 or e-mail Keith@247limo.net ■ Bethany North Oakland Singles Group:”Sock Hop” with DJ Al Pickett, 50/50 raffle, beer, wine and pop, 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Feb. 4, Cushing Center, St. Dan’s Church, 010 Valley Park, Clarkston. Admission $15. 248-891-8938. ■ MSU Extension:”Gardening 101,” 6 p.m. Thursday, March 1, Oakland County Executive Office Building, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. $10 per person, early February registration appreciated. 248-858-0887 ■ Friends of Byers: Byers Antique Barn now open noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, volunteers are needed at 213 Commerce Road, Commerce. For more information visit www.byershomestead.org or call 248-363-2592. ■ Dads of Foreign Service: Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Sundays, VFW Post 4156, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. www.vfw4156.org or 248-698-8302. ■ Rotary of West Bloomfield: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Henry Ford Medical Center, second floor, southwest corner of Farmington and Maple roads. 248-520-0095. ■ Waterford Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, The Shark Club on M-59, Waterford. 248-625-4897. ■ Big Chief Chorus: Rehearsals, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford. 248-698-9133 or 248-563-2109. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Knitters circle, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Highland Station House, Highland. 248-685-9015.
Tuesdays, Life Point Christian Church, 501 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-1747. ❐ Divorce Care: Support group meeting for adults and children, 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile, Novi. 248755-9533. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 248-8078667 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ Independence Village of White Lake: Volunteers needed part-time for Bingo, coffee chat, walking group, etc., 935 Union Lake Road, White Lake. 248-360-7235. ❐ Over-Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating, 12-step program, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Road, Waterford. ❐ MOMS Club of Waterford South: Support group for mothers at home, weekly activities, monthly meetings, third Friday of the month, Waterford area. momswaterfordsouth.webs.com. ❐ Postpartum Depression Support Group: Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Commerce. 248-937-5220. ❐ TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): Meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, weigh-in at 5:30 p.m., new meeting site, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Conference Room 1-C, 1 Williams Carl Drive, Commerce. 248-363-6369 or e-mail jr.h@att.net.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES ❐ Michigan Senior Olympics:Hockey Tournament, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Jan 30 to Feb. 1, Troy Sports Center. Detroit Red Wings legend and four-time Stanley Cup champion Ted Lindsay will be honorary chairman. For more information vist www.michiganseniorolympics.org or call 248-608-0250.
■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-673-3493.
❐ Calvary Lutheran Church: In conjunction with St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, “Senior Fit,” free exercise program for ages 55 and up, 11 a.m. to noon, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9101 Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 1-800372-6094 or 248-625-3288.
■ Multi-Lakes Conservation Association: Allyou-can-eat fish fry, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, 3860 Newton Road, Commerce. 248-363-9109.
❐ Dublin Senior Center: Lunch, Bingo and cards, 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-2394.
■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable transportation needed to visit terminally-ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888-937-4390. ■ Catholic Social Services of Oakland County: Senior companion volunteers needed to support adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic mental illness, as well as the physically frail and homebound. 248559-1147, ext. 3434.
SUPPORT GROUPS
❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addition recovery meetings, 6:30 p.m.
❐ Foster Grandparent Program of Oakland County: Volunteers needed ages 55 and older to provide tutoring, mentoring and nurturing youth with special needs. Volunteers receive a non-taxable stipend, mileage reimbursement, a meal or meal reimbursement, training. 248-559-1147, ext. 3424. ❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: Bingo, noon, Mondays and Wednesdays; Sit’N’Stitch, 10 a.m., and movie with popcorn, noon, Fridays, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248-887-1707. ❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Knitting and crochet group, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays,
1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. Registration. 248-926-0063 or commercetwp.com. ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Ave., West Bloomfield. 248-682-0770. ❐ Waterford Senior Center: Poker, 9 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 3621 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Registration. 248-682-9450. ❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Senior Programs: Line dancing, 11 a.m. Fridays at the Corners, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248451-1900. ❐ Wixom Senior Center: Make Money by Saving Energy in Your Home, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-0870 or wixomgov.org.
PARKS ❐ Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center: “Junior Girl Scouts - Space,” 10 a.m and 1p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21; “Webelos and Bear Scouts - Space,” 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 248-625-6640. ❐ Independence Oaks County Park: Cross Country Ski School, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Feb. 4, 11, and 25, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. DestinationOakland.com or Facebook. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: Horse-drawn hayrides or sleigh rides, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248-684-8632 or 1800-477-3178. ❐ Kensington Nature Center: Ice Fishing for Beginners, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21; Snowshoe Stroll or Winter Hike, for ages 10 and up, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248-6851561. ❐ Oakland County Parks and Recreation: Free Christmas Tree Recycling, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily now through Monday, Jan. 30, Independence Oaks, Clarkston; and Orion Oaks, Orion Township. To learn more about the Christmas tree recycling program, visit DestinationOakland.com or Facebook.
LIBRARY EVENTS ❐ Commerce Township Community Library: Teen study night with snacks, grades 6 and up, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Medicare Basics, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19; Bargain Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration. 248-887-2218. ❐ Milford Public Library: Preschool Open House, Saturday, Jan. 21, 330 Family Drive,
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Continued
www.wblib.org.
❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 30
❐ White Lake Township Library: Wii Fit Bowling for adults projected on the big screen, 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20; Preschool open house, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21; Game On, Nintendo Wii, Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers, teen program, Wednesday, Jan. 25 , 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-4942.
Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845. ❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Monday Afternoon Book Discussion, Katie Couric’s “The Best Advice I Ever Got,” adult program, 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248672-4831. ❐ West Bloomfield Township Public Library:Book discussion: Patrick Jennings’ “Guinea Dog,” grades 3-5, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. 248-682-2120 or
❐ Wixom Public Library:Game Day: Wii, Band Hero and Super Smash Bros., board games, snacks, grades 4 to 12, 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-2512.
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s forward Sean Harrington fires a shot on net against Port Huron Northern’s Matt Fernandez on Friday, Jan. 13. The Eaglets defeated the Huskies, 3-1, to snap a three-game losing streak. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
St. Mary’s rebounds with win Anderson notches two goals in Eaglets’ 3-1 home victory By Michael Shelton staff writer
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s got back to its winning ways with a 3-1 victory at home over Port Huron Northern on Friday, Jan. 13. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Eaglets, which came against PEAC School for Elite Athletes and Hill Academy, both from Toronto, Ont.
Against Port Huron Northern, the Eaglets (6-6 overall, 5-3 in the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey
View VIDEO CLIPS relative to this story at
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League) struck in the first period on the power-play after Kyle Truscott was called for hooking. Shane Bednard
then scored on the advantage for St. Mary’s off assists from Alex Fasan and Daniel Coley at 14:05. In the second period, Cooper Anstett scored twice, first off an assist from Joshua Neumann at 1:53, then short-handed off an assist from Luke Rogers at 10:13. Bryce VanHorn scored on the power-play for Port Huron Northern (7-5-0-1, 4-5-0-1) off assists from
Tyler Hughes and Lewy Nowakowski at 9:33. But, that would be the Huskies’ only tally of the game. It was a penalty-filled game as there were 7 penalties each called in the second period and in the third period, with 15 total penalties whistled for the game. The Eaglets and Huskies both PAGE 34 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
HOCKEY
Eaglets rebound ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 33
went 1-for-7 on the power play. Austin Julvezan picked up the win in net for St. Mary’s as he stopped 27 of 28 shots, while Matt Fernandez stopped 30 of 33 shots for Port Huron Northern. But, the story of the MIHL has been Novi Detroit Catholic Central, which is in first-place with 24 points, 9 points ahead of Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook and Trenton. St. Mary’s is tied for fourth-place with Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice at 10 points each. The Eaglets will host Wyandotte tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 18 before playing at Cranbrook on Friday, Jan. 20 and at Grosse Pointe North on Wednesday, Jan. 25.
Northern rolls to wins; Lakers, Mott split pair of games Walled Lake Northern picked up two wins this past week over Huron Valley Milford and Howell. The Knights shutout the Highlanders, 3-0, on Saturday, Jan. 14. Jack Paulson scored Northern’s (9-3) first goal off an assist from Eric Woolf in the first period, followed by a Kyle Adkins goal on a 5on-3 power-play in the second period. Lucas Stone scored Northern’s third goal on an empty net in the third period. Northern also defeated Huron Valley Milford in overtime, 4-3, on Friday, Jan. 13 and will take on Waterford Mott on Friday, Jan. 20 in a Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division showdown between the division’s top two teams. • West Bloomfield split two games this past week, defeating Fraser, 42, on Jan. 14 and falling in a shutout loss to Berkley, 4-0, on Sunday, Jan. 15. • Waterford Mott split two games this past week. The Corsairs (7-8-1) were first shutout by Huron Valley Lakeland, 2-0, on Wednesday, Jan. 11. Joey Lepkowski scored for Lakeland and Trevor Kalinowski had 42 saves in net. Mott then defeated Walled Lake
Impact FC, whose members include West Bloomfield residents, won the U-16 boys championship at the Third Annual Michigan Bucks Holiday Tournament on Friday, Dec. 30, with a 4-0 shutout of Lobos at the Ultimate Soccer Arena. From left to right in the top row are: Coach Jose Garcia, Keva Zanneth (three goals in the final), Brad Shultz, David Hotz, Mitchell Hotz, Roberto Escalante, Ryan Kissel, Ben Vorce, Blake Crawford, Ebrima (Ebi) Jatta and Jordan Worthmen. From left to right in the bottom row are: Devon Overbeck (one goal in final), Noak Kleedtke and Ahmad Aly. (Photo submitted by Jose Garcia)
Central, 4-2, on Jan. 13. Scott Cuthrell had a hat trick for Mott, while Tyler Vaughan had a goal and Austin Sereno had 3 assists.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Milford remains unbeaten after 2 hard-fought wins By Michael Shelton staff writer
The wins aren’t coming easy for Huron Valley Milford, but its record still shows no losses and the Mavericks are alone in first-place in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) West Division. The Mavs moved to 8-0 overall and 3-0 in the KLAA West with a 33-30 victory at Hartland on Friday, Jan. 13. Milford holds a half-game lead over Pinckney, Grand Blanc and Howell, which each sit at 2-1. Milford was in trouble early. The Mavericks trailed 9-6 at the end of the first quarter and 18-15 at halftime, as the winless Eagles (0-7, 0-3) held their own on their home floor. After falling behind 26-21 at the
end of the third quarter, Milford trailed 30-21 in the fourth quarter before coming back to life, rallying with 12 unanswered points. Joshua Corey hit a pair of threepointers to tie the game at 30 before Chris Orr stole the ball on Hartland’s next possession and was fouled. Orr split two free-throws to give the Mavs their first lead of the night, 3130. Hartland’s Stephen Milarch missed a pair of three-point attempts down the stretch for the Eagles and Jacob Lee and Brandon Wallace each hit a free-throw to put the game away for Milford. Wallace led Milford with 12 points, including 2 three-pointers and 4-of-7 free-throw shooting, while Corey had 8 points and Orr had 7. Milarch and Tyler Leighton each scored 8 points for Hartland while Dylan Videto had 7. Milford also began the week in thrilling fashion with a 30-24 victory over Howell at home on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Points came at a premium as Howell led 5-4 at the end of the first quarter and 13-9 at halftime. Milford went on a 6-2 run to tie score at 15 at the end of the third, but both teams scored 7 points in the
fourth, forcing overtime. The Mavs then went on an 8-2 run in extra session to secure the win. Wallace and Corey each scored 7 points while Orr and Jacob Lee each scored 6 points. Milford played at Brighton yesterday, Tuesday, Jan. 17 after press time and will host Pinckney on Friday, Jan. 20 to close the first half of the division schedule.
St. Mary’s ekes by Richard after loss to Pilots, 59-52 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s retuned to the court this past week and split two games in Detroit Catholic League Central Division play. The Eaglets began the week with a 53-51 victory at Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard on Tuesday, Jan. 10. St. Mary’s (5-2 overall, 1-1 in the Central Division) trailed 16-12 at the end of the first quarter before taking a 22-21 halftime lead. The Eaglets led 40-38 at the end PAGE 35 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
JANUARY 18-24, 2012
BOYS BASKETBALL
St. Mary’s wins ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 34
of the third and would hold strong in the fourth quarter to earn the win. Ethan Woelke had 12 points to lead St. Mary’s. Daniel Furlong had 10 and Sam McClendon had 9. St. Mary’s then came home on Friday, Jan. 13 and fell to Warren De La Salle, 59-52. The score was tied at 15-15 at the end of the first quarter before the Pilots went on a 17-3 run in the second quarter to take a 32-18 halftime advantage. St. Mary’s responded with a 17-6 run and trailed 38-35 at the end of the third. But, De La Salle (7-1, 2-0) was able to hold on by outscoring the Eaglets 21-17 in the fourth quarter. Woelke had 15 points for St. Mary’s, while Chibunna Ukandu had 14 and McClendon had 11. St. Mary’s hosts Novi Detroit Catholic Central on Friday, Jan. 20 before playing at Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on Tuesday, Jan. 24.
Mott, Knights win contests; Lakers, WB suffer defeats Waterford Mott defeated rival Waterford Kettering, 62-44, on the road on Friday, Jan. 13 to remain tied with Walled Lake Central atop the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division at 3-0. The Corsairs grabbed a 15-6 lead at the end of the first quarter and a 26-15 lead at halftime. DaVonte Daniel led Mott with 15 points, while Brody Losh chipped in with 13 points. Maurice Scott had 16 points to lead the Captains. Mott began the week with a 6554 victory at Walled Lake Northern on Tuesday, Jan. 10. The Corsairs trailed 25-17 at the end of the first quarter and 38-30 at halftime before going on a 17-3 run in the third quarter to grab the lead. Khalil Malone led Mott with 18 points, including shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the line. Hunter Reiche had 14 points. Andrew Hovsepian had 11. Meanwhile, Kettering fell to Walled Lake Western, 49-40, on the road on Jan. 10.
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PAGE 35
Central stays tied for division lead after 40-33 win By Michael Shelton staff writer
Walled Lake Central maintained a grip on its share of first-place in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division with a 40-33 victory at Walled Lake Western on Friday, Jan. 13. The Vikings led 18-9 at halftime before Western pulled to within one point in the second half. But, Zac Leimbach shot 5-for-6 from the free-throw line while the Vikings shot 13-for-18 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Chuck Taylor led Central with 12 points. Tai Abiola had 8 points, 12
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rebounds and 5 blocked shots, as the Vikings improved to 7-1 overall and 3-0 in the KLAA North, tying them with Waterford Mott (3-0) for the division lead. Will Gibson led Walled Lake Western with 10 points in the loss that dropped the Warriors to 4-2 and 1-2 in the KLAA North. Central began its week with a 5437 victory at home over Huron Valley Lakeland, 54-37, on Tuesday, Jan. 10. The Vikings took control of the game with a 14-6 run in the second quarter. Leimbach led Central with 13 points, while Taylor contributed 12 points. Meanwhile, Walled Lake Western picked up its first KLAA North victory of the season with a 49-40 victory at Waterford Kettering on Jan. 10. The Warriors trailed 21-16 at halftime but took over the game in the fourth quarter with a 17-7 run. Korey Wade led the Warriors with 15 points while Jalin Gardner had 14. Western played at Waterford Mott on Tuesday, Jan. 17 after press time before hosting Huron Valley Lakeland on Friday, Jan. 20. Justin Santana and Noah Stinson each had 11 points for the Captains, who played at Huron Valley Lakeland yesterday, Tuesday, Jan. 17 after
Walled Lake Central’s Phil Nelson (No. 23) goes for a jump shot over Walled Lake Western’s Jarin Bryant (No. 4) on Friday, Jan. 13. The Vikings defeated the Warriors, 40-33, to remain in a tie for first-place with Waterford Mott in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
The Warriors are expected to get a boost this week with the long awaited debut of their 6-foot-9 standout forward, Miroslav Jaksic, a Serbia native who has played for Canada’s 16-andunder national team and is already garnering attention from Michigan State University and other Big Ten schools.
Meanwhile, Central played at Walled Lake Northern on Jan. 17 and will host Waterford Mott on Jan. 20 in a game that will determine who will have first-place in the KLAA North and the head-to-head advantage heading into the second half of the division schedule.
press time and will host Walled Lake Northern on Friday, Jan. 20. Mott hosted Walled Lake Western on Jan. 17 and will play at Walled
Lake Central on Jan. 20 in a battle for first place in the KLAA North. PAGE 36 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
PAGE 36
BOYS BASKETBALL
Round-up ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 35
• Walled Lake Northern picked up a key win over rival Huron Valley Lakeland, 70-56, on the road on Jan. 13. Northern led 21-11 at the end of the first quarter and 39-24 at halftime; the Knights did not relinquish the lead. Ryan Soulet led the Knights with 18 points, while Jared Sheena and Trent Lansaw each had 10 points. Nick Troxell had 16 points to lead Lakeland. Casey Palanca had 14 points and Chuck Sanders had 10. The win moves Northern to 6-2 overall and 2-1 in the KLAA North Division, keeping the Knights a halfgame behind Waterford Mott and Walled Lake Central, which are tied for first-place at 3-0. Meanwhile, the loss dropped Lakeland to 1-6 overall and 0-3 in the KLAA North. Northern began the week with a 65-54 loss at home to Waterford Mott on Jan. 10. Gage Throgmorton led Northern with 21 points, while Soulet had 16 and Sheena had 8. Also on Jan. 10, Lakeland fell on the road to Walled Lake Central, 5437. Troxell led Lakeland with 15 points. Sanders had 7. Northern hosted Walled Lake Central on Jan. 17 and will play at Waterford Kettering on Jan. 20. Lakeland hosted Waterford Kettering on Jan. 17 and will play at Walled Lake Western on Jan. 20. • Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (2-6) dropped two games this past week, first to the West Bloomfield Jewish Academy, 41-37, on Jan. 10 and to Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 56-53, on Jan. 13. Jake Doetsch had 9 points in the loss to the Jewish Academy, while Steven Losiowski had 11 points in the loss to Cardinal Mooney. • West Bloomfield dropped to 4-5 and 1-1 in the Oakland Activities Association (OAA) Red Division with a 47-32 loss at home to Southfield on Thursday, Jan. 12. Daryn Byrd led the Lakers with 8 points.
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Clutch Cottrell
Lakers prevail with last-second lay-up By Michael Shelton staff writer
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes continued its hot start to the season with two victories in Catholic League East Division play this past week. Our Lady faced its biggest rival, Marine City Cardinal Mooney, on the road and came away with a 37-35 victory thanks to a buzzer-beating layup by Carlee Cottrell at the end of regulation. “This was a big win for us because Mooney is an excellent team and this gives us the edge, for now, in the standings,” Our Lady Head Coach Steve Robak said. “Our girls just understand that when the game is on the line, they have a way to take it up a notch on defense and execute on offense. They played well enough to win and we did what we needed to do, when we needed to do it.” The Lakers (7-1, 4-0 Catholic League East) led 10-7 at the end of the first quarter before the Cardinals took a 19-15 halftime lead. “We had significant foul trouble early, with Ava Doetsch, Lexie Robak, Tori Duffey each picking up their second fouls and Carlee Cottrell, who was forced back into the game with two fouls, picking up her third before half,” Coach Robak said. “We slowed the tempo during the second quarter to limit possessions and Gabby Troy and Marina Anderson did an excellent job for us, logging a lot of minutes in the second quarter.” The Lakers rallied to cut Cardinal Mooney’s lead to 27-23 at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Anna Robb tied the game at 33 for Our Lady by splitting a fair of free-throws. Doetsch then stole the ball from Cardinal Mooney’s Rachael Torrey before being fouled. Doetsch then hit both free-throws on a one-and-one to give Our Lady a 35-33 lead. However, Torrey would be fouled and she tied the game at 35 with 6.9 seconds remaining with two free-throws. The Lakers then inbounded to Cottrell, who then dribbled across the floor and past several Mooney players before hitting the game-winning layup. Duffey led Our Lady with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals while Lexie Robak had 9 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Cottrell also had 8 points and a pair of assists while Doetsch had 7 points, 5 steals, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Torrey led the Cardinals (6-2, 2-1) with 10 points. “There are a lot of things we’ll be looking to improve before we meet (Cardinal Mooney) again,” Coach Robak said. Our Lady will host a rematch with Cardinal Mooney on Feb. 2. The Lakers began the week on Tuesday, Jan. 10 with a 53-50 victory on the road at Livonia Ladywood. Ladywood had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but a 3point shot at the buzzer was partially blocked by Lexie Robak and Our Lady held on for the win. The Lakers trailed Ladywood 14-13 at the end of the first and 25-22 at halftime. Our Lady then trailed by 12 in the third quarter before rallying to cut the deficit to 41-38 at the end of the third. Our Lady then continued its comeback in the fourth quarter as part of a 17-2 run and took a 4-point lead late in the quarter. Duffey hit a critical 3-pointer for the Lakers, who also came up big at the free-throw line down the stretch as Doetsch was 4-for-4, Robb was 2for-2 and Cottrell was 2-for-3 in the fourth as the Lakers clinched the come-back win. Duffey led the Lakers with 17 points and 5 rebounds while Doetsch had 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Lexie Robak also had 11 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks while Jessica Parry had 3 points and 6 rebounds. The Lakers will next host Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook on Friday, Jan. 20 before playing at Royal Oak Shrine on Monday, Jan. 23.
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Kettering, Central, Lakeland prevail; W. Bloomfield falls In a early-season showdown for first-place in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division, Waterford Kettering earned a 58-49 victory over rival Waterford Mott on the road on Friday, Jan. 13. The Captains now sit at 7-1 and are alone atop the KLAA North at 30, while Mott fell to 6-3 overall and 2-1 in the division. Kettering jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter before Mott rallied to take a 14-11 lead. The Captains retook the lead, 3125, at halftime before Mott outscored Kettering, 15-11, in the third quarter to cut the Captains’ lead to 42-40. However, the Captains put the game away by outscoring the Corsairs 16-9 in the fourth quarter. Lauren Hung went on an offensive tear for Mott with 23 points, including 3 three-pointers, while Claudia Crake had 8 points. Kettering began its week with a 48-28 victory on the road at Walled Lake Western on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Allison Bicknell led Kettering with 14 points, including 4 three-pointers, while Danielle Bohn scored 11. Also on Jan. 10, Mott defeated Walled Lake Northern at home, 4642. Hung had 24 points for Mott while Crake had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Kettering hosted Huron Valley Lakeland on Tuesday, Jan. 17 after press time and will play at Walled Lake Northern on Friday, Jan. 20 before hosting Grand Blanc in a nondivision game on Tuesday, Jan. 24. Meanwhile, Mott played at Walled Lake Western on Jan. 17 and will host Walled Lake Central on Jan. 20. • Walled Lake Central defeated rival Walled Lake Western at home, 63-54, on Jan. 13. Colleen Starrs had 17 points to lead Central (3-6, 1-2 KLAA North) while Kara Birrell had 16. Erickah Woods had 13 points for Western (4-5, 1-2) while Jayla Nichols had 12 and Brooke Schwandt had 11. • PAGE 37 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
JANUARY 18-24, 2012
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Girls hoops round-up ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 36
Huron Valley Lakeland pulled off a 32-29 victory at rival Walled Lake Northern on Jan. 13. Dominique Zigo led the Eagles (45, 2-1 KLAA North) with a gamehigh 20 points, while Maria Ropek had 14 points for Northern (2-7, 03) Lakeland also defeated Walled Lake Central at home, 28-26, on Jan. 10. Marlayna Malvich had 9 points for Lakeland while Brianna Kruse had 8 for Central. • West Bloomfield fell at Clarkston, 65-31, on Jan. 10. Kheri Motley led the Lakers (5-4) with 10 points, while Delaney Kenny had 21 points for Clarkston (9-0).
Milford’s Smith the hero in 60-69 OT victory over Howell By Michael Shelton staff writer
It was one step forward, one step back for Huron Valley Milford after splitting two games in Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) West Division play this past week. The Mavericks (2-8, 1-2 KLAA West) started the week in thrilling fashion with a 60-59 overtime victory at Howell on Tuesday, Jan. 10 thanks to a buzzer-beating shot by Lindsay Smith. Milford led 26-11 at halftime, but the Highlanders rallied with an 18-11 run in the third quarter to cut Milford’s lead to 37-29. Milford led 53-50 with 30 seconds left in the fourth before Howell (1-8, 0-3) converted on a 3-point play to tie the game at 53 and force overtime. Trailing in overtime by one point with 15.7 seconds left, Paige Smith stole the ball and passed it down the court to Lindsay Smith, who was able to score as time expired. Paige Smith finished with 19 points, 6 steals and 4 assists while Maddy Kurtz had 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Claire Slaughter also had 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 4 assists. Milford then traveled to face first-
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place Hartland on Friday, Jan. 13 and fell to the Eagles 48-29. The Mavs trailed 12-11 at halftime, but the Eagles (8-1, 3-0) put the game away with a 24-8 run in the fourth quarter. Kurtz led Milford with 11 points and 3 rebounds while Slaughter had 9 points and 5 rebounds. Milford hosted Brighton on Tuesday, Jan. 17 after press time and will play at Pinckney on Friday, Jan. 20 before hosting Grand Blanc on Tuesday, Jan. 24.
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE
NOTICE OF BOARD MEETINGS The Township Board of the Charter Township of White Lake, Oakland County, Michigan, does hereby establish that there will be one regular meeting per month, held by the Township Board as follows: 1.
All regular meetings will be held at the Township Hall, 7525 Highland Road (M-59) White Lake, MI 48383
2.
Meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month and will commence promptly at 7:00 p.m.
3.
Dates of the meetings mentioned in paragraph two above will be as follows: January 17, 2012 February 21, 2012 March 20, 2012 April 17, 2012 May 15, 2012 June 19, 2012
4.
Community
Legal Notices CITY OF WIXOM
NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE FEBRUARY 28, 2012 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Election will be held in the City of Wixom on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 for the purpose of nominating candidates for the Office of President of the United States. Electors who wish to vote in this election must be registered no later than Monday, January 30, 2012. Qualified electors of the City of Wixom not already registered may register by visiting a Secretary of State Branch Office, the County Clerk’s Office or the local Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. The Wixom City Clerk’s Office is located at 49045 Pontiac Trail; and regular business hours are from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Catherine Buck City Clerk
S.C. 1-18-12
PAGE 37
July 17, 2012 August 21, 2012 September 18, 2012 October 16, 2012 November 20, 2012 December 18, 2012
Special meetings will be called and held at the discretion of the Charter Township White Lake Board, with due and proper notice of such meetings, to Board members and posted on the township hall bulletin board at least eighteen (18) hours prior to meetings.
Terry Lilley, CMC White Lake Township Clerk
S.C. 1-18-12
CITY OF WALLED LAKE
NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2012 TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE, COUNTY OF OAKLAND, STATE OF MICHIGAN: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Walled Lake, 1499 E. West Maple Road, will be open: MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2012 FROM 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING APPLICATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS IN WALLED LAKE NOT ALREADY REGISTERED. THE FEBRUARY 28, 2012 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ALL VOTING PRECINCTS OF WALLED LAKE, FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICE: PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Tamara Williams, Deputy Clerk City of Walled Lake 1499 E. West Maple Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 (248) 624-4847 SC: 1-18-12
Notice of Posting for Charter Township of Commerce Township Board
Notice of Posting
for Charter Township of West Bloomfield Township Board
1. Introduction: An Ordinance to Amend Ordinance No. 1.107 to be Repeal Article III, Precious Metal and Gem Dealer.
1. Synopsis of the meeting held on: Monday, January 9, 2012
The above Ordinance shall be posted (in its entirety) at the following locations:
The above synopsis shall be posted (in its entirety) at the following locations:
(1) Office of the Township Clerk 2009 Township Drive (2) Main Township Library 2869 North Pontiac Trail (3) Township’s website www.commercetwp.com
(1) Office of the Township Clerk 4550 Walnut Lake Road
Daniel P. Munro Township Clerk SC: 1-18-12
(2) Main Township Library 4600 Walnut Lake Road (3) Township’s website www.wbtwp.com Catherine Shaughnessy Township Clerk S.C. 1-18-12
PAGE 38
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LAKEFRONT OPPORTUNITY! Private hilltop setting & scenic views of all sports Maxfield Lake. Comfortable 1500 sq. ft. home w/3 bedrooms. Living room, family room & Florida room. Many updates! $149,900.
England Real Estate (248)887-9736
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England Real Estate (248)887-9736
MOBILE HOMES Mobile Homes for Sale
Houses/ Condos
42
Fawn Lake Pontiac Trail at Maple Pre-Owned Homes: $6,000 - $25,000 Rent: $385 - $400 PLUS MOVE-IN DISCOUNTS On Select Homes
RENTALS 55
WALLED LAKE 3 Bedroom house, newly remodeled & freshly carpeted, Walled Lake view & access, fenced yard, petsok, $745 per month.
olivermich@mac.com 248-755-5073 WEST BLOOMFIELD 3964 Carrick 4 Bedroom house, huge great room, recently updated, tile floors, all appliances, patio, pets negotiable. West Bloomfield Schools, lake privileges, Available. $975 per month
248-915-5333
WATERFORD Duplex 3 bedrooms, unfurnished, all appliances. $750 a month plus security.
248-343-1666 LOVELY COMMERCE TWP. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, basement, lake privileges, fenced yard, appliances, wood floors. New windows. $955 per month lease.Walk to shopping. Near Union Lake & Commerce Rds.
Call for details 248-669-2432
248-640-7960
Waterford Condo - close to OCC 2 Bedroom, 2.5 baths, all appliances, nice deck, basement, 1 car garage, no smokers, pets negotiable. $1300.00/mo, 1/2 month security deposit, $100.00 cleaning fee.
56
WALLED LAKE
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2 BEDROOM ONLY $595 Will Move You In !
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(248)624-3194 Apartments For Rent SPECIAL 1 or 2 bedroom apartments. Heat and water paid. No pets. In City of Milford.
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(248)477-9192 Walled Lake Studio, very clean, carpet, large closet space, window blinds, great location, close to everything!
248-624-6606 EHO www.cormorantco.com * Call For Details *
$400 includes all utilities
248-425-4853 Broker
Pontiac Lake 1 bdrm for $395 2 bdrm for $450 (newly renovated). Includes all utilities except electric, Security Deposit, Call after 12 noon for availability:
White Lake Apts 248-626-7857
COME SEE US NOW WIXOM * MOVE IN SPECIAL* •Playground/Pool •Free Heat & City Water
HILLSIDE MANOR APTS 360 ROSEBUD Special Half off Security Dep. 2 Bedrooms- $650 per month plus electric 1 Bedroom- $500 per month
Rooms/Share Quarters
57
BUSINESS WOMAN looking to share 2 bedroom apartment in Novi, with female. $400 plus utilities. Call for information. 248-787-2059
RICK REID
248-981-8582
248-568-6119
248-912-4628 for more details mihome4u.com
One bedroom apartment on Wolverine Lake. All lake privileges included. $800 per month
Across from Cedar Island Lake Clean, 2 bedroom, all appliances. $675 per month. Walled Lake Schools.
Apartments
56
BEACH HOUSE APARTMENTS
Looking to rent a house or condo? call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com 248-912-4628 WHITE LAKE DUPLEX
(248) 624-0709
Houses/ Condos
Apartments 55
2900 Union Lake, Rd. Suite 210 Commerce Twp., MI 48382
LD FIE OM LO B ST WE
MIDDLE STRAITS LAKE IMPROVED PRICE - $174,900 Charming newly remodeled 3 bedroom ranch with open floor plan, close to association clubhouse and beach. Lakeside Florida room surrounded by the best panoramic views of Middle Straits Lake. Bloomer Park and Bay Pointe Golf are nearby. Call Rick or email rick_reid@att.net.
JANUARY 18-24, 2012
HELP WANTED
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CARE GIVER AFC
General/ Help Wanted
65
EXPERIENCED PIZZA MANAGER PLUS
Needed in White Lake for third shift, must be experienced with Alzheimers patients and able to cook. Other shifts are available.
Delivery person, hostess, bartender, salad makers & counter person needed. Apply in person
Companies desperately need employees to assemble products at home. No selling, any hours. $500 weekly potential. Info:
Penny Lane 248-866-3984
Alex's Pizzeria
1-985-646-1700 DEPT. MI-2319
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.
General/ Help Wanted
65
NOW HIRING:
Supervisor Needed to over see carpenters in mobile home refurbishing for mobile home community in White Lake. Carpertry skills essential, know of mobile homes helpful, valid drivers license required, good organization skills necessary.
Fax resume to 248-889-3533
Used/Wanted 69
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Professional office in Highland, seeking full/part time individual with good phone/people skills & computer skills. $9.00-$12.50/ hr, based on skills/experience.
248-529-6274
49000 Pontiac Trail
CHILD CARE CENTER
248-669-6880
DRY CLEANER
Looking for Counter Help and Presser. Full or Part Time. 248-624-4333
CITY OF WIXOM
Office/ Clerical
The Wixom Fire Department is seeking paid-on-call firefighters. Experience preferred. Qualifications: H.S. diploma or equivalent, pass background investigation, physical agility test, psychological and physical exams and drug screen. Applications available at: Fire Station #1, 1345 N. Wixom Road or at: www.wixomgov.org For more information call: Fire Department Administration at 248.624.1055 Deadline: May 1st
Sales Positions
Wixom MI 48393
Real Estate Career
TAXI & AIRPORT DRIVERS WANTED Full or Part time Day or Night
248-666-2110
We're doubling our staff! •Do you like working with new people and new situations? •Do you have good problem solving skills? •Do you have a "Sky is the limit mentality"? If you said, "Yes", call me.
HAIR STYLISTS New Great Clips salon now open in White Lake needs both part time & full time hair stylists. No clientele needed, hourly wage plus commission. Fun team environment.
Ask for Bridgette
248-330-6402 Medical/ Dental
71
67
Kathy Solan 248-363-8300 248-348-6430
Real Estate One
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Used/Wanted
89
SCRAP METAL FRONT DESK Commerce dentist- front desk help needed part time for busy office, must be able to multi-task. Will train, but experience is a plus.
248-363-3228
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
Pre-Licensing Class February Classes Available $ Class only
99
With a prepaid voucher Contact Mary Nicole 248-684-1065 MaryNicole@RealEstateOne.com •Are you looking for a new career? •Would you like to own your own business? We’re Michigan’s largest real estate broker and last year we sold over 17,000 properties. We expect to surpass that in the coming year.
Join us as we grow Michigan.
PAGE 39 89
SEA-DOO JET Skis wanted dead or dying. 1995 on ups. $200- $1400. Top $ for XP's & 947/951 or larger motors. Call Steve at 231-943-4152
Absolutely Free
90
Items must be FREE to respondents, ad free to you. Restricted to residential. The publishing group accepts no responsibility for actions between individuals.
BOATS/ OUTDOOR Wanted Boats/Jet Skis/ Parts 162 SEA-DOO JET SKIS WANTED DEAD OR DYING. 1995 on ups. $200$1400. Top $ for XP's & 947/951 or larger motors. Call Steve 231-943-4152
Sorry, we do not accept ads for free dogs.
Snowmobiles
LARGE 3' x 5' tilting Drafting Table or Art Table. Comes with mat and light. Old and very sturdy. 248-736-1074
Snowmobile Parts & Repairing Discount Prices *Quality Service suspension service & Shock rebuilding
179
Cars
187
DODGE CALIBER SXT 2007 excellent condition. $8,450 detail call 248-624-5272
SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page EXPLORER XLT 2002, 4X4, 8- Passenger, 6 cylinder, 115K. 248-420-7500 MAZDA 626 LX 2001, 136K, gold, clean- must sell. 248884-7200
Classic/ Antique Cars
188
WANTED 1967- 69 Camaro or any muscle car, any make, any model, any condition. Also 1972 or older Corvettes,
248-252-9194 Vans
194
2000 DODGE Grand Caravan Spor t. 76K. 3.3L V-6. Power windows, locks, drivers seat. A/C, 4 captains chairs. Excellent condition. $6,200 248-320-1969
Lakes MotorSports PLAYER PIANO, upright, keyboard works. You pick up. 248-624-3035
4713 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI 48329
TWO 25INCH Color console TVs, work great, excellent condition. Free for pick up. 248-624-9317
www.lakesmotorsports.com
Auction/Estate Sales
101
COLLECTIBLES, ANTIQUES, piano, music and stand, miscellaneous. 2623 Hathon Drive Waterford. January 20th, 21st, 10am5:30pm.
PUBLIC AUCTION "Mini Storage Depot will sell at public auction, contents of Units Numbered (G500, Deborah Feldman: household goods, furniture, boxes), (P1401, Mary Smith: household goods, furniture, boxes, toys, tools), (M1134, Rhonda Boyd: household goods, furniture, boxes), on Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 at 2pm, for back storage fees owed. The auction will take place at Mini Storage Depot - 46550 Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390. We reserve the right to reject any and all bids."
Clothing/Apparel
119
MEN'S SHOES- "Florsheim Canfield," dress, leather, size 10, $25. 248-698-4168
Home Care Equipment
130
ADULT CRUTCHES/ adult size like new $10 248-4251004
Odds N Ends
138
NJOY ELECTRONIC Cigarette with charger & filter cartridge, $10.00. 248-5347004
248-674-0663
CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage
181
UNWANTED AUTOS LLC TOP $ Paid For Any: • Junk • Non Running • Wrecked Cars $275 & Up
(248)467-0396 Unwanted Autos any year $150 to $2,000
RC Towing 248-770-3333 CAMPBELL'S TOWING AUTOS, CARS & TRUCKS
$200 AND UP
248-698-1062 Motorcycles
183
MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page Trucks/Trailers
185
2007 CHEVY Classic 4X4, V-6 manual.. 8ft bed. 79K. Very clean. $10,500 OBO 248-363-6987 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1996, Extended cab, $2,000 OBO. 248-363-0338
Buying a Home? Let us
Look Before You Leap!
Afford
able Home Inspections
Up to 170 components inspected in a typical three bedroom home. Computer-generated, comprehensive, easy-tounderstand report summary. High resolution, color pictures provide a visual reference of problem areas. Reports are emailed to you and your Real Estate Agent. After inspection questions are always answered, even after you move into your home.
248-881-3478 Licensed Insured
4075 Echo Drive West Bloomfield
PAGE 40
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
LAKES AREA SERVICES (248) 360-7355
www.SpinalColumnOnline.com
Fax (248) 360-5308
IN PRINT and ON-LINE 24/7
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 Brick/Block
508
STONE MASONRY 35 Years of Professional Experience spschulz@gmail.co m 248-840-8948 Carpet Installation
513
Cabinetry
515
Elegant Woodworking •Mantels •Fireplace Surrounds •Furniture •Entertainment Center •Custom Cabinets •Crown Molding •Kitchen Cabinets •Custom Bars Harold Canfield
(248)363-3804 elegant-woodworking.com
Cement/Concrete
517
C & G CEMENT Quality Workmanship Residential-Commercial Over 30 years Experience STAMPED CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS FOOTINGS GARAGE FLOORS BLOCK WORK FREE ESTIMATES Michael (248)363-4783 MILFORD LOCATION
(248)684-5928 Doors
524
BOB'S CARPET
THE DOOR STOP
Great price on brand name carpet & pad. Installation guaranteed. Over 30 yrs exp Low prices on restretching & repairs. Bedroom sized rem-
Garage door springs and door openers repaired and/or replaced.
nants $4 per yd Call Bob, Free Estimates (248)681-5771
Since 1980
Call Anytime 248-624-4042 (cell) 248-640-6298
4
Doors
524
CERTIFIED OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE •Garage Doors •Repaired/ Services •New Doors/ Openers •Installed at Factory Pricing •Emergency Service Available
248-624-3161 Drywall
526
R & D DRYWALL & PAINTING •Hang & Finished •Small Repair •Texture Repair •Plaster Repair •Wet Sand
Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians
528
MASTER ELECTRICIAN Insured & State Licensed, 25 years experience. Prompt, courteous service. FREE ESTIMATES. ALL TYPES OF WORK. Competitive Prices
(248)683-7985 Excavating
529
J.J.M BACKHOE SERVICE LLC
Reasons To Use West Oakland Service Firms
Backhoe service & landscaping. 38 Years Experience. Small or Large Jobs. Fully insured. Free estimates.
• Up-to-date listings allow for seasonal or changing conditions • They are part of the community • They offer a variety of services to meet your needs • They are ready and eager to serve
DEMOLITION & SERVICES "Division of Rae Excavating" • BUILDING REMOVAL• • Sewer and Water • Storm Sewers • Trucking & Grading Licensed & Insured
(248)624-6458 AFFORDABLE
248-624-4473
Flooring
536
EDWARD'S FLOOR COVERING •Linoleum •Ceramic Tile •Hardwood Floors •Laminate Wood 27 Years Exp. Free Est.
(248)684-5983 Handy Person
545
DU-IT-ALL HOME CARE IMPROVEMENTS Specials: •Ceramic Tile •Formica Tops & Kitchens •Exterior/Interior Painting Also, we do complete basements and all other interior work, including electric, plumbing, etc. Call today. Cell #
(248)891-7072 Licensed and Insured
D & S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING •Additions •Garages •Drywall •Painting •Plumbing •Electrical •Tile •Marble •Kitchens •Baths •Basements •Decks 33 Years ... Licensed
248-684-4175 810-714-3058
TOTAL HOME SERVICE 35 Years Licensed PLUMBING • HEATING CARPENTRY • DRYWALL ELECTRICAL NEW SERVICE KITCHENS BATHS CERAMIC TILE
"The job your husband will do tomorrow." (248)887-2366
Handy Person
545
SAVOIE CONSTRUCTION Additions, Garages, Decks, Kitchens, Remodeling, Trim, Painting, Repairs, Etc.
Local References Low Rates Lic. Builder- 25 Years exp.
Ph-Fax: 248-625-0319 Cell: 248-505-7715 Heating/Duct Work 546
THOMASON HEATING & COOLING
Lawn/Garden Services
Roofing 553
A R T Outdoor Services, LLC * Snow Plowing * Salting Landscaping
• Lawn Service •Insured Residential & Commercial www.artoutdoorservices.com
(248)625-5719
• Furnaces • Boilers • Air Cleaners •Air Conditioners •Humidifiers Service & Replacements
FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION
248-363-1615 HURON VALLEY HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING •Repair •Replace •Inspections •Humidifiers •Water Heaters •Night service available
Painting/ Decorating
562
Exterior & Interior Wood Repairs • Caulking Staining • Wallpaper Removal Drywall repairs • Water repairs Free Power Washing w/paint. farrshomeimprovements.com
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.
Home Inspection
248-894-3239 Plumbing
548
Buying A Home? Let Us Look Before You Leap! AFFORDABLE HOME INSPECTIONS Licensed Insured STERLING HOME SERVICES
248-881-3478
567
Premier Plumbing Licensed & Insured Complete Plumbing Service New Construction & Remodel Commercial & Residential
248-363-5864
Trash/Debris Removal
248-431-6243
ROOF LEAKS & WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS MAHER RESTORATION www.goMaher.com "Maher Makes It Happen"
PRICE IS RIGHT ROOFING •Repairs •Re-Roofs •Chimney Repair •Metal Work •Flat Roofs •Complete Roof Packages. •Siding •Gutters
Specializing in: •Appliances •Furniture •Debris Removal
Call anytime for estimates & great service
248-887-4892 Waterproofing
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
FREE Estimates 30 Years Experience
248-459-7894 Siding
586
Progressive Transportation
10% - 50% OFF SPECIALS WITH THIS AD.
(248) 477-7764 (248) 345-3308
Home Improvement 547
248-682-1393 248-802-6554
Siding * Gutters * Gutter Guards * Caulking * Roofing & Repairs
FARR'S PAINTING
VS PAINTING WINTER SPECIAL
•Additions •Garages •Decks •Rough & Trim Carpentry •Wood Siding •Basements •Kitchens •All outside wood repairs
D&D CONSTRUCTION
248-926-6631
(248)887-3666 SHERMAN BLDG CO.
571
PUMPS •TANKS WELL REPAIR 2, 4, & 5 INCH
Emergency Service 7 days a week
577 248-
I.D.C.
363-6464
aquawells.com
Home Service Siding, Trim & Soffitt Guaranteed Professional Installation. Lic./ Ins. References available.
All credit cards accepted
idchomeservice.com
"If you have questions, we have answers!"
Bob: 248-363-0589 Tile
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
BOB WYCKOFF WELL DRILLING
•PUMPS •TANKS • WELL REPAIR
(248)310-0917
Emergency Service EASY PAYMENT PLANS No Credit Check Visa & MasterCard
JANUARY 18-24, 2012 . WP DT OR F TER WA
P. TW ND A HL HIG
$499,900 STUNNING CUSTOM BUILT PRESWICK GOLF FRONT •3,765 sq ft + 1,450 lower level, 5 br., 3.5 ba. •Dramatic open floor plan with all the extras #212005328 EXT. #264 •KEY #248359
ST WE
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
LD FIE OM O BL
MI
$759,900 CUSTOM BUILT ALL-SPORTS MACEDAY LAKEFRONT!! •4 br., 4 ba., all brick + fin. w/o, 5,200 sq ft •1st & 2nd fl Mstr brs., huge rms, 3 car #211017553 EXT. #296 •KEY #248341
$549,900
2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382
248-366-7200
Lakes Area’s #1 Team! Zillow - Preferred Agent
$399,900
$189,900
170 FEET OF FRONTAGE TO ALL-SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE! •3 br, 2.5 ba, fin. day. bsmt, garage, shed •Huge mtr. with jet tub & deck, seawall, dock #211109029 EXT. #214 •KEY #263461
$259,900
CHARMING HOME ON ALL-SPORTS WATKINS LAKE •1,170 sq ft, 3 br, deep treed lot, fp, bsmt •Newer kitchen & bath, 2 car, storage loft #211078354 EXT. #251 •KEY #248371
$109,900 SHARP RANCH HOME ON LARGE LOT BACKING TO WOODS •3 br, 2 ba, vaulted ceilings, hdwd, fp •Doorwall to patio, mstr w/ba, RTF bsmt #211130845 EXT. #253 •KEY #278041
THANKS
LAKES AREA RESIDENTS FOR A GREAT 2011 • 142 Closed Sales in 2011 Including 34 Waterfront Properties
Our performance speaks for itself! • Meeting Client’s Needs Since 1977
GE LA VIL D R FO MIL
EL RIN LVE O W
. WP DT OR F TER WA
. WP DT OR F TER WA
STONE HOLLOW SUB – CUSTOM BUILT 2.62 ACRE LOT •5 br, 3.5 ba, 3,671 sq ft + 1,627 sq ft w/o •Att 3 car gar + 2.5 car carriage house gar #211127827 EXT. #265 •KEY #248347
$374,900 CUSTOM QUALITY BUILT 1.14 PRIVATE ACRE ESTATE •1st fl. mstr, 4 br, 4 full ba, & 2,900+ sq ft •Fin day. bsmt, 3 car + 35’X30’ workshop #211110916 EXT. #241 •KEY #248360
HILLS OF BOGIE LAKE SUB CLUBHOUSE & POOL!! •3,303 sq ft + fin daylight bsmt, ff laundry •5 br, 4.5 ba, 3 car gar, large raised deck #211116381 EXT. #255•KEY #267493
$299,900
ALL-SPORTS LOWER STRAITS LAKEFRONT SPECIAL •2 houses @ price of 1 - Remod 3 br, 1 ba, gar •Lake house 1,768 sq ft, 4 br, 2 ba, needs TLC #211073682 EXT. #232 •KEY #248367
$598,000
$725,000
P. TW RD FO R TE WA
P. TW CE ER M M CO
LD FIE OM O L B ST WE
. WP
DT
R LFO
P. TW CE R E MM CO
STUNNING 90 FT. OF MAIN LAKEFRONT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •2,778 sq ft, 3 br, 2.5 ba, 2 fp, jet tub mstr br •2+ gar, 3 decks, dock, seawall, WB schools #211105126 EXT. #231•KEY #248358
PAGE 41
Janet Direct: Steve Direct: 248-755-7600 248-755-7500
janet@TheStocktonTeam.com
steve@TheStocktonTeam.com
800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message Text Key # to 90210 for text message
PLEASE NOTE THE I.R.S. TAX RELIEF ON SHORT SALES DEADLINE IS 12/31/12. If you ever thought you might need to do a Short Sale - now is the time
150+ Successful Short Sales closed over the last 6 years!
Call today for a private consultation.
E AK
$224,900 WOLVERINE LAKEFRONT RANCH WITH FINISHED WALKOUT •3 br, 2.5 ba, 85’ sandy shoreline, FR w/fp •Doorwall to patio, dock, 2 car, shed, WL schools #211105596 EXT. #267 •KEY #261788 . WP ET RC E MM CO
UPPER STRAITS LAKEFRONT INVESTMENT SPECIAL •4 br, 3.5 ba, 2,746 sq ft + f-bmt, 1st fl mstr •Wet bar, deck, 2nd buildable lot + 4 other lots #211104723 EXT. #245 •KEY #260513 . WP ET AK L ITE WH
$329,900
BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CEDAR ISLAND LAKEFRONT •2,302 sq ft, 4 br, 3 ba, LC terms, GR w/fp •Granite kit & ba, new paint, carpet, 2 car gar #211089671 EXT. #246 •KEY #257017 P. TW RD O F TER WA
$219,900 GORGEOUS GERUNDEGUT BAY ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •Remodeled ranch, stone fp, dr, Corian kitchen •Wood lam. flr. ceramic tile, cr. molding, deck #211103417 EXT. #280 •KEY #248373 . WP ET RC E MM CO
$96,900 $89,900 MAPLE CROSSING – BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED PREMIUM UPPER RANCH CONDO CONDOMINIUM TOWNHOUSE •Open flr plan, 1,568 sq ft, 2 br, 2 ba •2 br, 1.5 ba + fin-bsmt, granite kitch •Covered deck, lg. utility, att garage •Ceramic/hdwd, LC terms, clubhouse, pool #211130482 EXT. #224 •KEY #257017 #211107248 EXT. #259 •KEY #262565
With property inventory down, mortgage rates remain low and home pricing on the rise...
There’s No Better Time To Sell! Call Us and Ask About Our
WINTER LISTING INCENTIVE!
www.TheStocktonTeam.com
PAGE 42
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
CE ER MM CO
IA ON LIV
L ITE WH
E AK
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
CE ER MM CO
LD FIE OM BLO . W
211079746 - $259,900
212000003 - $87,500
211131493 - $162,900
211123433 - $154,900
212000534 - $389,000
SUPERB COMMERCE HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, first floor master with bath, close to M-5
MOVE IN CONDITION 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, updated kitchen, ceramic tile, Trex deck, fenced yard
SPACIOUS, UPDATED HOME 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, lake privileges, finished basement
100 FT. CANAL FRONT 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan, updated Corian
FABULOUS GREEN LAKEFRONT HOME 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Pella windows, hardwood flooring, walkout
N RIO MA
N RIO MA
M XO WI
DL LLE WA
E AK
RD FO TER WA
211129312 - $172,000
212000944 - $197,000
212000540 - $218,000
211129477 - $57,600
212001791 - $60,000
NEW CONSTRUCTION BRICK RANCH 3 bedrooms, 2.1 bath, cathedral ceilings, fireplace, granite master suite. Almost complete.
NEW CONSTRUCTION COVERED PORCH 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, ceramic foyer, cherry cabinets, hardwood floors, granite
3 CAR GARAGE - NO SHORT SALE 4 beds, 2.1 baths, newer carpet, windows and paint. Private patio, prof. landscaping, cul-de-sac
DOVER HILL CONDO 2 bedrooms, 1.1 baths. Unit has fireplace.
STOP THE CAR! 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, gorgeous kitchen, finished basement
HO
FEATURED HOME
RD FO TER A W
LLY
LD FIE OM LO B W.
LD FIE OM BLO . W
OF THE WEEK
212000049 - $124,900
211091695 - $185,500
GORGEOUS SETTING 2.2 ACRES 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room with fireplace, master 2 closets, barn/shed
WILLIAMS LAKE DEEDED CANALFRONT 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, spacious kitchen, open floor plan
EM TG ON R F KE LA
E INT TPO EAS
VI NO
211126420 - $70,000
211114594 - $724,900
PRISTINE CONDITION, READY TO MOVE IN 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, newer roof, upgraded bathroom, 4 car garage, large fenced yard
SPECTACULAR MIDDLE STRAITS WATERFRONT 4 bedrooms, 3.2 baths, kitchen, newly remodeled, master suite, theater room, many extras
RD FO MIL
RD
FO
MIL
211053983 - $87,000
211119870 - $28,500
211123452 - $234,900
211121712 - $179,000
BRICK RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, large lot, central air
MOVE IN CONDITION 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1st floor laundry, living room with bay window
VACATION AT HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, pool, hot tub, acreage, cathedral ceilings
COME ON OUT TO THE COUNTRY!! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, almost 2 acres, 3 car garage
LD FIE ING R P S
211115899 - $259,000 LEY RK BE
M XO WI
R BO AR OH G E KE
L ITE WH
E AK
211121503 - $279,000
211125575 - $196,800
211108336 - $59,900
211048408 - $100,000
211115490 - $249,000
PROFESSIONALLY LANDSCAPED 5 bedrooms, 2.2 baths, master suite with jacuzzi lower level walkout, brick patio
CHARMING COLONIAL 3 CAR GARAGE 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, master bath and suite, natural fireplace, lake privileges Loon Lake
CHARMING BUNGALOW/RANCH 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, updated kitchen and bath, fenced private yard
ADDITIONAL LOT 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, brick, vinyl ranch, 2 car garage
CUSTOM RANCH END OF CUL-DE-SAC 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bath, maple kitchen, hardwood floors, finished walkout, wet bar and full bath
RD FO TER WA
LD FIE OM O L B W.
L ITE WH
E AK
RD FO TER WA
EL RIN LVE O W
E AK
211129544 - $66,000
211099179 - $229,000
211128969 - $190,000
211107874 - $54,900
211124998 - $235,000
UPDATED RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, property consists of 3 lots, 2 car garage and separate workshop
TRANQUIL SETTING ON CROSS LAKE 3 bedrooms, 2.1 bath, up north feeling, beautiful clean interior
CENTENNIAL FARMHOUSE 3 bedroom, 2 baths, family/parlor with fireplace, over an acre
A RARE GEM 3 bedroom condo, 2.5 baths, large master open floor plan
EXPANSIVE LAKEFRONT! 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, remodeled and updated, new furnace, Florida room, fireplace
Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour
Lakes Area (248) 363-8300
ŠReal Estate One, Inc., 2012
JANUARY 18-24, 2012
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
PAGE 43
Visit us at 560 N. Milford Rd., Milford EN OP
– HIGHLAND – WELL BUILT RANCH IN DESIRABLE SEVEN HARBORS SUB! 211130401 $98,000
– MILFORD TOWNSHIP – MILFORD LIVING WITH YOUR OWN RULES! 2 ACRES!
PM -3 Y1 DA N SU
– NORTHVILLE – SHORT DISTANCE TO QUAINT DOWNTOWN NORTHVILLE! 211114550
– 1335 GREBE, HIGHLAND – PRISTINE UPDATED 4 BEDROOM COLONIAL! $248,300
211130790
$189,900
– HIGHLAND – SPECTACULAR HOME WITH MILFORD MAILING AND HIGHLAND TAXES! 211118570 $139,900
$1,500,000
– WIXOM – BRIGHT AND CHARMING RANCH WITH LAKE PRIVILEGES! 210132913 $125,000
$199,999
– HIGHLAND – GREAT 5 BEDROOM, 3 BATH HOME ON DOUBLE LOT! 211091388 $119,900
211088015
– HIGHLAND – WELL PLANNED DESIGN AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL THROUGHOUT! 211122345 $309,900
– GENOA TOWNSHIP – IMMACULATE 3 BEDROOM CONDO ON SPRING FED LAKE GEORGE! 211097045 $157,000
– HIGHLAND – ENDLESS CAPTIVATING VIEWS OF WHITE LAKE! 211111348 $393,000
211083873
– WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP – GORGEOUS WATERFRONT CONTEMPORARY ON BOGIE LAKE PENINSULA! 211001443 $345,000
– WATERFORD – LOVELY 4 BEDROOM, 2.5 BATH COLONIAL WITH 2-STORY FOYER! 212000271 $150,000
– HIGHLAND – STUNNING HOME ON 540 ACRE ALL-SPORTS WHITE LAKE! 212002362 $319,000
– COMMERCE – MAIN LAKE WATERFRONT HOME ON ALL-SPORTS, PRIVATE LAKE SHERWOOD! 211116287 $555,000
– HIGHLAND – BEAUTIFUL BRICK 4 BEDROOMS, 5.1 BATHS LAKEFRONT HOME! 211115821 $669,000
– MILFORD VILLAGE – CHARMING AND WELL UPDATED HISTORIC HOME JUST 2 BLOCKS FROM DOWNTOWN! 210111484 $249,900
– COMMERCE – 4 BEDROOMS, 3.1 BATHS ON ALL-SPORTS LAKE SHERWOOD! 211110654 $444,500
– HIGHLAND – PERFECTLY MAINTAINED BRICK AND VINYL HOME IN DESIRABLE SUB! 211126432 $135,000
211098339
– HIGHLAND – PRIVATE 23 ACRE LAKEFRONT ESTATE!
Serving Milford & Surrounding Areas - 248.684.1065
– LYON TOWNSHIP – LAKEFRONT LIVING IN THIS 55+ SENIOR LIVING CONDO! $27,000
©Real Estate One, Inc., 2012
PAGE 44
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
Union Lake Rd.
2199 HAGGERTY RD. At Pontiac Trail across from Lakes Professional Building
Commerce Rd.
.
morrismotorsmi.com Ric d hard son R
248-624-4500
Oakley Park
12 9-20
Haggerty Rd.
1 96
Maple Rd. M-5
43 YEARS
Benstein Rd.
RIGHT RIGHT HERE HERE
Celebrating
Trail tiac Pon
WALMART
Where You Need Us!
morrismotorsmi.com
2008 PONTIAC G6
2010 FORD FUSION SE
#P2042
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15,995
$
18,995
$
FEATURING
15,659**
$
#P2025
19,995
#P2029
$
18,922
$
2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA #P2024
Was 10,995
14,299**
$
Now
9,995**
$
2008 SATURN AURA #P2033
14,995
$
$
**
17,995****
$
2007 CHEVROLET COBALT
2008 MALIBU LTZ
2008 SCION XB #P2038
14,995
$
15,995
$
14,399**
$
15,559**
$
14 Mile Rd.
2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO CONVERSION #P2051
2009 DODGE CHARGER #P1886
10,660
9,976**
$
18,995
$
$
17,559**
$ Find us on Facebook
Morris Complete Inventory At: www.morrismotorsmi.com Motors Michigan For Peace of Mind: most of our vehicles have warranty or service contracts available.
**For purchase with qualified credit approval. Prices are plus tax, title, license & doc fee. Call dealer for more details. Offer good thru 1/25/12. Subject to prior sale.
~CHILD FRIENDLY CUSTOMER LOUNGE~
SALES HOURS: Mon. & Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Tues., Wed., Fri.: 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Service Special
19
$
95*
M
OIL CHANGE
O I OTOR L
~ COUPON ~
+tax & dep. fee with coupon
*Includes up to 5 quarts of oil and oil filter. Excludes synthetic oil and diesel engines. Most vehicles–see service advisor for exceptions. With this coupon. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 2/1/12. SC
BG’s Cooling System Flush ~ COUPON ~
OUR FACTORY-TRAINED TECHNICIANS WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING: •Pressurized system leak test •Check belts and hoses •Check heater output $ Was99 129 •Flush cooling system
99
$
95
Plus tax and disposal. Most GM cars and trucks. All coupons must be presented at time of write up. Offers cannot be applied with any other offers. Chemical cleaning extra. Expires 2/1/12.
Battery Service
10 Off 20 Off 30 Off
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
•Service battery and fully charge •Clean cables and connections •Check alternator output
Was 8500
$
19
$
95
WITH COUPON
SC
*Dead battery or draw concerns require added diagnosis Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Plus tax and shop supplies. Expires 2/1/12
248-624-4500
morrismotorsmi.com
Your Hometown Car & Truck Service and Maintenance Center for over 42 Years *Diagnosis extra, brake inspection extra
MORRIS BONUS BUCKS
& Charging System Check
SC
Any $100 Service Any $200 Service
Any $300 Service ANY MAKE OR MODEL
$ $ $ $ $
One coupon per customer. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 2/1/12. Excludes oil changes, brake promotion, tires and SRTA’S. Valid only in our service department. Must present coupon when order is written. SC
We Service All Makes and Models of GM Vehicles and most Domestic and Import models as well
WE OFFER: NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Most Repairs Completed Same Day
Enjoy your complimentary coffee while you wait • Work With Most Insurance Companies • Expert Mechanics and Technicians • Full Paint or Touch-Ups • Expert Color Matching • We Handle Large or Small Jobs
SERVICE, PARTS & BODY SHOP HOURS:
Mon. & Thurs.: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues., Wed. & Fri.: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
FREE Estimates on Collision Repairs!