WEST OAKLAND COUNTY
DECEMBER 28, 2011
SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL
Oakland County Parks and Recreation makes holiday cleanup easy and “green” with Christmas tree recycling at 11 park locations. Free self-serve Christmas tree recycling is available every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Until Jan. 16, Christmas tree recycling is available at Addison Oaks in Leonard; Catalpa Oaks in Southfield; Glen Oaks Golf Course in Farmington Hills; Groveland Oaks near Holly; Independence Oaks in Clarkston; Lyon Oaks in Lyon Township; Orion Oaks in Orion Township; Red Oaks Golf Course in Madison Heights; Springfield Oaks in Davisburg; Waterford Oaks in Waterford; and White Lake Oaks Golf Course near Pontiac. Until Jan. 30, tree recycling will be available at Independence Oaks and Orion Oaks only. There is no charge to drop off trees. All decorations, plastic, tinsel and wire must be removed. Large quantities from commercial lots are not accepted. The trees are processed to make compost and wood chips, which will be available to the public free of charge in 2012. ❏
That’s what HE said:
"(Gov. Rick) Snyder apparently has decided to be 'the Governor who stole democracy' this holiday season." — Oakland County Democratic Party Chairman Frank Houston commenting in a press release on Snyder's decision to sign legislation that gives control of the redistricting process to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners — which is controlled by Republicans — after a five-member panel with a Democratic majority approved county board district lines in May.
Shop With a Hero in Waterford helps 86 needy children By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The Waterford Township Police Department brought holiday cheer to nearly 90 children this Christmas season during its fifth annual “Shop With a Hero” event on Saturday, Dec. 17. “The kids were full of excitement and very appreciative,” said Waterford Police Sergeant Scott Good. “They were concerned about making sure they bought gifts not only themselves, but for their siblings and other family members. Their hearts were full of giving to others ahead of receiving for themselves.” The event was a collaboration between the department, Meijer, the Waterford Coalition for Youth, and the Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene. Meijer’s sponsorship — along with contributions by community members, and officers and department staff — were key in pulling the event off this year that helped 86 children in need. “It’s a humbling experience to shop with these kids,” Good said. “It makes you realize how less fortunate some of
Resident claims conflict of interest in work by officials By Angela Niemi
INSIDE Lakes Area News . . . . . . . .7 County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . .35 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Year in Review . . . . . . . .8-30 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Local Matters . . . . . . . . . .33 Community Calendar . . . . .37 Sports Year in Review .38-39
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staff writer
Part of the large crowd at the White Lake Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20 meeting attended as a result of an issue raised by White Lake resident Matt Sprader. Apparently, the main point of contention involved work at a couple baseball fields being built in township parks. Over the summer and fall, contractors combined Vetter Park’s two original fields into a single, irrigated baseball field. A multi-purpose building was also built to serve as a storage area for people who use the ball field at the park. It will hold maintenance
The Waterford Township Police Department, along with Meijer, the Waterford Coalition for Youth and the Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene, helped 86 needy children — including the 5-year-old boy pictured above — from the Waterford School District during the fifth annual Shop With a Hero event held on Saturday, Dec. 17. Students had the opportunity to do up to $100 in holiday shopping with police officers, dispatchers and chaplains. (Photo submitted by Waterford Township Police Sergeant Scott Good)
them are when it comes to the basics like coats, gloves, boots, etc.” Students from two middle schools, a trio of high schools and seven elementary schools were identified by Waterford School District staff to grant them the opportunity to do up to $100 in holiday shopping with Waterford Township Police Department officers,
dispatchers, and chaplains. Students spent the morning shopping, visiting Santa (provided by Magic 105.1), and enjoying a snack. Over 40 Waterford Coalition for Youth volunteers, both youths and adults, wrapped the gifts and assisted in taking pictures of the students with their shopping partner and Santa. ❏
equipment and the sprinkler system controls. The second ball field is going to be in park recently acquired by the township on White Lake Road near the Hidden Pines subdivision. According to Jason Iacoangeli of the White Lake Planning Department, the property is nine acres and the township is now looking to develop that land into a neighborhood park complete with baseball fields, a playscape, and walking paths. Sprader said his main issue involved the township Clerk Terry Lilley and Treasurer Jay Brendel working on the ball fields. “They claim they can do it themselves for cheaper,” Sprader said. “The clerk should be doing the clerk’s job. The treasurer should be doing the treasurer’s job.” Sprader also claimed it’s a conflict of interest because they are writing themselves checks.
However, both Brendel and Lilley maintain all work they have done on the parks has been purely volunteer on their own time, and they have not been paid. Lilley said he and Brendel were donating their time to help get the projects completed before the winter so the fields would be usable by the spring. Brendel said he worked at the parks during the night hauling millings that the township was able to acquire for free from the work being done on M59. “I saw it as an opportunity to get the millings at no cost which probably saved the township $50,000 to $60,000,” Brendel said. “So why not? I don’t mind donating my time here and there.” Another issue was the company doing the construction at Hidden Pines and Vetter Park — B&B.
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
YEAR IN REVIEW WEST
OAKLAND’S
PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: Susan Fancy BUSINESS MANAGER: Dennis Boggs EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Carol Barr EDITOR: Tim Dmoch
So long, 2011; hello, 2012
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Looking back at the last year, with an eye toward the next
T
oday. Tomorrow. Friday. Saturday. Then, as the ball drops in New York City’s Times Square and the glitter falls to the ballroom and bar floors across the country, BAM! This current year, 2011, will be in the history books as one in which the eye of the world’s most wanted man was on the receiving end of a Navy SEAL’s precision aim, and one in which we remembered the 10-year anniversary of the day that put him on our collective radar. A year of remembrances, revolutions, movements, the end of a war, and other major developments at home and abroad. Yet here in west Oakland County, 2011 will undoubtedly be remembered as the year a Livonia police officer was gunned down in Walled Lake in a shootout on a brutally cold January evening; or the year a Waterford mother attempted to kill her four adopted children — and thankfully, was unsuccessful — before taking her own life in March. There was the Highland mother found in the garage beaten and stabbed to death, allegedly by her own son. Those are among the 2011 stories that live in the psyche like squatters, paying no rent and only taxing our emotions. All told, it was a year more marred by murders in the lakes area than any we can remember in the last two decades. But among those pangs, we also saw tremendous acts of heroism and bravery and kindness: Three Milford High School students coming to the aid of an elderly Highland woman who had gone missing from home; White Lake and Waterford residents braving the licking flames to save the lives of others in separate incidents; a Milford man who succumbed to the torrents of the Huron River in Milford while trying to save a teenager he didn’t know, who also drowned; the person who returned a wallet containing $1,000 cash just earlier this month; the day-to-day and hour-by-hour valor of the area’s first responders and public safety personnel, the selflessness of our armed forces overseas and at home — and those who help them. And then, there were the brackish political spats, the uproars in Washington, Lansing and Pontiac over a spate of issues, the local officials vying for national prominence as a U.S. Senator, U.S. Congressman, and yes — even President of the United States. We witnessed the sentencing of a former county Democratic Party chairman for his role in a 2010 political scandal, and the fury that followed a local police officer driving an elected official and her husband home in the middle of the night. There was the deadlock on the appointment of a new White Lake Township supervisor, and the weighty decisions to close schools in the Walled Lake and Huron Valley districts. You saw all of those right here. The area grew, too. The M-5 roundabout in Commerce, long a bone of contention, was finally completed. A new green terminal at the Oakland County International Airport opened its doors, and new businesses came to town while others were shuttered in a dour economic climate. But still, there’s hope. There was glory, too. Two state title runs — one by Orchard Lake St. Mary’s football team after an 11-year championship drought, and another by an Our Lady of the Lakes’ girls basketball team that proved that no squad in the state was its equal. Individual runners and tennis players,
bands, and a robotics team also netted top honors in Michigan for their remarkable accomplishments; and not one, but two lakes area students aced the ACT, all of which you can relive here in this Year in Review edition of the Spinal Column Newsweekly. None of these go unnoticed on our pages, which have undergone a dramatic aesthetic and journalistic transformation over 2011, the year we bid goodbye to Spinal Column Newsweekly owner and publisher, James W. Fancy, who passed away in July, and welcomed his son and daughter as our new owners, Steve and Susan Fancy, who ushered and continue to usher in a new ethos. It was Susan Fancy, our new president and CEO, who conceived Local Matters — which is not just a new weekly section in the newspaper featuring notes and news about area businesses, but is a concept based on the philosophy espousing the importance of keeping every possible dollar in our 11 lakes area communities by conducting business and commercial transactions in west Oakland. When you choose to do business in your local community, you support your friends and neighbors who own, operate, and work at local business; and in the process you support local schools, police and fire services, libraries, and the parks and recreation programs that get a little piece of the property taxes paid by those local businesses. It’s a way to invest in yourself, your future, and your community. This fall we were also pleased to bring a new multi-media feature to the table in our Kickoff Weekly video series produced by SCN photographer/videographer Amy K. Lockard and Sports Reporter Michael Shelton. That approach to shining a bright light on the week’s hottest prep football matchups will be applied in the coming weeks to winter high school sports, such as boys and girls basketball. But that’s not all. Next year will be one of new features and content, as well: Our new Seniors Today special section, additional video and multi-media features and, all in all, a laser’s focus on our core constituency — which is not the politicians or bureaucrats, the powerful or wealthy, but instead, you, the readers who praise us and criticize us, who let us know when we are spot-on in our coverage or if we’ve missed the mark, who have turned to us, a publication owned and operated by the same local family for over four decades, for the stories you care about, the stories you need, those that stick in your craw, and bring you to a smile as wide as M-59. This Year in Review edition of the Spinal Column Newsweekly is a first for our publication and is the product of much deliberation and discussion. It was created in memoriam and in honor of those we lost — like Morris Motors founder Dick Morris, and long-time Waterford Township Clerk Betty Fortino, those who prove that death is no parenthesis; in gratitude for those who did a good and remarkable deed; and with a keen and critical eye toward the 360-plus days this year you’ve turned to us to be your eyes and ears into our unique community. Have a remarkable new year, west Oakland County. We’ll see you in 2012. ❏
DECEMBER 28, 2011
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LAKES AREA NEWS
Library looking to hire staff Children’s librarian, adult services manager sought By Angela Niemi staff writer
The Commerce Township Community Library will be hiring two more full-time employees in 2012 — a children’s librarian and an adult services manager — in a move that will allow each department to have three full-time librarians. Currently, the library has four fulltime librarians to cover two service desks for the 66 hours each week the library is open. “We have trouble covering the desks sometimes between vacation days and sending our librarians to different training classes,” said Library Director Connie Ozinga.
Park work concern ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3
Some saw it as a conflict of interest since Brendel used to be a co-owner of the company. However, Brendel said he sold his share in the business a month or two after he was appointed treasurer. Another issue was the belief that the money used to build the diamonds was a misappropriation of parks and recreation millage funds. Some people thought the millage was only for the creation and maintenance of pathways and trails. However, township officials maintain the language of the millage was more general and, therefore, covers the acquisition of park land and costs for improvements made in those parks. Lilley said that if anybody wants to have a look at what has been done and paid for at the parks, all they have to do is come to the township because the information is all publicly available. “There’s no reason for anyone to be surprised by what has been spent,” Lilley said. “There’s a list of bills in the agenda packet every month. So for any board member to say they didn’t know, it means they didn’t look at their stuff. We’re trying to save every dime that we can. “I’m going to continue donating my time until both ball fields are complete and kids are playing on them. I’m donating my time. And people ask, ‘Why on earth would I do that?’ It’s because I want to do that. This is not the first time I’ve given time to the township. It’s what I do. I donate time
However, librarians are responsible for more than just manning the desks. They also review literature, pick new books to order for the library’s collection, organize book displays, and help with book clubs and library activities like youth story times, in addition to a host of other duties. In June, a part-time youth program specialist left. Ozinga said they kept the position open to leave room in the budget to hire a full-time children’s librarian. “It gave us an additional $20,000 to allocate in the budget,” Ozinga said. “And with a full-time youth librarian, I’m no longer going to need
to worthwhile projects.” However, Sprader is not satisfied and feels there still remains much to be answered. “It’s time people start showing up at the White Lake board meetings,” Sprader said. “If they show up, they’d be appalled.” ❏
WB board split on Clerk’s Office personnel moves The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees has approved a number of recommendations from the township’s Personnel Committee, including reinstating the elections specialist/coordinator position. The board’s decision was made at a Monday, Dec. 12 meeting. In a letter to the committee, Township Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy stated that she chose not to fill the elections specialist/coordinator post when it was vacated three years ago, but that duties in the Clerk’s Office have increased since then. Shaughnessy specifically cited the department’s role in processing passports referred by the Post Office, along with the implementation of the electronic poll book during elections and the time invested in the support and training of the staff that came with it. She added that while keeping the position vacant saved the township $100,000, the office anticipates greater activity in 2012 with three elections on the horizon.
someone in that position.” While job descriptions for each position still have to be approved by the Commerce Township Board of Trustees, Ozinga hopes she will have the job description for the children’s librarian before the board in January and then follow with the description for the adult services manager position. “I’d like to get the youth services job up before the board in January and then go straight into the process of hiring someone,” Ozinga said. “I want to wait until we are all done with (hiring for) the children’s librarian position before we start hiring in the adult services position.” ❏
In exchange, the position of senior clerk/typist was eliminated, which Shaughnessy said would still result in savings of almost $90,000. The new election specialist/coordinator, a Level No. 6 position, will assist the clerk in managing the staff and operations in the Clerk’s Office relative to all township, county, state and federal elections, according to the job description. As an added provision, the specialist also will be required to have a bachelor’s degree in administration or the equivalent, with business college training in office and communication skills preferred. The board’s vote was 5-2 in favor of the reinstatement, with Township Supervisor Michelle Economou Ureste and Trustee Steve Kaplan casting the two “no” votes. “The reason has to do with other general township employees who have not received raises for more than two years and have had total compensation reduced by nine furlough days in 2011,” Kaplan said. “I think other employees might be deserving of a raise or an elevation in job classification.” In addition, the township board also unanimously approved recommendations from Police Chief Michael Patton to hire five part-time dispatchers ($159,765) for the West Bloomfield Police Department, and also the promotion of one part-time dispatcher to fulltime ($64,000). The board also unanimously approved hiring one water and sewer maintenance field technician, a Level No. 3.5 position that pays $31,327. ❏
PAGE 7
Obituaries AYOTTE, MARIETTA, age 79 and a former resident of Independence Village in Brighton & White Lake, died on December 20, 2011. DEVERS, DR. WILLIAM J. III, a long time resident of Highland passed away in the care of his family December 18, 2011. He was 60 years old. JANSSEN, KENNETH JAMES, 61, of West Bloomfield passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 5, 2011. He is survived by his beloved wife Carol of 41 years. KIMBLE, CHARLES E., age 87 of Milford, peacefully passed away at home on December 12, 2011. Beloved husband of the late Dolores Kimble. KUBICZ, AUDREY ANN, of Wolverine Lake was born on Februay 21, 1954 and died December 13, 2011 at the age of 57. LEFEBVRE, EDWARD, of Commerce Township was born on December 20, 1942 and passed away peacefully on December 16, 2011 at age 68. MCKINNON, ROBERT JOHN, of Milford, Highland, Wixom, and recently Auburn Hills, passed away December 16, 2011. He was 26 years old. PAWLOSKY, JOSEPH, of White Lake, December 16, 2011, age 84. Beloved husband of Julia Gajewski Pawlosky for 62 years. SCHALDENBRAND, LILLIAN E., age 91, of West Bloomfield, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2011. SERRATONI, MARGARET V., of West Bloomfield, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2011 WILSON, DOROTHY, a life long resident of Milford Township passed away in the care of her family December 14, 2011. She was 94 years old. WORKMAN-JACKSON, DOLORES, age 52, of Waterford, passed away on December 14, 2011. To place an obituary in the Spinal Column Newsweekly please call the Classified Department at 248-360-7355 or email: lorisnyder@thescngroup.com
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
YEAR IN REVIEW / JANUARY
Department ‘devastated’ Livonia police officer slain in Walled Lake shootout By Leslie Shepard staff writer
After surveilling a pair of suspects thought to be involved in a string of home invasions, a Livonia police officer and one of the suspects were fatally wounded in gunfire exchanged in the vicinity of West Maple Road and Glenwood Drive in Walled Lake around 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 17. A handgun stolen during the local break-in and just before the shootout was wielded by one of the suspects to kill undercover Livonia Police Officer Larry Nehasil, 48. The suspect who shot Nehasil was also killed. “The suspect was shot twice and the officer was shot five times,” Shakinas said. According to Livonia Mayor Jack Kirksey, the suspects entered the Walled Lake area to collect a $30 debt owed them. On the way out of that
local home, they noticed a neighboring homeowner leaving, and seized the opportunity. “They... didn’t realize that our officers were doing a surveillance of them,” Kirksey said. The suspects spotted police before loading their cache of stolen goods. “One of the suspects left to back out the vehicle so they could load the loot when he spotted our undercover police and bolted out of the driveway and hit the undercover car which was blocking him,” Kirksey said. “The other brother ran out the back door and Officer Nehasil followed him. There was some physical contact in the backyard.” As a result, Nehasil was wounded in the hip. The officer was able to shoot the suspect twice in the chest, but not before the suspect fatally wounded Nehasil, according to Kirksey.
Nehasil was part of a six-member Livonia police Intelligence Bureau Team working on the case involving a string of break-ins in the metro Detroit area when the suspects were confronted in the residential Walled Lake neighborhood that straddles the border with Commerce Township. Walled Lake police were not involved in the surveillance and investigation into the rash of home invasions that Nehasil’s team was working on, according to Shakinas. Livonia Police Chief Robert Stevenson said Nehasil was a 20-year veteran of the force, and was married with two sons. He said Nehasil had been with the Livonia Police Department’s Intelligence Bureau for a total of “five or six years,” and had also worked with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. Stevenson described Nehasil, who
Nehasil
Shakinas confirmed that both Nehasil and the gunman were killed instantly in the firefight. Police apprehended the surviving suspect, who is currently being held in the Oakland County Jail.
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YEAR IN REVIEW / JANUARY-FEBRUARY Nehasil murder ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 8
was highly decorated, as “hard-working” and someone “who sought out the most dangerous assignments.” Stevenson told media outlets Monday night that his department was “devastated” by Nehasil’s death. “He was dedicated to making life safer for all of us,” Kirksey said. “We are (coping) with the tragedy and at this time we’ve set up a mechanism (for) the family for a memorial. Right now our focus is on the family.” ❏
Resident targets Larry Brown in new recall campaign Proposed recall petition language targeting West Bloomfield Township Trustee Larry Brown has been filed with the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office. Township resident Betty Hyman is asking for a recall, citing Brown’s decision in 2009 to have his $125 meeting stipend diverted to a township Water and Sewer Benevolent Fund for needy families, claiming that he has not paid taxes on his 2009 earnings as a trustee. Hyman also cited Brown’s vote in November 2009 in favor of a Brown sanitary sewer lining project contract with Liquiforce Services (USA), which has an office located in Romulus but is based in Kingsville, Ontario, Canada, stating in her recall petition that the contract would have been subsidized with federal stimulus funds. Hyman also cited Brown’s lawsuit last year against the West Bloomfield Police Department regarding a prior Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking information on an investigation by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. The judge dismissed that suit because the police department couldn’t be sued as a legal entity. ❏
Overflow dumped 30,000 gallons of sewage into lake Wolverine Lake officials are still trying to get answers from the Oakland
Firefighter/EMT Andrew Atherton (left) and Firefighter/EMT Bobby Stimbert onboard one of the Milford Fire Department’s two transport vehicles. The department may resume BLS transport services, which could produce revenues via the billing of patients’ insurance companies. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Ambulance service change Milford may allow firefighters to do medical transport By Michael Shelton staff writer
T
he Milford Fire Department has been given approval by Milford Township to handle Basic Life Support (BLS) transport duties for less-than-seriously-injured patients, but the township is awaiting a response from Huron Valley Ambulance (HVA) regarding the matter. The Milford Township Board of Trustees approved a plan last month to have Milford’s firefighters resume BLS transport for patients, after the County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office about how 30,000 gallons of raw sewage overflowed into its namesake in late November. The situation has since been rectified. Apparently a pump station situated along South Commerce Road in Walled Lake, directly across from Wolverine Lake, failed. It has been
program was temporarily halted. However, Supervisor Don Green said that HVA representatives are scheduled to appear at the township board’s Wednesday, Feb. 16 meeting and that he is still investigating the matter. HVA, which has a Milford branch, responds to the same emergencies as Milford’s firefighters and offers both BLS and Advanced Life Support (ALS) care and transport. Green was the only member of the township board who voted last
month against resumption of BLS services, saying that the township shouldn’t compete with the private sector and that it conflicts with township policy, where firefighters only provide BLS transport if an ambulance is not available. Township Treasurer Cynthia Dagenhardt said that based on the numbers and run calculations provided, the fire department stands to generate around $130,000 a year by billing patients’ insurance companies for transport services. ❏
determined that of the pair of pumps operating there, only one developed a blockage in a 10-inch force main that carries sewage from the pump station to the NoviWalled Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant. The magnitude of such an overflow, though disconcerting, was corrected in an efficient manner and could have been much worse, according to Mike
Powell, the village’s engineering consultant. “The event took place at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 and was corrected by 5:25 p.m.,” he said. He added that contaminate levels are currently negligible and that by spring there will be no lingering impact at all. “The water has been assessed and is considered clean now,” Powell said. ❏
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
YEAR IN REVIEW / JANUARY-FEBRUARY Impasse over new supervisor ends as Baroni appointed By Angela Niemi staff writer
The White Lake Township Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Greg Baroni as the new township supervisor to replace Mike Kowall, who is now serving in the state Senate. Baroni’s appointment was approved during a special Board of Trustees meeting held Jan. 24. Like at previous meetings, motions to appoint Trustee Mike Powell failed in a 3-3 vote on Jan. 24, with Clerk Terry Lilley, Trustee Carol Burkard, and Baroni all voting against the motion. Similarly, a motion to appoint Baroni as supervisor also failed 3-3 on Monday, with Treasurer Jay Brendel, Trustee Todd Birkle, and Powell voting no. The board had been deadlocked at a 3-3 stalemate between the supporters of Baroni and Powell in numerous other meetings held since Kowall first announced his resignation at a Dec. 21 township board meeting. Following several deadlocked votes,
eventually, Brendel made a motion to appoint Baroni as supervisor, which Powell supported. The result was a unanimous decision in favor of Baroni, which the assembled crowd answered with applause and cheers. Several residents congratulated the board on being able to reach a decision, while all board members stated their desire and intention to work together as a team without holding grudges. Now that the supervisor seat has been filled, another seat is now vacant on the board. The township will be accepting applications for Baroni’s trustee position over the next two weeks. ❏
after he was appointed to former Clerk Sandra Abrams’ position. She announced her resignation in December citing personal reasons, one of which is her husband’s health. She had been the township clerk for 13 years. At their Jan. 11 meeting, board members accepted Munro’s resignation as a trustee and then voted to appoint him as Abrams’ replacement. Law’s term as trustee will end Dec. 31, 2012. Township trustees typically serve four-year terms and receive approximately $100 per meeting. ❏
Bennett convicted in wife’s 2010 stabbing murder By Michael Shelton staff writer
An Oakland County Circuit Court jury has found 47-year-old Ellery Bennett of West Bloomfield Township guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of his wife.
PAGE 11 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
David Law tapped for open seat on Commerce board By Angela Niemi staff writer
The Commerce Township Board of Trustees voted Tuesday, Feb. 8 to appoint former state Rep. David Law to fill the trustee position formerly held by Clerk Dan Munro. Munro’s position was left vacant
The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office has estimated it will cost $150,000 to fix the Drayton Plains Drain, which has backed up water onto Williams Lake Road near Hatfield, west of Dixie Highway (above). Recurring road flooding wreaked havoc last year during the Memorial Day weekend, when stormwater stood a few fee deep across Williams Lake Road. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
A fix for flooding Assessments to pay for drain repairs By Leslie Shepard-Owsley staff writer
T
he Drayton Plains Drain stormwater flooding along Williams Lake Road in Waterford Township has worsened over the years to the point where emergency repairs must be facilitated at a cost to all those impacted. Upon investigation, the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office (WRC) has determined that it will be necessary to construct approximately 300 line-
al feet of concrete pipe and clean out about 530 lineal feet within the Drayton Plains Drain in the area of Williams Lake Road near the intersection of Hatfield Road, west of Dixie Highway. Since the amount of work necessary to rectify the flooding problem exceeds what is considered normal maintenance, the costs must be passed onto consumers. Costs will be divvied out among the owners of properties within the Drayton Plains Drainage District. ❏
DECEMBER 28, 2011
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PAGE 11
YEAR IN REVIEW / MARCH Murder verdict ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 10
The body of Bennett’s 46-year-old wife, Lisa, was discovered in their home in the 7100 block of South Oak Court East on Aug. 18, 2010. West Bloomfield police were dispatched to the home after Ellery Bennett checked into Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak with stab wounds and told hospital staff that a victim could be found in the home. According to Sergeant Bob Spencer of the West Bloomfield Township Police Department, a search warrant was obtained and evidence indicated that Ellery Bennett may have stabbed his wife and then himself in a suicide attempt. Township police had previously stated that two of the couple’s children, a 10-year-old and a 20-year-old, and the victim’s mother were inside the home but had no knowledge of the victim’s death when police arrived at the scene on Aug. 18. Ellery Bennett apparently used the victim’s vehicle to drive to the hospital, leaving the other family members in the home to believe that Lisa Bennett had left the home to go to work for the day. ❏
Ex-Dem officials facing charges in ‘Tea Party’ fracas By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
Two former Oakland County Democratic Party officials have been arraigned on felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from a political scandal this past election season involving fraudulent candidate affidavits for so-called “Tea Party” candidates who were allegedly signed up for elections to siphon away conservative votes from Republican candidates in close races. Michael McGuinness, the former party chairman, and Jason Bauer, the party’s former operations director, didn’t enter pleas before Oakland County Circuit Court Judge James Alexander on Wednesday, March 16; a not-guilty plea was entered into the record for both men. McGuinness faces six counts of forgery and perjury, while Bauer faces the same counts, plus three other charges for allegedly violating provisions of the Michigan Notary Public Act when he notarized what were allegedly fraudulent candidate affi-
“I’m really pleased and grateful that MBPN chose our barn and recognized all our work,” said Rob Long, a fifth generation farmer and also a member of the Commerce Township Board of Trustees, who operates the Long Family Orchard, Farm and Cider Mill with his wife, Oakland County Commissioner Christine Long (R-Commerce, Milford, Wolverine Lake). The Michigan Barn Preservation Network selected the Long barn as the 2011 Michigan Barn of the Year among commercially-used barns. (Photo submitted by Christine Long)
‘Grateful’ for award Long’s barn recognized by MBPN By Angela Niemi staff writer
T
he Long Family Orchard, Farm and Cider Mill in Commerce Township has been recognized by the Michigan Barn Preservation Network (MBPN) as having the 2011 Michigan Barn of the Year among commercially-used barns. The MBPN annually gives out awards in four different categories — continuing family/private agricultural use; family/private adaptive use; non-profit agricultural or adaptive use; commercial agricultural or adaptive use — to promote the appreciation, preservation and rehadavits for Aaron W. Tyler, who was running for the county Board of Commissioners 2nd District seat; Ruth A. Spearman, who was running for the Board of Commissioners 4th District seat; and Johnathon Michael Young, who was running for the state Senate’s 12th District seat. The two former party officials are at the center of the scandal that eventually caused former Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Ruth Johnson, now Michigan Secretary of
bilitation of Michigan heritage barns which date back before 1957. In order to be considered for an award, applicants must provide the history of the barn and all the work that has been done to preserve it, along with photo documentation of the work. After owners Robert and Christine Long planted the current apple orchard in 1990, he remodeled the storage cooler and added a cider mill, donut kitchen, and apple sales area in 1995, while keeping up the barn’s aesthetics to preserve it for future use and enjoyment. ❏ State, and County Executive L. Brooks Patterson to request a one-man grand jury of Circuit Court Judge Edward Sosnick, which was convened in September. ❏
Police: Mom who killed herself tried to kill her children What prompted a Waterford Township woman to commit suicide
on Monday, Feb. 28, is still sketchy, but law enforcement officials say they are grateful that her apparent attempt to kill her four children was unsuccessful. The body of Shanda Yenglin, 37, was found in the garage of a home at 6415 Barker at 8:18 a.m. Monday after police and fire personnel responded to a 911 call from her daughter, who told dispatchers that her mom was passed out in the garage, cold and unresponsive. Police found a 10-year-old boy inside the back of a gold 1998 Chevy Venture van in the garage, as well as an 11-year-old boy in a bedroom. Both were unresponsive. A 13-yearold daughter and 14-year-old daughter reportedly were wandering inside the home dazed and confused. Yenglin’s death has been ruled a suicide by acute carbon monoxide poisoning by the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office. Yenglin was the adoptive mother of all four children found at the scene. Police said that on the evening of Sunday, Feb. 27, Yenglin gave all four children some kind of sleeping or pain medication. She told three of the children — the 10-year-old, 11-year-old and 13 year-old — to go out to the van to stay warm, sometime late Sunday evening. The 14-year-old fell asleep in a bedroom and didn’t go with the others since she was ill. The 13-year-old awoke sometime during the night to go back into the house and retrieve a blanket, when she found her mother on the garage floor. The children were conveyed to a hospital where the boys were listed in serious condition; however, the girls were quickly released, and the boys were expected to be released within a couple of days. ❏
Lewsley tapped to fill open seat on White Lake board All seven seats on the White Lake Township Board of Trustees soon will be occupied. David Lewsley will fill the final vacancy after the township board unanimously decided to appoint him as the newest trustee at a special board meeting held on Feb. 24. With the election of former supervisor Mike Kowall to the state Senate last year, a vacancy arose, and Greg Baroni was tapped for the job, leading to Lewsley’s selection. ❏
PAGE 12
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
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PAGE 13
YEAR IN REVIEW / MARCH Reconstruction of intersection moved up a year
Respected car dealer Morris dies at the age of 75
By Leslie Shepard staff writer
Due to the surge of complaints involving a delay in the Pontiac Trail and West Maple Road intersection reconstruction project in Walled Lake, the county’s Federal Aid Task Force Committee has been compelled to shuffle projects around to move it up one year. The project was initially scheduled for 2013. The roadways riddled with potholes frustrated residents and officials who vocalized their disgust repeatedly to the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), which maintains jurisdiction over the intersection. The reconstruction is estimated to cost $2.3 million, with federal funds covering 80 percent or $1.86 million. The local match of $466,000 will be split equally ($233,000 each) between the city of Walled Lake and RCOC. Tri-Party funds will be used to reduce the city’s contribution to $77,667. In the interim, the RCOC plans to perform “heavy maintenance” operations along the Pontiac Trail and West Maple Road intersection as soon as asphalt plants open in the spring, to buy time before the complete reconstruction. A public hearing will be scheduled sometime next year to inform the public and the area businesses about specific project plans. ❏
HVS board opts to close Highland in split 5-2 decision By Leslie Shepard staff writer
After months of wrestling with a number of options to address declining enrollment and financial challenges, the Huron Valley Schools Board of Education voted Thursday, March 3 to close Highland Middle School by fall 2011. The school board will now begin the task of redistricting school attendance areas. School Board President Lisa Blackwell and Vice President Charles Dittmar voted against the Highland Middle School closure. A closure is necessary to mete out
Walled Lake Central High School special educator teacher Amanda McCartney (center) was honored with the 2011 Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year award in March. Attending the presentation of the award, which was a surprise, were Walled Lake Consolidated School District administrators and faculty, including Superintendent Kenneth Gutman (left) and Chuck Morgan, principal of Walled Lake Central. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
A top honor McCartney named teacher of year By Angela Niemi staff writer
A
manda McCartney, a special education teacher at Walled Lake Central High School, was “shocked” when representatives of Oakland Schools, together with Walled Lake Consolidated School District administrators, entered her classroom yesterday, Tuesday, March 29, with balloons and a sign proclaiming her the 2011 Oakland County Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year. McCartney was chosen from
a teaming approach the district is moving toward as part of a 21st century educational effort, where students work closely with four teachers who collaborate together. The district will net a savings of about $800,000 per year by closing the middle school. “We based our decision on Highland being one of the oldest
among 19 high school teacher nominees for the honor. All candidates were evaluated in six categories including the ability to engage and meet the individual needs of students, demonstrated knowledge of the subject area and classroom management, the relationship to parents and colleagues, and demonstrated citizenship and leadership in schools. McCartney will receive a check for $2,000 and be honored with her fellow nominees on May 5 at Oakland Schools. ❏ buildings in the district and due to future repairs and maintenance costs, in addition to its lowest enrollment,” said Board Treasurer Sean Carlson. Redistricting plans — including revisions to elementary school attendance boundaries — will be communicated directly to parents and posted on the district’s web site. ❏
Dick Morris, a self-made man who was widely respected throughout the lakes area as a philanthropist and someone with strong convictions, died from heart complications on Thursday, March 31, at the age of 75. Morris, a resident of Milford and owner and founder of Dick Morris Chevrolet in Commerce Township, was a pioneer in his day, becoming a Chevrolet dealer at 32-years-old. “Becoming a dealer at such a young age was remarkable,” said his son, Rick Morris. “No one paved the way for him. He had no connections.” Dick Morris Chevrolet was renamed Morris Motors in October 2010 as a result of the GM bankruptcy and restructuring. In the community, Morris was instrumental in forming a single Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce by uniting individual chamber chapters. “At the time, it was so rural out here and there weren’t enough viable businesses,” Rick said. “Dad recognized the need for a single chamber to serve the whole community.” Morris was a behind-the-scenes man, donating money to various charities, needy individuals and the Walled Lake Consolidated School District, all without seeking the limelight. Morris’ personality was punctuated by his work ethic. “When he came into a room, things happened. He liked to get things done,” Rick said. “He was highly organized and motivated.” Some of that work ethic was ingrained in him during his U.S. Marine Corps service. But it was Morris’ faith that sustained him and compelled his daily life, according to his son. “He cherished his family and was a follower of our Lord, Jesus Christ,” Rick said. “Nothing he did on this earth was more important than accepting the Lord.” When Morris could get away from the demands of a successful business, his greatest enjoyment was tending to the horses he bred and raised at his Milford horse farm. Rick Morris said that some of their finest father-and-son outings were scrimmaging at the Detroit Polo Club in Milford or in competitions across the Midwest. “Those were great times,” Rick said. ❏
PAGE 14
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
YEAR IN REVIEW / APRIL Board implements 10-percent pay cut for teachers
White Lake math teacher gets top award for 2011
By Michael Shelton
By Leslie Shepard
staff writer
staff writer
The West Bloomfield Board of Education at a special meeting on Thursday, March 31 implemented a 10-percent salary cut for the district’s teachers by a 5-2 vote. Last Thursday’s action was the tipping point in what has been a long struggle between the district and the West Bloomfield Education Association (WBEA) to come to an agreement on a new contract. Rick Arnett, the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Labor Relations, said that without the pay cut implementation, the district would be facing a $2.9 million deficit. Cyndi Austin, Michigan Education Association Liaison for West Bloomfield Schools said that the union has met with an attorney and may be pursuing a legal route. ❏
C
hristopher Walker, a White Lake Middle School math teacher, has been selected as the 2011 Oakland County Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Oakland Schools Education Foundation. Walker, a Howell resident, began his teaching career at White Lake Middle School in 1988. He is the current math department head and also helps lead middle school teachers in the development of curriculum. For the last three years, he has led the accreditation team in developing math goals. He was selected from a pool of 16 middle school nominees. All candidates were evaluated in six categories including the ability to engage and meet the individual needs of students, demonstrated
White Lake Middle School math teacher Christopher Walker was recently named the 2011 Oakland County Outstanding Middle School Teacher of the Year. The award honors teachers who have achieved, through their effort and example, the highest standards of excellence in their profession. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
knowledge of the subject area and classroom management, the relationship to parents and colleagues, and demonstrated citizenship and leadership in schools. Walker will be honored, along with
the elementary and high school winners, and the remaining 48 nominees at an event at Oakland Schools on May 5 where the three winners will each receive a check for $2,000. ❏
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PAGE 15
YEAR IN REVIEW / APRIL Village exits pact with Walled Lake for police services
Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board Chairman William Sturgeon as Bennett’s replacement, effective immediately. Bennett attributes his early departure to personal health reasons. Sturgeon said he’s excited for the opportunity to serve on the council and is honored by the appointment. ❏
By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The Wolverine Lake Village Council has decided to pull out of a joint police services agreement with Walled Lake that was set to expire June 30, 2013. The shared policing agreement fell short of a full merger between the village and city’s police departments, but included combined purchasing of police equipment including vehicles, weapons, ammunition, office supplies and other shared services. According to Village Council President John Magee, the council’s decision was made after Wolverine Lake Police Captain John Ellsworth forwarded a new proposal to the Police Sharing Committee, which is comprised of Magee, Mayor Pro Tem Ed Sienkiewicz, and Councilwoman Linda Champagne. Apparently there have been some rumblings at the top of the command chain that has made the arrangement difficult. “The dual command structure has been problematic over time and we couldn’t resolve that and get to a single-chief structure,” Magee said. “It’s unfortunate that it didn’t work out,” said Walled Lake City Councilman Casey Ambrose. “The concept in theory had a lot of good possibilities, but it’s tough to keep all the stars lined up.” ❏
State title yet one more laurel for HOT robotics team By Leslie Shepard
Brown recall effort dismissed due to lack of signatures By Michael Shelton staff writer
Austin Wilson, a Milford High School senior, surprised Sydnie Seelye, also a Milford senior, on Thursday, April 14 with flowers and a banner inviting her to be his date for Milford’s 2011 prom. Seelye had gone to Up Town Threads in downtown Milford to pick up her prom dress when Wilson sprung the surprise. She accepted the invitation. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
staff writer
The Huron Valley Schools Heroes of Tomorrow (HOT) Robotics Team earned a state championship last weekend and will be heading to the World Robotics Championship in St. Louis, Mo. beginning Wednesday, April 27. “Our team was the most effective group playing the game designed by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology),” said team mentor and Milford High School Teacher Lori Gleason. The HOT Team is comprised of 50
Milford High School, Lakeland High School, and International Academy West students, who pair up with 20 mentors from the General Motors Proving Grounds and Huron Valley Schools. After three days of state competition, the HOT Team emerged as the winner, with second-place awarded to their seed alliance team, Notre Dame Prep’s The Killer Bees. The HOT Team, along with the Killer Bees and the Goodrich Schools’ More Martians, outscored teams from all over Michigan. ❏
Sturgeon tapped to fill vacated council position By Leslie Shepard staff writer
Walled Lake City Councilman Edmund Bennett tendered his resignation at the Tuesday, April 5 council meeting, indicating he won’t fulfill his term in office set to expire in November 2011. The City Council has appointed
A recall petition targeting West Bloomfield Township Trustee Larry Brown has been dismissed by the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office after no signatures were turned into the office by the Monday, April 25 deadline. Recall petition language was submitted by township resident Ray Jarjis Kasmikha last June and approved by county officials last October. Kasmikha’s proposed recall petition language stated that at a Dec. 7, 2009 Board of Trustees meeting, Brown made a partial disclosure about an expected business relationship with Richfield Equities and voted to award Richfield a 5-year single-source waste hauling contract. Kasmikha also stated in the petition language that at the Nov. 19, 2009 board meeting, Brown voted to award a multi-million dollar contract using federal stimulus funds to a Canadian corporation to complete a clean water state revolving fund project. Before the township board approved a single-source waste hauling contract with Richfield at its Dec. 7, 2009 meeting, Brown disclosed to the board that he would be entering a business relationship with Dan Garman, an outside contractor for Richfield, through one of his companies, Crossroads Consulting & Management. Also prior to the board vote on the Richfield contract, the township’s attorney indicated to Brown that a pending partnership between him and an individual tied to Richfield didn’t present an ethics policy violation. In addition, a majority of township board member denied Brown’s request to abstain from voting on the Richfield contract. ❏
PAGE 16
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
YEAR IN REVIEW / APRIL George hired as Orchard Lake’s new police chief
Fred Rosenau’s position on Sunday, May 1, since Rosenau has decided to retire effective Saturday, April 30. George amassed 27 years with the Southfield Police Department and another 13 and a half years as chief of police for Wolverine Lake. Rosenau’s service dates back 32 years. He began with the Police Department as a police officer, was promoted to sergeant and then to detective sergeant. before being appointed chief six years ago. ❏
By Leslie Shepard staff writer
Orchard Lake officials introduced and swore in a new police chief, Joe George, at the City Council’s Monday, April 18 meeting. George will take over Police Chief
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YEAR IN REVIEW / APRIL-MAY Brown decision ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 16
tiffs’ request for declaratory relief on the stipend issue. However, after hearing final arguments on April 13, Nichols stated in his final opinion that “any issues that remain appear to be political in nature,” and that the plaintiffs failed to provide any legal authority to allow the court to declare that a trustee must accept the stipend and be subject to the preparation and signing of income tax forms. Despite Nichols saying that he believes an appeal would be a waste of time and money, Ureste has said she plans to appeal the rulings in the Michigan Court of Appeals once the final order is issued. ❏
Dems’ BOC map approved; GOP calls it ‘political’ By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
In a split party-line vote of 3-2, the Oakland County Apportionment Commission — which was tasked with redrawing Board of Commissioners district lines in light of 2010 U.S. Census data as required by law — has approved a new map of commissioner districts that rankled the two Republicans on the committee and will shuffle districts in the lakes area. The Friday, May 20 vote featured Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper, county Treasurer Andy Meisner, and county Democratic Party Chairman Frank Houston supporting an amended map drafted by Cooper. County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard Jr. and county Republican Party Chairman Jim Thienel cast their votes against the map. Houston called Cooper’s map “very reasonable” and added that, although he favored his amended map, Cooper’s district boundaries could be better suited to survive a legal challenge should one arise. Both Thienel and Bullard said a legal challenge is expected. Both also stated that they were disappointed that a process that had cooperation from both sides of the aisle turned into a political one at the end. “It (the approved map) is a partisan, gerrymandered plan,” Bullard said. ❏
Milford student earns perfect score on ACT By Leslie Shepard staff writer
A Milford High School junior recently aced the ACT with a perfect score of 36. Deanna Brandell, 16, received news in March that she can count herself among the elite students in the nation. Only a handful of students each year, and less than onetenth of one percent of all who take the ACT exam, manage to score a perfect 36. Typically students taking the ACT exam score around the 20-21 range. The ACT tests in four disciplines: English, reading, math and science. It also provides an optional 30 minute essay. Students can take the ACT several times and choose which score to submit to a college. Brandell took the ACT initially in the fall and scored a 35. While many students would be elated and more than satisfied with such a score, Brandell opted to retake the exam in the spring, and it subsequently paid off. Due to weighted Advanced Placement courses, Deanna
Girl, 12, pleads guilty to April 15 armed robbery By Angela Niemi staff writer
The 12-year-old girl arrested for a recent armed robbery at a Highland Township store pleaded guilty on Tuesday, April 26 before Judge Mary Ellen Brennan in Oakland County Circuit Court. According to an Oakland County Sheriff’s Department report, Highland Township Substation deputies were dispatched on April 15 to the Country Lake Market at 2150 N. Milford Road on a report of an armed robbery in progress. The female suspect had entered the market and allegedly proceeded to demand money from one of the store employees. Despite the fact that the girl was wearing a bandana over her face, another employee reportedly recognized the girl. The three employees in the store
Milford High School student Deanna Brandell, a 16-year-old junior, recently received a perfect score of 36 on the ACT. She hopes to study engineering when she goes to college and is expressing interest in attending MIT, Wellesley, Harvard, or the University of Michigan.
Brandell is currently carrying a 4.1 GPA despite her demanding schedule as a member of Milford’s marching band, the Michigan Youth Band, and the Heroes of Tomorrow (HOT) robotics team. Right now she is mulling over the idea of pursuing engineering in college. ❏ at the time of the incident were able to disarm the girl of the loaded 9-mm Smith & Wesson handgun and detain her until deputies arrived. The girl was then taken into custody without incident. It was discovered that the girl allegedly stole the gun from a neighbor. ❏
Two drown in Huron River; man tried to save boy By Michael Shelton staff writer
A teenager and a 48-year-old Milford resident both drowned near a dam along the Huron River in Milford Township on Saturday, May 21, after the teen fell out of his canoe and the man tried to rescue him. According to Sergeant Matthew Brumm of the Milford Police Department, the incident took place around the lower portion of the Huron River near the dam.
One canoe on the river was being paddled by 16-year-old John Przydatek of Harrison Township and a friend, also a 16-year-old male. According to Brumm, the teenagers were canoeing upstream, turned around and started heading toward the dam and into turbulent water. The canoe was caught up in the current and overturned, and both teens were thrown into the river. One of them was able to get out of the water, but Przydatek was sucked into an area at the base of the dam. Two children standing on the shore yelled for help, and 48-year-old Douglas Killingbeck of Milford answered the call 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. Brumm said the teenagers were not wearing life jackets, while Killingbeck was at the time of the incident. ❏
Local volunteer honored by Rotary for service to area By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The Lakes Area Rotary Club surprised Pat Wlodarczyk, the owner of Modern Floors, with a Paul Harris Fellow Award at a luncheon in her honor on Tuesday, May 17 at Bayside Sports Bar. The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, the Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Hospitality House, Relay for Life, and Rebuilding Together joined the Lakes Area Rotary Club in thanking Wlodarczyk for a lifetime of service Wlodarczyk in helping others in the community. “I was humbled — it’s quite an honor,” Wlodarczyk said. Wlodarczyk’s involvement in the community includes eight years of volunteering in the Relay for Life, which raises money for the American Cancer Society. She chaired the event for four years. Wlodarczyk was donned with a PAGE 18 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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YEAR IN REVIEW / MAY-JUNE Wlodarczyk honored ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 17
crown, a fur-trimmed rhinestone cap and was handed a heart-shaped scepter as more than 60 people in attendance celebrated her “Service Above Self,” the motto of the Rotary. Rotary Club President Chris Nesbitt along with Rotary District 6380 Incoming Governor Steve presented her the Paul Harris Fellow Award, which is used to express appreciation for members who contribute to the humanitarian and education program of the Rotary Foundation, both internationally and in local communities. ❏
Ready or not: M-5 roundabout work begins May 31 By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The $5 million roundabout planned for the intersection of M-5, Pontiac Trail, and Martin Parkway in Commerce Township is slated to begin construction on Tuesday, May 31. The project is expected to usher in new local businesses to the area. To christen the event, officials from the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), Commerce Township and the Commerce Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) held a ground-breaking ceremony on Friday, May 20. The roundabout will connect M-5 and Pontiac Trail to the new Martin Parkway to the north. Funding for the roundabout is being provided by the Commerce DDA, the RCOC, the county general government and a state grant. Most of the roundabout will be two lanes, but there will be three lanes at the north end. ❏
15-year-old arrested, charged in murder case By Michael Shelton and Angela Niemi staff writers
West Bloomfield Township police have arrested a 15-year-old Walled Lake resident suspected of fatally stabbing a 17-year-old West Bloomfield resident on Saturday,
Walled Lake Percussion’s World Line group gathered to celebrate at an awards ceremony on April 16, after the group placed eighth in the Scholastic World Division of the WGI Percussion World Championships held at the University of Dayton Arena. (Photo courtesy of Dave Mexicotte)
‘They rose to the challenge’ Walled Lake Percussion takes 8th at world championship By Angela Niemi staff writer
T
he Walled Lake Percussion’s World Line group placed eighth at the 2011 WGI Percussion World Championship in the Percussion Scholastic World Division at the University of Dayton in Ohio on April 16.
June 4. The suspect was charged with open murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in Oakland County Circuit Court on Monday, June 6 and will be tried as an adult. The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office has directed township police not to release the suspect’s name, according to police. Johnathan Rickman, a junior at Walled Lake Western High School, died as a result of one stab wound to the torso, after police officers responded to a 5 p.m. call from Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield about a stabbing victim. Officers then went to a residence on Rafford Lane in West Bloomfield, where four young men were found inside the house. One of them was the suspect, who was then taken into custody.
This marks the first time Walled Lake Percussion has broken into the top 10 in the Scholastic World category — the highest and hardest category for high school students. Twenty-two scholastic world groups competed at the world championships. Walled Lake Percussion performed
According to a West Bloomfield Police Department report, there was a gathering at the Rafford Lane house where people were playing cards, when a disagreement broke out between the suspect and the victim — a dispute which escalated into a fight. The suspect then allegedly marched into the kitchen and pulled out a knife and threatened the victim. According to police, after the victim left the house, the suspect followed him out to his car and more words were exchanged before the suspect stabbed the victim at the street. ❏
Nearly $30M road project coming to West Bloomfield By Michael Shelton staff writer
a show called “Beyond the Barriers,” which consisted mostly of an original composition by Director Nick Pourcho and Paul Loos, with the exception of one piece called “Push the Limits” by Enigma. Andy Ebert, who also does all the drill work and choreography for the group, was the visual designer for the piece. ❏
The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees voted Monday, June 27 to approve a proposal from the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) to have a roundabout constructed at Orchard Lake and 14 Mile roads and a four-lane boulevard constructed along Orchard Lake Road from 14 Mile Road to Maple Road. The board’s approval was a major step in negotiations between the township and the RCOC since late 2008. According to the proposal, the total cost of the project would be $29.7 million, with $21.9 million being covered by federal and state funding. A $3.9 million match from the township would be required, as well as a $3.9 million match by the RCOC. ❏
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YEAR IN REVIEW / JUNE Long-time clerk Betty Fortino, 75, ‘sorely missed’
munity as a business owner. In addition to her public service in the township, she co-owned Iron City Gym, Fortino’s Flowers and Gifts, and Fortino’s Steak House. She was also the sole proprietor and operator of Betty’s Just Good Food. Prior to her service as clerk, Fortino served as an Oakland County commissioner from 1974 to 1986. ❏
By Leslie Shepard staff writer
Waterford Township is mourning the loss of long-time public servant Betty Fortino, who was known for her strong personality, living life to the fullest, and her dedication to the community. Fortino, who served as township clerk since 1986, died Saturday, June 18. She was 75. “It’s a sad day in Waterford. She’ll be sorely missed,” said Township Supervisor Carl Solden. “Betty was an intelligent, professional and compassionate individual. She cared and spoke a lot about her children and grandchildren. We will miss her dearly.” Deputy Clerk Kari Vlaeminck worked alongside Fortino for over 12 years. She said it’s difficult to envision the workplace without her. “She was an amazing person to work for,” Vlaeminck said. “She was so supportive of her family and all of us. My daughter has special needs and Betty prayed for her every day. You don’t meet people like Betty too often in a lifetime.” Always community-minded, Fortino served on the Waterford Youth Assistance Board and chaired the annual Youth Recognition Night event. “She took the event over because it was going to be cut, Fortino so she picked it up and organized it for the past six years,” said Christie Kay, departmental aide for Waterford Parks and Recreation and a Youth Assistance volunteer. “She was so passionate about our youth.” Former Deputy Clerk Karen MacIntosh, who worked with Fortino for 24 years, characterized Fortino as a woman with strong convictions. “Betty was a person of integrity who had a strong faith in God. I think that’s why she wasn’t afraid
Highland woman found stabbed to death in garage By Angela Niemi staff writer
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing stressed the importance of education and visiting the city during a recent assembly at Green Elementary School. Students also enjoyed Coney Island hot dogs, Better Made potato chips, Faygo pop and Sanders hot fudge — all products with historic ties to The Motor City — during lunch. (Photo courtesy of the West Bloomfield School District/Captive 8 Promotions)
Bing makes visit to elementary in WB district By Michael Shelton staff writer
Green Elementary School in the West Bloomfield School District welcomed Detroit Mayor Dave Bing on Wednesday, May 25 for an assembly in celebration of the school’s spring theme, “DetroitDowntown and Around Town.” “This theme was designed to teach the children and parents of our school the history of the city of of anything or anybody — because of her faith,” MacIntosh said. Fortino was born and raised in Pontiac and started working at the family business, Felice’s Quality Market, at the age of 5. She gradu-
Detroit and the wonderful things that we can do in the city,” said Green Principal Katherine Shieko. For Bing’s visit, the school’s students and teachers transformed the building’s halls into the streets of Detroit with displays for Bing to tour. At the assembly, songs including Sammy Davis, Jr.’s “Hello Detroit” were performed, and students demonstrated their knowledge of the city. Bing was also presented with a check for $2,100 that was raised by Green’s students to go toward the Blight Busters “Motor City Makeover” program. ated early from Pontiac High School, when she was 16-years-old, and went on to Eastern Michigan University, where she graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree. Fortino was active in the com-
Detectives from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Highland Township Substation and the department’s Special Investigations Unit are investigating a murder that took place in Highland Township on Friday, May 27. Around 2:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a home in the 2400 block of Burwood Court in response to an emergency call. The victim, 51year-old Ruth Anne Pyne, was found dead on the floor of the home’s garage with a large amount of blood surrounding her. She was discovered by her 10-yearold daughter, who had just been picked up by her father at school. According to the preliminary investigation, Pyne suffered severe trauma to her head and neck. An autopsy conducted at the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a homicide. There was no evidence found of forced entry or robbery. ❏
Commerce man prime suspect in death of infant By Angela Niemi staff writer A young Commerce Township man is a suspect in the death of his 4month-old son. According to law enforcement officials, the Commerce Township Fire Department was dispatched on Friday, June 10 to the 2000 block of Evergreen to attend to a baby who was not breathing. The baby was then taken to DMC Huron Valley-Sinai PAGE 20 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
YEAR IN REVIEW / JUNE-JULY Commerce baby ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 19
Hospital before being transported to the University of Michigan’s Mott Children’s Hospital, where he allegedly was found to have obvious signs of abuse, including bruising and scratches, according to an Oakland County Sheriff’s Department press release. Further medical examination allegedly showed signs of significant abuse, including internal cranial bleeds, multiple skull fractures, and multiple rib fractures, among other injuries. The baby was placed on life support at U-M before he was taken off support on Tuesday, June 14. The autopsy performed by the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner’s Office on Wednesday, June 15 cited the infant’s cause of death as craniocerebral trauma/homicide. Richard Gillis III, 22, the baby’s biological father, was interviewed and, according to law enforcement officials, made several incriminating statements. Gillis was arrested in Walled Lake by investigators from the Oakland
paign will be reaching out to the public to let them know of his bid for the county treasurer position. The county’s treasurer serves a four-year term and is currently paid $127,154 annually. ❏
County Sheriff’s Department Commerce Township Substation and the department’s Fugitive Apprehension Team. Gillis was arraigned in front of Magistrate Marie Soma on Sunday, June 19 and was remanded to the Oakland County Jail without bail. ❏
McCotter joins crowded GOP presidential field
Knollenberg will seek treasurer’s post in 2012 Term-limited state Rep. Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) wants Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner’s job, effectively ending a nascent Congressional campaign in which he had hoped to take on U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-Orchard Lake, Waterford, West Bloomfield) in the 2012 genKnollenberg eral election. He has officially filed for candidacy and said the first part of the cam-
U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (RWaterford, White Lake, Highland, Milford, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled, Wixom) is bucking skeptics who think he doesn’t have the name recognition or fund-raising abilities to be a serious candidate for the U.S. presidency, and is throwing his hat into the ring for the GOP nod. McCotter, first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, made his presidential campaign official on Saturday, July 2, after filing paperwork with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) the day before. The five-term Congressman joins a crowded Republican presidential field in which former Massachusetts Gov.
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Mitt Romney is considered the frontrunner for the GOP nod. “There is still room for another message, another candidate,” McCotter said in an interview with the Spinal Column Newsweekly yesterday, Tuesday, July 5. McCotter McCotter joins former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minnesota), former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and Texas Congressman Ron Paul in the Republican field of candidates. ❏
Kowall running for U.S. House seat next year By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
With U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Waterford, White Lake, Highland,
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YEAR IN REVIEW / JULY-AUGUST Mike Kowall ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 20
Milford, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled, Wixom) eying the Presidency and seeking the GOP nomination for the highest office in the land, Mike Kowall sees an opening. That’s why the first-term Republican state senator currently representing all but one of the lakes area’s 11 communities — Commerce, Highland, Milford Township, Milford Village, Walled Lake, Wixom, Kowall Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield — is making a run for Congress. Kowall, a former White Lake Township supervisor and state representative, said he has been encouraged to run by dozens of people since McCotter announced his presidential campaign on Saturday, July 2. Kowall said he hasn’t decided when he will make his official campaign announcement — he said it would be “soon” — or when he will file the appropriate paperwork to throw his hat into the ring for the 2012 election. U.S. representatives serve two-year terms and are currently paid $174,000 annually. The congressional candidate filing deadline with the Secretary of State’s office is May 12, 2012. ❏
LaFontaine nets leukemia society honor for her work By Michael Shelton staff writer
Kelley LaFontaine of the LaFontaine Automotive Group was recently named National Woman of the Year by
Spinal Column owner/publisher, 77, passes away
J
ames W. Fancy, a resident of West Bloomfield Township and owner/publisher of the Spinal Column Newsweekly since 1969, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Thursday, July 7. He was 77-years-old. Mr. Fancy is survived by his sister Noreen Fancy; son Steven Fancy (Marisa) and daughter Susan Fancy (Timothy Utter); grandchildren Ronessa Butler (Dave), Jeff Fancy, Patrick Fancy, and Alex Fancy; great-grandchildren Lily, Aevryn, Maddie, and Zoe; and former spouse Patricia Fancy. He was preceded in death by his brother George Fancy. After working for the Ford Motor Co. and in the newspaper industry on metro Detroit’s east side, Mr. Fancy purchased the
Michigan Woman of the Year. She was nominated by her brother, Ryan, who was the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2010 Man of the Year after he raised more than $225,000. Kelley LaFontaine said on the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce website that Ryan was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2008 and was spurred into action to raise the funds to create two grants for blood cancer research and to keep the research local at the University of Michigan. The name of Kelley LaFontaine’s campaign was “Driven to Dream,” to combine the passions for cars and making dreams come true. ❏
Brown recall tries die as signature deadline passes By Michael Shelton staff writer
LaFontaine the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society after raising over $150,000 for blood cancer research and patient services. She was also awarded the title of
Two recall petitions targeting West Bloomfield Township Trustee Larry Brown have been dismissed by the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office after no signatures were submitted by the Monday, July 25 deadline. The petitions’ language was submitted by township resident Betty Hyman and was approved by county officials on Jan. 26.
James W. Fancy, owner publisher of the Spinal Column Newsweekly since 1969, passed away at his home on July 7. He was remembered by family, friends and colleagues as a family man with a lively sense of humor and a profound passion for journalism and public affairs.
Spinal Column Newsweekly in late 1969, and continued in the position of owner/publisher until his death. He was an active Board member of the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce for 31 years. ❏
Hyman cited in both petitions Brown’s decision in 2009 to have his $125 meeting stipend diverted to a township Water and Sewer Benevolent Fund for needy families, claiming that he has not paid taxes on his 2009 Brown earnings as a trustee. In the second petition, Hyman added that Brown voted in November 2009 in favor of a sanitary sewer lining project contract with Liquiforce Services (USA), which has an office located in Romulus but is based in Ontario, stating in her recall petition that the contract would have been subsidized with federal stimulus funds. Hyman also cited in the second petition Brown’s lawsuit last year against the West Bloomfield Police Department regarding a prior Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request seeking information on an investigation by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office into one of Brown’s business relationships. Before the township board approved a single-source waste hauling contract with Richfield at its Dec. 7, 2009 meeting, Brown disclosed to the board that he would be entering a business
relationship with Dan Garman, an outside contractor for Richfield, through one of his companies, Crossroads Consulting & Management. Also prior to the board vote on the Richfield contract, the township’s attorney indicated to Brown that a pending partnership between him and an individual tied to Richfield didn’t present an ethics policy violation. In addition, a majority of township board members denied Brown’s request to abstain from voting on the Richfield contract. ❏
Waterford police seek tips in murder case By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
Waterford Township police are seeking the public’s help in finding a man wanted in connection with the murder of a 28-year-old Waterford man in the vicinity of M-59 and Voorhies on Sunday, July 31 around 2:30 a.m. Police say James Dean Odle was shot several times near South Lynn and Lakeview streets. Odle was walking on South Lynn Street when a white GMC Acadia or white Chrysler Pacifica-type vehicle pulled alongside him. A suspect reportedly exited the back seat of the vehicle and shot him several times. The suspect is described as a thin black male of medium height and unknown age, wearing a black do-rag, black T-shirt, and white and tan checkered shorts. ❏
Twin Beach and Maple schools to close after 11-12 By Angela Niemi staff writer
Twin Beach Elementary and Maple Elementary schools will be closing their doors for good after the 201112 school year. The district says the goal is to establish new school attendance boundaries before the end of February so as to have enough time to prepare for the 2012-13 school year. The building closures were recommended by the auditing firm of Plante Moran after a facility utilization study. Closing Maple is expected to save the district $350,000 in operational costs, while shuttering Twin Beach would save an expected $305,000 in operational costs each year. ❏
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
YEAR IN REVIEW / AUGUST Haines recall language OK’d by county panel
McCulloch out of Senate race; gets behind Hoekstra
By Kirk Pinho
By Kirk Pinho
assistant editor
assistant editor
At the beginning of the process, Neil Billington said he would try as many times as he had to in order to get recall petition language against state Rep. Gail Haines (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield) approved by the Oakland County Elections Commission. The magic number was four. On Thursday, Aug. 4, the threemember panel — consisting of Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr., Treasurer Andy Meisner, and Circuit Court Family Division Judge Linda S. Hallmark — voted 2-1 to approve Billington’s fourth proposed petition language, which reads as follows: “State Representative Gail Haines on February 23, 2011, voted YES on Michigan House Bill 4214 now Public Act 4 of 2011.” PA 4 of 2011 is the Local Government and School District Fiscal Accountability Act, known largely for giving state-appointed emergency financial managers greater authority in dealing with financial crises in municipal governments and school districts. Haines has said she supports peoples’ democratic rights to seek recalls, but defends her record of public service, saying she continues to enjoy broad support among her constituents. ❏
That was fast: Seemingly as soon as Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch entered the race for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow in 2012, he has withdrawn his candidacy and thrown his support behind former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra. McCulloch “I entered the race for two reasons,” McCulloch said in a press release. “I believe Debbie Stabenow has been a part of the problem, not a part of the solution. The Obama/Stabenow policies have not created jobs but they have created massive budget deficits and massive federal debt. “The second reason I ran is because no one else was stepping forward,” he said. And now that the U.S. Senate bid is dead in the water, McCulloch said he is running for re-election to his current countywide position (in 2012). ❏
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the November 21, 2011 Regular Meeting of the City of Orchard Lake Village Council the second reading and adoption was held on the City Storm Water Ordinance No. 3.04.01 and the Illicit Discharge Elimination Plan Ordinance No. 3.05.01. The ordinance provisions will take effect ten (10) days following publication of this notice. Complete copies of the full text of Ordinance No. 3.04.01 and Ordinance No. 3.05.01 are available for inspection by and distribution to the public between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at City Hall. Rhonda R. McClellan CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com SC 12-28-11
After a few years of being vacant, the former Farmer Jack property in White Lake Township at M-59 and Fisk Road is set to host a pair of national retailers — Bed Bath and Beyond, and JoAnn’s Fabrics. White Lake Township officials expect site work to begin next month, with the stores being able to open their doors by spring 2012. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Stefano Ferri)
Pair of national retailers moving into White Lake By Angela Niemi staff writer
B
ed Bath and Beyond and JoAnn’s Fabrics will be coming soon to White Lake Township, as the two retailers will open stores in the building that used to house a Farmer Jack store at the corner of M-59 and Fisk Road. According to White Lake
Hoffman wins partial term on county board By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
Highland Township voters — and voters in other north Oakland County communities — backed Oakland County Commissioner Hoffman Robert Hoffman (R-Highland) to serve the remaining unexpired term that was vacated when Bill Bullard Jr. left the county Board of Commissioners to become the Clerk/Register of Deeds. Hoffman, 60, in unofficial results
Township Planner Sean O’Neil, contractors hope to start site work in September, with the businesses being able to open by spring 2012. For the past few years, the building has remained vacant after A&P — the parent company of Farmer Jack — decided to close many of its stores in July 2007. When A&P filed for bankruptcy in December 2010, the lease agreement between the company and property owner Gershenson Realty & Investments was broken, allowing the property owner to pursue other tenants. ❏ from the Tuesday, Aug. 2 special election, took 71 percent (739 votes) of the Highland Township electorate compared to Democratic challenger Mark Venie’s 28 percent (294 votes). Seven ballots were cast for write-in candidates in Highland Township. In the Board of Commissioners 2nd District — which also includes Holly, Rose, and Springfield townships, as well as the Village of Holly — Hoffman nabbed nearly 69 percent (1,500 votes) of the electorate compared to Venie’s nearly 31 percent (677 votes), according to unofficial results that have to be certified by the county’s Board of Canvassers. County commissioners typically serve two-year terms and earn $32,093 annually. Hoffman’s term will expire Dec. 31, 2012. ❏
Chicken noodle coop: Judge says ‘no’ to henhouse By Michael Shelton staff writer
Milford Village resident Archie Noon took his case for housing chickens in his backyard for producing eggs to the 52-1 District Court in Novi, only to have a judge rule against him. On Tuesday, Aug. 16, Judge Robert Bondy ordered the chickens to be removed from Noon’s property within 60 days, and that Noon pay a $50 fine. Bondy also said that Noon can appeal to the village during that 60day period to amend its animal control ordinance, which currently prohibits farm animals, including chickens, anywhere within the village. Noon has constructed a chicken coop in his backyard, which he said cost $3,500 and would house six to eight hens. Noon has previously said he planned to sell eggs to the public. He argued
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YEAR IN REVIEW / AUGUST-SEPTEMBER Chickens
public comments about the traffic stop. Matthew Ureste spoke at length during the public comment portion of the meeting, defending himself and his wife, saying that he wasn’t intoxicated that night but that he was extremely tired and that he and his wife were never informed that he blew over the legal bloodalcohol limit. He added that Stephens asked him if he wanted a ride home and he accepted. Economou Ureste said that her husband wasn’t intoxicated, that they were both tired and that there was no video evidence that Matthew Ureste ran a red light. ❏
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that the state’s Right To Farm Act, which he said he has researched, was designed to supersede any existing local ordinance. However, Bondy ruled that Noon’s venture was not profitable enough to be considered a commercial production that would fall under the law’s “Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices.” ❏
Stop involving Ureste, husband sparks fracas By Michael Shelton staff writer
A West Bloomfield Township police officer has been suspended for his conduct during a recent traffic stop involving township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste and her husband, Matthew Ureste. West Bloomfield Police Chief Michael Patton said the police department has concluded an investigation into the incident, adding that the officer didn’t follow department policy during the traffic stop that took place in the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 13, when the officer drove a motorist and a passenger home after administering a preliminary breath test (PBT) to the driver, but no other sobriety tests. Patton wouldn’t reveal the identity of the police officer, but Lt. Tim Diamond said the officer received a five-day unpaid suspension. Patton also didn’t reveal the identity of the motorist, the passenger, or the results of the PBT. However, documents obtained by the Spinal Column Newsweekly through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) indicate that Michele Economou Ureste was the passenger and her husband, Ureste Matthew Ureste, was the driver. According to the documents, the traffic stop took place at 2:18 a.m. on Aug. 13 when Officer Robert Stephens observed a car run a red light at the intersection of Green
Oakland County International Airport’s new cutting-edge, eco-friendly terminal incorporates wind turbine, solar and voltaic power generating technology to offset traditional electrical power use; LED interior lamps; geothermal heating and cooling; an electric vehicle charging station; and bio swell rain gardens for landscape irrigation. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
‘Wild blue yonder’ Open house celebrates new terminal By Leslie Shepard staff writer
T
he Oakland County International Airport will be holding an open house and air fair on Sunday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as it celebrates the completion of Michigan’s first “green” terminal building. The cutting-edge, eco-friendly terminal incorporates wind turbine, solar and voltaic power generating technology to offset traditional electrical power use; LED interior lamps; geothermal heating and cooling; an electric vehicle charging station; and bio swell rain gardens for landscape irrigation. The building was constructed using recycled Lake and Richardson roads. Stephens asked Matthew Ureste to submit to a PBT and he consented. The results of Matthew Ureste’s PBT was a 0.11 percent blood-alcohol content, according to the documents obtained through FOIA. The legal limit is 0.08 percent. Paul Walton, chief assistant prosecutor in the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, said that a PBT
content when possible. Other new amenities in the building footprint include airport offices, a U.S. Customs Service office, and a private meeting/telecommunications room to accommodate about 80 people. Costs for the green terminal project are pegged at $5.5 million. Approximately $1 million was assumed by the Federal Aviation Administration, while $1 million was obtained through a U.S. Department of Energy grant, with the balance absorbed by the Oakland County Airport Fund, which has been saving for several years to pay for the terminal and other capital improvements. ❏ alone isn’t admissible in court by the Prosecutor’s Office. The Urestes were front and center at a special meeting of the West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Monday, Aug. 29. The meeting was scheduled to approve tentative contract agreements between the township and its public safety unions, including the police officers union, but much of the meeting was dominated by
Commerce seals deal on 200 acres of state property By Angela Niemi staff writer
After many years, Commerce Township has officially purchased 200 acres of state-owned Proud Lake Recreation Area land. The purchase — finalized last week — is first of two the township will make of Proud Lake Recreation Area land, located along either side of Wise Road west of Union Lake Road and non-contiguous to the main portion of the recreation area. The property recently purchased was a 201-acre parcel located on the south side of Wise Road. The price tag for this piece of land was $1.28 million. The undeveloped, northern parcel to be purchased next spring is larger at 301 acres and has a price tag of $1.52 million. That acquisition be closed on no later than April 15, 2012. The township will use money generated by a millage authorized by voters in 2004 to purchase the Proud Lake parcels property. The millage was passed at 0.4 mills to be collected over 10 years in order to provide funds to purchase open space and to improve lands for parks and recreation. The township began working toward acquiring the Proud Lake parcels a few year ago, after the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced plans to sell the land for development, which prompted public opposition and concern. ❏
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In September, the Wixom Professional Firefighters Association was planning to include a piece of World Trade Center steel (left) — a segment of a 6foot-1 beam weighing 1,500 pounds — in a memorial developed outside the city’s Fire Station No. 1. Earlier this year, the West Bloomfield Fire Department obtained a piece of steel (right) from the World Trade Center. The steel artifact was being used in a mobile memorial display shared across the township and wider community. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photos/Amy K. Lockard)
McCotter bows out of bid for GOP presidential nod By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
Thaddeus McCotter has announced the dissolution of his long-shot campaign for the Republican Party’s 2012 presidential nomination, and instead has shifted his attention back to getting re-elected to a congressional seat that represents a substantial number of west Oakland County communities, including Waterford, White Lake, Highland, Milford, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, and Wixom. McCotter, first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, has thrown his support McCotter behind former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who currently is in a contentious campaign with Texas Gov. Rick Perry for the GOP nomination for the highest office in the land. His decision to seek re-election to the 11th Congressional District seat
Huron Valley-Sinai celebrating 25th anniversary in ‘11 By Angela Niemi staff writer
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n March 1986, what was then known as Huron Valley Hospital finally opened its doors to lakes area residents. DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the Healthy Harvest Bash 2011 from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18 on the hospital’s campus in Commerce Township. The event will include activities for children and health screenings for adults. Additional information can be found at www.hvsh.org/openhouse. The original hospital was 160,000 square feet and was situated on its current location at Commerce and South Commerce roads in Commerce Township. Today, the hospital has grown to 444,341 square feet while expanding its services in cardiac, surgical, will put him in a contested race to capture the GOP nomination for that two-year post, as well. State Sen. Mike Kowall (R-
This year, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township celebrated its 25th anniversary with the Healthy Harvest Bash 2011 on Sept. 18. Former Commerce Township Supervisor Robert Long sold the property to the hospital — which is how the hospital began its roots in the middle of an apple orchard. Today, the hospital has grown to 444,341 square feet while expanding its services in cardiac, surgical, cancer, obstetric, and emergency care, just to name a few.
cancer, obstetric, and emergency care, just to name a few. Although the hospital’s primary focus of serving the health of the community has not changed, Huron
Valley-Sinai Hospital President Lynn Torossian said she believes that its ability to do so has increased with additional services and continuing advances in technology. ❏
Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) announced his intentions to seek the
11th District seat, as well, during a speech at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference held last weekend on Mackinac Island.❏
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YEAR IN REVIEW / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER Kettering marking 50th anniversary with celebration By Michael Shelton staff writer
Waterford Kettering High School is marking its 50th anniversary this year, and a party is being planned to commemorate the milestone. A page on Facebook dedicated to the school’s anniversary states that an open house is being planned, and it that will include activities for present and past teachers, staff, parents and alumni. An organizer, current Kettering teacher Jesse McLean, said that a couple of year-long projects being planned include a mini-documentary and a commemorative book. Organizers are also hoping to do a brief history of the building and that Brian Wilson, a Kettering language teacher, is going to have his students write some of the stories that make up the school’s history. In the meantime, the anniversary’s Facebook page is calling for Kettering alumni to help out in the making of the DVD through submission of story ideas. Other suggestions include digital videos of alumni in their place of work saying “I Am Kettering,” or volunteering for interviews by students. ❏
Communities considering fire services contract By Leslie Shepard
A smattering of people from throughout the Highland Township community gathered at the new site of the time capsule that was formerly buried in 1989 in a small pocket park owned by the township at the corner of Milford and Livingston roads. For the past decade, the land that contained the time capsule has been owned by a private citizen. The new location of the time capsule is near the Highland Township Library. (Photo submitted by Highland Township Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski)
Highland time capsule moved to different site By Angela Niemi staff writer
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lot can happen in 50 years. Just imagine how the world will have changed by 2039 — especially when compared with how things were in 1989, which is when Highland Township first buried its
time capsule. Much has changed in the 22 years since the capsule was buried — and not just going from cassette tapes to CDs to MP3s. The land the capsule was buried in has since changed ownership and may do so again soon. That’s why the township has opted to move the capsule into a more permanently-owned piece of township property near the township library. Yet, the items that have been buried in the time capsule will remain
a mystery — at least for the next 28 years. “We’re not going to be opening the vault. We are just moving the capsule from one location to another,” said Township Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski. “This as an opportunity to take advantage of the situation to inspire people to learn about the history of the township in general,” Pilchowski said. The library is located at 444 Beach Farm Circle, north of M-59 and east of Milford Road. ❏
Democratic state representative — whose district covers Commerce Township, Wolverine Lake, and some of West Bloomfield Township — were approved by the Oakland County Elections Commission on Monday, Sept. 26. The first one cites her vote against House Bill (HB) 4362 as grounds for recall. That bill was part of a legislative package Brown that enacted the repeal of the exemption that many Michigan senior citizens enjoy on their
pensions — which is now a new state law that the Michigan Supreme Court is in the process of reviewing for constitutionality. The second set of approved recall petition language cites her vote against HB 4214, which enacted an increased level of authority for emergency financial managers in the state and became Public Act (PA) 4 of 2011. Both sets of proposed recall petition language were filed by West Bloomfield Township resident David Rohtbart, who made a $1,000 contribution to the gubernatorial campaign of Gov. Rick Snyder last year and a $55 donation to the 9th District
staff writer
Waterford Township officials are currently in discussions with the city of Pontiac to possibly merge the two communities’ fire department services in an effort spearheaded by Pontiac officials to save the city money. According to Waterford Township Supervisor Carl Solden, Pontiac officials approached him about considering a fire service contract between the two communities as long as it was amenable to both parties. Discussions have been taking place for five weeks now. The initiative aligns with Gov. Rick Snyder and the state Legislature’s call to municipalities to forge collaborative agreements. However, talks are
still in the infancy stages, so any formal agreement is far from being reached. ❏
Lisa Brown latest target of recall petition drives By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
Count Lisa Brown as the latest target in the rash of recall attempts going on at the state level, but she’s not tucking her tail. Two sets of recall petition language filed against the second-term
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WEST OAKLAND COUNTY
SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL
Support yourself and your community – shop locally! The choices that you make about where to shop are powerful statements to your community. By choosing locally owned & operated businesses, you support: Schools • Police and Fire • Libraries Parks & Recreation • Roads If you purchase from non-locally owned and operated businesses or the internet, tax dollars are going to someone else’s community - possibly in a completely different state. Invest in our future – buy local, live local, and volunteer local too.
You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here.
Employees of the Waterford School District Food and Nutrition Services were recently recognized at the White House by attending a ceremony hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama on Monday, Oct. 17, in honor of their participation in the HealthierUS School Challenge, which is a voluntary national certification effort for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program. From left to right are Food and Nutrition Services Director Robert Brady, Sandburg Elementary School Teacher Pam McCreery, Sandburg Principal Steve Garrison, Food and Nutrition Services Manager Doreen Simonds, Finance Director Bill Holbrook, and Sandburg Teacher Autumn Frazier. (Photo courtesy of Waterford Schools/Rhonda Lessel)
Brown recall ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 25
Republican Committee on June 7. Brown, in a release issued by the Michigan Democratic Party, vowed to appeal the Oakland County Elections Commission’s decision to approve the two sets of recall petition language. ❏
Woman’s son to face charges in her May murder By Angela Niemi staff writer
An Oakland County grand jury has indicted a 21-year-old Highland Township man with first-degree premeditated murder for the slaying of his mother in May. Around 2:30 p.m. on May 27, deputies from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Highland Township Substation were dispatched to a home in the 2400 block of Burwood Court in response to an emergency call. The victim, 51-year-old Ruth Anne Pyne, was found dead on the floor of the home’s garage with a large amount of blood surrounding her. The preliminary investigation showed Ruth Pyne suffered severe trauma to her head and neck, while an autopsy conducted at the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled
the death a homicide. Ruth Pyne’s head had been beaten in and she had been stabbed 16 times in the neck during the murder that Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper called “brutal” in a press release issued Wednesday, Oct. 12, announcing the indictment. Jeffrey Pyne was indicted for the murder of his mother, with whom he lived, after the grand jury listened to testimony compiled from his family, friends, and co-workers, which produced evidence allegedly linking him to the murder, according to the release. ❏
Hazing incident results in discipline of student-athletes By Michael Shelton staff writer
The Walled Lake Consolidated School District has disciplined five Walled Lake Western varsity football players for their alleged involvement in the hazing of a teammate. According to a letter from Walled Lake Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman to district parents, an “unacceptable incident” involving the players occurred the PAGE 27 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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YEAR IN REVIEW / NOVEMBER M-5 roundabout, county’s largest, opens to fanfare By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 1 to commemorate the opening of the new roundabout at M-5, Pontiac Trail, and Martin Parkway in Commerce Township — the largest roundabout yet in Oakland County. The RCOC expects the roundabout to officially open by the end of the week. The M-5 roundabout is expected to have the highest traffic volume of any roundabout in Oakland County, with 45,000 cars traveling the thoroughfare each day. The $5 million project hooks up the major north-south artery of M-5 and Pontiac Trail with Martin Parkway. Most of the roundabout is two lanes, but there are three lanes at the north end. The project converted a signalized intersection into a roundabout. ❏
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week prior to Oct. 25, when the letter was dated. Gutman added that immediately following the incident, the individuals involved were given “appropriate consequences,” without specifying the discipline given. A source said that no coaches have been fired and that the school district is still hearing appeals about the discipline enacted. According to another source, the mother of the student who was hazed visited Wixom police regarding the matter and Wixom Public Safety Director Clarence Goodlein filed a police report on Oct. 24. The report states that a video showed an incident that took place in the basement of an assistant coach’s house during a team dinner. The alleged incident involved the player being tied around a pole with duct tape and a helmet being put on him. ❏
Officials from Commerce Township, Oakland County, and the Road Commission for Oakland County celebrated in November the opening of the M-5 roundabout that is now the largest to-date in the county. The project began in May and was years in the making. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Bowling to spend life behind bars for killing officer By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The man on trial for the killing of a Livonia police officer in January has been given consecutive sentences that add up to life in prison. Terry Bowling, 49, was charged with murder for his role in the Jan. 17 shooting death of Larry Nehasil, and sentenced up to 150 years behind bars with a minimum of 100 years in prison by Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren. In September, Bowling pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, first-degree home invasion, and resisting and obstructing police with hope that Warren would dole out the 30 year minimum sentence. The day of the shoot out, Bowling and his brother, David Bowling, entered the Walled Lake area to collect a $30 debt owed them. On the way out of that home, they noticed a neighboring homeowner leaving, and seized the opportunity to rob that home.
During the break-in, the pair stole a .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun from a residence on the 100 block of Glenwood. The handgun stolen from the residence was the same gun used to shoot and kill Nehasil. Nehasil sustained five gunshots to the hip, thigh, buttocks, head and back, but not before he shot David Bowling twice in the chest. Both Nehasil and David Bowling were killed in the firefight. ❏
Court rejects GOP suit over county board districts By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
The state Court of Appeals has ruled that the new district lines drawn for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in light of the 2010 U.S. Census are constitutional. Yet a challenge to the appealate court’s ruling may come before the Michigan Supreme Court, although county Republican Party officials wouldn’t say exactly when an appeal decision would be made.
Oakland County Republican Party Chairman Jim Thienel, who also served on the five-member Oakland County Apportionment Commission, said it would be “at least a couple Houston weeks” before the party makes a final decision on whether to take the matter to the state Supreme Court. County Republicans had contended that the new district lines, which were approved in a party-line 3-2 vote on May 26, were gerrymandered and based solely on politics. Democrats, including county Democratic Party Chairman Frank Thienel Houston, who chaired the apportionment commission during the redistricting process, held firm that the district lines would withstand a legal challenge. ❏
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YEAR IN REVIEW / NOVEMBER Dems, GOP have new candidates in 11th House District The field of candidates running for the newly-drawn 11th U.S. Congressional District has its first known Democrat running in what is shaping up to be one of the more closely watched races of Michigan’s 2012 election cycle. In addition, a familiar Republican face has also thrown his hat into the GOP primary to Taj challenge a pair of heavy-hitters expected to duke it out for the party’s nomination. Dr. Syed Taj, a Democratic member of the Canton Township Board of Trustees who came to the United States from India in the 1970s to pursue a medical career, officially announced his campaign for the Democratic nomiBentivolio nation last week. Kerry Bentivolio, a Vietnam and Iraq war veteran who also has 15 years of public and private school teaching experience, has announced his candidacy for the Republican primary race. He faces a pair lakes area elected officials in U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Waterford, White Lake, Highland, Milford, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, Wixom) and state Sen. Mike Kowall (RCommerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) The new 11th U.S. House District includes Milford Township and Milford Village, Commerce Township, Wolverine Lake, Waterford Township, West Bloomfield Township, White Lake Township, and Highland Township. ❏
Kennedy running for newly-drawn state House seat By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
Nick Kennedy, the chairman of the
The Walled Lake Central High School Marching Band claimed its second state title in Flight 1 in as many years as the Vikings, on Nov. 5, also won Best Marching and Best General Effect honors. “We we’re thrilled and humbled to win our second State Championship,” Band Director David Rogers said. “I am so proud of the students, my teaching staff, and the parent volunteers. The students’ performance brought tears to my eyes.”
WLC marching band repeats as state champs By Angela Niemi staff writer
The Walled Lake Central High School Marching Band has been once again crowned Flight I State Wixom Community Foundation Board of Directors and a past president of Passing Along the Heritage, has announced his bid for the Republican nomination for the newly-created 39th state House District. Kennedy said his long-time residency in the area, as well as his activity in the community “for many years,” prompted his decision to vie for the seat, which would represent Commerce Township, Wolverine Lake, Wixom, and the western half of West Bloomfield Township. The 39th District is currently served by state Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Kennedy Wolverine Lake). State representatives serve twoyear terms and are currently paid
Champions. The Vikings claimed the title the weekend of Nov. 5 at Ford Field in Detroit, at the annual Michigan Competing Band Association State Championship. This marks the second time Central has won the Flight I state title. The Vikings won the title last year in their first year competing at the Flight I level, which includes
schools with a student enrollment of 1,687 or higher. Also competing at the Flight I level were the Huron Valley Lakeland and West Bloomfield high school marching bands. Lakeland finished eighth out of 11 bands, while West Bloomfield took fourth-place. Meanwhile, Central’s marching band also won Best Marching and Best General Effect honors. ❏
about $79,000 annually. The filing deadline for candidates is in mid-May. ❏
reported missing on Nov. 15, and was found just hours after being reported missing. Ultimately, it was the students who located 81-year-old Highland resident Patricia Lee Zebda. Students Derrick Newman and Kayla Hughes were walking in backyards on their way to friend Michael Millsap’s home after classes when they discovered Zebda lying face down in a ditch. Hughes phoned the police for help and ran to Millsap’s home for assistance. The three teenagers then carried Zebda out of the ditch and comforted her with a blanket until deputies arrived. Zebda was treated at the scene by the Highland Township Fire Department personnel and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. ❏
Students locate, comfort missing elderly woman By Angela Niemi staff writer
A trio of Huron Valley Milford High School students were in the right place at the right time on the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 15, when they helped rescue an elderly Highland Township woman who had wandered away from home and fell into a ditch. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department employed both a K-9 Unit and its Aviation Unit to help search for the woman who was
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YEAR IN REVIEW / DECEMBER Baltimore firm eyes shuttered Ford Wixom site By Leslie Shepard staff writer
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he shuttered Ford Motor Co. assembly plant in Wixom has been a source of frustration over the past few years as state, county and local officials have consistently but unsuccessfully sought to transition the property into the hands of a viable business owner. Now that a pair of renewable energy companies — Xtreme Power and Clairvoyant Energy — have backed out of purchasing the property due to financial challenges, a new lithium battery developer has stepped up efforts to redevelop the property. Townsend Energy Solutions, LLC, headquartered in Baltimore, Md., has expressed interest in the Ford property. Founded in 1975, Townsend Energy Solutions invests in real estate, energy, and sporting and manufacturing companies. Their investment holdings topped $1.5 billion in 2008, and the company is currently involved in a joint venture with Dow Kokam to produce batter-
NRTF board OK’s $3.75M for trail’s land acquisition By Angela Niemi staff writer
The old adage the third time’s the charm has proven true with regard to the Commerce, Walled Lake, and Wixom Trailway Management Council finally being recommended to receive funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF). The Trailway Management Council was recommended to receive $3.75 million to acquire a stretch of railway corridor and the Walled Lake Train Depot that is considered the missing link in a trail that would traverses the county and connect to a cross-state corridor spanning the Lower Peninsula. The target 5.33 miles of Michigan Air-Line Railway corridor extending through the trailway council communities would be converted into a nonmotorized recreational trail to link the Huron Valley and West Bloomfield trail
Townsend Energy Solutions, a lithium battery developer, has stepped forward as a leading candidate to occupy the shuttered Ford Motor Co. assembly plant in Wixom. The company proposes to invest $238 million to develop and manufacture automotive batteries at the site. The project would result in 875 new high-tech jobs and another 5,600 ancillary jobs. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
ies for automotive and consumer use. In addition to Townsend, Caterpillar has expressed interest in the property. However, talks are ensuing with Townsend as the front runner. Townsend’s proposal calls for
moving into more than 400,000 square feet of space that would be constructed between 2012-2013. A $238 million capital investment would be made to develop and manufacture automotive batteries. As a direct result, Townsend plans to hire 875
high-tech workers, resulting in a $30 million-plus payroll, according to data from Kowall’s office. Another 5,600 would be hired for ancillary jobs. Total tax collection by the state spanning a 10-year period would be over $66 million. ❏
segments. The trailway council had previously made two unsuccessful attempts to get NRTF funding to acquire the railroad corridor. ❏
month. It’s unclear how, if at all, legislation that passed the state House of Representatives last week effectively giving the GOP-controlled county Board of Commissioners redistricting power would impact an expected appeal before the Supreme Court. This comes after the appeals court ruled that the new district lines, adopted by the county’s Reapportionment Commission in May, held legal muster. The commission tasked with redrawing the Board of Commissioners district lines had a 3-2 Democratic majority, with county Democratic Party Chairman Frank Houston helming the panel. Republicans contend that the district lines are gerrymandered for political advantage, a charge county Democrats have denied. ❏
since an Oakland County Circuit Court judge has granted a motion for summary disposition of recall petition language that was previously approved by the Oakland County Elections Commission, effectively meaning that Democratic lawmaker representing West Bloomfield, Commerce and Wolverine Lake can breathe easy for the time being about the security of her job. On Wednesday, Dec. 7, Circuit Court Judge Martha Anderson ruled in favor of a motion by the state representative’s attorney, Mary Ellen Brown Gurewitz, to revoke the recall petition language submitted by West Bloomfield resident David Rohtbart, effectively ending that attempt to oust Brown from office. A message with the Michigan Republican Party — which had been spearheading and financing the recall effort against Brown and, according
Ruling over BOC district lines will face an appeal By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
County Republicans are taking their case to the state Supreme Court against a ruling by the Michigan Court of Appeals last month upholding the constitutionality of county Democrats’ adopted district lines for the Board of Commissioners. County Republican Party Chairman Jim Thienel said he expects legal counsel in the lawsuit — filed on behalf of Oakland County Commissioner David Potts (RBirmingham); Janice Daniels, who was elected as Troy’s mayor in November; and Mary Decuir — to appeal the appeals court ruling this
Recall petitions targeting Brown nixed by judge Lisa Brown has reason to smile
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to Oakland County Republican Party Chairman Jim Thienel, paid canvassers $1 per signature collected — went unreturned prior to press time. Rohtbart said he started the recall effort against Brown, who is in her second term, to make a statement about the political system when those on the left look to kick out Republican or conservative lawmakers for their votes. “Any time a Republican does something, a union comes out with a stupid recall thing. It’s almost like you have to counter-punch,” he said. “My statement was that I don’t feel that it was right for people on a political agenda not to allow people to do their job for a period of time.” The language the Oakland County Elections Commission originally approved for two separate recall efforts filed by Rohtbart cited Brown’s opposition to the repeal of the pension tax exemption many retirees across the state enjoyed, as well as her vote against a bill that enacted an increased level of authority for emergency financial managers. ❏
Prosecutor lacks evidence in hazing incident By Michael Shelton staff writer
There are currently no plans for the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office to authorize charges in the alleged hazing of a Walled Lake Western football player because of a lack of sufficient evidence, but the Wixom Police Department is continuing with an investigation. According to Paul Walton, chief assistant in the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, this isn’t an indication that the case is closed. According to a Wixom police report filed by the alleged victim’s mother, the incident took place in October in the house of assistant football coach Bill Brenner and involved the player being tied around a pole with duct tape and a helmet being placed on him. The incident resulted in the discipline of five Western football players and the suspension of Brenner and assistant football coach Bob Chiesa. Wixom police provided to the Prosecutor’s Office an information
St. Mary’s senior earns perfect score on ACT By Tim Dmoch editor
O
rchard Lake St. Mary’s senior Kyle Anderson, the son of Bob and Teresa Anderson, earned a top composite score of 36 on his recent ACT test, according to an ACT press release. While the number of students earning a composite score of 36 varies from year to year, about onetenth of one percent receive a top score. Among test takers in the high school graduating class of 2011, only 704 of more than 1.6 million students earned a composite score of 36, according to the release. Teresa Anderson said Kyle has applied for admission at six universities, including the University of Michigan, Harvard, Penn, and George Washington University. “He just heard yesterday that he was accepted by Georgetown,” she said. “Once he hears back from the others, then he’ll make a decision. He’s interested in political science, and particularly international relations.” According to Teresa Anderson, Kyle was a member of St. Mary’s cross country team for four years, and has been very active in the Key Club, the high school branch of the Kiwanis International service organization. She said Kyle held a state level position with Key Club for two years. Kyle’s older brother, Ryan packet, which included a videotaped interview with the alleged victim. Walton said that in the interview the victim denied receiving any injuries and that he knew the players were joking and that he could have freed himself from the pole at any time. Walton added that the victim said duct tape was placed on his mouth for only a second and that he was hit with swimming noodles and a pillow while taped to the pole. He added that other players involved chose not to speak with police and that investigators have to seek permission to interview minors. “You’re pretty much left with the young man’s description,” Walton said. ❏
Kyle Anderson plans to attend college and study political science or international relations after graduating from Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. The senior has been a four-year member of St. Mary’s cross country team and active in the Key Club. (Photo submitted by the Anderson Family)
Anderson, also earned a composite score of 36 on the ACT. Ryan Anderson was a 2009 graduate of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. According to Teresa Anderson, Ryan is attending the University of Michigan, where he is majoring in computer science engineering. He is a member of the university’s computer science competition team and is president of his fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon. “Kyle and Ryan are really each other’s biggest fans, and are very supportive of each other,” she added. “From a mother’s perspective, that’s a wonderful thing.” ❏
Year of probation for former OCDP chief McGuinness By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
The former chairman of the Oakland County Democratic Party was sentenced to 12 months of probation on six charges on Wednesday, Dec. 7, by Circuit Court Judge James Alexander, according to staff in the judge’s office. Michael McGuinness pleaded no contest in October to three counts of uttering and publishing and three counts of falsely swearing on a legal
document to register people to vote, all of which stemmed from the socalled “Tea Party” scandal, a scheme that reportedly was an attempt to divide the Republican electorate in close 2010 elections. Jason Bauer, the former political director for the county’s Democratic Party, also pleaded no contest in November to similar charges that were brought forth earlier this year following county Prosecutor Jessica Cooper and Sheriff Michael Bouchard — a Democrat and a Republican, respectively — announcing charges against the pair in March. Bauer is accused of notarizing what were allegedly fraudulent 2010 candidate affidavits for Aaron W. Tyler, who was running for the county Board of Commissioners 2nd District seat; Ruth A. Spearman, who was running for the Board of Commissioners 4th District seat; and Johnathon Michael Young, who was running for the state Senate’s 12th District seat that represents communities outside the lakes area. ❏
Warshay looks to oust Ureste from supervisor post By Michael Shelton staff writer
With 2011 almost in the history books, a West Bloomfield Township resident has thrown his hat into the ring to challenge the current township supervisor for her seat next year. Jonathan Warshay, an attorney for Lakeshore Legal Aid, has announced he will run against Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste for the Democratic Party’s nomination for the township’s chief executive post. He said he felt compelled to run because of what he believes is dysfunction within the township board. He also objected to Ureste’s lawsuits against the township in relation to Trustee Larry Brown and the West Bloomfield Board of Trustees’ appointment of Police Chief Michael Patton. Warshay has served the city of Ferndale as a councilman and mayor pro tem. He also cited his experience in technology as a consultant for Oracle, experience which he believes will help the township with its current technology issues. The filing deadline for candidates is in mid-May. The township supervisor serves a four-year term. ❏
DECEMBER 28, 2011
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EDUCATION
Concert was an ‘incredible’ night for WB musicians By Michael Shelton staff writer
The West Bloomfield High School Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 17 was alive with the sound of strings from the school district’s orchestra students and a Grammy-award winning musician. Students from West Bloomfield High School, Abbott Middle School and Orchard Lake Middle School joined Mark O’Connor, a renowned violinist, fiddler and composer, for a special concert program entitled “An American Festival,” a show that was part of a contest won by Abbott students. “The concert was an incredible experience, one that I hope will stay in the hearts and memories of all who participated,” said Lynn Brosnan,
“The concert was an incredible experience, one that I hope will stay in the hearts and memories of all who participated.” Abbott’s orchestra director. “After the concert, Mr. O’Connor was very complimentary about how well our students performed and their enthusiasm for playing. “For my Abbott sixth-grade students this was their very first public
Grammy-award winning violinist, fiddler and composer Mark O’Connor (left) performs with West Bloomfield School District students during a Saturday, Dec. 17 concert. “I am sure that this concert will be one of the biggest highlights of my teaching career, to have my students perform on stage right along with Mark O’Connor,” said Lynn Brosnan, Abbott Middle School’s orchestra director. (Photo submitted by the West Bloomfield School District)
performance,” Brosnan said. “What a way to start, by being on stage with a multi Grammy-award-winning artist.” Brosnan previously asked her students to write essays to SHAR, the contest’s sponsor, for the chance to win a performance with O’Connor. Her school ended up being one of only four winners nationally, along with schools in Texas, Florida and North Carolina. O’Connor is also known for his nationwide fiddle camps. “It was an honor to win one of four national awards for my string program at Abbott Middle School,” Brosnan said. “Mr. O’Connor worked with the
students during the day. He gave them some lessons on bowing technique and a bit of improvising advice. “All of the music that the students performed was from his method book,” Brosnan added. “His philosophy is that we should use our own American musical heritage to teach music to students.” The show not only featured O’Connor performing solo, but also music from his O’Connor Orchestra Method, which has been used by violin teachers across the country and encourages improvisation and collaborative engagement. That set the stage for the show’s
grand finale. “We couldn’t fit everyone on stage, so the bass students, high school students and seventh- and eighth-grade students from Orchard Lake Middle School were performing in the aisles for the grand finale, while all of the cellos and sixth-grade students from Abbott and Orchard Lake (middle schools) and the seventh- and eighthgrade students from Abbott were on stage,” Brosnan said. “I am sure that this concert will be one of the biggest highlights of my teaching career, to have my students perform on stage right along with Mark O’Connor.” ❏
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COMMUNITY LIFE
50 YEARS AGO Dec. 28, 1961 The three fourth grades at Union Lake Elementary School celebrated the Christmas holiday with a program that they presented to other students in the school and the parents on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Approximately 100 children combined their talent to present "Everywhere, Everywhere, Christmas Tonight." This very original program depicted Christmas as it is celebrated over the entire world. The students presented skits from England, France, Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany. Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, and Susy Snowflake appeared celebrating with American children. The program ended with a nativity scene where all countries were represented. 40 YEARS AGO Dec. 29, 1971 West Bloomfield Township residents, plagued for years with headaches over inefficient postal service in the township, received good news last week. U.S. postal authorities announced that the township will have its own post office by late 1972 or early 1973. Improving postal service in the township has been an uphill struggle for a number of years. Residents and businessmen have complained of delays of up to five days within the township's area. Because the township has no zip code, mail addressed to West Bloomfield — but lacking a zip code — was often returned to the sender or deposited in the dead letter box. 30 YEARS AGO Dec. 28, 1981 An ordinance aimed at controlling adult entertainment businesses in Waterford Township through dispersing the operations was adopted by the township board Monday, Dec. 21 Under the ordinance, adult entertainment businesses can not be located within 1,000 feet of another such business use. The operations would also be prohibited from being located within 600 feet of a business holding a class C liquor license, pool or billiard halls, coin-operated amusement centers, teenage discos or dance halls, ice or roller skating rinks, pawn shops, indoor or drive-in move theaters, any public park, church or public or private school with classes kindergarten through 12thgrade. 20 YEARS AGO
Dec. 26, 1991 The possible purchase of property occupied by the Highland Township compost site has been pushed back by a least one month, as negotiations between township officials the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have been bogged down. Highland Township Supervisor Thomas Dunleavy has been meeting with DNR officials since early December in an effort to purchase the 3-acre parcel, located behind the Oakland County Sheriff's Department Highland Substation off Duck Lake Road. DNR Real Estate Division personnel were expected to appraise the compost site property and a 40-acre site the township may purchase, then trade for the DNR property. But Dunleavy said the DNR is apparently not all that interested in the 40-acre parcel the township is offering for the compost site. 10 YEARS AGO Dec. 26, 2001 After a natural gas explosion leveled a Waterford Township home on Tuesday, Dec. 18, only a pile of rubble now remains at the site on Monroe Avenue where the Hernandez home once stood. Inside their home when the 4 a.m. blast occurred, both Esther Hernandez, 45, and her 24-year-old son, Antonio Bonilla, survived, as did the two family dogs, Paco and Chenille. The explosion blast shattered windows at neighbors' houses and at a nearby church, and threw Bonilla into a yard more than 60 feet across the street. Hernandez, who was pulled from the rubble, was taken to Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital with her son, but was then transferred to William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. At press time she was in critical condition and awaiting surgery on her back. Bonilla has been released from the hospital with only minor injuries and a shattered wrist.
Headlines of the Past
– A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –
births
community honors
❐ Born to Sean and Nicole Kirkpatrick of Highland, a daughter, Alaina Grace, on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 11:36 a.m. at Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce. Birth weight of 7 pounds and 15 ounces, and 19.25 inches long. She has a 3-year-old sister Kaylee. Her grandparents are Thomas Kirkpatrick of Highland, Debbie Kirkpatrick of Highland, and Keith and Cindy Holmyard, also of Highland. Her great-grandmothers are Sharon Libkuman of Waterford and Geraldine Kirkpatrick of Caseville. Her greatgrandfather is William Sarver of White Lake and her great-grandparents are Carl and Ann Holmyard of Metamora.
❐ Alexis Carnley of Clarkston and Gabrielle Lambert and Olivia Schutt of Waterford recently performed earlier this month in Oakland Theatre Arts Guild’s presentation of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” that was held at the Starlight Theater in Waterford. The play tells Barbara Robinson’s now classic story to “horrible” Herdmans, the meanest kids in town, and how they take over the Christmas pageant one year.
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LOCAL MATTERS chamber notes ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, visit www.huronvcc.com: • The Coffee Club, 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, Jan 6, Gregory J. Hicks, 1203 N. Milford Road, Milford. Start the new year off right at this free morning mixer. • Ambassadors meeting, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, Conference Room, Milford Police Department, 1100 Atlantic Street, Milford. • Ribbon Cutting for 2 Moms & A Mop, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, new suite location, 317 Union Street, Milford. Check out the new world headquarters of 2 Moms & A Mop. • New Member Meet and Greet, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, Conference room, Huron Valley State Bank, 130 S. Milford Road, Milford. • Hosted by The Plum Door Teas, The Coffee Club will be held from 8 to 9 a.m., Friday, Jan. 20, at 210 S. Main Milford. Join us for this free morning mixer where you’ll enjoy coffee, tea and some of the best scones in town. ❐ Member news from the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce: Refer a business owner or yourself for a free assessment and win a free iPad when they or you become a client. Contact Mike Moses at Insight Business Coaching for more information, at Insight Business Coaching, 28345 Beck Road, Suite 402, Wixom, 48393; or e-mail mike@insightbusinesscoaching.com ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the begin-
WEST OAKLAND COUNTY
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Support yourself and your community – shop locally! The choices that you make about where to shop are powerful statements to your community. By choosing locally owned & operated businesses, you support: Schools • Police and Fire • Libraries • Parks & Recreation • Roads Invest in our future – buy local, live local, and volunteer local too.
You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here. ning of its 2012 Membership Renewal Drive. Save $25 if you renew your chamber membership now before Saturday, Dec. 31 — effective Jan. 1, 2012, membership dues increase by $25. If you need a copy of your renewal invoice and updated information, please contact Jennifer at jennifer@huronvcc.com or call 248-685-7129, ext. 102. ❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-624-2826 or visit www.lakesareachamber.com: • Each One - Reach One Reception, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.
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25, Comfort Suites, Wixom. Invite non-members to “come check us out.” Complementary appetizers and refreshments. Enter a drawing for a free one-year chamber membership. Sponsored by Comfort Suites, Wixom. Call for reservations, 248-624-2826. ❐ The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC) is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-666-8600 or visit www.waterfordchamber.org: • WBAG, 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 17 and 31, Clarkston State Bank, 6600 Highland Road, Waterford. • WACC’s 13th annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, White Lake Oaks, 991 N. Williams Lake Road, Waterford. Join us for a fantastic evening as we roll out the red carpet for the Grammys. Cost: $48 per person, table of eight is $360. For more information or to RSVP today, visit http://bit.ly/sOrK8I ❐ The Greater West Bloomfield
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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. • The chamber’s annual meeting and installation of new board members will be held at the Jewish Community Center in the Greenberg Suite beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012. There will be a breakfast buffet and networking from 7:30 to 8 a.m. with Judge Kimberly Small installing new board members beginning at 8 a.m. Tickets are $25 and advance registration is required. Register at westbloomfieldchamber.com or call 248-626-3636. • Join us for Mingle, Mix & Meet networking and coffee at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25. This month’s Mingle, Mix & Meet is being hosted by Touch of Europe Spa located at 4301 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards to hand out to attendees. Free to chamber members, $5 for non-members. Register at westbloomfieldchamber.com or call 248626-3636.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Five wounded
Police searching for shooting suspects By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
W
hat was supposed to be a night of fun and celebration for 250 to 300 people turned into chaos around 2 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 23, when gunfire erupted at the Rolladium skating rink in Waterford Township, wounding five people, including a 20-yearold White Lake Township woman. Waterford police have also identified one of the suspects in the shooting that wounded the five young adults — including a 20-year-old man, another 20-year-old woman, a 21-year-old man, and a 23-year-old man, all from Pontiac — who are all expected to make a full recovery after sustaining gunshot wounds to the hands, arms, and legs. One victim was struck in the upper-torso, according to Waterford Police Chief Dan McCaw, who said the township hasn’t “had anything like this German before.” When he was on his way to the scene after receiving word of the shooting, he said he was “praying to the Lord that nobody got killed.” According to McCaw, Waterford police were dispatched at around 1:44 a.m. to the roller rink located at 4475 Highland Road, between Pontiac Lake and Crescent Lake roads, on reports of an altercation involving a private pre-Christmas skating party. While en route, officers received word of the shooting. Three young black males apparently had left the roller rink following two separate altercations, one between a group of males and another between a group of females. The three suspects returned with handguns and started spraying gunfire across the skating rink “indiscrimi-
Waterford woman killed in Dec. 21 car accident An 80-year-old Waterford Township woman was killed in a car crash on Wednesday, Dec. 21, that also sent a 21-year-old West Bloomfield woman and two young children to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. According to a Waterford Township
nately,” McCaw said. The suspects — described as being in their late teens or early 20s, between 5-feet-7-inches and 5-feet10-inches tall and weighing 165 to 195 pounds — then fled the scene in an unknown vehicle. One of the suspects was identified as 18-year-old Pontiac resident Robert Lee German. If you have information on where German is, contact police at 248-618-7550. He is considered armed and dangerous. The shooters are considered armed and dangerous. “We have no idea what the fight was about,” McCaw said. It’s unclear whether the suspects were involved in either of the two preceeding altercations, or whether any of the victims were targets. One shooter was wearing light clothing, while the other two were wearing darker clothing, according to McCaw. “People started diving and taking cover,” he said. Public safety agencies from a number of communities responded to the scene to provide assistance, including the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and first responders from White Lake, West Bloomfield and Keego Harbor, McCaw said. The victims were taken to separate hospitals for treatment, McCaw said. McCaw said “this type of incident can happen anywhere” and that Rolladium has been a “very family-oriented business for 65 years” in the community. He added that the skating rink does not serve alcohol. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Lt. LaLone at 248-618-7538, or the Waterford Police Tip Line at 248-674-COPS (2677). Tips can also be e-mailed to policetips@twp.waterford.mi.us. Tipsters can remain anonymous. There is a $1,000 reward being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. ❏ Police Department press release, the woman was traveling southbound on Telegraph near Pontiac Lake Road when her vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes, hitting a car carrying the West Bloomfield woman and children. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the accident All involved were wearing seatbelts or in child safety seats. ❏
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How Long Have You Been Married? The Spinal Column Newsweekly is looking for west Oakland's longest married couples for recognition in our Seniors Today special section, which will be published on Jan. 18, 2012. Send us a copy of your wedding or engagement photo, along with information about the wedding, by Wed., Jan. 4, 2012. We will feature the area's longest married couples in an article and photo layout that tells their story.
The Longest Married Couple will receive a $40 Gift Certificate from Dobski’s Restaurant for a romantic dinner. Send your photos and information to Editor Tim Dmoch P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014; or via e-mail to timdmoch@thescngroup.com.
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COUNTY
Snyder signs bill to rejigger county’s redistricting rules By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a controversial redistricting bill into law that applies only to Oakland County and requires the Republican-controlled county Board of Commissioners to redraw the board’s district boundaries after a panel helmed by Democrats passed a district map in May. Democrats decried the legislation, House Bill (HB) 5187, sponsored by state Rep. Bradford Jacobsen (R-Lake Orion), as a political maneuver designed to wrench control of the redistricting process away from them after the state Court of Appeals upheld the legality of the district lines the five-member county Reapportionment Commission approved in a 3-2 party-line vote in May. However, HB 5187, which also whittles the county board from 25 to no more than 21 members, was an effort to save Houston the county approximately $250,000 annually in commissioners’ salaries and benefits, proponents have argued. “The current law required Oakland County have at least 25 elected county commissioners,”
said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson earlier this month in a statement of support. “In fact, it allowed for the election of an additional 10 commissioners, or a total of 35 possible slots. We agree with the majority of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners: there is no need for Oakland or any other county to elect and pay for more than 21 Bullard elected commissioners.” County Democratic leadership has said that a legal challenge to the legislation, which became Public Act 280 of 2011, is likely. Houston said he is confident it will be filed within the next 10 days. “Today is a sad day for more than just Oakland County voters or Democrats, but for people everywhere who care about the rule of law and the separation of powers that the Constitution calls for,” said Oakland County Democratic Party Chairman Frank Houston, who also chaired the Oakland County Reapportionment Commission, in a press release following Snyder signing the legislation. “Mr. Snyder apparently has decided to be ‘the Governor who stole democracy’ this holiday season. It is outrageous that Gov. Snyder signed this Republican power grab bill into law, in effect changing redistricting retroactively just for Oakland County.” Some Democrats have also said
AROUND THE LAKES AREA
it could change around the county’s 2012 election schedule if a court challenge becomes lengthy, or if the county commission — which will have until the May 12 filing deadline to redraw district maps — is unable to complete the redistricting process in time. “Can this throw a monkey wrench in the election process? Yes, it can,” said state Rep. Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills), who also called the legislation a “blatant attack” on peoples’ elections rights and protections. Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr. said last week that a case in the 1980s over the state legislative redistricting process changed around the election cycle in 1984. Barnett “I don’t know what the process (for the county board redistricting) is going to be,” said Oakland County Commissioner John Scott (RWaterford, West Bloomfield). “We can do it now as a board. I’m assuming we are going to have to set up a committee and figure out how we are going to structure it. I think it’s being looked at probably by the chair and the (county) clerk and probably the (Republican) caucus chair.” Staff in Jacobsen’s office were unavailable for comment prior to press time. ❏
A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly
WE’RE ASKING… What is your New Year's resolution? "I don't really have resolutions exactly. I have some plans in mind, though."
— Kelley Bonner, W. Bloomfield Township
"Get to Marketplace Meats at dawn next year."
— Laura Baxter, Waterford Township
"I'm trying to be a more patient person."
— Angela Arnold, Milford
"To eat better. And just be healthier overall."
— Bryan Karpslis, Waterford Township
DECEMBER 28, 2011
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Jewish Ensemble Theatre: “God of Carnage,” Tony Award-winning comedy for Best Play 2009, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays now through Jan. 1, 2012, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield. 248-788-2900 or visit jettheatre.com. ■ Lakes Area Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, Bayside Grill, 142 E. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake. 248-7702707. ■ Dads of Foreign Service: Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Sundays, VFW Post 4156, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. www.vfw4156.org or 248-698-8302. ■ Rotary of West Bloomfield: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Henry Ford Medical Center, second floor, southwest corner of Farmington and Maple roads. 248-5200095. ■ Waterford Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, The Shark Club on M59, Waterford. 248-625-4897. ■ Big Chief Chorus: Rehearsals, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford. 248-698-9133 or 248-5632109. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Knitters circle, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Highland Station House, Highland. 248685-9015. ■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-6733493. ■ 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. ■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable transportation needed to visit terminally-ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888-937-4390. ■ Catholic Social Services of Oakland County: Senior companion volunteers needed to support adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic mental illness, as well as the physically frail and homebound. 248559-1147, ext. 3434.
SUPPORT GROUPS ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addition recovery meetings, 6:30 p.m. 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. ❐ Independence Village of White Lake: Volunteers needed part-time for Bingo, coffee chat, walking group, etc., 935 Union Lake Road, White Lake. 248-3607235. ❐ Over-Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating, 12-step program, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Road, Waterford. ❐ MOMS Club of Waterford South: Support group for mothers at home, weekly activities, monthly meetings, third Friday of the month, Waterford area. momswaterfordsouth.webs.com. ❐ Postpartum Depression Support Group: Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Commerce. 248-937-5220. ❐ TOPS (Take Off Pounts Sensibly): Meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, weigh-in at 5:30 p.m., new meeting site, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Conference Room 1C, 1 Williams Carl Drive, Commerce. 248363-6369 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 248-625-3288. ❐ 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 non-taxable stipend, mileage reimbursement, a meal or meal reimbursement, training. 248559-1147, ext. 3424. ❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: Bingo, noon, Mondays and Wednesdays; Sit’N’Stitch, 10 a.m., and movie with popcorn, noon, Fridays, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248-887-1707. ❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Knitting and crochet group, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. Registration. 248-926-0063 or commercetwp.com. ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Ave., West Bloomfield. 248-682-0770. ❐ Waterford Senior Center: Poker, 9 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 3621 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Registration. 248682-9450. ❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Senior Programs: Line dancing, 11 a.m. Fridays at the Corners, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248451-1900. ❐ Wixom Senior Center: Meals on Wheels, first and third Monday of the month (must pre-register by the Thursday before), 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. 248624-0870 or wixomgov.org.
PARKS ❐ Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center: “Tot Time – Animals in Winter,” 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7; “Design Your Own Animal Track Stamps,” 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 248-625-6640. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: Horse-drawn hayrides or sleighrides, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248684-8632 or 1-800-477-3178. ❐ Kensington Nature Center: Chickadee Chow-Down, 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 29 and 30; New Year’s Bird Count, 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7; Animal Tracks on TShirts, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248685-1561 or 1-800-477-3178.
❐ Waterford Oaks County Park: Family sledding hill is now open pending good snow at 1702 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. Entry is free. Guests should bring their own sleds. The hill is open daily from sunrise to sunset or as posted. Portable restrooms are available. For details, maps and more, visit DestinationOakland.com or on Facebook.
LIBRARY EVENTS ❐ Commerce Township Community Library: Movie matinee - children’s special event, 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. 248669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Bargain book sale, 10 a.m to 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 9, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration. 248-887-2218. ❐ Milford Public Library: Adult book discussion: Karen’s Joy Fowler’s “The Jane Austen Book Club,” 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845. ❐ Walled Lake City Library: Adult book discussion: Aimee Bender’s “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake,” 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. Registration. 248-624-3772. ❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Genealogy 101, adult program, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248672-4831. ❐ West Bloomfield Township Public Library:Drop-in Open Gaming, teen programs, 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 3 and 4, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Free admission for both book review and concerts. 248682-2120 or www.wblib.org. ❐ White Lake Township Library: Computer Club — Identity Theft, presentation from the Michigan Senior Brigade, Attorney General’s Office, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. 248-6984942. ❐ Wixom Public Library:ESL Café informal coffee/conversation, 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-2512.
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
For the second time in as many years, the Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes Lakers were crowned Michigan High School Athletic Association Class D state champions on March 19 with a 53-35 drubbing of Bark River Harris. “This group of girls is very special,” said Lakers Head Coach Steve Robak. “They know how to win and believe in each other.”
Our Lady pulls off repeat Lakers claim second-straight state championship, 53-35 By Michael Shelton staff writer
It’s one thing to win a championship, but it’s another to win two championships in a row. Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes is now one of the few teams that can claim that distinction. The Lakers (22-5) claimed their second consecutive Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA)
Class D state title Saturday, March 19 with a 53-35 victory over Bark River Harris in the state finals at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. It was a triumphant end to a season in which Our Lady overcame adversity, illness and injuries to go along with the pressure of being a defending state champion. “This group of girls is very special. They know how to win and they believe
in each other,” said Our Lady Head Coach Steve Robak. “No matter how the day is going, they never doubt that we can win and when you combine that attitude with players that have great basketball skills, it makes them a very good team. “It also makes it easy to coach,” he added. “They’ve made us look very good, but they deserve the credit for what they’ve accomplished.”
Junior Carlee Cottrell led the Lakers with 16 points and 4 rebounds in winning her first state title. Meanwhile, sophomore Ava Doetsch had 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, while fellow sophomore Lexie Robak had 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Senior Lauren Robak had 9 points, 6 rebounds, 8 steals and 3 assists in PAGE 39 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
DECEMBER 28, 2011
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GIRLS BASKETBALL
Our Lady Lakers ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 38
her final game in an Our Lady jersey. Our Lady’s half-court press was very successful, as it forced 30 turnovers by the Broncos that led to 23 points at the other end.
STATE CHAMPIONS West Bloomfield’s Erin Finn came in as the runner-up in the 2011 Foot Locker Cross Country Championship National Finals on Dec. 10 at Morley Field at Balboa Park in San Diego, CA. Finn came in second with a time of 17.24, which was just behind girls’ champion Molly Seidel of University Lake School in Delefield, WI, whose winning time was 17.22. Finn qualified for her second straight national final by taking third-place at the Midwest Regional with a time of 17:34. Seidel was also the winner of the Midwest Humphrey Regional. Finn was the state champion at the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) State Finals in Brooklyn, Mich. on Nov. 5 with a time of 17:22.6, finishing ahead of Rockford’s Taylor Mennett (17:24). • Huron Valley Milford claimed the boys’ state title at Gunn the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) State Finals in Brooklyn, Mich. on Nov. 5 with a team total time of 79:48 (128 points). The Mavericks’ runners included Brian Kettle (15:24.3), Cody Snavely (15:37.1), Paul Ausum (15:51.3), Chris Housel (16:27.2), Matt Graves (16:28.9), Steven Sloboda (16:47.3) and Shawn Welch (17:14.8). • Huron Valley Lakeland’s Garrett Zuk took the Division 1 individual boys state cross country crown at the MHSAA state finals in Brooklyn, MI on Nov. 5 with a time of 15:21.2, with Milford’s Kettle, a sophomore, taking the runnerup slot. • Waterford Kettering freshman Maddie Wright, a freshman took the Division 1 state crowns in the 200
“We played St. Mary’s football,” said Eaglets senior James Ross following St. Mary’s thrashing of Mt. Pleasant on Nov. 26 to capture the school’s first MHSAA Division 3 state championship since 2000. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Eaglets crowned St. Mary’s prevails in state title game By Michael Shelton staff writer
There was no heartbreak, what if’s or thoughts of what might have been for Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Thanksgiving weekend. Instead there was celebration, an exorcism of gridiron demons and a display of dominance that proved the Eaglets worthy of being called state champions. St. Mary’s claimed the school’s fifth state football title with a 45-7 victory over Mt. Pleasant in the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 3 state championship game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Nov. 26. Prior to Saturday, the last time the Eaglets (12-2) were able to take a state trophy home was in 2000 when they defeated Coopersville in the Division 4 state title game at the Pontiac Silverdome, which was the second of back-to-back championships. “It’s great,” said St. Mary’s Head Coach George Porritt. “It’s great for Freestyle (1:19.04) and the 100 butterfly (54.82) at the MHSAA girls swimming state finals at Eastern Michigan University. • Two lakes area student athletes clinched state titles at the 2011 Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 1 track and field finals at Rockford on June 4. Dequante Humphrey of Waterford
our kids and our kids played good football and we’ve been knocking on the door. It’s nice for these seniors to go out with a state championship.” The Oilers came into their first state final appearance undefeated and with a strong, vocal following from Mt. Pleasant backing them. St. Mary’s outgained Mt. Pleasant in total offense, 498 yards to 267, with 478 yards coming on the ground. Spencer McInnis finished with 214 yards rushing and three touchdowns while his younger brother, Parker McInnis, and Niemiec each finished with 96 yards rushing and a touchdown. On defense, senior Dylan Zerki finished with 11 total tackles, while James Ross had 10 total tackles. Senior David Talley tallied 9 total tackles, with 7 of them solo, including a sack. "We've had pictures of the state runner-ups the last two years," Ross said. "It's great to have that championship picture in the locker room.” Kettering claimed the Boys Division 1 state title in the long jump with a winning jump of 22 feet, 1.75 inches. Meanwhile on the girls side, Taylor Gunn of West Bloomfield claimed the Division 1 state title in the discus with a winning throw of 136 feet, 7 inches. • Huron Valley Milford’s Boys Snowboardcross team claimed the state championship at Alpine Valley on
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Feb. 11. The team that competed in states was made up of senior Jake Schaeffer, junior Griffin Wiltz, senior Chris Zaremba senior Chris Powell and individual state runner-up, senior Brian Vanderbaan. Meanwhile, Huron Valley Lakeland’s girls team claimed the Girls’ Snowboardcross state championship. The girls that participated in states were Kelsey McGorisk, Jules Corvell, Jillian Kiapec, Brittanie Kupras, Alex Rew and K.C. Heitchue. On the boys’ individual side, Eric French of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s claimed the Boys state title. • West Bloomfield High School senior Andrew Cahn was named Mr. Tennis, which is awarded to the state’s top senior tennis player by the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association, after he advanced to the Division 1 finals in Midland on , where he fell to Tyler Gardiner from Northville.
Seeterlin inducted into coaches hall of fame March 26 By Michael Shelton staff writer
Thirty-one years after he returned to Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes to serve as an assistant to Head Coach Seeterlin Mike Boyd, Assistant Coach Joe Seeterlin is now alongside him in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Seeterlin was one of 14 Hall of Fame inductees honored on March 26. It was a journey that Seeterlin began as a student at Our Lady in 1970 when he tried out for the football team. He started coaching by working with the Lake Orion Lancers in the Waterford Youth Football League in the 1970s. However, the Our Lady gridiron would soon come calling again for Seeterlin in 1980 at the age of 24. Boyd said that Seeterlin then approached him and asked if he needed help and Boyd put him to work coaching the linemen. Over time, Seeterlin took over as defensive coordinator and he said not much has changed over the years. He said that the proudest moment of his career came when Our Lady won the 2002 Division 8 state championship. He attributes his success to the Our Lady student-athletes carrying on the tradition of being ready to play.
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CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
The following map depicts the boundary of the Special Assessment District:
2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE, COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI 48390
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Township Board of the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan, will meet at a Regular Board meeting on the 10th day of January, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., at the Township Hall, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390, to determine if the following Special Assessment District will be established and to receive PUBLIC COMMENTS, if any, regarding creation of the following Special Assessment District: Fox Lake Weed Control Special Assessment District No. 4 The proposed Special Assessment District involves the following property located in the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan: 17-03-229-014 17-03-229-026 17-03-401-020 17-03-451-018 17-03-451-019 17-03-451-020 17-03-451-025 17-03-451-027 17-03-451-028 17-03-451-030 17-03-451-031 17-03-451-032 17-03-451-036 17-03-451-037 17-03-451-038 17-03-451-040 17-03-451-075 17-03-206-008 17-03-206-019 17-03-206-027 17-03-206-028 17-03-206-029 17-03-206-034 17-03-206-035 17-03-206-036 17-03-206-039 17-03-206-040 17-03-206-041 17-03-206-042 17-03-206-050 17-03-206-051 17-03-206-052 17-03-206-054 17-03-206-058 17-03-206-062 17-03-206-064 17-03-206-065 17-03-206-067 17-03-206-068 17-03-206-070 17-03-206-072 17-03-206-073 17-03-206-074 17-03-206-075 17-03-206-076 17-03-206-077 17-03-228-001 17-03-228-016 17-03-228-019 17-03-228-020 17-03-228-028 17-03-228-029 17-03-228-031 17-03-228-032 17-03-228-033 17-03-228-034 17-03-229-005 17-03-229-006 17-03-229-012
Parcel Nos. 17-03-229-024 17-03-229-033 17-03-229-035 17-03-252-005 17-03-252-010 17-03-252-011 17-03-252-012 17-03-252-013 17-03-252-014 17-03-280-001 17-03-280-002 17-03-280-003 17-03-280-004 17-03-280-005 17-03-282-001 17-03-282-002 17-03-282-003 17-03-282-004 17-03-282-009 17-03-282-019 17-03-401-001 17-03-401-010 17-03-401-011 17-03-401-012 17-03-401-019 17-03-401-021 17-03-451-009 17-03-451-016 17-03-451-017 17-03-451-024 17-03-451-026 17-03-451-029 17-03-451-033 17-03-451-034 17-03-451-035 17-03-451-039 17-03-451-041 17-03-451-042 17-03-451-043 17-03-451-044 17-03-451-073 17-03-451-074 17-03-451-076 17-03-451-077 17-03-451-079 17-03-451-083 17-03-451-085 17-03-451-086 17-03-451-087 17-03-451-088 17-03-451-090 17-03-451-091 17-03-451-092 17-03-451-093 17-03-451-094 17-03-451-095 17-03-451-096 17-03-451-097 17-03-451-098
17-03-451-099 17-03-451-100 17-03-451-102 17-03-451-105 17-03-451-106 17-03-252-030 17-03-206-002 17-03-206-037 17-03-206-038 17-03-206-043 17-03-206-044 17-03-206-053 17-03-206-055 17-03-206-056 17-03-206-059 17-03-206-060 17-03-206-063 17-03-206-066 17-03-206-078 17-03-206-079 17-03-228-013 17-03-228-014 17-03-228-015 17-03-228-023 17-03-228-035 17-03-228-036 17-03-228-037 17-03-229-003 17-03-229-004 17-03-229-007 17-03-229-011 17-03-229-013 17-03-229-021 17-03-229-023 17-03-229-025 17-03-229-027 17-03-229-028 17-03-229-031 17-03-229-032 17-03-276-007 17-03-276-008 17-03-277-001 17-03-279-001 17-03-282-010 17-03-282-017 17-03-401-016 17-03-401-017 17-03-451-003 17-03-451-078 17-03-451-080 17-03-451-081 17-03-451-082 17-03-451-084 17-03-451-089 17-03-451-101 17-03-451-103 17-03-451-104
Plans showing the improvement, the location, and the legal description are on file with the Township Clerk for public examination. In order to appeal the amount of any special assessment, affected owners or parties with an interest must protest the proposed assessment. This may be done by appearing in person at the hearing or having an agent appear at the hearing on behalf of an owner or party in interest, or in writing by filing a letter of protest before the hearing, addressed to the Township Clerk at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390. An owner or party having an interest in the real property affected by the special assessment may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the special assessment roll if the special assessment is protested at the hearing held for the purpose of confirming the special assessment roll. Please direct any questions you may have to the Charter Township of Commerce Building Department at (248) 960-7060. Daniel Munro, Clerk Charter Township of Commerce
SC: 12/28/11 & 1/4/12
DECEMBER 28, 2011
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COMMUNITY LEGAL NOTICES
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE THE 2011 WINTER TAX BILLS HAVE BEEN MAILED TO THE LAST KNOWN OWNER OF RECORD. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR TAX BILL OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR BILL, PLEASE CALL THE TREASURER’S OFFICE AT (248) 960-7040. SUSAN L. GROSS, CPFA COMMERCE TOWNSHIP TREASURER SC: 12-28-11
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE
Regular Board Meeting – Synopsis – December 20, 2011 Approved: Presentation: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: FYI: FYI: Approved: Approved: Approved:
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Seven board members and attorney present. Changes to Agenda For Park Donation Minutes, November 9, 2011 and November 15, 2011 White Lake Hill/File No. 07-021 Extension Request Hidden Pines Park Master Plan Consent Agenda, A, B, C 1-4, D & E Resolution #11-031, Delegating Authority to Assign Fund Balance Under GASB Resolution #11-032, Reclassify Fund types and Approve Commitment of Fund Balances in Accordance with GASB. Resolution #11-033, Board Meeting Dates Resolution #11-034, Authorize The Use of a Receiving Board for Elections Resolution #11-035, To Amend Resolution #09-011 (Justice Assistance Grant) Fire Department Staff Vehicle Purchase 2012 Support Agreement With Waterford Purchase of New Phone System Budget Amendment (Police Dept. Dare Account) Specialized Vehicle Through SMART Sand Bid Notice of Hearing Regarding Clinton River Spillway Drain Costs Twin Lakes Road Paving Executive Session Reconvene to Open Session Moratorium on Ordinance 57 Meeting adjourned at 9:23 p.m. Terry Lilley, Clerk White Lake Township S.C. 12/28/11 THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE
PLANNING COMMISSION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AN AMENDMENT TO “GREENBRIAR” 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 proposed Planned Unit Development, Monday, January 16, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
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CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE Commerce Township, MI 48390
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Township Board of the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan, will meet at a Regular Board meeting on the 10th day of January, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., at the Township Hall, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390, to review the Special Assessment ROLL for Special Projects No. 33 Special Assessment District (detailed description below), and to receive comments from affected property owners regarding the accuracy of their assessment and the total project cost. Special Projects No. 33 The proposed Special Assessment District involves the following property:
Water 17-25-101-029
Parcel Nos.
Sewer 17-08-154-004 17-08-177-007 17-11-340-015 17-12-351-016
Plans showing the improvement, the location, and the legal description, are on file with the Township Clerk for public examination. The Special Assessment Roll can be inspected at the office of the Township Clerk at the above-listed address. If the proposed Special Assessment District Roll is approved by the Township Board, the assessment will be a lien on the affected property as of the date of approval. In order to appeal the amount of any special assessment, affected owners or parties with an interest must protest the proposed assessment. This may be done by appearing in person at the hearing or having an agent appear at the hearing on behalf of an owner or party in interest, or in writing by filing a letter of protest before the hearing, addressed to the Township Clerk at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390. An owner or party having an interest in the real property affected by the special assessment may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the special assessment roll if the special assessment is protested at the hearing held for the purpose of confirming the special assessment roll. Please direct any questions you may have to the Charter Township of Commerce Building Department at (248) 960-7060. Daniel Munro, Clerk Charter Township of Commerce
SC: 12/28/11; 1/4/12
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
NOTICE OF ZONING BOARD PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, as amended, the City of Orchard Lake Village Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the following appeals at their Regular Meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan: - Harbor Hills Beach Association Appeal – 3350 Erie Drive (Lakeside Setback for Retaining Walls) - Gantor Appeal – 3540 Erie Drive (Lakeside Setback and Horizontal Separation for Retaining Walls) Complete copies of the requests are available for review at the Office of the City Clerk in City Hall. Written Comments will be received in the City Clerk’s Office, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or may be submitted electronically to CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com. You are invited to attend the hearing. Rhonda McClellan CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com
S.C. 12-28-11
PU04-20-01 The Public Hearing will be held to consider an amendment to the existing PUD, Planned Unit Development. The proposed amendment is to modify the previously approved site plan to modify the deck requirements and change the remaining two family units to single family units located at 2250-2298 Calibouge, 3090-3228 Belle Terre, 2232-2350 Brigantine and 2125-2355 Palmetto. Sidwell No’s.: 17-20-353-001 through 17-20-353-100 The proposed application and site plan, along with the Commerce Township Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map, are available for public inspection in the Clerk’s Office during regular 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 at (248) 960-7050. Kathleen C. Jackson Commerce Township Planner SC: 12-28-11
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE SUMMARY OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING December 19, 2011 At the December 19, 2011 Regular Council Meeting, Council took the following action: • Denied action on a request to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a window sign variance for the Puff Hookah Lounge at 4127 Orchard Lake Road; • Approved removal of landmark trees at the Orchard Lake Country Club, 5000 West Shore Drive; • Held the first reading of the Animal Ordinance; • Held the first reading of the Offense Ordinance; • Approved the traffic control orders for Shady Beach Subdivision; • Adopted the Governmental 457(b) Plan Resolution and update; • Authorized application of a City Credit Card; • Approved a part-time position to the clerical staff; and • Accepted all department reports. Bruce H. McIntyre, Mayor
Rhonda R. McClellan, City Clerk S.C. 12/28/11
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NOTICES Lost and Found
Mobile Homes for Rent 3
LOST TWO Wedding bands, Last since in Huron Valley Hosptial ICU on October 25, 2011. Lost on Body Transport to morgue. If any information please leave a message 248360-3987
Reunions
4
FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL Class of 1967, looking for classmates for 45th Reunion on July 21, 2012. Contact Susan (Himmelspach) Whittaker @ s_whittaker@comcast.net West Oakland area school reunions. FREE for 4 weeks within a 13 week period (27 word limit). Other Reunions Published 4 weeks for a total cost of $20 for 15 words; each additional 4 words $2.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Houses For Sale
11
Looking to purchase or sell your home? Contact Arlene at Keller Williams 248-912-4628 mihome4u.com
RELOCATE TODAY!! Beautiful 55+ community! We'll pay up to $5,5,00 for a single section home & $8,500 for a multi section home w/ $299 site rent for the 1st year. Relocate your manufactured home to beautiful Cranberry Lake. 248-698-1120
RENTALS Commercial/ Industrial
47
Waterford
248-496-7652 248-496-7648
Pontiac Trail at Maple Pre-Owned Homes: $6,000 - $25,000 Rent: $385 - $400 PLUS MOVE-IN DISCOUNTS On Select Homes
55
WALLED LAKE Very sharp, 3 bdr, 1.5 bath, den, 2 car att. garage, C/A, lake privileges on private lake. Large corner lot, door wall off of dining room to backyard patio. New berber carpet, cabinets & flooring $1100/ mo
Call : 248-425-4853
WHITE LAKE DUPLEX
Wolverine Lake
Across from Cedar Island Lake Clean, 2 bedroom, all appliances. $675 per month. Walled Lake Schools.
248-640-7960
- close to OCC 2 Bedroom, 2.5 baths, all appliances, nice deck, basement, 1 car garage, no smokers, pets negotiable. $1300.00/mo, 1/2 month security deposit, $100.00 cleaning fee.
Houses/ Condos
olivermich@mac.com 248-755-5073
Fawn Lake
Waterford Bungalow 2 bed plus office, lake privileges, appliances, wood floors.
248-912-4628 for more details mihome4u.com
55
3 Bedroom house, newly remodeled & freshly carpeted, Walled Lake view & access, fenced yard, petsok, $795 per month.
42
Looking to rent a house or condo? Call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com 248-912-4628
Waterford Condo
Industrial space with offices, loading dock, 14' overhead doors, 3 phase electric, brokers welcome
Houses/ Condos
55
$850/ mo Call 248-978-7428
WALLED LAKE
MOBILE HOMES Mobile Homes for Sale
Houses/ Condos
43
3 bedroom raised ranch, partial finished full basement, all appliances included, Walled Lake Schools, lake access.
$1,200 per month 248-787-1477
RICK REID 248-981-8582 2900 Union Lake, Rd. Suite 210 Commerce Twp., MI 48382
(248) 624-0709
CHARGE IT
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE Advertising published is subject to rate card or contract conditions, copies of which are available from the publishing group. Ads are subject to approval before publication, only publication constitutes acceptance. We reserve the right to edit, reject, cancel or reclassify any ad. If an error by the newspaper should occur, the newspaper’s responsibility for that portion of the advertisement in error is limited to cancellation of the charge or publication in the following issue. The publishing group shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from publication or omission of an advertisement.
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
MIDDLE STRAITS LAKE IMPROVED PRICE - $174,900 Charming newly remodeled 3 bedroom ranch with open floor plan, close to association clubhouse and beach. Lakeside Florida room surrounded by the best panoramic views of Middle Straits Lake. Bloomer Park and Bay Pointe Golf are nearby. Call Rick or email rick_reid@att.net.
DECEMBER 28, 2011 Houses/ Condos
www.spinalcolumnonline.com Apartments
55
56
WALLED LAKE
TIRED OF BEING A LANDLORD?
HILLSIDE MANOR APTS
JMZ Management takes the hassle out of being a landlord.
360 ROSEBUD Special Half off Security Dep. 2 Bedrooms$650 per month plus electric 1 Bedroom$500 per month
•10% Management Fee •Tenant Screen Included •Rent Collection •24 Hour Emergency Line
www.jmzmangement.com
LOVELY COMMERCE TWP.
FURNISHED SLEEPING room for rent. Waterford area, $100 /week. 810-355-8097
COME SEE US NOW WIXOM * MOVE IN SPECIAL*
3 bedroom, 2 bath, basement, lake privileges, fenced yard, appliances, wood floors. New windows. $955 per month lease.Walk to shopping. Near Union Lake & Commerce Rds.
2 BEDROOM ONLY, $595 Will Move You In !
248-568-6119
Town & Country Apartments
WATERFORD Duplex
248-343-1666 Apartments
56
Apartments For Rent SPECIAL 1 or 2 bedroom apartments. Heat and water paid. No pets. In City of Milford.
(248)477-9192
•Playground/Pool •Free Heat & City Water
General/ Help Wanted
65
West Bloomfield Day Care
Call Kelly at 248-366-8082
•Between Beck & Wixom Rd.
CALL TO FIND OUT How to potentially earn
CALL US TODAY !
(248)624-3194
$700 to $1,200 per week.
☺
Incredible opportunity! Will train. Commerce area.
WALLED LAKE
(413) 297-5980
1 Bedroom Apartments 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath Town Homes * $400 Moves You In* 1st Month FREE on 1 bdr 1/2 month FREE on 2 Bdr
TAXI & AIRPORT
248-624-6606 EHO www.cormorantco.com * Call For Details *
General/ Help Wanted
65
DRY CLEANER
Looking for Counter Help and Presser. Full or Part Time. 248-624-4333 HAIR STYLISTS
HELP WANTED
Seeking p/t helper. Dependable, reliable and a love for children a must! References required.
•48200 W. Pontiac Trail
3 bedrooms, unfurnished, all appliances. $750 a month plus security.
57
BUSINESS WOMAN looking to share 2 bedroom apartment in Novi, with female. $400 plus utilities. Call for information. 248-787-2059
(248)335-8988
Call 248-284-6990
Rooms/Share Quarters
DRIVERS WANTED Full or Part time Day or Night
248-666-2110
New Great Clips salon now open in White Lake needs both part time & full time hair stylists. No clientele needed, hourly wage plus commission. Fun team environment.
Ask for Bridgette
248-330-6402 Medical/ Dental
67
MEDICAL ASSISTANT 2 years exp. a must, busy OB practice. Fax resumed to:
248-926-9020 Sales Positions
71
Real Estate Career 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
PAGE 43
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Used/Wanted
89
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 Used/Wanted
89
SEA-DOO JET Skis wanted dead or dying. 1995 on ups. $200- $1400. Top $ for XP's & 947/951 or larger motors. Call Steve at 231-943-4152
Absolutely Free
90
Items must be FREE to respondents, ad free to you. Restricted to residential. The publishing group accepts no responsibility for actions between individuals. Sorry, we do not accept ads for free dogs. FREE KITTENS 9 weeks old. To good home, Walled Lake area, 248-894-7037
Collectibles
93
99
With a prepaid voucher Contact Mary Nicole 248-684-1065 MaryNicole@RealEstateOne.com •Are you looking for a new career? •Would you like to own your own business? We’re Michigan’s largest real estate broker and last year we sold over 17,000 properties. We expect to surpass that in the coming year.
Join us as we grow Michigan.
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
CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage
125
BAKER'S RACK- Brass & green enamel, $25. 248-6669444
Household Items
129
"COKE" GLASS Tiffany hanging lamp, never used, paid $300- asking $150; Pioneer stereo with speakers, $125. 248-363-5679
LEISURE TIME HEALTHRIDER EXCELLENT Condition $24.99 248-5347004
SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page BUICK LESABRE, 2005, 85K, $7,000.Very good condition. 248-363-3457 FORD FUSION Sel 2010. Fully loaded, all the bells & whistles. $17,000. 33,500 miles. 248210-9936 or 248-924-7412
187
CHEVROLET IMPALA SS 1996, 93,000 miles, leather seats, CD changer, always garaged- excellent condition, $10,000 OBO. 248-363-1210 TOYOTA SOLARA 1999, leather, sun roof, 85k, one owner. 248-884-7200.
Vans
194
2000 DODGE Grand Caravan Spor t. 76K. 3.3L V-6. Power windows, locks, drivers seat. A/C, 4 captains chairs. Excellent condition. $6,200 248-320-1969
(248)467-0396 Unwanted Autos any year $150 to $2,000
RC Towing 248-770-3333 CAMPBELL'S TOWING
248-698-1062 Tires/ Parts
182
THE CLUB- Auto security bar, red, $15. 248-360-2911
Motorcycles
183
2004 YAMAHA R1- 1000 motorcycle. Many extras, must see. $4,500. (248)9789246
MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page Trucks/Trailers
Fitness Equipment 149
JEEP LIBERTY 2007, 4x4, chrome addition, 37k, excellent, $12,500 248-770-3828
Cars
TOP $ Paid For Any: • Junk • Non Running • Wrecked Cars $275 & Up
$200 AND UP
Furniture/Rugs
187
UNWANTED AUTOS LLC
Clothing/Apparel
119
Cars
181
AUTOS, CARS & TRUCKS
MEN'S SHOES- "Florsheim Canfield," dress, leather, size 10, $25. 248-698-4168
January Classes Available $ Class only
Wanted Boats/Jet Skis/ Parts 162
LIONEL "O-27" Gauge Christmas train set up/ layout, free standing/ 6ftx10ft, animated toy gadgets- ferris wheel, antique trains, etc. $1,000. OBO. 248-366-7044
GENTLY USED Jeans- two pair, size 14. $10 each. 248666-9444
Pre-Licensing Class
BOATS/ OUTDOOR
Buying a Home? Let us
Look Before You Leap!
Afford
able Home Inspections
Up to 170 components inspected in a typical three bedroom home. Computer-generated, comprehensive, easy-tounderstand report summary. High resolution, color pictures provide a visual reference of problem areas. Reports are emailed to you and your Real Estate Agent. After inspection questions are always answered, even after you move into your home.
248-881-3478 Licensed Insured
185
2007 CHEVY Classic 4X4, V-6 manual.. 8ft bed. 79K. Very clean. $11,500 OBO 248-363-6987
4075 Echo Drive West Bloomfield
PAGE 44
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
. WP DT OR F TER WA
P. TW CE R E MM CO
$725,000
STONE HOLLOW SUB CUSTOM BUILT – 2.62 ACRE LOT •5 bed, 3.5 bath, 3,671 sq. ft. + 1627 sq. ft. •Att’d 3 car + 2.5 car carriage house garage #211019535 EXT. #265 •KEY #248347
ITE WH
$399,900
HILLS OF BOGIE LAKE SUB CLUBHOUSE & POOL!! •3,303 sq. ft. + finished daylight basement •5 bed, 4.5 bath, ff laundry, 3 car garage, deck #211116381 EXT. #255 •KEY #267493 P. TW RD FO R TE WA
2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382
$219,900
. WP ET RC E MM CO
Lakes Area’s #1 Team! Zillow - Preferred Agent
$189,900
ST WE
LD FIE OM O BL
EL RIN LVE O W
WELLINGTON WOODS – STATELY 2-STORY SPECIAL •2,536 sq. ft., 4 bed, 2.5 bath, fireplace •Vaulted mstr & jet tub bath, 2nd flr laundry #211129979 EXT. #205•KEY #276271
$209,900/ LEASE $1,395/MO.
$124,900
We are full time professionals... • Meeting Client’s Needs Since 1977 • 4 Dedicated Listing & Buyer’s Agents • 150+ Negotiated/Closed “Short Sales” • 129 Closed Sales, January-November 2011 Including 30 Waterfront Properties
Our performance speaks for itself!
$224,900
WOLVERINE LAKEFRONT RANCH WITH FINISHED WALKOUT •3 bed, 2.5 bath, 85 ft. of sandy shoreline •Family rm w/fireplace, deck, dock, 2 car, shed #211105596 EXT. #267 •KEY #261788
$189,900
$199,900
Janet Direct: Steve Direct: 248-755-7600 248-755-7500
janet@TheStocktonTeam.com
HOME BACKS TO SUB PARK & WALKING PATH •1,438 sq. ft. + fin. lower level, 3 bedroom •Great rm, dining w/doorwall to deck, 2 car #211089004 EXT. #247 •KEY #256965
E AK
P. TW RD FO R TE WA
P. TW CE ER M M CO
219 FT. FRONTAGE TO ALL-SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE •3 bedroom, 2 bath, Florida rm, deck •Great rm w/fireplace, deck/dock, shed #211089314 EXT. #248•KEY #256951
$549,900
STUNNING 90 FT. OF MAIN LAKEFRONT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •2,778 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 fireplaces •2+ car, 3 decks, dock, seawall, shed #211105126 EXT. #231 •KEY #248358
$224,900
$329,900 BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CEDAR ISLAND LAKEFRONT •2,302 sq. ft., 4 bed, 3 bath, LC terms, 2 car •Granite kitchen & baths, fireplace, ceramic #211089671 EXT. #246•KEY #257017
M XO WI
PERGOLA & HUGE DECK OVERLOOKING NICELY TREED YARD •1,922 sq. ft., 4 bed, 2.5 ba, side entry garage •Cathedral mstr., full bsmnt, Walled Lk. Schools #211122204 EXT. #282 •KEY #271596
$598,000 UPPER STRAITS LAKEFRONT INVESTMENT SPECIAL •4 bed, 3.5 bath, 2,746 sq. ft. + fin. walkout •1st flr mstr., 2nd buildable lakefront lot #211104723 EXT. #245 •KEY #260513
248-366-7200
. WP ET L AK
P. TW RD FO R TE WA
GORGEOUS GERUNDEGUT BAY ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •Remodeled ranch, stone fireplace, dining rm •Corian counter kitchen, tile, crown molding #211103417 EXT. #280 •KEY #248373
LD FIE OM O L B ST WE
LD FIE OM O L B ST WE
P. TW RD FO L I M
$96,900 MAPLE CROSSINGS – PREMIUM UPPER RANCH CONDO •Open flr plan, 1,568 sq. ft., 2 bed, 2 bath •Covered deck, lg. utility, attached garage #211130482 EXT. #224 •KEY #257017
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
steve@TheStocktonTeam.com
800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message Text Key # to 90210 for text message
We Wish You a
Safe and Peaceful Holiday Season Call Us and Ask About Our
HOLIDAY LISTING INCENTIVE!
GORGEOUS 1.37 ACRES WOODED LOT ON HURON RIVER •2,160 sq. ft., 4 bed, 2 bath, 1st flr laundry •Updated kitch., mstr w/2 WIC, bsmt, 2 car #211082673 EXT. #233•KEY #248375 . WP ET AK L ITE WH
$99,900 2000 BUILT HOME BACKS TO RIVER AND TREES •2,046 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, master suite •12’ family rm, fireplace, 2 car, shed, 2 decks #211118696 EXT. #297 •KEY #268870
170 FEET OF FRONTAGE TO ALL-SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE! •3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, fin. daylight basement •Huge mtr., jet tub, deck, garage, shed, dock #211109029 EXT. #214 •KEY #263461 . WP DT OR F TER WA
$89,900
PLEASANT LAKE BEACH PRIVILEGES •1,870 sq. ft., sq. ft., 3 bed, 1.5 bath, fireplace •Walkout, fenced yard, attached garage, patio #211118494 EXT. #250 •KEY #268869
With property inventory down, mortgage rates remain low and home pricing on the rise...
There’s No Better Time To Sell!
www.TheStocktonTeam.com
DECEMBER 28, 2011
CE ER MM CO
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
CE ER MM CO
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PAGE 45
RD FO TER WA
RD FO TER WA
211079746 - $259,900
211123433 - $164,900
211108753 - $162,900
211125557 - $70,000
211068047 - $189,900
SUPERB COMMERCE HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, first floor master with bath, close to M-5
100 FT. CANAL FRONT 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan, updated Corian
NEW CONSTRUCTION 3 bedrooms, 2 baths,kitchen, recess lighting, 1st floor laundry, daylight basement
STOP THE CAR! 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, gorgeous kitchen, finished basement
FAIRWAY ESTATES STUNNING 2 bedrooms, 3 bath, granite, new carpet, tile, overlooking 16th hole
RD FO TER WA
LD FIE OM O L B W.
RD FO TER WA
LD FIE OM O L B W.
K OA YAL RO
211120853 - $152,900
211091695 - $185,500
211095071 - $245,000
211126420 - $70,000
211103967 - $149,500
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
A PIECE OF PARADISE 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, open floor plan, quality decking
PRISTINE CONDITION, READY TO MOVE IN 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, newer roof, upgraded bathroom, 4 car garage, large fenced yard
ARTS & CRAFTS BUNGALOW 4 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, updated, cove ceilings, new roof/furnace/central air
LD FIE OM BLO . W
FEATURED HOME
VI NO
TE OIN STP A E
RD
FO
MIL
OF THE WEEK
211114594 - $724,900
211053983 - $87,000
211119870 - $28,500
211121712 - $179,000
SPECTACULAR MIDDLE STRAITS WATERFRONT 4 bedrooms, 3.2 baths, kitchen newly remodeled, master suite
BRICK RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, large lot, central air
MOVE IN CONDITION 3 bedrooms, 1 baths, first floor laundry, living room with bay window
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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D AN STL WE
LD FIE ING SPR
211123452 - $234,900
211047575 - $400,000
211112861 - $135,000
211121503 - $279,000
VACATION AT HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, pool, hot tub, acreage cathedral ceilings
COMMERCE LAKEFRONT 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, almost 3/4 acre, finished walkout
MOVE IN TOTALLY REMODELED 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, ceramic floors, maple cabinets, 2 car garage, finished basement
PROFESSIONALLY LANDSCAPED 5 bedrooms, 2.2 baths, master suite with jacuzzi, lower level walkout, brick patio
M XO WI
211104716 - $389,000 R BO AR OH G E KE
D IEL MF LOO B W.
RD FO TER A W
RD FO OX
211125575 - $196,800
211112421 - $180,000
211048408 - $100,000
211115899 - $259,000
211126471 - $110,000
CHARMING COLONIAL 3 CAR GARAGE 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, master bath and suite, natural fireplace, lake privilege Loon Lake
WELL MAINTAINED RANCH 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, kitchen and dining open to family room, deck, patio and large yard
ADDITIONAL LOT 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, brick, vinyl ranch, 2 car garage
LAKEFRONT GEM 83 FT. ON WOODALL LAKE 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, huge master with bath, doorwall to deck walkout with 2nd kitchen
PICTURE PERFECT HOUSE 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan, cathedral ceilings
L ITE WH
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LD FIE OM O L B W.
VI NO
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EL RIN LVE O W
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211115490 - $249,000
211099179 - $229,000
211074688 - $110,000
211107874 - $54,900
211124998 - $235,000
CUSTOM RANCH END OF CUL-DE-SAC 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, maple kitchen, hardwood floors, fin. walkout, wet bar & full bath
TRANQUIL SETTING ON CROSS LAKE 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, up north feeling, beautiful clean interior
CHARMING RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling
A RARE GEM 3 bedroom condo, 2.5 baths, large master, open floor plan
EXPANSIVE LAKEFRONT! 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, remodeled and updated, new furnace, Florida room, fireplace
Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour
Lakes Area (248) 363-8300
ŠReal Estate One, Inc., 2011
PAGE 46
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
Visit us at 560 N. Milford Rd., Milford ER WAT
NT FRO
ET QUI
BAY
ER WAT
S IEW EV K A L
WONDERFUL WHITE LAKE VIEWS! •1,700 sq, ft., 2 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •On quiet bay to main lake •Maple and granite kitchen •211122345
ER WAT
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RE 2 AC
TH BOA
DRY A UN R. L L F T 1S
UPDATED HISTORIC HOME! •1,980 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, basement, 2 car detached garage •Open entry level floor plan •Granite kitchen •Great backyard •210111484
$393,000 ON WHITE LAKE! •2,215 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Drive in boat house •Beautiful hardwood entry •Formal dining room •211111348
$145,000 LAKE ACCESS ON CRYSTAL CLEAR DUNHAM! •1,456 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.1 2 car attached garage •Open & airy •Kitchen and breakfast room with heated ceramic floors •211126432
$55,000 GREAT INVESTMENT! •Includes 3 structures •Main house 1,199 sq. ft., 1 bedroom, 2 baths •Guest house 400 sq. ft., 1 bedroom, 1 bath •2 car garage •211114072
HEN KITC
$248,300 BEAUTIFUL QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD! •1,680 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement •1 car attached garage •Kitchen with island •Finished lower level •211114550
ES CR 13 A
$139,900 TOTALLY REMODELED! •1,616 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, basement •2 car attached garage •Situated on over 1/2 acre •211118570
$1,350,000 GREAT INVESTMENT! •5,552 sq. ft., 5 bedroom, 4.1 baths, basement, 5 car garage •13 beautiful acres •Mahogany kitchen •Generator, elevator •211088932
ES ILEG RIV P LAKE
T R ON ERF WAT
S TURE RUC 3 ST
SS CCE EA K A L
$669,000
$69,000 ALL-SPORTS WHITE LAKE! •1,702 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car detached garage •2nd floor master suite with jet tub •First floor laundry •211064566
$159,999 GREAT FAMILY SUB! •1,800 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.2 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan •Great room with natural fireplace •Walk to downtown •211043331
NT F RO
ALL-SPORTS TAGGETT LAKE! •4,114 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 5.1 baths, basement, 5 car attached garages •Generous 1 acre lot on cul-de-sac •First floor master with office •211115821
ND ISLA
ACRE 1/2 R OVE
E LAC EP FIR
E OUS
ER WAT
ALL-SPORTS LAKE SHERWOOD! •2,478 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •Finished walkout •First floor master •Large island kitchen •211110654
$249,900
$239,200 PRIVATE 2 ACRE LOT! •2,168 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.2 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Family room with natural fireplace and oak mantle •Andersen windows •Finished lower level •211098339
$749,999 SPECTACULAR CUSTOM BUILT! •3,300 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 5.1 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •Gourmet Brazilian cherry kitchen •Granite counter tops •211022713
$444,500
$555,000 ALL-SPORTS LAKE SHERWOOD! •3,845 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan •Huge foyer open to great room •First floor master suite •211116287
D ATE UPD
LOT
CONTEMPORARY WATERFRONT HOME! •2,780 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage •Remodeled and updated •Granite kitchen and all baths •2nd floor laundry •211001443
ONT R FR E T WA
NT
$119,900 WHITE LAKE LAKEVIEW! •2,100 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, basement, 4 car garage •Hardwood floors on entry level •Large open kitchen with granite and eating area •211091388
HS BAT 5.1
$345,000
$309,900
$157,000 ON LAKE GEORGE! •1,721 sq, ft., 3 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan •Finished walkout basement •First floor laundry •211097045
NT F RO
$2,150/MO. WATERFRONT LEASE ON LAKE SHERWOOD! •1,764 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car attached garage •Family room with fireplace •Granite baths and laundry room •Dock included • 211080636
Serving Milford & Surrounding Areas - 248.684.1065
$125,000 CHARMING WIXOM RANCH •1,388 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths •Hardwood floors •Patio with private yard with lake privileges •210132913
©Real Estate One, Inc., 2011
DECEMBER 28, 2011
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
PAGE 47
LAKES AREA SERVICES (248) 360-7355
www.SpinalColumnOnline.com
Fax (248) 360-5308
IN PRINT and ON-LINE 24/7
Personal • Business • Maintenance • Improvements • Repair PERSONAL/ SERVICES Tutoring/Lessons
354
GUITAR INSTRUCTION Beginning Through Advanced
All Styles 1st Lesson FREE 248-245-3475
REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT Appliance Repair
(248)360-0213 (248)698-8819 513
BOB'S CARPET Has the best buys on all brand named carpet. Pad 1/2 8 lb $3 yd. Installation guaranteed. Lots of remnants $4 per yard
Call Bob (248)681-5771 MB QUALITY FLOOR COVERING •New Carpet & Pad Sales •Installation, Repairs, & Restretches •28 years experience •Free estimates WE WORK FOR YOU
248-561-5667
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
526
R&D DRYWALL •Hang & Finished •Small Repair •Texture Repair •Plaster Repair •Wet Sand
Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians
Quality Workmanship Residential-Commercial Over 30 years Experience STAMPED CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS FOOTINGS GARAGE FLOORS BLOCK WORK FREE ESTIMATES
528
Michael (248)363-4783 MILFORD LOCATION
(248)684-5928 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
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
536
• Furnaces • Boilers • Air Cleaners •Air Conditioners •Humidifiers Service & Replacements
(248)684-5983
FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION
www.artoutdoorservices.com
248-363-1615
(248)625-5719
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
35 Years Licensed PLUMBING • HEATING CARPENTRY • DRYWALL ELECTRICAL NEW SERVICE KITCHENS BATHS CERAMIC TILE
248-624-3161
248-624-4473
Roofing 553
•Linoleum •Ceramic Tile •Hardwood Floors •Laminate Wood 27 Years Exp. Free Est.
(248)624-6458
•Garage Doors •Repaired/ Services •New Doors/ Openers •Installed at Factory Pricing •Emergency Service Available
Lawn/Garden Services
FLOOR COVERING
TOTAL HOME SERVICE
AFFORDABLE
Heating/Duct Work 546
THOMASON HEATING & COOLING
Backhoe service & landscaping. 38 Years Experience. Small or Large Jobs. Fully insured. Free estimates.
DEMOLITION & SERVICES "Division of Rae Excavating" • BUILDING REMOVAL• • Sewer and Water • Storm Sewers • Trucking & Grading Licensed & Insured
CERTIFIED OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE
Flooring
EDWARD'S
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
C&G CEMENT
Doors
Drywall
517
502
TONY'S APPLIANCE SERVICE Servicing all Major Appliances. •Hot water tank
Carpet Installation
Cabinetry
"The job your husband will do tomorrow." (248)887-2366
HURON VALLEY HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING •Repair •Replace •Inspections •Humidifiers •Water Heaters •Night service available
(248)887-3666 Mitch's Mechanical 248-302-1808 Furnace & Boiler Repair
$50 Service Call Open 24 hours www.mitchsmechanical.com
Home Improvement 547 SHERMAN BLDG CO. •Additions •Garages •Decks •Rough & Trim Carpentry •Wood Siding •Basements •Kitchens •All outside wood repairs
248-682-1393 248-802-6554 Home Inspection
A R T Outdoor Services, LLC * Snow Plowing * Salting Landscaping • Lawn Service •Insured Residential & Commercial
Painting/ Decorating
562
MAHER RESTORATION www.goMaher.com "Maher Makes It Happen"
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
PRICE IS RIGHT ROOFING •Repairs •Re-Roofs •Chimney Repair •Metal Work •Flat Roofs •Complete Roof Packages. •Siding •Gutters
FREE Estimates 30 Years Experience
577
Bob: 248-363-0589 idchomeservice.com Tile
585
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.
567
Premier Plumbing Licensed & Insured Complete Plumbing Service
•Remodeling •Quality Service •New Construction • Repairs •Grout Sealing • Licensed and Insured
John Miller (248)505-8865 jmtileandmarble.com
Trash/Debris Removal
587
LOUIE'S TREE SERVICE Tree Removal•Stump Grinding • Free Estimates 30 Yrs. Exp. • Fully Insured "Will Beat All Competitors" Residential • Commercial
248-240-6143 248-240-6142 248-366-1325 Waterproofing
599
Dry Basements, LLC We Repair: •Poured Walls/ Concrete Block •Waterproofing •Cracked or Bowed Walls •Foundation Repaired Replaced •Underpinning •Crawl Space and Encapsulation •Licensed & Insured •Ron Heck, Builder (248)420-0116
Wells
Home Service Siding, Trim & Soffitt Guaranteed Professional Installation. Lic./ Ins. References available.
J.M. TILE & MARBLE CUSTOM WORK
VS PAINTING WINTER SPECIAL
Tree Service
248-926-6631
I.D.C.
548
248-881-3478
WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS
Siding
248-894-3239
Buying A Home? Let Us Look Before You Leap! AFFORDABLE HOME INSPECTIONS Licensed Insured STERLING HOME SERVICES
ROOF LEAKS &
248-459-7894
FARR'S PAINTING
Plumbing
571
603
McPherson WELL SERVICE PUMPS •TANKS WELL REPAIR 2, 4, & 5 INCH
Emergency Service 7 days a week 248-
363-6464
aquawells.com All credit cards accepted
BOB WYCKOFF WELL DRILLING
586
Progressive Transportation Specializing in: •Appliances •Furniture •Debris Removal
New Construction & Remodel Commercial & Residential
Call anytime for estimates & great service
248-363-5864
248-887-4892
"If you have questions, we have answers!" •PUMPS •TANKS • WELL REPAIR
(248)310-0917
Emergency Service EASY PAYMENT PLANS No Credit Check Visa & MasterCard
PAGE 48
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
Union Lake Rd.
2199 HAGGERTY RD. At Pontiac Trail across from Lakes Professional Building
Commerce Rd.
.
morrismotorsmi.com Ric d hard son R
248-624-4500
Oakley Park
WALMART
Benstein Rd.
Maple Rd. M-5
Where You Need Us!
morrismotorsmi.com
Haggerty Rd.
RIGHT RIGHT HERE HERE
Trail tiac Pon
14 Mile Rd.
2000 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE #P1952
2010 CHEVROLET IMPALA
14,995
$
12,995
$
8,995
$
#P2024
6,995**
$
FEATURING
**
2010 NISSAN ALTIMA 4 DR. SDN IV CVT 2.5 S
2007 CHEVROLET CUBE VAN #P2044
#P2025
Was 17,995
19,995
17,995
19,995
$ $
$
$
2008 MALIBU LTZ
#P2015
17,995**
$
Now
**
15,995**
$
2008 PONTIAC G6
2010 FORD FUSION SE #P2018
15,995
$
13,995
$
18,995
$
#P2042
15,995**
$ **
2008 SATURN AURA #P2033
2005 GMC YUKON DENALI
15,995
$
#P2046
19,995
$
18,995
$
13,995**
$ ** Find us on Facebook
Morris Complete Inventory At: www.morrismotorsmi.com Motors Michigan For Peace of Mind: most of our vehicles have warranty or service contracts available.
**For purchase with qualified credit approval. Prices are plus tax, title, license & doc fee. Call dealer for more details. Offer good thru 1/4/12. 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.
Service Special
19
$
95*
M
OIL CHANGE
O I OTOR L
~ COUPON ~
+tax & dep. fee with coupon
*Includes up to 5 quarts of oil and oil filter. Excludes synthetic oil and diesel engines. Most vehicles–see service advisor for exceptions. With this coupon. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 1/11/12. SC
BG’s Cooling System Flush ~ COUPON ~
OUR FACTORY-TRAINED TECHNICIANS WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING: •Pressurized system leak test •Check belts and hoses •Check heater output $ Was99 129 •Flush cooling system
99
$
95
Plus tax and disposal. Most GM cars and trucks. All coupons must be presented at time of write up. Offers cannot be applied with any other offers. Chemical cleaning extra. Expires 1/11/12.
Battery Service
MORRIS BONUS BUCKS
& Charging System Check
10 Off 20 Off 30 Off
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
•Service battery and fully charge •Clean cables and connections •Check alternator output
Was 8500
$
19
$
95
WITH COUPON
SC
*Dead battery or draw concerns require added diagnosis Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Plus tax and shop supplies. Expires 1/11/12
248-624-4500
morrismotorsmi.com
Your Hometown Car & Truck Service and Maintenance Center for over 42 Years *Diagnosis extra, brake inspection extra
~CHILD FRIENDLY CUSTOMER LOUNGE~
SC
Any $100 Service Any $200 Service
Any $300 Service ANY MAKE OR MODEL
$ $ $ $ $
One coupon per customer. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 1/11/12. Excludes oil changes, brake promotion, tires and SRTA’S. Valid only in our service department. Must present coupon when order is written. SC
We Service All Makes and Models of GM Vehicles and most Domestic and Import models as well
WE OFFER: NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Most Repairs Completed Same Day
Enjoy your complimentary coffee while you wait • Work With Most Insurance Companies • Expert Mechanics and Technicians • Full Paint or Touch-Ups • Expert Color Matching • We Handle Large or Small Jobs
SERVICE, PARTS & BODY SHOP HOURS:
Mon. & Thurs.: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues., Wed. & Fri.: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
FREE Estimates on Collision Repairs!