SCN-7.18.12 by Kingsett

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7/18/12

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P. TRAIL/MAPLE WORK STARTS Walled Lake businesses to remain open during road construction project - pg. 7

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JUMPING INTO THE DEBATE

National Humane Society floats moratorium on killing of non-native swans - pg. 30

COMMUNITIES HAVE VARYING RULES GOVERNING LOCALE, SIZE OF CAMPAIGN STAPLES pg. 8 Campaign signs are becoming common as the primary election nears. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

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Age With Grace celebrates four-year anniversary – page 27 Hot Blues and BBQ event set for tomorrow in Wixom – page 16 Elementary school gets grant for new playscape feature – page 23

That’s what HE said: "We won't have our swans killed." — West Bloomfield Township Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy commenting on the township Board of Trustees rescinding a previously approved resolution allowing for the removal of mute swans, their nests and eggs from township lake sites.

INSIDE Lakes Area News . . . . . 7-21 Special Report . . . . . . . 8-11 Local Matters . . . . . . . 25-27 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . 29 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Community Calendar . . 37-39 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41

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DNA reveals new information in OC Child Killer case By Angela Niemi staff writer

Results of the latest DNA testing in the infamous Oakland County Child Killer case indicate none of the previously known suspects were donors of hairs found on the bodies of two victims and inside a vehicle owned by a person of interest, according to Oakland County Prosecutor's Office officials who held a press conference Tuesday, July 21. The press conference addressed human hairs collected in the 1970s from victim Mark Stebbins' clothing and Timothy King's nasal cavity and underwear. While the hairs found on the victims were found unsuitable for autosomal DNA testing, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing was able to show that the hairs have the same DNA profile — which is the first physical evidence that links the two crimes. However, mtDNA cannot be used to isolate a particular person, as autosomal DNA can, because it only traces the maternal line of a DNA sample. "When there is an mtDNA profile match, all that can be said is that a suspect cannot be eliminated as a potential donor. But the suspect cannot be positively identified only by a mtDNA profile match," said Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper. The mtDNA results also cannot be compared with the FBI's CODIS offender data base. The Oakland County Child Killer case has baffled law enforcement officials and held the public's attention in the 30-plus years since the murder of four Oakland County children between 1976 and 1977. The first victim was Stebbins, 12, of Ferndale, who was last seen alive in an American Legion Hall on Feb. 13, 1976. His body was found three days later in a parking lot in Southfield. Stebbins was strangled and sexually assaulted, postmortem, with an object. Jill Robinson, 12, reportedly ran

Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper (in red) is flanked by Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard (right) and members of the Oakland County Child Killer Task Force at a Tuesday, July 17 press conference on new information in the more than 30-year-old case. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

away from her Royal Oak home on Dec. 22, 1976. Her body was found the day after Christmas 1976, along I-75 in Troy. Robinson was killed by a single shotgun blast to the face. She was fully clothed and still wearing her backpack when she was found. The third victim, Kristine Mihelich, age 10, was last seen alive Jan. 2, 1977 around 3 p.m. at a 7-Eleven store in Berkley. Her fully-clothed body was found 19 days later in Franklin Village. She had been smothered. The last victim was 11-year-old King. He was last seen in a Birmingham parking lot on March 16, 1977, at around 8:30 p.m. His body was found March 22 in a shallow ditch in Livonia. He had been suffocated and sexually assaulted post-mortem. In 1976, Archibald "Ed" Sloan had been convicted of a sexual assault against a male minor and was considered as a person of interest in the Oakland County Child Killer case by the Southfield Police Department. He was interviewed and his car, a 1966 Pontiac Bonneville, was searched and fibers and hair samples were collected. That hair was recently tested and analyzed, indicating it shared the same mtDNA profile as the hairs collected from Stebbins and King. DNA was collected from Sloan, who is currently serving a life sentence for

two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Testing revealed Sloan, now 70, was not the donor of the hair found in his Bonneville or on Stebbins and King. All other known suspects were tested to see if their DNA profiles were similar to the profiles of the hairs found in the Bonneville and on the victims. None of those suspects were donors of the hairs recovered from the two victims or the vehicle, according to Cooper. Law enforcement officials are now asking for help in identifying anyone known to be associated with the 1966 Pontiac Bonneville or to identify and locate Sloan's associates and friends who may have driven the car during that time period. Cooper said that Sloan has not been cooperative with investigators, and hasn't named any friends or associates who may have used his vehicle at the time of the killings. Sloan also drove a 1969 black Chevy pickup and a 1971 blue Ford pickup, both of which were usually seen with a camper attached. Any information concerning these vehicles and the people who had access to them would be useful, as well. Anyone with any information about the case is encouraged to call 1-800442-7766. ❏

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Advocating for the deaf

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51st YEAR OF PUBLICATION Waterford • White Lake • Highland • Milford Commerce • Wolverine • Walled Lake • Wixom West Bloomfield • Orchard Lake • Union Lake PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: Susan Fancy BUSINESS MANAGER: Dennis Boggs EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Carol Barr EDITOR: ASSISTANT EDITOR: Tim Dmoch Kirk Pinho Staff Writers: Angela Niemi, Leslie Shepard, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Mike Scott, Mark Stowers Staff Photographer: Amy K. Lockard Photography Intern: Damon Tang ADVERTISING SALES: Account Representatives: Cindie Audia, Denise Engelberts, Linda Stickney, Laurie Wasker Sales Assistant/Proofing: Justina Vargas PHONE SALES MANAGER: Lori Snyder Account Representatives: Rhonda Libkuman, Cindy Stawick, Leslie Timko GRAPHICS: Denise Jungjohan, Marcia Reimer, Rob Robar IT MANAGER: Joel Stickney CIRCULATION: Dan Griffin ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGER: Carolyn Petherbridge Assistant: Mable McCullough PRESS RELEASES: Deadline 10 a.m. Thursday. Mail to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014. Fax 248.360.1220 or bring to office. After-hours drop box. NEWS TIPS: Post at our website MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: 52 issues - $45 per year.

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

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

Neubeck nets another term on state advisory council

renda Neubeck of White Lake Township was recently reappointed to the Michigan Advisory Council on Deaf and Hard of Hearing for a threeyear term ending in January of 2015. Neubeck, a Huron Valley Lakeland High School graduate, is the program director and case manager for Deaf HEAL (Health Education Advocacy Linkage) & Shield, a Deaf Community Advocacy Network (CAN) program that she has worked with for 15 years. The CAN program provides general and medical case management to deaf and hard of hearing individuals in southeast Michigan. She holds bachelor's degrees in health services administration and sign language studies from the University of Detroit-Mercy and Madonna University, respectively.In addition, Neubeck serves as the state chapter coordinator for the Hearing Loss Association of Michigan, further showcasing her compassion and dedication to the deaf and hard of hearing community and helping it gain full access to communication and resources. You were recently reappointed to the state’s Advisory Council on Deaf and Hard of Hearing. What does it mean to you to be asked to come back to serve on this council? What do you believe are the biggest issues affecting the deaf community that you hope that the council will address during your new term. How will you look to contribute to getting the word out? BN: I had been really quite surprised and pleased to be asked to return to the council and I think it has to do with my unique positions. I work at an agency that provides services for deaf and hard of hearing people and I’m also a person with a hearing loss representing the Hearing Loss Association of Michigan. We have been working on Public Act 204, which is the Deaf Person’s Interpreters Act. That was recently amended in 2007 and is currently still working on the rules and regulations for that amended law so that it can take effect here in Michigan. What that does is help to protect the rights of deaf people who use sign language interpreters to make sure that the state provides service providers with certified and registered interpreters who have the skills and the knowledge to do translations. How is that important to me? Because I work with the deaf community and it has been a very big issue to have people who say they are sign language interpreters be in a doctor’s appointment and interpreting for someone. So it’s not a very good situation

and we are looking out for our community members and we hope this will be coming into effect, hopefully next year. Tell our readers how important the state’s Advisory Council on Deaf and Hard of Hearing is to the deaf community in Michigan and how the state government reciprocates with the issues brought forth by the council. BN: The division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing is under the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. This division is responsible for creating communication access and providing services and programs to state government offices and to employees that have hearing loss, or (are) deaf and blind. We work with the council to ensure

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW that there is a continuum of communication access, not only for state employees and state offices, but for the residents of Michigan. We have approximately, right now, 1.4 million people in Michigan who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind, so it’s a very large population. We work with the division staff to address current and future needs as they come up and we make sure that the division has the appropriate resources to support any future goals or current goals that they may have. As an advisory council member, we provide assistance by making recommendations and providing key information and feedback that we may get from community members on their program. Tell us about your role with Deaf HEAL & Shield and what kind of cases you handle on a daily basis?

While a student at Madonna, what compelled you to pursue degrees in health services administration and sign language studies? BN: Deaf HEAL & Shield, HEAL (stands for) Health Education Advocacy Linkage program and that was recently funded by United Way in 2007. It’s a unique program (in which) we provide one-onone case management services to people who are deaf and hard of hearing or deaf-blind in southeast Michigan. A good way to tell you what we do is to describe a couple of cases. For example, we might have a deaf person whose first language is sign language and they come to us as an adult and find out that they are diagnosed with cancer but he didn’t have a good understanding of what type of cancer, he didn’t understand what his treatment options were, so we were able to work with him one-on-one, go to their medical appointments, make sure they had a certified interpreter, be there to help explain and make sure the consumer understands what their treatment options are. So this particular person unfortunately is no longer with us, but we were able to help him and his family from the time of his diagnosis all the way up to the time of his passing. So it was a sad experience, but a good experience and we think he learned a lot. Another example would be working with someone who is hard of hearing and maybe lost their hearing suddenly and hearing aids don’t help them, surgical options are not available, so we work with people like this to try to get them access to services. What are your ultimate hopes for the future of the deaf and hardof-hearing community? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? BN: We would like to see that we wouldn’t have to advocate anymore to provide effective communication for deaf and hard of hearing people, and hopefully technology is catching up. We have some technological advances that are helping the deaf and hard of hearing communities and we hope that will continue to make life a lot easier and allow everyone to have equal access. I hope to still see myself (at Deaf CAN) in 10 years continuing our work. I love what I do. I enjoy going out and teaching people about sensitivity training and providing advocacy services. ❏

By Michael Shelton

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

JULY 18-24, 2012

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LAKES AREA NEWS

City ready for traffic snarls Businesses to remain open during Pontiac Tr., Maple work By Leslie Shepard staff writer

he Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) began its major resurfacing project along Pontiac Trail and West Maple Road in Walled Lake on Monday, July 16, but it will be business as usual for the merchants in the area. “The city is working with the DDA (Downtown Development Authority) now that the city manager is the executive director over the DDA and we’re a more cohesive group,” said Department of Public Works (DPW) Coordinator Lisa McGill. “He (L. Dennis Whitt) is the glue binding the city with the DDA and committed to keeping business owners informed so they aren’t severely affected during this project that is desperately needed.” Strides have been made by both the city and the RCOC to ensure a smooth transition during road construction. “We mailed an information flyer to businesses and residents along Pontiac Trail and Maple about what the project is, the schedule, impact, and detour routes,” said RCOC Spokesperson Craig Bryson. “We also held a public information meeting on Nov. 2.” The Walled Lake DDA likewise held an information meeting for businesses in February. The roadways have been in a state of disrepair for several years and brutal for motorists to travel. The project was scheduled for 2013, but due to city officials persistently vocalizing their frustration, the project was moved up a year. “We’ve had a number of people pleased with the project because the road is in such bad shape,” Bryson said. The city and the DDA are current-

Milford targeted in lawsuit by family of drowning victim By Michael Shelton staff writer

More than a year after Douglas

Walled Lake and Road Commission for Oakland County officials have been doing the legwork to keep businesses and residents apprised of the Monday, July 16 start of a major resurfacing project along Pontiac Trail and West Maple Road. Project costs are estimated at $2.6 million, of which $1.9 million will be federally funded. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

ly exerting a lot of effort placating and assisting area merchants concerned about the potential havoc the project could cause for their businesses. The city intends to erect signage this week at city entrances stating that all businesses are open during road construction. McGill said the city is also looking at other ways to advertise the businesses so they continue to

prosper during the project. Moreover, the DPW is on standby to take care of issues if and when they arise. “We’re focused on controlling the activities with the road construction and helping the businesses suffering through the process,” Whitt said. The reconstruction project impacts the stretch of roadway along Pontiac Trail between West Maple Road and

Killingbeck drowned while trying to save the life of a 16-year-old boy, his family is now taking Milford to court. A lawsuit was filed in Oakland County Circuit Court last month by Killingbeck’s wife, Karen, against Milford Village, Milford Township, the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA), Village Canoe Rental, and the

Knox Presbyterian Church in Macomb County. The lawsuit consists of three counts of negligence, among other charges, and is asking for more than $25,000 for each count, naming the village, township and HCMA as the owners of a dam near where Killingbeck, 48, drowned.

South Commerce Road. During the project, Pontiac Trail will remain open, but will be reduced to one lane in each direction. However West Maple Road will be closed at the west side of Pontiac Trail from the start of the project through the end of August. The detour route for West Maple Road traffic will be Pontiac Trail to Ladd Road to West Maple and vice versa. South Commerce will also be closed at Pontiac Trail for about three weeks, but there is no definitive date set when that will occur. When South Commerce is closed at Pontiac Trail, the detour route for South Commerce traffic will be Pontiac Trail to Decker to South Commerce and vice versa. West Maple will close at the east side of Pontiac Trail, but not until September. The project involves a complete reconstruction, where the existing concrete is removed and new concrete is laid on Pontiac Trail from South Commerce to just south of East West Maple Road. In addition, another 1,000-foot section of Maple east of Pontiac Trail will be replaced. In addition to new concrete, there will be curb and gutter replacement conducted, as well as a new traffic signal configurations installed at the Maple and Pontiac Trail intersection. The railroad crossing will also be removed. Project costs are estimated at $2.6 million, of which $1.9 million will be federally funded. The balance of $735,000 will be shared by Walled Lake and the RCOC. “The city can use Tri-party funds to pay for the reconstruction so our contribution will be $78,000,” McGill said. The project is expected to be completed sometime in November. ❏ He died after he jumped into the Huron River on May 21, 2011 in an effort to save 16-year-old John Przydatek of Harrison Township after Przydatek and his friend fell out of an

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 12

➥

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

By Leslie Shepard staff writer

SPECIAL REPORT

est Oakland County residents know all about the annual bloom of orange road construction barrels during the summertime and the headaches that causes, but some lakes area residents can also expect the proliferation of political signage at least every other summer, as well. As such, many local communities have rules on the books governing where and when campaign signs can be erected, as well as how large they can be. That doesn’t always sit well with some. The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, for example, has often challenged the constitutionality of some municipalities’ — including the city of Troy and the city of Clawson here in Oakland County — political sign ordinances, citing First Amendment rights. Michael J. Steinberg, legal director for the ACLU of Michigan, said it really boils down to fairness in rules governing speech. “(A unit of government) may implement reasonable restrictions on speech, including political signs, but it certainly may not treat commercial speech more favorably than political speech,” he said. “That’s what we see in the ordinances in many municipalities throughout the state, ordinances that treat commercial speech more favorably than political speech.” “Let’s say a city says to its residents that they cannot put out a political sign 45 days before an election,” said Rana Elmir, the ACLU of Michigan’s communications director. “That would be unconstitutional for many reasons, but also because generally they don’t have those same restrictions for commercial speech.” Steinberg said that, although the ACLU of Michigan has fought and won legal cases challenging the constitutionality of some political sign ordinances, many still exist on the books today — including some in west Oakland County. As for communities — such as Wayne County’s Redford Township, which recently received a letter from the ACLU of Michigan challenging its sign ordinance on behalf of a political candidate for office — that have political sign rules that restrict when signs can be erected, such as 30 or 45 days before an election? “They are lucky that they don’t get sued,” Steinberg said. “City councils and city attorneys would be well advised to amend their ordinances so that they don’t violate the free

Signs of the times

Local political signage regulations differ speech rights of residents in their community. “I think it’s odd that cities typically provide more protection to Halloween decorations than they do to political signs,” Steinberg added. “If you walk around in the neighbor-

"(A unit of government) may implement reasonable restrictions on speech, including political signs, but it certainly may not treat commercial speech more favorably than political speech."

hood leading up to a November election, you will see Halloween decorations all over the yards of people throughout Michigan. Some people

think that these decorations and tombstones and spiders and whatnot are ugly, yet there’s no ordinance regulating them. Yet, if somebody wants to put up a 6-square-foot sign or put up several signs, all of the sudden the city is cracking down on political signs, and that shouldn’t happen in a democracy.” Steinberg noted that “certain reasonable restrictions” on campaign signage exist, but if they are put into place, there must be a level of parity between the rules that govern political speech and the rules that govern commercial speech. What follows is a rundown of the rules lakes area communities have in place for political signs. WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP While political signs have been popping up like daisies in White Lake Township, the township is mainly leaving them alone until after the election. “The general attitude is that we aren’t going to be touching any,” said township Clerk Terry Lilley. “There’s only a couple of weeks left (until the primary election).” Political signs are cited in the

township’s sign ordinance, and as such there are specific rules and regulations for them: Any such sign advertising for a candidate for political office or advocating a position on a ballot proposal can’t be erected more than 45 days prior to a primary election and must be removed within five days after the election.

"City councils and city attorneys would be well advised to amend their ordinances so that they don't violate the free speech rights of residents in their community.”

Temporary political signs cannot be illuminated and may only be placed on

JULY 18-24, 2012

manent basis. There is no time limit for their installation or removal. “Our ordinance was amended in March 2010 and our legal staff put a lot of time into state and national rulings on this,” said Waterford Code Enforcement Officer Patrick Ogg. “There is no time limit when they can be put up — they could be up all year, but most people won’t do that. There is also no time limit to take

"The general attitude is that we aren't going to be touching any," said township Clerk Terry Lilley. "There's only a couple of weeks left (until the primary election)."

them down. They could stay up until they’re in disrepair.” All election signs must be erected on private property. The placement or

erection of election signs within a public rights-of-way is strictly prohibited, and election signs cannot be located on township-owned property. “We do sign sweeps two times a week,” Ogg said. “Those election signs in the road right-of-way are confiscated and placed in our storage yard, but individuals have the ability to pick them up.” No election sign can be placed closer than 20 feet from a roadway. “They can’t be closer than 20 feet from the curb, edge of the blacktop, or whichever is the farthest; on dirt roads, it’s 20 feet from the improved surface,” Ogg said. On corner lots, signs can be placed no closer than 25 feet from the roadway. “The amended ordinance gives them a break, and it’s more consistent for us to control and for the individual to carry out,” Ogg said.”People take their positions and elections seriously. It’s also a financial issue. Signs are expensive and the volunteers take a lot of time to put them up, so any time one is removed it can be taken personally.” Typical complaints include that there are too many political signs on one lot or that they are placed in the road right-of-way, in violation of the township rules.

PAGE 9

“Complaints could be (lodged) by a citizen who doesn’t like signage or one candidate against another,” Ogg said. “We had one person who complained about five to seven locations, and a couple other complaints.” Ogg said last week that of the 35 signs improperly placed in the township and collected, 18 were political. In residential zoning districts, each political sign is limited to a maximum of 6 square feet in area and 4 feet in height. In non-residential zoning districts, election signs are limited to one sign of a maximum of 32 square feet in area and 8 feet in height. Only one additional sign per candidate and ballot issue per zoning lot is allowed at a maximum of 6 square feet in area and 4 feet in height. Code enforcement removes elections signs if they are not in compliance with the ordinance provisions. For residential properties, the department merely informs the property owners of the rules. All signs not retrieved after being confiscated and held in the township storage yard within 15 days after an election are discarded. WALLED LAKE Political campaign signs are permitted in all districts in the city and may be freestanding or hung on walls. The maximum size allowed is 32 square feet, and height is capped at 10 feet. No limit has been established on the number of signs allowed on each parcel. Signs may be placed 30 days prior to an election and must be removed 10 days following the election. “Even though there’s no limit (on the number of signs), there is still control in the ordinance,” said Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Rondeau. So far the city has not received any complaints this year, unlike in years past. “One year someone was running for judge and put up a 4-by-8 banner on a curb,” Rondeau said. “I took it down and the individual got very upset. This year, so far, we haven’t had any issues.” WIXOM Wixom allows political signage in all zoning districts. The maximum size is 16 square feet per side. Signs may be located on public property, but not in a road right-of-way and not within 5 feet of the traveled portion of a road. Political signs may not be posted any more than 60 days prior to an election and must be removed no more than 14 days after the election. Wixom City Clerk Cathy Buck said PAGE 11 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

SPECIAL REPORT

private property with the permission of the property owner. Signs cannot not have a surface area of more than 16 square feet per sign as measured on one side of a two-sided sign. No sign shall be more than 6 feet above the average grade of the front lot line. HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP Political signs are considered temporary signs under Highland Township’s sign ordnance. They are permitted provided they are not located within or hang over any road, pedestrian, or public right-of-way. They also cannot be erected in any manner that would present a traffic hazard or public safety issue. The ordinance outlines a few other stipulations that must be met with regard to sign size, height, and the location of temporary signs. The total sign area of all temporary signs on any one site cannot exceed 12 feet, and the maximum height is 3 feet for a freestanding sign. Campaign signs cannot be located closer than 15 feet from the edge of the traveled portion of a roadway and cannot be placed in a manner that creates a hazard of any kind. Temporary signs also may not be placed on a public sidewalk. The permission of the property owner where the sign is placed must be secured before the sign is erected or placed there. Each temporary sign is to be removed at the the end of the event, party, sale, or lease based upon the purpose of the sign. According to Highland Clerk Mary McDonell, the Township Hall has received some complaints about political signs but unless they are “horrendous and impairing the sight of drivers,” the township isn’t removing them or enforcing the rules. “There has been some grumbling, but we really can’t control all of it,” McDonell. COMMERCE TOWNSHIP Staff in the Commerce Township Clerk’s Office said the township has received some complaints over political signs, but also said the township can’t do anything about them because Commerce doesn’t have an ordinance addressing political signs. WATERFORD TOWNSHIP Waterford Township exempts temporary election signs from the obligation to meet design and structural requirements; from application, permit and inspection requirements; and from other requirements. Unlike other signs in the township, including other types of temporary signs, election signs are not intended to be displayed on a per-

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SPECIAL REPORT

Political signs ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 9

there were no complaints lodged by city residents about political signage during the last election cycle, nor have there been any lodged so far this year. WOLVERINE LAKE Wolverine Lake also enforces political signage restrictions as part of its sign ordinance. Temporary political signs may be erected on private property. The person or organization responsible for installing or distributing such signage must remove them within 14 days after the primary or special elections to which they pertain — unless the signs continue to be pertinent to a general election held within 90 days, after which they must be removed within 14 days. “The ordinance is enforced by our code enforcement officer,” said Village Manager Sharon Miller. No political sign can exceed 20 square feet in area or 5 feet in length, except in residential districts. In those areas no political sign can exceed 10 square feet in area, 3 feet in height, and 5 feet in length. A maximum of seven signs may be placed on a building or on a zoning lot. “We haven’t had any complaints yet, but signs are just starting to crop up,” Miller said. ORCHARD LAKE Orchard Lake’s temporary sign ordinance states that election signs are permitted in all zoning districts within the city. The maximum size is 16 square feet per sign, which must be no more than 5 feet tall. “We’ve had some complaints about signs being too large,” said Director of City Services Gerry McCallum. “There was one sign on the commercial side of town where we had to contact the individual. He replaced it with a smaller sign in conformance with the ordinance.” Political signs are permitted to remain up until 14 days following an election, except for successful primary candidates that are certified to move on to the general election ballot. “We absolutely enforce this ordinance,” McCallum said. “We redid this ordinance five to six years ago because it wasn’t as consistent as it is now.” Temporary signs are required to be a minimum of 10 feet from the traveled portion of a road and permission for placement must be obtained from the owner of property abutting the road. “We’ve also had complaints about

setbacks and some signs creeping out toward the road, so our police or myself remove them and keep them at the city,” McCallum said. “The point is to inform the individual and make them comply, but if there isn’t any phone number on the signage, we won’t put in the effort to inform them and (will) just keep (the sign) at the city.” On a street corner, two signs are permitted, one facing each street.

damage will be removed immediately. WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP West Bloomfield Township has an ordinance geared specifically toward political signs. The faces of signs are required to not be more than 6 square feet in area, per face, with a maximum of two faces and no more than 3 feet in height, according to the ordinance. In non-residential districts, the

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VOTE FOR ME By Colin Bartlett Lakefront lots are also limited to two signs, one facing the road and one facing the lake. One sign is permitted for each access road into a development, provided that such signs are spaced at least 500 feet apart. No signs are permitted to be installed in or project into a public right-of-way.

"The point is to inform the individual and make them comply, but if there isn't any phone number on the signage, we won't put in the effort to inform them and (will) just keep (the sign) at the city."

Temporary window signs that are faded, yellowed, ripped or show any

faces of signs can’t be more than 32 square feet in area, per face, with a maximum of two faces and no more than 6 feet in height. The ordinance also states that “there shall be no illumination of political-election signs unless application is made and a permit is issued for any electrical materials and components.” Also, no election signs are permitted within the triangular area formed at the intersection of any street rightof-way lines by a straight line drawn between the right-of-way lines at a distance along each line of 25 feet from their point of intersection. All political signs also must be located outside of all road rights-ofway. If the right-of-way cannot be determined, then the signs must be located at least 20 feet from the edge of the curb or traveled portion of the road. The ordinance also states that no political sign will be located on township-owned property or attached to any utility pole, tree, or other structure located within a right ofway. An election sign may be displayed in the window of a principal building. All election signs also must be removed 10 days following the elec-

tion for which the sign has been displayed, according to the ordinance. Code Enforcement Supervisor Eric Beauchamp said the ordinance is actively enforced and that any complaints the Code Enforcement Department receives are typically from elected officials when they complain that their signs are being picked up. Beauchamp said that signs are usually picked up for being in a road’s right-of-way, but the department has not seen any violations yet this year. MILFORD TOWNSHIP Milford Township’s ordinance regarding signage doesn’t have a section geared specifically toward political signs, but does state that “political signs promoting political parties, candidates, or proposals shall be permitted within any zoning district for a maximum of 10 days after the election. “Signs in residentially zoned areas shall not exceed 32 square feet in total for all signs so provided on each zoning lot,” the ordinance states. Township Building Official Timothy Brandt said that the township has usually stayed away from political sign enforcement and said that people can have signs close to a road’s edge. “We don’t typically take down signs in the road’s right-of-way,” Brandt said. “We really have no complaints.” MILFORD VILLAGE Milford Village’s sign ordinance mentions political signage in its temporary signs section, permitting “nonilluminated temporary signs promoting political parties, candidates, or proposals, so long as such signs are removed within three days after the completion of election activities.” Signs in residential areas are limited to 6 square feet; signs in non-residential districts are capped at 32 square feet. Milford Village Clerk Debbie Schultz said that the village has an ordinance officer out every weekday and sometimes on Saturdays. She added that signs can only be on private property and cannot be in a road’s right-of-way or on village-owned property. “When people come in asking about when they can post political signs, I try to tell them to hold off as long as possible because we don’t want them up in May for a primary election,” Schultz said. John Crete of the Milford Village Ordinance Enforcement Bureau said that the bureau hasn’t seen any violations yet this election cycle. ❏ Staff writers Angela Niemi and Michael Shelton, and Assistant Editor Kirk Pinho contributed to this report.

PAGE 12

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Killingbeck suit ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 7

overturned canoe. Przydatek was sucked under the water surface by a strong current near a dam on the river close to Hubbel Pond Park. Both Killingbeck and Przydatek drowned. Przydatek’s 16-year-old friend ended up making it to shore. It was later discovered that the teenagers were not wearing life jackets, while Killingbeck was wearing one at the time of the incident. In response to last year’s incident, the village installed a buoy system with an additional cable across an opening upstream from the dam. The lawsuit states that the Hubbel Pond Dam is a low-head dam, a type of dam reportedly known to be “drowning machines” with a reverse current not visible from the surface that sucks people under the water surface. The suit also states that the dam area was the site of the drownings of a 29-year-old man in 2004 and a 41year-old man in 2006, as well as two near-drownings in 2006 and 2010. Shortly after Killingbeck and Przydatek’s deaths, a kayaker nearly drowned near the dam when his kayak capsized, and later, the body of 56-year-old David Olesko was found floating near the dam, according to the lawsuit. The suit also alleges that Village Canoe Rental did not warn Przydatek and his companion, didn’t make them wear life jackets, and allowed them to go out onto the river without adult supervision. It also alleges that the Knox Presbyterian Church organized the canoe trip and should have known of the dangers of the river and failed to supervise the boys. Killingbeck’s bravery warranted recognition from the Carnegie Hero Fund, which earlier this year named him as a posthumous recipient of the Carnegie Medal. ❏

Probe launched in theft of WB cards that count votes By Michael Shelton staff writer

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Less than a month before the Aug. 7 primary election, a police investigation is looking into the theft of votetabulating computer cards from the West Bloomfield Township Clerk’s Office.

“We’re investigating missing property and from our preliminary review, there is no sign of forced entry,” said West Bloomfield Police Chief Michael Patton. “The clerk (Cathy Shaughnessy) has security measures in place and we’ll conduct an investigation of who was in the building, who had access, conduct a series of interviews with employees, and we’ll proceed from there.” Patton added that from what he’s seen, the integrity of the upcoming primary election has not been compromised. The cards were discovered missing on the morning of Wednesday, July 11 after they were being tested the previous day in the same secured location. Shaughnessy said that backup cards are in a sealed environment and are ready for use during the primary election, which she said will not be affected by the theft. She added that even if the stolen cards were tampered with, procedures are in place that would have uncovered the tampering. Patton said he doesn’t know what the motivation for the theft would be, but said that it’s “wide-open.” ❏

Ex-DDA chief Long receives $17,333 in severance deal By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Former Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Executive Director Charlene Long will receive a four-month severance package approved by the City Council following the termination of her position with the DDA. The city agreed to pay Long a severance payment equal to four months salary for a total of $17,333, less any applicable deductions. In return, Long agreed to sign a waiver that she would not sue the city or file any legal claims. Long served the DDA on and off for over a decade. Her last day of employment was June 30 after the City Council made line item changes — including elimination of Long’s full-time position — before approving a 201213 DDA budget. The council then agreed to fund a part-time DDA administrative position, thus reducing the salary and expense line items from $63,600 to up to $50,000. The DDA is currently seeking a suit-

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LAKES AREA NEWS

City has to pony up $35K in tax tribunal case By Leslie Shepard staff writer

After a year of negotiating a state Tax Tribunal settlement with the Oakland County Equalization Division, the Orchard Lake Country Club will be receiving a tax refund complements of the city of Orchard Lake Village, area schools, and the county. The Orchard Lake City Council approved the settlement at its Monday, July 16 meeting. The club’s Tax Tribunal case applies to the 2009-2012 tax years. At issue was the main piece of property where the golf course and clubhouse are located, along with the smaller out-lot on Elmgate Drive, where a pumphouse is situated. Initially the country club requested a 43 percent tax reduction for the main piece of property. The initial assessment pegged the property’s taxable value for 2009 at $6.1 million, and the club requested a decrease in that assessment to $3.5 million; for 2010, it was assessed at $5.6 million and the club asked for a modification to $3.2 million. For 2011, the taxable value was assessed at $4.9 million, but the club requested that be changed to $2.8 million. For 2012, it was assessed at $4.7 million and the club asked for a reduction to $2.7 million. “These are typically settled before

Long severance ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 12

able part-time replacement, but City Manager L. Dennis Whitt will fill in for the meantime. “City Council has reverted back to the 1990 bylaws with the (DDA) executive director as city manager,” Whitt said. “There’s no salary associated with it for me.” Other city administrative staff is pitching in. “I’ve moved some staff over as a temporary solution while the DDA is reconfigured,” Whitt said. “We’re moving back to downtown development and focusing on that.” The task at hand is to support businesses during a time of flux while a significant road resurfacing project along Pontiac Trail and Maple Road is

The Orchard Lake City Council recently approved terms of an agreement to settle the Orchard Lake Country Club’s complaint filed with the state Tax Tribunal. The club challenged its property assessments for the 2009-2012 tax years, and will receive a partial refund from the city and other taxing authorities under the approved settlement. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

going to the state tribunal because of added attorney and appraisal fees,” said Orchard Lake Director of City Services Gerry McCallum. Both parties compromised, resulting in a 2009 taxable value of $4.9 million (a 19.6 percent reduction); $4.6 million (a 17.8 percent reduction) for 2010; a taxable value of $4.1 million (a 16.3 percent drop) for 2011; and a $3.8 million taxable value (19.1 percent decrease) for 2012. Orchard Lake Country Club member

Dave Boerger said the assessed value of the property was off the mark in the first place. “The club isn’t getting a windfall,” Boerger said of the pending refund. “The club property is overvalued and we’re all paying more than we should, along with other residents. The city, county and schools will now have to refund this.” However, the club property is zoned for residential land use — unlike most country clubs, which are typically zoned for recreational land use —

which makes the club’s property worth more. “We are asking the Oakland County assessor to look at the difference and the effect on the assessment,” said Orchard Lake Mayor Bruce McIntyre. The total refund for the country club amounts to $196,367 between the schools, county and the city. Orchard Lake’s portion is $35,657. The city budgeted $70,000 for tax tribunal cases this year. ❏

conducted. The project began this week. “The other thing we’re focused on is controlling the activities with the road construction and helping the businesses suffering through the process,” Whitt said. ❏

“We’re one of the first to utilize this system,” said Treasurer Margaret Birch. “Texas and California are using it with success. This is a good thing.” The emergency notification service is capable of sending severe weather alerts directly to community members, and generates revenues by sending out notices to collect what’s owed on citations, warrants, utility bills, and licensing fees, among others. “This is top of the line,” said Waterford Police Chief Dan McCaw. “Any time there’s an emergency like a water main break, or power outage ... there are many usages such as billings, parking ticket notifications, water payments, but the beauty is you can go online anywhere and access the system.” The Waterford Police Department and Waterford School District were

named co-recipients of a Save Our Schools (SOS) grant in the amount of $353,385 for 2011 and 2012. The grant requires a 50 percent match. A committee comprised of Waterford Schools and township administration members researched and identified a trio of companies to provide the service over an eightmonth period, and ultimately awarded a contract to Blackboard Connect. The cost is prorated at $19,875, with the township’s portion equaling $9,938 and budgeted for in the Police Department’s 2012 budget. The price for 2013 is $39,750, with 50 percent covered by the Police Department.

Waterford working on emergency alert service By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Waterford Township reportedly will be the first community in the lakes area to provide a cutting-edge emergency notification system to its residents.

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 16

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Notification system ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 15

50 YEARS AGO July 19, 1962 Union Lake village is bustling with excitement these days, as the final preparations for Paul Bunyan Days, Aug. 7-8, begin to take shape. Members of the Union Lake Area Business Association, which sponsors the annual gala event, are lucky to find a spare minute to relax. All Union Lake shoppers should be sure to ask the merchants for Paul Bunyan tickets whenever they make a purchase of $1 or more. Each ticket deposited with one of the participating merchants entitles the holder to a chance for one of the many terrific prizes which will be given away during the two-day festivities. A variety of boots, all managed by the business people themselves, will be located between the bank and the post office. Parade lovers will want to line the streets at 7 on Wednesday night to get a good view of the many floats which are being built by local non-profit organizations. 40 YEARS AGO July 19, 1972 A shooting spree broke out last week at a carnival located next to the Pontiac Mall. No one was injured but 39-yearold Reginald Locke was taken into custody by Waterford police after allegedly threatening and firing at a carnival performer. He had emptied one pistol and had begun emptying a second one when according to Waterford police they surprised and apprehended him. Locke, who was once employed by the carnival, allegedly made a threat earlier this year to Mark Sunquist, a 23-year-old performer. Sunquist had married Locke’s former girlfriend. Because of the marriage, according to Sunquist, Locke told his rival, “You don’t live out the season; you will die before the end of six months.” 30 YEARS AGO July 21, 1982 A petition signed by 42 parents of children attending the Crescent Lake Elementary School calling for the removal of a teacher was submitted to the board of education recently. The teacher, who is not being identified until he can be informed of the complaint, is charged with being an unsatisfactory teacher. Parent Virginia Poehlman read a

statement to the board asking the board to respond to their complaints and call for the teacher’s dismissal by the Thursday, Aug. 5 board meeting. 20 YEARS AGO July 15, 1992 One of the most controversial, divisive issues to face the Charter Township of Milford in recent years will again be raised tonight — banning the use of firearms within the township. The Committee for a Safer Milford has requested that the township board consider the group’s request to adopt an ordinance banning the discharge of weapons in Milford Township. The Safer Milford people asked the board to provide information on how to place the issue on the ballot if the board chooses not to consider either the ordinance or placing the item on the ballot itself. In 1989, the township convened a Hunting Area Control Commission (HACC) to review the need to restricting hunting within Milford. The HACC recommendations resulted in the eventual closing of 20 parcels of land to hunting. The board’s decision to accept the HACC guidelines is currently being challenged in a lawsuit. The possibility that any section of the township could be closed to hunting or the use of firearms in 1989 sent a shockwave of anger throughout the Milford community and drew national attention causing hunting advocates such as rock star Ted Nugent, the National Rifle Association and property rights advocates to converge on the township. Residents who opposed the use of firearms for safety reasons also flocked to the board meeting held on the subject.

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The company’s proposal has now been reduced from $2.35 to $1.50 per household, with a price freeze until 2015. The proposal based the price on the number of households tallied in the 2010 census, which other vendors refused to do. According to McCaw, the Blackboard Connect program is Internet-based and user-friendly. Moreover, the company is reputable and long-standing, in business since 1997. “They’ve been on the educational side for many years and the municipality side for the last decade,” McCaw said. Waterford board members accepted the grant allocation and approved the initiative at their July 9 meeting. Now administration officials will be working alongside the contractor to implement the hardware and software over the next few months. Once implemented, residents will be able to register their digitized device of choice on the township website for the automated service. ❏

Three on city staff to get pay hike of 2.5 percent By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Orchard Lake City Council voted Monday, July 16 to approve a trio of administrative contracts including small wage increases similar to those unionized employees recently received. The administrative group consists of Police Chief Joe George, City Clerk Rhonda McClellan, and Director of City Services Gerry McCallum. McClellan and McCallum’s contracts are effective July 1 through June 30, 2014, whereas George’s contract expires in 2013. “Chief George came on board in May and the other two were already here, so that’s why (the expiration dates) don’t match up,” said Mayor Bruce McIntyre. There were three changes in the newly-inked contracts. First, the group will receive a 2.5 percent wage increase. However, there is a clause for a wage reopener in each year of the contracts. Secondly, compensation time will be modified. Currently the three administrators can either use compensation time or receive cash instead. Cash is no longer an option effective Jan. 1, 2013. “We gave them a hiatus of six months, but it will be limited to time

off rather than cash,” McIntyre said. Lastly, while the group is still entitled to earn a $2,000 bonus each year, the achievement goals have changed. “They have the opportunity to earn not to exceed $2,000 (in a bonus) if they meet goals and this contact repeats the clause, but the goals have changed because some were outdated,” McIntyre said. McCallum said the group was pleased with the overall agreement. “We’re fortunate to have raises,” he said. “The city is pretty financially healthy.” ❏

Hot Blues and BBQ event slated for July 19 in Wixom By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Wixom residents are promised smokin’ hot entertainment, savory barbecue, and family-friendly activities during the Wixom Hot Blues and BBQ event slated for 6 to 10 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, July 19 at Sibley Square Park on Pontiac Trail. Ribs smothered in barbecue sauce, tender pulled pork and succulent chicken are just some of the tasty food expected to be available as Randy’s Roadhouse BBQ, Chef Noodles of Wixom, Alex’s, and new vendor Rich Linville BBQ serve up top-notch summer favorites. Other food vendors will be also be on hand, including Marco’s Pizza, known for its mouth-watering pizzas; and Passmores Concessions, which will be selling nachos, popcorn, cotton candy, elephant ears, and beverages. New this year are display booths representing eight Wixom businesses. “Everyone can enjoy our food vendors, as well as our downtown local businesses,” said Wixom Parks and Recreation Director Deanna Magee. Adults can count on a wine and beer tent again this year. “We will be featuring Short’s Brewing, a Michigan-based company,” said Wixom Parks and Recreation Supervisor Linda Hinkley. Two bands will take the stage to perform their bluesy rock repertoires during the event. From 6 to 8 p.m., the spotlight shines on the Randy Brock Group, a staple of the Detroit music scene for 13 years. The band has opened for some of the most legendary names in music such as

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 17

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LAKES AREA NEWS

New city signs to highlight Wixom’s history By Leslie Shepard staff writer

hanks to grant money, the Wixom Historical Society is putting the finishing touches on a wayside exhibit to depict the city’s automotive and ground transportation heritage. A six-member ad hoc committee of the Wixom Historical Society took up the effort to apply for the grant. “The grant started with the National Park Service,” said Wixom Historical Society Secretary and Ad Hoc Committee Member Laure Dorchak. “Different areas have their own unique heritage and southeast Michigan was designated as the MotorCities heritage area because of the automotive industry, labor movement, and ground transportation.” The MotorCities Wayside Exhibit program has already cropped up in communities like Northville, Milford and Flint. Now Wixom has joined them in taking advantage of grant money to celebrate its origins. “The Historical Society did a tremendous job in finding a grant opportunity to preserve the historical review of this community,” said Assistant City Manager Tony Nowicki. “Wixom has a rich and interesting history and a lot has shaped it from the early agricultural days to the automotive era. To go into the future we need to know where we came from.” A trio of agencies fund the initiatives, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries. The grant will fund 300 signs to be placed throughout southeast Michigan, as well as in Flint and Jackson. Each sign costs $1,250. The

Hot Blues & BBQ ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 16

Journey, Ted Nugent, Eddie Money, and CCR. From 8 to 10 p.m., Michael May and the Messarounds take the stage and promise to keep the crowd enthralled with jumpin’ jive and muscular vocals. The group is known as

Joe Hines (right) poses with the Wixom Historical Society committee members who worked on the MotorCities Wayside Exhibit signs that Hines designed. The interpretive signs will be posted in the city to highlight its automotive and railroad heritage. (Photo submitted by Laure Dorchak/Wixom Historical Society)

grant funds the lion’s share — $875 per sign — of the costs. In Wixom, the Historical Society picks up the remaining $375 per sign. Two signs are nearly ready to be installed in Wixom. One focuses on Wixom’s railroad heritage and is entitled “Intersecting Lines Put Wixom on the Map.” The sign details how the railroad was built in 1871 and its historical significance in the city. According to Dorchak, Willard Clark Wixom donated his property for two railroads to come through the area. One of the railroads was the Pere Marquette (now CSX), and the second was the Grand Trunk Railway. The intersection of the two railroads later became known as Wixom Station. Wixom later donated additional money toward businesses to locate near the railroads. “Ironically he was killed by the very train that he brought to the area,” Dorchak said.

The placard also highlights the December 1925 fire that destroyed much of the village where Wixom sits today. It’s believed that the massive fire was ignited in the railway pump house. The exhibit also fast forwards to 1992, when the train ferried President George H.W. Bush to the city during his re-election campaign. The sign is expected to be placed in Mack Park overlooking the railroad. The second sign outlines the history of the Ford Wixom Assembly Plant. When I-96 was being constructed in the 1950s, Ford Motor Co. began seeking a new location for an assembly plant. The Wixom area was the location of choice because of the railroad, but Wixom was still an unincorporated village at that time. Half of what is Wixom today was located in Commerce Township, with the other half being part of Novi. “The southern part of Wixom was

within the Novi Township borders and would have had to share those tax dollars with the entire township, but if they were a city they wouldn’t have to,” Dorchak said. Ultimately the residents in the Wixom village area broke away and pursued cityhood while those in the Novi Township quadrant followed suit. “It became a race to the finish with Wixom getting its cityhood first and consequently getting the Ford Wixom Assembly Plant,” Dorchak said. The railroad, freeway and Ford plant were the impetus for Wixom’s formation, Dorchak said. The ad hoc committee is still discussing where the automotive heritage placard will be installed. “We want it in an area with good foot and bike traffic,” Dorchak said. Planning for a third sign delineating the history of Pontiac Trail is in the infancy stages. ❏

one of the best emerging bands in the area and for performing first-rate covers of legendary tunes. Also at 8 p.m., Neu Wixom Dance Academy will perform a dance demonstration. The Wixom event also provides kid activities that include mini golf, inflatables, mechanical bull rides, a climbing wall, and carnival rides. These attractions are available with the pur-

chase of a $5 wrist band. The Wixom Fire Department ladder truck will be on site so kids of all ages can climb aboard and explore. Sponsoring the event this year are Genisys Credit Union; Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc.; Exquisite Car Care; and Short’s Brewing Company. Event admission is free of charge. Parking is available on the south side of Pontiac Trail with activities set

up on the north side of Pontiac Trail at Sibley Park (in the Village Center Area). “We are doing this in conjunction with the Farmer’s Market featuring 35 vendors,” Hinkley said. ❏

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 18

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LAKES AREA NEWS

July 20th Groove Therapy

August 10th Tavistock Young attendees of the Milford Summer Palooza event, held July 13-15 in downtown Milford, found a fun way to beat the heat on this giant, inflatable water slide. The event included downtown merchants offering discounts and sales inside their stores and on the streets, live music, a Vegas tent, and a beer tent. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

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Indian Springs to be site of solar energy system By Angela Niemi staff writer

Indian Springs Metropark may soon become one of a handful of facilities hosting a SolarCurrents photovoltaic (PV) power system operated by DTE Energy. According to White Lake Township Planning Director Sean O’Neil, DTE is trying to “fast track” the project. It has already gained the approval of the White Lake Township Planning Commission. “It’s a unique facility. There’s only a handful in Michigan,” O’Neil said. The project went before the White Lake Township Board of Trustees during its meeting last night, Tuesday, July 17, after press time. The PV array is part of the SolarCurrents utility-owned pilot program where DTE Energy obtains easement rights to locate large solar arrays — between 100kW and 500 kW — on suitable property in southeast Michigan. According to its website, DTE builds, owns, and maintains the PV system, while also receiving all energy, capacity and environmental and renewable attributes generated by the system. Meanwhile, the property owner receives an annual income generated as an easement payment. “It will be an alternative power source for feeding the power grid. It

will also offer educational opportunities at the park for park-goers on solar energy,” O’Neil said. DTE provides an on-site educational solar energy kiosk for sites with an educational aspect or with a high volume of visitor traffic. The Indian Springs Metropark is located in both White Lake and Springfield townships. ❏

Village may place fish structures in its namesake lake By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Anglers fishing in Wolverine Lake may soon be reeling in bigger and more catches if the Village Council votes to allow fish structures to be placed in the village’s namesake. The Water Management Board recently recommended that the Village Council consider the strategic placement of about seven fish structures in Wolverine Lake. “The number of structures is up for debate,” said Water Management Board Chairman Cliff Yantz. “(The council) didn’t shoot down the idea, but we will discuss it again with board members in August and bring it back to council.” The fish structures will be A-frame construction made with wooden pallets and weighted down with either rocks

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 21

➥

JULY 18-24, 2012

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JULY 18-24, 2012

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PAGE 21

LAKES AREA NEWS

Revving up for Bike Week at Multi-Lakes By Angela Niemi staff writer

ikers should get ready for what’s dubbed as the “Midwest’s Premier Motorcycle Festival” happening at the MultiLakes Conservation Association in Commerce Township. Detroit Bike Week will be starting Friday, July 27 and will run through Sunday, July 29. The three-day event offers a variety of entertainment and activity for bikers and will include a custom bike show, tattoo contests, cage fights, a bikini bike wash, Red Stag Boothill Saloon, as well as a variety of vendors selling wares catering to the biker lifestyle. There will be a Buffalo Wild Wings wings eating contest, a beer bell contest, and hot body contest for males. There will also be an International Bikini Contest featuring biker apparel and bikinis on Saturday, as well. All weekend there will be freestyle motocross and Kawasaki demonstration rides. There will also be world record attempts with several different types of bikes. For a full listing of events and activities, check out detroitbikeweek.com. Continuous live music will also be a part of the festivities. Bands will be playing on two stages. When one act ends on one stage, another will begin on the other stage. Performing will be Fifth Way,

Solar field ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 18

or cinder blocks. “We would sink them in 10- to 15foot depths in the deep holes in the lake for smaller fish to evade larger fish,” Yantz said. “Our lake is more like an artificial lake these days with no trees falling into the water.” Fish are attracted to these hideaways, which typically results in a concentration of fish, a bonus for fishermen. “It gives fishermen an advantage because there is a greater concentration around this underwater feature,” said Village Council President John Magee.

Multi-Lakes Conservation Association in Commerce Township will host Detroit Bike Week (above) beginning Friday, July 27 and running through Sunday, July 29. Music, a variety of contests and entertainment, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, which features a mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, will all be part of next week’s event. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Names Unlisted, Stealing Betty, Kaleido, Iron Cowgirl Missy, Underneath It All, Cowboy — Kid Rock Tribute, Ty Stone, Mansfield Park, Ray Street Park, Stealing Betty, SRP, The Dirty Americans, Robert James, Paulina Jayne, The Twistin’ Tarantulas, Sins of a Madman, Something Utopic, Badd Habitz, 60 Second Crush, Mound Road Engine, Jason Easton Band, and Banned From Hell. For a schedule of when each band will perform, go to detroitbikeweek.com/schedule.asp. Bike Week will run from noon to 1

a.m. on Friday; from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 a day or $15 for the entire weekend, from July 27 through July 29. The American Veterans Traveling Tribute, which features a mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and other patriotic attractions honoring the nation’s veterans, will again be featured as part of Bike Week. The traveling wall is 80 percent the size of the Vietnam Memorial in

While initially the Water Management Board decided to apply to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to place up to seven structures in the lake, that number may be reduced to three as part of a pilot study. “We may do a few as a pilot and have GPS locations on them in case we need to pull them out,” Magee said. “These pallets must be bolted down well and not create anything that could cause a problem with navigation.” If and when the initiative is approved by the Village Council, the structures would be installed following receipt of a DNR permit, which could take as long as 6 to 8 months. ❏

Highland mulls new water, sewer connection rules With the pending construction of a sewer system near Lower Pettibone Lake, the Highland Township Board of Trustees needs to revise the township’s water, sewer, and waste disposal ordinance. Amendments were introduced at the township board meeting held yesterday, July 17 after press time. “The ordinance is to regulate when and where and how sewer lines go in,” said Clerk Mary McDonell. “Because of a project that the county is operating for a sewer system on

Washington, D.C. The mission of the project is “to travel the nation to honor, respect, and remember men and women who served, and to pay specific tribute to those who gave all in that service.” The visit will start with a welcoming ceremony as the wall is escorted by motorcycle from the Compuware Sports Arena in Novi to the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 25. Multi-Lakes is located at 3860 Newton Road in Commerce. ❏ Lower Pettibone Lake, we needed to get working on revising this ordinance quicker.” One of the main proposed changes involves granting deferrals for connecting to the water and sewer system. Since the county hopes to begin construction on the project this summer, township officials hope to get the ordinance finalized soon. “We will be discussing the language further at our Aug. 8 meeting, and then likely adopt it later in August or September,” McDonell saod. “This ordinance needs to be in place for any system that comes into the township. (It) is not for a township-wide system that was being looked at.” The proposed changes can be found at www.highlandtwp.com. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Walled Lake

BEACH PARTY Saturday

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– Noon–Midnight At the beach - East Walled Lake Dr.

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Beach Vendors • Sand in the Street All Day Beer Tent with proceeds to Hospitality House & Lakes Area Rotary Club Live Entertainment 1-5 p.m. • Sand Sculpting For more information: www.DowntownWalledLake.org & walledlake.com 248-926-9004 • 248-624-4847

JULY 18-24, 2012

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EDUCATION

Elementary gets grant for new playscape feature By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Waterford School District has seen one of its elementary schools receive a grant to help its students enjoy a better recess. Houghton Elementary School has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Dr. Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) and the national non-profit organization called KaBOOM! for the installation of a playscape adjacent to the school’s building and existing ballfields. The grant program, known as the “Let’s Play Community Construction Grant,” will allow for new equipment to be purchased, which may include platforms with stairs, slides, overhead events, climbing structures, and a manipulable panel that promotes developmental skills. Houghton Elementary’s grant award and subsequent project will help meet the goal of “Let’s Play,” which is to build or rehabilitate 2,000 playgrounds by the end of 2013 and benefit an estimated 5 million children across North America. This effort is part of a $15 million partnership between DPS and KaBOOM! that was started in 2011. The Houghton Elementary ParentTeacher Association is heading the effort for the playscape construction. KaBOOM! is a non-profit organization geared toward helping construct new playgrounds or implement improvements at older playgrounds. ❏

W. Bloomfield bargaining units get new pacts By Michael Shelton staff writer

The West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education has approved personnel contracts for a number of employee bargaining groups. Following a special closed-door meeting held on Monday, July 3, the Board of Education approved a contract with the district’s secretaries, maintenance technicians, and other at-will employees. According to Pam Zajac, public relations and marketing coordinator for the school district, the employees will receive a 3-percent wage increase after having been on a 10-percent wage concession for the past three years.

The employees will also be responsible for any medical premium costs over the state-mandated insurance cost cap. The length of the contracts was not made available prior to press time. Also on Monday, June 25, the Board of Education approved a oneyear agreement with the West Bloomfield Cafeteria Employees Union for the next school year. Zajac said that the cafeteria workers will receive a 5-percent wage increase. The cafeteria workers will also be responsible for medical premium costs above the state insurance cap. ❏

PAGE 23

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Applications still being accepted for bus driver jobs By Michael Shelton staff writer

The West Bloomfield School District is still accepting applications for bus drivers and attendants through its new contractor, Durham School Services, and training for new drivers began yesterday, Tuesday, July 17. “We’ve had many new applicants, about 100,” said Lynne Robertson, the district’s supervisor of transportation. “We have about seven drivers in our first training group.” She added that about 30 drivers who transported students during the previous school year will be returning this year. “We plan on 43 routes this year, plus a few extra drivers,” Robertson said. “We’ll stop taking applicants when we know we have enough drivers.” In April, the district’s Board of Education voted unanimously to privatize the district’s transportation services by contracting with Durham School Services for three years, with the contract being reviewed year-by-year after it expires. Durham is based out of Warrenville, Ill. and, according to the company’s website, it’s the U.S. student transportation division of National Express Corporation, the North American subsidiary of National Express Group, based out of the United Kingdom. Those interested in a bus driver position should apply directly at the West Bloomfield School District Transportation Office located at 3340 Orchard Lake Road, north of Commerce Road in Orchard Lake, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. ❏

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PAGE 24

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

JULY 18-24, 2012

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LOCAL MATTERS

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

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

You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here.

business notes new products ❐ DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township now offers new knee replacement technology which speeds recovery and movement. Mark Mackey, M.D. and Mark Kamil, M.D., both orthopedic surgeons, use the iTotal knee replacement system, which was approved for use last year. This knee replacement process uses specialized software to create a patient-specific knee implant, cased on a CT scan of the patient’s knee. According to Dr. Mackey, “It is better able to be customized so it fits better and feels more like a normal knee. More bone is conserved and there is less bleeding. It is recommended for people who are more active. In addition, patients typically manage without walkers or canes sooner and return to work more quickly than traditional knee replacement surgery.” The iTotal knee replaces all compartments of the diseased knee joint and is made of a composite of chrome and cobalt with durable plastic. Dr. Mackey also said that since it has been available for only a short time, its longevity isn’t established yet, but it could last up to 25 years. Dr. Mackey trained at Harvard before performing his first iTotal procedure and discussed the technology with engineers and physicians from Conformis, its manufacturer. For more information, visit Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital online at www.hvsh.org.

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LOCAL MATTERS

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 25

chamber notes

❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce (HVCC) is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, visit www.huronvcc.com. • The Coffee Club, 8 a.m., Friday, July 20, Independence Village of White Lake, 935 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Free morning mixer. • Milford Memories Volunteer Open House, noon to 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 25, 317 Union Street, Milford. Volunteers are invited to pick up their volunteer t-shirt, get their Milford Memories shift assignment and sign up for any open shifts. Light refreshments will be served. • Ambassador Meeting, 10 a.m., Aug. 8, Milford Police Department’s conference room, 1100 Atlantic Street, Milford. • Milford Memories Summer Festival, Aug. 10 to 12, downtown Milford. • The Coffee Club, 8 to 9 a.m., Aug. 17, MediLodge of Milford, 555 Highland Avenue, Milford. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced that the following businesses have joined its membership ranks: • R & R Asphalt, Inc. Jodie Flower, 53665 Grand River Avenue, Suite B, New Hudson, www.randrasphalt.com. Phone: 248-667-9673. Fax: 248-667-9673. Asphalt paving • ServiceMaster, Basil Fernimos, 42049 Michigan Avenue, Canton, bdisasterrelief@aol.com. Phone: 888-247-6447. Insurance restoration • Befitting You, LLC., Erin Welsh. 1 William Carls Drive, Commerce Township, befittingyou@gmail.com, www.befittingu.net. Phone: 248937-3895. Fax: 248-937-5819. Home care equipment and supplies. ❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-624-2826 or visit www.lakesareachamber.com. • Ambassadors Meeting, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 27, chamber office, 305 N. Pontiac Trail, Suite A, Walled Lake. • Edgewood Biz Connectors (LABAT), 8:15 to 9:30 a.m., July 31, Edgewood Country Club, 8399 Commerce Road, Commerce.

Age with Grace Senior Care is celebrating its four-year anniversary this month. In that short time, Age with Grace has come a long way. Pictured above (left to right) are Cheryl Hinman, owner Mary Grace Charter, and Suzanne Shew. Age with Grace Senior Care is a non-medical senior care company with staff that enters seniors lives as strangers and leaves as family. Although there are many services Age with Grace offers — such as medication reminders, meal preparation, bathing, transporting clients to appointments or out to social gatherings — the primary service they provide is friendship. Owner Mary Grace Charter recognized the need for these services in the Milford/ Highland area. “Our service area has grown to cover Oakland County, and portions of Wayne and Livingston counties.” What started as a home-based business has now grown to include a new office in Highland that employs over 40 quality people. Caregivers that work for Age with Grace Senior Care are happy employees. Over 60 percent of the caregivers currently employed have been with the company over 2 years. It is a comfort to clients and their families that they won’t experience unnecessary changes in their caregivers. “Friendship has been the key to my success both personally and in my business. I have been blessed with many friends in my life, friendships that have lasted 30 and 40 years. When I interview potential caregivers, I look at their personal references and how long they have known people.” When families are considering getting some help for a loved one, they can be reassured Age with Grace will find them “a new best friend.” Mary Grace Charter also keeps her own mother in mind during the hiring process. “If I wouldn’t hire someone to take care of my own mother, I won’t hire them for your mom either.” She also said she is “extremely proud of the company I have built. Not only are we making a difference in the lives of seniors and their families, we are also employing outstanding caregivers who love what they do.” She continued: “Apparently, I’m not alone when I say that we have the best caregivers around. Receiving the People’s Choice Award for the past three years has been an honor that my caregivers and I are very proud of.” If you would like more information on Age with Grace Senior Care, visit the new office at 2230 E. Highland Road in Highland, call the office at 248-529-6431 to schedule a complimentary visit, or go to www.agewithgraceseniorcare.com. (Photo submitted by Cheryl Hinman)

❐ The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-666-8600 or visit www.waterfordchamber.org • Ribbon-cutting for Jack’s Ship-NShop, 4 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 25, 7400 Highland Road, Waterford. • GFS Marketplace, Open House, noon to 1 p.m., July 31, 4295 Highland Road. GFS is celebrating 25 years of business. ❐ The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days.

For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-626-3636 or visit www.westbloomfieldchamber.com • Mix & Mingle, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 18, Marshbank Park on Hiller Road in West Bloomfield. They are inviting chamber members, prospective members, and members in the community to come out and enjoy free music and fellowship with the chamber. The Optimist Club will be selling concessions. Bring yourself, family and friends. • Mix & Mingle, 8 a.m., Aug. 15, Phil Klein Insurance Company, 4312 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 200, West Bloomfield. Morning networking activi-

ty. Free for members, nominal charge for non-members. ❐ The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce has announced that the following businesses have joined its membership ranks: • Witbeck Home Appliance Mart, Walter Mistak, 6551 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Phone: 248932-0870. Fax: 248-932-3384. Home appliances. • Cash Communications, Mary Cash, PO Box 250370, West Bloomfield. Phone: 248-432-4444. Fax: 248-538-8280. www.cashcommllc.net. Information technology.

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SWEET REPEATS

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JULY 18-24, 2012

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PAGE 29

PUBLIC SAFETY When help arrived, officers noticed a gash 3 inches wide and 6 to 7 inches long from the top of the man’s head across the left side of his forehead, with blood rushing down. A portion of the man’s brain reportedly was exposed. The victim was transported to Botsford Hospital for treatment. No information on the man’s condition was available prior to press time. ❏

Deputies searching for man who robbed BP An armed robbery took place at the BP gasoline station at 47111 Pontiac Trail in Commerce Township on the evening of Wednesday, July 11. According to an Oakland County Sheriff’s Department report, the gas station clerk was closing the business at 11 p.m. and counting cash when a black male entered the store wearing a white dust mask and allegedly threatened him with a black semi-automatic hand gun and demanding money. The clerk attempted to wrestle the gun away from the suspect before being knocked to the floor. He sustained a minor injury to his hand. The suspect fled the store with almost $1,000. Security cameras captured the incident. The suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, approximately 6-feettall, and wearing a black T-shirt and long red shorts at the time of the robbery. The incident remains under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. ❏

Drunk man arrested in Milford as peeping Tom Milford police officers responded to a report of a “peeping Tom” near a woman’s residence on Abels Street on Tuesday, July 10. The alleged incident occurred just before midnight as officers were dispatched, with the victim saying that she heard someone knocking on the home’s rear door. The woman told police that she heard footsteps outside her bedroom window and a man talking. Officers then noticed a moving shadow outside the main window on the home’s west side and saw a male walking near the residence and passing by the front door. An officer confronted the man, who reportedly smelled strongly of intoxicants. He told the police officer that he was making sure the woman was safe. He added that she gave him her phone number and that he was supposed to help with her water softener. He said that he knocked on her front door and rear door and saw a bedroom light on and knocked softly on her window. The woman reportedly told police that she was warned by neighbors about the man’s potential behavior. The suspect submitted to a Breathalyzer test, which indicated a

School windows valued at $21K broken in WB

A cash reward is available for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the suspect pictured above, who reportedly robbed the Community Choice Credit Union in Milford on Wednesday, July 11. (Photo submitted by Milford Police Department)

Suspect sought Police looking for credit union robber

ilford police officers responded to a bank robbery that occurred around noon on Wednesday, July 11 at the Community Choice Credit Union on South Milford Road near General Motors Road. According to Milford police, the suspect entered the bank and passed a note indicating he was armed. No weapon was seen and no employees were injured during the robbery. The suspect fled on foot north from the location and took an undetermined amount of money from the credit union. He is described as a white male, approximately 40 to 50 years of age, 5feet-10-inches tall, 230 pounds, and wearing shorts, a black shirt with a white T-shirt underneath, tennis shoes, and dark sunglasses at the time of the robbery. The suspect’s hair was described as dark black and distinctive. Anyone with information or anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to contact the Milford Police Department at 248-684-1815. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers at 1800-SPEAK-UP. A cash reward is available if information leads to an arrest and conviction. ❏

blood-alcohol content of 0.238 percent, nearly three times the legal limit. He was arrested for disorderly conduct and window peeping. On the way to jail, the man reportedly admitted that he looked in the home’s windows to make sure the woman was OK. ❏

Man suffers large head wound while working Milford police officers assisted the Milford Fire Department with the treatment of a man who suffered a severe head injury last weekend while working

at a job site. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 14 just before 4 p.m. when two men were working on setting up scaffolding around a building on South Hill Road. The person who was operating a crane at the site stated that the victim, 36, attached pieces of scaffolding and was standing on a piece 4 feet in the air, adjusting chains. One support beam broke loose from the ground anchors and struck the victim in the head. The man went limp but clung onto the scaffolding, came to and climbed down to sit down on a bucket.

Twenty-one windows at the former Pine Lake Elementary School on Long Lake Road in West Bloomfield Township were broken between June 21 and Sunday, July 1. The building is vacant and the value of the broken windows is $21,000. The West Bloomfield Police Department is investigating and there are currently no suspects. ❏

Carbon monoxide puts several in the hospital West Bloomfield firefighters and EMS crews responded to a medical emergency on Thursday, July 5 involving elevated levels of carbon monoxide inside a residence on Norma Lee Drive. Several of the home’s residents displayed signs of carbon monoxide poisoning and at least seven of the occupants were treated and transported to local hospitals for medical attention. Fire officials said a generator running in the garage was the cause of the elevated carbon monoxide levels. The victims were expected to make a full recovery. Fire officials advise residents that generators should be kept in the open for proper ventilation, and not in the home or any enclosed space where fumes can accumulate. ❏

Rolladium fight broken up; no one injured Waterford Township police officers, assisted by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police, broke up a fight that had escalated on Friday, July 13 at the Rolladium skating rink, located at 4475 Highland Road. Apparently numerous people were involved in the fight that occurred around 10 p.m. No one was injured during the altercation. Police apprehended one subject, who was taken into custody for being disorderly. No other information was available prior to press time. ❏

PAGE 30

Obituaries

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

TRANSPORTATION

CERULLA, AGNES ANN; age 92 and a long time resident of Commerce Township, died peacefully in the care of her family and Bortz on Green Lake on July 5, 2012. COOK, IMELDA GEORGIA; of Highland, went home July 2, 2012. Loving wife of Fredrick Cook for 57 years. DALLEMAND, JAMES E.; of Canterbury on the Lake, formerly of Birmingham, died July 2, 2012 at 85 years of age. Beloved husband of Jackie for 61 years. DONALDSON, HAROLD "RED" L.; of Waterford, formerly of Mountain City, July 4, 2012 at 88 years of age. HOLZMAN, HOWARD BUZ; a resident of West Bloomfield, died on July 7th, 2012 at the age of 77. MALONEY, ROBERT JAMES; of Wolverine Lake was born on October 8, 1933 and died July 6, 2012 at his home at the age of 78. REINHARDT, ROBERT O.; retired Pay Master of Detroit Edison and World War II Captain, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 2, 2012. SETTLE, NANCY A.; age 70 of Commerce Twp. died July 10, 2012. Beloved wife of 55 years of the late William (d. 2012). Loving mother of the late Debbie (Robert) Muehl (d. 2011) and Dawn (Bill) Reske. Daughter of Antoinette and the late Chester Tabaczka (d. 2001). Dear grandmother of Allison (Scott) Tucker, Rick (Jacky) Reske, Adam (Elyse) Muehl, and Ashley Muehl. Great-grandmother of Ricky Reske. Sister of Dennis Tabaczka. Aunt of Brian (Barb), Jason (Sheila), and Deanna (Chad) Faurote. Also survived by many extended family and loving friends. The family would like to extend a special thanks to her caretaker, Angie Voctorio. Nancy will be missed by all who knew her. She loved spending time in Oscoda and Las Vegas. Private family services have been held. Serving the family Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, Walled Lake. Condolences at www.lynchFAMILYfuneraldirectors.com. STRATTON, HELEN ELIZABETH; of Waterford, surrounded by her family and precious pets went peacefully to be with the Lord July 5, 2012 at 83 years of age. VECHAZONE, JOSEPHINE; of Walled Lake was born on December 22, 1916 and died July 6, 2012 at age 95. WEYER, ROBERT JAMES SR.; of Waterford. July 2, 2012 at 61 years of age. Soulmate of Kathleen Weyer. To place an obituary in the Spinal Column Newsweekly please call the Classified Department at 248-360-7355 or email: lorisnyder@thescngroup.com

www.spinalcolumnonline.com FAX: 248.360.5308/248.360.5309

Orchard Lake work begins JOHN STREET (Highland Township) • Start date: Sometime in August. • Notes: The project calls for pulverizing the pavement and applying a hot mix asphalt overlay. There will also be drainage improvements. • Closure: The roadway will be closed for the duration of the project except for Aug. 7, the day of the primary election. The street will close again the next day. • Detour: Livingston Road to Milford Road to M-59, and vice versa. • Completion date: Sept. 19. • Costs: $228,000. ORCHARD LAKE ROAD (Farmington Hills/West Bloomfield Township border) • Start date: Today, Wednesday, July 18. • Notes: The RCOC has begun work on this resurfacing project on Orchard Lake Road between 13 Mile Road and 14 Mile Road. • Closure: The five-lane road will be reduced to one lane open in each direction, which is expected to cause traffic delays. The road will remain reduced to one open lane in each direction for the duration of the project. • Completion date: Oct. 3. •Costs: $1.4 million. COMMERCE ROAD (Commerce Township) • Notes: The project involves reconstruction of the roadway, as well as traffic signal upgrades and drainage improvements. Motorists should expect delays. Commerce Road between Carroll Lake and Union Lake roads is now open to traffic. • Detour: Union Lake Road to Wise Road to Carroll Lake Road ,and vice versa. • Completion date: Sept. 1. • Costs: $2.6 million.

COOLEY LAKE ROAD (Milford, Highland, White Lake, and Commerce townships) • Closure: Cooley Lake Road, east of Duck Lake to Mystic Valley. • Notes: A gravel road paving project is underway on Cooley Lake Road, east of Duck Lake to Mystic Valley, in Milford, Highland, White Lake, and Commerce townships. • Detour: Duck Lake Road to Commerce Road to Carey Road, and vice versa. • Completion date: November. • Costs: $4.4 million. BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: I-96 EAST OF MILFORD ROAD, WEST OF KENT LAKE ROAD (Milford) • Notes: A series of bridge reconstruction projects are being facilitated in the area and carried out in phases. Crews are currently constructing the inside of the Milford Road bridge. Eastbound and westbound traffic has been shifted onto a new portion of the Milford bridge. One lane in each direction of Milford Road will be open during the project. Crews are also continuing efforts on the Kent Lake bridge (I-96 over Kent Lake Road). Motorists are now able to travel eastbound on the new bridge, but westbound is not. Work continues to be conducted on I96 over the Huron River Trail, where eastbound and westbound traffic is now driving on the newly paved bridge. Each bridge project is being reconstructed in phases so three lanes are maintained on I-96 at all times. • Completion date: October. • Costs: $15.5 million.

JULY 18-24, 2012

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PAGE 31

ENVIRONMENT

Mute swan killing ban floated Humane Society wades into controversial debate with plan By Angela Niemi staff writer

he Humane Society of the United States sent a letter last week outlining several proposals on how to address mute swan population issues, including a moratorium on the killing of the swans, to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR). According to Karen Stamper, a Walled Lake resident fighting on behalf of mute swans, the Humane Society got involved after being separately alerted by Stamper and a Muskegon woman about the issues surrounding mute swans in Michigan, particularly the DNR approving a conservation order banning the rehabilitation of injured or sick mute swans and their release back into the wild. Stamper believes the Humane Society getting involved will help raise awareness of mute swan issues. The mute swan is considered an exotic, invasive, non-native species in the United States, according to state and federal wildlife officials. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, the species is believed to have been introduced to North America from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s. However, since then, mute swans have been able to out-compete other native waterfowl for breeding habitats and continue to reproduce at a high rate. According to DNR statistics, the Michigan population has risen from an estimated 5,400 in 2000 to an estimated 15,000 in 2010. According to the DNR, mute swans pose threats to native wildlife, humans, and wetland habitats. The DNR has a Mute Swan Management and Control Program Policy which outlines short- and longterm state population goals, which include reducing Michigan’s mute swan population growth to zero by 2016 and to reduce the overall population to less than 2,000 by 2030. While hunting mute swans is not allowed, the DNR issues permits to remove mute swans and to destroy their nests and eggs. According to the Humane Society letter to the DNR sent by Dr. John Grandy, senior vice president of wildlife and habitat protection for the Humane Society of the United States, the DNR’s program policy document is inadequate.

If the Humane Society of the United States has its way, the state Department of Natural Resources would implement a moratorium on the killing of mute swans in Michigan. DNR officials said the request, which was sent last week, will be under review. A formal response will then be drafted. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

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

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

6/22/12 +.16 +.40 +.25 +.21 +.10 +.05 –.02 +.30 +.21 +.02 +.11 +.12 +.15 –.19 +.15 +.35 –.01 +.12 –1.44 +.21 +.09 –.03 –.02 +.18 –.29

6/29/12 +.08 +.33 +.19 +.05 +.04 Legal –.12 +.21 +.05 –.10 –.10 +.13 +.09 –.22 –.05 +.20 –.17 +.10 –1.35 +.12 +.01 –.17 –.06 –.10 –.29

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

7/6/12 +.20 +.52 +.15 +.22 +.07 –.03 –.14 +.35 +.10 Legal –.22 –.05 +.20 –.25 –.13 +.05 –.26 –.08 –1.28 +.05 –.03 –.28 –.02 –.05 –.20

“Neither document provides more than summary assertions as to the presumably negative activities or behaviors attributed to free-ranging mute swans that could justify killing individual swans, much less the wholesale destruction of (tens) of thousands envisioned in the Order or Program Policy,” Grandy wrote. He also wrote that there is a lack of supporting data and case studies that support the need for mass mute swan killing. “Taken together the two documents are not a professional management plan at all — they are just a blueprint for large scale killing of mute swans,” Grandy wrote. The Humane Society outlined several proposals after meeting with representatives of the DNR and included them in the letter. Initially, the Humane Society says the DNR should: • Immediately suspend the Wildlife Division Mute Swan Management and Control Program Policy and Procedures and begin to immediately revise and update the document; • Immediately appoint local mute swan advisory committees and a statewide committee, consisting of representatives of the Michigan Humane Society, the Michigan Save Our Swans Committee, and the Humane Society of the United States, along with others to advise the department on non-lethal management options and to liaise with the DNR in the development of a comprehensive mute swan stewardship and management plan; and • Declare a voluntary moratorium on the lethal control of free ranging mute swans, except in emergency situations that would last until a new comprehensive plan is completed. The DNR is currently reviewing the proposals. “We just received it late last week,” said DNR Waterfowl Specialist Barbara Avers. “We will be reviewing that and then preparing a response to the proposal.” “Hopefully, they will look at the proposal, and the public will get involved so that a moratorium will be put on the killings until we can work out a better plan between the various groups and the (Humane Society),” Stamper said. ❏

PAGE 32

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COUNTY

White Lake Voters Our Police and Fire Personnel are there when we need them Now they need our help to continue serving us

ON AUGUST 7th VOTE YES ON WHITE LAKE POLICE & FIRE PROPOSALS

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Vote

YES for Police/Fire Millage Renewals A YES vote sustains current services.

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YES for Fire Millage

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A No vote means further reductions!

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That Guy By Colin Bartlett

Meeting tonight on proposed OC triennial budget By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Recommended budgets for the county’s three upcoming fiscal years will be formally presented to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners at a 7 p.m. special meeting tonight, Wednesday, July 18. As proposed, the county would spend a total of $775.4 million across all funds in Fiscal Year (FY) 2012-13, which begins Oct. 1 and runs until Sept. 30, 2013. For FY 2013-14, county spending would be $782 million, while it would come in at $786.1 million for FY 2014-15 under county Executive L. Brooks Patterson’s proposed operating and capital budgets. Noting a decline in property values of over 34 percent between 2007 and 2012, as well as a decline in taxable property values, Patterson’s proposed county spending plan calls for a gradual drawdown of the county’s $201 million fund balance to $81 million by the end of FY 2014-15, bringing the county close to its goal of a long-term fund balance target of $85 million. The proposed Sheriff’s Department budget for each of the next three fiscal years is $137 million, and the 521 District Court in Novi’s expendi-

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tures would come in at about $5.6 million during that time while the budget for the 52-2 District Court in Clarkston would hover around $2.78 million in expenditures each of those years. Expenditures for the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office would hover between $5.1 million and $5.2 million for the next three years under Patterson’s budget recommendations. “We are looking forward to working closely with the county executive and his staff to finalize another threeyear balanced budget for the county,” Board of Commissioners Chairman Mike Gingell (R-Lake Orion) stated in a press release. “We will continue to be fiscally responsible, we will take the appropriate steps to maintain the county’s AAA bond rating, and we will fund the necessary items that make Oakland County a great place to locate a business, live, work and raise a family.” County Commissioner Marcia Gershenson (D-West Bloomfield), who co-chairs the board’s Democratic Caucus, said Democratic commissioners will talk over the next few days “about our (budget) priorities and what we are going to shoot for.” Tonight’s meeting will also be streamed live on the Internet at www.oakgov.com/boc. ❏

CLOSED DOORS The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees met in an executive session during its Monday, July 16 meeting to discuss attorney-client privileged communications regarding Khother vs. West Bloomfield, workers compensation/disability issues, and the Yaldo vs. West Bloomfield case. When the township board resumed its public session, members approved an employees’ request for an additional year of hospitalization and long-term benefits. In addition, the board approved entering into a consent judgment for the Yaldo vs. West Bloomfield case. No action was taken by the board on the Khother vs. West Bloomfield case. ❏

JULY 18-24, 2012

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PAGE 33

STATE

Primary to fill rest of McCotter’s term may not happen By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Although Lt. Gov. Brian Calley called for a special primary election last week to fill the vacancy left by the abrupt resignation of Thaddeus McCotter from the U.S. House of Representatives, such an election may not be necessary to fill the vacancy for the remained of McCotter’s unexpired term to represent Waterford, White Lake, Highland, Milford, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, and Wixom in the lakes area. Former state Sen. Nancy Cassis, a Novi Republican, has said she wouldn’t run in the Sept. 5 special primary election if it would help spare the state and local units of government the $650,000 that officials expect holding a special primary election would cost. In order avoid holding the special election, one candidate or no candidates from each party would have to file for the special election ballot,

according to David Mroz, Cassis’ campaign manager. “The story seems to be changing day by day,” Mroz said. “We are collecting signatures and will file them Friday (July 20) ... There’s so much up in the air that could happen ... We are going to spend very little time focused on the special (primary election). We’ll spend a little bit of time assessing the circumstances when we know who may or may not be on the ballot.” Cassis was tapped unanimously by GOP powerplayers from Wayne and Oakland counties to mount a writeBentivolio in campaign against Kerry Bentivolio of Milford, who will be the only Republican on the Aug. 7 primary election ballot following McCotter’s failure to turn in the requisite 1,000 signatures to run for re-election to Congress. Bentivolio has been drumming up an effort on his Facebook page to get the 1,000 petition signatures needed

to appear on the Sept. 5 special primary election ballot. A message left with his campaign for comment was not returned prior to press time. Calley said last week that it was his “obligation under the U.S. Constitution and Michigan law” to call for the special primary election that would winnow the field to two to represent the 600,000 residents of the 11th Congressional District. “It is extremely disappointing that the district is forced to have a special election that is neither cost-effective nor efficient,” Calley wrote in his announcement on Tuesday, July 10. “Taxpayers deserve better. But the requirement for the governor to call a special election in this situation is clear and we must do so in a way that establishes fair, realistic deadlines for candidates and election officials.” Snyder’s office issued a statement saying that the timing of McCotter’s resignation made holding a special primary election in conjunction with the Aug. 7 regular primary election “impossible,” since absentee ballots have been mailed and primary election ballots have been printed. The special general election to fill the remaining weeks of McCotter’s

unexpired term would be held in conjunction with the Nov. 6 regular general election. Natalie Mosher, the campaign manager for Dr. Syed Taj, one of two Democrats running in the Aug. 7 primary election, said the Canton Township trustee would not run in the special primary election. White Lake Township Clerk Terry Lilley said estimated costs to the township to hold a special priCassis mary election “are kind of still up in the air.” “It’s just a shame that it at least appears that this is going to be a tremendous expense to the taxpayers of Michigan,” he said. The new 11th Congressional District formed last year following the redistricting processed required after the release of U.S. Census data includes Waterford, West Bloomfield, White Lake, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, Wixom, Milford, White Lake, and Highland in the lakes area. ❏

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PAGE 34

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

MAIL BAG

Back new fire millage

Ureste

Kaplan

A collection of gossip, scuttlebutt, and odds and ends from our reporters’ notebooks. UH... NO: Hrmph. Here’s a word or two to the wise for local politicians: You probably shouldn’t use what appears within the Oakland Confidential column in your campaign literature. You see, we here wallow in the filth and humor of local politics. We are sardonic. We poke fun. That’s our schtick and our milieu. Therefore, we were ... let’s say, astounded, when fliers advocating for the slate of so-called “Preferred Local Candidates” — West Bloomfield Township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste, Trustee Steve Kaplan, clerk candidate Neha Patel, and trustee candidates Jeremy Kaplan (no relation to Steve-O), Hartley Harris, and Al Zara — touted the Spinal Column Newsweekly’s reference to ‘Chele and S-Kap as a “dynamic duo.” So, West Bloomfield voters, let’s set the record straight. First of all, it was the gossipy pages of Oakland Confidential that referred to them as a dynamic duo, not the Spinal Column Newsweekly, our esteemed and much older brother — and there’s a significant difference. Plus, you know, in our Feb. 15 column we were giving a small dose of “WTF?” to MEU/SK2012 for nominating about 4,327,143 (okay, six) candidates to the township Planning Commission, all of whom went over with the majority of the board about as well as the Hindenburg. (Seriously, they didn’t get the hint after five unsuccessful attempts?) No. 2, they defined “dynamic duo” — Why would anyone ever have to define that? Is this a freshman composition class? — in the flier as “a very special pair of persons or things,” which the candidates got from the ever-reliable (note the sarcasm, por favor) Answers.com website. For the record, the definition they used was also conveniently edited from the full text from Answers.com that reads “a very special pair of people or things. (From the Batman television program. Used mostly for humor.)” Emphasis on the word “humor,” y’all. No. 3, did we mention that we were absolutely poking fun when we called them a “dynamic duo” (we’ve also

Irwin

T. Fortino

called MEU “Her Superness” on this page before, and we suspect she got the humor then)? So, lest anyone in West Bloomfield be confused, the implication the literature makes of endorsement or support of They Who Are Joined at the Hip is codswallop. SCN sources say they haven’t picked who they’re backing in any race at this point. So, qui tacet consentire: Roughly translated, it means “silence gives consent” in Latin (so says the University of Minnesota Press). We did not give consent, so we are not remaining silent. We are Oakland Confidential, and we approve this message. We suspect there will be some who don’t. ROBOCALL MYSTERY: This is getting interesting, folks. Carpetbagging! Robocalls! MAYHEM! CARNAGE! BLOOD-LETTING! Well, maybe not mayhem or carnage or blood-letting, but insinuations and allegations of at least the former two are coming out of the race between Teresa Fortino and Rita Holloway-Irwin for Waterford Township clerk. RHI fired off a letter to OakCon last week saying that a robocall she’s heard of was “scattering false information” about her. Furthermore, she pledged in her missive that no robocalls will emanate from her or “anyone that has anything directly to do” with her campaign in her contest with Fortino, the daughter of the late Waterford clerk Betty Fortino. She also said in the letter that she has lived in her Waterford abode for a dozen years and that her opponent registered to vote in Waterford on Feb. 22, something T-Fort acknowledged. “I moved in to take care of my mother last June,” Fortino said. “I really had no intention of running. I had every intention of moving into my mother’s home and staying there permanently. It had been almost a year that I had been living there” when the decision to run for clerk was made. She also said she had no knowledge of the alleged July 9 robocall — which lead us to wonder if Republican township clerk candidate Sue Camilleri is stirring things up in the Democratic primary at bit. Apparently not, however. SueCam said she had no clue about the mysterious robocall. ❏

From David Lewsley, White Lake Township trustee: White Lake voters have been very supportive of their Police and Fire departments in past millage elections and seem satisfied with existing police, fire and emergency services. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect the Aug. 7 1-mill Police-Fire Operating Millage Renewal and 0.6740-mill Fire Millage Renewal requests to easily pass, notwithstanding challenging current economic conditions. However,

many voters are probably unaware passage of the proposed 0.5-mill Fire Millage Increase is also needed to simply maintain current services. Including about $900,000 coming from the 2004 special fire millage (for additional full-time firefighters and equipment purchases), the projected Fire Department operation budget is essentially flat at $2.6 million for years 2012 through 2014 … no pay increases are planned. The 0.5-mill increase is needed to make up for reduced property tax collections. Without the millage increase, PAGE 36 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The West Bloomfield Township Wetland Review Board will hold a public hearing at the Township Board Room, 4550 Walnut Lake Road on Wednesday July 25, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. to consider the following Wetland/Floodplain Permit Applications: ITEM #1 Parcel: Location: Request: Applicant: ITEM #2 Parcel: Location: Request: Applicant: ITEM #3 Parcel: Location: Request: Applicant: ITEM #4 Parcel: Location: Request:

Applicant: ITEM #5 Parcel: Location: Request: Applicant:

CASE #PWT12-1828 KETTY – REQUEST TO BE TABLED Lots 46 to 48, Zox Lakeside Park Subdivision Sidwell #18-03-126-049 1627 Gerundecut An after-the-fact request to remove predominately invasive plants (phragmities) and a few native plants and a before-the-fact request to restore the disrupted area within wetland, 100 year floodplain and the 25 foot environmental features setback to Cass Lake. John Ketty CASE #PWT12-1846 ADAMS Lot 370-371 and part of 372, Union-Scotch Lake Subdivision Sidwell #18-05-156-041 2100 Cross Lake Drive An after-the-fact request to remove a tree, dead branches and stump and a before-the-fact request to install plantings within the 25 foot environmental features setback to Cross Lake. Anna K. Adams CASE #PWT12-1847 NAIMI Lot 1, Walnut Lake Hills Subdivision Sidwell #18-24-276-019 2169 Lone Pine An after-the-fact request to cut and remove vegetation from the 25 environmental features setback and wetland to Walnut Lake. Entisar Naimi CASE #PWT12-1848 COOK Acreage parcel, Straits Lake Hills Subdivision Sidwell #18-17-476-012 6184 Rue Du Lac A request to remove and replace retaining walls, restore an existing upland beach area, remove noxious plants, remove cobblestone and undertake native landscape treatments within the 25 foot environmental features setback and below the Ordinary High Water Mark of Upper Straits Lake. Bill Miller, Miller Landscape, Inc. CASE #PWT12-1849 BARWIN Lot 20, Upper Long Lake Woods No. 2 Sidwell #18-12-226-012 2617 Middlebelt Road An after-the-fact request to cut vegetation and a before the fact request to install oncrete slab walking path and replant a portion of the 25 foot environmental features setback to a Upper Long Lake canal. Dave and Terry Barwin

Detailed plans are available for inspection at the West Bloomfield Township Environmental Department, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A staff report, as prepared for the Wetland Review Board, will be available for review the Friday prior to the meeting.

If you have any questions on this matter, contact the Environmental Department at (248) 451-4818. Marshall Labadie, Development Services Director S.C. 7-18-12 The Township will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at a public meeting upon two weeks notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk or Environmental Director at (248) 451-4800.

JULY 18-24, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 35

IN OUR OPINION

Obscure LCC rule violated However esoteric, political literature rule should be obeyed T

he political campaign season has descended on west Oakland County — as well as across the state and nation — in full force. With the Aug. 7 primary election looming, lakes area residents are already subject to a torrent of advertising, including traditional signs and mailers, for candidates seeking elected office. Although we detailed local rules regarding political signage in today’s edition of the Spinal Column Newsweekly, apparently a more obscure state rule is going unheeded. Those in west Oakland County who we know are in violation — most likely unintentionally due to the somewhat esoteric nature of the rule itself — need to take the steps necessary to make sure they are in compliance with state codes, therefore avoiding potentially serious penalties. At issue is Michigan Administrative Code (MAC) 436.1335, which applies to those licensed through the state Liquor Control Commission (LCC) to sell alcohol in the state of Michigan. Specifically, the rule states that “a licensee shall not display advertising that advocates the election of a person or political party on the inside or outside of a licensed premises.” Moreover, the MAC 436.1001 defines “licensed premises” as “any portion of a building, structure, room, or enclosure on real estate that is owned, leased, used, controlled, or operated by a licensee in the conduct of the business at the location for which the licensee is licensed by the commission, except when otherwise specified by commission rule or written commission order.” The practical translation of that is that political signage can be displayed outside of liquor-selling establishments, but inside the business is off-limits, as is having political signage in any way affixed to the building’s exterior. Therefore, all those signs you are seeing outside of gas stations that sell alcohol or liquor stores in west Oakland County are in compliance with the rules; anything, however, on the inside of the establishment is a violation, which comes with penalties of a fine of up to $300 for the business, or suspension or revocation of the liquor license, according to Andrea Miller, public information officer for the LCC. She said that such violations are “not very common,” although if a formal complaint is filed, officials from the LCC will go to the business and investigate. Local police departments also have jurisdiction, she said.

Election coverage Our plans for the upcoming primary

akes area election officials and candidates for various levels of elected office aren’t the only people who are extremely busy these days. With over 30 contested races impacting the lakes area and several local and regional questions appearing on west Oakland ballots next month, our News Department is a very hectic environment these days, considering the large number of candidate questionnaire responses that are flowing in, face-to-face interviews with the candidates in some select races, and meetings with representatives of public safety departments and other institutions with questions on the primary ballot. However, that’s the nature of things during election years. With the Aug. 7 primary election less than three weeks away, we want to inform readers about our online election coverage, plans for publishing endorsements, guidelines on letters to the editor involving primary candidates and ballot issues, and our primary election night coverage. Beginning today, we’re uploading candidate questionnaire responses and interview transcripts on our website, www.spinalcolumnonline.com. There you’ll find an election coverage banner link. Click on it to find a list of races we are covering for the primary election. Clicking on a race link will take you to a list of candidates vying for their party’s nomination or a judicial seat. Each candidate’s page will include a photo, biographical information, and the candidate’s responses to our questions. With so many contested races (some with up to 15 candidates) and over a dozen local and regional ballot questions to be decided by voters in the county’s west end, we’ll be publishing our endorsements in two waves — first on Wednesday, July 25, and then on Wednesday, Aug. 1. The endorsements will also be posted on our website following publication in print. As has been our practice for many years, we will begin to cut off the publication of letters to the editor for our Mail Bag section beginning on Wednesday, July 25. While we’re happy to publish letters advocating for a particular candidate or ballot question’s approval on Wednesday, Aug. 1, our July 25 edition will be the last that we will publish letters taking a candidate or ballot question to task — that way we have another week to allow for responses or to investigate and report on any legitimate charges leveled in a critical July 25 letter. So, if you’re looking to throw a candidate or ballot question under the bus, submit your letter no later than noon on Friday, July 20 for July 25 publication. Finally, the Spinal Column Newsweekly’s news staff will be working through the night of Tuesday, Aug. 7 and into the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 8 to bring you unofficial primary election results, some analysis, and comments from the candidates on our website. We won’t be able to hold the presses to include election coverage in our Aug. 8 print edition, so visit the website frequently on primary election night and again on the morning of Aug. 8 for complete west Oakland election coverage. ❏

Didn’t know about this rule? Don’t worry — neither did we until we were tipped off by a source raising questions about campaign signage involving a local judicial race. Therefore, we investigated the matter and were told by state officials that the signs in question were

placed in accordance with Michigan rules since they weren’t inside a licensed business nor affixed to the exterior. But during our investigation, we also uncovered campaign-related materials for some local candidates inside several businesses that sell alcohol — which, under MAC

436.1335, is a no-no. We will not identify which licensed businesses that sell alcohol were in violation, nor will we reveal which candidates had their literature inside those businesses. An employee at one such business that the Spinal Column Newsweekly informed of the violation said people from a campaign asked to place literature inside their business. The employee claimed to have no knowledge of the rule, and vowed to take the literature out of the store. Excellent idea. We suspect that employee’s claim of ignorance would be common if we approached all of the businesses with liquor licenses that we’ve seen with campaign-related literature inside. MAC 436.1335 is a largely unknown rule; representatives from the LCC effectively said as much when they reported few complaints of violation. Therefore, we are not claiming that the owners of the licensed establishments, nor anyone in the various campaigns, have been intentionally or maliciously violating LCC guidelines. However, rules are rules, complete with penalties — including possible suspension or revocation of a liquor license — if the LCC finds the business in violation. The rules need to be followed, however recondite, so we urge business owners with liquor licenses to bone up on them this election season and, if in violation of MAC 436.1335 or any other LCC rule, get the business into compliance. We understand that in all likelihood you’re just trying to help and be an active member in the community by displaying the campaign literature, but we suspect that the “I didn’t know about the rule” argument won’t fly with the LCC. That also leads us to a word of warning to candidates for office. While we understand that you’re likely just attempting to promote your campaign, it’s important that you, as well, know the rules. If you have literature in a business that sells alcohol, get it back and place it somewhere it’s allowed. If you’ve been actively promoting your candidacy at licensed establishments by displaying campaign materials there, for the sake of the businesses, you would be wise to cease that strategy. The last thing local businesses need is to be hit with a fine or to have their liquor licenses suspended or revoked all because of what is likely a simple oversight of a fairly obscure provision in state rules. ❏

PAGE 36

BINGO

St. William Church 531 Common St., Walled Lake

AY FRID

Proceeds go to St. Williams parish’s general Funds.

Non-smoking Bingo

Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Air Conditioning

Call before 5 PM

248-624-1421

Lic.# A00049

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

MAIL BAG

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 34

the Fire Department operating fund is forecasted to have a $189,000 deficit by the end of 2013 and to be $575,000 in the red after 2014 … unless drastic budgetary corrective actions are taken. I urge voters to cast their ballot in favor of the 0.5-mill Fire Millage Increase, in addition to supporting the two police and fire millage renewals. The requested 0.5-mill increase would result in a $50 per year tax increase for a home with a state equalized value

(SEV) of $100,000. Surely, the safety of your family is worth $50 a year. ❏

Gundle-Krieg cares From Lynda Squires, Highland Township: I have observed Donna Gundle-Krieg for almost 15 years now, to be the “goto gal” if you want anything done in our community. She is an outspoken advocate on many issues. I believe that her honesty, work ethic, and credentials from the University of Michigan make her perfect for this position. Donna Gundle-Krieg will be this family’s choice for Highland Township

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

NOTICE OF ELECTION PRIMARY ELECTION

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2012 CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Primary Election will be held in:

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD County of Oakland, State of Michigan

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2012 THE POLLS will be open 7 o’clock a.m. until 8 o’clock p.m. ALL POLLING PLACES ARE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE BRAILLE AND AUDIO VERSION OF THE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE POLLING PLACES LISTED BELOW: Orchard Lake Middle School, 6000 Orchard Lk Rd.- Handicapped Entrance - NW - Rear of Bldg. Precinct 1 Precinct 2/23 Walnut Creek Middle School, 7602 Walnut Lake Rd. – Handicapped Entrance – All Entrances Precinct 3 Pine Hill Congregational Church, 4160 Middlebelt Rd., Handicapped Entrance - All Entrances Precinct 4/8 Scotch School, 5959 Commerce Road, Handicapped Entrance - All Entrances Precinct 5/25 Gretchko Elementary School, 5300 Greer Rd - Handicapped Entrance - All Entrances Precinct 6 Drake Community Sports Park, 6801 Drake Rd. – Handicapped Entrance – South Side of Bldg. Precinct 7 Doherty Elementary School, 3575 Walnut Lake Rd. - Handicapped Entrance - Rear of Building Precinct 9/10 Beth Ahm Synagogue, 5075 Maple Rd - Handicapped Entrance – East Side of Building Precinct 11 Shepherd King Lutheran Church, 5300 Maple Road - Handicapped Ent. - Rear, N. Side of Bldg. Precinct 12/20 Temple Israel, 5725 Walnut Lake Rd. - Handicapped Entrance - Rear S. Side of Bldg. Precinct 13 Lone Pine Elementary School, 3100 Lone Pine Rd - Handicapped Entrance – Main Entrance Precinct 14 Keith Elementary School, 2800 Keith Road - Handicapped Entrance - N. Side of Building Precinct 15 West Bloomfield Main Library, 4600 Walnut Lake Rd. – Handicapped Entrance – All Entrances Precinct 16 West Hills Middle School, 2601 Lone Pine Rd - Handicapped Entrance – N. Side of Bldg. Precinct 17 Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 4800 Orchard Lake Rd- Handicapped Entrance - S. Side of Bldg. Precinct 18 Pleasant Lake Elementary School, 4900 Halsted - Handicapped Entrance - All Entrances Precinct 19 Covenant Baptist Church, 5800 Maple Road - Handicapped Entrance - NW Side of Bldg. Precinct 21 WB Parks and Rec Admin Bldg, 4640 Walnut Lake Rd – Handicapped Entrance – Main Entrance Precinct 22/24 B’Nai Moshe Synagogue, 6800 Drake Road - Handicapped Entrance - Main Entrance Counting Center West Bloomfield Township Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING CANDIDATES OF ALL PARTICIPATING POLITICAL PARTIES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:

COUNTY TREASURER’S STATEMENT AS REQUIRED BY ACT NO. 62 OF THE PUBLIC ACTS OF 1933 AS AMENDED I, Andrew E. Meisner, County Treasurer of the County of Oakland, State of Michigan, do hereby certify that according to the records in my office, as of June 26, 2012, the total of all voted increases in the tax rate limitation above the 18 mills established by Section 6 of Article IX of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 affecting taxable property in the Township of West Bloomfield, in said County, is as follows: YEARS INCREASE LOCAL UNIT VOTED INCREASE EFFECTIVE West Bloomfield Township 1.00 Unlimited .25 2004 - 2013 Incl. .3892 2008 – 2017 (Parks & Rec. Renewal) .2200 2011-2020 (Renewal of Parks & Rec.) .59 2010 – 2013 .6586 2012 – 2026 .2415 2012 – 2021 3.12378 2012 – 2021 2.85 2011 – 2021 West Bloomfield School

18.00 5.1603

2004 - 2014 Incl. 2004 - 2014 Incl.

City of Pontiac School City of Bloomfield Hills School District

18.5 1.50 11.7041 20.00

2007 – 2016 2004 - 2013 Incl. 2006 - 2015 Incl. 2006 - 2015 Incl. (Non-Homestead) 2014 - 2018

City of Birmingham Schools

8.46 11.3111 7.98

Farmington Public Schools

18.00

.74

Walled Lake School District

CONGRESSIONAL

United States Senator, Representative in Congress - 11th and 14th Districts

LEGISLATIVE

Representative in State Legislature - 39th and 40th Districts

County School District Of Oakland County

COUNTY

County Executive, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Water Resources Commissioner County Commissioner - 5th, 7th, and 13th Districts

County of Oakland Oakland Community College

JUDICIAL

Judge of the Circuit Court - 6th Circuit – Non-Incumbent Position Judge of the District Court – 48th District – Incumbent Position

_________________________

TOWNSHIP

Township Supervisor, Township Clerk, Township Treasurer Township Trustee (4 to be elected) Township Parks & Recreation Commissioner (7 to be elected)

DELEGATES

Delegates to the County Convention of the Republican and Democratic Parties

AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS: Oakland County Art Institute Authority Millage Oakland County Public Transportation Millage Renewal West Bloomfield Township Proposal for Parks and Recreation General Operating Millage Renewal West Bloomfield Township Proposal for Parks and Recreation General Operating Millage Increase Full text of the proposal may be obtained from: CATHERINE SHAUGHNESSY, CLERK CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD 4550 Walnut Lake Road - West Bloomfield, MI 48323 Telephone: 248-451-4848

July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2012 2007 – 2016 July 2, 2012 to June 30, 2022

13.5735

2011 -2015 Incl. (Non-Homestead) 2011 -2015 Incl.

.50 18.00

2004 – 2013 Incl. 2006 – 2015 Incl.

3.6483

Unlimited

.2415 1.00 .7811

2012 to 2021 Incl. Unlimited Beg.7-1-2012(10yrs) Dated: June 26, 2012

ANDREW E. MEISNER, TREASURER OAKLAND COUNTY As a registered voter, you may obtain an absentee voter ballot if you are: • age 60 years old or older • unable to vote without assistance at the polls • expecting to be out of town on election day • in jail awaiting arraignment or trial • unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons • appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence. A person who registers to vote by mail must vote in person in the first election in which he or she participates. CATHERINE SHAUGHNESSY TOWNSHIP CLERK

SCN 7/18/12

JULY 18-24, 2012

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PAGE 37

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene: Free movie night, today, Wednesday, July 18, 7 p.m., sneak preview of “The Penniless Princess: VeggieTales,” public welcome, 2840 Airport Road, Waterford. Free admission.

■ White Lake Farmers Market: Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday now through Oct. 6, Huron Valley Lakeland High School, 1500 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. whitelakefarmersmarket.weebly.com or 248-755-1195.

■ Waterford’s Concerts in the Park: Acoustic Brothers from Different Mothers, 6 p.m. Thursday, July 19, Hess-Hathaway Park, 825 S. Williams Lake Road, Waterford. Food and beverages available for purchase. Free admission.

■ Milford Farmers’ Market: Open 3 to 8 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 18, E. Liberty Street between S. Main and Union streets in Milford. milfordfarmersmarket.org.

■ City of Walled Lake Concert Series: Sum of Us, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 19, Riley Park, Common Street, Walled Lake. 248-624-4847. ■ Byers Homestead: Art of the River, art festival and more, Sunday, July 22, Byers Homestead, Commerce Road, Commerce. 248-363-4354. ■ Crossroads Presbyterian Church: Crafters needed for Crossroads Craft Fair, July 27 to 28, 1445 Welch Road, Walled Lake. $25 for one day; $30 for two. 248-624-3821. ■ Orchard Lake Fine Art Show: Juried fine art and craft show, Friday, July 27 to Sunday, July 29, West Bloomfield, south of Maple Road, west of Orchard Lake Road on Powers and Daily roads. www.HotWorks.org ■ Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society: “A Civil War Call to Arms,” Muster of the 22nd Michigan Reenactment Group with musket drills, an 1862 Civil War cannon fired hourly, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Civil War speeches, 102nd U.S. Colored Reenactment Group, Civil War music, crafters, childrens’ activities, huge white elephant sale. Local historic authors, Oakland County mounted police, free cake and ice cream, food available, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 28, Pine Grove Historical Museum, 405 Cesar Chavez Avenue, Pontiac. 248-338-6732 or www.ocphs.org ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Gallery call for exhibit proposals for Michigan artists for 2013. Individuals or groups may submit a proposal for their exhibition of work to be displayed in our Highland Station House Gallery, 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland. Submission deadline is Aug. 3. 248-889-8660, www.huronvalleyarts.org or HVCA@comcast.net ■ Milford Memories Summer Festival: August 10 to 12, downtown Milford. 248-685-7129 or www.hruonvcc.com ■ St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Huron Valley Schools: Distributing backpacks with school supplies for Huron Valley families experiencing financial difficulties. The backpacks will be available for pick up from 9 to 11 a.m. on Aug. 29, St. Mary’s Church, corner of Commerce and Burns roads in Milford. Valid ID with an address and proof (bus route post card, report card or current schedule) that each child will be attending school in the Huron Valley School District is needed. For more information, e-mail pawlowskid@huronvalley.k12.mi.us ■ Wixom Farmers Market: Open 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 4, Sibley Park off Pontiac Trail, across from City Hall. wixomparksandrec.com.

■ Walled Lake Farmers Market: Open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays now through Oct. 31, Walled Lake City Event Field on E. West Maple Road between Decker Road and Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake. 248-624-4847. ■ Oakland County Market: Open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, May through Christmas, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. oakgov.com/cmarket. ■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-673-3493. ■ Catholic Social Services of Oakland County: Senior companion volunteers needed to support adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic mental illness, as well as the physically frail and homebound. 248559-1147, ext. 3434. ■ Dads of Foreign Service: Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Sundays, VFW Post No. 4156, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. www.vfw4156.org or 248698-8302. ■ Friends of Byers: Byers’ Antique Barn now open noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Volunteers are needed at 213 Commerce Road, Commerce. For more information, visit byershomestead.org or call 248-363-2592. ■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable transportation needed to visit terminally-ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888937-4390. ■ Huron Valley Council of the Arts: Thoughts and Colors of Nature, a group exhibit by members of the Michigan Association of Calligraphers now on display at 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland. ■ Milford Police Department: Now taking back unwanted prescription drugs on a continuous basis at 1100 Atlantic Street in Milford. These unwanted prescription drugs may be placed into the secure drop box located in the Police Department lobby. All drugs turned in will ultimately be sent to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for destruction. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked. For more information, visit www.milfordpolice.com or call 248-676-2089. ■ Mothers & More: Book club meeting, 7 p.m., first Monday of the month, Caribou Coffee, Union Lake Road, Commerce. 248-360-7702. ■ Rotary of West Bloomfield: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Henry Ford Medical Center, second floor, southwest corner of Farmington and

Maple roads. 248-520-0095. ■ Waterford Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, The Shark Club on M-59, Waterford. 248-625-4897.

SUPPORT GROUPS ❐ Age with Grace: Caregiver support group meeting, 6 p.m. the first Monday of every month at 2230 E. Highland Road, Highland. Space is limited, so please call to reserve your place. 248-5296431. ❐ AA Meetings: 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Four Towns United Methodist Church, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-0211. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for life’s hurts, habits or hangups, meetings, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Woodside Bible Church, 9000 Highland Road, White Lake. 248698-1300. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for life’s hurts, habits or hangups, meetings, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Life Point Christian Church, 501 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-1747. ❐ C.A.S.A.: Kleptomaniacs and Shoplifters Anonymous, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Wesley Room, Commerce United Methodist Church, 1155 N. Commerce Road, Commerce. 248-358-8508 or kleptomaniacsanonymous.org. ❐ Divorce Care: Support group meeting for adults and children, 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile, Novi. 248755-9533. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 866-9143663 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 9 a.m. Saturdays, Central United Methodist Church, 3882 Highland Road, Waterford. 866-914-3663 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ MOMS Club of Waterford South: Support group for mothers at home, weekly activities, monthly meetings, third Friday of the month, Waterford area. momswaterfordsouth.webs.com. ❐ Over-Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating, 12-step program, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Road, Waterford. ❐ Postpartum Depression Support Group: Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Commerce. 248-937-5220.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES ❐ Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit’s Institute for Retired Professionals (IRP) and Seminars for Adult Jewish Enrichment (SAJE) will host Morris Wolff, international attorney and author of “The Life and Goodness of Raoul Wallenberg: Newly Discovered Facts,” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 1, 6600 W. Maple Road

in West Bloomfield. Reservations. 248-9674030 or 248-661-1900 or www.theberman.org. ❐ Senior Fit Fall 2012 Sign-up: Free exercise program for people age 55 and over offered by St. Joseph Mercy Oakland will begin the week of Sept. 10 at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9101 Highland Road. White Lake. A limited number of spaces are available. Register now through July 30. 1-800-3726094. ❐ Dublin Senior Center: Drums Alive! 10:30 a.m. and Zumba Gold, 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-2394. ❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: Strengthening class in the gym, Thursdays, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248-887-1707. ❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Soup, Sandwich & Movie Day, noon to 3 p.m. Thursdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. 248-926-0063. ❐ R.S.V.P: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program needs volunteers, age 55 and up to work at hospitals, cultural institutions, food pantries, schools and more. For more information, contact Carol Heckman at 248-5591147, ext. 3435. ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Avenue, West Bloomfield. 248-682-0770. ❐ Waterford Senior Center: Art Expression, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Room No. 2, 3621 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. $5 donation toward class supplies; $1 per day to help offset Waterford Senior Center cost. 248-6839450. ❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Senior Programs: Line dancing, 11 a.m. Fridays at the Corners, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248451-1900. ❐ Wixom Senior Center: “Come As You Are Chorus,” Wednesdays, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. 248-624-0870.

PARKS

❐ Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center: Turtles, Toads & Salamanders, ages 6 and up, 1 p.m. Saturday, July 21, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Nature Tech Day Camp, $75. Registration for all events. 248-625-6640. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: “Fun on the Farm - Pigs,” visit with piglets, story time, craft activity, 10 a.m., Thursday, July 19; Horsedrawn hayrides, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Kensington Metropark, Milford. 248684-8632 or 1-800-477-3178. ❐ Kensington Metropark: “Exploring a Pond,” 1 p.m. Saturday, July 21; “Beasts at the Boat

PAGE 39 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP

AUGUST 7, 2012 - PRIMARY ELECTION To the Qualified Electors: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Primary Election will be held in:

WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP COUNTY OF OAKLAND, STATE OF MICHIGAN TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2012 THE POLLS will open at 7 o’clock a.m. until 8 o’clock p.m. ALL POLLING PLACES ARE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE BRAILLE AND AUDIO VERSIONS OF VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PLACE LISTED BELOW: PRECINCT NO. 1 – Dublin Community Center, 685 Union Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 2 – Dublin School, 425 Farnsworth PRECINCT NO. 3 – White Lake Middle School, 1450 Bogie Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 4 – Township Hall, 7525 Highland Road PRECINCT NO. 5 – Houghton Elementary School, 8080 Elizabeth Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 6 – White Lake Oaks Golf Course PRECINCT NO. 7 – Oxbow Community School, 100 Oxbow Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 8 – White Lake Presbyterian Church, 4805 Highland Road PRECINCT NO. 9 – St. Patrick’s Church Hall, 9086 Hutchins Road (Entrance off Union Lake Rd.) PRECINCT NO. 10 – Lakewood Elementary School, 1500 Bogie Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 11 – Grace Church, 220 Bogie Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 12 – St. Patrick’s Church Hall, 9086 Hutchins Road (Entrance off Union Lake Rd.) FOR THE PURPOSE OF NOMINATING CANDIDATES OF ALL PARTICIPATING POLITICAL PARTIES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES: CONGRESSIONAL United States Senator Representative in Congress – 11th District LEGISLATIVE State Representative – 44th District COUNTY County Executive Prosecuting Attorney Sheriff Clerk/Register of Deeds Treasurer Water Resources Commissioner County Commissioner – 6th District JUDICAL Judge of Circuit Court – 6th Circuit – Non-Incumbent Position LOCAL

Supervisor Clerk Treasurer Trustees

2012 to 2021 inclusive, for fire and police services, with 65% to be allocated for police services and 35% for fire services; and shall the Township levy such renewal? If approved, the Township shall collect from this levy in the first year approximately $935,671. FIRE MILLAGE RENEWAL Shall the previously voted .6740 mill increase in the constitutional tax limitation on the amount of taxes upon taxable property within the Charter Township of White Lake, which last resulted in a levy in that amount, be renewed at .6740 mills ($.6740 per $1,000 TV) and levied for a period of ten (10) years from 2012 to 2021 inclusive, for the purpose of maintaining current fire and emergency medical services, including personnel, equipment, vehicles, and operational costs? If approved, the Township shall collect from this levy in the first year approximately $630,642. FIRE MILLAGE INCREASE Shall the limitation on general ad valorem taxes imposed upon taxable property within the Charter Township of White Lake be increased by 0.5 mills ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) and that amount levied for a period of 10 years from 2012 to 2021 inclusive, for the purpose of maintaining current fire and emergency medical services, including personnel, equipment, vehicles, and operational costs? If approved, the Township shall collect from this levy in the first year approximately $467,835. COUNTY TREASURER’S STATEMENT AS REQUIRED BY ACT NO. 62 OF THE PUBLIC ACTS OF 1933 AS AMENDED I, Andrew E. Meisner, County Treasurer of the County of Oakland, State of Michigan, do hereby certify that according to the records in my office, as of June 22, 2012, the total of all voted increases in the tax rate limitation above the 18 mills established by Section 6 of Article IX of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 affecting taxable property in the Township of White Lake, in said County, is as follows: YEARS INCREASE VOTED INCREASE EFFECTIVE LOCAL UNIT White Lake Township

Clarkston Community Schools

.30 .4584 1.35

Unlimited 2006 – 2013 Incl. 2008 – 2013 Incl.

19.2491

2006 – 2015 Incl.

Holly Area Schools

18.00

2004 - 2013 Incl.

Huron Valley Schools

18.00 2.0 .9513

2003 - 2012 Incl. (Non-Homestead) 2006 – 2012 Incl. 2010 – 2019 Incl.

Walled Lake Schools

18.00 .50

2006 - 2015 Incl. 2004 - 2013 Incl.

Waterford School District

18.00

2004 - 2013 Incl. (Non-Homestead)

County School District Of Oakland County

3.6483

Unlimited

County of Oakland

.2415

2012 to 2021 Incl.

Oakland Community College

1.00 .7811

Unlimited Beg. 7/1/2012 10 yrs

AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING: DELEGATES TO COUNTY CONVENTION OF THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES. AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL(S); OAKLAND COUNTY ART INSTITUTE AUTHORITY MILLAGE The Oakland County Art Institute Authority established pursuant to Public Act 296 of 2010 to allow for continuing support of art institute services for the students, residents and visitors of Oakland County. The law allows the Authority to seek authorization from the electors to levy a tax of not more than 0.2 mill (20 cents per $1,000 of taxable value) on real and personal property to provide revenue to an art institute services provider for this purpose. Accordingly, to continue providing art institute services to benefit the residents of Oakland County, shall a 0.2 mill on all of the taxable property located within the County be imposed for a period of ten (10) years, being years 2012 through 2021? It is estimated that if approved and levied, this new millage would generate approximately $9,847,191 in 2012. POLICE-FIRE OPERATING MILLAGE RENEWAL Shall the previously voted 1.00 mill increase in the constitutional tax limitation on the amount of taxes upon taxable property within the Charter Township of White Lake, which last resulted in a levy of .9526 mills ($.9526 per $1,000 TV) in 2011, be increased to and renewed at the original voted 1.00 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 TV) and levied for a period of ten (10) years from

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

ABSENTEE BALLOTS NOTICE TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE: Absentee Ballots for the August 7, 2012 Election may be obtained from the City Clerk at the City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday, August 4, 2012 from 9:00 to 2:00 p.m. Emergency Ballots ONLY may be cast on the date of the Election – August 7, 2012. CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE Rhonda R. McClellan City Clerk

S.C. 7-18-12

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Public Accuracy Tests for the August 7, 2012 Election will be conducted on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Hall located at 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan. The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the program and computer that will be used to tabulate the results of the election have been prepared in accordance with law. Rhonda R. McClellan City Clerk S.C. 7-18-12

_________________________ ANDREW E. MEISNER, TREASURER OAKLAND COUNTY

Dated: June 22, 2012

Absentee Ballots may be requested from: White Lake Township Clerk’s Office 7525 Highland Road, White Lake, MI 48383 (248) 698-3300 Ext. 7 TERRY LILLEY, CMC WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP CLERK SCN 7/18/12

NOTICE TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD Notice is hereby given that the Public Accuracy Test for the August 7, 2012 Primary Election has been scheduled for Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the Township Hall at 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, Michigan. The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the computer program used to record and count the votes cast at the election meets the requirements of law. CATHERINE SHAUGHNESSY TOWNSHIP CLERK West Bloomfield Township 248-451-4848 SC: 7-18-12

Notice of Posting for Charter Township of Commerce Township Board 1. Synopsis of the June 26, 2012 Quarterly Township Board Meeting. 2. Adoption: An Ordinance to Amend Ordinance No. 2.006 to be known as the Charter Township of Commerce Fee Ordinance No. 2.007. The above synopsis and adoption shall be posted (in its entirety) at the following locations: (1) Office of the Township Clerk 2009 Township Drive (2) Main Township Library 2869 North Pontiac Trail (3) Township’s website www.commercetwp.com SC: 7-18-12

Daniel P. Munro Township Clerk

JULY 18-24, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 37 Rental,” 11 a.m. Sunday, July 22, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration, $75 fee. 810227-8917

LIBRARY EVENTS ❐ Commerce Township Community Library: “You’re Never Too Old,” parachute games, PlayDoh, finger-painting, and more, snacks, grades 612, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. Registration, 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Friends Book Sale, 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration. 248-8872218. ❐ Milford Public Library: “Fly Me to the Moon,” stories, snacks, crafts, activities, grades 1-3, 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 20, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845. ❐ Walled Lake City Library: Microsoft Excel class, part 1, adult program, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. Registration. 248-624-3772. ❐ Waterford Township Public Library: “Space: The Final Frontier,” Starlab Dome Planetarium, ages 5 and up, 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 19, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248-674-4831.

❐ West Bloomfield Township Public Library: Music @ Main: Harmonica George, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 22, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Free admission. 248-682-2120 or www.wblib.org. ❐ White Lake Township Library: Talent show, all ages, 6 p.m. Thursday, July 19; “Soar with the Birds,” 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 248698-4942. ❐ Wixom Public Library: “Dream Big - Read: Summer Storytime,” 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 19, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration, 248-624-2512.

RELIGIOUS ❐ Orchard Grove Community Church: “The Shack,” best-selling author Wm. Paul Young, 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., July 29, 850 Ladd Road, Building C, Walled Lake. www.orchardgrove.org or call 248-926-6584, ext. 226. ❐ Walled Lake Church of Christ: “Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity,” free vacation Bible school, ages 3 through grade 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Aug. 6 to 9, 1043 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake. Registration. 248-624-4600. ❐ Commerce United Methodist Church: Rainforest-themed free vacation Bible school, preschool through grade 6, 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Aug. 6 to 10, 1155 N. Commerce Road, Commerce. Registration. www.commerceumc.org under the “Education” tab, then “VBS;” or 248363-3935.

PAGE 39

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We Place Home Care Assistants and Nurses who: • Plan and prepare meals • Help with bathing and dressing • Provide companionship • Assist with exercise

248-634-0611 or Toll Free 1-888-634-0611 Monday-Friday from 9-5 p.m.

24-Hour Emergency Answering Service for Emergencies and Weekends Health Quest Inc. is licensed, bonded and operated under the laws of the State of Michigan. A member of the Better Business Bureau

HQHC.com

“LOVING CARE AT HOME”

207 S. Saginaw • Holly

SALE STARTS JULY 1st and ENDS AUGUST 31, 2012, AD REQUIRED!

SCN

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Burgess

Burke

Craft

Gawronski

Glantz

2012 All-area Softball Team

Spinal Column Newsweekly honors the season’s best players By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Spinal Column Newsweekly is proud to present its 2012 All-area Softball Team, honoring the best of west Oakland’s student-athletes on the softball diamond this year. Team selections were not only based upon players’ individual statistics, but also on nominations from area coaches and other honors a player has received, such as conference awards. Making the final player selections is always a difficult process, and this year was no exception with so many lakes area teams and players in the county spotlight. Huron Valley Lakeland established itself once again as the dominant force in lakes area softball, as the Eagles advanced to the Division 1 state semifinals and won their seventh regional title in eight seasons this year. In addition, they racked up their fourth straight Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division title, their second KLAA championship and fourth straight Fred Pieper

Tournament championship. Lakeland is represented by six selections on the Spinal Column Newsweekly All-area First Team. While the Eagles were tough to keep up with this season, Waterford Kettering did its best and ended up finishing second in the KLAA North Division and advancing to a Division 1 District Final. The Captains are represented with two All-area First Team selections that helped Kettering finish with 25 wins this season. Also making an appearance on the Allarea First Team is Walled Lake Central’s standout outfielder, West Bloomfield’s flame throwing pitcher, and Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes’ All-Catholic selection. The Spinal Column Newsweekly Allarea Second Team is also loaded with talent, including members of the Walled Lake Northern Knights, who won their second straight district championship this season. ALL-AREA FIRST TEAM Sierra Burke • Senior Catcher Huron Valley Lakeland Heading off to Oakland Community College (OCC) in the fall, Burke hit for

power in 2012 as she batted .347 with a .500 slugging percentage and a .434 on-base percentage along with 32 RBIs, 13 doubles and 14 runs scored. “She had numerous hits in the state tournament to help us get to the state’s final four and she was almost impossible to steal on,” said Lakeland Head Coach Joe Alsup. Morgan Craft • Senior Infielder Huron Valley Lakeland A three-year starter and captain for the Eagles, Craft batted .280 as she hit 26 RBIs and scored 20 runs this season. In addition, her fielding average for 2012 was .987. Kelly Merkle • Junior Infielder Huron Valley Lakeland As Lakeland’s offensive juggernaut in 2012, Merkle batted an astounding .520 while driving in a team-high 38 RBIs, leading her team with 15 doubles and 4 triples and scoring 39 runs. In addition, she garnered an onbase percentage of .551 and a slugging percentage of .724. Kim Jayson • Senior Infielder Waterford Kettering

Jayson went out with a bang in 2012, as she hit eight home runs, three doubles and three triples while driving in 33 runs, scoring 36 runs, and batting .374 in helping the Captains to a second-place finish in the KLAA North Division. She will next take her talents to Concordia University in the fall. Jules Mastromatteo • Senior Infielder Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes An All-Catholic selection by the Detroit Catholic League, Mastromatteo batted .394 with three home runs and 22 RBIs for the Lakers this season. Madison Burgess Sophomore Outfielder Huron Valley Lakeland The Eagles’ leadoff hitter, Burgess made her presence known this season as she batted .474 while scoring a teamhigh 51 runs, leading Lakeland with 40 stolen bases and hitting 17 RBIs. If 2012 is any indication, Burgess will be a player to watch in her junior and senior seasons. PAGE 41 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

JULY 18-24, 2012

Jayson

All-area team ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 40

Sydney Glanz • Senior Outfielder Walled Lake Central Called a great leader and a tremendous athlete by her head coach, Jacklyn Pilkiewicz, Glanz was the unquestionable leader of the Vikings’ offense this year as she batted .391 with 33 RBIs, nine triples, seven doubles and two home runs, with a slugging percentage of .673. Glanz also had a fielding percentage of .985 as she earned her fourth straight All-District award, as well as her third straight All-KLAA Lakes Conference and All-Region honors. Taylor Steinhelper • Junior Outfielder Waterford Kettering Steinhelper batted .469 in 2012, in addition to scoring 38 runs, stealing 25 bases and hitting 12 RBIs, as well as garnering an on-base percentage of .523 and a slugging percentage of .531. Steinhelper is spending her summer with the 16U Michigan Lookouts travel

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

Kus

Mastromatteo

fastpitch team. Karrisa Gawronski • Senior Utility Huron Valley Lakeland A Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention selection by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association (MHSSCA), Gawronski batted .505 in 2012 with 18 RBIs, 25 stolen bases and 38 runs scored, with an on-base percentage of .536 and a slugging percentage of .582. Anika Wiesinger • Junior Pitcher Huron Valley Lakeland Garnering a record of 20-3 and an earned run average of 1.95, Wiesinger pitched 147 innings while striking out 111 batters and walking only 44 during the 2012 season. Allyson Kus • Senior Pitcher West Bloomfield Heading off to Western Michigan University to play for the Broncos, Kus proved she had some kick left in her step in 2012 as she struck out 154 batters and garnered an earned run average of 1.95.

Merkle

PAGE 41

Steinhelper

Kus was also dominant at the plate as she batted .343 with five home runs and 26 RBIs, as she earned All-District and All-Oakland Activities Association (OAA) honors. ALL-AREA SECOND TEAM • Kelsey Wolschlager, catcher, Walled Lake Central; • Samantha Dunnigan, infielder, Huron Valley Lakeland; • Megan Jerore, infielder, Walled Lake Northern; • Sam Kern, infielder, Walled Lake Northern; • Rachael Waynick, infielder, Waterford Mott; • Megan Jacobs Huron Valley Lakeland; • Taylor Krumm, outfielder, Walled Lake Central; • Claire Forhan, outfielder, West Bloomfield; • MacKenzie Norton, utility, Waterford Kettering; • Corrina Rotondo, pitcher, Walled Lake Northern; and

Wiesinger

• Selena Hicks, pitcher, Huron Valley Lakeland. Honorable Mention Nicole Wojcik, Huron Valley Milford; Aubrey Long, Huron Valley Milford; Maddie Carr, Huron Valley Milford; Lindsay Smith, Huron Valley Milford; Becky Morrin, Huron Valley Milford; Rachel Morrin, Huron Valley Milford; Lauren Batlemente, Huron Valley Milford; Alanna Murdle, Walled Lake Western; Jill Hussin, Walled Lake Western; Mary Stepek, Walled Lake Western; Devin Schomberg, Waterford Mott; Megan Knowles, Waterford Mott; Angie Matromatteo, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes; Amy Wolanin, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes; Taylor Rose, West Bloomfield.

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The Tigers of the Commerce Little League Major Division won the 2012 Major Championship, 6-5, over the Red Sox on June 23 at Maple Glen Park in Commerce Township. Alex (Yudai) Kimura hit the game-winning RBI triple that brought home Michael O’Brien. Pictured in the front row from left to right are: O’Brien, Mark Deda, Andrew Schneider, Asher Bingley and Jared Katzen. In the middle row from left to right are: Noah Downey, Scott Sussex, Brandon Fealk, Kimura, Noah Garza, Reid Oblak and Gregory Kreutzer. In the back row from left to right are coaches Jeff Katzen (manager), Ryan Schneider and Joel Fealk. Not pictured is Brennan Menser.

(Corner of Maple & Decker) Walled Lake

248-669-2736

WEST OAKLAND SUPER WANT ADS SUPER RATES! SUPER REACH! IN PRINT and On-Line 24/7 WANT ADS APPEAR ON www.spinalcolumnonline.com

NOTICES 01-08

REAL ESTATE 12-22

MOBILE HOMES 42-43

RENTALS 45-57

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

MERCHANDISE 89-138

LEISURE TIME 142-159

RECREATION

BOATS 162-179

CARS, TRUCKS CYCLES 181-196

• Reunions (#4): Published FREE for 4 weeks.

HELP WANTED 60-75

JOBS WANTED 77-86

HIGHLIGHT YOUR AD For further emphasis add an icon or shade your ad for only $5.

☺ ★

GARAGE SALE KITS – With payment for your advertisement you get a FREE Garage Sale Kit with street signs, balloons, price stickers and tips on having a successful garage sale.

PERSONAL

SERVICES

REPAIR IMPROVEMENT

SERVICES

DEADLINES PHONE 248.360.7355 Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5 FAX 24/7

MONDAY AT 5 • Word Ads • One-Column Ads

FRIDAY AT 5 • Display Ads • Free Ads • Cancellations/Corrections

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.

JULY 18-24, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

NOTICES Lost and Found

FOUND: GRAY Male kitten, approx. 3 months old. Very friendly. North Highland area. 248-807-5482.

Reunions

PONTIAC ST. Frederick All Class Reunion, Sept. 9. Tour of school from 9am-10:45am. Mass at 11. Lunch at Santia Hall, Keego Harbor. Tickets at Kennedy's Irish Pub on W. Huron St. in Waterford. Attention WLC Classes 7173, Reunion on Saturday, July 28th, Kensington Park at Baywood G. Info under Walled Lake Central. Reunion on Facebook. 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

MOBILE HOMES

Hartland

ALL SPORTS MAXFIELD LAKE! 1735 sq. ft., convenient kitchen, 19x13 living room. Family room with natural fireplace. 1 car detached garage. Treed setting, paved road, sandy beach & good fishing. $130,000.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

PEACE & QUIET! 9.5 acres of heaven. Beautifully updated farm house with 4 bedrooms & 2 full baths, kitchen with cherry cabinets, formal dining, living room w/gas fireplace. Master suite has private bath & sitting room. Enjoy the views from the 24x24 deck or covered porch. 30x50 pole barn & property may be splittable. Hartland Schools. $183,000.

A WOODSY SETTING PROUD LAKE PRIVILEGES Impressive 3 bedroom 2.5 bath contemporary. 1st floor master, 2nd story great room, 1st floor laundry, full basement, attached garage. Quiet private road, Walled Lake Schools. $224,900 or make offer Real Estate One

Tom Buchanan 248-326-4568

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

2 Bdrm Cape Cod- modern galley oak/ granite kitchen, ceramic bath, modern lighting, a/ c, full basement, one acre lake lot, small pets-ok, walk to Glengary Elementary. $950. olivermich@mac.com

248-755-5073 Looking to rent a house or condo?

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

(248) 624-0709

England Real Estate (248)887-9736 Highland Dunham Lake access w/this pristine 1.5 story home situated on 1 acre setting. Well planned with 3076 sq. ft. Gorgeous kitchen w/butler’s pantry, granite counters & terrazzo floor. Spacious great room w/2 story see through stone masonry fireplace. 1st floor master suite. 1338 sq. ft. in finished walk out lower level includes family room w/fireplace & addl. 2 car garage/workshop. Extensive landscaping. $499,000.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

Handyman Special If you like fixing things this is the deal for you !

$1 CRANBERRY LAKE WHITE LAKE

248-698-1120 Mobile Homes for Rent

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

Beautiful multi section homes, 13 month lease $775/month

JOB FAIR

340 Harvey Lake Road

Highland MI 48356. We welcome all child care professionals. Bring your resume. buildingblocksschool.com

DRIVERS WANTED Full or Part time Day or Night

248-343-1666

248-666-2110

HIGHLAND

PART TIME COUNTER HELP AND PANTS PRESSER Responsible hard workers needed. Must be personable and customer friendly. 20 hours per week. 248-

Enjoyable 3 bedroom ranch w/ 2 baths, fireplace, finished basement, 2 car garage. Built in 1996. $1,550.00. monthly plus 1 1/2 months security.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736 Apartments

Pontiac Lake 1 bdrm for $459 (newly renovated). Includes all utilities except electric. Security Deposit. For more information & availability call

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

248-496-7652 or 248-496-7648

248-626-7857

Renovated Studio Lake Front White Lake $75 week or $300 month applecrisp12271@aol.com

Jim Mandeville Award Winning Agent

248.672.4800 6611 Commerce Road West Bloomfield, MI

Mon, July 30th 6-8p.m. Building Blocks Preschool

General/ Help Wanted

JimMandeville.com Serving the “Lakes Area” Since 1989 BEST WATERFORD VALUE! 4 bedrooms & 2.5 baths. Across the street from main lake. Boat to all-sports lake. Huge garage. 170 ft. of water frontage! $229,900

Call for Free Market Analysis

3 BEDROOM RANCH Over 1,800 sq. ft. Home is loaded with updated features. Oversized family room and enclosed porch. $122,500

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

www.landair.com

Medical/ Dental

Absolutely Free

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

Helping Hand Elder Assistance 248-669-4446

EXPERIENCED PLUMBER NEEDED

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

248-467-0378 Experienced Plumber Needed for new construction. Must have truck and tools with a valid driver license.

Both full time and part time. Up to $9.03 per hour to start, with Benefits. Small group home setting. Must be Patient & Reliable. South Lyon,, Rochester Hills and Highland

248-486-5368

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

DIRECT CARE

areas.

Mann Metals Corp. (248)960-1200

248-770–9222 Medical/ Dental

Used/Wanted

AIRO WALKER exercise machine, you pick up. 248-4315708 OLDER BABY grand piano, fair condition, you haul. 248360-3295 PATIO SET- Table, six chairs, two chaise lounges, cushions. You pick up. 248-766-3334.

Email Resume to: hrproland@ymail.com or fax to: 248-889-9068

New Construction, Remodeling, Service or Repair.

2 male 9 week old kittens, cats fixed, rescues. Must stay together. Need loving homes. 248-738-4901 or 248-2149898 STORM DOOR & Main door with windows for back of house, real good condition. 248-624-2776 ZENITH BIG screen TV and wooden console, doesn't work. Hoping someone could use for parts before it goes to landfill you pick up. 248-438-6049

Moving Sales

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.

102

FISHING GEAR, archery, mechanics tools. Years of accumulation. 9am-6pm, Thursday through Sunday. 1660 Lauder Lane, Wolverine Lake. Must sell.

Garage Sales Absolutely Free

IN HOME CARE

Full time, year 'round employment. White Lake based company. Minimum 5 years experience in serving and repairs of systems

887-3114

Call Today! 1-866-640-5996

Irrigation Technician

3 bedrooms, unfurnished, all appliances. $750 a month plus security.

248-698-1120

Job Fairs/ Seminars

General/ Help Wanted

TAXI & AIRPORT

Cranberry Lake- White Lake

RENTALS

HELP WANTED

WATERFORD Duplex

MOVE IN SPECIALS!!

Commercial/ Industrial

COMMERCE

BEAUTIFUL 55+ COMMUNITY

FALL IN LOVE!

Commerce

Mobile Homes for Sale

Houses/ Condos

PAGE 43

103

COMMERCE 8333 TAMARRON Drive. Friday, Saturday, 8am-4pm. Lots of household items and much more !

MORE ADS ON PAGE 50

PAGE 44

– HIGHLAND – STUNNING HOME ON WHITE LAKE WITH ACREAGE! GREAT FOR ENTERTAINING & WELL MAINTAINED. 212047281 $649,900

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

– HIGHLAND– PRIVATE 23 ACRE LAKEFRONT ESTATE! 211088015

$1,145,000

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – SWEET GREEN LAKEFRONT. LOVELY SPOT ON LAKE. FIREPLACES AND HARDWOOD 212067316 $380,000

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

– WHITE LAKE – LOVELY LAKEFRONT RANCH. GOURMET KITCHEN. IMPRESSIVE FIREPLACE. 212049385 $398,000

JULY 18-24, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

CAROL WAGNER

586-612-5995

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

QUIET AND PEACEFUL This beautiful three bedroom contemporary home is located in Caribou Creek. The home features an open floor plan, hardwood floors, great room, formal dining room, a first floor master suite with jetted tub, spacious kitchen with oak cabinets, add a closet to the large 33’ x 12’ bonus room to create 4th bedroom, a walkout lower level that leads to a stamped concrete patio, perfect for summer gatherings. Plenty of room for outdoor activities as the home is situated on almost an acre of land. Call Carol Wagner today for your private showing. $274,900. NEW ON THE MARKET!!! This beautiful P 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath colonial located in Willow Ridge is located on a cul-de-sac. Home features formal dining room, family room, a large kitchen with oak cabinets, island and doorwall access to brick paver patio. Nice size yard for entertaining. Minutes from M-5 access. Walled Lake Schools. Call Carol Wagner for your private showing. $239,900. ING

D EN

SANDY JONES

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

S SOLD O L D

MARIE’S TEAM

BECKY KATZMAN McCARTHY 248-790-9915

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

Lakes Area Specialist

248-470-6196 WEST BLOOMFIELD TRAILS TO LIBRARY, SCHOOLS, PARKS, SHOPS… CLUBHOUSE MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE

WEST BLOOMFIELD GREEN LAKEFRONT Fabulous views. Living room, family room and lower level fireplaces. Quality throughout: ceiling detail, French doors, bow windows. Formal and informal dining, island kitchen, heated Mackinac style porch, 4 bedrooms, 6 baths, finished walkout, 3 car garage. ENJOY! All the numerous amenities. $635,000 MCV2855W WEST BLOOMFIELD GREEN LAKEFRONT Fabulous views- Florida room, living room, family room, master balcony. Living room and family room fireplaces, island kitchen, hardwood floors, cove or lofted ceilings in 4 bedrooms, basement and oversized garage. Great location - excellent property. Check out the possibilities for yourself! $380,000 MC/2875W

CHERYL YEAGER

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

PAGE 45

rmccarthy@RealEstateOne.com

W NE

ICE

Pottery Barn adorable, move right in! Not a short sale! Shabby chic kitchen includes all of the appliances, 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, family room with fireplace, hardwood floors in bedrooms, 3 car detached garage, Walled Lake Schools! $112,000. Call Becky for details!

Elevator and newly remodeled! Prestigious Midtown Square end unit, open floor plan, new carpet and freshly painted throughout, crown molding throughout, spacious kitchen with island, Corian countertops and Brazilian walnut hardwood floor, all appliances, great room with fireplace, master bedroom with bay window, separate shower and tub. White Plantation shutters throughout, balcony, 2 car tandem garage, 14’ x 5’ storage unit, near Somerset and freeways, agent related to seller. Sale or lease

ICE

D L O S

Hilltop bungalow with one of the best views of all sports Middle Straits Lake! Privately owned! Home features approximately 1,900 square feet of living space, spacious living and family rooms, two fireplaces, 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, open kitchen with lake views & all appliances, master bedroom with private balcony facing the lake, first floor laundry, extensive decking and landscaping, newer roof, dock included, Award winning Walled Lake Schools.

SUSI GOLLINGER Associate Broker - A.B.R.

(248) 310-9002 susigollinger@hotmail.com

Recently

Commerce - Golf Manor 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath Clarkston - 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo Commerce - 3 bedroom, 1.1 bath White Lake - 3 bedroom, 2.1 bath with beautiful pool Commerce - 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo White Lake - 3 bedroom, 2.1 bath with lake privileges Highland - 4 bedroom, 3.1 bath (lease)

Call me to start your buying process and receive a buyers booklet or to discuss my marketing plan to sell your house! Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

CEDAR ISLAND LAKE Beautiful walkout ranch on popular all-sports Cedar Island. Great open floor plan for easy entertaining. Three bedrooms, 3 full baths, family room, sun room with triple pane Pella windows. Quality updating. Incredible views from large Timber Teck Deck. Located on quiet cul-de-sac. $398,000 (739RAC)

SOUTHFIELD - $149,900 NEWLY RENOVATED - All brick ranch sits on a peaceful and scenic 1.27 acre lot. Must see in person to appreciate the amazing property. Updates include refurbished hardwood floor in living room, new hardwood floor in family room, 16’ X16’ tile in kitchen, entry way and laundry. Updated kitchen, baths, laundry. New garage door. New electrical panel. Family room prepped for wood burning stove. Fresh paint throughout and much, much more. (S.G. 28665 R)

FOR SHOWINGS CALL SUSI

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • 8430 Richardson

©Real Estate One, Inc., 2012

PAGE 46

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

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

A RESIDENCE OF EXCELLENCE! In Milford’s Stone Hollow. Beautiful wooded acreage for privacy, and dual garages for storage needs or collectible cars. All paved minutes to I-96 and US23. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3,727 sq. ft. of fine living. dual staircase plan. Wonderful kitchen overlooks yard! See this setting! $795,000 MLS#212046098

PRIVACY AND PAVED ROADS - HIGHLAND Beautiful well groomed home. 7 acre with pond! Spread out, lots of room to roam. Very clean, move in. Open with ceramic entry and kitchen floors, walk-in pantry. All season room facing pond. Have the whole crowd over in the generous dining room! 4 beds master on main. Den. Huge garage. $429,900 MLS#212037729

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

MIKE KIRCHNER

TOP AGENT

248-310-7183

15 YEARS IN A ROW

Search for listings on: www.mikekirchner.com LAKE SHERWOOD WATERFRONT N PE All-spor ts Lake Sherwood home built for entertaining. Over 3,400 sq. ft. with open floor plan, granite kitchen, bar room with fireplace, four large bedrooms with California Closets, lakeside master suite with deck and incredible water views, 3 full baths, first floor laundry, 1,600 sq. ft. of exterior deck and private patio space, large circle drive & gorgeous landscaping. $449,000. 5038 Wavewood Dr. MLS#212050149

DUCK LAKE WATERFRONT Gorgeous custom waterfront home with over 5,000 sq. ft. of living space in prestigious South Bay Shores on all-sports Duck Lake. Water views from the moment you walk in. Grand entrance foyer, circular stairway, gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinets and hardwood floors, library, spacious lakeside great room, 2nd kitchen and bar in huge walkout lower level, wine cellar, sound and security system, zoned heating and cooling, 4 car garage, lakeside swimming pool, too! $579,000. 2892 Vero Drive. MLS#212071851

MILFORD ESTATE Beautiful 2.6 acre estate with carriage house located in one of Milford’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Grand entry foyer welcomes you to a soaring great room, first floor master suite, gourmet kitchen, extra wide hallways, two staircases to upper level, upstairs is another suite and a Jack and Jill. Walkout lower level with fireplace and tons of storage. Gorgeous landscaping provides for incredible views both inside and outside. Garage parking for 5 cars. $795,000 MLS#212046098

23 ACRE LAKEFRONT ESTATE Private 23 acre lakefront estate near Milford features and incredible limestone 7,300 sq. ft. home with walls of windows overlooking the lake set at the end of a 1/4 mile long gated driveway. The best of materials from around the world including exotic woods, granite and marble combine to create an entertainers’ dream. Elevator, whole house generator, and additional 60’ x 30’ clear span matching heated “barn” are included. $1,150,000 809 E. Highland Rd. MLS #211088015

G DIN

MILFORD - SHORT SALE BUY OF YEAR! $209,000 for this newer 2001 built home. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths in a sub of only a few homes. On cul-de-sac NE street sub. Backing to wooded nature preserve. Beautiful deck. Hardwood floors in most rooms. Part finished basement. Huge deep garage. Almost a 4 car garage total. See buy! MLS#212025808

SHARP COLONIAL IN HIGHLAND VALLEY Off Harvey Lake Road. Amid pines, backs to the lake. Walkout. Wood floors, living room, den, formal dining. In great shape. Low traffic street/home. Beautiful decking lakeside. Kayak, canoe, fish and swim in Private Downey Lake. Walk to park and library. $319,900 MLS#212022371

GARY VOLKER 248-330-4086

gvolker@realestateone.com

Introducing Your Neighbor & Realtor Associate

My wife and I recently moved from the west side of the state to Commerce Township. In our home search we found limited inventory in the area; and that a home well maintained and priced right was likely to receive multiple offers. 2012 is trending the same. Still Deciding? I would be honored to meet with you to evaluate how I can help with your home sale or purchase - and if you’re just in the investigation state I’d be happy to provide information and tools to help in your decision process. Interest rates have never been lower.

Get information Now!

For home selling, buying and general homeowner tips, scan the QR code and contact me at 248.330.4086, email gvolker@realestateone.com Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

- CONDO IN MILFORD VILLAGE Very well-kept end unit ranch condo on quiet street with lots of green space on one side. Open floor plan with gas fireplace in great room. All appliances including washer, dryer and water softener. Nice master bedroom with separate tub, shower and large walk in closet. Neutral colors and plenty of cabinet space. 1,334 sq. ft. basement for storage or waiting to be finished. $170,000 MLS#212062925

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

JULY 18-24, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

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$249,900

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210, Commerce, MI 48382

METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED RANCH AND YARD •3 bed, 2 ba, full bsmt, cathedral great rm, fp •Wood laminate flrs, mstr bath, appliances, 2 car #212054875 EXT. #230•KEY #248392

Zillow - Preferred Agent

$349,900 BEAUTIFULLY MANTAINED COLONIAL 1 ACRE WITH INGROUND POOL •3,230 sq ft, 4 bed, 2.5 ba, cath mstr, Fla. rm •DR, GR, fireplace, granite kitch, bsmt, 3 car #212072509 EXT. #240•KEY #268869

GORGEOUS GERUNDEGUT BAY ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •Remodeled ranch, stone fp, dining rm •Corian counter kitch, tile, crown molding #212060211 EXT. #280•KEY #248373

$319,900 INCREDIBLE RETREAT ON PRIVATE, WOODED 5 ACRES! •3,049 sq ft + fin w/o, 3 bed, 3 ba, granite kitch •2-sty rms, post/beam construction, patio, 3 car #212064550 EXT. #211•KEY #268871 LD FIE OM LO B ST WE

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$378,800

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$538,900

RARE BUILDING OPPORTUNITY BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED LOT ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT 327’ LAKE FRONTAGE •75’ sandy shoreline, 200’ deep lot, seawall •4 bed, 3.5 ba, DR, granite kitch, GR, FR •Possible walkout site, existing 2 br, 2 ba home •Fireplace, 2nd kitch, 3 car, beach, dock #212017000 EXT. #205 •KEY #248367 #212082167 EXT. #287•KEY #258747

. WP ET AK

$224,900 TWO DECKS OVERLOOKING A BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED YARD! •1.836 sq ft + finished walkout, 3 bed, 2.5 ba •Great rm-fp, dining rm, library, fam/rec rm #212061283 EXT. #275•KEY #257017 . WP ET RC E MM CO

$314,900

$259,900 66 FT. OF ALL-SPORTS WOLVERINE LAKEFRONT SPECIAL •1,900+ sq ft, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 sty. great rm •Fin. walkout, fp, tiered decking, 2+ car #212067375 EXT. #206•KEY #248398

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

ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT SPECIAL •2-3 bedroom brick ranch, fin w/o, brick fp •2 car attached gar, elevated deck, patio #212034479 EXT. #215•KEY #276273

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$495,000

V INE

$259,900 127 FT. OF BULLARD WATERFRONT GORGEOUS TREED .43 ACRE LOT •2,116 sq. ft., walkout, 4 bed, 3.5 ba, wet bar •Part fin. w/o, circle drive, elevated deck #212051318 EXT. #234•KEY #248366 . WP ET RC E MM CO

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$209,900

SPACIOUS 2-STORY CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN •2,225 sq. ft., fin basement, 4 bed, 3.5 ba. •Fireplace, cathedral mstr w/ba, deck, 2 car #212046349 EXT. #208•KEY #276271 . WP DT AN L T R HA

RD LFO MI

SPACIOUS TRI-LEVEL BEAUTIFUL 1.38 ACRE LOT •1,804 sq ft, 3 bed, 2 ba, Florida rm, living rm •Family rm - fp, kitchen appl., shed, 2 car #212056167 EXT. #262•KEY #267493

. WP

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$209,900

$199,900 WALKOUT RANCH ON ALL-SPORTS CLARK & CARROLL LAKES •1,353 sq ft + 950 sq ft fin. w/o, 3 bed, 2 ba •2 fp, mstr w/ba, courtyard garage, shed #212027022 EXT. #243•KEY #264094

$189,900

Lakes Area’s #1 Team!

RD LFO MI

R ME

. WP ET RC E MM CO

$139,900 SHARP RANCH - LARGE BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED LOT •1,408 sq ft, 3 bed, 2 ba, oversized 2 car gar •1st flr laundry, lg shed, patio, Walled Lk schools #212011148 EXT. #285 •KEY #fm256j

248-366-7200

. WP

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. WP ET RC E MM CO

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BRENDLE LAKEFRONT RANCH WITH FINISHED WALKOUT •1.7 wooded acres, 2,000 sq ft + fin walkout •3 bed, 2 ba, 2 fp, deck, patio, green house, 2 car #212072154 EXT. #236 •KEY #248358

PAGE 47

janet@TheStocktonTeam.com

. WP ET RC E MM CO

steve@TheStocktonTeam.com

800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message Text Key # to 90210 for text message Call today for a private consultation.

BIRKDALE POINTE - BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED PRIVATE LOT! •2,921 sq ft, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, great rm, fireplace •Dining rm, granite, daylight bsmt, deck, 3 car #212065846 EXT. #214 •KEY #266253 . WP DT AN L H HIG

$399,900

$385,000 10+ ACRE HORSE/HERB FARM WITH CIRCA 1880 FARMHOUSE •2,200 sq ft 2 sty, 4 bed, 2 ba, full basement •14 stall barn, 10 fenced pastures, coop, 8 car #212034718 EXT. #201•KEY #248379

BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED HOME ON ALL-SPORTS DUCK LAKE! •2,962 sq ft, 3-4 bed, 2 ba, vaulted DR, granite kitch •Fp, vaulted family rm, 1st flr laundry, bsmt #212060746 EXT. #246•KEY #258416 P. TW CE ER M M CO

RD LFO MI

$199,900

$594,900 CUSTOM RANCH ON PRIVATE & WOODED 2 ACRES! •4,267 sq ft + fin. w/o, 5 bed, 5.5 ba, remod. •Gourmet kitch, 3 suites w/ba, spa, 4 car #212071141 EXT. #240•KEY #257047

BEACON HILL GOLF COMMUNITY END UNIT CONDO •2,005 sq ft, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, 2 mstr. suites •Fireplace, ff laundry, walkout bsmt, patio, 2 car #212055971 EXT. #258•KEY #256951

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

There’s No Better Time To Sell! We are full time professional Realtors... •Meeting Client’s Needs Since 1977 •Dedicated Listing & Buyer’s Agents •160+ Negotiated/Closed “Short Sales”

Our performance speaks for itself!

www.TheStocktonTeam.com

PAGE 48

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Has Your Realtor Won This Many Awards? AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Crain’s Detroit Business 2006-2011 TOP 10 RESIDENTIAL BROKERS

RIS Media 2006 - 2011 POWER BROKER 500

Real Trends 2011 TOP 500 LARGEST BROKERS IN THE UNITED STATES

KELLER WILLIAMS 2008-2011 TOP MARKET SELLER UNITS SOLD

Call us about our new agent and veteran’s scholarship program.

Get a Realtor with the real power to help you buy or sell your property! Expert Realtors for: • Residential • Short Sale • Foreclosure • Investment • Leasing • Commercial

FEATURED LISTINGS THIS WEEK

WOLVERINE LAKE VILLAGE Inventor opportunity - 2 bdrms, 1 bath, 1 1/2 story fixer upper. $22,900 Not a bank owned. Rick Reid 248-981-8582

WOLVERINE LAKE VILLAGE Updated 2 bdrms, 1 bath ranch with full part finished basement. $114,900. Rick Reid 248-981-8582

VACANT LAKE FRONT LOT Lotus Lake, Waterford. 46’ x 277’ lot. Build your dream home. $167,900. L/C available. Rick Reid 248-981-8582

BRANDON TOWNSHIP Ranch style 3 bdrms, 2 baths. 2.5 wooded acres. High ceilings, fireplace, hrwds. Lorrie Bailey 248-884-6723

BRANDON TOWNSHIP 1,900 sq. ft. ranch with large 2.5 acre yard. Skylights. Finished walkout basement. Lorrie Bailey 248-884-6723

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP 5 bdrm, 2 bath brick contemporary. In cul-de-sac, 3 car, finished basement, fireplace. Lorrie Bailey 248-884-6723

EN OP

AY ND SU

ALL-SPORTS LAKE SHERWOOD Waterfront 5 bdrms, 3 baths, 5,500 sq. ft. Finished lower walkout. $729,900. Mickie 248-891-8667

ENTIRELY UPDATED 3,200 sq. ft. 4 bdrms home. Large fenced yard. Bloomfield schools! $339,000. Mickie 248-891-8667

ROCHESTER HILLS 5 bdrms, 2 bath,1st flr all updated includ. kitchen & bath. Dble fenced lot. $129,900. Mickie 248-891-8667

WHITE LAKE 3 bdrms, 2.5 baths. $203,000 NEW CONSTRUCTION, half acre lot. Carol Klein 248-866-1904

WHITE LAKE 3 bdrms, 2 full baths. $245,000 NEW COSNTRUCTION, half acre w/o lot. Carol Klein 248-866-1904

WEST BLOOMFIELD Large well maintained 4 bdrms, 2 full baths/2 lavs. Hdwds. Granite kitchen. $275,000. Lynn 248-421-2738

WEST BLOOMFIELD Large condo. Pristine cond. 3 bdrms. Expansive living/dining rm, lake views. $399,000. Lynn 248-421-2738

SOUTHFIELD Great location w/ reception/secretarial & waiting area. 14 office total in 3 flrs. Georgia Richardson 313-920-5162

WEST BLOOMFIELD 4 bdrms, 2.2 bath home on park-like setting. Move in ready. Call for details. $299,900 Kim Kostoff 248-842-8626

FARMINGTON HILLS 5 bdrm., 3.5 bath, 1st flr mstr. Huge family rm. Spacious lot, 2 car. $300,000 Kim Kostoff 248-842-8626

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP 4 bdrm, 4.2 bath w/over 6,000 sf. Fin. walkout. Attached 3 car. $489,900. Jennifer Wrobleski 248-854-3100

BEACON HILL CONDO Lake views. 3 bdrms, 2.1 baths. 1st flr. mstr. w/WIC. Attached 2 car. $189,900. Jennifer Wrobleski 248-854-3100

COMMERCE - LAKES AREA Laura Prendergast - Team Leader 2900 Union Lake Rd., #210 • Commerce Twp., MI 48382 248.360.2900

WEST BLOOMFIELD - FARMINGTON HILLS Dan Klaper - Team Leader 30500 Northwestern Hwy., #300 • Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248.626.2100

JULY 18-24, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

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

COMMERCE MARKET CENTER

Jennifer Wrobleski REALTOR®

www.JenniferWrobleski.net

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

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

CELL

PAGE 49

The Roehling Group 2900 Union Lake Rd., Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382 248-406-2910 office 248-672-1657 cell Email: kathyroehling@hotmail.com Website: www.familiesmatteronline.com

WORDS CAN’T DESCRIBE… This awesome home. 4 bedrooms, 2 and 1/2 baths, family room w/wet bar & fireplace. Entry level master suite. Fin. basement. Oversized 2 car garage. 1.97 acres. Call Now. 1-800-950-3464 code 113.

MOVE TO THE COUNTRY! 5 wooded acres. Custom built Victorian. 4 bedrooms, 3 and 1/2 baths. 3,400 sq. ft. Walk-out basement. 3 car garage. Call for complete list of features. PRICE REDUCED. 1-800-950-3464 code 153.

Homes are selling quickly.

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

Twenty Seven years as your lakes area Realtor with Over Two Thousand Four Hundred Sales International Award Winning Agent

Dan Klavitter “When you want it SOLD” Not just for “SALE”

248-406-2903 www.MichiganFineHomes.com

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, be sure to Call The Roehling Group. 650 FEET ON THE RIFLE RIVER 2.1 wooded acres, plus 3 bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bath year round home. Two garages each housing 2 cars with extra storage. You will want to see this today. 1-800-950-3464 code 163.

They are experienced, professional and successful.

#1 office in sales in the area

Whether Buying or Selling a Home… Christine Atkinson Committed to Excellence & Outstanding Service

My Core Value Are To Always… -Live by the get by giving philosophy -Make my clients #1 goal my #1 goal. -Do what I say I’ll do, some times more just never less. -Live up to my standards, despite temptations to lower them.

I Specialize in Referrals and I Appreciate Your Help!

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

This is the last website you’ll ever need to buy or sell your next house. With full access to the Realtor Data Base, it’s a gateway to help you find the information you need about today’s Real Estate market. This site is full of valuable information that will help aid you in making the right decision when buying or selling a home.

Email: christineatkinsonrealtor@yahoo.com Visit my website CHRISTINEATKINSON.COM

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

2900 Union Lake Rd. - Commerce, MI 48382 248-406-2903 Dir. 248-360-2900 Office 248-894-6828 Cell

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

COMMERCE - LAKES AREA Laura Prendergast - Team Leaderr 2900 Union Lake Rd., #210 • Commerce Twp., MI 4838 248.360.2900

WEST BLOOMFIELD - FARMINGTON HILLS Dan Klaper - Team Leader 30500 Northwestern Hwy., #300 • Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248.626.2100

PAGE 50

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Garage Sales

103

Garage Sales

103

WALLED LAKE

WIXOM

2015 WALDOR, Pontiac Trail & Welch. Thursday, Friday, 9am-5pm. Saturday, 10am2pm. Baby, household, golf.

TOOLS, TOY guns, video games, movies and teen clothes. July 20th, 9am-5pm and July 21st, 9am-12pm. 751 Sibley Court. Maple & Wixom Rds.

WHITE LAKE

WOLVERINE LAKE JULY 19-21, 8am-3pm. 8656 Newport Drive. Household items, kid's clothes, toys. 10ft aluminum boat and trailer, much more.

LARGE ASSORTMENT of items. Thursday thru Saturday, 9-5. 2380 Ethel No early birds. Cash.

Building Materials 105 875 FARNSWORTH. Thursday through Sunday, 9am5:30pm. Come see us.

PEG BOARD, 29ft x 2ft 5 inches. New. $20 248-3630693

Building Materials 105

Odds N Ends

40' ALUMINUM Extension ladder, excellent condition, $125 248-390-9943

1,000 WATT MV industrial Flood light, 120 volt. $24.95. 248-766-2505.

Lawn/Garden/Sod 110

$20 PREPAID Phone card for only $10- I can give you a 1800 number to verify, expires June 13, 2013. 248-6232661.

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

Furniture/Rugs

125

7FT. FLOOR Lamp. $10. 248462-1642 EARLY AMERICAN Dining Room Set, solid oak, table with leaf, four chairs, excellent condition. $400. 248-668-9478 TWIN HEADBOARDS, Gray vinyl covering. $20. 248-6984168

Tutor Time is HIRING Teachers and Drivers for our schools in the Walled Lake area!! CDA preferred, 12 ECE credit hrs req’d. Join us Tuesday, July 21st at 1230 Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, MI 48390 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Email resumes to: 6303@tutortime.com or fax to: 248-926-8686. Call: 248-926-9008. EOE

138

Household Items

129

WOODEN PLANT stand w/ graduated shelving. 28" long x 28 1/2" high. $10 248-6232661 WHITE CEILING Fan, excellent shape, $20. 248-8812031 LET US CLEAR SOME SPACE by Give us a call at 248-3607355 or fax to 248-360-5308 or 219-360-5309 you could clear out those unused items.

WESTINGHOUSE AUTOMATIC extra tall can opener, brand new in box. $5. 248-623-2661

BOATS/ OUTDOOR Boats/Motors/ Trailers

164

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

(248)666-9248

Boats/Motors/ Trailers

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

1971 OPEL GT Front real axle $24.99 248-766-2505 Dan

Summer Storage-$59.99

Motorcycles

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

Let us sell your pontoon.

Tom 248-681-4250 www.tomspontoonservice.com SWEETWATER 2005 18FT Pontoon, 25hp Mercury, $8,000 OBO; Boat Hoistcrank lift, $1,400. 248-3667044.

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage

Please apply to: salesmanager@thescngroup.com

181

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

(248)467-0396

Twelve phone lines open 8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday

248360-SELL (248-360-7355)

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

360-5308 • 360-5309

183

MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page FULL REPAIR SERVICES Motorcycle parts/ Access. Mention ad for up to 20% off!

MX • ATV• P.W.C

Lakes MotorSports 4713 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI 48329

SALES MANAGER We need an enthusiastic leader for our small, but experienced sales staff of eight inside and outside reps. If you have a background in both print and digital sales and the ability to achieve aggressive goals working with others, we’d like to talk to you. Experience with weekly newspapers and shoppers or directory sales is a plus.

Cars 182

PONTOON HAULING Local & Long Distance

Spinal Column News Group We’re looking for a hands-on Sales Manager to grow our print and online businesses in the beautiful lakes region of Oakland County, MI.

Tires/ Parts

164

248-674-0663 www.lakesmotorsports.com

187

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page FORD, E150 XLT, 2000. V8, kbb; excellent. One owner. 8 passenger, loaded. $5,600. 586-303-6500 HONDA CIVIC LX 1998, Clean inside, tires good, a/c good, 194k, rusty but trusty, extremely dependable. $2,000. 248-722-1989

2007 F-150 SUPERCAB FLARESIDE XL 8 cyl. 5.4L, 4X4 off road, new tires, clean, loaded, running boards! Really sharp! $16,500

WE BUY CARS! Paying more for your trade

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

248-714-6125

woodwardauto.com

Photographers

336

FOCUS - POCUS Photography in Walled Lake

July & August No Sitting Fee for Senior Portraits Call for Pricing

248-631-8707 Home/ Office Cleaning

NOW IS THE SEASON - Get that car or motorcyle sold by Listing it HERE by simply calling 248-360-SOLD or 24 hour Fax Line: 248-360-5308

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

"Mini Storage Depot will sell at public auction, contents of Units Numbered (O1314, Myra Finney- household goods, furniture, boxes, trunks, toys, sporting goods, tools, equipment), (O1317, Myra Finney- household goods, furniture, boxes, suitcases, toys sporting goods, tools), (O1337, Stephanie Carnes- household good, furniture, boxes), (F452, Kelsie Miller- household goods, boxes, furniture), (D247, Tammy Paull Mackenziehousehold goods, furniture, boxes, toys, sporting goods, tools), (G504, Victor Paganini- household goods, furniture, boxes, tools, motor vehicles), (D270, Nicole Jacksonhousehold goods, furniture, boxes, suitcases, toys, sporting goods, tools, inventory), (X95, Shannon Thomas- trailers), (N1230, Chris Summers- household goods, furniture,), (Z47, Robert Schroff- motor vehicles), (X50, James McLaughlin- other vehicles/ trailers), (I704, Lamar Grace- equipment), (E349, Ashley Sutton- household goods, motor vehicles) on Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 at 2:00p.m. for back storage fees owed. The auction will take place at Mini Storage Depot - 46550 Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390. We reserve the right to reject any and all bids."

Guaranteed Credit Approval

PERSONAL/ SERVICES

LINCOLN MARK Vll 1986, Excellent running condition, interior- like new, 138k, $2,600 OBO. 248-363-1378

PUBLIC AUCTION

HIGHLAND’S NEWEST AUTO DEALER

SERVICE DIRECTORY

368

House Cleaning

Contact Pam 248-636-7126

REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT Appliance Repair

502

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

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

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

SINCE 1983

(248)-623-7282

JULY 18-24, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 51

LAKES AREA SERVICES (248) 360-7355

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

Fax (248) 360-5308

Personal • Business • Maintenance • Improvements • Repair Carpet Installation

Cement/Concrete 513

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

Bob (248)681-5771 Cabinetry

515

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

(248)363-3804 elegant-woodworking.com

Cement/Concrete

517

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

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

517

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

248-486-5900 Doors

524

529

MARCUCCI

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

(248)624-6458 Flooring

536

EDWARD'S FLOOR COVERING

Since 1980

•Linoleum •Ceramic Tile •Hardwood Floors •Laminate Wood 27 Years Exp. Free Est.

Garage door springs and door openers repaired and/or replaced.

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

248-624-3161 Drywall

526

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

Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians

528

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

ARROWCONCRETE.NET

248-758-4346

(248)683-7985

(248)241-6913 Handy Person

Handy Person

545

D & S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING

THE DOOR STOP

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

Excavating

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

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

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•Additions •Garages •Drywall •Painting •Plumbing •Electrical •Tile •Marble •Kitchens •Baths •Basements •Decks 33 Years ... Licensed

248-684-4175 810-714-3058

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

FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION

248-363-1615 547

T SQUARED CONTRACTING • Custom Carpentry • Remodeling Kitchens, finished basements, baths, etc. 25 yrs exp. Lic. & Insurred

248-760-2873 t2contracting@sbcglobal.net

Lawn/Garden Services

Plumbing 553

College Student Looking for Lawn care, mulch/ stone & odd jobs Shawn Larkins 248-931-0295 LADY LIBERTY ENTERPRISES Land Dec-

Heating/Duct Work 546

Home Improvement

Lawn/Garden Services

553

A R T

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

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

248-634-7041

567

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

248-363-5864 569

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

Painting/ Decorating

562

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

(248) 477-7764 (248) 345-3308 VS PAINTING SUMMER SPECIAL Save 20% this season on exterior/ interior painting, drywall repair, & wallpaper removal on small or big jobs. 25 years experience. licensed and insured. Same day free estimates.

248-894-3239 SUMMER SPECIALS

Lakes Painting

•Remodeling •Quality Service •New Construction • Repairs •Grout Sealing • Licensed and Insured

John Miller (248)505-8865 jmtileandmarble.com

Trash/Debris Removal

Specializing in: •Appliances •Furniture •Debris Removal

Call anytime for estimates & great service

248-887-4892 571

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

Doug Dible 248-431-6243 ROOF REPAIRS Missing shingles replaced, Chimney flashing resealed, Leaks stopped, Vent stack flashing replaced, Complete roof inspection service, Guaranteed work. 30 yrs exp.

Call Doug Miller 248-360-0344 Siding

577

I.D.C.

Tree Service

587

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

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

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

Licensed & Insured Free Estimates

(248)887-2190 STUMP GRINDING AFFORDABLE

587

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

248-921-9097 Waterproofing

586

Progressive Transportation

Tree Service Roofing

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

585

J.M. TILE & MARBLE CUSTOM WORK

Premier Plumbing

Power Washing

Tile

599

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

Wells

603

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

Emergency Service 7 days a week 248-

363-6464

aquawells.com All credit cards accepted

BOB WYCKOFF WELL SERVICE "If you have questions, we have answers!"

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

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

Prompt Service Fenced Yard Accessible

(248)310-0917

Bob: 248-363-0589

Insured. Call Todd

248-762-1534

idchomeservice.com

248-425-0155

Emergency Service

Free Estimates

•PUMPS •TANKS • WELL REPAIR

Visa & MasterCard

PAGE 52

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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