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WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

Steinway Piano Gallery holding February Jazz Cafe tonight — page 22

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Hess-Hathaway earns ‘Best Park’ honors — again By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Odd winter weather prompts novel stonefly findings — page 27 Alumnus installed as chancellor at Orchard Lake Schools — page 15 That’s what SHE said: "Potentially this (reduction in judgeships) may not take effect until 2033, so I question why are we addressing this now."

— State Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake) commenting on her vote against a bill that reduces through attrition the number of judgeships at the 48th District Court, which serves West Bloomfield and Orchard Lake, from three to two.

INSIDE Special Report . . . . . . . .8-10 State/County . . . . . . . .28-30 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . .25 Local Matters . . . . . . .22-23 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Lakes Area News . . . . . .7-17 Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Community Calendar . .33-34 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .35-38

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For the second consecutive year, Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford Township has been voted “Best Park” in metro Detroit by clickondetroit.com, the website for WDIV-Local 4. “This is the second year in a row we’ve won it,” said Waterford Parks and Recreation Director Tom Newcombe. “Last year a bunch of camp counselors took it under their wing to get people to vote, but this year there was nothing organized so we’re very grateful we got voted No. 1 again.” The park, located at 825 S. Williams Lake Road, has many amenities and is continually upgrading the aesthetics and adding more family-oriented features and activities. Just last week, the Parks and Recreation Department began outlining a plan to host a Blue and Barbecue Festival at Hess-Hathaway and has tentatively scheduled it for Sept. 8. In addition, Parks and Recreation and the Waterford School District were the co-recipients of a grant awarded by Blue Cross-Blue Shield. Parks and Recreation’s $20,000 portion will be

Tiki Night slated to feature 85-foot boat seating 150 By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Village of Wolverine Lake will be the hot spot this summer as it parks an 85-foot river boat on its namesake for a week of fun-in-the-sun entertainment to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Tiki Night. The village’s Fireworks Committee, comprised of John Blankenship, Lynn Lewis, and Village Council Members Mike Stack and Linda Champagne, is conceptualizing activities and events to be held during the week-long affair slated to run between July 2 and July 7.

Operated by the Waterford Parks and Recreation Department, Hess-Hathaway Park has many amenities and is continually upgrading the aesthetics and adding more family-oriented features and activities. The park is located at 825 S. Williams Lake Road. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

used to erect a climbing boulder on the playground and build a small accessible trail at the park. “We will also be buying community bikes to ride back trails,” Newcombe said. “We’re excited about things going on out there.”

Operated by the Waterford Parks and Recreation Department, Hess-Hathaway Park features an all-kids playground and maze, a USDA animal farm exhibit, the Lone Cedar Historical House, sand volleyball courts, walking/hiking trails,

The committee has contracted with the Grand Ledge-based Princess River Boat Company to provide a two-story boat that seats up to 149 passengers. It’s expected that Captain John Chamberlain will helm the vessel. “We haven’t finalized what events will be lined up yet, but there will be a multitude of them,” Stack said. Some of the ideas the committee members are considering include a kid’s pirate cruise and luncheon, Vegas Night (in conjunction with Lakes Area Youth Assistance), dinner cruises, a Mardi Gras night, and corporate events. “These businesses could rent the boat for a few hours to take out clients,” Stack said. “The week is going to be a blast. We have a lot of ideas floating around.” The committee first intends to seek the blessing of the Wolverine Lake

Village Council, Administrator/Clerk Sharon Miller, and Police Captain John Ellsworth. “We need to get Sharon Miller and John Ellsworth to sign off and want council’s blessing as a courtesy, even though not one penny (to pay for this) is coming from the village,” Stack said. The entire event will be funded through private donations. Tickets will be sold to defray costs. “There will zero funding from the village,” Stack said. “Some of the proceeds will benefit Lakes Area Youth Assistance and the fireworks fund.” The Fireworks Committee is already making arrangements to line up proper forms of insurance, as well as obtaining the required licenses. Tiki Night is slated for July 3 this year, when a special evening cruise is planned. ❏

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OAKLAND’S

PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: Susan Fancy BUSINESS MANAGER: Dennis Boggs EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Carol Barr EDITOR: Tim Dmoch

Revitalizing the Motor City

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Staff Writers: Angela Niemi, Leslie Shepard, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Mike Scott, Mark Stowers Staff Photographer: Amy K. Lockard ADVERTISING SALES: Account Representatives: Cindie Audia, Denise Engelberts, Linda Stickney, Laurie Wasker Sales Assistant/Proofing: Karen Whikehart PHONE SALES MANAGER: Lori Snyder Account Representatives: Rhonda Libkuman, Cindy Stawick, Leslie Timko GRAPHICS: Denise Jungjohan, Andrea Malek Marcia Reimer IT MANAGER: Joel Stickney CIRCULATION: Dan Griffin ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGER: Carolyn Petherbridge Assistant: Mable McCullough PRESS RELEASES: Deadline 10 a.m. Thursday. Mail to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014. Fax 248.360.1220 or bring to office. After-hours drop box. NEWS TIPS: Post at our website MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: 52 issues - $45 per year.

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

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

Greene Groves spearheads Challenge Detroit initiative

lthough Deirdre Greene Groves grew up in rural Highland Township, she has always had a passion for the history and future of Detroit. Now as the executive director of The Collaborative Group in Birmingham and its Challenge Detroit initiative, Greene Groves has the opportunity to be an integral part of the revitalization efforts of the city she loves. Challenge Detroit is a national program focused on revitalizing Detroit by attracting innovative leaders to bring their intellectual capital and talents to the city. The program will select 30 participants from throughout the U.S. to work, play, give, and live in the Motor City in the hopes that the participants will stay and bring new ideas to Detroit. Participants in the program will receive incentives to live in selected areas of Detroit, will work 32 hours a week at their host company, take part in monthly social and cultural activities, and participate in monthly challenges to positively impact the community. More information can be found at challengedetroit.org. Greene Groves is also involved in various organizations, including the BING Institute Emerging Leaders Roundtable, the Urban Land Institute’s Young Leaders Group, and the Highland Equestrian Conservancy. Tell us about Challenge Detroit. What is the goal of the project? How did this idea originate? How did you become involved in the project? DGG: Challenge Detroit is our first initiative of The Collaborative Group. And the goal of Challenge Detroit is to both attract and retain tomorrow’s leaders to participate in the revitalization efforts of Detroit by living, working, playing and giving in the city and the region for a period of one year. Actually, our founder (Doyle Mosher) came up with this idea a couple years ago. So we have been working on it and really defining what it would look like, but he recognized there was a need to keep bright minds in Michigan, and that is part of why The Collaborative Group exists. But our membership really rallied around the idea and said, “You know, we can connect these individuals to job opportunities and we can connect them to living opportunities and playing and opportunities to really give back to our community, as well.” And I think it is something that is necessary and will be a great forum to talk about all of the good things that are happening in our region. I’ve actually been involved with The Collaborative Group for about 5 years.

We officially launched 2.5 years ago. But I started with the founder of the organization when I just graduated with my degree in construction management from Michigan State. I was working for a construction firm and decided that this would be a great opportunity to participate in when he invited me to help lead the organization. I couldn’t say no. I don’t know where else or what other community that a young person would have an opportunity to really help lead and define and participate in something like this. Please describe the ideal participant for Challenge Detroit. What type of year can they expect in

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW Detroit? What will they be required to do? What are the advantages of participating in this program? What will happen to the participants after the year is up? DGG: We are really looking for someone with a couple strategic characteristics. That would include a bachelor’s degree, being a legal U.S. resident. Some of the details that are just necessary. But beyond that, we are really looking for special people, people who are innovative, creative, very entrepreneurial in spirit and nature. Those who can tackle different projects and take on different roles within the business environment and who can really move an organization and really move our community, as well, forward into the next level. I hope it’s a phenomenal year (for participants). I shouldn’t say “I hope.” It will be a phenomenal year. While they

are here, of course they are going to be working for the most amazing companies that we have in our state, and perhaps in the nation. And they will also be participating in these challenges that are focused on our community’s needs and wants and the issues we want to tackle here. They will also have opportunities to engage on a social level and a cultural level, and to live in the city, as well. So it’s really a holistic program that will connect them to leaders that are young, that are at executive levels, and that are really making a difference and impact so that they, in turn, upon graduating this program, can stay in Detroit, can start businesses in Detroit, can make an impact of their own. I think one of the most significant advantages that I can see is really that leadership connectivity because I think that is something that differentiates Detroit from a lot of other communities, and a program like this can only strengthen it. So when we are working on these team challenges and we’re sitting down one on one with a vice president of the United Way or we’re attending a social event and we’re having a private tour of the Henry Ford (Health System) with (its) president, Patricia Meridian, that’s something really special that you can’t recreate and that you can’t do anywhere else. So the connectivity to leaders, the connectivity to resources if they decide after this year in Detroit that they want to start their own business, and they’re connecting with Tech Town and Business U. I think that will really differentiate them and the program as a whole. Overall, they can expect an amazing experience that won’t compare to anything else and will help take them to the next step in their career. Finally, how can people get involved with Challenge Detroit? DGG: If they want to apply, they can go online, and applications are due March 16. I would encourage them to go check out the application process and register as soon as possible. And if they aren’t looking to apply, but are looking to get involved, one of the greatest things that they can do right now is help us spread the message and visit our website at challengedetroit.org to learn about opportunities to volunteer and to engage and again to help us get the word out, as well. ❏

By Angela Niemi

Read more of this interview at spinalcolumnonline.com.

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Hosco receives blessing for tax break from Wixom

Medical pot ban in Highland gets 1-year extension

By Leslie Shepard

By Angela Niemi

staff writer

The Wixom City Council unanimously approved on Tuesday, Feb. 14, a tax incentive for a new manufacturing company that will be moving into and renovating a long-vacant building in the city. “We are pleased and happy to get the tax abatement which allows us to make substantial improvements and (put) us on the tax rolls,” said Hosco Fittings President Tom Murray. “Everyone we’ve dealt with in the city organization has been a breath of fresh air. We were worried about obstacles, but received only support.” Hosco Fittings recently purchased the building at 28026 Oakland Oaks Court in the city’s south end. The building has been vacant for over six years. “They are gutting it and renovating it and substantially increasing the value,” said Wixom Assistant City Manager Tony Nowicki. Hosco Fittings produces stainless steel components, fittings and systems for advanced paint and coding delivery for the agriculture, aircraft and automotive industries. The company also veers into oil and gas, and food-grade applications primarily for robotic painting systems. “We do (research and development), design, engineering and manufacturing of automated and finishing systems,” Murray said. The company will be relocating from Livonia, where it has leased space since 1997. “We are now expanding and moving,” Murray said. “This new building is 40 percent larger than our current location.” The business is poised to receive a tax abatement on a proposed investment of nearly $750,000 in both real and personal property. “Basically we will be paying normal taxes on the property and land but at a fixed rate for four years,” Murray said. The Wixom City Council accepted the recommendation of the city’s Tax Abatement Review Committee, which proposed a 50 percent tax abatement for four years on the company’s proposed investment of $742,500, which breaks down to $502,500 in real property and $240,000 in personal property. The company has committed to

staff writer

A USDA animal farm exhibit and guided animal tours are among the popular attractions at the Hess Hathaway Park. The park hosts a variety of summer farm camps and sheep shearing events. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Hess-Hathaway ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3

horseshoe pits, cross country skiing trails, a softball field, and community garden. The park hosts a variety of summer farm camps, a concert series, family campouts, and sheep shearbringing in six new jobs beginning this year. Currently the company employs nine people and will create another two jobs in 2012; two in 2013; and two in 2014, and then maintain them

ing events. Some unique activities include a “kids-only” garage sale, a plant swap, hayrides, guided animal tours, and — a lakes area favorite — the Annual Harvest Happening fall festival. Indoor and outdoor facilities are available for rental. ❏ throughout the fourth year of the tax abatement agreement. The company is in the process of renovating its new building and plans to begin operations sometime in May. ❏

The Highland Township Board of Trustees has once again decided to extend an existing moratorium on medical marijuana activities in the community. But instead of a moratorium lasting only three or six months, the board has opted to extend the moratorium for an entire year. “Well, we figured coming back every six months is rather ridiculous,” said Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski, who added that the board is still awaiting further instruction from the state and the county. “We understand that there is some legislation in Lansing and other efforts in the county (dealing with this issue),” Pilchowski said. “We are holding back until we have some clear direction from them.” In November 2008, Michigan became the 13th state in the nation to legalize marijuana for medical use, thanks to overwhelming (twothirds) support by state voters. The law enacted following voters’ authorization requires qualified patients to carry identification cards issued by the state, and registered caregivers to grow limited amounts of marijuana for qualifying patients in an enclosed, locked facility. A caregiver can help up to five other patients and may grow 12 marijuana plants per patient. Many communities across metro Detroit, including in west Oakland County, have established and extended moratoriums on medical marijuana since the law was enacted. Other municipalities have adopted ordinances, some of which have prompted lawsuits. “We want to have a better handle on it,” Pilchowski said. “We see this as a land use issue. We want to do this correctly, to be within the bounds of law. Right now, we feel we are floating in limbo.” ❏

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 13

➥

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

By Leslie Shepard

SPECIAL REPORT

staff writer

police officer takes an oath to keep the community safe: They patrol the streets and hunt down criminals, but sometimes situations arise when only four-legged, scentdriven crime fighters can finish the job. These loyal and dogged K-9 officers are invaluable in sniffing out drugs and tracking down fleeing felons. They can be counted on to jump to the call of duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These specialized K-9 units have been trained and certified in arson, narcotics detection, article searches (locating stolen property or weapons), bomb-sniffing, and tracking and obedience. They are also deployed to combat drug use in area schools when random sweeps are conducted. Most K-9 officers are German shepherds bred and trained in Europe. “German shepherds are a very intelligent breed, but mainly they are chosen due to their drive,” said Waterford Township Police Department K-9 Handler Annette Miller. “Our K-9s come from a main kennel in Holland, but from different sporting groups through Europe, including Germany, Slovakia, and Poland.” The dogs typical begin their preservice training when they are between 14- and 24-months-old. “As part of this, they learn special odors they will be working with like bombs or drugs, and that’s continued at an academic program,” Miller said. During pre-service training, each K-9 shows predispositions toward a certain skill set and is trained accordingly. They are not cross-trained. Each is assigned to assist law enforcement in narcotics, arson, or bomb detection. Once they are shipped to their new base camp, they continue training for five weeks. “We, as a team, attend a five-week program at the K-9 academy at Oakland Community College, where we are taught detector work, tracking, and aggression and control work,” Miller said. Tracking is used in locating missing persons, drug and bomb detection, as well as finding articles during building and area searches. Initially the dog is taught in baby steps. For example, training begins by having a dog track an object for about 50 or 100 feet. The trainer uses a hot dog — or something similar — as bait. The dog is taught to

Sit, stay… find drugs Police: K-9 units key law enforcement tool

Waterford Township Police Department K-9 Handler Annette Miller and Tondo have worked together since June 2010. Tondo has tracked and located a felon, three arson suspects, a number of stolen articles, and has performed many other successful tracks. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

keep its nose down and follow the scent of the hot dog, as well as the person holding it. As training continues, the bait is used less frequently so that the person’s scent becomes the focal point while the tracks are augmented. This continues until the dog is fully trained in tracking a human scent for long tracks. During the training program, the handler learns how to control the dog’s behavior and aggression. “We learn how and when to engage the suspect, but we have to control our dog also, so we learn when to release the K-9 and when to recall them if the suspect surrenders,” Miller said. Continuous training is mandated by the state, and each K-9 unit must undergo 16 hours of training per month, according to Miller. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) — which has substations in Commerce and Highland townships — first started its K-9 unit program back in 2000. The department currently has 16 units comprised of two bomb dogs, one trained in arson investigations, and 13 others trained in tracking, property recovery, handler protection,

and narcotics detection. However, only a few substations throughout Oakland County have their own dog, according to Sergeant Joseph Lambourn of the department’s Patrol Division. “We share the K-9 units,” Lambourn explained. “We have different deputies who will work in different areas. Their home base might be at the Commerce Substation, but they could work in Rochester Hills one day and then be in Pontiac the next.” And while the OCSD normally offers support to all surrounding police departments, it isn’t above needing assistance in the K-9 department at times, as well. “If we have a bomb threat at a high school and it’s more than what we can handle, we will get additional (K-9) help from the tri-county area,” Lambourn said. “For example, if there was a bomb threat at a high school in Rochester or Walled Lake, Detroit might send us some help — and it’s a reciprocal agreement. At the (North American International Auto Show), we supported them.” All of the OCSD dogs come from Europe, often Yugoslavia or the Czech Republic. While many of the dogs are

German shepherds, occasionally the OCSD will use Belgian malinois and Dutch shepherds, according to Lambourn. However, all of the department’s dogs are from Europe and all are male. When the OCSD gets a dog, it’s first trained in basic obedience, mastering simple commands such as “sit” and “stay.” The dogs then begin their enhanced training with their handlers at Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills and at the Oakland Police Academy. In order to be chosen as a K-9 officer in the OCSD, the interested candidate must submit their name on the list. According to the OCSD website, each applicant must have three years seniority with the department and at least one year in patrol services. “We take a look at the list of names submitted,” Lambourn said. “We try to make our decision by looking at past training, the character of the officer, and past employment.” The officer and K-9 team then stay and live together. The finished team is provided a special vehicle and weekly training in order to maintain and reinforce their skills, and the county covers all expenses for the K-9. According to Lambourn, Sheriff Michael Bouchard has been “very sup-

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

WATERFORD TOWNSHIP

The Waterford Township Police Department began funding four K-9 teams beginning in the 1980s. By the early 2000s, the department acquired the dog Quatto and, following his retirement, there was a 5-year lag when the township opted not to fund the program. “Due to funding, (township) administration said it was no longer a priority,” Miller said. Today, Waterford employs two handlers, Miller and Officer Brian Illingworth. Illingworth handles Bandit, who has served since January 2008 and has performed numerous successful tracks during that timeframe. Born in March 2006 in Slovakia, Bandit began training with Illingworth in October 2007.

PAGE 9

ness parking lot, where the suspect was located and arrested without incident. “That led to him confessing to four other home invasions,” Miller said. Waterford Township assumes the financial responsibility for the K-9 officers, but in many instances grants help defray the costs that typically are pegged at $12,000 for start-up needs, including acquisition of the dog and its training, as well as basic equipment. Maintenance costs average $1,500 per year for veterinary bills, food and equipment, or additional service training. “We train together once a week, every week, with the Southeast Michigan K-9 Training Group with 8 to 10 other communities to keep up to speed and for liability purposes so we surpass the training required by law,” Miller said. Most handlers house their K-9s at their personal residences during offduty hours. “There are costs incurred by choice by the handlers, but (the dogs’) basic needs are paid for by the department,” Miller said. “We receive compensation for taking care of the dogs — by law we are compensated 2.5 hours, whether it be in time off or through monetary compensation.” Tondo was born in Poland in February 2009 and was personally selected for his handler, Waterford Police Officer Annette Miller, in April 2010. Tondo and Miller train together for at least 16 hours each month. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Tondo, Miller’s K-9, was born in Poland in February 2009 and was personally selected for Miller in April 2010. The team reported for their first day of service on June 5, 2010. To his credit, Tondo has located a felon, three arson suspects, a number of stolen articles, and has performed many other successful tracks. “Our K-9s are very valuable based on their success rates,” Miller said. “We document every time they are used and write up reports. In just the last two weeks, they have had successful tracks on an armed robbery and home invasion.” That incident came on Tuesday, Feb. 8, when Illingworth and Bandit were dispatched to a business in Holly to track an armed robbery suspect who fled the scene on foot. The team tracked the suspect across the street and onto the sidewalk, where it is more difficult to pick up a scent. After another two blocks, Bandit stopped in a front yard and Illingworth called off the track. Apparently the suspect resided at the home where the track stopped, had

jumped into his vehicle and left. Holly police officers stopped the suspect and found stolen property from a prior burglary and arrested the suspect. Similarly, Waterford police, utilizing the assistance of a K-9 unit, apprehended a pair of suspects in a Jan. 31 home invasion that occurred on Irwindale Court. Officers responded to the area of Irwindale Drive and Irwindale Court to investigate a suspicious vehicle. An alert citizen called 911 after observing the passenger of the suspicious vehicle walk behind a home. Arriving officers located the suspicious vehicle and arrested the driver, a 30-year-old Waterford man, on outstanding traffic warrants. Officers subsequently located a home on Irwindale Court that had been broken into through a sliding glass door. Tondo began to track from where a passenger exited the suspicious vehicle to the home on Irwindale Court. The track continued east toward the area of Pontiac Lake Road and Highland Road into a busi-

WALLED LAKE

The city of Walled Lake enlists the services of the OCSD or neighboring communities when there is a need for the help of a K-9 unit. “We use them for vehicle searches, occasional house checks — more often for tracks of someone fleeing a vehicle or at the scene to check cars for drugs,” said Police Chief Paul Shakinas, who estimates that city law enforcement requires the use of K-9 services once or twice a month. “I would say their success rate is a little greater than 50 percent, but it depends on the circumstances,” Shakinas said. “Over the last few years, however, there have been no successful K-9 tracks (in Walled Lake cases).” Walled Lake first turns to the OCSD for a K-9 unit when the need arises. If none are available, he would next ask Novi or West Bloomfield for help. “They are the closest,” he said. “Otherwise, it could be up to an hour response time.”

WOLVERINE LAKE

Likewise, Wolverine Lake calls upon the OCSD to dispatch a K-9 unit on occasion. “They and surrounding area

PAGE 10 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

SPECIAL REPORT

portive of the K-9 units.” In fact, the department gained two more teams last year when the OCSD began providing police services to the city of Pontiac. So far, the department’s K-9 Division has been a “huge” success, according to Lambourn. One of the success stories includes the apprehension of a murder suspect and the murder weapon in a Detroit homicide just last year. “There was a body on 8 Mile (Road), and the crime scene was secured,” Lambourn said. “Deputy Gary Murray sets his dog out, and he follows the scent to a house in Detroit, which he circles. Inside, we located one of the responsibles. And then the dog was indicating he wanted to go on the roof. The murder weapon was on top of the roof. That was just great police work.” K-9 units have also been used to help locate missing people, as well as locating drugs, such as when they assisted the U.S. Homeland Security and Border Patrol in finding a plane filled with drugs at Oakland County International Airport within the last two years. “They are used all over, really, to help keep the citizens of Oakland County safe,” Lambourn said. “I’m really proud of them and the job they do for Oakland County.” In west Oakland County, two law enforcement agencies have K-9 units on site to be deployed whenever a case requires immediate response, including Waterford and West Bloomfield. According to Lambourn, there is no fulltime K-9 unit stationed at the OCSD’s Commerce Township or Highland Township substations. K-9 assistance is extended to surrounding communities free of charge. The consensus among all jurisdictions is that K-9 units are invaluable tools that often lead to catching the bad guys who would otherwise be left to roam the streets.

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K-9 units ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 9

departments have been helpful in assisting us,” said Police Captain John Ellsworth. “We use them usually for tracking suspects in home invasions or larceny from auto cases, as well as drug detection. Occasionally, we also use them for a missing person, but mainly for crimes.” Like in other police departments, Ellsworth and his team count on K-9 units to find clues that humans are unable to detect. “They are valuable tools for departments,” he said. “I remember there was a guy who had outstanding warrants and we pulled him over during a traffic stop, but he bailed. With the help of the OCSD’s K-9 unit, he was found hiding under a low hanging pine tree. We had walked by him, but the dog kept pulling us back. We wouldn’t have caught that guy without the K-9 officer.”

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While the city of Orchard Lake doesn’t require K-9 units as often as larger communities in west Oakland, it still sometimes utilizes the dogs’ unique skills in certain situations. “We use them if a crime is committed and the suspect flees on foot,” said Police Chief Joe George. “We’ve also needed them for armed robberies and home invasions.” He added that K-9s are excellent tools during raids or traffic stops to search for drugs. “If they can pick up on something, then we could go for a warrant,” George said. Orchard Lake typically contacts the OCSD or the city’s much larger neighbor, West Bloomfield Township, to dispatch a K-9 unit when one is needed. George said K-9 units were deployed quite often during his tenure with the Southfield Police Department. “We had good luck with dogs,” he said. “They would find people hiding or track suspects who bailed out of vehicles, even though fields and swamps. Many suspects give up when they hear the dogs because they don’t want an encounter with one of them. Ultimately, the success rate is dependent on the conditions. The key is to make sure the track is not destroyed so they can pick up the scent.”

WIXOM

Wixom relies on the OCSD or Novi to provide K-9 assistance to track fleeing suspects or search for contraband. Director of Public Safety Director Clarence Goodlein estimated that, in 2010, his department requested K-9 back-up between six and eight times.

An estimate for 2011 K-9 assistance requests was not available. “K-9 service is extremely valuable and if we could afford it we would move in that direction ourselves,” he said. “We would use the service more to perform routine functions, but right now we depend on others, so we don’t use it with regularity and (we) reserve (it) for important situations.” Goodlein lauds K-9 units for their stellar training and committed service. “My impression is that most are well-trained and do a great job,” he said. “Success depends on conditions like the weather. If the weather is not conducive, it interferes and makes it difficult for the dogs.” Goodlein recalled a case solved last year that he attributed to the K-9 unit. “We were searching an auto on the road and believed there were controlled substances in the vehicle,” he explained. “Thanks to the K-9 officer, we found a number (of controlled substances) buried in the rear seat.”

WEST BLOOMFIELD

When contacted by the Spinal Column Newsweekly requesting information about the West Bloomfield Police Department’s K-9 program, Lieutenant Timothy Diamond forwarded this statement: “We are in the midst of a transition period with our K-9 unit. Therefore, we will not be able to help you out with your story at this time.” Diamond said one of the department’s K-9 handlers recently had to take a dog out of service because of the dog’s age, but the department will still have a K-9 unit. That particular dog will soon be given a tribute. On Jan. 9, the West Bloomfield Township board unanimously approved a memorial proposed by a local Boy Scout to honor the township police department’s K-9 unit. Joshua Geary of Boy Scout Troop 185, based in Waterford, said the memorial would consist of a cement walkway that would extend from the walkway in front of the township police station and lead to a statue of a German shepherd that would have a police badge around its neck. The pedestal would also include a poem called “A Working Dog’s Oath” and would be illuminated by a light that would be installed.

MILFORD

A representative for the Milford Police Department said the department has discontinued its K-9 unit. ❏ Staff writers Angela Niemi and Michael Shelton contributed to this report.

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Awards doled out for 11 who saved man’s life at gym By Angela Niemi staff writer

leven people were honored with Life Saving Awards at the Commerce Township Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 14, after recently saving a man’s life. The 11 people acknowledged were Fitness 19 employees, local firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Around 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2011, the Commerce Township Fire Department responded to Fitness 19 on Union Lake Road for a man who had a seizure. The man, Carl Stock, was exercising on an elliptical machine when he began to have a seizure. Andrew Rambo, Kevin Shaw, and Curtis Tayler, employees at Fitness 19, began performing CPR on the 64year-old victim until Commerce Township Fire Department personnel arrived. Meanwhile, two off-duty firefighters in the area, Kevin Newhouse and Kirk Werner, learned of the CPR call and responded to assist Commerce Firefighters Andrew Boring, James Carpenter, Zack Schwartz, and Roger Wilson. The group worked together administering CPR as Stock continued to have no pulse, until an ambulance arrived. While being transported to DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, two paramedics with Community EMS,

Munro expects to seek election as Commerce clerk By Angela Niemi staff writer

Commerce Township Clerk Dan Munro is planning to seek a full fouryear term as the township’s top elections official and record-keeper. “I have enjoyed working with the team here at the township and continue to see opportunity to add value to the community,” said Munro, who was appointed to the clerk position in January 2011 following the resignation of former clerk Sandra Abrams. Prior to filling the clerk vacancy,

The Commerce Township Board of Trustees last week honored the efforts of 11 people, including Fitness 19 employees, firefighters, and EMTS who worked together to save the life of 64-year-old Carl Stock (with moustache) after he suffered a seizure at the fitness facility on Union Lake Road on Dec. 1, 2011. Pictured from left to right are firefighters Kirk Werner, Andrew Boring, Roger Wilson, Stock, James Carpenter, Kevin Newhouse, and Zack Schwartz. (Photo submitted by Lisa Werner)

John Bonham and Jaime Allison, had to defibrillation Stock, which re-established his heart beat and respiration. The effort of all 11 people paid off as they saved Stock’s life. “Due to the combined efforts from employees at Fitness 19, members of

the Fire Department and the crew from Community EMS, Mr. Stock is with us today,” said Commerce Fire Chief Joe Schornack. “I commend the efforts of all the individuals involved in this ‘Life Saving’ incident.” All 11 honorees were present at

Munro had served for 18 years as a trustee on the Commerce Township Board of Trustees. His trustee position was filled with the appointment of former state Rep. David Law. “While Commerce Township has one of the lowest tax rates in Oakland County, there are numerous ways we can improve service to our citizens while reducing unnecessary expenses,” said Munro, a Republican. Last month, Supervisor Tom Zoner declared his intention to run for reelection, as well. The filing deadline for those interested in running for an elected position is May 15. The Commerce Township clerk serves a four-year term and currently earns $74,855 annually. ❏

Council may use Tri-party funds for Pontiac Trail work By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Members of the Orchard Lake City Council are mulling whether Tri-party Program funds will be leveraged to complete a repaving project along Pontiac Trail between Orchard Lake Road and Old Orchard Trail. The city’s Transportation Committee, comprised of Mayor Pro Tem Joe Majcher and council members Ann Hartzell and Norm Finkelstein, along with Director of City Services Gerry McCallum, met with

the meeting, as well as Stock and his wife, who thanked all involved. The Stock’s son, Eric, is a new member of the Commerce Fire Department, currently attending the fire academy, according to Schornack. ❏ Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) representative Tom Noechel on Jan. 30 to discuss a pair of potential road projects. The goal was to determine which project, if any, could be accomplished with the city’s $99,000 in allocated Tri-party funds. The repaving project on Pontiac Trail could be facilitated with the funding limitations. The consensus was that if the road isn’t repaved soon, it would become a far more costly project over the next few years. As a bonus, the RCOC would contribute design and construction services, as well as project administration.

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 15

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PAGE 15

LAKES AREA NEWS

St. Mary’s alum is new head of O. Lake Schools By Leslie Shepard staff writer

n alumni of Orchard Lake Schools will assume the office of chancellor now that Fr. Tim Whalen has taken a new post in Pennsylvania. Fr. Thomas C. Machalski is a graduate of St. Mary’s Preparatory and St. Mary’s College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He was installed as the third chancellor in the history of Orchard Lake Schools, in a ceremony held Sunday, Feb. 19 by Archbishop of Detroit Allen Vigneron. “It’s really a homecoming for him because he’s a graduate of the ‘Prep,’” said Polish Mission Representative J.J. Przewozniak. “A lot of his fellow graduates from all over came to celebrate his installation.” Whalen left Orchard Lake Schools in January to lead the first major seminary in the U.S. operated by Benedictine monks. Machalski will now assume a dual role as the appointed rector of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, as well as serve as chancellor of Orchard Lake Schools. “I am committed to continue to do all I can to support the Prep in its mission of providing young men with the ‘moral guidance, discipline and education to become Christ-like models of service and leadership for

Tri-party project ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 13

The second potential project would facilitate resequencing of the traffic lights at Pontiac Trail and Old Orchard Trail; Pontiac Trail and Orchard Lake Road; and Long Lake and Orchard Lake roads, to mitigate traffic congestion. However, upon further study, the RCOC determined this project would exceed costs of $240,000 in order to rebuild the FAST-TRAC systems. “The reprogramming to sync the lights required significant work so the costs were astronomical,” McCallum said. The Transportation Committee was informed that if the city’s Tri-party funds weren’t spent this year, the

Fr. Thomas C. Machalski (with gold vertical stripe on green robe) was installed as the third-ever chancellor of Orchard Lake Schools in a ceremony held on Sunday, Feb. 19. A graduate of St. Mary’s Preparatory and St. Mary’s College, Machalski will now assume a dual role as the appointed rector of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, as well as chancellor of Orchard Lake Schools. (Photo submitted by JJ Przewozniak)

the world’ in an atmosphere founded upon our Polish-American heritage and legacy. I am so proud to be a son of St. Mary’s Prep,” Machalski said. Previously, Machalski served as a priest with the Diocese of Brooklyn, where he presided over a predominantly Polish community for over 26 years. In the wake of his departure, he was awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit by the president of Poland, Bronislaw Komorowski. “I am a fourth generation Polish-

American and my Polish roots are an important part of my life,” Machalski said. “For most of the 27 years I have served as a priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn, I have ministered in Polish parishes and in the Tribunal where I handled all Polish speaking cases.” He began his theological studies at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, N.Y., where he received his master’s of divinity degree. He served his pastoral formation year at the parish of Our Lady of

possibility exists that the funds could be allocated to another community given that they are not cumulative and cannot be bankrolled for future years. Moreover, Noechel said it is more than likely that next year the Tri-party Program funding will be halved. “Essentially if we don’t use it, we lost it and that’s why it’s important to find some type of project to use these funds and reap the benefit of the county picking up two-thirds,” McCallum said. After considering each factor, the Transportation Committee forwarded a recommendation to City Council to adopt the repaving project on Pontiac Trail. “There are no maintenance/repaving funds for existing roads due to budget issues available at the county,” McCallum said.

“During this project they would mill it down and lay new asphalt so its’ a new construction rather than maintenance project.” The city’s portion of the bill will be $33,000. “My recommendation is that we budget for the project during fiscal year 2012-13 (meaning as of July 1, 2012) and begin construction in August,” McCallum said. Council was expected to consider the road project at its meeting yesterday, Tuesday, Feb. 21. The Tri-party Program has been in effect since 1989. It is a threepronged method of funding relatively small road construction projects, with costs shared equally between participating local communities, Oakland County, and the RCOC. ❏

the Blessed Sacrament in Bayside, N.Y. His studies continued at the Catholic University of Lublin, Poland. Machalski earned a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Fordham University in New York, and received the distinction of a Canon Lawyer after studying at the University of America in Washington D.C. During this time, he was featured on a nationally broadcast PBS documentary, “The Polish Americans.” ❏

City workers to see increased health care costs in 2012 By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Walled Lake employees are expected to bear the financial burden associated with increased health care benefit costs beginning this year. Public Act (PA) 152 of 2011 calls for municipalities to limit government spending on public employees’ health care benefits. The city had several

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 17

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Obituaries BACON, CALVIN D. JR., age 21, born on February 13, 1990 and passed suddenly due to a tragic accident on February 4, 2012. Beloved son of Debbie Turoldo & Calvin D. Bacon Sr. BAILEY, PATRICIA A., age 70, a resident of Milford, passed away after a brave battle with cancer on February 13, 2012. DEROO, RON, of Waterford passed away unexpectedly February 6, 2012 and the age of 59. HASKEW, SUZANNE VIRGINIA, a resident of Milford for forty years, died on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at University Hospital Ann Arbor, surrounded by family. She was 72 years old. KUTZLI, SHARON, (Callyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mother), Remembering her Feb. 25th, VFW#1008, Airport Rd. in Waterford, from 2-6 p.m. LEMIERE, CHARLES J., age 88 of White Lake passed away in the care of his family February 12, 2012. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret. PAYTON, ZENIA, of Novi was born on April 10, 1915 and died February 7, 2012 at the age of 96. SIMON, HANNELORE (LORRIE), a resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, died on February 9th, 2012 at the age of 85 SMITH, AUBREY, a resident of West Bloomfield, died on February 10th, 2012 at the age of 87. SPENCER, SHARON F., of White Lake was born September 8, 1951. and died February 10, 2012 at age 61. Beloved wife of 42 years to Robert. SPRUNG, JACK K., of White Lake died February 4, 2012 at the age of 48. TURNER, LISA, a 55-year resident of Union Lake passed away February 7th, 2012. Her daughter SUSAN HOPPS of Homer, MI., grew up in Union Lake passed November 5th, 2011. ZELENOCK, MICHAEL J., of Walled Lake died February 10, 2012. ZWAYER (HOEHN), ETHA MAE, of West Bloomfield died February 7, 2012. Wife of the late Andrew Hoehn and Charles Zwayer.

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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PAGE 17

LAKES AREA NEWS

Benefit costs ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 15

options to consider under the new state law and settled on holding employees to a hard cap of $15,000 annually that the city will reimburse on all inclusive health care costs. Because the Walled Lake City Council took no action, the hard cap outlined in the new state law automatically went into effect. “I don’t think excluding ourselves from the hard cap was the proper way to go,” said Mayor Pro Tem Linda Ackley. “We owe it to the taxpayers to give them some relief and put a little of the burden onto the employees.” How provisions of the law will be rolled out in the city is still being discussed, according to city Finance Director Colleen Coogan. “The implementation of the law has room for some decision-making on how to allocate these costs and is still under discussion in Walled Lake,” she said. The city dismissed two other options, including an 80-20 cost sharing model, and adopting a resolution that would opt the city out of the new state law for this year and revisiting the issue next year. PA 54 of 2011 requires any employee under an expired collective bargaining agreement to “bear any increased cost of maintaining those benefits that occurs after the expiration date (of the contract).” “If there’s an open contract, the employee has to pick up the increase in health care costs and that’s been implemented across the state,” Coogan said. “If the contract expires and the insurance renews, then it’s negotiated and (it) will be decided who will be paying.” The city’s expenses will be capped for all employees that are not working under an active collective bargaining agreement, which equates to a cap of $5,500 for a single person’s coverage; $11,000 for two-person coverage; and $15,000 for family coverage. “The city is continuing to work through both of these (new laws),” Coogan said. ❏

Village, township to go 50-50 on dams’ fence, rail By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Township Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a cost-sharing plan with Milford Village to install a new safety fence at the Moore Lake Dam and a new

guardrail at the Hubbell Pond Dam. “The grate at Moore Lake, which screened debris from going into the flume, had deteriorated and had to be replaced,” said Township Supervisor Don Green. “I got some bids and talked to the village (Department of Public Services) and we decided that we would go 50-50 (on the costs).” He added that the handrail at the Hubbell Pond Dam located at the top of the former power generating building had also deteriorated and that a new handrail would be placed behind the old one. The township and village worked out a cost-sharing plan with Defence Enterprises of White Lake Township, with the combined total cost for the fences coming in at $5,040. Green said that the increased fencing was not in response to the drownings of a 16-year-old boy and a 48-year-old Milford resident that occurred on May 21. Village Manager Arthur Shufflebarger said that the village, in response to this past summer’s double-drowning, installed a buoy system with an additional cable across an opening upstream from the dam. “It should be clear (to canoers) that they should not go in that area,” Shufflebarger said. Last May, a canoe on the river being paddled by 16-year-old John Przydatek of Harrison Township and a friend, also a 16-year-old boy, got caught up in the current near the dam and overturned. Both teens were thrown into the river. Przydatek was sucked by the current into an area at the base of the dam. A 48-year-old Milford resident, Douglas Killingbeck, responded to cries for help by getting in his canoe and paddling to the area near the dam’s base. According to witnesses, in an attempt to help, Killingbeck jumped into the water after locating Przydatek and went under the water surface, but he didn’t resurface. It was later discovered that the teenagers were not wearing life jackets, while Killingbeck was wearing one at the time of the incident. There currently are signs posted warning people to stay in a safe area away from the dam because of water turbulence, and the village advises that life jackets should always be worn when canoeing on the river. The board’s action came on Wednesday, Feb. 15. ❏

Milford Twp. using Tri-party funds for Cooley Lk. paving By Michael Shelton staff writers

The Milford Township Board of Trustees voted Wednesday, Feb. 15 to unanimously approve allocating its 2012 Tri-party Program funds to a paving project along Cooley Lake Road, from the township border to the existing pavement east of Duck Lake Road. Township Supervisor Don Green said the township’s Tri-party allocation for the year is $40,983, with the township’s one-third contribution to the project is $13,661. The total cost of the township’s portion of a larger, multi-jurisdictional project is $25,000, meaning that approximately $8,300 from the township’s $13,661 in Tri-party funds will be going to the Cooley Lake Road project, according to township Clerk Holly Brandt. Green said that any funds left over after the Cooley Lake Road paving project will be allocated for road gravel. Tri-party funding is made up of equal annual contributions from the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and participating communities. The township’s project is a portion of a larger project by the RCOC to pave Cooley Lake Road from just east of Duck Lake Road to Mystic Valley/Majestic Oaks, a stretch which includes four communities — Milford, Highland, White Lake and Commerce townships. The overall, $4.4 million Cooley Lake Road paving project involves asphalt paving of the road, along

with construction of concrete curbs, gutters and storm sewers in areas that need them in order to provide proper drainage. Of the anticipated $4.4 million total project costs, approximately $3.2 million is being paid for with federal funds. The remaining $1.2 million will be split between the RCOC, and Commerce, Milford, Highland and White Lake townships. During construction, the roadway will be closed to through traffic. Access will be provided to motorists accessing homes and businesses in the project area at all times. The project is expected to begin this spring and will be completed by the fall. Appropriations for the project are listed in the RCOC’s Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget, which comes in at slightly over $100 million, about $7.5 million lower than the road commission’s previous fiscal year spending plan. The budget includes $28.1 million in road improvement projects. The county uses a formula to determine annual Tri-party allocations and most communities can accumulate Tri-party funds over a number of years for use on larger projects. ❏

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NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR

OUTSTANDING STUDENTS OF WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

50 YEARS AGO Feb. 22, 1962 Tom McKinnon, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude McKinnon of Waterford Township, has been notified that he placed third in the Michigan Elks Youth Leadership Contest. Tom won firstplace in his own high school, Waterford Kettering, and then first in the local contest. He then went to the state contest. The letter Tom received from Mr. Fritz Coppens, president of the Michigan Elks, stated the following: “Your school, community, and all Michigan citizens are justly proud of your capability as a leader in organizational ability and the fine influence you reflect on others.” 40 YEARS AGO Feb. 23, 1972 Negotiations are underway for construction of a shopping center, apartment complex, and major office building in Commerce Township. Located on the two north corners of Commerce and Union Lake roads, the project will be considered at a township public meeting on April 17. Present plans call for 12.4 acres on the northeast corner to be developed as a 101,000-square-foot shopping center to include a major supermarket, theater, and general convenience stores. Surrounding the complex will be apartment buildings on 30 acres. An office complex, to be located on 5.16 acres, is slated for the northwest corner of the intersection. Adjourning the office site will be a branch of Pontiac State Bank. 30 YEARS AGO Feb. 24, 1982 (A) 16-year-old Pierce Junior High School student ... has been picked up in connection with the strangulation death of 13-year-old Colette Elise Molyneaux Oct. 31 at her home (on) Leota Street in Waterford. (The suspect) was picked up on an order signed Feb. 18 by Oakland County Probate Judge John J. O’Brien. Police said the youth had been receiving psychiatric treatment at Fairlawn Center in Pontiac and lived in the area near the victim’s home. Detective Carl Solden said the suspect should appear at a hearing to be scheduled early this week in Probate Court to determine whether there is

sufficient grounds to continue with a charge of first-degree murder. The detective added the alleged motive evolved after the suspect was apparently convicted of a breaking and entering on the basis of testimony offered by Molyneaux’s mother, and had threatened the family. 20 YEARS AGO Feb. 19, 1992 Huron Valley Hospital in Commerce Township expects to open a 4,000square-foot addition to its emergency department next week. The expansion, which cost $740,000, should alleviate overcrowding, increase privacy, and improve medical professionals’ ability to help patients, said Susan Happel, the hospital’s director of community relations. The addition, which was begun in September of 1991, will include a larger waiting room with cluster seating for 60 people, a triage area for determining the severity of patients’ conditions, two patient registration bays, a private grieving area for families, new security carmeras, 102 more parking spaces, and a washdown area for contaminated people. 10 YEARS AGO Feb. 20, 2002 Along with anticipating no further flooding problems in the Golfview Lake Estates neighborhood, Commerce Township officials are looking for additional studies of potential problem areas. “We don’t think we have a flood problem there anymore,” Commerce Township Supervisor Tom Zoner said of the neighborhood that, beginning in late 2000, experienced disproportional flooding problems. Residents living near the Links of Pinewood Golf Course have been concerned since — and before — September 2000 storms flooded area property.

Headlines of the Past

The Spinal Column Newsweekly is looking for West Oakland County students deserving special recognition. Do you know of a student age Kindergarten through High School, who has done something special for their community? For instance: • Do they donate their time and effort to help someone else? • Do they work hard to excel at something? (School, music, sports, etc.) • Do they go above and beyond to reach out to another, or extend themselves in some other way? If you think that a student deserves special recognition, tell us why. The winners will be featured in the first annual edition of “The Yearbook,” a special section of the Spinal Column Newsweekly being published and distributed on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Spinal Column Newsweekly is locally owned and operated with the largest distribution of any newspaper in the Lakes area. In addition to being featured in a story, the first place prize winner will receive: A limousine ride (compliments of Blue Diamond Limousine of Wixom) to a fabulous dinner, compliments of The Root Restaurant in White Lake for the student and 4 guests of their choice. The six top runners up will receive $20.00 gift certificates donated by Papa Romanos of Richardson Rd., Commerce, Happy’s Pizza, Marco’s Pizza of Highland and Windmill Market. Winners will be chosen by a panel of local senior citizens. Student’s Name: ________________________________________________________ Age:____________ Name of School: _________________________________________________________ Grade:_________ (Can be public school, private school or homeschooled student)

Your Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ Your Phone: ____________________________ Your Email: ______________________________________ Please attach 1 or 2 paragraphs to explain why this student deserves to be recognized. Fax to: Attention Outstanding Students of West Oakland Fax: 248-360-5308

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PAGE 19

EDUCATION

Tougher standards

MEAP proficiency bench-marks assailed By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Area educators are qualifying their remarks on students’ latest Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) test scores by citing new, higher state standards for all testing subjects — standards that some educators say have been set too high. Each year students in grades 3-9 throughout the state are required to take the MEAP test. Once these tests are scored, students are assessed as being “advanced,” “proficient,” “partially proficient” or “not proficient.” The Michigan State Board of Education has adopted new standards by raising the cutoff scores, or “cut scores,” that a student must receive in each of the rating categories. The new cut scores for the recently released Fall 2011 MEAP testing represent a significantly higher standard for student achievement, according to lakes area educators. Previously on the MEAP, students could have answered as few as 40 percent of the questions correctly and been considered “proficient.” Under the new scoring system, students are expected to correctly answer a higher percentage of questions. “While we recognize that the standards for proficiency were previously too low, the pendulum has swung too dramatically in the other direction,” said Huron Valley Schools Superintendent Jackie Johnston. “In fact, the new cut scores would indicate that approximately 18 percent of our students are college ready, when we know that around 80 percent of our graduates successfully complete their first year of college.” “We can’t defend the old cut scores, but this doesn’t appropriately reflect proficiency levels in Huron Valley Schools or the state — the answer is somewhere in between,” Johnston said. MEAP tests include math, reading, writing, science, social studies, and English/language arts (ELA) segments. Math, reading, writing, and ELA tests were given to students in all grade levels, while science and social studies tests are administered to students in select grades. HURON VALLEY SCHOOLS Huron Valley students fared well in most subjects by exceeding or meeting state standards for the proficient cate-

gory and compared to countywide results; however, students fell short in several areas. Among Huron Valley third-graders, 73 percent met or exceeded the state standard in reading, and 51 percent met or exceeded state math standards. Among fourth-graders, 75 percent met or exceeded the state standard in reading. In writing, 52 percent of fourth-graders met or exceeded the state standard. Eighteen percent of fifth-graders met or exceeded the state standard in science. Lastly, 28 percent of Huron Valley sixth-grade students met or exceeded the state standards for social studies. “It’s tricky to compare year to year because the students change, as well as the content,” said Huron Valley Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Nancy Coratti. “There are so many variables and you need to look at trends over time.” The MEAP and Michigan Merit Exam (MME) tests are only two of several measures used in the Huron Valley district throughout the year to ensure that students are making academic progress, according to Johnston and Coratti. “A state assessment has some value, but it’s just one test,” Coratti said. “We use multiples assessments and want kids and families to feel good and focus on what they’re learning, not being labeled ‘proficient’ or ‘not proficient.’” The district had anticipated that, given the new cut scores, the percentage of students rated as “proficient” would decline. “Huron Valley scores will remain above the state results, but we believe more students will be rated as less than ‘proficient,’” Johnston said. “In fact, in some cases, students rated as ‘advanced’ under the old cut scores could be rated as ‘not proficient’ or ‘partially proficient’ when the new cut scores are applied.” MEAP test results will be mailed out this week. The district is providing information regarding these standardized test results through a variety of communication channels, such as newsletters, e-mailS, the district’s website (www.huronvalley.k12.mi.us), and parent-teacher conferences. WALLED LAKE SCHOOLS The majority of MEAP scores reportPAGE 20 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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EDUCATION

MEAP scores ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 19

ed for the Walled Lake Consolidated School District show that the district scored at a higher proficiency rate than the state and county averages in most subjects. The two exceptions were thirdgrade reading and fifth-grade science scores. The district’s third-grade 68 percent proficiency reading scores were above the state average, but slightly below the county’s 69 percent proficiency average. Meanwhile, the county had a 22 percent proficiency rate for fifth-grade science testing, while the district had a 19 percent proficiency rate. According to district officials, the new cut scores implemented by the state represent a significantly higher standard for student achievement and are intended to more accurately reflect whether students are on track and prepared for college and careers. “While we anticipate an initial decline in the number of students reported as ‘proficient,’ we are confident this change will be temporary due to ongoing school improvement efforts and student support,” the dis-

trict’s website states. The district’s reading proficiency percentages for grades 4-8 were as follows: 80 percent for fourth, 81 percent for fifth, 78 for sixth, 70 for seventh, and 73 for eighth-graders. The proficiency percentages for mathematics in grades 3-8 were as follows: 59 for third, 63 for fourth, 68 for fifth, 62 for sixth, 63 for seventh, and 47 for eighth-graders. The percentage of students proficient in writing in grades four and seven were 59 and 61 percent, respectively. The percentage of students proving proficiency in eighth-grade science was 31 percent. Meanwhile, 46 percent of ninthgrade students were proficient in social studies, and 41 percent of sixth-graders met or exceeded the proficient cut score, as well. More information on the district’s MEAP scores can be found at www.wlcsd.org. A detailed MEAP report will also be presented at the March Board of Education meeting, which is slated for 7:30 p.m. on March 1 at the Educational Services Building on Ladd Road in Walled Lake.

WEST BLOOMFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT The West Bloomfield School District saw its best scores in the Fall 2011 MEAP test come from its third, fourth- and seventh-graders. Out of 483 third-graders tested in math, 62.3 percent met or exceeded the state proficiency standard, while 73.9 percent of 479 third-graders tested in reading met or exceeded the state standard. The majority of fourth-graders met or exceeded state standards, including 66 percent out of 482 students tested in math, 81 percent of 479 students in reading, and 67.1 percent of 479 students in writing. In the seventh-grade testing, the majority of students tested met or exceeded state standards, including 57.6 percent of 439 students in math, 70.9 percent of 437 students in reading, and 65.8 percent of 439 students in writing. The majority of sixth-graders met or exceeded state standards in math (60.6 percent of 502 students) and reading (79.3 percent of 498 students). However, 63.9 percent of 504 sixth-graders didn’t meet standards in social studies.

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The results were similar for fifthgraders, as the majority met or exceeded standards in math (62.9 percent of 498 students) and reading (84.3 percent of 497 students), but didn’t meet the state standard in science (76.1 percent of 507 students). The majority of eighth-graders met or exceeded the state standard in reading (71.5 percent of 513 students) but didn’t meet standards in math (57.3 percent of 518 students) and science (72.6 percent of 519 students). Ninth-grade results showed 69 percent of 455 students tested didn’t meet the state standard in social studies. “In most areas, third-grade reading and ninth-grade social studies didn’t show improvement or stayed the same,” said Dr. Robert Martin, assistant superintendent for instruction and curriculum. “But, in other areas, we showed growth or stayed the same and are continuing to go in the right direction.” Martin said the district has an aggressive school improvement committee that sets goals in math and reading and returns to school buildPAGE 21 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

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PAGE 21

EDUCATION

MEAP scores ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 20

ings to work with the faculty to implement goals. WATERFORD SCHOOLS The Waterford School District’s Fall 2011 MEAP results showed no grade group having a majority of its students meeting or exceeding standards in all subjects. Third-graders met or exceeded the state standard in reading (62.5 percent out of 762 students), but not in math (68.2 percent of 783 students). Fourth-graders met or exceeded the state standard in reading (66.1 percent out of 700 students), but not in math (68.4 percent of 719 students) or writing (62.5 percent of 704 students). Fifth-graders met or exceeded the state standard in reading (70.6 percent of 728 students), but didn’t in math (63.1 percent of 743 students) or science (86.9 percent of 762 students). Sixth-graders met or exceeded the state standard in reading (67.7 percent of 774 students), but didn’t in math (68.3 percent of 777 students) or social studies (73 percent of 802 students). Seventh-graders met or exceeded the state standard in reading (57.1 percent of 787 students), but didn’t in math (63.6 percent of 786 students) or writing (57.6 percent of 785 students). Eighth-graders met or exceeded the state standard in reading (57 percent of 800 students), but didn’t in math (78.5 percent of 796 students) or science (84.9 percent of 822 students). The majority of ninth-graders (75.6 percent of 874 students) didn’t meet the state social studies standard. ❏

‘Werewolf’s Curse’ at MHS is ‘having fun’ with the genre By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Huron Valley Milford High School’s Performing Arts Program will be presenting the comedy “Werewolf’s Curse (or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow)” on Friday, Mar. 2, and Saturday, March 3, at 7 p.m. The play is appropriate for all ages and will be performed on stage at the Milford High School Center for the Performing Arts, located at 2380 S. Milford Road.

WLCS board OK’s redistricting

Maple, Twin Beach students to be siphoned to five schools By Angela Niemi staff writer

he Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Board of Education voted Thursday, Feb. 16 to implement Redistricting Plan B-C for the 2012-13 school year. The plan calls for the 700 students now attending Maple and Twin Beach elementary schools, which will close at the end of this academic year, to be placed at five different schools. Maple students will go to Guest, Meadowbrook, and Pleasant Lake elementary schools, while Twin Beach students will be split between Oakley Park and Keith elementary schools. The change means some students also had to be shifted out of their current home schools. However, only three schools will be moving students out to accommodate the shifting of Maple and Twin Beach students — Commerce, Guest, and Oakley Park elementary schools. In total, aside from the Twin Beach and Maple students, 229 students will be impacted by Plan B-C. To see which attendance zones are affected, go to www.wlcsd.org. “With the decision to adopt Plan B-C, we recognize there is no perfect solution; however, we will work together to embrace this change,” said district Superintendent Kenneth Gutman. An advisory committee considered a variety of factors in their various redistricting plans, including enrollment data; transportation considerations; facility configurations; budgetary implications; feeder patterns;

The play is a parody on 1930s horror films, mainly Frankenstein, Dracula and The Wolfman. “We are taking some conventions of old films and having fun with it. It’s not scary at all,” said Megan Weeks, the play’s director. The story, written by playwright Billy St. John, revolves around a teenager who is bitten by a baby werewolf and falls short of transforming into a fully-fledged werewolf. He and his girlfriend turn to Dr. Einstein for help, but the doctor’s sneaky plan is to change the bitten teen into a

continuity of neighborhoods and municipalities; and the phasing-in of boundaries. The main goal of the redistricting plans was to establish a balance at each of the remaining elementary schools. Last month, the Board of Education was presented with the three plans to redistrict students after months of thought and preparation by various advisory subcommittees. Both Gutman and the Middle School Subcommittee endorsed Plan B-C because of the equitable distribution of students over the next several years. “The board thoroughly analyzed the three plans presented by the Redistricting Committee; listened to feedback; reviewed all correspondence relative to redistricting; talked with stakeholders about the plans; reviewed the detailed information involving neighborhoods, zones, student population trends, special student needs, preschool, transportation, transfer and Schools of Choice concerns; and, examined other intricacies of the plans,” Gutman said. In addition to adopting Plan B-C, the school board concluded that transfer and Schools of Choice students will remain in their current schools. Currently, the district has 238 transfer students, those students who live in the attendance area of one of the district’s elementary schools but were granted permission to attend another one. The district also hosts 118 Schools of Choice students, those werewolf and sell him off to a carnival, and use the girlfriend as a laboratory experiment to fashion her into a bride for the monster. “Everything is tongue-in-cheek and silly,” Weeks said. Rehearsals for the 25 thespians and 15 crew members have been ongoing since before Christmas. To get into character, the cast watched original horror films before practicing their scripts. “They practice three hours a day, three to four days a week,” Weeks said.

who live outside of the school district. Meanwhile, Walnut Creek will become the middle school for all Glengary students. The district will be accepting transfer requests from families who wish to request a placement other than the school they were assigned. Forms can be found at the district’s website at www.wlcsd.org and will be accepted from Monday, March 5 until March 30. The district will not accept any elementary Schools of Choice students for the 2012-13 school year unless the student already has a sibling who is a current Walled Lake student. Schools of Choice applications for sixth-grade through 10thgrade openings will be accepted from March 5 to March 30, only, with a limited number of seats available. “As a district, we now focus on ensuring a smooth transition for Maple and Twin Beach elementary school communities, as well as for all students, families, and staff members who will attend new schools in the 2012-2013 school year,” Gutman said. “I assure you that as students are resilient, our staff welltrained, and our parents supportive, each of our schools will make this a success on behalf of every child we serve. I am grateful for the leadership and dedication of both Mr. Chris Delgado, deputy superintendent, and the entire Redistricting Committee for their countless hours of work attending the Redistricting Committee meetings, three community input sessions, and many hours of reviewing and analyzing data.” ❏ Tickets are available online by visiting www.mhsperformingarts.com. Costs are $7 per student or child, and $9 per adult. Tickets will be available at the door prior to each performance, but will increase in price by $2 each. Proceeds will go back into the Milford High School theater and vocal music program. Once the play wraps up, Weeks will begin working alongside the advanced play production class for its studentdirected play, “The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet,” which will be performed the second week of May. ❏

PAGE 22

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❐ Lotus Bank of Novi and its holding company Lotus Bancorp, Inc., is proud to announce it has formally dedicated its Novi headquarters board room to founding Chairman Jitendra B. Patel. “Jitendra is our largest promoter. He is consistently looking for potential clients for Lotus Bank while researching how we can be more effective and efficient in our products and services, as well as how we can better impact and grow the communities we serve,” said Neal Searle, President and CEO of Lotus Bank. “His dedication to the bank is a testament to his work ethic

and one of the main reasons we continue to flourish.” Since its inception as a community bank in 2007, Lotus Bank has shown continuous growth under the direction of Mr. Patel, including receiving the prestigious 5-Star rating in 2011 by BauerFinancial, Inc. of Coral Gables, Fla., the nation’s leading bank rating and research firm. Its 5-Star Superior rating on Lotus Bank denotes the highest level of strength and performance that a bank can receive. Lotus Bank is a community bank owned and operated by people living and working in southeast Michigan. Among the most well capitalized banks in Michigan, Lotus Bank offers a full range of financial products and services to businesses and consumers. Lotus Bank is headquartered at 44350 W. 12 Mile Road in Novi. Call 248-735-1000 or visit online at www.lotusbank.net.

weekly agenda ❐ The Steinway Piano Gallery in Commerce has announced its that February installment of the Steinway Jazz Cafe, held tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 22 beginning at 7 p.m., will feature the Cliff Monear Trio (with string bassist Paul Keller and drummer Scott Kretzer) and special guest vocalist PAGE 23 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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LOCAL MATTERS

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 22

Sunny Wilkinson. The $10 entry fee pays the band. Refreshments will be served at intermission. Call Cathy Loudon at 248-560-9200 or e-mail her at cloudon@steinwaydetroit.com for reservations. The Steinway Piano Gallery will be hosting a special event by doTERRA Essential Oils at 7 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 23 and again at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. This is a free class to learn about many of the wonderful and powerful essences that can enhance your life in so many ways. Please R.S.V.P. to doterraworks@charter.net. The Steinway Piano Gallery is located at 2700 E. West Maple Road, at the corner of M-5 and Maple Road.

chamber notes ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce (HVCC) is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, visit www.huronvcc.com: • Trade Show Workshop, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, Highland Station, 205 S. Livingston Road, Highland. Facilitated by Colleen Kilpatrick. Cost: $20 for chamber members; $25 for non-members (cost goes up $5 per person after Thursday, Feb. 2). Register now for this energizing, information-packed workshop designed to help you get the highest return on your trade show investment. Space is limited, RSVP to the chamber office by calling 248-685-7129 or visiting www.hvexpoworkshop.eventbrite.com. •Huron Valley Community Showcase, noon to 3 p.m., March 25, Milford High School Field House, 2380 S. Milford Road, Highland. Registration is now open for the 2012 Huron Valley Community Showcase (formerly the EXPO). The showcase is a community event designed to provide business owners and local organizations a costeffective way to personally meet hundreds of potential customers from the Huron Valley area. We encourage the residents of the area to “explore the restaurants and businesses in their backyard.” Hosted by the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce, the show is in its 19th year, consistently offering valuable community exposure for your business. For more information, contact Laura at the chamber office at 248-685-7129, ext. 104. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is now offering a Referral Network Group to its members at no cost. Referral Network Groups are cat-

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

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

You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here. egory-exclusive business referral groups that develop business contacts and share leads with the members of the group. Each group will have 15 to 25 members, and only one person from any profession or business specialty will be eligible to join. Not only will group members be potential customers for each other, but they will be committed to finding referrals for other members of their RNG group. This is a free perk of your chamber membership. Many referral organizations charge from $300 to $600 annually to belong to this type of group. We will organize groups based on meeting preference dates and times. Questions can be directed to Jennifer Barrett at the chamber office at 248-685-7129, ext. 102, or jennifer@huronvcc.com. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is now offering a Women’s Forum Networking Group/Dinner to members in good standing. The group meets on the last Wednesday of every month at area eateries for dinner and networking with businesswomen from the South Lyon Area Chamber of Commerce. There is no cost to join, but dinner cost varies at each restaurant. There is no obligation to attend every month — join us at your convenience and you will start receiving monthly e-mails with Women’s Forum information . For more information, call the chamber at 248-685-7129 or visit www.huronvcc.com.

❐ 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: • Edgewood Biz Connectors (LABAT), 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, Edgewood Country Club, 8399 Commerce Road, Commerce. • Professional Networking Group (LABAT), 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, Managing Change, 2655 Oakley Park Road, Commerce. • OCN Mixer, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, at the Hilton Suites 2300 Featherstone Drive, Auburn Hills, 48326. Contact the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce for reservations at 248-853-7826. Ten dollars in advance, $15 at the door. Here’s your chance to network with business professionals across Oakland County. • 1st Friday Coffee, 8 a.m. Friday, March 2, Buttercream Bakeshop, 49046 Pontiac Trail in Wixom. Complimentary early morning networking opportunity • Government Affairs Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 2, chamber offices, 305 N. Pontiac Trail, Suite A, Walled Lake. • Spotlight Lunch at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7, at Pepino’s, located at 118 Walled Lake Drive in Walled Lake. Join us for informal networking lunch. Free soft drink with meal purchase. • Annual Membership Lundheon & State of the Lakes Address, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, Edgewood Country Club, 8399 Commerce Road, Commerce. Twenty-five dollars per person (includes lunch). Keynote speaker: Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. Other invited guests: Tom Zoner, Commerce Supervisor; Kevin Hinkley, Wixom Mayor; Greg Baroni, White Lake Supervisor; Bill Roberts, Walled Lake Mayor; John Magee, Wolverine Lake Village Council President; Carl Solden, Waterford Supervisor. This is your opportunity to hear first-hand and talk with local government officials about issues that affect your business and your bottom line. ❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Golf Scramble will be held on May 14 at Edgewood Country Club located at 8399 Commerce Road in Commerce. Sponsorship reservations ranging in price from $100 to $1,000 for this event are now being taken. For more information, call the chamber at 248624-2826 or e-mail info@lake-

sareachamber.com. Deadline is May 11. ❐ 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.waterfordchamber.org: • State of the Township Address, 7 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, Rose Gardens, 7120 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. “Leveraging Opportunity” Presented by: Waterford Township Supervisor Carl W. Solden, Waterford Schools Superintendent John Silveri, Oakland Community College’s Dr. Gordon May. RSVP required. Reserve your space now. Cost: $20 advance paid RSVP, only $145 for a table of eight. Make your reservations at http://bit.ly/f1RCtG • Expo is back! Make sure you visit the 2012 Business & Home Expo! On March 21, the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 6th annual Business & Home Expo from 5 to 8 p.m. at Waterford Mott High School, located at 1151 Scott Lake Road. The Expo is your opportunity to shop local and discover the products, services and amenities available in your community. Whether you’re a new resident, business or long-time homesteader, you won’t want to miss Expo 2012. This is your one stop “local” shop under one roof. From leisure to finance, recreation to business or home improvement, remember that supporting local businesses preserves and creates jobs and provides the financial core for your community. Shopping locally generates tax revenue and keeps dollars at home, helping preserve your services and public safety. As an added bonus, raffles and prizes will be plentiful. Make sure you sign up for a chance to win some great prizes. There will be over 100 booths representing local business, products, services and organizations. For more information as an exhibitor or attendee call 248-666-8600 ❐ The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-626-3636 or visit westbloomfieldchamber.com. • Mingle, Mix, & Meet Networking will be held at 8 a.m. on March 21, at Busch’s Fresh Food Market located at 33300 W. 14 Mile Road in West Bloomfield. Bring your business cards and come on out to network. You will get the opportunity to do a 60 second “Spotlight” about your business to everyone in attendance. Free for chamber members, $5 for non-members.

PAGE 24

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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PUBLIC SAFETY Cocaine, heroin found on motorist in Milford By Michael Shelton staff writer

A 33-year-old Rochester Hills resident was arrested in Milford after he was allegedly caught driving under the influence of narcotics and was found to have heroin and cocaine. On Saturday, Feb. 18 at 2:19 a.m., a Milford police officer pulled over a 1997 silver Saab on East Huron Road at Houghton Street after it was reportedly moving erratically. The car stopped facing northeast in a diagonal direction, blocking the eastbound lane of East Huron. According to the police officer’s incident report, the officer noticed that the driver, who was the vehicle’s lone occupant, had a small chunk of what looked like cocaine on his pants, but the driver said he didn’t know what it was. The driver reportedly smashed it into smaller pieces until the officer told him to stop. The officer picked up two of the pieces and noticed that the driver had slurred speech and drooping eyelids. The driver allegedly failed field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of drugs. Officers also recovered another piece of suspected cocaine. Further tests on the substance came back positive as cocaine, according to police. While being booked at the police station, the driver removed his socks and a small off-white object that resembled a small baggie fell out. Police said that substance was tested and it was discovered to be heroin. The driver was also taken to the hospital to have blood drawn. A background check found that the driver had a prior arrest for operating under the influence in 2010. Police forwarded a warrant request to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, seeking drug possession and operating under the influence charges. ❏

Man, 57, arrested for being in U.S. illegally By Michael Shelton staff writer

Milford police recently arrested a 57-year-old man after he was caught driving with an expired license and it was discovered that he allegedly is in the U.S. illegally. On Monday, Feb. 13 at 12:34 a.m., a Milford police officer pulled over a 1998 GMC Sierra van on South Milford

Children assaulted Police: Man pushes, punches ex’s kids By Michael Shelton staff writer

est Bloomfield police arrested a 28-year-old Detroit man late last week after he allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home. The incident took place on Friday, Feb. 17 at 3 a.m. at the Silverbrook Villa Apartments complex on Eastbrook, when police say Ahkender Maurice Young and two of his friends drove up to the complex. Police reported that Young allegedly banged on his ex-girlfriend’s condo door. When she didn’t answer, he reportedly kicked the door down while his two friends stayed in the car, according to police. Young then allegedly went into his ex-girlfriend’s room and a verbal altercation ensued between him and his ex-girlfriend. A couple of her children then came running into the room, when Young allegedly punched and pushed the woman’s 18-year-old daughter and also reportedly assaulted her 9-year-old son. He then left the building and area with his friends. Police officers later found the suspect’s vehicle on Drake Road between Maple and 14 Mile roads. Two men, including Young, were found in the car and arrested, while a third man was found on foot in the 14 Mile and Drake area. Young has been charged with one count of home invasion and two counts of assault and battery. He was arraigned in 48th District Court and had his bond set at $450,000. The other two men were released. ❏ Road at Meadowbrook Way, after the van was observed with a malfunctioning side headlight and an expired license plate. The driver reportedly had an expired license and admitted he could not renew his license, according to police. He also reportedly told officers that he was not supposed to be in the country because he came here from Mexico in 2001 on a tourist visa and didn’t get back on the tourist bus. The vehicle was impounded and the driver was arrested and processed. The U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was contacted and confirmed that the man was supposed to return to Mexico in 2002, according to a Milford Police Department report. ICE officials told Milford law enforcement personnel that they would pick up the man. The man had a Detroit residence listed on his expired license. ❏

Helicopter called in to help look for woman By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Waterford Township police in conjunction with Oakland County Sheriff’s Department personnel canvassed an area near the 4000 block of Crocus on Sunday, Feb. 18 in search of a woman who had an altercation with her mother.

According to Waterford Township Lt. Scott Good, police responded to “trouble with” call after the 24-yearold woman’s mother contacted police. The subject reportedly fled on foot into the woods near Crocus Road and Lyons Park. Waterford Township police requested the assistance of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Aviation Unit to do a flyover sweep search at 6:55 p.m., but it was unable to locate the subject. A K-9 unit also started a track of the subject at 6:59, following along a path that ran southerly behind the woods, but the track was terminated at 7:20 p.m. without locating the subject. ❏

Student arrested for possession of pot By Angela Niemi staff writer

A Huron Valley Milford High School student was arrested Friday, Feb. 17 for alleged possession of marijuana at the high school. An Oakland County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit was requested by the school’s liaison officer, along with a Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) officer. According to a sheriff’s department report, the student allegedly was in possession of 48 grams of marijuana.

It reportedly was found in three separate packages in the suspect’s car, which was parked in the school’s parking lot. NET then determined the suspect allegedly was involved in the sale of marijuana to other students. The suspect, a 17-year-old Milford resident, was then taken to the Oakland County Jail pending warrants for delivery/manufacture of marijuana, a four-year felony. ❏

Area man: repo man spat in my face A 55-year-old West Bloomfield Township man has filed an assault and battery complaint against two repo men after he claimed one of them spat in his face while trying to repossess his car. The alleged incident took place on Jan. 31 at 12:45 p.m. at a residence on Sherwood Creek. Two men, ages 27 and 43, representing Ally Financial came to the residence to repossess a car that was behind on payments. They knocked on the door and the resident answered. Police say that the ensuing discussion was short and “not friendly.” The resident then went outside to confront the men again and that’s when one of the men allegedly spat in the resident’s face. The men left without the vehicle because it was in a garage. Officers then found the two men driving in their own vehicle and pulled them over. The repo men denied spitting in the man’s face and claimed he opened the front door forcefully. The incident is under review. ❏

Several phones stolen from Sprint store Milford police are investigating a burglary that took place at the Sprint electronics shop on South Milford Road in the early morning hours of Jan. 9, that resulted in the theft of over $2,200 worth of merchandise. According to surveillance video, an unknown suspect broke into the store at 4:36 a.m. on Jan. 9. The safe was taken from the store, but employees said that it’s emptied every night and that little money would be inside. The suspect also took between 25 and 30 phones that are altogether valued at $2,200. Police are still investigating the incident. ❏

PAGE 26

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

TRANSPORTATION

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To advertise your Worship Services in the Community Worship Services Directory please call the Inside Sales Department at 248-360-7355

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has been asked to consider accepting a $121,000 grant to help pay for higher fencing at the east end of the airport, and design alterations to the ramp at the airport’s new terminal and taxiways at the airport’s north end. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Design for airport projects to be funded with grant By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Michigan Aeronautics Commission has accepted another round of federal dollars, in part to design a three-prong project at the Oakland International Airport in Waterford Township. The grant of approximately $121,000 — which must be approved by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners — would be used to design what is expected to be higher fencing around the easterly end of the airport; and design the rehabilitations of the ramp at the new “green” terminal building and the taxiways located at the airport’s northern side.

“The fencing is needed for additional security, and the pavement is tired and worn out and needs to be replaced,” said Oakland County Director of Central Services J. David VanderVeen. The federal portion of the grant amounts to about $114,950, representing 95 percent; the state would pick up $3,025 (2.5 percent); and the county would assume the remaining $3,025 (2.5 percent), according to VanderVeen. “We will be seeking a grant to facilitate the work once the design work is completed,” VanderVeen said. The federal funds are allocated by the Federal Aviation Administration with the Michigan Aeronautics Commission acting as the fiduciary agent. If accepted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, the money would then go to the airport, according to VanderVeen. ❏

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

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PAGE 27

ENVIRONMENT

Surprises found in area rivers Stonefly searches turn up more than ‘average’ results this year

By Angela Niemi staff writer

hile the mild temperatures this winter have been a blessing to some, it resulted in an unexpected finding at last month’s winter stonefly searches: Terrestrial adult stoneflies, which normally don’t make an appearance until early spring. “In past years, adults have only been seen in March,” said Sally Petrella, the Friends of the Rouge (FOTR) volunteer monitoring program manager. “Warmer water temperatures can speed up the transformation process from larvae to adult.” “Our team at Mill Creek: Shield Road found a large number of stoneflies that had already emerged and were warming themselves in the sun,” said Paul Steen, an ecologist with the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC). “This is a very early emergence and is connected to the warm temperatures that we are experiencing this year.” Last month, three local watershed advocacy groups — the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC), the HRWC, and the FOTR — searched for winter stoneflies in their watersheds. Winter stonefly nymphs develop in cold, clear running water. When they become adults, they climb out of the water and shed their skins. This normally occurs in late winter, which is why area watershed groups conduct stonefly searches in January. Because they have stringent water quality requirements such as highlyoxygenated, clean water, winter stoneflies are ideal water quality indicators. The presence of stoneflies indicates good water quality, while their absence points to a potential problem. The FOTR reported stonefly larvae were found with the help of 70 volunteers at 14 of 32 monitoring sites, which is an “average year,” according to Petrella. “Most of the stoneflies were found in the Johnson Creek, the Rouge’s only coldwater tributary that flows through Salem Township, Plymouth and Northville,” Petrella said. “The rest were found in the lower branch, including two tributaries (Fellows and Fowler creeks). None were found in the upper branch, main branch or the middle branch downstream of Johnson Creek.”

While volunteer monitors working with a trio of area river advocacy groups typically look for — and encounter — stonefly larvae like the one pictured above, adult stoneflies and new and unusual species were noted in the area for the first time during last month’s searches. (Photo by Tom Murray/bugguide.net)

In addition to searchers finding adult stoneflies for the first time this year, Petrella said there was another unusual finding. “A type of stonefly called the broadback was found for the first

fly larvae at 32 out of 50 sites checked this season. The watershed council also had a few surprising stories to tell after this year’s search, which included over 150 volunteers. For the first time after four years

“This is now the sixth year in a row where volunteers have found four stonefly families. In way of comparison, most of our healthy creeks only have one or two stonefly families.” — Huron River Watershed Council ecologist Paul Steen time in the Johnson Creek,” she said. “Broadbacks have only been documented once before and this was in the main branch of the Rouge River at 8 Mile Road. Most stoneflies found are slender winter or perlodids.” Meanwhile, the HRWC found stone-

of sampling, a stonefly was found at the Renton Road site. Meanwhile, Mann Creek east of Brighton continued to be the best creek in the watershed for stoneflies. “This is now the sixth year in a row where volunteers have found four

stonefly families,” Steen said. “In way of comparison, most of our healthy creeks only have one or two stonefly families.” A rare species of stonefly for the Huron River watershed was also found at Pettibone Creek on Livingston Road in Highland Township — the nemourid broadback, which is also known as a little brown stonefly. “This is the first stonefly search in which a team found a stonefly at this site,” Steen said. Insect populations at Davis Creek south of Brighton, on the other hand, saw a decline, which is consistent with fall and spring monitoring results, as well. “The water quality of Davis Creek is declining slowly but consistently,” Steen said. “The HRWC is planning on exploring Davis Creek more this coming summer.” ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

UPDATE

Ingham County judge slaps down redistricting law By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

An Ingham County Circuit Court jurist has ruled that a new state law handing over redistricting authority to the Republican-controlled Oakland County Board of Commissioners is unconstitutional, and GOP brass are vowing to appeal Judge William Collette’s ruling handed down Wednesday, Feb. 15. Oakland County Democratic Party Chairman Frank Houston, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging the legality of Public Act (PA) 280 of 2011, said he’s pleased with the ruling. “We’re glad we won, and we thought it was justified,” said Houston, who chaired the Oakland County Reapportionment Commission which approved new Board of Commissioners district lines in May in a 3-2 party-line vote. “It’s not just good for Democrats in Oakland County, it’s good for democracy.” When House Bill 5187 was shepherded through the state Legislature late last year, Democrats — who controlled the county board redistricting process via a 3-2 majority — contended that the legislation sponsored by state Rep. Bradford Jacobsen (R-Lake Orion) was a back-handed attempt by Republicans to wrench back control over the county board’s district lines, after county Prosecutor Jessica Cooper

and Treasurer Andy Meisner, both Democrats, won their campaigns in 2008, giving them seats on the fivemember redistricting panel that Houston helmed. Conversely, Republicans argued that the new law saves the county roughly $250,000 annually — $2.5 million over 10 years — by reducing the size of the county board from 25 to no more than 21 commissioners and putting the redistricting process in the hands of people who are more accountable to the county’s voters: the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Several officials said that, between the appeals process and the timeframe for approval of and public comment on new district maps, should the law be upheld by the state Supreme Court in the event it gets to that level, there could be a wrench thrown into the 2012 election cycle since the filing deadline for candidates is May 15, leaving open the possibility that legal process could still be left unresolved by that time. Yet Board of Commissioners Chairman Mike Gingell (R-Lake Orion) said he sees the matter differently. “From my standpoint, it’s too early to start speculating on all of that,” Gingell said. “I guess anything is possible. Anything could happen. I know deadlines in the past have been missed due to court challenges in other areas, in other states. I hope the intention is to get this to the next level of appeal or directly to the Supreme Court for a ruling as quickly as possible.” A series of candidates for the Oakland County Board of

Friday Lenten Worship/Lunch Series 2012

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The worship service will begin at 12:10 p.m. and a light soup/sandwich luncheon at 12:30 p.m. A $4.00 donation is requested to defer the cost of the meal and to support people who need assistance with prescription medication.

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Church Walled Lake United Methodist Church 313 Northport, Walled Lake St. William Roman Catholic Church 531 Common St., Walled Lake Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church 2905 S. Commerce Rd., Walled Lake TBA New Song Community Church 1800 W. West Maple Rd., Commerce Commerce United Methodist Church 1155 N. Commerce Rd., Commerce Crossroads Presbyterian Church 1445 Welch Rd., Commerce

Speaker Scripture The Rev. Dr. John H. Pavelko Psalm 121 Crossroads Presbyterian Church The Rev. Brent Hanson Psalm 122 New Song Community Church Deacon Jene Baughman Psalm 126 St. William Roman Catholic Church The Rev. Taek Kim Psalm 127 Walled Lake United Methodist Church The Rev. Dr. Dean Wyllys Psalm 128 Commerce United Methodist Church The Rev. Janis Stevenson Psalm 130 St. Ann Episcopal Church The Rev. Vance Walker Psalm 133 To All Nations Ministries

Commissioners, incumbents and new faces alike, have filed to run for twoyear terms on the county board that pay about $33,000 per year. Gingell also said that the Board of Commissioners Oversight Committee, which under the new law has been tasked with redrawing commissioner district lines, will not be meeting this week because “there hasn’t been any orders written yet” relative to what that panel should do — whether it’s to proceed as intended by the county board, or to halt its work altogether while the legal fight plays itself out. “I think we are taking the position of giving it some time to see what the orders actually are because they are supposed to be (issuing written orders) within a week (of the Feb. 15 ruling,” Gingell said. “Today’s ruling by the liberal Ingham County Circuit Court is a Phyrric victory for the Democrats,” said county Executive L. Brooks Patterson. “Ingham County Circuit Court has a long record of ruling in favor of Democrats, only to be overturned by higher courts. This matter will be settled in the Michigan Supreme Court.” According to Bill Mullan, Oakland County Media and Communications Officer, it’s possible for the defendants in the case — Gov. Rick Snyder and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners — to file a request that the state Supreme Court hear the matter instead of the state Court of Appeals, but that request can’t be filed until an appeal is filed with the appellate court. It’s unknown at this time if the defendants will also file an appeal with the high court. ❏

New ‘quality of life’ venture focused on region’s artists L. Brooks Patterson may be known regionally for his one-liners, but now he’s turning his attention to showcasing those who are focused on more than one line — that is, artists living, working, or attending school in Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Livingston, Lapeer, and Genesee counties. The five-term Republican Oakland County Executive announced during his annual State of the County address on Wednesday, Feb. 8, that MI Great Artist, expected to launch later this year in partnership with Park West Gallery in Southfield, will allow artists to upload up to five digital images of their paintings, sketches, or drawings to the event’s website for public vot-

ing. Then, a panel of arts professionals will determine the top five semi-finalists from a field of 20 voted as the best works by the public. Those five artists will have their works framed and exhibited at Park West Gallery, located at 29469 Northwestern Highway, and during that exhibition, the winner will be announced. That top prize includes $2,000 cash; entrepreneurial training opportunities through the Oakland County Business Center; having his or her artwork featured on a poster to promote one of Oakland County’s quality of life events, such as Quake on the Lake; and several solo exhibitions over the course of a year at venues through the Economic Growth Alliance region — comprised of all six counties represented. Oakland County Media and Communications Officer Bill Mullan said the details of the new quality of life event — including when it will take place — are still being hashed out. “We expect to launch the (MI Great Artist) website within a reasonable amount of time,” he said, speculating that development would come sometime in March. “We are in gear-up mode,” Mullan said. “We are looking forward to seeing some great work.” ❏

CAPITOL NOTES

A series of bills that encompass a slew of proposals unveiled by Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson last year addressing elections and campaign finance reform have received the approval of the state Senate, in largely party-line votes, and the measures now head to the state House of Representatives for that chamber’s consideration. Johnson’s Safe and Fair Elections initiative was announced in October. Senate Bills (SBs) 750 through 754 would up penalties for filing incomplete or inaccurate campaign finance information; create an inactive voter file of registered voters who have not voted for six consecutive years; require a person to present a photographic identification to receive an absentee voter ballot in person; require a political party

PAGE 29 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 29

UPDATE

Cap notes ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 28

other than major political party to notify the Secretary of State and the state Elections Bureau before holding its county caucus or state convention; and require a photo ID for people registering to vote. SB 803 would require an application to vote to include an affirmative statement by the elector that he or she is a citizen of the United States. SBs 823, 824, and 825 would require that the sponsor of a petition to amend the state Constitution or initiate to file it with the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office, as well as prohibit the sponsor from circulating the petition for signatures until it was filed as required under the proposed law. Those bills would also make mandatory an additional recount in a precinct in which a recount did not match the original vote count, as well as make it a misdemeanor for a person paid by a local unit of government to perform electionrelated duties, or accept “valuable consideration” for working for the election or defeat of a candidate, or the passage or defeat of a ballot proposal, in the local unit of government in which either of those appeared on the ballot. State Sens. Mike Kowall (RCommerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) and David Robertson (R-Waterford) voted in favor of the legislation when it received the approval of the upper chamber on Tuesday, Feb. 14. “There is nothing more important to America, to our values and democracy, than clean and fair elections,” Johnson said in October when unveiling the SAFE initiative. “Some of the people on what is called our Qualified Voter File aren’t ‘qualified’ at all — they’re dead, they’ve moved out of state, or they’re not U.S. citizens, Johnson added, referring to a 2008 report from the Pew Center on the States saying 102.54 percent of eligible adults in Michigan were registered to vote. “That doesn’t add up and indicates vulnerabilities in the system.” The legislation now awaits consideration from the state House of Representatives. ❏

Court losing a bench seat

48th District to lose one judge through attrition under new law By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

he 48th District Court, located in Bloomfield Hills and serving the west Oakland communities of West Bloomfield Township and Orchard Lake, will be operating with a judicial roster of two judges instead of its current three. The state Legislature has approved a bevy of bills on the heels of an August 2011 report from the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) stating that while Oakland County needs a total of eight new judges in its circuit and probate courts, the 48th District Court could undergo a bit of “right-sizing.” House Bill (HB) 5103, part of a larger, multi-bill legislative package, specifically deals with the 48th District Court, among a slew of others others. Given final approval by state lawmakers last week and sent to Gov. Rick Snyder for his consideration, the bill calls for the 48th District Court to reduce its number of judgeships from three to two through attrition — either on the date a vacancy occurs on the bench, or the date on which the term for an incumbent District Court judge is no longer seeking election or re-election to the bench, whichever is earlier. “Of course we’ll follow the intent of the legislation when it comes to fruition,” said 48th District Court Judge Diane D’Agostini. “Certainly it will be difficult, but we will do our job and we will follow the intent of the legislation.” “We have been proactive in a lot of areas in the court in terms of budget reduction and freezes for years, and we are going to continue to be proactive,” D’Agostini said, adding that the court could be winnowed from three to two judges when one retires, or if one of them decides to seek a different elected position, such as on the Oakland County Circuit Court bench. State Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake) voted against HB 5103. She had attempted to amend the legislation on three separate occasions to spare the 48th District Court from losing a judge, but that proposed amendment failed to garner enough support. “If you look at the report, the judicial excess has actually gone down, so in committee I asked if we could wait a couple years to see if that trend continued,”

And they’re off: GOP primary fight set in 39th District By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Commerce Township Republican Klint Kesto is looking for his party’s nomination for the new 39th state House of Representatives District seat, which will represent Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Wixom,

Brown said. “With this change, we are now going to be in a deficit.” “The other thing is that potentially this (reduction in judgeships) may not take effect until 2033, so I question why are we addressing this now,” Brown said. State court officials touted the reduction in jurists statewide that was prompted by last summer’s release of the Judicial Resources Recommendations (JRR) report, which said the state could save roughly $6 million annually by cutting 45 trial court judgeships around the state where the caseload could be handled by a smaller court bench. The 48th District Court fit the bill, even though the court’s case filings since 2003 have gone up by more than 24 percent, from 38,986 to 48,455 in 2010. State Reps. Gail Haines (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield), Hugh Crawford (R-Walled Lake, Wixom), Chuck Moss (R-Orchard Lake), Bill Rogers (R-Milford), and Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake, Highland) all voted in favor of the bill when it cleared the state House a second time following some modified verbiage handed back down from the state Senate. State Sens. Mike Kowall (R-Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) and David Robertson (R-Waterford) voted in favor of the legislation when it received the approval of the upper chamber. “The Senate and the House have taken a much-needed step by cutting judgeships that are no longer justified by the workload,” said Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert P. Young, Jr. “This right-sizing of our judiciary is the front edge of reforms we need to make for a more service-oriented and efficient court system.” The 48th District Court is currently served by Judges Kimberly Small, first elected to her position in 1996; Marc Barron, first elected in 2004; and D’Agostini, first elected in 2000. D’Agostini said she plans to seek reelection this year. “There’s nothing impacting the Circuit Court,” said Oakland County Circuit Court Administrator Kevin Oeffner. “That SCAO report actually found the Circuit Court to be ‘under-judged,’ that we were short judicial resources.” A message left with Brown’s office in Lansing was not returned prior to press time. ❏

and the western half of West Bloomfield Township. Kesto’s candidacy sets the stage for a contested primary battle between himself and Wixom Republican Nick Kennedy, the Kesto chairman of the Wixom Community Foundation

Board of Directors and a past president of Passing Along the Heritage, who announced that he is running for the 39th state House seat in November. “I’ve always thought about jumping into the race,” Kesto said. “As they did redistricting, I thought it was a good opportunity to get a strong Republican in.” A former employee of the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Justice, Kesto is cur-

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UPDATE

House race ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 29

rently a prosecutor. He added that he also had a small business in Canton, as well as one in Sterling Heights. He said his background in public safety leads him to believe that the economy can be bolstered by “getting more job seekers out there rather than turning to a life a crime and turning to criminal activities. In addition, Kesto said he is a pro-life Republican who also is focused on things like clean energy, protection of the environment, and immigration. The University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School graduate said he expects to make a formal announcement of his candidacy “in a couple weeks.” He added that he was married, but his wife lost a battle with cancer. The pair had often discussed the possibility of running for elected office, he said. Commerce resident Pam Jackson, a Democrat, is also seeking election to the new 39th House seat that represents roughly 92,000 Oakland County residents. State Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake) now serves in the current 39th District. The filing deadline for candidates is May 15. State representatives serve twoyear terms and are currently paid $79,650 per year. ❏

CLOSED DOORS The West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education met in an executive session at the end of its special meeting on Monday, Feb. 20, to discuss ongoing negotiations. The board took no action after resuming its public session. • The Milford Township Board of Trustees met in an executive session during its Wednesday, Feb. 15 meeting to discuss pending litigation. No action was taken by the board after resuming its public session. ❏

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, who has emerged as a front-runner in recent weeks for the Republican nomination for the presidency, spoke to a crowd of 1,400-plus GOP faithful at the Oakland County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. Also speaking at the event — a key fund-raiser held yearly to honor President Abraham Lincoln and Black History Month — were Gov. Rick Snyder; Ann Romney, wife of GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney; and filmmaker C.L. Bryant. Santorum and Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, exchanged barbs while stumping in Michigan in the days leading up to the state’s Tuesday, Feb. 28 presidential primary election. Snyder endorsed Romney earlier in the day on Feb. 16. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

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IN OUR OPINION

Tuesday’s primary election

Remember the rules this time around when casting ballots W

ith a scant six days left until the Tuesday, Feb. 28 Michigan presidential primary election, it’s important for voters in west Oakland County — and, of course, across the Wolverine State — to remember some of the intricacies of this year’s process for selecting a Republican presidential nominee in order to make the process run as smoothly and with as few hiccups as possible. This year, much as in 2008 — when former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (39 percent), a Republican, and then-U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (55 percent), a Democrat, finished at the top of their respective Michigan presidential primaries — the primary process will be closed, meaning that voters across west Oakland County and the state have to declare whether they want the Democratic or Republican ballot when they go to the polls on Feb. 28, or when applying for an absentee ballot. That’s not the same thing as registering as a member of that particular political party, but the record of which political party’s ballot the voter selects will be a matter of public record for a period of 22 months, according to Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard Jr. And although the electorate went through largely the same process four years ago, some local and county officials have said they’ve experienced some confusion and backlash from voters who have given them grief over a process which area elections officials had no role in determining. Those interested in directing their ire somewhere should focus their eyes on Lansing, where state lawmakers last year approved the closed primary process. Long story short? Give local clerks and elections

workers some slack. They didn’t have anything to do with making the primary closed this year, and they will merely be doing their jobs in less than a week when you line up to cast your ballot for your preferred presidential candidate on the ballot of the party that you select. Bullard said last month that just the name of Tuesday’s contest — a “primary election” — is throwing people off-base when it comes to the voting process. He said that the name leads people to believe that electors can go into a voting booth, look at both political sides of the ballot, and make a decision on the candidate who will best represent their beliefs. But that is not the case. In terms of options for voters in west Oakland County’s 11 cities, villages, and townships, you’ll be facing only one choice: Who should be the Republican presidential nominee? According to the official candidate list from the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Elections Division, 11 Republican candidates — including those who have suspended their presidential campaigns or have formally withdrawn from the race — will be on the ticket, as well as President Barack Obama, the lone Democrat in that contest, although there is an option to vote “uncommitted.” Voters in Oakland County will also have to weigh in on who will succeed former state Rep. Tim Melton, who left office last year to take a new job out of state and whose 29th state House District is outside of the lakes area — it includes Pontiac and Auburn Hills. In addition, Clawson and the Village of Franklin have millage proposals on the ballot, and Pontiac is asking its residents to decide on a city charter amendment. Ferndale Public Schools has a

building and site sinking fund proposal it’s asking district residents to consider. So the local electorate should have only two focuses — picking their preferred presidential candidate for the November general election, and making sure they abide by the rules set forth for Tuesday’s primary election. Doing so will only make your time spent at your precinct go more smoothly. Voters flubbing up their absentee ballot applications, according to Bullard, has been an issue, but it becomes even more problematic when it happens at the actual polls. If that occurs, votes are spoiled. At the very least, that results in more headaches for elections workers and those waiting to cast their ballots. Like it or not, rules are rules. Clerks of local cities and townships didn’t make them, nor did the election workers in those communities who will be toiling throughout the day at hundreds of precincts across Oakland County on Tuesday. If you’re disgruntled about picking a political party’s ballot, voice your opposition with the people who actually made the decision to institute those rules, not the ones who are enforcing them. And regardless of which horse you’re backing in the presidential primary race, voters need to remain cognizant of the requirements for casting their ballots less than a week from now. Being aware of — and abiding by — those rules will ensure a smooth, accurate, and as hassle-free as possible experience at the polls. Questions about the process can be answered by calling the Oakland County Elections Division at 248858-0564, your local clerk, or the Michigan Department of State at 517-373-2540. ❏

from 1 to 8 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. During the weekdays, the club will provide a comfortable study environment where teens can work on school projects or socialize with friends, free of charge. Refreshments will be available for purchase, along with free Wi-Fi Internet access and tutoring by local honor students. Weekend evenings promise sheer entertainment, including music, dancing, arcade games, and refreshments for purchase. There will be a $10 entry fee on weekends. The Browns are trying to integrate weekly health classes covering yoga, dance, and nutrition at an affordable cost, and arrange free seminars on money management, local government, and community awareness. All patrons will have to show proper identification prior to entry. They will be subjected to a search and metal detector. Alcohol, drugs, and weapons will be prohibited. Security officers or surveillance cameras

will monitor the parking lots, exits, bathrooms and dance floor at all times. A police patrol car will be stationed in the parking lot on Fridays and Saturdays from open to close. We’re aware that other teen clubs in the area have been the source of trouble from time to time. However, the Browns appear to be intent on operating something different. Kudos to them. That’s why it’s unfair to rip on the place at this stage, before it’s open. Caution, and even a dash of suspicion are natural and welcome; but let’s hold off on the premature criticism. The community can play a role in ensuring Club Elektrik meets the Browns’ vision. Parents and community leaders can — and should — keep an eye out for signs of trouble, and if there are any, promptly report it to township officials and police. In the meantime, join us in wishing the Browns luck and in expecting something new and exciting for the area’s young people. ❏

Rip on teen club premature

e were pleased last week to report the upcoming opening of a teen social club in Waterford Township — although the full nature of the enterprise doesn’t fit that of the teen clubs previously operated in the area. That’s why we were taken aback by a negative comment about the place posted on our website, spinalcolumnonline.com. While we expect the opening of a so-called teen club to prompt the raising of a suspicious eyebrow or two, people need to give the business a fair chance before publicly spreading prognostications of crime, vice and doom. Spearheaded by Waterford residents Bill and Alana Brown, Club Elektrik is slated to open at 3635 Highland Road on March 3. The Browns’ goal is to provide a safe and entertaining venue for people between 14- and 18-yearsold. Bill Brown said he wants to see a safe environment where his 16-year-old daughter and other teens can socialize. The club will be open Monday through Thursday

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Three Sopranos: Kimberley Dolanski, Karin White, Barbara Wiltsie, concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, Steeple Hall Performance Center, 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland. Tickets, www.huronvalleyarts.org or 248-8898660. ■ Detroit Model Railroad Cluband Model Railroad Museum: Open House, Michigan’s largest O-scale model trains operating on 5,000 feet of track, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, Feb. 26, 104 N. Saginaw, Holly. 248634-5811 or www.dmrcc.org. ■ Lakes Area Rotary Club:Freedom From Fear: Shaykhet Training, noon, Tuesday, Feb. 28, Bayside Grill, 142 E. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake. 248770-2707. ■ Johnson Elementary School:Wax Museum, fourth-grade students choose a famous person in wax, 3:304 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 515 General Motors Road, Milford. 248684-8020. ■ MSU Extension: Shoreline Class, 9 a.m., March 17, Wint Nature Center, Independence Oaks County Park, Clarkston. Register by March 9. 248858-5198 or bhaktabi@anr.msu.edu. ■ VFW Easter Egg Hunt: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Non-perishable item appreciated but not necessary. Limited space, sign up by Thursday, March 15. 248-303-9157. ■ Commerce Parks & Recreation: Looking for local entertainers who are skilled in family fun, such as magic tricks, juggling, puppetry, balloon shaping, and clown acts for its outdoor summer concerts on June 22, July 20, & Aug. 10. Interested local entertainers should contact Emily England at the Richardson Center, 248-926-0063. ■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-6733493. ■ Catholic Social Services of Oakland County: Senior companion volunteers needed to support adults with develop-

mental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic mental illness, as well as the physically frail and homebound. 248-559-1147, ext. 3434. ■ 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. ■ 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. ■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable transportation needed to visit terminally-ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888-9374390. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Knitters circle, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Highland Station House, Highland. 248-685-9015. ■ Mothers & More: Book club meeting, 7 p.m., first Monday of the month, Caribou Coffee, Union Lake Road, Commerce. 248-360-7702. ■ Multi-Lakes Conservation Association: All-you-can-eat fish fry, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, 3860 Newton Road, Commerce. 248-363-9109. ■ 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 M59, Waterford. 248-625-4897.

SUPPORT GROUPS ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for life’s hurts, habits or hang-ups, meetings, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Woodside Bible Church, 9000 Highland Road, White Lake. 248-698-1300. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for life’s hurts, habits or hang-ups, meetings, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Life Point

Christian Church, 501 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-1747. ❐ Divorce Care: Support group meeting for adults and children, 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile, Novi. 248-755-9533. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 248-807-8667 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ 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. ❐ Over-Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating, 12-step program, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Road, Waterford. ❐ Postpartum Depression Support Group: Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Commerce. 248-937-5220. ❐ TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): 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 William Carls Drive, Commerce. 248-363-6369 or e-mail jr.h@att.net.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES ❐ 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. 1-800-372-6094 or 248625-3288. ❐ Dublin Senior Center: Lunch, Bingo and cards, 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-2394. ❐ 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 nontaxable 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. 248926-0063 or commercetwp.com. ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Avenue, West Bloomfield. 248-682-0770. ❐ 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.

PARKS

❐ Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center: “Labtabulous Science,” ages 7 and up, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25; “Bears and Webelos Indian Lore,” 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 810-494-6026. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: Horsedrawn 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: “Nest Box Problems and Solutions,” ages 10 and up, 1 p.m. Saturday, March 3; “Tracks, Signs and Scat,” ages 6 and up, 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248-685-1561.

LIBRARY EVENTS ❐ Commerce Township Community Library: Adult book discussion, Vanessa Diffenbaugh’s “The Language of Flowers,” 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info.

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Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 33

❐ Highland Township Public Library: Touring by Bicycle: The Sprocket Chronicles, Equipment, Tools, & Supplies, adult program, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration. 248-887-2218. ❐ Milford Public Library: Party Planning For Tweens, grades 2 through 7, 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25; Candy Land Creation Days, teen program, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845. ❐ Walled Lake City Library: Learn how to work with your lender to avoid foreclosure with HUD-certified counselors, 5 p.m. Monday, March 5, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. Registration. 248624-3772. ❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Film Series, “Margin Call” with Kevin Spacey, 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. 248-674-4831. ❐ West Bloomfield Township Public Library: Youth program, Ruth Stiles

AROUND THE LAKES AREA

Gannett’s My Fathers Dragon, 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24; Music @ Main, Comedian/singer Don White, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration for youth program; concert is free. 248-682-2120 or www.wblib.org. ❐ White Lake Township Library: Computer Club: Photo Management, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 1, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-4942. ❐ Wixom Public Library: Adult book discussion, Taylor Stevens’ “The Informationalist,” 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-2512.

RELIGIOUS ❐ Lakes Area Ministries Association: Speaker Rev. Dr. John A Pavelko, “Psalm 121,” 12:10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, Walled Lake United Methodist Church, 313 Northport, Walled Lake; Speaker Rev. Brent Hanson, “Psalm 122,” 12:10 p.m. Friday, March 2, St. William Parish, 531 Common Street, Walled Lake. 248624-3821

A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly

WE’RE ASKING… Are you planning to vote in the presidential primary? Why? "Yes. It's a strong conviction of mine that if you live in a democracy, it's your right, responsibility, and privilege to vote." — Chris Boisvert, White Lake

"No. I'm not a big fan of either party."

— Krista Ruskin, Commerce

"Yes, because it's my civic duty. I want my opinion to count. We are blessed to live in a country with a vote, and we should use it."

"Yes, absolutely. For years, I was not a citizen and had to keep my mouth shut. And now that I'm a citizen, it's definitely my right."

— Becky Sassak, West Bloomfield

— Laurie Baskin, West Bloomfield

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Huron Valley Milford’s Alex Larson (No. 1) goes up against Walled Lake Western’s Aaron Prim on Friday, Feb. 17. Larson scored 9 points in the first quarter as the Mavericks defeated the Warriors, 41-34, in a KLAA Lakes Conference Tournament first-round game. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Mavs prevail in the clutch

4th quarter free-throw shooting seals 41-34 win over Western By Michael Shelton staff writer

Huron Valley Milford took the first step towards a potential Kensington Lakes Activities Association Lakes (KLAA) Conference title with a 41-34 victory at home over Walled Lake Western on Friday, Feb. 17 in a Lakes Conference Tournament first-round game. The Mavericks (15-2) were fresh

off of winning the KLAA West Division crown a week ago and took it to the upstart Warriors early by jumping out to a 10-2 lead at the end of the first quarter, with 9 of Milford’s points coming from Alex Larson. Milford was able to build its lead to 10 at halftime, 22-12, thanks in part to Steven Sloboda, who scored 10 points in the second quarter. Western (8-9) fought its way back in

the third quarter with an 11-6 run and cut Milford’s lead to five, 28-23, at the end of the third. “When they made their run, we had a

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margin for error,” said Milford Head Coach Chip Lutz. “When we got a dou-

ble-digit lead, we locked down on defense.” The Mavericks were able to put the game away in the fourth quarter with clutch free-throw shooting, as they shot 7-for-9 from the line, including Jacob Lee’s perfect 4-for-4 shooting. “We try to put an emphasis on freethrow shooting because we play in tight games. In practice, we always

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BOYS BASKETBALL

Milford Mavs ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 35

shoot when we’re tired because it’s hard to simulate game situations,” Lutz said. Milford shot 15-for-18 from the charity stripe overall last Friday, as Sloboda shot 6-of-7 from the line as part of a 16-point night. Larson scored all 9 of his points in the first quarter while Lee and Chris Orr each scored 6. “It goes back to that we don’t have superstars, we’re unselfish and they try to get it to the hot hand. Steven had a great second quarter,” Lutz said. Western was without its highly-touted forward Miroslav Jaksic due to illness, but William Gibson did his part as he finished with a game-high 17 points, including 9 points in the third quarter that keyed the Warriors’ attempted comeback. Ja’lin Gardner finished with 8 points. “The difference was (Milford) stuck to their game plan and played patient basketball and we struggled to score, as well,” said Western Head Coach Raredding Murray said. He added that Jaksic is expected back sometime this week. With the victory, Milford advanced to a Lakes Conference semi-final matchup at Walled Lake Central yesterday, Tuesday, Feb. 21, after press time. The winner will face either Pinckney or Walled Lake Northern in the Lakes Conference Championship game on Friday, Feb. 24. The Lakes Conference champion will then play against the Kensington Conference champion in the KLAA title game on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Meanwhile, Western hosted Plymouth yesterday, Tuesday, Feb. 21 after press time, and will travel to Grand Blanc on Friday, Feb. 24 and Wayne Memorial on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Milford began its week by hosting KLAA North champion Waterford Mott in a crossover game on Tuesday, Feb. 14. In a matchup of division champions, the Corsairs came out on top 46-44. Sloboda finished with 18 points for Milford in defeat, including 10-of-15 free-throw shooting. Larson scored 10 and Orr had 8. Many thought last Tuesday’s game would be a preview of a potential Lakes Conference Tournament championship game, but any thoughts of a rematch were shattered with Mott’s loss to Pinckney in the first round on Friday, Feb. 17. Meanwhile, Western dropped a KLAA crossover game to Howell on the road, 48-46, in overtime on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Cam Vieaux scored 11 points.

The Huron Valley Lakeland boys ski team took first place at the Kensingston Lakes Activities Association Championships at Alpine Valley on Monday, Feb. 13. The Eagles’ top skiers were Taylor Janssen, who finished in first-place in the giant slalom and in second-place in the slalom, along with Joe Metz (third-place in the giant slalom and fifth-place in the slalom), Dan Smallegan (eight-place in the giant slalom and ninth-place in the slalom), and Brendon Clover (12th-place in the giant slalom and 10th-place in the slalom). The lakes area’s best boys and girls skiers will compete in the Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals at Nub’s Nob in Harbor Springs, MI on Monday, Feb. 27. (Photo submitted by Scott Rolando/Huron Valley Lakeland)

Mott bounced out of Lakes tourney by Pinckney, 53-46 By Michael Shelton staff writer

Waterford Mott suffered an early exit from the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) Lakes Conference Tournament when it fell at Pinckney, 53-46, on Friday, Feb. 17 in a first-round game. Mott (13-4) trailed 14-13 at the end of the first quarter and 26-23 at halftime before Pinckney took control with a 16-9 run in the third quarter, resulting in a disappointing defeat for the KLAA North champions. Khalil Malone scored 18 points to lead Mott, while DaVonte Daniel scored 14 points and Hunter Reiche had 8. Kyle Slotnick scored 15 points for the Pirates (10-7). Drew Stephens had 12. Pinckney faced Walled Lake Northern in a Lakes Conference semi-final yesterday, Tuesday, Feb. 21, after press time. Mott began the week on a high note

with a 44-46 victory over KLAA West champion Milford on Tuesday, Feb. 14, in which the Corsairs rebounded from an 8-4 deficit at the end of the first quarter. Malone and Daniel each scored 11 points for Mott, which was scheduled to host Grand Blanc yesterday, Tuesday, Feb. 21 after press time and play at Plymouth on Friday, Feb. 24 and at Livonia Stevenson on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Our Lady extends streak to seven consecutive wins By Michael Shelton staff writer

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes’ late-season surge has resulted in a seven-game winning streak and soon could result in a Catholic League title. The Lakers defeated Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 64-51, in a Catholic League C-D Division Tournament firstround game at Livonia Ladywood on Saturday, Feb. 18. Our Lady (10-7 overall, 8-3 in the C-

D Division) quickly stormed out of the gate, jumping out to a 20-5 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Lakers amassed a 37-23 halftime lead. Junior Garrett Ross continued his strong play, as he finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Fellow junior Jake Doetsch scored 13 points and seniors Stephen Losiowski and Josh Grenn each scored 9. Travis Youngert led the Cardinals with 14 points. With their seventh straight victory, the Lakers moved on to the Catholic League semi-finals and will face Detroit Loyola at Bloomfield Hills Marian tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 22. The winner will face either Royal Oak Shrine or Madison Heights Bishop Foley in the Catholic League C-D Division Tournament title game inside Calihan Hall at The University of Detroit Mercy on Sunday, Feb. 26. Our Lady began its week with a 4229 victory over Clarkston Everest Collegiate on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Everest had already clinched the Catholic League C-D Division regular season title prior to last Tuesday, but it was the Lakers who swept its season

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FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

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BOYS BASKETBALL

Our Lady Lakers ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 36

series with Everest. Ross led the Lakers with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Jake Weir and Doetsch each scored 8 points. Richie Cross scored 14 points for Everest (13-3, 8-2), followed by Don Allen with 13. Everest was eliminated from the Catholic League Tournament by Royal Oak Shrine in the first round on Feb. 18.

Northern, Central in running for Lakes Conf. title By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Northern was victorious on the road at Grand Blanc, 59-55, on Friday, Feb. 17 in a Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) Lakes Conference Tournament first-round game. Northern (13-4) trailed 35-20 with 4:30 left in the third quarter, but was able to come back by outscoring the Bobcats 39-20 the rest of the game. Jared Sheena led Northern with 13 points, while Chris Cliff had 8. Northern also defeated Brighton, 6655, on the road in a KLAA crossover game on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Ryan Soulet scored 18 points for Northern. Sheena netted 17. The Knights hosted Pinckney yesterday, Tuesday, Feb. 21, after press time in a Lakes Conference semi-final. The winner will face either Huron Valley Milford or Walled Lake Central on Friday, Feb. 24 in the Lakes Conference Championship game. • Walled Lake Central edged out Howell, 25-24, on the road in a KLAA Lakes Conference Tournament firstround game on Friday, Feb. 17. Central (13-4) hosted Huron Valley Milford yesterday, Tuesday, Feb. 21, after press time in a Lakes Conference semi-final, with the winner facing either Pinckney or Walled Lake Northern on Friday, Feb. 24 for the Lakes Conference title. Central also fell to Pinckney, 42-34, in a KLAA crossover game on Tuesday, Feb. 14. • Orchard Lake St. Mary’s defeated Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice, 41-26, on Saturday, Feb. 18 in a Catholic League A-B Division Tournament first-round game at Bloomfield Hills Marian. Sam McClendon and Matthew

Some of the lakes area’s best up-and-coming swimmers competed in the Arctic Blast meet, sanctioned by USA Swimming and hosted by the South Lyon Aquatics swim team at South Lyon East High School on Jan. 21 and 22. Jordan Ewald, Sam Hoover and Paula Shamoun of Wixom, and the brother/sister team of Lauren and Jordan Ng of Commerce Township all earned slots at the Junior Olympics March 2-4 in East Lansing. Ewald (pictured), a sophomore at Farmington Hills Mercy; and Hoover, 10-years-old, each qualified for the Junior Olympics in all eight events they swam. Shamoun, an eighth-grader at Sarah Banks Middle School, qualified for the 100 and 200 breaststroke. Jordan, a junior at Walled Lake Central, swam qualifying times in the 100 butterfly, 200 breaststroke, 200 individual medley (IM), and 500 freestyle; while his sister, Lauren, a sixth-grader at Walnut Creek Middle School, qualified in the 50 backstroke, 100 butterfly and 200 IM. (Photo submitted by Tracy Darrow/South Lyon Aquatics) Linehan each scored 12 points for the Eaglets (8-9), who played Warren De La Salle in a league semi-final on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Marian. The winner will face either Novi Detroit Catholic Central or Detroit Jesuit in the Catholic League A-B Division title game inside Calihan Hall at The University of Detroit Mercy on Sunday, Feb. 26. • Waterford Kettering (1-15) picked up its first win of the season, a 58-56 overtime victory at Brighton on Friday, Feb. 17. Maurice Scott led the Captains with 12 points, while Noah Stinson had 9 and Justin Santana scored 8.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Kettering moves on, Western falls in Lakes playoffs of

Waterford Kettering is on the verge a Kensington Lakes Activities

Association (KLAA) Lakes Conference title after two wins last week. The Captains defeated Brighton, 3827, on the road in a Lakes Conference semi-final on Thursday, Feb. 16 for their 13th consecutive victory. Kettering led 13-6 at the end of the first quarter and 22-12 at halftime before outscoring the Bulldogs 16-15 in the second half. Arjanai Washington scored 10 points for Kettering (17-1), while Erica Schwartz added 8. Kettering, the KLAA North Division champion, hosted Hartland, the KLAA West Division champion, in the Lakes Conference title game on Monday, Feb. 20 after press time. The winner of Monday’s game will host the Kensington Conference champion, which will be either Novi or Westland John Glenn, in the KLAA Championship game today, Wednesday, Feb. 22. Kettering began Lakes Conference Tournament play with a 64-24 victory at home on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Allison Bicknell had 15 points for the Captains while Washington had 9.

Kettering will begin the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) district tournament in the Auburn Hills Avondale district on Monday, Feb. 27, when the Captains face rival Waterford Mott, which defeated Howell, 50-43, on Feb. 16 behind 34 points from Lauren Hung after falling to Hartland in the first round on Feb. 14. The winner will face Pontiac in the district semi-final on Wednesday, Feb. 29. • Walled Lake Western (11-7) fell to Grand Blanc, 37-36, in a KLAA Lakes Conference tournament first-round game on Tuesday, Feb. 14. But, the Warriors recovered with a 58-46 victory over Livonia Stevenson on Friday, Feb. 17 thanks to 15 points from Maddie Schram and 13 points each from Erickah Woods and Jayla Nichols. Western has a first-round bye in the West Bloomfield district of the MHSAA tournament and will face either West Bloomfield or Farmington in a district semi-final on Wednesday, Feb. 29. PAGE 38 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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GIRLS BASKETBALL

Girls recaps ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 37

• Another district to watch in the MHSAA tournament will be at Huron Valley Milford, in which the host Mavericks will face Walled Lake Central in a first-round game on Monday, Feb. 27. The winner will face Walled Lake Northern in a district semi-final on Wednesday, Feb. 29. Meanwhile, Huron Valley Lakeland has a first-round bye and will face either

Hartland or Howell in the other district semi-final on Feb. 29. The district final is Friday, March 2.

Loss to Foley stops Lakers’ quest for fourth division title For the first time in five seasons, Our Lady of the Lakes didn’t play at Calihan Hall for a Catholic League championship. The Lakers fell to Madison Heights Bishop Foley in a Catholic League C-D Division semi-final, 71-61, at Novi

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF REVIEW

The Commerce Township Board of Review will meet at the Commerce Township Hall, 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan on the following dates for the purpose of reviewing the 2012 property tax assessments Tuesday, March 6th, 2012, 9:00 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. Organizational Meeting 9:30 A.M. to 12:00 Noon - 1:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 7th, 2012, 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon - 1:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Thursday, March 8th, 2012, 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday, March 12th, 2012, 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 14th, 2012, 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon - 1:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Thursday, March 15th, 2012, 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon - 1:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. All properties will be subject to the following Tentative State Equalization factors by Agricultural Commercial Industrial

1.00 1.00 1.00

Residential Developmental Personal

1.00 1.00 1.00

Any Taxpayer wishing to protest their proposed assessment may do so by calling Oakland County Equalization Division, Toll Free, 1-888-350-0900, Ext. 84655 or 248-858-4655 for an appointment to be scheduled. Written appeals must be received at the Commerce Township Office, Attn: Board of Review, By March 15, 2012. SC. 2-8-12, 2-15-12 & 2-22-12 THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE

PLANNING COMMISSION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING **SPECIAL MEETING** Notice is hereby given that the Commerce Township Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing in the Township Board Room, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township Michigan, in the Township Hall, for the purpose of hearing the following Zoning Amendments, Monday, March 12, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. CZ12-01 Brent Kish of Milford, MI is requesting a conditional rezoning of a parcel of land that will consist of approximately 0.13 acres from R-1D (One Family Residential) to B-1 (Local Business) located on the parcel directly south of 605 Commerce Road. Sidwell No.: 17-10-403-016 The proposed zoning amendments, the Commerce Township Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map are available for public inspection in the Clerk’s Office during regular office hours. Public Comment will be taken in writing at the Clerks office until the close of business on the date of the hearing, or in person at the public hearing. For further information please contact the Planning Department, Commerce Township Hall, (248) 960-7050. Kathleen C. Jackson Commerce Township Planner SC: 2-22-12

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Detroit Catholic Central on Wednesday, semi-final will pit Clarkston Everest Feb. 15. Collegiate against Marine City Cardinal The loss prevented the Lakers (14-3) Mooney. from playing for their fourth straight Catholic League title and making their fifth consecutive appearance in the league’s C-D Division title game. Our Lady trailed 11-8 at the end of the first quarter before Bishop Foley increased its lead to 27-17 at halftime. The Ventures (14-5) then poured on the pressure in the third quarter for a 4834 lead, and were able to close out the Lakes area wrestlers turned in strong Lakers in the fourth by shooting 17-of-22 performances at the Michigan High from the free-throw line. “Bishop Foley shot the ball well most School Athletic Association (MHSAA) 1 Individual Regional of the night and in particular during the Division Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 18. second half, especially from the freeWalled Lake Northern’s Christian throw line,” said Our Lady Head Coach Lauderback (42-10 record) advanced to Steve Robak. “Our defense just gave up too many easy shots and we played poor the regional final in the 130-pound defense and fouled unnecessarily several bracket. He was defeated Davison’s Matthew Miller by major decision, 13-4. times, causing more foul trouble.” Also finishing runner-up was Walled Tori Duffey led Our Lady with 24 points and 5 rebounds. Lexie Robak had Lake Central’s Charles Sovel (42-7), who fell in the 189-pound final to North 12 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Ava Doetsch also had 10 points and 4 Farmington’s Kevin Miller, 3-1. Sovel’s assists, while Anna Robb had 7 points, teammate, Ildo Luca (25-18), also finished second in the 285-pound bracket 13 rebounds and 2 assists. after falling to Clarkston’s Scott Devos The Lakers hosted Warren Regina yesby a 4-0 score, while the Vikings’ terday, Tuesday, Feb. 21 after press time Conner Marion (30-10) finished fourth and will welcome Saginaw Nouvel Catholic in the 171-pound bracket. on Thursday, Feb. 23 to finish the regular Waterford Kettering’s Deven Acker season. (29-11) was runner-up in the 112Our Lady will then begin its quest for pound division, as he fell to Hartland’s a third straight Michigan High School Jacob Gorial by pinfall after 41 seconds. Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class D The Captains’ Matt Okaiye (32-11) state championship when it hosts a dis- and Daulton Arthur (26-15) finished trict tournament beginning on Monday, third and fourth in the 215-pound Feb. 27 with a first-round game against bracket, while Dave Dolehanty (34-17) New Haven Merritt. took fourth in the 140-pound division. The winner will face Auburn Hills West Bloomfield’s Ross Bahro (47-6) Christian in a district semi-final on was third in the 119-pound bracket. Wednesday, Feb. 29, while the other Teammate Danny Davidson (16-8) was fourth in the 135-pound division. Lakeland’s Brandon Calma finished CITY OF WIXOM third in the 112-pound bracket, while PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Milford’s Steve Shay took fourth in the THRUSH ROAD & PHEASANT 130-pound division. ROAD VACATING The MHSAA Individual Wrestling The Wixom City Council will conduct a Public Finals will be held at the Palace of Hearing to discuss the vacating of the “paper Auburn Hills from Thursday, March 1 to streets” Thrush Road and Pheasant Road (someSaturday, March 3.

WRESTLING

Lauderback, Sovel runners-up at D1 regional tourney

times referred to Seagull Road) located in the Birch Park Subdivision. The Public Hearing will take place during the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, Michigan 48393. Members of the public are invited to offer comments on this vacation during the course of the hearing or may address their comments in writing by submitting letters to the Office of the City Clerk, City of Wixom, 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, Michigan 48393 prior to the Public Hearing. Should anyone have any questions regarding this vacation request, please contact the Clerk’s Office at (248) 624-4557 during regular business hours, 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday – Thursday.

Catherine Buck City Clerk

SC 2-22-12

Notice of Posting

for Charter Township of Commerce Township Board 1. Adoption An Ordinance to Amend the Code of Ordinances to be known as the Charter Township of Commerce Code Amendment Ordinance No. 1.017 - Repeal Article III, Precious Metal and Gem Dealer. The above Ordinance 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 Daniel P. Munro Township Clerk SC: 2-22-12

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

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NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS AND TAXPAYERS OF CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD MARCH MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW

The West Bloomfield Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at the West Bloomfield Town Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, on Tuesday, March 13th, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. to consider the following request: WAIVER: CASS LAKE WOODS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (SP-12-03) Request:

Location: Applicant:

The exemption of certain local school operating taxes for “qualified agricultural properties” may be appealed to the local Board of Review. The exemption of certain taxes for “Principal Residence Properties” may be appealed to the Michigan Department of Treasury.

Waiver to permit the outdoor storage of lake related items within the side and front yards in accordance with Chapter 10, Article IV of the West Bloomfield Code of Ordinances Cass Lake Woods, Cass Lake Woods Addition and Mandale Terrace Sharon Gorman, Cass Lake Woods Improvement Association

Properties classified as Agricultural and Residential must protest at the Board of Review to protect your right for further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal for valuation and exemption appeals and/or State Tax Commission for classification appeals.

Plans are available for public review at the Community Development Department, West Bloomfield Township Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Any comments regarding this request may be made in writing to the Commission at the address above in advance of the hearing or by appearing at the scheduled public hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Division at (248) 451-4876. Sara Roediger, AICP, Senior Planner The Township of West Bloomfield will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services (such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting) to individuals with disabilities at a public hearing/meeting upon two weeks notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk at (248) 451-4800. S.C. 2-22-12

CITY OF WIXOM PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Wixom Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct the following public hearings at their next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, March 12, 2012 for the following topics: ZBA CASE #004-12: STINGERS BAR & GRILL, 49110 GRAND RIVER, WIXOM, MI 48393: The applicant is seeking a temporary use permit to wash motorcycles in the parking lot on Thursdays, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, for May thru September 2012. The Wixom Municipal Code, Section 18.22.060, requires approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals for this request. The property is located at 49110 Grand River and zoned FS, Freeway Service. The tax parcel number is 22-08-376-005. ZBA CASE #005-12: SIGNATURE ASSOCIATES, ONE TOWNE SQUARE, SUITE 1200, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48076: The applicant is seeking a 6 ft. height variance, an 18 sq. ft. variance per face to erect a V-shaped sign. V-shaped signs are considered two signs; therefore, a variance for the second sign is needed. The Wixom Municipal Code, Section 18.16.070, requires that such signs comply with the size requirement of 6 ft in height and 30 sq. ft. per side. The code allows for one sign per street frontage. The property is located at 48561 Alpha Drive and zoned IRO, Industrial Research Office. The tax parcel number is 22-08-327-018. ZBA CASE #006-12: JEROME BOYKIN, 175 CENTER BLVD., WIXOM, MI 48393: The applicant is seeking a use determination for an outdoor grill related to a restaurant. The Wixom Municipal Code, Section 18.22.030 (C) (3) states the Zoning Board may make a determination of which zoning district to allow a use not currently listed as a permitted or special land use in any zoning district. The property is located at 2051 Wixom Road and zoned B-2, Community Business. The parcel number is 17-30-200-015. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in Wixom Council Chambers, 49045 Pontiac Trail. Persons having any questions regarding these matters are urged to attend this meeting or contact the Building Department at (248) 624-0880. Catherine Buck, City Clerk City of Wixom (248) 624-4557

BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING CITY OF WIXOM The Board of Review will meet at the Wixom City Hall, 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, to hear valuation appeals on: TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012 9:00 A.M. TO 12:00 NOON AND 1:00 P.M. TO 5:00 P.M. MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2011 AND WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2012 1:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. AND 6:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M. CALL 248.624.3280 To Schedule An Appointment Hardship appeals will be heard at the July and December Boards of Review. Applications will be available at the assessing office. SC: 2-22, 2-29 & 3-7-12

PAGE 39

Please use the Parcel Identification Number when referring to your property so that your records can be quickly located. An Organizational Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Note: No appeals are heard at this meeting. The West Bloomfield Township Board of Review shall meet on the following dates at the Township Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, Michigan for the purpose of hearing appeals: WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

March 7, 2012 March 8, 2012 March 9, 2012 March 12, 2012 March 13, 2012 March 14, 2012 March 15, 2012 March 16, 2012

9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.

to to to to to to to to

12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding your assessment, please call or visit the Assessor’s Office at (248) 451-4850 for an informal Assessor’s Review beginning Wednesday, February 22, 2012 and concluding Friday, March 2, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you wish to appear before the Board of Review for a formal appeal, contact the Assessor’s Office for an appointment beginning February 22, 2012 and no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 2, 2012. Appointments are 5 minutes each on the above published dates. Due to time constraints, appointments may not be rescheduled. Appointments are available in date order. Scheduling must be done in this manner to accommodate all residents wishing to appear before the Board. Board of Review appeals by letter will also be accepted, in place of a personal appearance, if received by March 2, 2012. PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE EXEMPTION AFFIDAVIT INFORMATION: If you purchased your principal residence during the calendar year 2011 and have not claimed the principal residence exemption, you are required to file an affidavit on or before May 1, 2012 to receive this exemption for the calendar year 2012. ASSESSOR’S OFFICE WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

S.C. 2/8/12, 2/15/12 & 2/22/12

SC: 2-22-12

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 Township Drive Commerce Township, MI 48390 (248) 960-7020

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE

NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW

the last day to apply for ABSENTEE BALLOTS for the Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Election is: Saturday, February 25, 2012. The Charter Township of Commerce Clerk’s Office will be open on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Electors who wish to receive an Absent Voter Ballot for the Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Election by mail must submit Absent Voter Ballot applications by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2012.

The annual meeting for the Board of Review for White Lake Township will be held at the Township Hall, 7525 Highland Road (M-59) TUESDAY - March 6, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. MONDAY- March 12, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY - March 14, 2012, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. NOTE: Board of Review meetings will be held by appointment only on the above dates. For information call the Assessor’s Office at (248) 698-3300 Ext. 3. The tentative Ratios for 2012 50% all classes Estimated multipliers for 2012 1.00 all classes

Daniel P. Munro Clerk, Charter Township of Commerce S.C. 2-22-12

Jeanine A. Smith, Assessor White Lake Township

ABSENTEE BALLOT NOTICE TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE:

SCN: 2-8-12, 2-15-12, 2-22-12

PAGE 40

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England Real Estate (248)887-9736

JUST LISTED!

private Bullard Lake. 2200 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, granite counter tops in kitchen, formal dining, living room with hardwood flooring & family room w/wet bar. Finished walk-out lower level with full kitchen & fireplace. Large deck and beautiful views.

HIGHLAND TWP. Gorgeous 3 bedroom home w/ 3000 sq. ft. Privileges on Dunham Lake. $2,500.00 per month plus security. No smoking, no pets.

England Real Estate

$269,900.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

(248)887-9736

OAK TREE APARTMENTS Condo Style 2 Bedroom Apartments

Country Setting in the Commerce Area

•Private Entry •Patio •Carport •Washer/Dryer •Cathedral Ceilings •Cable •Large Dogs Welcome •Senior Friendly Including Shuttle Services Ask r t Ou Abou ER WINT LS IA SPEC

Professionally Managed By Senior Village Management

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

(248) 624-0709

(248) 360-7235

Beautiful 55+ community! We'll pay up to $5,500 for a single section home & $8,500 for a multi section home. Relocate your manufactured home to beautiful Cranberry Lake. Call for special pricing!

248-698-1120

BEAUTIFUL 55+ COMMUNITY Brand NEW homes for rent. Appliances. Lake access. MOVE IN SPECIALS!! 15 month lease for $600/mo Cranberry Lake- White Lake 248-698-1120 888-306-2483

RENTALS Commercial/ Industrial

! WATERFORD Industrial space for lease with offices 1,800 sq. ft to 10,000 sq.ft. Loading dock, 3 phase 14X14 overhead door Immediate occupancy Reasonably Priced

248-496-7652

COMMERCE

RELOCATE TODAY!!

Highland

Beautiful waterfront home on

Mobile Homes for Rent

Houses/ Condos

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, totally updated house, Commerce Lake privileges, Walled Lake Schools, $1200 per month Includes lawn service & snow removal.

248-318-4305 Clean

3 bedroom 1,100 sq ft house with Wolverine Lake privileges Walled Lake Schools. Fresh paint, new tile and carpeting, $945 first and last month plus $450 security

734-459-9770 734-751-6000

Houses/ Condos

PAGE 41 55

Pontiac Lake 1 bdrm for $425 (newly renovated).

WALLED LAKE A MUST SEE! Beautiful 1600 sq.ft. 3 bedroom ranch, big heated garage, Decker Elementary, small pets ok, $1025 per month. olivermich@mac.com

Includes all utilities except electric, Security Deposit. For more information & availability call

248-335-7368

248-755-5073

Apartments

WALLED LAKE 1 Bedroom Apartments 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath Town Homes

WHITE LAKE BEAUTIFUL CONDO 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, with jacuzzi. Fireplace, new paint, blinds and appliances. Beach, boat dock. $875 per month.

Apartments

* $400 Moves You In* 1st Month FREE on 1 bdr 1/2 month FREE on 2 Bdr

248-624-6606 EHO www.cormorantco.com * Call For Details *

COME SEE US NOW WIXOM * MOVE IN SPECIAL* 2 BEDROOM ONLY $595 Will Move You In !

•Playground/Pool •Free Heat & City Water

Town & Country Apartments

•48200 W. Pontiac Trail

•Between Beck & Wixom Rd.

CALL US TODAY !

(248)624-3194

Apartments

MILFORD VILLAGE APARTMENTS 1 bedroom apartment. Heat and water paid. No pets. In Milford City. Call for specials.

(248)477-9192 Rooms/Share Quarters

COMMERCE TWP Lake access, 3 bedrooms, full basement, Walled Lake schools.

$1050 per month mjbt@sbcglobal.net. BUSINESS WOMAN looking to share 2 bedroom apartment in Novi, with female. $400 plus utilities. Call for information. 248-787-2059

HELP WANTED General/ Help Wanted

CUSTOMER SERVICE Customer Service Representatives needed. Full time positions 949 Ladd Road

Walled Lake Call for appointment

248-668-1641

FIELD TECHNICIAN

To install & service security, Audio, Video, Data, Telephone & associated Systems. Experience only.

(248) 738-1200 Send Resume to: (248) 738-5244 Fax sheri@selectronicsltd.com

248-672-3532 White Lake 2 Bedroom, 1 bath, basement, 2 car garage, new paint, carpet, appliances, lake privileges. $900 month $850 w/ discount 1st month 1 1/2 month security deposit.

Gordie 586-917-5319 LOVELY COMMERCE TWP. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, basement, lake privileges, fenced yard, appliances, wood floors. New windows. $895 per month lease.Walk to shopping. Near Union Lake & Commerce Rds.

248-568-6119

Looking to rent a house or condo? call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com 248-912-4628

Pre-Licensing Class March Classes Available $ Class only

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 42

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$759,900 CUSTOM BUILT ALL SPORTS MACEDAY LAKEFRONT •4 br, 4 ba, all brick, fin w/o, 5,200 sq ft •1st & 2nd flr master, volume rooms, 3 car #211017553 EXT. #296 •KEY #248341

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$725,000

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

LD FIE OM BLO

$349,900 STATELY BRICK HOME ON QUIET CUL-DE-SAC & BACKS TO TREES •2,950 sq. ft., 4 br, 2.5 ba, 2-sty GR, 2-way fp •Granite kit, cath mstr, 1st flr laundry, 3 car #212007823 EXT. #290 •KEY #276273

VI NO

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382

248-366-7200

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

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 P. TW CE ER M M CO

P. TW KE A L

. WP ET RC E MM CO

$299,900

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 . WP ET RC E MM CO

$149,900 $1,095/MO SHARP RANCH - LARGE BEAUTIFULLY AFFORDABLE RENTAL ON QUIET LANDSCAPED LOT DEAD-END STREET •1,408 sq ft, 3 br, 2 ba, oversized 2 car gar •3 br, 1.5 ba, f-bsmt, 2 car gar, 1,300 sq ft •1st flr laundry, lg shed, patio, Walled Lk schools •Appliances Included, fncd yd, Fp, 1 yr min #212011148 EXT. #285 •KEY #fm256j #212008860 EXT. #275 •KEY #268870

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

$499,900

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.

$374,900 CUSTOM QUALITY BUILT 1.14 PRIVATE ACRE ESTATE •1st flr mstr, 4 bed, 4 full baths, 2,900+ sq. ft. •Fin. daylight basement, 3 car + workshop #211110916 EXT. #241•KEY #248360 P. TW RD FO R TE WA

$214,900

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

STUNNING CUSTOM BUILT PRESTWICK GOLF FRONT •3,765 sq ft + 1,450 lower level, 5 br, 3.5 ba •Dramatic open floor plan w/all the extras #212005328 EXT. #264 •KEY #256951 E AG ILL DV R FO MIL

$399,900 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

STUNNING ALL SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT VIEWS •3 br, 2 ba, 75’ Frontage, 1,800 sq ft, Fp •200” deep lot, basement, huge mstr br #212017000 EXT. #205 •KEY #248367.

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$598,000

$495,000

$499,900

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STUNNING 90 FT. OF MAIN LAKEFRONT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •2,778 sq ft, 3 br, 2.5 ba, 2 fp, jet tub mstr. •2+ gar, 3 decks, dock, shed, W. B. schools #211105126 EXT. #231•KEY #248358

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

SPRAWLING RANCH ON LARGE LOT BACKING TO WOODS •2,349 sq. ft. + f-bsmt, 3 br, 3 ba, grt rm w/fp •Deck, 1st flr laundry, 2 kitchens, 3 car gar #212008128 EXT. #283•KEY #276271 . WP ET RC E MM CO

$219,900 GORGEOUS GERUNDGUT BAY ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •Remodeled ranch, stone fp, dining rm •Corian counter kitch, tile, crown molding #211103417 EXT. #280 •KEY #248373

DL LLE WA

$79,900

BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED CONDOMINIUM TOWNHOUSE •2 br, 1.5 ba + fin-bsmt, granite kitch •Ceramic/hdwd, LC terms, clubhouse, pool #211107248 EXT. #259 •KEY #262565

E AK

$59,900 COMPLETELY REMODELED UPPER RANCH CONDOMINIUM •2 br, Silestone counters, att gar, deck •New windows, doors, capet, porcelain tile #212013498 EXT. #248•KEY #257047

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

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

EN OP

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– 3522 RESERVE CT., HIGHLAND – STUNNING HOME ON 540 ACRE ALL-SPORTS WHITE LAKE! 212002362 $319,000

– 2497 WINDMILL LANE, HIGHLAND – GORGEOUS CUSTOM HOME ON ALMOST 2 ACRES! 212007291 $229,900

211130790

$174,900

– HIGHLAND – BEAUTIFUL BRICK 4 BEDROOMS, 5.1 BATHS LAKEFRONT HOME! 211115821 $599,900

– MILFORD VILLAGE – ALL BRICK IN IMPECCABLE CONDITION 3 BEDROOM RANCH! 212015562 $85,000

– HIGHLAND – PERFECTLY MAINTAINED BRICK & VINYL HOME IN DESIRABLE SUB! 211126432 $130,000

– HIGHLAND – A HIDDEN JEWEL ON LOW TRAFFIC ALL-SPORTS HIGHLAND LAKE! 212012906 $224,900

– WHITE LAKE – SUPER 4-5 BEDROOM WITH 2.5 BATHS NEWER HOME WITH ROOM FOR EVERYONE! 212015357 $235,000

– MILFORD VILLAGE – BEAUTIFUL HOME IN MILFORD’S HERITAGE HILLS, SET ON 1/2 ACRE WOODED LOT 212014623 $275,000

– MILFORD TWP. – 1.5 ACRE CUL-DE-SAC LOT WITH 300 FT. OF WATERFRONT AND A SOUTHERN EXPOSURE! 212013059 $324,900

– COMMERCE – 4 BEDROOMS, 3.1 BATHS ON ALL-SPORTS LAKE SHERWOOD! 211110654 $444,500

– HIGHLAND – ENDLESS, CAPTIVATING VIEWS OF WHITE LAKE! 211111348 $389,900

– NORTHVILLE – SHORT DISTANCE TO QUAINT DOWNTOWN NORTHVILLE!

$248,300

– COMMERCE – MAIN LAKE WATERFRONT HOME ON ALL-SPORTS, PRIVATE LAKE SHERWOOD! 211116287 $499,900

– HIGHLAND – SPECTACULAR HOME WITH MILFORD MAILING & HIGHLAND TAXES! 211118570 $134,900

– MUNDY TWP. – NICE 3 BEDROOM RANCH ON 5+ ACRES WOODED!

- HIGHLAND ALL UPDATED SUPER COTTAGE WITH 125 SQ. FRONTAGE ON DUCK LAKE CANAL! 212007826 $125,000

– HIGHLAND – PRISTINE! BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED! 4 BEDROOMS, 2.1 BATHS - MOVE IN READY 212009879 $290,000

– WIXOM – BRIGHT AND CHARMING RANCH WITH LAKE PRIVILEGES! 210132913 $125,000

211114550

– 1335 GREBE, HIGHLAND – PRISTINE UPDATED 4 BEDROOM COLONIAL!

212006861

211088015

560 N. Milford Rd., Milford • 248.684.1065 ~ Serving Milford & Surrounding Areas

– HIGHLAND – PRIVATE 23 ACRE LAKEFRONT ESTATE!

$145,000

$1,500,000

PAGE 44

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211131493 - $158,900

211101478 - $149,900

212000534 - $350,000

212009401 - $172,000

212004866 - $162,900

212014491 - $239,000

SPACIOUS, UPDATED HOME 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, lakes privileges, finished basement

OLD WORLD CHARM TUDOR 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, coved ceilings, lake privileges

FABULOUS GREEN LAKEFRONT HOME 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Pella windows, hardwood flooring lower level walkout, 2 fireplaces

NEW CONSTRUCTION RANCH 3 bedrooms, 2.1 bath, hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings, master suite with Jacuzzi tub.

NEW CONSTRUCTION 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen, recess lighting, 1st floor laundry, daylight basement

ELEGANT CHARMING 2-STY COLONIAL 4 bedrooms, 3.1 bath. Great opportunity - act fast! Higher priced homes in area.

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212011824 - $125,000

212001791 - $60,000

212012513 - $158,500

212000049 - $124,900

211120853 - $152,900

211091695 - $139,900

WELCOME HOME - SPLIT RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1.1 bath, open floor plan, master suite. Beautifully finished basement.

STOP THE CAR! 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, gorgeous kitchen, finished basement

WESTACRES LAKESIDE NEIGHBORHOOD 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, cove ceilings, hardwood family room, fireplace

GORGEOUS SETTING 2.2 ACRES 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, family room with fireplace, master 2 closets, barn/shed

GOLF FRONTAGE Corner unit condo, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, finished basement, fireplace

WILLIAMS LAKE DEEDED CANALFRONT 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, spacious kitchen, open floor plan

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FEATURED HOME

OF THE WEEK

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211126420 - $70,000

212014288 - $160,000

211114594 - $724,900

212012002 - $30,000

PRISTINE COND., READY TO MOVE IN 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, newer roof, upgraded bathroom, 4 car garage, large fenced yard

BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CONDO 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, hardwood floors, granite countertops, spacious floor plan & fin. basement

MIDDLE STRAITS WATERFRONT Spectacular 4 bedrooms, 3.2 baths, kitchen, newly remodeled, master suite, theater room, many extras

CHARMING COUNTRY COTTAGE 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, large living room, updated bath, lake privileges, fireplace, deck

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211125980 - $189,900

212010105 - $89,999

212010376 - $100,000

211121712 - $172,000

ALL-SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, summer getaway/possible walkout, nicely landscaped brick pavers

BRICK RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, large lot, central air

MILFORD VILLAGE HIDDEN GEM 4 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, lots of cabinets, hdwd flrs, natural fireplace, part. fin., basement

COME ON OUT TO THE COUNTRY!! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, woodstove. Almost 2 acres, 3 car garage

RD FO MIL

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211047575 - $400,000 LEY RK BE

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211123452 - $234,900

211112421 - $180,000

211108336 - $59,900

211048408 - $100,000

211115899 - $259,000

212002111 - $59,000

VACATION AT HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, pool, hot tub, acreage, cathedral ceilings

WELL MAINTAINED RANCH 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, kitchen and dining open to family room, deck, patio and large yard

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

83 FT. LAKEFRONT GEM - WOODALL LK. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, huge master with bath, doorwall to deck walkout with 2nd kitchen

BROWNSTONE UNIT 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, large living room, 1 car attached garage

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211115490 - $239,900

211129544 - $66,000

211099179 - $229,000

211128969 - $185,000

211107874 - $54,900

211124998 - $235,000

CUSTOM RANCH END OF CUL-DE-SAC 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, maple kitchen, hardwood floors, finished walkout, wet bar

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 baths, up north feeling, beautiful clean interior

CENTENNIAL FARMHOUSE 3 bedrooms, 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 • www.RealEstateOne.com

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 45

TOM BUCHANAN

BJ JASCHUK

AUDREY STOREY

1-866-999-1106

(248)-684-1065, ext. 308

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

LAKES AREA REALATOR

tombuchanan@realestateone.com

(248) 891-5159

audreystorey@yahoo.com

“Buy land, they ain’t making it anymore.” Will Rogers “The Time to Buy is Now.” Tom Buchanan

Don’t Worry… Be Happy! BRING THIS AD to 8430 Richardson Rd., Commerce Twp. (across from the Commerce Drive-in sign) where your FREE Meet & Greet Starter Kit is waiting…

It’s 2012… We’ve launched our FREE ‘Matchup Service’ #1 Makes ‘House Hunting’ painless #2 Customized Answers to your real estate questions delivered right to your email. #3 We can even assist you with your Pre-Approval certification… So when you decide on the home of your dreams, you’ll proceed with confidence!

Thinking about selling? See where your home fits in today’s marketplace

BECKY KATZMAN McCARTHY 248-790-9915 Lakes Area Specialist

rmccarthy@RealEstateOne.com

CHERYL YEAGER

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

SELLERS SAYS

“Sell this property”. 2.3 acres in growing area of Howell. Close to Tangers and freeways. Private road with only a few neighbors perfect for quiet living. Bring your plans to start anew. $39,900. 211034799

OVERLOOKS WHITE LAKE Old World Charm Tudor overlooking White Lake. Coved ceilings, hardwood floors in dining room, 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, master suite with jetted tub, full basement, newer kitchen with maple cabinets. All for $149,900 AS3761C

SUSI GOLLINGER Associate Broker - A.B.R.

(248) 310-9002

susigollinger@hotmail.com

S IAM ILL ONT W R F ED ED AL DE CAN

WILLIAMS LAKE DEEDED CANALFRONT RANCH!!

Just a few steps through a gate to your private dock and just a few houses off the main lake. Great view from yard of main lake and beautiful surrounding lakefront homes! Open floor plan, master suite, spacious kitchen, great deck. Priced to sell and won’t last!! Not a short sale!!

TIN

LIS

PICTURE PERFECT HOUSE NESTLED ON 1 ACRE LOT!!

House features, approx. 1,800 sq. ft., open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, oak hardwood floors throughout, eat-in kitchen includes all appliances, cozy fireplace in living room, master bed with private bath and jacuzzi tub, 2.5 car garage, pole barn, sprinkler system, fenced backyard, privileges to Stony/Squaw Lakes. $110,000. Call Becky for details! Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

WHITE LAKE RANCH Desirable Whispering Meadows Sub, cul-de-sac setting, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, hardwood floors, first floor laundry, maple kitchen, vaulted great room with natural fireplace, skylights, Andersen windows, 4 door walls, vaulted master suite, spa tub, awesome finished walkout lower level, huge wet bar, well landscaped, sprinkling system. $239,900 (cy1047T)

MILFORD VILLAGE: $100,000

Charming and adorable Gem!! Recently updated kitchen with lots of cabinets and counter space. Large picture window overlooking backyard. Living room has natural fireplace all bedrooms have generous closet space. Partfinished basement and a short walk to town. Four bedrooms, 1.1 baths and one car attached garage. (SG746L)

WATERFORD: $152,900 Beautiful condo with a fantastic golf course setting. Perfect location, corner unit. Vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, large “eat in” kitchen. Lovely loft area, perfect for office or media room. Master suite dream bath, jacuzzi tub and large separate shower. Finished basement, first floor laundry, attached 2 car garage. Low maintenance fees make this the perfect home! (SG4575F)

For All Showings Call Susi

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • 8430 Richardson

PAGE 46

CITY OF WIXOM 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 New Deadline: April 1st

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

HELP WANTED General/ Help Wanted

General/ Help Wanted

CHILD CARE CENTER 65

OFFICE CLEANING EVENING HOURS MONDAY- FRIDAY

MAC Valves, Inc., is a leading worldwide manufacturer of pneumatic solenoid valves, has an immediate opening on second shift for an experienced tool maker (general purpose tool room work). We are a people oriented, technology based company. We operate our company in a group system environment, where people are given the opportunity to learn and advance. The tool maker person we are looking for must have 3 to 5 years machining experience in a tool room environment, operating Mills (Bridgeport), Lathes, and Grinders (surface). We offer a competitive salary and fringe benefit program, and a secure future (no layoffs in over 50 years). For consideration, please send resume with salary requirements to:

MAC Valves, Inc P.O. Box 111, Wixom, MI 48393 Attn: Bill Miller

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

248-669-6880

NOVI AREA

Caring Drivers Wanted

CORPORATE CLEANING GROUP

248-313-9880 STYLIST

TOOL MAKER PERSON NEEDED

Needed for Cut -N- More Beauty Salon located in Hiller's Market Plaza off Union Lake Road in Commerce.

Ask for Elaine 248-420-2605

Transpor t people to prescheduled medical appointments in Oakland County area and beyond. Must have reliable 4 door vehicle, cell phone, email or fax access. Great way to supplement your social security, pension, or disability income.

MEAT/ DELI COUNTER

Person wanted full or part time. 248-363-2041 Concession Stand Help Baseball league needs part time help in Commerce Twp. Week nights and Saturdays. Duties include: over seeing volunteers, opening, closing and clean of stand and restrooms food experience preferred

Email interest or inquires to

executiveboard@ commercelittleleague.com

Medical/ Dental

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY 67

MEDICAL ASSISTANT PODIATRY Direct patient care, vitals, EMR entry, wound care, surgical assistance; 2 doctor Commerce Twp office; medical exp or training preferred; 3,4 or 5 days per week; hours vary by day of week 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. some Saturdays. Physically demanding, lots to learn. Fax resume and cover letter 248-363-0894 or e-mail horningsl@sbcglobal.net

IN HOME CARE Looking for experienced, mature, responsible, compassionate, In-Home Caregiver, part time or full time- Lakes area.

Helping Hand Elder Assistance

989-738-8671

248-669-4446

Help Wanted Stylist in White Lake Call 248-889-2051

CARE GIVER AFC

Medical/ Dental

DIRECT CARE WORKERS Great place to work! Full time and part time D.C.W. staff needed to assist challenged adults.Trained preferred or will train. Waterford and Clarkston areas.

248-335-3547

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD Water and Sewer Maintenance Worker/Field Technician The Charter Township of West Bloomfield is accepting applications for the full time position of Water and Sewer Maintenance/Field Technician. The pay range is $31,327 - $34,540 (based on experience and qualifications) with a generous benefit package. Some overtime available. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, construction, maintenance and repair of water distribution and sanitary sewer services, reading and recording consumption data from water meters, and water meter repairs.

Needed full & part time in White Lake for all shifts. Must be experienced with Alzheimers patients. Third shift requires cooking. 2-3 positions available. Penny Lane

248-866-3984

Office/ Clerical

INSURANCE OFFICE Full time position: Receptionist/ Customer Service Representative. Mininum 2 years experience. Commerce area.

Fax resume to 888-809-8664 or email to jwalker@ agencyadvisors.com 71

➣ A good driving record and one year of maintenance work experience required.

Real Estate Career

➣ A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will have to be obtained for successful completion of the trial period, with Class B Brake and Tanker Endorsement preferred.

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. Kathy Solan 248-363-8300 248-348-6430 Real Estate One

➣ Previous State of Michigan water licensing is preferred but not required to apply for this position. To apply for this position: Please download the application from our website, http://www.twp.west-bloomfield.mi.us/employment/ApplicationForm.pdf or call for an application at 248-451-4803 or apply at Personnel Department, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48325. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012. West Bloomfield Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer S.C. 2-22-12

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

Mann Metals Corp. (248)960-1200

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

100 GALLONS of #1 fuel oil bring own container. 248-6346913 Items must be FREE to respondents, ad free to you. Restricted to residential. The publishing group accepts no responsibility for actions between individuals.

Commercial Lines CSR 2 years exp. Salary plus benefits. Fax resume to 888-809-8664 or email to jwalker@ agencyadvisors.com

Sales Positions

Used/Wanted

Sorry, we do not accept ads for free dogs.

Qualifications: ➣ To be considered, applicants must live within 30 miles of the Township limits, in order to respond as an-on call emergency program participant.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

TWO FIVE Month old cats, male/ female. Highland area. 248-887-0114 HUTCH 19"X4'X6" Bookshelf 12"X2'X6'. No calls after Thursday. 248-390-0724. 2 CATS, 9 and 11 months, fixed males, need to stay together. 248-738-4901

Moving Sales

102

MOVING OUT of state, everything must go!! Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 9-5. 2393 Sandlewood Drive White Lake 48383 In Brentwood Golf Course.

Building Materials 105 FRENCH DOOR 36X79, glass panel, $24 248-3608485

Clothing/Apparel

119

EXTRA SMALL Nike, Addidas, sweat-shirt, vest, top- $5 each. 248-960-7285,

Furniture/Rugs

125

IVORY VINTAGE Baby crib, with or without bedding. 248249-8133

Art/Crafts

128

LOVELY FRAMED Antique jeweled Christmas tree picture 20X25 $50 248-623-2661

Home Care Equipment 130

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage

ADULT CRUTCHES/ adult size like new $10 248-4251004

Odds N Ends

138

$20 PREPAID Phone card for only $12.50- I can give you a 1-800 number to verify, expires June 13, 2013. 248-6232661.

LEISURE TIME 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 Jet Skis

181

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

(248)467-0396

Motorcycles

183

1955 INDIAN motorcycle work shop manual $25 248634-6913

MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page Cars

187

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page

178

F-150 1993 runs good, needs some work $1,300 248-2558701

FULL REPAIR SERVICES Snowmobile Parts Sale Mention ad for up to 50% of! MX • ATV• P.W.C

EXPLORER XLT 2002, 4X4, 8- Passenger, 6 cylinder, 115K. 248-420-7500

ATVs

Lakes MotorSports 4713 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI 48329

248-674-0663

www.lakesmotorsports.com

MAZDA 626 LX 2001, 136K, gold, clean- must sell. 248884-7200

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 47

LAKES AREA SERVICES (248) 360-7355

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

Fax (248) 360-5308

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

A & M Home Cleaning Service

We clean like its ours. Weekly, biweekly, monthly available. Call Maureen 248-520-8374 Anna 248-881-3389 Appliance Repair

502

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

(248)360-0213 (248)698-8819

Building Modernization

509

GUINN CONSTRUCTION Industrial & commercial Steel, concrete, masonry Licensed & insured 50 years in business Taking pride in using American Products

248-496-7652 Carpet Installation 513

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

Bob (248)681-5771

Cabinetry

515

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

(248)363-3804

elegant-woodworking.com

Cement/Concrete

517

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

(248)684-5928 Doors

524

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

Call Anytime 248-624-4042 (cell) 248-640-6298 CERTIFIED OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE

•Garage Doors •Repaired/ Services •New Doors/ Openers •Installed at Factory Pricing •Emergency Service Available

248-624-3161

Drywall

526

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

Ron (248)673-7665

Electricians

528

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

(248)683-7985

Excavating

529

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

(248)624-6458 AFFORDABLE

DEMOLITION & SERVICES "Division of Rae Excavating" • BUILDING REMOVAL• • Sewer and Water • Storm Sewers • Trucking & Grading Licensed & Insured

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

Handy Person

545

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

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

THOMASON HEATING & COOLING

• Furnaces • Boilers • Air Cleaners •Air Conditioners •Humidifiers Service & Replacements

FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION

248-363-1615

Home Inspection

548

Buying A Home? Let Us Look Before You Leap! AFFORDABLE HOME INSPECTIONS Licensed Insured STERLING HOME SERVICES

248-881-3478

Lawn/Garden Services

553

A R T

Outdoor Services, LLC * Snow Plowing * Salting Landscaping • Lawn

Service •Insured Residential & Commercial www.artoutdoorservices.com

(248)625-5719

Painting/ Decorating

562

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

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

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

248-894-3239

Plumbing

567

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

248-363-5864 Roofing

571

ROOF LEAKS & WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS MAHER RESTORATION www.goMaher.com "Maher Makes It Happen"

248-926-6631

Siding

577

I.D.C.

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

Bob: 248-363-0589 idchomeservice.com

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

Trash/Debris Removal

586

Progressive Transportation Specializing in: •Appliances •Furniture •Debris Removal

Call anytime for estimates & great service

248-887-4892 Waterproofing

599

Dry Basements, LLC We Repair: •Poured Walls/

Wells

603

Wells

603

McPherson

BOB

WELL SERVICE

WYCKOFF

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

WELL DRILLING

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

Emergency Service

(248)310-0917

7 days a week

Emergency Service EASY PAYMENT PLANS No Credit Check

248-

363-6464

aquawells.com

All credit cards accepted

Visa & MasterCard

Reasons To Use West Oakland Service Firms • Up-to-date listings allow for seasonal or changing conditions • They are part of the community

Concrete Block •Waterproofing

PRICE IS RIGHT ROOFING •Repairs •Re-Roofs •Chimney Repair •Metal Work •Flat Roofs •Complete Roof Packages. •Siding •Gutters

FREE Estimates 30 Years Experience

248-459-7894

•Cracked or Bowed Walls •Foundation Repaired Replaced •Underpinning •Crawl Space and Encapsulation •Li-censed & Insured

•Ron Heck, Builder (248)420-0116

• They offer a variety of services to meet your needs • They are ready & eager to serve

PAGE 48

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Yo u r Tr u s t e d D e a l e r s h i p A l t e r n a t i v e - All Makes and Models ice rv Se ir pa Re to Au e et Compl

2199 Haggerty Road @ Pontiac Trail Walled Lake • www.morrismotorsmi.com

MORRIS BONUS BUCKS

10 Off 20 Off 30 Off

~ COUPON ~

OIL CHANGE

95*

+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 3/7/12. SC

All certified Auto Technicians

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

248-624-4500

Service Special O I OTOR L

You e c i v r The Se ices r P t a Expect e! s n e S ke a M t a Th

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 3/7/12. Excludes oil changes, brake promotion, tires and SRTA’S. Valid only in our service department. Must present coupon when order is written. SC

Fully Equipped Collision Shop with FREE Estimates!

Battery Service

BG’s Cooling System Flush

& Charging System Check

~ COUPON ~

•Service battery and fully charge •Clean cables and connections •Check alternator output

Was 8500

2008 SCION XB OUR FACTORY-TRAINED TECHNICIANS #P2038 $ WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING: 14,995

•Pressurized system leak test •Check belts and hoses •Check heater output $ Was99 129 •Flush cooling system

WITH COUPON

*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 3/7/12

14,399 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 3/7/12.

SERVICE HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues., Wed. & Fri. 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

PRE-OWNED CARS & TRUCKS - THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS 2/22 thru 2/29/12 2007 MAZDA CX7

2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE #P1940A

5,700

3,889**

19,995

2000 OLSMOBILE SILHOUETTE

2008 FORD TAURUS SEL #P1915

13,995

11,950**

***

2010 MITSUBISHI GALANT FE

11,995**

6,835**

2008 SCION XB

#P2019

15,995

8,995

14,995

#P2052

#P1951

Find us on Facebook

#P2038

14,995

12,421**

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. Subject to prior sale.

SALES HOURS: Mon. & Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Tues., Wed., Fri.: 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

~CHILD FRIENDLY CUSTOMER LOUNGE~