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9/14/11

WATERFORD • UNION LAKE • WHITE LAKE • HIGHLAND • MILFORD • WIXOM WALLED LAKE • WOLVERINE LAKE • COMMERCE • ORCHARD LAKE • WEST BLOOMFIELD

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Messages reveal little; Ureste traffic stop saga continues in WB - pg. 7

COOLEY LAKE TO BE PAVED Information session Thursday for road work slated for 2012 - pg. 31

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The ninth annual Joe Cornell Event Planning EXPO is expanding this fall, with a new Wedding Marketplace featuring select expert wedding vendors promoting their services and products to brides and grooms.

The Joe Cornell Event Planning EXPO will take place Sunday, Sept. 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the West Bloomfield Jewish Community Center, located at 6600 W. Maple Road (at Drake Road). The event is open to the public and free of charge.

In addition to 60 general vendors representing all aspects of eventplanning needs, another 30 specifically focused on weddings will be available for brides and grooms in the art gallery at the West Bloomfield JCC. For more information, call 248-3566000 or visit www.joecornell.com. ❏

That’s what SHE said: "It's not my job to withhold or cover up information. I don't do that. The public has a right to know."

— West Bloomfield Township Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy, who also serves as the township's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) coordinator, responding to questions about the release of police department documents relative to the recent traffic stop involving Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste and her husband, Matthew Ureste.

INSIDE Special Report . . . . . . .10-11 County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . .29 Environment . . . . . . . .32-33 State . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35-36 Lakes Area News . . . . . .7-17 Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Community Calendar . .40-41 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .42-45

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

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Walled Lake’s annual pet event slated for Sunday

By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Man’s best friend and other family pets will take the lead this Sunday, Sept. 18 during Walled Lake’s Annual Pet Awareness Day. The event, hosted by the Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority (DDA), will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Historically the event has always been held at the Walled Lake event field, but this year it has been relocated to Walled Lake’s Historic Lakefront District at East Walled Lake Drive between Ferland and Witherall streets.

“I’m excited because it’s at the lakefront, which makes for a nice backdrop,” said DDA Executive Director Charlene Long. “It’s a great event we wanted to sponsor. Pets are part of a family and this makes for a nice family day to enjoy.”

Pet owners will walk their pets at the site to open the event at 11 a.m.

“All animals must be leashed or in a cage during the event, whatever is appropriate for their pet,” Long said.

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.

Proceeds from each $5 donation will benefit Paws with a Cause, a charity that helps people with disabilities.

“The benefit charity Paws with a

Village, township officials to meet on medical pot

By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Before lifting a moratorium on the sale, cultivation or dispensing of medical marijuana, officials from the village of Wolverine Lake, Milford Township and Milford Village will attend a seminar on the subject on Monday, Sept. 26.

The meeting will be open to elected officials from those communities, as well as planning commission members.

The municipalities share the same attorney, Jennifer Elowsky of Groth, Elowsky, Kelley, Pawlak and Seglund.

You can bring your four-legged friend down to Walled Lake on Sunday, Sept.

18 and take part in the community’s annual Pet Awareness Day, set to take place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. in Walled Lake’s Historic Lakefront District.

(Photo submitted by the Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority)

Cause does a good job and will do a short demonstration to show what their dogs do,” Long said.

The event, which will be emceed by local DJ Tony Marshall, will be jampacked with entertainment and promises to be a real treat for patrons throughout the day.

First off, Ultimate Air Dogs, one of the premier dock jumping organizations in the country that has been featured on “Good Morning America” and ESPN and is owned by Milt Wilcox, a former Detroit Tigers pitcher, will be

performing all day long.

In addition, patrons will be enthralled by Mark Rosenthal from Animal Magic, voted as Nickelodeon’s 2010 Entertainer of the Year. The “Animal Magic” non-profit organization is dedicated to exotic wildlife conservation and life science education.

“He will be bringing some exotic animals to the event and do some kind of demonstration that will be interesting and educational for everyone,” Long said.

Some of the information presented may include discourse on the Aug. 23 unanimous decision by the state Court of Appeals that ruled that the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA) — which was the result of a voterapproved ballot measure in 2008 that allowed use of medical marijuana for qualifying patients — does not provide legal grounds for so-called dispensaries to facilitate patient-to-patient sales of medical marijuana.

The ruling is expected to help communities grappling with issues related to medical marijuana; however, others like Wolverine Lake and Milford Township and Milford Village want their attorney’s opinion before acting.

“The seminar is one way to determine which way we should go with an ordinance,” said Wolverine Lake

Village Council President John Magee.

“The ruling may have some merit on what is presented, but she (Elowsky) has been gathering the information for some time,” said Wolverine Lake Village Councilman and Planning Commission Liaison Brian Nedrow.

Wolverine Lake’s medical marijuana moratorium — which has been extended twice — will expire Dec. 14.

Village officials wanted to wait to see how the state would handle the ambiguity that local officials say has hindered any crafting of an ordinance.

“We want some clarification on how to proceed with an ordinance on the local level — we’ve been struggling on how to proceed,” Nedrow said.

Milford Township Supervisor Don Green said that township officials will

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WEST

OAKLAND’S

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

From Detroit to Dover

NEWSWEEKLY

51st YEAR OF PUBLICATION Waterford • White Lake • Highland • Milford Commerce • Wolverine • Walled Lake • Wixom West Bloomfield • Orchard Lake • Union Lake

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Kirk Pinho

Staff Writers: Angela Niemi, Leslie Shepard, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Mike Scott, Mark Stowers Staff Photographer: Amy K. Lockard ADVERTISING SALES: Account Representatives: Cindie Audia, Denise Engelberts, Debra Grubb Linda Stickney, Laurie Wasker Sales Assistant/Proofing: Karen Whikehart PHONE SALES MANAGER: Lori Snyder Account Representatives: Rhonda Libkuman, Cindy Stawick, Leslie Timko GRAPHICS: Denise Jungjohan, Marcia Reimer, Stacie Sabady IT MANAGER: Joel Stickney CIRCULATION: Dan Griffin ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGER: Carolyn Petherbridge Assistant: Mable McCullough PRESS RELEASES: Deadline 10 a.m. Thursday.

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NEWS TIPS: Post at our website MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: 52 issues - $45 per year.

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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.

WB teacher Birmelin recounts swimming the English Channel

J

enny Birmelin, 33, became the first Michigan woman on record to swim the English Channel in 11 hours, 31 minutes, and 7 seconds. A middle school teacher at Orchard Lake Middle School in West Bloomfield, Birmelin swam 24 nautical miles, a distance of 28 land miles, from Dover, England to France while braving freighters, jellyfish, water currents, and the frigid temperatures of the English Channel. She credits her husband as her “No. 1” supporter throughout the entire journey from England to France, which she has chronicled on her personal website, www.jennybirmelin.com.

You have been swimming since the age of 6, played water polo at Michigan State University, and now compete in open water swimming.

Please explain the impact the sport of swimming has had on your life.

JB: Since a young age swimming has been an important part of my life as far as physical fitness and making friends for life early on. In high school, swimming was awesome. I got to meet a lot of upperclassmen as a freshman, so that helped me get acquainted with the school. Carrying on at college was a great way to get involved as a freshman and joining a college water polo team.

After college, I joined Masters Swimming. And some of those friends that I made 10 years ago now are still some of my closest friends today.

You recently became the first woman from Michigan to swim across the English Channel and made that 24-nautical-mile journey in a time of 11 hours and 31 minutes. What made you decide to swim the English Channel?

JB: No. 1, just the challenge. You know it has such a history. So to be a part of a challenge like that, knowing that the first person was Captain Webb in 1875 and then it took until 1926 until Gertrude Ederle swam it. So to be a part of the history of that was just amazing.

I did my first 25K swim in June in Indianapolis and was successful at that, and then later on in July I swam from Tawas to Charity Island, which was a 16 mile swim. We had 2- to 4-foot waves so I said, “Ok I can do that.” I did that — and survived. I swam across Lake St. Clair last year — that was the swim, that Lake St. Clair swim, when I knew that I was getting closer to finishing that, that I could do the English Channel.

Q

Q

ing you need to do to push past and kind of get yourself used to where you are swimming and all of a sudden an hour seems like 10 minutes. You have to train your mind to focus and stay strong for that long.

Please describe your experience of swimming across the English Channel. How did it feel to complete the swim? What did you do to celebrate after it was all done?

JB: The channel was terrific. It was so exciting. There were times when I would sit up or I was treading water and would just go, “Woooah!” because I could see these freighters going by.

And my crew would say, “That’s nice.

Just keep swimming.” Because to them they had seen 500 freighters in the day, and it was just another one to them. But to me, it was I maybe saw five as close up and as personal as they did. So it was so exciting. And they were just like, “Eh. Great. Keep going.”

The other thing was the jellyfish. We are so lucky in the Great Lakes and Pure Michigan. We don’t have jellyfish to worry about. And I saw some that were a bear hug wide, and some were as small as my fist. When you see these brightly colored, iridescent, glowing orange and pink jellyfish, it was awesome. I was very glad they were 4 and 5 feet underwater and not touching me. I did get stung by something, probably about halfway through, on my left wrist. That stung for about an hour, and then it went away. And there weren’t any marks left over.

I was so grateful to be successful and have my team be there to celebrate with me. And when I looked back, I could hear the air horn sounding and I saw my friends waving the American flag. It was thrilling. I was so thankful that my husband — so grateful, too — was able to swim the last hour with me and share that experience reaching shore. So I turned around and he was the first person I gave a big hug to.

Then we had a two-hour boat ride back to Dover. We had a quick shower.

We went back to Dover and had another shower. And then my aunt and friend went and got some pizzas for the seven of us. And we had pizza and a little bit of ice cream. And everybody went to bed early, but I did not sleep well for five nights. ❏

Q

Q

Please explain how you prepare for a swim as long as the one between England and France.

JB: There is a lot you have to do. And a lot of it is mental preparation. That was huge. So first of all, you have to take cold showers. So you’re taking cold showers for over a year getting ready for this. You have to get yourself acclimated to the cold water. From Michigan in April I was getting in Trout Lake at Island Lake State Park. And at first I was swimming with my face above water. The water temperature was in the 40 degree range — 40 to 50 — and I had just a bathing suit and a swim cap and was using ear plugs. But

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW there are no wet suits allowed. So you slowly have to start building from a 5 minute swim to a 10 minute swim to a half hour swim and so on. And that means swimming until November in the lakes. I was going up to Lake Huron and still swimming in a bathing suit in October and just taking cold water plunges in November to get used to that water temperature. I was swimming twice a day while teaching fulltime at Orchard Lake Middle School in West Bloomfield throughout the whole school year. So that means getting up at 3 o’clock in the morning to dive into the pool by 4 a.m. to swim 2 hours before school and going back to the pool to swim 2 to 3 hours after school.

On the weekends, I was swimming anywhere from 2 to 4 hour pool swims, you know, every day — Saturday and Sunday. So there’s a lot of mental train-

By Angela Niemi

Read more of this interview at spinalcolumnonline.com.

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

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PAGE 7

LAKES AREA NEWS

Medical pot meeting ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3

be present at the symposium.

The Milford Township Board of Trustees voted on May 18 to extend the township’s moratorium on medical marijuana establishments and activities for another six months.

The moratorium was first enacted by the township board on May 19, 2010 for six months. The board extended the moratorium for another six months on Nov. 17, 2010.

The moratorium denies any use of land in the township for marijuana cultivation or processing, distribution or dispensing, smoking or other administration; marijuana stores; and specialized schools or training involving marijuana.

The township board has previously argued that the township’s current zoning and land use ordinances don’t address the proper location of land uses involving medical marijuana because many of the activities previously were illegal and not permitted in any zoning classification within the township.

Milford Village Manager Arthur Shufflebarger also said that some Milford Village Council members will also be present at the symposium.

The Milford Village Council voted on June 6 to approve an extension of the village’s moratorium on medical marijuana facilities for another six months, now spanning until November, in order for the Planning Commission to do more research.

The village originally extended its moratorium for six months back in November after first passing it last June. The moratorium forbids land use for growing and distributing medical marijuana or allowing schools to provide training on the cultivation, processing, and distribution. ❏

Texts reveal tenor of discussion in Ureste traffic stop

By Michael Shelton staff writer

Transcripts of text messages reportedly sent between two West Bloomfield Township police officers handling a traffic stop involving township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste and her husband, Matthew Ureste, have surfaced, sparking a call for an investigation by the supervisor that ultimately was turned down by the West Bloomfield Board of Trustees.

Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Charlene Long called Pet Awareness Day a “great event” for the whole community. The event, which is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18, will feature a demonstration by Paws with a Cause, as well as local DJ Tony Marshall, among other attractions. (Photo submitted by the Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority)

Pet awareness ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3

For a monetary donation, kids will be thrilled to ride in carts drawn by miniature horses.

Bargains can be found on pet food, toys, clothing, collars, daycare and grooming services.

At the township board meeting held Monday, Sept. 12, Economou Ureste called for an independent investigation of the police department’s release of information concerning the traffic stop, questioning who ordered Officer Robert Stephens to preUreste pare an initial police report 11 days following the traffic stop and who authorized the release of documents, including the text message transcripts, to the media.

“A lot of misleading information

Several veterinarians will on site answering questions, while rescue and adoption groups will take part by handing out information.

“The event provides exposure for rescue groups, many of which people aren’t aware of, and we’re happy to play a part in helping pets find a home,” Long said. ❏

was released to the media before the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office had a chance to weigh in,” she said.

“If there really isn’t anything to hide, I don’t understand why I wouldn’t have the support of this board table to consult an independent investigation.”

Matthew Ureste said that if information is disseminated in a professional manner, it would prevent misleading information from being released.

Trustee Steve Kaplan supported the supervisor’s motion for an independent probe, but it was rejected by a 52 board vote.

Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy said she wanted to save the taxpayers’ money by voting against an unnecessary investigation.

“I am the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) coordinator in the township,” she said. “I authorize the release of all FOIA material. I consult with our legal counsel on every FOIA request that I receive and answered all these FOIAs according to the law. It’s not my job to withhold or cover up information. I don’t do that. The public has a right to know.”

Trustee Howard Rosenberg said an investigation was unnecessary because Shaughnessy has all the answers as the township’s FOIA coordinator.

Treasurer Teri Weingarden said it may never be known who, if anyone, leaked information about the incident to the media.

The Spinal Column Newsweekly obtained a copy of the police officers’ text message transcripts through a FOIA request. The texts were sent between Stephens and a second township police officer listed as Z. Dailey during the early morning hours of Aug. 13, shortly after Stephens pulled the Urestes over at 2:18 a.m. as they were coming home from a Kid Rock concert in Detroit.

According to documents previously attained by the Spinal Column Newsweekly through FOIA, Stephens observed a car run a flashing red light at the intersection of Green Lake and Richardson roads.

The car was then pulled over on Welland Drive off Green Lake Road, according to the documents. Stephens spoke with Matthew Ureste, the driver, and reportedly detected an odor of intoxicants in the vehicle coming from one or both occupants.

Stephens also noted that Matthew Ureste had watery eyes and admitted to drinking alcohol earlier in the evening.

Stephens asked Matthew Ureste to submit to a preliminary breath test (PBT) and he consented. The results of Matthew Ureste’s PBT was a 0.11 percent blood-alcohol content, according to the documents obtained through FOIA. The legal limit is 0.08 percent. No other field sobriety tests were conducted.

Stephens informed Matthew Ureste he was too intoxicated to drive home, and offered him and Economou Ureste a ride home in his patrol vehicle, according to the documents.

According to the text message transcripts, Dailey first texted Stephens at 2:22 a.m., stating “ha ha.”

Stephens then responded at 2:29 a.m. to Dailey, stating “(Expletive) me,” followed by another text at 2:36 a.m. stating “That still counts as a verbal warning right?”

PAGE 9 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

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PAGE 9

LAKES AREA NEWS

WB police texts ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 7

Dailey then responded at 2:36 a.m., texting “Oh yea, better get credit for that.”

Stephens then sent another text at 2:38 a.m., but the content was blacked out in the transcript.

Dailey responded seconds later, stating “Lol, that (expletive),” to which Stephens replied “ha ha.”

Stephens then sent another text at 2:39 a.m., but the content was blacked out in the transcript.

Dailey’s response was, “Wait, didn’t that (expletive) want you fired or re-trained when you were brand new?” in an apparent reference to Economou Ureste.

Stephens answered, “You’re poking the bear now Z, lol,” before stating, “Yes.” Dailey then texted, “Lol, just makes me want to punch her. Just saying,” to which Stephens responded, “Agreed. I’m a little mad at myself for not hooking (arresting) him (Matthew Ureste).”

Dailey then texted, “I would never really do it though, they might not put the millage on the ballot if I do. Lol,” in reference to the previous comment about Economou Ureste.

At 2:42 a.m., Stephens texted “But, I wouldn’t want to do that to chief,” to which Dailey responded, “For sure, he has enough problems from her.”

Stephens then said at 2:43 a.m.

“Ummm hummm, maybe this might be some firepower for him,” ending the text conversation about the incident.

After the traffic stop became public, West Bloomfield Police Chief Michael Patton initiated an internal investigation that was headed by Lt. Tim Diamond. The investigation concluded on Aug. 26 with a five-day suspension of Stephens without pay.

In regards to the transcript where Dailey and Stephens talk about Economou Ureste wanting Stephens retrained, Patton said that Stephens appeared to be referring to a prior complaint by a motorist who was stopped by Stephens in 2009.

“The matter was investigated and was found to be without merit. I’m not sure why, but the officer believes the supervisor has some involvement in the resolution of the matter,” Patton said. “The supervisor is sometimes a party to the discussion of citizen complaints against officers.”

Asked by superiors why he didn’t arrest Matthew Ureste, Stephens reportedly offered up a series of explainations, including that he didn’t

For the first time since its inception, the Wixom Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, granted Walled Lake Western High School graduate Paul O’Neill (above) a $5,000 scholarship to attend Ferris State University so he can get hands-on experience in the fields of design technology or manufacturing. (Photo submitted by Nick Kennedy, chairman of the Wixom Community Foundation)

want to arrest the township supervisor’s husband; it was a busy shift and didn’t want to get tied up on an operating while intoxicated arrest; and that he was concerned that an arrest would compromise an upcoming public safety millage vote in November.

West Bloomfield police submitted a report on the traffic stop and an in-car video recording of the incident to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, which found there was insufficient evidence to establish any crime.

Matthew Ureste previously said that he wasn’t intoxicated that night but that he was extremely tired and that he and his wife were never informed that he blew over the legal blood-alcohol limit.

He added that Stephens asked him if he wanted a ride home and he accepted.

No charges have been filed or are expected against Matthew Ureste.

Economou Ureste also previously said at the West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting on Aug. 29 that her husband wasn’t intoxicated, that they were both tired and that there was no video evidence that

Matthew Ureste ran a red light.

Prior to Economou Ureste’s request for an independent probe at the Sept. 12 meeting, Trustee Gene Farber and Rosenberg called for an investigation by the township’s labor counsel regarding Economou Ureste recently overturning the suspension of a different police officer.

According to Rosenberg, the officer in question was in charge of the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect with a knife in the early morning hours of July 20 in the 7400 block of Locklin.

The suspect was arrested and put in the back of a police cruiser in handcuffs. However, while police were conducting interviews, the suspect managed to slip out of the car, leading to a manhunt. He was later found just after 11 a.m. in a swampy area near Playsted and the officer was reprimanded with a three-day suspension.

However, Economou Ureste reportedly overturned the decision, instead issuing a written reprimand because it was in line with the township’s disciplinary policy for first-time offenders.

“I have made a decision on an issue concerning an officer to essen-

tially issue a written reprimand rather than a suspension for a first-time offense. And unfortunately, the police chief and I disagree with this issue, but I’m really in a box on this,” Economou Ureste said. “Unless the board decides to amend the existing disciplinary policy, I have no latitude.

Quite frankly, I haven’t seen anything to change my position on this matter.”

Rosenberg said that he was concerned that the overturning of the suspension was suspicious and questioned if Economou Ureste could objectively make decisions regarding policy matters for the police department. He also said she should excuse herself from further discussions regarding the police.

Farber said he wanted the matter referred to the labor counsel for an investigation, claiming that proper procedure was not followed.

However, Economou Ureste said that the officer and the union did send her a grievance that hit her desk.

But, when informed by a township personnel manager at the meeting that the grievance was not filed correctly, Economou Ureste rescinded her original decision and called on the union to resubmit a grievance.

As a result, no action was taken on Faber’s motion for an investigation. ❏

Buck leaving Walled Lake to fill Wixom clerk post

By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Walled Lake City Clerk Cathy Buck has come full circle now that she has tendered her resignation and plans to assume Linda Kirby’s post as clerk in Wixom.

Buck worked in Wixom as an administrative assistant in the Finance Department early in her career, so for her, the move is like coming home again.

“I actually started my municipal career in Wixom and still know some familiar faces Buck from 15 years ago,” Buck said. “I’m looking forward to a new opportunity.”

Buck announced her resignation on

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 12

➥

PAGE 10

By Leslie Shepard

W SPECIAL REPORT

staff writer

ith school now in session, parents across west Oakland County are escorting their kids onto big yellow buses and waving goodbye until they fade from view. However, parents need some assurance that their school district is maintaining its bus fleet so their children are conveyed to and from school safely. Michigan prides itself on putting safety first when it comes to school bus transportation and has earned a reputation for its stringent inspection criteria.

State law mandates annual school bus inspections, and again this year the state has begrudgingly foot the bill for the statewide inspection program. However with budget cuts impacting all areas of government, the Michigan State Police (MSP), which performs bus inspections, has needed to curtail the staffing and spending to conduct inspections.

According to Lt. Steven Horwood, state support section commander for the MSP Traffic Safety Division, the MSP was in the process of lobbying for legislation after Gov. Rick Snyder put forth his state budget, seen by many as a bitter pill in these difficult economic and fiscal times.

“If we were only going to get a couple hundred thousand (dollars), we made the recommendation to rewrite the law since we are mandated to conduct an annual inspection on every school bus in accordance with the Pupil Transportation Act of 1990,” he said. “However, no one wanted to touch a proposal at the time.”

“Every agency across the state was told to produce cuts, but Snyder included the bus inspections in his budget to provide safe transportation. It came down to a safety issue,” said Gary Bubar, executive director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT).

The MSP’s current $900,000 bus inspection budget has been tapered back from the $1.4 million allocated over the last few years. That funding is funneled into the Michigan Department of Education’s budget, which remits it back to the MSP. There have been futile attempts in the past by legislators to make the school districts responsible for covering bus inspection costs.

“The first thing on the chopping block would be inspections due to the budget crisis in schools,” Horwood said. “The whole purpose of a bus inspection is to make sure school dis-

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

Bus checkups Most fleets in tip-top shape

tricts maintain some form of maintenance procedures.”

Other attempts to have the MSP inspect buses on a random basis in an effort to save dollars have also failed.

In January 2010, House Bill (HB) 5742 and 5743 were introduced to change the language in the Michigan Vehicle Code and Pupil Transportation Act to remove the mandate for annual bus inspections and instead effectively make the program voluntary. MAPT intervened and was successful in scuttling the legislation.

“That doesn’t mean the MAPT doesn’t want random inspection procedures in some shape or form, but MSP is opposed to that,” Horwood said. “Right now nothing has changed — MSP still has to inspect

every school bus.”

The bus fleets of the Huron Valley, Walled Lake, Waterford and West Bloomfield school districts were inspected within the last year, and the relatively few problems that were found were fixed before the start of the new school year. Each district views state-conducted bus inspections as significant to ensuring safe transportation.

Michigan’s school buses are inspected each year beginning Sept. 1 and ending Aug. 31. Michigan school buses undergo a 198-point inspection — far more extensive than any other commercial vehicle in the state.

“One problem school districts run into in an effort to save money is when they try to buy a bus from a seller other than a dealer,” Horwood

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

said. “Michigan has unique guidelines and, once that bus is inspected, it could be red-tagged and then the district could be stuck with a bus it can’t use.

If a bus is bought through a dealer though it’s going to be fine.”

The MSP Motor Carrier Division’s Bus Inspection Unit is currently responsible for the state mandated annual inspection of every public, private, denominational, parochial, and charter school vehicle that transports pupils to or from school or a school-related activity.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites school buses as the safest form of transportation to school for children. Michigan has approximately 17,000 vehicles that transport more than 810,000 students over 10 million miles annually.

The MSP Motor Carrier Division currently employs five permanent bus inspectors and 12 temporary inspectors, two of which cover the Upper Peninsula and the rest of which divvy up duties throughout the balance of the state.

“We had 12 people in the program and in the process of laying off some, some retired,” Horwood said. “It was a very slow process. We didn’t hire additional inspectors, but got officers who were former inspectors that received additional training. Between them and civilian inspectors, we worked very hard to complete the inspections.

“This year we have solid funding and hope to hire additional resources so we don’t have the timing issues we had this year,” he said.

Inspectors are delegated a certain number of vehicles based on a geographic area. Each bus inspection takes about 45 minutes.

Each certified inspector receives updated training and proficiency testing to ensure he or she is current on all equipment changes, legal amendments,and any new policies governing school bus safety.

Vehicles that have been inspected are identified with a sticker placed on either the right front windshield or the window beside the driver. The inspection sticker displays the MSP Motor Carrier Division “shield” and the date of the last inspection.

During the inspection process, vehicles are tagged to denote that they either need immediate attention or minor repairs, or the vehicles pass, meaning they meet all inspection criteria and are approved for use on the road.

Vehicles rejected by the inspectors receive a red tag. These vehicles were found to have at least one item that had either the potential to cause a breakdown or posed a passenger safety

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

hazard. Michigan law requires the repair of all red tag items prior to the transportation of any passenger.

Vehicles indicated with a yellow tag are not in a completely satisfactory condition but are safe for operation. By law, these vehicles must be repaired within 60 days.

Raw data available underscores the number of red tags, yellow tags and the total number of passes and fails, but is not indicative of the whole picture.

“A red tag could be as critical as a serious defect or something less severe, but still, by our procedures, would mean (the bus) couldn’t transport (pupils) until it’s repaired,” Horwood said.

In the lakes area school districts, the latest bus inspection results indicate that area schools are providing safe transportation for students throughout west Oakland County. Below is a breakdown on how local public school districts fared during the latest round of bus inspections.

According to numbers from the MSP for the Huron Valley School District, 89 buses were inspected in the last year.

Of those 72 passed, and 17 were redtagged.

“We pulled four out of service as we’re replacing a total of seven buses in September,” said Huron Valley Director of Community Relations and Fund Development Janet Roberts.

Currently the district has a fleet of 92 buses.

“Although 89 were inspected, three were being replaced in September, so they need to be inspected,” Roberts said.

Loose bolts, a rattle in a valve system and rust were the reasons for buses being red-tagged.

“Of those tagged, there was no risk to children or drivers — nothing serious or a danger,” Roberts said.

The fleet has been on an average 13year replacement cycle, but with the passage of a bond issue in 2009, the district expects to retain or lower that average.

“The bond proposal was to purchase seven new buses for each of the nine years of the bond,” Roberts said. “The size and type of bus would depend on the replacement schedule so they would not all be 77-passenger buses.”

The average cost was estimated at $80,000 for general education buses and $90,000 for buses serving special needs students, with a 2.5 percent increase each year for manufacturing cost increases.

The fleet is comprised of 62 general education buses and 30 special needs buses that range from 1-yearold to 14-years-old; one is 16-yearsold. Eight of the older buses are used as spares.

In June 2011,, the district authorized the purchase of seven buses that are being delivered this month.

The general education buses just purchased in June cost $80,734 each, whereas the two types of special needs buses cost $76,400 and $93,961 each.

In the past, the district has sold buses outright, scrapped the buses for salvage or auctioned them off to the highest bidder.

Handful of buses in WLCS fleet were red-tagged Of the Walled Lake Consolidated School District’s 116-bus fleet, 113 passed initial inspection in the last year while three were red-tagged, unlike the last two years when the district received perfect inspection records.

“We were short on mechanics and have an aging fleet, so to get three red tags is pretty good, actually,” said Transportation Supervisor Jill Segal.

One red tag was given to a special education bus. One of the bolts on a seat was unattached.

“The bus is a little older — the bolts are smaller and one didn’t hold,” Segal said. “Actually the mechanic was glad because he didn’t know about this, so now he’s changing every one to hold to the floor better.”

Another bus failed due to a flat tire, while the third violation was due to a window buzzer that didn’t work.

“On the C-2 Thomas 77-passenger buses, they are notorious for electric problems,” Segal said. “Sure enough, when there’s a big rain storm we have buzzer problems.”

Each of the district’s red-tagged buses was fixed immediately.

The district also maintains seven Novi-Detroit Catholic Central High School buses, and each passed inspection.

The district’s average bus is 5years-old, though there are still a few buses from 1999 and 2000. The last time the district purchased buses was in 2009, when five were bought.

Most of the buses are 77-passenger vehicles, but there are nine 65-passenger and eight 78-passenger buses in the district’s fleet, along with special education buses.

The district purchases its buses outright rather than leasing them, by

going through the Michigan School Bus Officials consortium to get the best prices possible.

Typically, the transportation department holds an auction on site to sell off used buses ready to be retired. Proceeds are funneled back into the district’s general fund.

Waterford fleet had trio of buses fall short Last year, Waterford Schools earned a perfect inspection report on its bus fleet. Again this year the district fared well in the inspection of its fleet of 78 buses, with 75 passing and three red-tagged.

“We had no violations last year and we prefer it that way, but sometimes we come across things,” said Service Mechanical Coordinator/Manager Mike Sauk. “We were right in the middle of field trip season when they had us pull off the road and be inspected.”

Of the trio of buses red-tagged, one was removed from service permanently.

“We had taken it out of service and didn’t present it for inspections, but if it’s still on the property it must be red-tagged,” Sauk said.

The remaining two red-tagged buses had mechanical problems — one due to a parking brake failure, and the second due to an inversion valve.

“Those red-tagged were repaired immediately,” Sauk said.

The fleet model years are from between 1995 and 2007. The district recently renewed its lease on 10 2009-2010 buses for another 36 months. The rest of the fleet is comprised of five 2004 models, 10 from 2005 and the rest from 1995-2000.

“The fleet is getting older every year,” Sauk said. “We were up to 15 being leased and now we’re down to 10 since we just turned in five that aren’t being replaced due to state cutbacks.”

Sauk said even though some of the buses are older — having been in operations since 1995 — they are well-maintained.

“We’ve taken care of them all along and are doing the best we can with what we have,” Sauk said.

Leasing the vehicles has helped to curtail costs and allows the district to take receipt of newer buses.

Typically the district spends roughly $9,000 annually on average per lease for a 65-passenger vehicle, depending on the specifications.

Buses for special needs students hover around $10,000 per year.

PAGE 11

To maintain buses, the department keeps a limited on-hand inventory of parts for emergencies. To offset the costs, the district utilizes the Oakland County parts bidding process, which is a collaborative effort with a coalition of Oakland County schools.

When a vehicle is retired, the district generally takes it to auction with other buses. Proceeds are deposited into the district’s general fund.

W. Bloomfield notches perfect inspection West Bloomfield Schools Transportation Supervisor Lynne Robertson is beaming with pride since her district is the only one in the lakes area to have each of her 62 buses pass inspection this year.

“This hasn’t happened in the last decade, so we’re very excited,” she said. “Our drivers do pre-trip inspections and are very diligent about writing up what they find. Our mechanics have worked extremely hard in maintaining our buses, especially since the fleet is aging.”

The district’s bus fleet is generally comprised of models from between 1999 and 2006.

“We know we have to keep buses running and in good shape,” Robertson said.

The last bus purchase was in 2006 when 20 were delivered. Robertson said she plans on ordering between eight and 10 buses this fall, including 65-passenger conventional buses and special needs buses, some with wheelchair lifts, integrated car seats, and air conditioning.

Robertson said special needs buses with customized equipment can reach costs of $90,000 each. Most likely, the district will purchase three of this variety. The 65-passenger buses typically cost about $80,000.

The buses will be purchased with bond money.

Once the buses are retired, the district sells the vehicles outright. All sale proceeds are channeled into its general fund.

Ten buses are scheduled to sold this fall. Each could fetch between $2,500 and $5,000.

Robertson added she is relieved the MSP is continuing the annual bus inspection process.

“I was very concerned about the district eating the cost and the MSP discontinuing the practice — it’s important for safety while transporting our kids,” she said. ❏

SPECIAL REPORT

17 buses fail inspection in Huron Valley Schools

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PAGE 12

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LAKES AREA NEWS

Buck resigns ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 9

Tuesday, Sept. 6. The Wixom City Council was scheduled to consider Buck’s appointment as city clerk last night, Tuesday, Sept. 13. If approved, Buck will start in Wixom on Monday, Sept. 26.

Due to Kirby’s retirement, the Wixom City Council unanimously directed the Wage & Salary Committee (WSC), comprised of Council Members Lori Rich, Thomas Rzeznik and Deputy Mayor Richard Ziegler, to conduct a search to replace her.

The position was immediately posted internally and externally on the state of Michigan municipal clerk computer network listserv.

By mid-August the WSC convened and reviewed application credentials submitted by eight candidates, but directed City Manager Mike Dornan to make an offer to Buck based on a starting salary (the same as Kirby’s) in the amount of $4,466 per month in addition to the fringe benefits package provided to employees hired after June 30, 2006.

“We narrowed the candidate list to two and balanced the needs, assets, certifications and costs. After considering those factors we voted to recommend Cathy,” Rich said of the WSC. “She comes from the local area and is highly-certified.”

Rzeznik noted in addition to Buck’s vast experience, the committee also took into consideration Kirby’s input.

“Experience is one thing, but she came highly recommended by Linda,” he said.

“I love what I do,” Buck said.

“Linda is very detail-oriented and I consider it an honor to pick up where she left off.”

Buck has served as Walled Lake’s city clerk for the past 11 years.

According to city officials, she’s been an exemplary employee whose stellar work ethic helped to keep the city running efficiently.

“She’s a stalwart in the city,” said Walled Lake City Manager L. Dennis Whitt. “We’ve had a great working relationship from the beginning. I’m going to miss her.

“Wixom is pretty lucky because she will hit the ground running,” he said.

The Walled Lake City Council has appointed Whitt interim clerk once Buck departs and authorized him to appoint a deputy clerk to continue operations. A Michigan search for Buck’s replacement will be advertised this week.

Buck is active in the Michigan

All adult services, materials, and computers are now located on the first floor of the White Lake Township Library, while the children and teen services areas are located on the lower level, following a five-week closure for interior renovations. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Plenty of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’

White Lake library reopens after month-long renovation

By Angela Niemi staff writer

W

hite Lake Township residents were able to begin using the White Lake Township Library again on Wednesday, Sept. 7, after the building had been closed for over a month due to renovations.

And according to Library Director Larry Ostrowski, residents weren’t disappointed when they got a look at the renovations.

“We had a lot of positive comments,” he said. “There were lots of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from residents about the new layout.”

Adult services were separated from the children and teen services areas. All adult services, materials,

Municipal Clerks Association and is past-president of the Oakland County Clerks Association. Moreover, she has earned the highest level of certification a municipal clerk can attain, as a Master Municipal Clerk (MMC).

and computers are now located on the first floor, while the children and teen services areas are located on the lower level.

Another addition is a kitchenette area in the multi-purpose room that was donated by the Friends of the White Lake Library.

An additional quiet study room is also now available on the first floor.

The only new piece of furniture added was a new circulation desk, which includes a new express checkout machine to join the one the library already had.

“People can check out on their own without having to wait,” Ostrowski said. “The reality of the times is that people are always in a hurry. After being closed for five Wixom’s WSC directed Dornan to finalize discussions with Buck given the understanding that in the event she accepts an offer, the committee would make a recommendation of appointment to the City Council. Buck

weeks, we were mobbed and those two units got more use than the one we had before in a whole month.”

A self check-out machine was also added for convenience in the children and teen area.

The library also replaced the carpet and painted the walls — both of which Ostrowski said were necessary after 11 years.

“We made these improvements because of normal wear and tear,” he said. “We want to keep the library attractive and inviting, while getting a good bang for our buck with tax dollars. We’re so appreciative that residents passed the library millage last year. And we’re doing everything we can to keep the building worth those tax dollars.” ❏ accepted on Aug. 31.

“Cathy will be missed,” said Walled Lake Mayor William Roberts. “She did a wonderful job and has been a tremendous asset to all of us. Walled Lake’s loss is Wixom’s gain.” ❏

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

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PAGE 13

LAKES AREA NEWS

Village council in stalemate over skate park locale

By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Village Council was deadlocked at its Tuesday, Sept. 6 meeting when it came to a decision on making a proposed location for the Milford skate park available to Milford Township.

Council Members Michael Glagola, Kevin Ziegler and Elizabeth Heer voted in favor of a motion to make the site available, but James Kovach, Jerry Aubry and Jennifer Frankford voted against it.

Council President Terri RusasGeorge was absent from the meeting, leading to a 3-3 stalemate. The tie vote killed the motion.

Village Manager Arthur Shufflebarger said that the main objection from some on the council is a call for a township millage to fund a skate park project.

“Village residents shouldn’t be asked to support a skate park millage when our roads need fixing,” Milford Village Clerk Deborah Schwartz said.

The location of the proposed park would encompass 1.6 acres of land near the Milford Recreational Trail, west of Milford Road and south of General Motors Road, near the Pet Supplies Plus and CVS Pharmacy stores.

The push to build a skateboarding facility is being headed by Friends of Milford Skate Park, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that raises money through fund-raisers and donations.

The group is headed by Chairman Ric Mueller, who also serves on the Milford Township Planning Commission.

Mueller has previously said he hopes the public can vote on a proposed millage to help fund the park during the 2012 general election.

A call to Mueller for a comment on the council’s deadlock was not returned prior to press time.

Friends of Milford Skate Park meets every second and fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at South Hill Church on South Hill Road, and will meet again on Monday, Sept. 26.

For more information, contact Mueller at 248-318-9010 or visit www.skatemilford.com. ❏

Rose Osborne, an 88-year-old White Lake Township resident, recently completed her 20th five-mile walk across the Mackinac Bridge, bringing the total distance she’s traveled on foot across the structure spanning the Straits of Mackinac to 100 miles. She was presented with a homemade certificate for her acheivement. (Photo courtesy of Kay Weaver)

Countryside still going strong after 100 years of work

By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Countryside Improvement Association of West Bloomfield will be celebrating its 100th anniversary with a luncheon at the Pine Lake Country Club today, Wednesday, Sept. 14.

The founding of Countryside dates back to Sept. 11, 1911, when the Pine Lake Country Club was known as the Auto Club at Pine Lake. During that period, automobiles were starting to come into their own, but they were causing dust problems whenever they came down the road.

“A group of women got together and raised money to put 40,000 gallons of oil on the road over three summers to keep the dust down,” said Rosemary Zessin, a former Countryside president. “They also named the streets and had signs put up around Orchard Lake and Pine Lake.”

Soon Countryside branched out to

donate money for limbs for soldiers injured during World War I, as well as canning produce from members’ gardens to send down to the hungry in Detroit during the Great Depression.

Today, Countryside offers scholarships to students and supports organizations such as Leader Dogs for the Blind, the Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, and The Open Door Outreach Center.

Funds are raised through auctions, fashion shows, teas and member donations.

At the Sept. 14 luncheon, a memorial bench will be donated to Marshbank Park in West Bloomfield and a painting for the Children’s Reading Room will be donated to the West Bloomfield Library.

Countryside currently has 24 members, with the oldest being 97. ❏

Waterford board tables SAD issue for Crescent Lake After a lively crowd vocalized mixed sentiments on the possibility of estab-

lishing a special assessment district (SAD) to fund the eradication of aquatic weeds in Crescent Lake beginning in 2012, the Waterford Township Board of Trustees recently voted to table a public hearing until Oct. 10.

“There was a fair amount of people confused about the process,” said Trustee Dave Kramer. “Some riparians believed they would have had the opportunity to change their minds in the future and some said they weren’t contacted. One month gives us time to garner more signatures and for those opposed to proceed with a counter petition if they so choose.

“To get proper representation, the township is better served if we have a better understanding of the consensus of those on Crescent Lake,” he said.

Based on a lake study conducted in 2009, about 60 percent of the 91 Crescent Lake residents signed petitions in favor of moving forward with a lake treatment program.

Lakeshore Environmental, Inc. consultants developed several management strategies working within a $115,631 cost estimate for a five-year treatment program.

PAGE 15 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

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PAGE 15

LAKES AREA NEWS

Crescent Lake SAD ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 13

The study reports that two invasive weed species, Eurasian watermilfoil and phragmites, threaten the biodiversity of the lake’s native aquatic plant communities; threaten navigation and recreational activities; decrease property values; and harbor bacteria and other nuisance algae. Approximately 25 acres of the lake has been infiltrated by Eurasian watermilfoil and another 5 acres has been affected by phragmites.

Lakeshore Environmental recommends that either spot-treatments with aquatic herbicides be used to treat the exotic weed species within and around the lake, a weevil biological control be considered, or a combination of both options be utilized.

Recently, more data has been acquired that suggests laminar flow aeration, a new technology that aerates sediment, could be leveraged as an alternative to herbicides in shallow areas and canals. ❏

Book-’n-Bake set to offer cookies and page-turners

By Angela Niemi staff writer

Get some tasty cookies and a good book or two at the Friends of the Highland Township Library’s semiannual Book-’n-Bake sale slated for Saturday, Sept. 17 at the library.

While the Friends of the Highland Library hold bi-monthly book sales on the first Monday and third Saturday of every month, only twice a year are you able to purchase delicious baked goods at the same time.

All books sold are donated to the Friends of the Library group.

Paperbacks are either 50 or 75 cents, depending on the size, while hardcovers sell for a $1. Meanwhile, specialty books are priced as marked.

Sue Anderson, treasurer for the Friends of the Highland Township Library, said there are some really good gems in the sale, since the group will have anywhere between 3,000 and 4,000 books available.

The books are also of good quality because any donated without covers or that have a musty odor are recycled instead of sold.

According to Anderson, they do “pretty well” at their semi-annual sale, bringing in about $1,000 between books and baked good sales.

Go back in time — in some cases, as early as the 1800s — with the 35th annual Milford Home Tour, sponsored by the Milford Historical Society, on Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18. Five houses are on the tour, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. (Photos submitted by Nancy Lang)

A look back into local history Five Milford homes part of 35th annual event this weekend

By Michael Shelton staff writer

T

he 35th annual Milford Home Tour will take place on Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18 and will be hosted by the Milford Historical Society.

Tickets for the event are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors.

Advance tickets will be available at the following downtown Milford businesses: Acorn Farm at 367 N. Main Street; Main Street Art at 432 N. Main Street; Your Nesting Place at 332 N. Main Street; and the Milford Historical Society Museum at 124 E. Commerce Street.

“It’s pretty good, especially when you consider how much we sell the books for,” she said.

The Friends of the Highland Township Library is a non-profit organization and, as such, uses these sales — along with the sale of their

During home tour hours, tickets will be available at the Milford Historical Society Museum, as well as all five home sites included on the tour.

Home Tour hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The homes featured are located at 540 Union Street, 722 N. Main Street, 645 N. Main Street, 629 N. Main Street, and 859 Laurel Lane.

Some of the homes date back to the early 1800s and there will be stories presented about the history of each house.

On Sunday, the annual Milford Car Show will also take place in downtown Milford, featuring huntote bags and other fund-raisers they hold — to fund different programs and purchases for the library.

“Because of all the budget cuts, we are trying to help defray the impact of the cuts to the children and teens, as well as the seniors who use the

dreds of cars ranging from vintage vehicles to modern street rods.

A tractor show will also take place Sunday at the Huron Valley State Bank branch on South Milford Road at General Motors Road.

The Milford Historical Museum will be open both Saturday and Sunday, as well as the log cabin next to Milford Fire Station No. 1, and the Pettibone Creek Powerhouse in Central Park.

For more information about the home tour and other events this weekend, click on the historical society’s website at www.milfordhistory.org. ❏

library,” Anderson said. “It’s the children and the seniors who are the most impacted by the library. Seniors might not have money to buy books, while it’s important for kids to get into reading.”

PAGE 17 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

PAGE 16

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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PAGE 17

LAKES AREA NEWS The fund-raiser will include a lot of activities for children, including picnic games and a bounce castle, while a DJ and live band will provide entertainment.

An auction full of one-of-a-kind items will feature items such as a stay at a vacation home in Marco Island, Fla., and a ladies’ spa day.

The dinner will be sponsored by Aleko’s Carry Out and Catering of Commerce Township.

There will also be cake at the event, because the day will also be a chance for the community to celebrate Drew’s birthday, which is the following day, on Monday, Sept. 26.

According to Tracie Nichols, who is the director of the Drew Crew and Drew’s father’s fiance, the support of the community has been very helpful.

“Drew is an amazing child and young adult,” she said. We can’t even describe the importance of the support of the community and what they do for us,” she said. “LeDon always asks people to continue to P.U.S.H. — Pray Until Something Happens. And we are absolutely confident something will happen.”

The proceeds of the fund-raiser will go towards purchasing physical therapy equipment such as a Stim bike and

Most students hate waking up early to go to school, but at least most of them don’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. to get ready for class.

However, that’s the reality for Walled Lake Central High School senior Drew Clayborn, who became paralyzed from the shoulders down after breaking his neck while practicing a backflip for Central’s spring musical last year.

“He went from playing football, basketball and tuba in the marching band to being a quadriplegic confined to a wheelchair and a ventilator in a matter

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Although the book sale will start at 10 a.m. for the general public, friends group members will have a chance to preview and buy books starting at 9 a.m. Memberships can be purchased at the door. It’s $5 for an individual, $10 for a family, and $2.50 for seniors.

Scanners and wireless devices that may be used to look up the price of books on Amazon.com, for example, may only be used after 11 a.m., while clearing and stockpiling will not be permitted at any time.

Donations for the book sale can be made any time the library is open.

The library is located at 444 Beach Farm Circle just past the post office in Highland. Those with questions can call the library at 248-8872218. ❏

M-5

By Angela Niemi

of seconds,” said Drew’s father, LeDon Clayborn.

However, almost a year and a half later, Drew is taking a full load of classes as a senior and playing the synthesizer with the Walled Lake Central marching band, with which he attended band camp this year.

Meanwhile, Drew is continuing to go through intensive rehabilitation at DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan in Novi to remain as healthy as possible and to regain as much movement as possible.

However, insurance will only cover so much of the cost and as such, a spaghetti dinner and family fun day will be held to help raise money for his medical costs on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association at 3860 Newton Road in Commerce Township.

❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 15

Welch

Fund-raiser slated to help paralyzed Central student

Highland library

Decker Rd.

Drew Clayborn has received much community support since he became paralyzed from the shoulders down after breaking his neck while practicing a backflip, including at a Passion For Life 5K Walk/Run in April. Above, Drew poses with members of the Keith Elementary School Student Council, which was honored for raising the most pledges for the Passion For Life event. (Photo taken from The Drew Crew website/www.thedrewcrew.org)

a electrical stimulation therapy suit — the same suit Christopher Reeve used — to help maintain Drew’s muscle mass and keep him healthy.

The cost of the spaghetti dinner is $10 per person. For more information, go to www.thedrewcrew.org. ❏

PAGE 18

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

EDUCATION

Car pioneer now the namesake of Waterford school The Waterford Schools Board of Education voted Thursday, Sept. 1 to change the name of Waterford Alternative High School to Waterford Durant High School.

The school’s name was changed in honor of William C. Durant, the founder of Chevrolet and General Motors and regarded as one of the pioneers of the American automobile industry.

Durant High School is located at 501 Cass Lake Road and educates students who normally wouldn’t thrive in a traditional high school setting.

It is not an adult education program.

The school is home to the Waterford Community Garden/Outdoor Classroom at the school’s Crary Campus on North Cass Lake Road.

The garden is maintained by the students of Durant, who are assisted by a landscape architect and master gardener, along with other community members and local growers.

The garden was made possible through a $5,000 grant from the

Waterford Foundation for Public Education along with $2,500 in grant funding and 500 vegetable plants from Burpee Home Garden, as well as other in-kind donations from Waterford Township businesses and supporters. ❏

HVS completes building projects during summer The Huron Valley School District (HVS) used Building and Site Sinking Fund (BSSF) monies to facilitate scores of projects throughout the district over the summer recess period.

In 2009, the voters renewed another 10-year, 0.9513 mill collection for building projects and approved a small bus and technology bond issue. Every summer, significant construction and repair projects are completed and this summer was no exception. Huron Valley completed 82 projects at 19 buildings.

A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value.

The owner of a property in the district with a taxable value of $100,000 pays $95 a year under the BSSF millage.

“We appreciate the support of the

WORSHIP SERVICES Independent Baptist

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Huron Valley community in providing the funds needed to maintain our facilities,” said district Director of Community Relations and Fund Development Janet Roberts. “We have a responsibility to maintain the community’s assets and provide our students a secure and engaging learning environment.”

Projects selected were based on a needs assessment that aligns with the long-term maintenance plan for district facilities, goals, and urgent needs that may arise.

This year, BSSF monies were used to replace lighting with more energy-efficient products as part of a larger, ongoing energy savings initiative for the entire district. To this end, a new cooling plant was installed at the Bogie Lake campus, serving all three schools there at a cost of $580,000. That also earned the district $16,000 in DTE rebate energy savings.

Each of the parking lots and bus areas were paved at Heritage, Johnson, Oak Valley and Spring Mills at a cost of $550,000.

Roughly $320,000 was spent on flooring projects at Oak Valley Middle, and Lakeland and Milford high schools.

“We are now using a rubber product in corridors that requires no sealing or waxing — just basic cleaning, which will be more durable and save staff time,” Roberts said.

Moreover, roofing projects were completed at eight buildings; six classrooms were converted to 21st century classrooms; and a new computer lab was installed at Muir Middle School.

Other BSSF monies were used for asbestos abatement; door and window replacement; ceilings; sidewalks; cabinetry; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements; and ancillary projects.

Bus and technology bond funds were used to acquire seven new buses, replacement computers in all computer labs, and curriculum specific purchases such as white boards, document cameras and data projectors. ❏

District has saved $12M in energy costs, report says According to a presentation to the Board of Education on the conservation of energy in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District, the district has avoided $11.87 million in expenses from February 2004 through January 2011 by implementing energy conserving measures.

Judy Evola, a spokesperson for the school district, said the program started back in 2004 by monitoring the district’s energy consumption.

“We wanted to make sure that the majority or the largest portion of funds possible from the state went into the classrooms and not back to the energy companies,” she said. “We also looked at the environmental benefits and began teaching students about conservation and awareness of natural resources.”

According to the report, from 20042011, energy costs were expected to increase almost 30 percent. However, the school district actually saw a 16-percent decrease in costs after implementing energy saving measures such as eliminating energy waste; reducing energy consumption and containing costs; monitoring building usage during occupied times; tracking and analyzing consumption for building efficiency; monitoring utility bills for overcharges or errors; and creating an energy-conscious culture within the district.

This resulted in a 36.7-percent reduction in electrical consumption, a 31.6-percent reduction in natural gas consumption, and a 38.5-percent reduction in water consumption to reduce the overall energy consumptio by 32 percent, according to the presentation.

“The staff and students have contributed greatly. We will continue to communicate how important energy conservation and care of natural resources is with students and staff.” ❏

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SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

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PAGE 19

COMMUNITY LIFE anniversary ❐ Calvary Lutheran Church in White Lake and Clarkston will be celebrating 50 years of ministry. In honor of this joyous occasion, two events will be planned — their theme is “Blessed to be a blessing,” on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24-25. On Saturday the church will be packing food for its global mission and on Sunday evening the well-known jazz musician, Alexander Zonjic, will perform in concert. Both events will be held at the Clarkston campus located at 605 Bluegrass Drive. The entire community is invited to share their joy. For more info call the church Director of Outreach, Gayle Buschur, at 248-625-3288.

academic honors ❐ Saginaw Valley State University has announced that the following students have been named to the President’s List for the Winter 2011 Semester: Brittany Taylor of Commerce; Steven Krieg of Milford; Mary Balogh, Rachek Bush, and

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Derek Sweet of Waterford; Dan Houston of White Lake; and Ryan Tisdall of Wixom. ❐ Saginaw Valley State University has announced that the following students have been named to the Dean’s List for the Winter 2011 Semester: Brianna Freel, Derek Kilmer, and Laura Ward of Commerce; Burke Dipiazza of Highland; Brittany Rheaume of Milford; Lauren Cheaney, David Mueller, Sarah Robb, Andrea Stinar, and Julia Thomas of Novi; Samantha Echol and Daniel McCarthy of Walled Lake; Natalie Jensen, Adam McCormick, Rachel Mutrynowski, Melissa Persinger, Katelyn Savedge, Scarlett Simancek, Scott Walter, and Michelle Wright of Waterford; Jonathan Brand, Brittany Burkhardt, and Ian Grzesik of West Bloomfield; Timothy Knight and Lindsey Wallace of White Lake; and Kelly Larges, Nikola Lucic, and Matthew Wozny of Wixom.

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50 YEARS AGO Sept. 14, 1961 The Mandon Lake Community Church will be dedicated at a special service on Sunday afternoon Sept. 17, at 3 p.m. Dr. Roy L. Aldrich, president of the Detroit Bible College, will present the dedication address. Greetings to the church will be given by Missionary V.L. Martin, representing the missionaries supported by the church; Mr. Wesley Johnson, Superintendent of the Oakland County youth home, representing the larger community; and by Rev. Hiram Jones, pastor of Union Lake Baptist Church, representing other churches in the area. Also participating in the service will be the architect, Lee M. Butler, and the builder, Joseph Berace. Evangelist Billy Walker, who is to conduct a series of evangelistic meetings during the week ... will lead in the prayer of dedication.

40 YEARS AGO Sept. 15, 1971 Wixom Policeman Walter Sprenger has been credited with possibly saving the life of a hit-and-run victim.

Sprenger found Ronald J. Snider ... seriously injured, unable to talk or move, lying in a ditch he had fallen into on Wixom Road, just south of Pontiac Trail, at 1:10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 5 Snider had apparently been struck by an automobile as he was walking...

Snider, taken to the intensive care section of Pontiac General Hospital, had sustained a broken leg and internal injuries.

Wixom Police Chief George Von Behren commended Sprenger, saying, "He may have saved a life — he certainly alleviated hours of suffering."

The driver of the vehicle has not been apprehended. An investigation continues.

30 YEARS AGO Sept. 16, 1981 As many as 500 barrels filled with toxic industrial waste may be buried near a cemetery in southern Rose Township, where several partially disintegrated drums were unearthed last week.

The dump site is not far from the northern border of Highland Township and is near the DeMode Road location where over 1,000 barrels of industrial residue were found buried and above ground in 1979.

Officials and local residents have

speculated that an independent waste hauler, who reportedly carted barrels to the DeMode Road site and a similar dump in Springfield Township during the 1960s, used the cemetery dump west of Milford Road when DeMode road was impassable.

10 YEARS AGO Sept. 12, 2001 Oakland County and local officials responded in a variety of ways yesterday, Tuesday, Sept. 11, to the reported declaration of war against the United States following attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center in New Your City, damaged the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and reportedly sent planes crashing in Pennsylvania.

The Oakland County government, according to Media and Communications Officer Robert Dustman, was placed at "a raised level of security," although by noon Tuesday Dustman said "business as usual" was being conducted.

The County Emergency Operations Center was opened, Dustman said, "for handling information." There had been no local emergency declared, he reported about 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson ... approved sending health and sheriff's department personnel to New York if a request for assistance is made.

Some local police departments have also responded with increased caution.

West Bloomfield Township Police Lt. Carl Fuhs said procedures were implemented early Tuesday.

"When anything happens domestically or abroad, we step up patrols and manpower. It's the fear involved," Fuhs said. "We're responding in what we feel is a rational way, and not going overboard."

Headlines of the Past

– A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –

PAGE 20

Strengthening Families Through Community Involvement

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Strengthening Families Through Community Involvement

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

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PAGE 21

LOCAL MATTERS

Hospital celebrates 25 years DMC Huron Valley-Sinai brings modern care to lakes area

By Angela Niemi staff writer

O

ver 50 years ago, a group of doctors and volunteers in west Oakland County became concerned. The population of the lakes area was continuing to grow, and people were beginning to settle permanently in the area. But the closest hospital in an emergency was in Pontiac, Ann Arbor, or Detroit, which for most area residents was at least a half-hour drive away.

This presented a problem.

“The ambulance service was provided by the local undertaker in Milford, which was a bit spotty because you had to survive an ambulance trip in the hearse either to Ann Arbor or Pontiac,” recalls Ralph Wise, one of the original volunteers who pushed for a west Oakland hospital starting back in the 1960s.

Wise was involved in many other activities around Milford when he was asked to join this group by Jay Elridge — Milford’s planning consultant at the time — who, along with Dr. Norman Krieger, were two of the key people in bringing a hospital to western Oakland County.

However, it would take decades before their dream became a reality.

Due to numerous setbacks — including an inability to get a Certificate of Need (CON) from the state of Michigan — it wouldn’t be until 1984 that this group finally saw the beginning of their dream realized.

“There were a lot of dedicated people on board for 10 years who worked hard (to get a hospital) without a lot to show for it. And they deserve recognition for all they did,” Wise said.

In March 1986, what was then known as Huron Valley Hospital finally opened its doors to lakes area residents.

The hospital is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the Healthy Harvest Bash 2011 from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18 on the hospital’s campus in Commerce Township. The event will include activities for children and health screenings for adults.

Additional information can be found at www.hvsh.org/openhouse.

The original hospital was 160,000 square feet and was situated on its current location at Commerce and South Commerce roads in Commerce

In March 1986, what was then known as Huron Valley Hospital finally opened its doors to lakes area residents. The original hospital was 160,000 square feet, but it has grown to 444,341 square feet while expanding its services to become a modern medical facility. (Photo submitted by DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital)

Township.

Former Commerce Township Supervisor Robert Long sold the property to the hospital — which is how the hospital began its roots in the middle of an apple orchard.

“The establishment of the hospital was really a grassroots effort from the community,” said Lynn Torossian, the president of DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. “It was basically a group of people who said we need a hospital to serve the residents in this community.

And Huron Valley has grown from the little hospital in the apple orchard — which still exists in the center — to this kind of bigger health care campus that does much more than was ever anticipated, even in the beginning.”

Today, the hospital has grown to 444,341 square feet while expanding its services in cardiac, surgical, cancer, obstetric, and emergency care, just to name a few.

Although the hospital’s primary focus of serving the health of the community has not changed, Torossian said she believes that its ability to do so has increased with additional services and continuing advances in technology.

“I would argue we have the best birthing center in the area — at least within southeast Michigan — and I think most people who have been here would agree,” she said.

“The hospital has certainly benefited a lot of mothers,” Wise said.

“When we first had our design for the hospital, the Michigan Department of Health questioned our need for an obstetrics department. And the first decision we had made is that we had to have an obstetrics department.

Otherwise, there was no sense in having a hospital.”

It’s not just mothers who have benefited, however. Lakes area residents with heart troubles have, too.

“We never expected that we would be able to take care of people with heart attacks here. And we can do that now,” Torossian said.

Since the hospital first began performing emergency angioplasties on heart attack patients in February 2008, 206 have been performed through last month.

Eventually, the hospital hopes to be able to do elective angioplasty to treat individuals with cardiovascular disease even before they have a heart attack.

DMC Huron Valley-Sinai also performs a variety of surgeries in several speciality areas, including general, bariatric, urological, orthopedic, and endoscopic procedures.

Torossian said the hospital hopes to continue implementing advanced surgical techniques such as use of the da Vinci robot, which assists surgeons performing laparoscopic procedures.

The hospital has also expanded its emergency services throughout the years, especially in light of the hospital’s 29-minute guarantee, which Torossian said is not a “marketing gimmick.”

“It’s about providing the best quality care to patients, which to us means you get in to see a doctor, are evaluated, and then are on your way to recovery,” she said. “This (guarantee) has created a big demand, so we doubled the emergency room, which has private bays with walls and not curtains.

We see about 100 emergency cases a day, which is a lot for a hospital this size.”

In another effort to improve the care and comfort of patients, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai is in the midst of a PAGE 22 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

PAGE 22

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PET Awareness DAY 2011

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LOCAL MATTERS

1 Day Only!

Sunday ² September 18 11 am ² 4 pm

A Pet Pet Lover!s Lover!sDay DayofofAnimal AnimalAdoptions, Adoptions, Rescue Rescue Groups, Groups,Activities, Activities,andandShopping.

Shopping.

Presenting: Animal Magic Mark Rosenthal’s “Animal Magic” is a non-profit organization dedicated to exotic wildlife conservation and life science education.

! Walk for ´Paws with a Causeµ ! Cutest & Ugliest Pet Contest ! Animals Got Talent ! Dress Like Your Pet

Proceeds to Benefit Miniature Horses

Location:

Historic Lakefront District Corner of Ferland Street & E. Walled Lake Drive

Sponsored by:

546 N. Pontiac Trail • Walled Lake, MI (248) 324 -8620

Contact:

Walled Lake DDA www.DowntownWalledLake.org Events@DowntownWalledLake.org 248-926-9004

Above are some of the DMC Huron Valley-Sinai doctors that have been with the hospital since in opened 25 years ago. They are, in the left row, from top to bottom, Steven Boodin, M.D.; Danny Benjamin, M.D.; Jay Kozlowski, M.D.; Richard Wandzel, D.O.; Samuel Rosemberg, M.D.; Marc Bocknek, D.O.; and Lynn Torossian, hospital president. Pictured in the right row, from top to bottom, are Steve Belen, D.O.; Mark Kamil, M.D.; Jack Belen, D.O.; Kenneth Lim, D.O.; Andrew Berry, D.O.; and Patricia Ball, M.D. (Photo submitted by DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital)

25th anniversary ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 21

construction project for an orthopedic wing which will remake physician’s offices into 21 private rooms. This remodeling will make it so that approximately 83 percent of the 153 beds in the hospital will be private. Officials hope to have it completed by November of this year.

Not only is there a large consumer demand for private rooms, but Torossian said she believes that “all people are able to heal better if it’s quieter.”

The construction is also benefiting

Oakland County contractors since the hospital made a commitment to hire at least 25 percent of the necessary contractors from Oakland County.

Torossian said she believes that figure is actually closer to 40 percent.

The hospital also tries to buy local, especially with regards to food services, as hospital officials look to purchase locally-grown produce and dairy products. And although it’s not possible to buy certain products locally, such as implants, Torossian said the hospital utilizes local representatives of the companies that manufacture the goods they need.

PAGE 23 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

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PAGE 23

LOCAL MATTERS

25th anniversary ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 22

The hospital is also one of the largest employers in the area, employing roughly 1,300 people. A little less than 1,000 of those employees are full-time workers.

“It’s difficult to measure the hospital’s total economic impact on the area, but it’s pretty large,” Torossian said.

However, the hospital will be contributing even more to the community

in the form of taxes. The Detroit Medical Center (DMC) was recently purchased by a for-profit company, Vanguard, and is now considered a private hospital rather than a nonprofit institution.

“The main difference in Vanguard buying the DMC is whether we are tax-paying or not tax-paying. So I suggested to (Commerce Township Supervisor) Tom Zoner that I should probably be his best friend because we’re now paying taxes to Commerce Township and Oakland County,”

Torossian joked, adding that the hospital being in private hands will not change the way it serves the community.

“It doesn’t change anything about the services we provide, how we provide them, or the people who work here,” she said. “I think it’s been a very positive change.”

Although Commerce will be seeing extra tax money, Zoner said the hospital is “the No. 1 — whether public or private — asset to Commerce Township.”

“It has been a benefit not just to Commerce but to the surrounding communities, as well,” he said.

Commerce Township Trustee Rob Long, whose father sold the property to the hospital, agrees.

“With the hospital here, it has made it a more desirable place to live knowing that we have a medical facility to count on close to home,” he said. “Personally, they have been a wonderful neighbor, and I hope they feel the same way about us.” ❏

business notes movers / shakers Honors / awards ❐ Margaret Birch, Treasurer of the Charter Township of Waterford, was formally recognized for successfully completing their Certified Public Funds Investment Manager (CPFIM) credential by the Association of Public Treasurers’ of the United States and Canada (APT US & C). Earlier this year Birch completed the 8 hours of CPE credits and passed the exam set forth by APT US & C. She is one of over 200 members of the APT US & C who successfully completed their CPFIM during 2010/2011. She was honored for this achievement during the association’s 46th annual conference that was held on July 25 in Oklahoma City, Okla. There are over 200 members of the association who hold the CPFIM designation across the United States and Canada.

transitions anniversaries ❐ Oakland Family Services is celebrating its 90th birthday with a gala celebration on Friday, Sept. 23, at the Townsend Hotel, located at 100 Townsend Street in Birmingham. This special event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. The evening’s festivities will include a live auction and of course dancing. Tickets are $185 (Patron Level) per person or $300 (Benefactor Level) per person and reservations are requested. For more information, call Oakland Family Services at 248-858-7766, ext. 203 or visit www.oaklandfamilyservices.org.

openings ❐ Open Mind Therapy announces the launch of a new counseling center serving the Waterford Lakes Area

The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Coffee Club met on Friday, Sept. 2 at the Cobbygoose, a paint your own pottery store, located in Milford’s Mill Valley Center. The Coffee Club sessions are monthly morning mixers held by the chamber. (Photo submitted by Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce)

Terry M. Hargrave, MA LLPC and Callina R. Hensen, MA, LPC, NCC have merged together to form Open Mind Therapy, a professional counseling service that is geared toward helping individuals tackle some of life’s most pressing issues. Counseling sessions are offered at a reasonable and affordable rate. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Additional information including a detailed profile of the therapists can be found at www.openmindtherapy.org. Open Mind Therapy is located at 3080 Dixie Highway in Waterford and can be reached by calling 248-461-2681 or by e-mail at counseling@openmindtherapy.org.

openings ❐ Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital and the Natalie and Manny Charach Cancer Treatment Center’s 9th annual special event, Just For You, will be held from 8:15 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, at the Edgewood Country Club, located at 8399 Commerce Road, one-quarter mile west of Union Lake Road on the south side of Commerce Road in Commerce Township. This is a free program for women living with the cancer experience. This particular occasion will offer meals, refreshments, prizes, exhibits, pamper stations and various entertaining/informative seminars. Come for the whole day or take part in only what interests you. All participants must register by

Monday, Oct. 3, as seating is limited.

Free valet parking is included for all attendees. For more information and a complete schedule of events visit www.dmc.org/peoplesmedicalcollege or call 1-888-DMC-2500.

chamber notes ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. Tor a complete calender of Chamber events, visit www.huronvcc.com: • The Coffee Club will meet at 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, at 2 Moms & A Mop in the Chamber Building located at 317 Union Street in Milford. Join the chamber for this PAGE 25 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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LOCAL MATTERS

Chamber notes ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 23

fast, fun, free morning mixer.

• New Member Meet & Greet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the conference room at the Huron Valley State Bank — enter by the side door at 130 S. Milford Road in Milford.

Hosted by Huron Valley State Bank and the chamber Ambassadors, members are invited to learn more about the benefits of membership at this FREE gathering. Find out how to get the MOST of your membership!

Space is limited and reservations are required. Contact the Chamber at 248-685-7129. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold the Brewed in Michigan event from 7 to 10 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 7, at Baker’s of Milford, 2025 S. Milford Road in Milford Township. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 after Oct. 1. The ticket price includes 12 pours of great local beer, six food taste tickets, a souvenir mug and drink specials at the After Party.

Additional pours will be available for purchase. The After Party will run from 9 p.m. to midnight in the Baker’s Bar Wheelhouse with more great Michigan beer specials. The event sold out last year, so get your tickets today at the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce, Baker’s of Milford, or PineRidge Market. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Huron Valley Promise. Brought to you by the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce with support from Baker’s of Milford and PineRidge Market. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Chamber of Commerce Office at 248-685-7129. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is asking its membership to submit nominations for Chamber

Members of the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Coffee Club met last month at the Huron Valley State Bank branch in Milford. The Coffee Club sessions are monthly morning mixers held by the chamber. (Photo submitted by Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce)

Member Business of the Year. This award was established to give perpetual recognition to a Member business that contributes an extraordinary amount of organizational effort to the betterment of the community.

Organizational efforts are defined as those efforts taken by the business as a matter of companywide policy and execution, not those of an indi-

vidual or few individuals that own or are employed by the company. Please include, but not limited to, information on the nominated business: Is it obvious the company has a policy to give back to the community? Is there broad participation from the employees, management and ownership? What are the contributions to the community by the business?

Nominations should be received by Friday, Sept. 23. Please send to joell@huronvcc.com or fax 248-6859047. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for the 2011 Huron Valley Citizen of the Year.

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Chamber notes ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 25

Nominations will be accepted until Friday, Oct. 7, 2011 and must be submitted on an official form, which is available at the chamber office or can be downloaded from the website at www.huronvcc.com. This award is designed to honor a citizen of the Huron Valley area who has performed outstanding service for the betterment of the community through participation in civic, political, charitable, business, educational or other activities, over and above normal work assignments. The Citizen of the Year honoree will be announced at the Chamber’s Annual Community Awards Luncheon to be held on Thursday, Nov. 3. The recipient will then be officially honored at the Chamber’s Annual President’s Dinner Dance/Holiday Gala to be held the first Saturday in December. He or she will receive a commemorative plaque; his/her name will be placed on a permanent plaque at the Chamber of Commerce office; and the recipient will ride in the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Milford on Saturday, Nov. 26. ❐ 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.

• West Area Suburban Council of Chamber’s Regional Mixer, 8-9 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 20, at Sam’s Club, 27300 Wixom Road, Novi. Join the members of 16 chambers for early morning networking. The event will feature a hot breakfast, and two $25 give away gift certificates. All attendees will receive $10 gift cards. A free shop day for all employees of the attendees on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Optional tours will be available • New Member Reception &

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❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Lakes Area Youth Assistance 11th Annual Taste of the Lakes fundraiser will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Edgewood County Club, located at 8399 Commerce Road in Commerce. Sample food from area restaurants and participate in the silent auction. A cash bar will be available. The fee is $20 per ticket in advance or $25 at the door.

Tickets are available at the Lakes Area Youth Assistance office by calling 248956-5070; the Commerce Township Clerk’s Office at 248-624-0110; or the city of Wixom Parks and Recreation at 248-624-2850. ❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Lakes Area Optimist Club is presenting its 2011 Run with Attitude 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk on Sunday, Sept. 25.

The race will start and end on the scenic trails of Martin Parkway and PBA Drive, near the Commerce Township Hall at 8600 PGA Drive in Commerce Township. Late registration and packet pickup is at 8 a.m. and the race begins promptly at 10 a.m. For more information or for online registration until Thursday, Sept. 22, visit www.RunWithAttitude.com. ❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that its members have been busy finalizing plans for the 3rd Annual Expo, Taste and Fun Fest to be held on Saturday, PAGE 27 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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LOCAL MATTERS

Chamber notes ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 26

Nov. 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walled Lake Central High School located on Oakley Park Road in Commerce Township. They have received many calls from members wanting to know the details and they are currently looking for presenting and supporting sponsors, restaurants that want to participate in the Taste Fest, Expo guide advertisers and Expo exhibitors. For more information, email the LACC at info@lakesareachamber.com or call the chamber office at 248-624-2826. ❐ Join the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce for the Canterbury 5K race that will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, at Canterbury on the Lake, located at 5601 Hatchery Road in Waterford.

This is a fun walk for all levels of fitness — bring your walker, wheelchair or scooter and join us for brunch with your family/friends afterwards in our beautiful Iris Dining Room — $10/person — offered from 11 a.m.-

1 p.m. Registration includes entry fee, a T-shirt and goody bag.

The fee $25 for pre-race registration and $30 for race day registration.

For more information call 248-6668600 or visit www.canterburyonthelake.org. ❐ 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.

• FREE Shred Day, sponsored by Waterford Township Treasurer Margaret Birch, noon-3 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 21, Township Hall Parking Lot, 5200 Civic Center Drive.

• Small Business Loans Myths & Facts, 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, Heroe’s Restaurant, 998 W. Huron, Waterford. Register online at www.waterfordchamber.org. ❐ The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the West Bloomfield Rotary Club, will host the Seventh Annual

Grub Crawl Thursday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 10 p.m. One of the goals is to promote area businesses while building a strong business/community relationship. Registration is required. Tickets are $40 per person.

For more information call 248-6263636 or visit www.westbloomfieldchamber.com. ❐ The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce will hold its Business Expo ‘11 on Thursday, Oct. 20, 4-7 p.m. at the Orchard Mall Center Court located on Orchard Lake Road. This is its fifth annual Business Expo. Business Expo ‘11 includes booths from retail stores, business and service providers and non-profit organizations, as well as free food tastings. The event is open to the public, free of charge. Registration is $130 for chamber members and $175 or non-members. For more information visit www.westbloomfieldchamber.com or call the chamber at 248-626-3636. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of

Commerce announces its newly formed Huron Valley Referral Network Groups (RNGs) are off and running. RNGs are category exclusive business referral groups that develop business contacts and share leads with the members of the group. Each group will have 15 to 25 members, and only one person from any profession or business specialty will be eligible to join. Not only will group members be potential customers for each other, but they will be committed to finding referrals for other members of their RNG group.

This is a free perk with chamber membership. Many referral organizations charge from $300 to $600 annually to belong to this type of group; however, the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is making membership even more valuable with free access to one of these groups to chamber members, with the exception of a $25 start-up fee to cover administrative costs and supplies.

For more information, call the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce at 248-685-7129.

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PAGE 29

PUBLIC SAFETY Deputy struck by teen’s car after football game

By Angela Niemi

Drive-by shooting Car trunk damaged by 12-gauge

staff writer

A 16-year-old female driver exiting the Walled Lake Central High School parking lot struck an Oakland County Sheriff’s Department deputy assigned to the school’s football game as he was walking across Oakley Park Road at around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9.

The deputy sustained minor abrasions to his hands when he fell to the pavement. The vehicle had minimum damage to its front hood.

The girl, a West Bloomfield Township resident, received a civil infraction of failing to yield, before she was released into her parents’ custody The deputy was transported by ambulance to DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital as a precaution.

He was treated and later released from the hospital. ❏

TVs, motorcycles stolen from Milford residence Milford police responded to a burglary with no forced entry at 2 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 at a residence on Hunters Lake Drive.

A man who was checking on the residence while the homeowner is out of town saw that the home’s rear sliding door was open.

Reported missing from the home were three 60-inch Samsung Smart television sets valued at $2,400 each, two cable boxes and two 70cc motorcycles valued together at $1,500.

The man told police he believes that the burglary took place within the last three weeks and doesn’t know when the homeowner will return. ❏

Firefighter injured, pets perish in Keego blaze West Bloomfield Township Fire Department personnel responded to a house fire around 3:44 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 at a residence on Grove in Keego Harbor.

The fire that caused approximately $85,000 in damages and caused minor injuries to a firefighter is currently under investigation.

According to a press release, the homeowner heard a loud bang and found the fire. He then tried to extinguish it himself before calling 911.

The homeowner then escaped the residence with one pet, but other pets died in the blaze.

Fire crews from six stations arrived at the scene and found the fire in the

By Angela Niemi staff writer

O

akland County Sheriff’s Department Commerce Township Substation deputies were called to the scene of a drive-by shooting in the area of Commerce and Newton roads at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10.

According to the incident report, three or four shots were fired. The sound of a vehicle speeding away was also heard, according to a sheriff’s department press release.

The shooting occurred outside a home in the 3200 block of Fox, where the deputies found two spent 12-gauge shotgun rounds in a driveway and damage to the trunk of a car.

There were no injuries reported.

The resident was home at the time of the incident and claims he has no idea who is responsible for the shooting. ❏

home’s utility room. They were able to extinguish the flames without them spreading to other nearby homes. ❏

Oily rags caused fire at home; no one injured Waterford Township firefighters extinguished a small house fire in neighboring Lake Angelus on Saturday, Sept. 10.

The department initially responded to a report of smoke in the 300 block of Graywoods Drive at 9:05 a.m.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Finkbeiner, firefighters observed thick black smoke and a fire in a secondstory bathroom upon arrival. The fire was extinguished mostly by a water pipe in the house that had been damaged by the fire.

It was determined that oily rags used for staining wood had not been disposed of properly and had spontaneously ignited.

Fire damage was limited to the bathroom, but smoke damage was prevalent throughout the home’s second floor. There was no damage to the structure itself.

Neither the residents nor firefighters sustained any injuries.

Waterford firefighters encourage residents working with stains, varnishes or oily rags to dispose of them properly by placing the rags in an empty metal container that has a tight metal lid. Fill the container with water until the rags are submerged and then place the metal lid tightly over the water-soaked rags.

Containers should be brought to a local hazardous waste disposal center or saved until a community hazardous waste pickup day.

Solvents or paint should not be dumped down drains or sewers. ❏

No suspects in theft, vandalism of stop signs A pair of stop signs at the intersection of Shady Beach Boulevard and Sunset in the Shady Beach subdivision of Orchard Lake Village are becoming a nuisance for police.

The stop signs, relatively new to the subdivision, were stolen during the overnight hours of Sunday, Sept.

11. Prior to this incident, there were two occasions where the signs were spray painted and had to be replaced.

Currently there are no suspects in the sign theft case. ❏

Police called to quell brawl at Club Inferno Walled Lake police cited one individual with disorderly conduct following a brawl between 15 people at Club Inferno.

Officers from Walled Lake, Wixom, and Wolverine Lake, in tandem with Oakland County Sheriff’s Department deputies were dispatched to the scene at 1172 N. Pontiac Trail to investigate the fracas once it was reported that one of the parties drew a knife.

According to Walled Lake police, the fight had ended and a large crowd was dispersing from the parking lot by the time officers arrived at the scene.

Club security had an 18-year-old male in custody. The bouncers stated the fight had started in the club, but then spilled out into the parking lot.

Security personnel told police the subject who drew the knife played a major part in the disturbance. At one point the subject brandished a knife

and was waving it around. Security was able to restrain the subject and he dropped the weapon.

The other people involved in the melee fled the scene before police arrived.

The suspect stated that between four and five other people taunted him during the altercation so he drew the knife to protect himself.

Since there were no complainants to file felonious assault charges, the subject was cited for disorderly (fighting) conduct and given a court date of yesterday, Sept. 13, and released. ❏

Wixom police probing vehicle vandalism Wixom police are investigating a pair of malicious destruction of property incidents that occurred at two apartment complexes over the last few weeks.

On Friday, Sept. 2, a resident who lives in the 48000 block of Willow in the Village Apartments reported that sometime after midnight an unknown subject(s) damaged his vehicle’s windshield. According to police reports, it appears someone took a sharp object and carved a circular pattern in the window. In addition, the vehicle’s rear passenger tail lamp was broken and the rear of the vehicle was dented.

The victim’s girlfriend stated that she overheard a male juvenile claim responsibility for the crime when he was speaking to another male in the parking lot.

Police are continuing to investigate.

On Thursday, Sept. 8, police were dispatched to the Stoneridge Apartments where a resident of the 30990 block of Stoneridge reported that all four of his car’s tires were slashed.

Three of the tires sustained knife punctures to the sidewalls, and the last tire was damaged on the tread.

This is the resident’s third time of being victimized. In the past, two of his cars reportedly had been stolen while he resided in the area. ❏

Flower shop windows, vans shot with BB gun Jacobsen’s Flowers in Waterford Township was the target of a malicious destruction of property incident on Friday, Sept. 9.

Officers responded to the flower shop located at 2600 Elizabeth Lake Road and observed the business’ front windows and four work vans parked in the back lot had been shot with a BB gun.

The incident is still under investigation. Any information on the incident should be forwarded to the Waterford Police Department at 248-674-0351. ❏

PAGE 30

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The choices that you make about where to shop are powerful statements to your community. By choosing locally owned & operated businesses, you support: Schools • Police and Fire • Libraries • Parks & Recreation • Roads If you purchase from non-locally owned and operated businesses or the internet, tax dollars are going to someone else’s community - possibly in a completely different state. Invest in our future – buy local, live local, and volunteer local too.

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PAGE 31

TRANSPORTATION

Meeting tomorrow to address 2012 Cooley Lake work

By Leslie Shepard staff writer

A Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) public information meeting will be held tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 15 between 4-7 p.m. at Oak Valley Middle School in Commerce Township to present information on the planned 2012 paving of the gravel section of Cooley Lake Road from just east of Duck Lake Road to Mystic Valley/Majestic Oaks streets on the borders of Milford and Highland townships and White Lake and Commerce townships.

Oak Valley Middle School is located at 4200 White Oak Trail.

The meeting will not included a formal presentation, the RCOC says, but anyone interested can attend the meeting to ask questions of RCOC officials or review plans for the project, which is expected to cost around $4.4 million.

Slated to begin in the spring of 2012, the project is expected to be completed by the fall of that year. It will involve asphalt paving of the road, along with construction of concrete curbs, gutters and storm sewers in areas that need them in order to provide proper drainage.

This section of Cooley Lake Road will be closed to through traffic during the project. Access will be provided to traffic going to homes or businesses within the project area at all times.

Of the anticipated $4.4 million cost, approximately $3.2 million is being paid for with federal funds.

The remaining $1.2 million will be split between the RCOC, Commerce Township, Milford Township, Highland Township and White Lake Township.

Appropriations for the project are in the RCOC’s proposed Fiscal Year 2011-12 budget, which comes in at slightly over $100 million and comes in about $7.5 million lower than the current fiscal year’s spending plan. The proposed budget includes $28.1 million in road improvement projects.

The RCOC’s 2011-12 fiscal year begins on Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30, 2012. ❏

M-59 MAINTENANCE PROJECT (Highland and White Lake townships) • Completion Date: Approximately Nov. 15.

• Cost: $4 million.

• Notes: Highland Road will not be closed at any time during the project. Single-lane closures will be restricted to weekday and weekend hours between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Weekend lane closures will be minimized in central business districts.

PONTIAC TRAIL/MAPLE INTERSECTION MAINTENANCE (Walled Lake) • Completion date: Undetermined.

• Notes: Work is taking place as crews are available on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. One lane in each direction on Pontiac Trail and Maple east of Pontiac Trail will remain open.

M-5/PONTIAC TRAIL/MARTIN PARKWAY ROUNDABOUT (Commerce Township) • Closure: Pontiac Trail between M-5 and Welch Road.

• Detour: Welch Road to Maple Road to Haggerty Road and back to Pontiac Trail, and vice versa.

• Completion date: Approximately Nov. 1.

• Cost: $5 million.

• Notes: Pontiac Trail east of M-5 will remain open, and traffic will be permitted to travel from northbound M5 to eastbound Pontiac Trail and from westbound Pontiac Trail to southbound M-5, but traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION/I-96 BETWEEN MILFORD ROAD AND KENT LAKE ROADS (Milford Area) • Closure: Single lane closure on I-96 in each direction between Milford and Kent Lake roads on weekends and weekdays during non-peak hours. North and south ramps from Kent Lake to westbound I-96 will remain closed until end of November.

• Completion date: Winter.

• Cost: $15.5 million.

• Notes: The first bridge reconstruction project to be undertaken will be the bridge over the Huron Valley Trail east of Milford Road.

MILFORD/DAWSON INTERSECTION WORK (Milford Township) • Closure: None planned.

• Completion date: Oct. 28.

• Cost: $700,000 split between Milford Township, the RCOC, and the county government.

• Notes: Both Milford and Dawson roads will remain open in both directions at all times throughout the project, but there will be lane closures on Milford and, at times, the road will be reduced to one lane between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays with traffic directed by flaggers.

DRAYTON PLAINS DRAIN REPAIR (Waterford Township) • Completion date: End of September.

• Closure: None planned.

• Cost: $150,000.

• Notes: There will be minimal impact to traffic and most of the work will be conducted on the south side of the road. Work will be conducted within the Drayton Plains Drain in the area of Williams Lake Road near the intersection of Hatfield Road, west of Dixie Highway.

PAGE 32

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ENVIRONMENT

Input sought in developing youth hunting program

By Angela Niemi staff writer

Gov. Rick Snyder has signed into law the Hunter Heritage Act, which authorizes a hunting license to be issued to a child under 10-years-old and allows the holder to hunt deer, turkey, and small game; trap fur-bearers; and fish for all species.

However, in order for these children to scurry the wilderness with their guns looking for game, they first have to participate in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program that is in the process of being established by the state’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC).

The NRC and the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are looking for the public’s input as they begin developing the program.

According to the new law, each child must have a mentor who is at least 21-years-old and who possesses a valid license to hunt, other than an apprentice license, before engaging in the program. Furthermore, an individual cannot be a mentor without pre-

senting proof of previous hunting experience in the form of a previous hunting license or a certification of completion of training in hunter safety issued by Michigan, another state, a Canadian province, or another country.

While a minor under 10 could obtain a mentored hunting license, he or she could not hunt game under that license unless he or she complies with all the requirements established by the NRC. The NRC is currently trying to determine what those requirements should be.

“We’re really hoping people participate,” said DNR Spokesperson Mary Dettloff. “Some of the issues the committee is working through require public input. One of the things we are really interested in is what are the expectations should be of the mentor. The law doesn’t clearly spell that out so we are looking for the public’s thoughts on that.”

The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/VMY6KGT and will be available through Sept. 15.

“I strongly encourage sportsmen and women, parents and other interested members of the public to fill out the survey, which only takes about 10 minutes,” said NRC Commissioner John PAGE 33 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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lake levels LAKE LEVELS

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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 1.08 933.06 949.30 966.70 930.70 949.30 957.50 930.50 942.75 962.83 932.80 949.30 951.00 928.60 927.07 930.80 950.00 1019.10 965.42

8/26/11 +.19 +.43 +.53 +.38 +.29 +.21 +.18 +.17 +.27 –.01 +.10 +.31 +.20 +.20 +.28 +.67 +.33 +.31 –1.00 +.38 +.35 +.31 –.09 +.01 +.37

9/2/11 +.10 +.25 +.45 Legal +.17 +.20 +.20 +.15 +.18 Legal +.01 +.36 +.12 +.05 +.13 +.62 +.20 +.30 –1.20 +.20 +.26 +.23 –.15 Legal +.20

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

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9/9/11 +.28 +.35 +.42 +.21 +.09 +.25 +.04 +.15 +.21 Legal –.07 +.22 +.21 –.07 +.13 +.47 +.19 +.20 –1.15 +.10 +.20 +.15 –.19 Legal +.08

To schedule a tour of the Merle and Shirley Harris Birthing Center at Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, call (248) 937-5220. To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call (888) DMC-2500.

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PAGE 33

ENVIRONMENT

Youth hunting ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 32

Matonich of Davison, who chairs the workgroup. “The workgroup is on a tight timeframe to make recommendations to the NRC so we can be ready to roll out this program for the 2012 hunting season. Public input is invaluable to our recommendation process.”

The workgroup is hoping to report its recommendations to the NRC at its November meeting. ❏

Conservancy’s native plant fest set for Sept. 17

By Tim Dmoch editor

The public is invited to buy a plant, take a greenhouse tour, ask experts about native plants and meet their growers at the Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy’s Native Plant Festival, slated for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Ernst Greenhouses within Waterford Oaks County Park, located at 1702 Scott Lake Road (between Dixie Highway and Watkins Lake Road) in Waterford Township.

The festival will feature native plants, trees and shrubs on sale or available for order from three growers.

Links for pre-order forms and plant lists are available at the conservancy’s website at www.sixriversrlc.org. A shuttle will be provided to transport plants to vehicles.

“Fall is a great time for planting trees, late blooming plants and even spring bloomers,” said Six Rivers Stewardship Director Heather Huffstutler. “Fall and early winter will give your plants time to fully develop their root structure before they have to get busy flowering.”

Festival visitors may also tour the Ernst Greenhouses between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Oakland Wildflower Farm, Mary Ann’s Michigan Trees and Shrubs, and WildType Nursery representatives will be available to meet with the public.

In addition, educators will be present to answer questions about native plants, including representatives of Natural Community Services; Abundant Succession; the Oakland University Student Farm; the Clinton River Watershed Council; Oakland County Parks and Recreation; and the Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy.

In conjunction with the Native Plant Festival, the Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy Annual Meeting and

The state Department of Natural Resources has developed smart phone “apps” to make it easier for the public to find online information about campgrounds and boating access sites in Michigan. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Camping areas now easier to find with new DNR app

By Angela Niemi staff writer

S

mart phones are making it easier and easier to get information on the go. However, sometimes traditional websites aren’t compatible with mobile phones. A case in point was the website for the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“We had a lot hits on our website with mobile phones because people were looking for information about state parks, rustic campgrounds and boat launches. But the information was not delivered properly for mobile phones,” said Tom Weston, director of the michigan.gov website with the Conservation Celebration is being held at Waterford Oaks from 1-2 p.m. on Sept. 17. Attendees can learn how the conservancy helps preserve the natural environment in Genesee, Lapeer, Macomb and Oakland counties, and how they can help in the preservation effort. They will also hear about the importance of bioswales as an environmental preservation tool from Oakland County Parks Planner Jon Noyes.

According to Lorna McEwen, a trustee and past president of the Six

Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget.

Therefore, the department decided it was time to build an application — commonly known as an “app” — to make finding information about campgrounds and boat launches easier.

Hence the birth of the MI Camping and Recreation Locator mobile app, which can be used to find any state camp site and over 1,000 boat ramps in Michigan.

“It can be used to identify a campground near you within a five, 10-, 15-, or 25-mile radius,” Weston said. “Or you can locate a campground by location such as the northeast Upper Peninsula. You can actually find all the campgrounds listed in that area on your phone.”

So far the app has proven to be

Rivers Land Conservancy, bio-swales are low areas planted with with native plants where stormwater runoff can be drained.

“They sop up moisture instead of letting water run off into rivers or wetlands,” she said. “There are some bio-swales in Marshbank Park (in West Bloomfield Township). They are relatively new there. They take a while to establish. Since Marshbank Park is on Cass Lake, you don’t want (runoff) going into Cass Lake. The bio-swales keep the moisture on site instead of

popular, with 22,000 downloads recorded since the end of June and 550 average daily users.

Weston said he believes the state will continue to expand on this app by possibly adding a listing of all hiking trails; however, he said he thinks the app will only grow to a certain point.

“We’re not looking to add a million things,” he said. “This app will most likely spawn off into another app for boaters and anglers — like a lake finder app that lists boat ramps, the size of the lake, the restrictions, fish survey reports and fish stocking, etc.”

Weston said he has been “very happy” so far with the current app, which can be downloaded for free for iPhones, Droids, and Blackberrys.

“It’s been a successful program — very well-received.” ❏ running off.”

The festival, now in its 12th year, helps fund the work of the conservancy, a tax-exempt non-profit organization which helps conserve natural areas in watersheds of the Flint, Rouge, Shiawassee, Huron, Clinton and Belle rivers.

For more information, call 248601-2816, or visit www.sixriversrlc.org.

To be a festival volunteer, e-mail Six Rivers Trustee and Festival Chair Mar Sclawy at msclawy@sclawy.biz. ❏

PAGE 34

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COUNTY

Deputy K-9s hang up leashes after 8 years of service

By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

After eight years of service to the Oakland County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department doing everything from sniffing out drugs to tracking down fleeing perpetrators, two K-9 Unit deputiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dogs are retiring and the county is replacing them at a total estimated savings of about $30,000 to the county.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners Public Services Committee was scheduled to review the matter at its afternoon meeting yesterday, Tuesday, Sept. 13.

Rudy, one of the dogs nearing retirement age, will be officially owned by Deputy David Roddy, a member of the

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Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department K-9 Unit; while another, Boss, will be officially owned

by Deputy Michael Richardson, another member of the Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department K9 Unit.

Rudy will be replaced by Charge, a Dutch shepherd Roddy purchased.

Boss will be replaced by Blitz, a Dutch shepherd Richardson bought.

Both Charge and Blitz have been trained and certified in narcotics detection, article searches, and tracking and obedience. The county will purchase both dogs from the deputies for $1.

The $15,000 savings for each dog comes from training avoided had the county purchased an untrained canine from an outside source. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Normally thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not what we do, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine with us,â&#x20AC;? said Undersheriff Michael McCabe, referring to the deputies purchasing the dogs themselves. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Normally we pay for the dogs out of drug forfeiture money.â&#x20AC;?

McCabe said the K-9 Unit currently has 16 deputies working with K-9 deputies. One is an arson dog, two are used for bomb-sniffing and tracking, and the other 13 are full-service dogs, he said. â??

CLOSED DOORS The Walled Lake City Council met behind closed doors in an executive session on Tuesday, Sept. 6 to discuss the city managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evaluation. The council also discussed a pending lawsuit, as well as attorney- client privileged information. Upon returning to open session, the council laid over the city managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evaluation until the next meeting. There was no action taken on the other two items. â??

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STATE

Peters seeking a third term, this time in new district

By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (D-Orchard Lake, Waterford, West Bloomfield) will run for election in the newly-drawn 14th Congressional District, which is slated to include Orchard Lake and a portion of West Bloomfield Township, in what is already shaping up to be a contested primary election.

U.S. Rep. Hansen Clarke (D-Detroit) has already announced his intentions to run for the seat, as well.

Because the state of Michigan declined in population, its representation in the U.S. House of Representatives will be reduced from 15 to 14 seats. Peters’ current 9th U.S. House District, which includes Orchard Lake, Waterford, and West Bloomfield, has been carved up and added to other congressional district boundaries.

The 14th Congressional District boundaries — approved by the Republican-held Michigan Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder earlier this summer Peters after the redistricting process required following the completion of the 2010 U.S. Census — has drawn consternation from Democrats, who have blasted the redrawn district lines as “gerrymandered.”

The new 14th District starts to the south in Detroit, wraps to the east to include the posh Grosse Pointe suburbs; and snakes to the west, where it then covers Oak Park, Royal Oak Township, and continues west into Southfield and Farmington Hills. It then continues to the north into the southern two-thirds of West Bloomfield Township. It then encompasses the entirety of Orchard Lake, as well as Keego Harbor and Sylvan Lake, and then ends at its northern terminus of Pontiac.

Peters said in a release issued on Thursday, Sept. 8 that he was seeking the seat to “continue my work to move the Greater Detroit region forward in the years to come.”

“The creation of this new Congressional district bridges diverse communities and comes at a pivotal time in our nation’s history,” he said.

“Too many families are struggling in our area and I am committed to the urgent task of bringing our communi-

ties together while fighting for the issues that unite us: good paying jobs, stronger schools, and protecting critical priorities like Social Security and Medicare.

“Congressional districts are just lines on a map,” he added. “I believe that regardless of where we call home, we all want the same things: economic security, fairness from government, and an honest chance to find success and happiness. I’ve spent my life fighting for these values.”

According to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC), Peters has raised $759,104 in the current election cycle and has incurred no campaign debt, a figure accurate through the latest filings on June 30.

Clarke, meanwhile, has raised $198,090 and has a debt of $6,110, although he has $347,775 cash on hand.

The FEC reports that Peters’ campaign committee has $746,137 in cash on hand.

U.S. House members serve two-year terms and are currently paid about $174,000 per year. ❏

PAGE 35

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Kowall, Democrats team up on bill for puppy mill rules

By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

A bipartisan group of state senators — including one from the lakes area — is attempting to put a choke collar on puppy and kitten mills in the state of Michigan.

Senate Bill (SB) 574, sponsored by state Sen. Steven Bieda (D-Warren) and co-sponsored by state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield), among other Democrats and Republicans, has been referred to the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee, where it awaits that panel’s consideration.

Under the proposal — which would apply to pet shops that sell dogs or cats, pet dealers, breeders, someone who sells dogs or cats to the public for profit, Kowall and people who sell more than one litter of dogs or cats under 6-months-old or two dogs or cats over 6-months-old each year — a dog or cat would be considered “unfit for sale” if it meets any of the following PAGE 36 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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Obituaries

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STATE

JANE DOE, 88, passed away peacefully, July 1, 2011. Funeral was held July 5th, at First James Baptist Church in New Haven, Michigan.

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JANE DOE (nee SMITH), 88, passed away July 1, 2011 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Born October 18, 1923 to Thomas and Rose Jones of Detroit, Michigan and has resided in Florida since 2005, when she moved from White Lake, Michigan.

She was born October 18, 1923 to Thomas and Rose Jones in Detroit, Michigan. Jane was an avid quilter and enjoyed cooking large dinners for her entire family. Jane was preceded in death 00 $ they by her husband John Doe and were married for 62 years. Survived by her 00 $ children Thomas Doe (Mary) of Brooklyn, MI; Karen (Timothy) Potts of Detroit, MI; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

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An estimated 1,500-2,000 medical marijuana advocates turned up in Lansing in front of the state Capitol Building on Wednesday, Sept. 7, to voice their opinions about a recent Court of Appeals decision ruling so-called “dispensaries” illegal, as well as what some perceived as harassment from law enforcement. The event started at noon and lasted for several hours. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Obituaries YOUNG, RUTH, 98, of White Lake, born November 27, 1912. She passed away on September 8, 2011.

To place your 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

Puppy mills ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 35

conditions: • Within 30 days after the buyer receives the pet, a veterinarian says that the dog or cat has symptoms of a contagious or infections disease or illness that existed at the time of purchase; or Robertson • Within 90 days after the buyer receives the pet, a veterinarian, in writing, says that the

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888-466-4217

dog or cat died or is ill due to a hereditary or congenital defect.

If a sold pet is deemed unfit for sale, the buyer would have the following recourse under SB 574: • The ability to return the dog or cat for a refund of the full purchase price; or • If a replacement dog or cat is available, exchange the dog or cat for another of the purchaser’s choice that is of equal value; or • The ability to keep the “unfit for sale” dog or cat but be reimbursed “reasonable veterinary fees,” although that reimbursement could not exceed the original purchase price of the dog or cat; or • If the dog or cat dies, receive another dog or cat of equal value, if available, and receive reimbursement for reasonable veterinary fees; those, too, could not exceed the original purchase price of the dog or cat; or • If the dog or cat dies, receive a refund of the full purchase price.

“When I saw the bill come up, I said it’s the right thing to do,” Kowall said.

State Sen. David Robertson (RWaterford) said he could get on board with the legislation.

“I can’t object to the goals here, which are basically a consumer protection bill for people who purchase animals or obtain animals from shelters or rescue groups or from pet stores.” ❏

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 37

IN OUR OPINION

Animal breeder penalties

State lawmakers should put more teeth in Pet Bill of Rights

A

lakes area state lawmaker is among a bipartisan group attempting to crack down on so-called puppy and kitten mills in Michigan — or at least hold them somewhat accountable. The language of the legislative proposal, which has been referred to as a Pet Bill of Rights, is reasonable enough to merit support.

However, we wouldn’t mind seeing lawmakers add in some more penalties for violators as a deterrent that may help protect dogs and cats, not just their new owners.

Puppy mills and kitten mills are large-scale breeding operations that produce large numbers of animals for sale. The terms have become more common due to media reports about the sometimes deplorable conditions and inhumane treatment subjected to dogs and cats by unscrupulous breeders who cut corners and costs in order to bolster their profits at the expense of animal welfare. However, the size of the operation isn’t at issue as much as how the animals are treated.

Senate Bill (SB) 574, sponsored by state Sen. Steven Bieda (D-Warren) and co-sponsored by lakes area state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield), among others, has been referred to the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee.

Under the proposal — which would apply to pet shops that sell dogs or cats, pet dealers, breeders, someone who sells dogs or cats to the public for profit, and people who sell more than one litter of dogs or cats under 6-months-old or two dogs or cats over 6months-old each year — a dog or cat would be considered “unfit for sale” if it meets any of the following conditions:

W

• Within 30 days after the buyer receives the pet, a veterinarian, in writing, says that the dog or cat has symptoms of a contagious or infections disease or illness that existed at the time of purchase; or • Within 90 days after the buyer receives the pet, a veterinarian, in writing, says that the dog or cat died or is ill due to a hereditary or congenital defect.

If a pet is deemed unfit for sale but is sold anyway, the person who purchased the animal would have the following recourse under SB 574: • The ability to return the dog or cat for a refund of the full purchase price; or • If a replacement dog or cat is available, exchange the dog or cat for another of the purchaser’s choice that is of equal value; or • The ability to keep the “unfit for sale” dog or cat but be reimbursed “reasonable veterinary fees,” although that reimbursement could not exceed the original purchase price of the dog or cat; or • If the dog or cat dies, receive another dog or cat of equal value, if available, and receive reimbursement for reasonable veterinary fees; those, too, could not exceed the original purchase price of the dog or cat; or • If the dog or cat dies, receive a refund of the full purchase price.

Joanie Toole, administrative supervisor for Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption, said she isn’t aware of any puppy mills in the county. She said provisions of the bill encompass animal shelters and rescue operations like Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption, and that it and similar operations already live up to the bill’s provisions — particularly since they often take in stray animals for which they

have no background information.

Kowall has described himself as an “animal lover” who has “always had dogs and cats and everything else around the house.” He said he decided to sign on as a co-sponsor of the legislation as soon as he learned about it, because “it’s the right thing to do.”

We don’t disagree; yet, we’d like to see the bill go a bit further by including additional penalties that put some more teeth, as it were, in the law.

As introduced, SB 574 amounts to a consumer protection bill for people who purchase animals. The existing provisions are rational — if you sell an animal deemed “unfit for sale,” you should have to make right by the purchaser. Those who buy sick animals or those that quickly die deserve some recourse to recoup their costs.

And while we can appreciate the notion that there are no puppy or kitten mills in the county, we note that the provisions of SB 574 are silent on the issue of size. Oakland may not be home to large-scale, assembly line operations churning out animals that have health problems that jeopardize the investment a purchaser has made in companionship, but it may well be home to those who only market a couple litters a year or even as few as two dogs or cats a year.

That criteria, as outlined in the bill, certainly could describe a person or group in the county that flies under the regulatory radar.

We’d like to see SB 574 beefed up bit to offer some protection for animals. In addition to requiring breeders to reimburse the cost of an animal or veterinarian fees, there should be some financial or criminal sanctions for violators. ❏

Crime lab accreditation

ith the announcement in recent weeks that the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department forensics lab has received lab accreditation from the American Society of Crime Lab Directors — something that has been a goal of Sheriff Michael Bouchard for quite some time — we see good things on the horizon, including the county hopefully having its own DNA laboratory in the near future. But in addition, we also would like to see the county, much in the vein as the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office, explore the possibility of providing others counties or agencies with DNA lab services, presuming it gets up and running, in order to bring a modest amount of additional money into the county coffers.

The crime lab’s recent accreditation — which

Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper characterized as the “gold standard” in the field — is nothing to sneeze at. The ASCLD lab seal of approval opens the doors to possible federal funding.

Bouchard estimated recently that between $2.5 million and $3 million — preferably in federal dollars, but if the county “can find funding elsewhere, we are ready to go,” he said — to get the forensic laboratory to a place where it can offer a DNA testing section.

So we say hats off to the county officials and employees who made the ASCLD accreditation possible. But we also say, if need be — and we hope it wouldn’t be needed — given the expected price tag of making the DNA section dream a reality, scale back slightly in other areas without affecting public safety to make it happen.

Having DNA testing capabilities on-site would be a boon for county law enforcement, particularly given that often DNA testing is critical in this day and age, especially in cases that have been gathering dust, unsolved for years. And certainly the benefits are critical to open cases and presenting solid, scientific evidence in a court.

The potential capability could also open the doors to an arrangement similar to one previously in place for the Medical Examiner’s Office, which charged other jurisdictions fees for autopsies. We know that wouldn’t bring in a barrel of cash, but it could theoretically off-set any county expenditure that may be needed for the plan, and perhaps even provide a few extra bucks to add to the budget in a time of fiscal uncertainty. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

MAIL BAG

Blame the Tea Party From Dr. Robert Katz, West Bloomfield Township: The recent embarrassing debacle over the debt ceiling should sound an alarm to retired seniors like me. The fall-out from irresponsible actions was more than likely a factor in the downgrade of the U.S. debt and the reflexive response of Wall Street. The sudden drop in valuation of my retirement savings caused by this foolishness has turned a previously comfortable retirement into one with a shaky future.

The Tea Party demand for austerity that is supported by the Republican Congress also threatens my other entitlements, including the Medicare benefits that I am counting on.

We seniors should put the blame on the fervor of Tea Party crazies and the irresponsibility of the Republicandominated Congress and defeat them in November. ❏

Protest was peaceful From Henry Storm, White Lake Township: With the national attention on the T.E.A. (Taxed Enough Already) Party and, after noting in (another Oakland County newspaper) there would be an event in Milford on Saturday, Sept. 3, I was surprised there was no follow-up story... regarding what occurred at the event.

My wife (64-years-old) and I (65years-old) attended to see what socalled “terrorists” might look like in our local community. We were not surprised to find the media “terrorist” demographic attendees consisted of multi-racial, polite, wellbehaved, mature individuals from all political party affiliations gathering together to peacefully protest their viewed erosion of liberty and the unrestrained spending by our elected

Kowall’s itchy feet Make authenticity a job requirement

By Michael McPhee White Lake resident

(State Sen.) Mike Kowall (RCommerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) has itchy feet again! First, he ran for White Lake Township supervisor and quit midterm to become a state senator.

His departure disrupted township business, leaving trustees deadlocked on who’d finish his term.

Now, just eight months on the job, he’s running for Congress. If he doesn’t win, he says he’ll just stay in the state Senate and complete his term. But dithering like that hardly sets well. He sought a fouryear term and voters obliged him.

Now it seems he only wanted the job to bide his time until something better came along. His political wanderlust brings into question the kind of representation he provides.

In particular, why do his constituents come up short when lobbyists and big donors do so well?

Mike Kowall got $1,000 from Meijer’s to run for the state Senate.

After getting elected, he helped overturn a consumer law that required retailers to price each individual item. Now, shoppers are exposed to overcharges and retail jobs are at risk. Likewise, he backed a controversial tax reform that helped businesses but hurt pensioners and middle-income famofficials. There were many signs indicating strong Christian beliefs and, from military hats and shirts

ilies. To save taxpayer money, he introduced legislation to curtail special elections while side-stepping the larger issue. These elections are mostly triggered by a career politician, like him, vacating their office early to take a position elsewhere — but nothing to deter a job-hopping politician from disrupting government, again and again. So why do we enable these candidates who seem to serve only special interests and themselves?

We tried to stop them with term limits, hoping to shake up the status quo and rekindle the democratic process, but some politicians just bound from office to office to avoid getting term-limited. Occurring mid-term, it can start a chain reaction of similar events like we had here earlier this year. The ability to game the system must end if our government is ever going to function well.

Reform could start by making authenticity a job requirement for holding office, with candidates taking a vow to finish their term if elected. If they waver later, officeholders ought to be barred from accepting an appointment elsewhere and they shouldn’t be allowed to run for another office until the final months of their term either, unless they resign first and take their chances. In making this so, perhaps the interests of the people will emerge to take precedence. ❏ worn, it appeared a large number have served in (the military) or support our service members.

AROUND THE LAKES AREA

If the T.E.A. Party is responsible for the demise of the stock market, stalemate in Washington, and most other ills associated with our society (as reported in local and national news outlets) I would think our local media would assign a reporter full time to investigate, and report on, our local T.E.A. Party follower interests. ❏

Wasteful spending From Chuck Tindall, Novi: During the recent debt ceiling debate, I called U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter’s office to urge the congressman to work with the president and find compromise and avoid a financial crisis.

As we all know, a crisis was avoided but the situation should never have gone as far as it did.

Recently in response to my calls to McCotter’s office I received a letter in reply — actually three letters.

One letter addressed to Chuck Tindall, one addressed to Charles Tindall and one addressed to Chuck Pindall, all addressed the same day, all stating the same thing and all received on the same day. This is not the first time this has happened. It shouldn’t take a genius to see these are probably all the same person and with a little checking the duplications could be avoided.

This is a prefect example of the wasteful spending our president speaks of and asks that we eliminate.

Also, since U.S. Rep. Gary Peters has announced he is running for reelection in the 14th District, I’m sure we will soon hear McCotter is dropping out of the presidential race. ❏

A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly

WE’RE ASKING… Do kids spend too much time playing video games?

"I'd like to see them reading more."

— Mary Ann Carr, White Lake Library Children's Librarian

"Absolutely, and texting. I think the kids will have neck problems from being bent over."

— Sandra Rohan, White Lake

"They are too sedentary. Children don't play outside enough anymore. They need fresh air and exercise.

It has become a form of babysitting for them."

— Sue Jutus, White Lake

"Absolutely I do. I see the kids in school have (a lower) attention span. I think it stunts their social development."

— Milissa Schmantowsky, White Lake

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

Kowall

Haines

A collection of gossip, scuttlebutt, and odds and ends from our reporters’ notebooks.

HE BE ILLIN’: Oakland Confidential is willing to bet our life savings — $5 or $6, maybe — that state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) is the only Run-DMC fan who has a moustache. No, really. The first-termer with long-cultivated upper lip plumage recently was chairing a state Senate Economic Development Committee confab when state Rep. Harvey Santana (D-Detroit) was asked a question during his testimony by state Sen. Virgil Smith (D-Detroit) about the merits of legislation Santana had been working on. Santana — responding to Smith that he looked “like a rap fan,” mind you — quoted, perhaps accurately, perhaps not, a DMC ditty the OakCon staff isn’t familiar with. Kowall chimed in: “It’s funny that you bring up Run-DMC. That’s the only hip-hop group that I’ll listen to.” State Sen. Tupac Hunter (D-Detroit) playfully took issue with with Kowall’s characterization of Run-DMC as a “hip-hop” group, instead calling the Hollis emcees a “generational” rap trio. Emphasis on “rap.” Word.

NO PETITION CONTRITION: Things are “fantabulous” for Neil Billington in his quest to recall state Rep. Gail Haines (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield) — other than the fact that the Spinal Column Newsweekly roughed him up a little bit a few weeks ago in an editorial telling people in Haines’ district to give the petition the proverbial middle finger. “I can’t believe anybody in the media would make comments like ‘Don’t sign the petition,’” he said. Well, we did. And we stand by it. But Billington didn’t stop there. “Is everybody happy with what’s going on, with 28 recalls going on? Do you think people are happy?” Unfortunately, we don’t have an impartial answer to that rhetorical question. As journalists, we gave up on happiness and joy a long time ago and generally feel that everyone else’s disappointment-meters should be calibrated like ours.

Meanwhile, Billington said he’ll have an estimate on how many signatures he’s gathered on his recall petitions within

Kaplan

Shaughnessy

the next couple weeks.

ROBO-MYSTERY: If there’s one thing that’s certain about the hubbub over West Bloomfield Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste’s recent traffic stop, it’s that we’ll probably never know who arranged the robocall campaign that implored residents to come to a township board meeting and lambaste the supervisor. In case you’ve been living under a rock the past few weeks, here’s what you missed: Michele and her squeeze, Matthew, recently were pulled over in the wee hours of the a.m. by a WB cop for allegedly rolling through a flashing red light. Matthew, who was driving, reportedly blew a 0.11 on a preliminary breath test, according to police department investigation documents released to the Spinal Column Newsweekly through the Freedom of Information Act. Instead of her hubby getting arrested, he and Her Superness got a ride home from the officer. After word of the incident was made public, town-folk started receiving automated calls alleging that Michele threw the weight of her office around to get him off the hook, and imploring people to attend the Aug. 29 township board meeting to rip on the supervisor. But nobody knows who was behind the robo assault, or even has a hunch about who might be behind the calls — not even West Bloomfield Trustee Steve Kaplan, who has been joined at the hip with Michele for much of the past three years. “My family received a robocall at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28,” he said.

“Contrary to political ad requirements, the robocall didn’t identify persons or a group responsible for calls. It would be a Herculean task to find those responsible. The voice (on the phone) was a female speaker with a familiar voice, like I would hear on the radio. Whoever read the language (on the call) is a professional.” Township Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy says she too is in the dark about those responsible for the calls. “I didn’t receive a call so I don’t even know what they said, but I started getting calls on Sunday (Aug. 28) from residents who did.” Shaughnessy agreed with Kaplan — quick, run to an East window and look for the star — that it would be nearly impossible to uncover who was behind the calls. Betcha ‘Chele will try, though. ❏

PAGE 39

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Benefit for the Disabled: Rummage and craft sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sept. 15-17, Oakland County Sheriff’s Union Hall, 581 W. Kennett Road, Pontiac.

Tables are still available. 248-202-4267.

■ Four Towns United Methodist Church: All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner with salad bar, 4-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. 248-6826868.

■ Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene: Mom 2 Mom sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17, 2040 Airport Road, Waterford. 248-673-5911.

■ Milford Historical Society: Milford Home Tour and other activities, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18, downtown Milford. 248-685-7308, 248-685-9319 or 248-685-8835.

■ Democrats of West Oakland County: Meeting, Defining our Democratic Values, plans for November state convention, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, Comfort Suites Hotel, South Wixom Road and I-96, Wixom. 248-624-7228.

■ N e i g h b o r f o r N e i g h b o r: “Treasures and Treats” fall fund-raiser, rummage and bake sale, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 23-24, Hart Community Center, Mill Pond Park, downtown Davisburg. 248-634-0900.

■ Bethany North Oakland Singles Group: Dance, 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Sept.

24, St. Dan’s Church — Cushing Center, 7010 Valley Park, Clarkston. $12 admission. 248-891-8938.

■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: 16th Annual Views & Visions, call for artists, allmedia art competition and exhibit. A prospectus with all entry information is available online at the VFAA website at milfordvfaa.org. Artists also may pick up a copy at the HVCA Gallery located at 205 W. Livingston Road in Highland, Main Street Art in Milford, or at Miller’s Artist Supplies on 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills. Entry deadline is Saturday, Sept. 24.

■ Waterford Parks and Recreation: HessHathaway Park committee is looking for crafters for the Annual Harvest Happening that will be held Oct. 1. For more information call 248-674-5441 or visit twp.waterford.mi.us/parksandrec.

■ American Cancer Society: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, volunteers needed to join the committee, start a team or assist with day-of event needs,

7:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 1, Independence Oaks County Park, Clarkston.

248-663-3452 or Holly.Soranno@cancer.org.

■ Rotary of West Bloomfield: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Henry Ford Medical Center, second floor, southwest corner of Farmington and Maple roads. 248-5200095.

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

■ Big Chief Chorus: Rehearsals, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford. 248698-9133 or 248-563-2109.

■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Knitters circle, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Highland Station House, Highland. 248685-9015.

■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-673-3493.

■ Multi-Lakes Conservation Association: All-you-can-eat fish fry, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Fridays, 3860 Newton Road Commerce.

248-363-9109.

■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable transportation needed to visit terminally ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888-937-4390.

■ Catholic Social Services of Oakland County: Senior Companion Volunteers needed to support adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic mental illness, as well as the physically frail and homebound. 248-5591147, ext. 3434.

SUPPORT GROUPS ❐ Oakland West Lyme Support Group: Meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, Union Lake Baptist Church, 8390 Commerce Road, Commerce Township. 248-7602887. ❐ Pathway to Peace: Pet loss support group meeting, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept.

26, Waterford Township Public Library, 5168 Civic Center Drive off Crescent Lake Road between M-59 and Hatchery, Waterford.

R.S.V.P. mszasz@unionlakepets.com or 248-363-1508. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addition recovery meet-

ings, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Life Point Christian Church, 501 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-1747. ❐ Divorce Care: Support group meeting for adults and children, 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile, Novi. 248-755-9533. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 248-807-8667 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ Over-Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating, 12-step program, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Road, Waterford. ❐ MOMS Club of Waterford South: Support group for mothers at home, weekly activities, monthly meetings, third Friday of the month, Waterford area. momswaterfordsouth.webs.com. ❐ Postpartum Depression Support Group: Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Commerce. 248-9375220.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES ❐ Dublin Senior Center: Senior Celebration, noon, Wednesday, Sept. 21; “The Positive Side of Aging,” 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake.

Registration. 248-698-2394. ❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: Wii Bowling, noon, Tuesdays, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248-887-1707. ❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Knitting and crochet group, 9:30 a.m.

Tuesdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce.

Registration. 248-926-0063 or commercetwp.com. ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Avenue, West Bloomfield. 248-6820770. ❐ Waterford Senior Center: 20th annual Walk ‘n’ Roll for Meals on Wheels, registration, 8:30 a.m. walk, 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 3621 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Registration. 248-682-9450. ❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Senior Programs: Line Dancing, 11 a.m.

Fridays at the Corners, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248451-1900.

❐ Wixom Senior Center: Nifty Knitters, 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-0870 or wixomgov.org.

PARKS ❐ Groveland Oaks County Park: Haunted Hallows, Fridays and Saturdays, Sept.

16-24, 1455 Eixie Highway, Holly.

DestinationOakland.com or 248-8584627 ❐ Indian Springs Metropark: Super Golf Day, Friday, Sept. 16, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. 248-625-7870. ❐ Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center: “How to Identify Prairie Plants and their Seeds,” 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17; “Bear Essentials,” 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. 1800-477-3192 or 248-625-7280. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: Horsedrawn hayrides, noon to 4 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays, Kensington Metropark, Milford. 248-684-8632. ❐ Kensington Nature Center: “Survival Saturday — How to Get Unlost,” 1 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17; “Fall Nature Detectives,” 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, Kensington Metropark, Milford. 248685-1561 or 1-800-477-3178. ❐ Orion Oaks County Park:Free wood chips and compost, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 8, 301 Clarkston Road, Lake Orion. DestinationOakland.com or 248-858-4627 ❐ Waterford Oaks County Park: Now taking lottery forms for leasing 60square-foot indoor garden plots at 1580 Scott Lake Road in Waterford. The fall/winter garden plot package (Sept.

15-April 15, 2012) includes tested soil of compost and topsoil; controlled environment greenhouse with heat and light; use of dumpster, portable restrooms and basic tools; water; and education programs. Cost is $130/plot. For more information, call 248-858-0916 or visit DestinationOakland.com

LIBRARY EVENTS

❐ Commerce Township Community Library: Duct Tape Party, teen program, snacks, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15; Talk Like a Pirate for Teens, Monday, Sept. 20, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce.

Registration. 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info.

www.spinalcolumnonline.com BLACK

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

COMMUNITY CALENDAR LIBRARY EVENTS ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Fall “Book-n-Bake” sale, 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept.

17, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland.

Registration. 248-887-2218. ❐ Milford Public Library: All About EReders, adult program, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845. ❐ Walled Lake City Library: Afternoon book discussion, adult program, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. Registration. 248-624-3772. ❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Used Book Sale, 10 a.m. -3 p.m. and Harry Potter Party for ages 9-12, 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248-672-4831. ❐ West Bloomfield Township Public Library: Fall Used Book Sale, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Sept. 16-18, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. 248682-2120. ❐ White Lake Township Library: Book Bunch, Michael Buckley’s “The Fairy-Tale Detectives,” book discussion/ snacks for

grades 3-5, 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. 248698-4942. ❐ Wixom Public Library: Hooks for Hope, all ages knitting group, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, 4015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom.

Registration. 248-624-2512.

BOAT COVERS Bev’s Canvas Covers www.bevscanvascovers.com BOAT REPAIRS/FURNITURE American Soft Trim www.americansofttrim.com BOATS/NEW & USED Lake Ponemah Marina www.lakeponemahmarina.com

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❐ St. Matthew Lutheran Church: Offering free webcast hosted by Chuck Colson, “Doing The Right Thing,” 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2040 S. Commerce, Walled Lake. Free will offering accepted. DoingTheRightThingEvent.com. ❐ Bethany Church: Now has a free public “Prayer Box” for motorists to leave a prayer request. At the west end of Bethany’s parking lot on Hiller Road, there is a mail box with a cross on top. There are handy forms in front of the box. Bethany Church is located at 1375 Hiller Road in Waterford. 248681-2130.

BOATING SUPPLIES Boating Supply Center www.boatsupplies.com DOCKS & LIFTS American Marine www.americanmarinesc.com LAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES Aqua Weed Control www.aquaweed.com REAL ESTATE Cyndi Robinson - Real Estate One www.cyndirobinson.com VISITING NURSES & THERAPISTS Affinity Home Care Agency, Inc. www.affinityhomecareagency.com

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❐ Advent Episcopal Church: “Development of the Scriptures,” entertaining seminar with light refreshments, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Sept. 14 through Oct. 5, 3325 Middlebelt Road, West Bloomfield.

248-363-1505.

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The Spinal Column Newsweekly seeks volunteer high school students, parents, and community members to help cover high school sports in west Oakland County.

Candidates should be familiar with high school sports.

Contact Editor Tim Dmoch at 248-360-6397, Ext. 498; or email: timdmoch@thescngroup.com for more information or to be considered.

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Walled Lake Northern could barely keep a hand on Walled Lake Central quarterback Zac Leimbach on Friday, Sept. 9. Leimbach finished with 188 yards rushing on 34 carries with 4 touchdowns in the Vikings’ 31-24 victory over the Knights. (Photo submitted by Dave Mexicotte)

Knights’ comeback falls short Vikings earn hard-fought victory, 31-24, over Northern

By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Central started its quest for a third-straight Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division title with a 31-24 victory over Walled Lake Northern in its home opener on Friday, Sept. 9.

The Vikings (2-1 overall, 1-0 in the KLAA North) remain undefeated

against the Knights. They have won all eight meetings in the series, although Northern gave them a run for their money this time around.

“Emotional games are always difficult. Although we jumped out to a substantial lead, Northern was not about to give up,” said Central Head Coach Robert Meyer. “Their kids made plays in the fourth quarter when they had to and put

themselves in a position to win the game.”

Both teams had to endure an hourand-a-half lightning delay in the middle of the first quarter before returning to the field.

Northern (1-2, 0-1) had a 7-0 lead in the first quarter after Kirk Thomas threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Matt Kosmalski.

However, Central quarterback Zac Leimbach responded for the Vikings with a 7-yard touchdown run just before the first quarter ended to tie the score at 7-7.

Leimbach then followed with another touchdown run from 4 yards out in the second quarter to give Central its first lead of the night, 14-7.

PAGE 43 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

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PAGE 43

Kettering (0-3, 0-1) was led by Justin Santana with 97 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Alec Spurlock had 70 yards and a touchdown on 9 carries.

Spurlock and Vince Cooper each had 6 tackles while Josh Cody had 5.

On Friday, Sept. 16, Kettering will travel to face Walled Lake Central.

Meanwhile, Western will host Huron Valley Lakeland in what will be the Warriors’ first real test of the season.

“Lakeland has good, skilled kids.

Anthony Waite and Charles Sanders are as good as anyone we have seen this year,” Coach Zdebski said. “They are the best offensive team we’ll face this year.”

Comeback staved off in Lakers’ 39-21 ‘W’ over Ravens

By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Northern quarterback Kirk Thomas held his own against Walled Lake Central on Sept. 9 as he completed 9-of-17 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for two 1-yard touchdowns. However, Thomas also threw 3 interceptions as the Vikings remained undefeated all-time against the Knights with their victory last Friday. (Photo submitted by Dave Mexicotte)

Vikings top Knights ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 42

Central led 17-10 at halftime as both teams each kicked a field goal.

Leimbach then continued his hot streak as he scored on touchdown runs of 12 yards and 28 yards to give Central a 31-10 lead.

However, Northern would not quit, as Thomas scored on a 1-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to pull Northern within 31-17.

After the Knights recovered an onside kick, Thomas scored on

FOOTBALL

Warriors thump Kettering, 59-14; remain unbeaten

By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Western is not only the lakes area’s only undefeated team, it also appears to be the most dangerous.

The Warriors won their Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA)

another 1-yard touchdown run, bringing Northern within 7 points of Central.

The wheels seemed to be coming off for Central when Leimbach fumbled and Northern recovered. However, the Vikings’ defense was able to stand tall and secure the victory for Central.

“I’m proud of how our players handled the delay ... the kids were able to turn it back on again,” Meyer said.

Leimbach finished with 188 yards rushing on 34 carries with 4 touchdowns for the Vikings, while Thomas had 94 yards rushing on 18 carries with 2 touchdowns for the Knights.

North Division opener in impressive fashion with a 59-14 victory at Waterford Kettering on Friday, Sept. 9.

Western (3-0 overall, 1-0 in the KLAA North) led 31-0 at the end of the first quarter and 52-14 at halftime.

“Our special teams really contributed, as they scored 21 points. That was the biggest change,” said Western Head Coach Mike Zdebski.

Joshua Jones had an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown for the Warriors, while Gabe Costanzo had a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Jones also scored a touchdown off a blocked punt by Zack Mitchell.

Thomas also completed 9-of-17 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown, but also threw three interceptions.

Kosmalski also had 13 tackles for the Knights in addition to his touchdown catch. Andy Rabaut had 9 tackles and 6 assists.

“Our kids never give up. Give us a couple plays and 8 points, and we are a 3-0 football team,” Moore said.

On Friday, Sept. 16, Northern will look to recover when it hosts winless Waterford Mott while Central will host 0-3 Waterford Kettering.

Western has scored over 50 points in three games so far this season, averaging 53 points a game.

Brent Zdebski led Western with 94 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries, while CJ McGorisk had 62 yards on 3 carries.

Alex Buchanan and Connor Ruby each scored a rushing touchdown, while Kyle Ford caught a 35-yard touchdown.

On defense, Brent Zdebski led Western with 5 tackles and 4 assists and a sack, while Ben Ruby had 4 tackles and 3 assists and a sack.

Western also recovered three fumbles by the Captains.

West Bloomfield hung tough and picked up its first win of the season, 39-21, at Royal Oak on Friday, Sept. 9.

The Lakers were led by C.J. Brathwaite, who finished with 134 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 9 carries. He also caught two passes for 73 yards and a touchdown.

West Bloomfield (1-2 overall, 1-1 in the Oakland Activities Association Red Division) led 20-0 at halftime and held off a late second-half surge by the Ravens to earn the victory.

Jalen Campbell started West Bloomfield’s scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, which was followed by a 6-yard touchdown run by Brathwaite.

Campbell finished with 94 yards rushing on 10 carries.

In the second quarter, Brathwaite caught a 69-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bejan Dees.

Royal Oak responded in the third quarter with two rushing touchdowns

by Alex Tuszynski and Brandon Fredrikson, but Brathwaite answered with two rushing touchdowns of his own, from 44 and 22 yards out to give the Lakers a 32-14 lead.

After the Lakers gave up a 40-yard touchdown run by the Ravens’ Nolan Jones in the fourth quarter, Brathwaite finished them off with a 24-yard touchdown run.

Royal Oak fell to 1-2 and 0-2 in the OAA Red. The Ravens are coached by Jeff Hill, who previously was head coach at Huron Valley Milford for the past three seasons.

“I thought we got out of the gates PAGE 44 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

PAGE 44

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Lakers triumph ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 43

fast with a 20-0 halftime lead. But we were hit with a rash of injuries and that includes losing our quarterback, Bejan Dees, with a dislocated left ankle,” said Head Coach Ron Bellamy.

The Lakers will next come home on Friday, Sept. 16 to host the reigning Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 state champion, Lake Orion, currently 2-1 overall.

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

travel to face Walled Lake Central.

Meanwhile, Western will host Huron Valley Lakeland in what will be the Warriors’ first real test of the season.

“Lakeland has good, skilled kids.

Anthony Waite and Charles Sanders are as good as anyone we have seen this year,” Coach Zdebski said. “They are the best offensive team we’ll face this year.”

Mistakes costly for Corsairs as Eagles soar in 33-6 win

By Michael Shelton

kickoff weekly S

tay on top of the west Oakland prep football scene by watching our new Kickoff Weekly webisodes at spinalcolumnonline.com. Each week, Sports Writer Michael Shelton and Photographer Amy Lockard visit lakes area high school football coaches and players to discuss the week's hottest contests. Look for the link to each week's Kickoff Weekly webisode on the Spinal Column Newsweekly's home page. And don't forget to "like" the Spinal Column Newsweekly on Facebook, so you'll know as soon as each week's webisode is uploaded.

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Warriors thump Kettering, 59-14; remain unbeaten

By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Western is not only the lakes area’s only undefeated team, it also appears to be the most dangerous.

The Warriors won their Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division opener in impressive fashion with a 59-14 victory at Waterford Kettering on Friday, Sept. 9.

Western (3-0 overall, 1-0 in the KLAA North) led 31-0 at the end of the first quarter and 52-14 at halftime.

“Our special teams really contributed, as they scored 21 points. That was the biggest change,” said Western Head Coach Mike Zdebski.

Joshua Jones had an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown for the Warriors, while Gabe Costanzo had a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Jones also scored a touchdown off a blocked punt by Zack Mitchell.

Western has scored over 50 points in three games so far this season, averaging 53 points a game.

Brent Zdebski led Western with 94 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries, while CJ McGorisk had 62 yards on 3 carries.

Alex Buchanan and Connor Ruby each scored a rushing touchdown, while Kyle Ford caught a 35-yard touchdown.

On defense, Brent Zdebski led Western with 5 tackles and 4 assists and a sack, while Ben Ruby had 4 tackles and 3 assists and a sack.

Western also recovered three fumbles by the Captains.

Kettering (0-3, 0-1) was led by Justin Santana with 97 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Alec Spurlock had 70 yards and a touchdown on 9 carries.

Spurlock and Vince Cooper each had 6 tackles while Josh Cody had 5.

On Friday, Sept. 16, Kettering will

staff writer

Huron Valley Lakeland opened the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) portion of its 2011 gridiron schedule with a 33-6 victory at home over Waterford Mott on Friday, Sept. 9.

The Eagles (2-1 overall, 1-0 in the KLAA North) led 27-0 at halftime and would not let up in the second half.

Charles Sanders rushed for 40 yards, but also scored two touchdowns from 3 yards and 31 yards out, in addition to catching a 29-yard touchdown pass.

Anthony Waite rushed for 126 yards on 7 carries while Josh Orlando had 10 carries for 55 yards, including a 1-yard touchdown.

Lakeland quarterback Casey Palanca passed for 72 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception.

Zach Fedorko had 3 solo tackles and 3 assists for Lakeland, while Sanders also had an interception return of 40 yards.

Christian Gojcaj caused a fumble while Orlando and Ross Heiman each recovered a fumble.

Alex Moorer scored for Mott (0-3, 0-1) on a 17-yard touchdown run as he finished with 15 carries for 82 yards.

Corsairs quarterback Evan Underdown completed 7-of-15 passes for 92 yards and also threw an interception.

Mitchell McBride had 6 tackles for Mott, including a sack, while also catching an interception.

“We played hard but just made way too many mistakes,” said Mott Head Coach Keith Garrison.

The Corsairs have now lost 18 straight games and will face another test on Friday, Sept. 16 when they travel to Walled Lake Northern.

Meanwhile, Lakeland will travel to face 3-0 Walled Lake Western in a game that will give the winner an early leg-up in the KLAA North Division.

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

FOOTBALL

St. Mary’s blanks Highland Park; Mavs fall to 2-1

By Michael Shelton staff writer

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s took care of business with a 44-0 shutout victory over Highland Park at home on Friday, Sept. 9.

The Eaglets (2-1) led 35-0 at the end of the first quarter and scored their remaining points in the second quarter.

Spencer McInnis scored a pair of rushing touchdowns on the night, while Parker McInnis also had a rushing touchdown.

Dan Clements also threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to Joe Reoyan. Grant Niemiec also rushed for a 47-yard touchdown.

St. Mary’s was coming off a 34-24 loss at home to Toledo St. John’s Jesuit on Friday, Sept. 2.

On Friday, Sept. 16, the Eaglets will play their Detroit Catholic League Central Division opener when they take on Detroit Jesuit at Ferndale High School.

Detroit Jesuit is also 2-1 on the season.

• Huron Valley Milford fell in its Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) West Division opener at Grand Blanc, 50-21, on Friday, Sept. 9.

The Mavericks (2-1 overall, 0-1 in the KLAA West) trailed 28-0 at the end of the first quarter and 37-7 at halftime.

Alex Larson threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Chris Orr while Brandon Williams caught a pair of touchdown passes from Brent Piligian from 6 yards and 19 yards out.

Bart Williams threw 3 touchdown passes to lead the Bobcats (2-1, 1-0).

Milford will look to recover on Friday, Sept. 16, when the Mavs host Hartland (1-2, 0-1), which fell at Howell, 20-13, on Sept. 9.

Steady offense propels Our Lady past Riverview GR

By Michael Shelton staff writer

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes won its home opener, 28-7, over Riverview Gabriel Richard on Saturday, Sept. 10.

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Central takes 2nd Communication, execution crucial

By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Central picked up a key division win last week before earning a runner-up finish at the Erie-Mason Varsity Invitational.

Central (14-3) began the week with a three-set victory over Waterford Mott at home, 25-12, 2517, 25-18, on Thursday, Sept. 8.

Colleen Starrs had 22 digs and 3 aces, while Brittany Guldan had 8 kills, 11 assists and 5 aces, and Katie Lusk had 8 kills and 2 aces.

“Our team executed its game plan, did a good job of communicating on the court and working on various plays that we have been practicing,” said Central Head Coach Cathy Johnson. “It was a nice overall team effort to get our first conference win of the season.”

Central then traveled to the ErieMason Invitational on Saturday, Sept.

10.

The Vikings went undefeated in pool play by knocking off Riverview Gabriel Richard (26-24, 25-14), Dundee (25-8, 26-24), and Jefferson (25-19, 25-18).

Central then eliminated Dundee in the tournament quarter-finals, 2522, 22-25, 15-7, before defeating host Erie-Mason in the semi-finals, 25-20, 21-25, 15-8.

However, the Vikings met their match in the tournament final as The Lakers scored a touchdown in all four quarters, as Jake Doetsch scored two rushing touchdowns, with each coming from 5 yards out.

Sean Thomas then scored on a 10yard touchdown run in the third quarter and Vinny Puma scored on a 5-yard touchdown run.

“We had a lot of good things happen and overall we’re playing better,” said Our Lady Head Coach Mike Boyd.

“We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re getting there.”

The Lakers improved to 2-1 and earned their first victory in Detroit Catholic League Intersectional 2 Division play.

On Saturday, Sept. 17, the Lakers will welcome Birmingham Detroit Country Day to their home field. The Yellowjackets are currently 1-2 on the season, but have won between 8 and 11 games during the previous five seasons, including a 9-1 record.

they fell to Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, 12-25, 24-26.

Guldan had 24 kills, 6 aces, 51 assists, and 17 digs on the day, while Starrs had 84 digs and 3 aces.

Gia Morianti also had 17 kills, 5 aces, 11 digs and 5 blocks. Candyce Jessamy had 14 blocks and 12 kills, and Mikaela Beck had 18 kills.

“We had a very nice showing in this tournament,” Johnson said.

“Our team did have some ups and downs of play level; however, we had taken all teams in our program to our annual College Match Field Trip the day before so I think we were a little tired playing.

“It has been an intense first few weeks of the season for our team,” Johnson added. “Going forward, our schedule levels out and we are really looking forward to more of our dual matches in the conference.”

Prior to the tournament, the Vikings were able to watch a tournament at Madonna College that featured teams such as the Illinois Institute of Technology, whose players include recent Central graduate and Vikings great Taylor Duman, who starts for IIT. Central played at Waterford Kettering on Tuesday, Sept. 13 after press time, and will host Walled Lake Northern tomorrow, Thursday, Sept.

15.

VOLLEYBALL

Mavs fail to notch a win in four matches last week It was a rough week for Huron Valley Milford, as the Mavericks went 0-for-4 through the week.

The Mavericks (3-6 overall, 0-1 in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West Division) began the week with a quad tournament at Saline on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

Milford fell to Novi (25-22, 13-25, 8-15), Huron Valley Lakeland, (15-25, 16-25) and Saline (23-25, 21-25).

Rachel Kopf had 13 kills for Milford, while Karly Shorr added 11 kills with her 3 aces. Erin Winn had 24 digs for the Mavs.

“The girls are working hard and I

PAGE 45

can tell they want to win, but they are fighting themselves right now,” said Milford Head Coach Jeff Stark.

Milford had little time to dwell on the losses, as the Mavericks traveled to Grand Blanc on Thursday, Sept. 8 for their KLAA West opener.

After falling in the first game, 2025, Milford rebounded to win the next two, 25-23, 25-14.

Milford led 20-11 in the fourth game with a chance to close out the match, but the Bobcats came back and the Mavs fell, 24-26.

Grand Blanc would take the fifth and deciding set, 15-12.

“This is why you play every point and you win every point — I don’t care if we win by 2 or 25, you play every single point to win, period,” Stark said.

Winn had 15 kills for the Mavs, while Dagny Stark added 11 kills and 3 blocks.

Mackenzie Zondlak had 24 digs.

Milford hosted Howell on Tuesday, Sept. 13 after press time and will welcome Brighton tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 15.

Strong showing for Eagles as they net KLAA opener win Huron Valley Lakeland won its Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division opener at home against Walled Lake Northern, 25-16, 25-20, 25-13, on Thursday, Sept. 8.

Ciara Schultz had 25 assists, 10 kills and 9 digs for Lakeland (10-4 overall, 10 in the KLAA North) while Brittany Leonard had 11 kills and a 60 percent attack percentage.

The Eagles were coming off a strong performance at the Saline quad event on Wednesday, Sept. 7, where they defeated Saline (25-15, 25-13) and rival Huron Valley Milford (25-15, 25-16) before falling to Novi (25-13, 24-26, 14-16).

The Eagles then hosted the Lakeland Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 10.

In pool play, Lakeland defeated Dearborn (25-14, 25-11), Northville (25-21, 25-19), Midland (25-13, 2519) and Dearborn Divine Child (25-22, 21-25, 15-8).

The Eagles then knocked off Okemos in the quarter-finals, 25-15, 25-16.

But, Lakeland was defeated by Canton in the semi-finals, 21-25, 23-25.

Schultz had 33 kills, 70 assists and 26 digs while Leonard had 35 kills and 7 blocks and Lindsey Hansard had 64 digs.

“I thought that the team was focused and executed very well all week,” said Lakeland Head Coach Jennifer Cottrill.

Lakeland played at Waterford Mott on Tuesday, Sept. 13 after press time and will welcome Walled Lake Western tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 15.

PAGE 46

www.spinalcolumnonline.com CITY OF WALLED LAKE FIRST READING ORDINANCE C-294-11

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE 7525 HIGHLAND ROAD WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP, MI 48383

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Township Board of the Charter Township of White Lake, Oakland County, Michigan, will meet at a Regular Board meeting on the 20th day of September 2011, at 7:00 p.m., at the Township Hall, located at 7525 Highland Road, White Lake Township, Michigan 48383, to determine if the following Special Assessment District will be established and to receive public comments, if any, regarding creation of the following Special Assessment District:

Coledale Bay Aquatic Weed Control and Lake Improvement The proposed Special Assessment District involves the following property located in the Charter Township of White Lake, Oakland County, Michigan: 12-26-307-013 12-26-307-016 12-26-307-020 12-26-307-025 12-26-307-032

12-26-307-014 12-26-307-017 12-26-307-021 12-26-307-026 12-26-376-008

12-26-307-015 12-26-307-018 12-26-307-022 12-26-307-030

12-26-307-016 12-26-307-019 12-26-307-023 12-26-307-031

An Ordinance to amend the City of Walled Lake Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 “Building and Building Regulations” to promote the general health, safety and welfare of persons and property within the City by establishing Building Permit Performance Bond Guidelines and repealing and updating certain outdated provisions was approved at the Regular Council meeting of September 7, 2011. The Second Reading of this Ordinance will take place at the Regular Council meeting of Tuesday, September 20, 2011.

The Ordinance in its entirety is available for public uses and inspections at the office of the City Clerk, 1499 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, Michigan, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Catherine Buck City Clerk

S.C. 9-14-11

COMMUNITY LEGAL NOTICES

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE

Legally described as: T3N, R8E, SEC 26 CEDAR SHORES NO 3 LOTS 86 THROUGH 93 AND CEDAR SHORES NO 2 LOTS 85 THROUGH 75 AND THE NORTHWEST HALF OF LOT 74.

In order to appeal the amount of any special assessment, affected owners or parties with an interest must protest the proposed assessment. This may be done by appearing in person at the hearing or having an agent appear at the hearing on behalf of an owner or party in interest, or in writing by filing a letter of protest before the hearing, addressed to the Township Clerk at 7525 Highland Road, White Lake Township, Michigan 48383. An owner or party having an interest in the real property affected by the special assessment may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the special assessment roll if the special assessment is protested at the hearing held for the purpose of confirming the special assessment roll. Please direct any questions you may have to Jeanine Smith (248) 698-3300, Ext. 3.

Terry Lilley, Clerk Charter Township of White Lake S.C. 9-7 & 9-14-11

Special Board Meeting – Synopsis – August 31, 2011 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Seven board members and labor attorney present.

Approved: Change order of Agenda, moved Item 5D to 5A Approved: Command Contract Approved: Firefighters Contract Approved: Police Contract Withdrawn: Award to Cadillac Asphalt for Paving and Sewer Connections at Station 1 Tabled: Fire Department Request for Approval for Paving and Sewer Connections at Station 1 Approved: Fire Department Request to Purchase Thermal Imaging Cameras Approved: New Job Description Approved: Adjournment of meeting Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Greg Baroni, Supervisor Terry Lilley, Clerk White Lake Township S.C. 9-14-11

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING HEARING OF ASSESSMENT

LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD FOR GOURD LAKE Notice is hereby given that the Lake Improvement Board for Gourd Lake, in the Township of Highland, County of Oakland, will meet at the Highland Township Offices 205 North John Street, Highland, Michigan at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, September 26, 2011 to review, to hear any objections to, and to confirm a 2 year Special Assessment Roll for the purposes of implementing an Aquatic Weed Control Program for the years 2012 and 2013 for the improvement of the Gourd Lake. The 2 year assessment is estimated at $4,554.00 to cover the proposed project costs, with individual annual assessments to be presented at the Hearing. The Special Assessment Roll will be on file at the Highland Township Offices for public examination.

Any person may appeal and be heard at the said Hearing, which is called pursuant to the provisions of Section 30913 Part 309 of Public Act No. 451 of 1994, as amended provides that the special assessment must be protested at the Hearing held for the purpose of confirming the Special Assessment Roll before the Michigan Tax Tribunal may acquire jurisdiction of any special assessment dispute. Appearance and protest of the special assessment at the time and place of review is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. An owner of or party in interest in property to be assessed, or his or her agent, may appear in person to protest the special assessment, or may protest the special assessment by letter filed with the Water Resources Commissioner Office, Attention: Ron Fadoir, One Public Works Drive, Building 95 West, Waterford, Michigan 48328-1907 at or prior to the time of review, in which case personal appearance is not required. If the special assessment is protested as provided above, the owner or any party having an interest in the real property may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the Special Assessment Roll has been published in a newspaper of general circulation.

LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD FOR GOURD LAKE S.C. 9-7 & 9-14-11

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION

AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 108 SEWER ORDINANCE AND AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 129 FEE OPERATING ORDINANCE Notice is hereby given that at a regular board meeting on August 16, 2011 the Charter Township of White Lake introduced amendments to White Lake Township Ordinance No. 108 the Sewer Ordinance, and White Lake Township Ordinance 129 The Fee Operating Ordinance with final consideration to be made at the September 20, 2011 regular board meeting, The amendments to Ordinance 108 and Ordinance 129 have been posted in the White Lake Township Clerk’s Office at 7525 Highland Road, White Lake, MI and on the Township’s website at www.whitelaketwp.com.

Terry Lilley, Clerk White Lake Township

The White Lake Township Water Department will be conducting the Fall 2011 Fire Hydrant flushing during the hours of 9:00 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday from Tuesday, September 6 through Friday, November 11, 2011. Fire hydrant flushing signs will be posted one day in advance and the day of flushing at the entrance to each subdivision/development. Caution should be observed around any hydrant discharge.

Minimizing water usage is recommended during the day of flushing in your area.

Any questions should be directed to White Lake Township Water Department at 248-698-3300, ext. 8 SC: 8-31, 9-7, 9-14, 9-21-, 9-28, 10-5, 10-12, 10-19, 10-26, 11-2 & 11-9-11

SCN 9-14-11

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING HEARING OF PRACTICABILITY LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD FOR GOURD LAKE Notice is hereby given that the Lake Improvement Board for Gourd Lake in the Township of Highland, County of Oakland will meet at the Highland Township Offices, 205 North John Street, Highland, Michigan at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, September 26, 2011 to determine the practicability of implementing an Aquatic Weed Control Program for the years 2012 and 2013 for the improvement of Gourd Lake.

This Hearing is called pursuant to the provisions of Section 30910 of Part 309 of Public Act No. 451 of 1994 as amended.

LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD FOR GOURD LAKE S.C. 9-7 & 9-14-11

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

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Other Reunions Published 4 weeks for a total cost of $20 for 15 words; each additional 4 words $2.

WATERFORD TOWNSHIP High School 50th Class Reunion, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 www.wths1961.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE 11

Hartland

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.

Houses/ Condos

!

3

BEAUTIFUL DESIGN! Built in 2004 w/2500 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms & 3 1/2 baths. Fireplace in great room & dining room, library, formal dining, finished walk-out lower level with family room & hobby room.

Private 4.14 acre setting. $385,000.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

MOBILE HOMES Mobile Homes for Sale

42

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

Large well kept home with 3 bedrooms, spacious kitchen, formal dining, office, enclosed porches, breezeway/laundry room, 2 car garage & 16x26 barn. $117,000. 3644 Avon St.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

Houses/ Condos

olivermich@mac.com 248-755-5073 SYLVAN LAKE 3 Bedroom colonial, 1.5 baths, basement, gas heat, stove & refrigerator only, small pets negotiable. Sylvan Lake access for park & boating. $975 plus deposit

248-559-8120

(cell) 248-802-4748

Novi Great 2,000 sq.ft. ranch, 3 bed, 1,5 bath, family room, living room, newer kitchen with pantry, all appliances, washer and dryer, treed half acre lot, 1 car garage, 5 min. to I96/ W. of 275 $1,250/ mo

810-599-3452

Small room for office or hobby.

Quiet apartment building. Nice neighborhood, no pets. $485

per month. Includes heat and water.

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

56

WALLED LAKE 1 Bedroom Apartments 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath Town Homes * $300 Moves You In*

www.cormorantco.com * Call For Details *

3 Bedroom house, newly remodeled & freshly carpeted, Walled Lake view & access, fenced yard, petsok, $875 per month.

1 Bedroom Apartment.

248-624-4310

1st Month FREE

WALLED LAKE

56

Walled Lake Area

WATERFORD

248-624-6606 EHO

55

Apartments

3 Bedroom Cape Cod, 2 full baths, finished basement, all appliances including washer & dryer, Elizabeth Lake privileges- docking available, pets negotiable. $1,000 per month

☺

RENTALS

!

248-568-6119

Apartments

WATERFRONT HOME!

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

Lake privileges, 2 bedroom, fenced yard, carport. Brand new, totally remodeled. New kitchen and bathroom. Wood floors, appliances. $1000/ month. Sec. Dep. References.

248-431-1929

(248) 624-0709

2200 sq. ft. home on all sports Tyrone Lake. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen/dining area, great room w/woodburning stove & lakeside windows.

Desirable master suite to enjoy. Detached 4 car garage & paved parking. $234,900.

55

BEAUTIFUL EDGE OF WEST BLOOMFIELD

!

VILLAGE CHARM!

advertisement you get a FREE Garage Sale Kit with street signs, balloons, price stickers and tips on having a successful garage sale.

IN PRINT and On-Line 24/7

NOTICES

Houses For Sale

CARS, TRUCKS CYCLES

PAGE 47

•Playground/Pool •Free Heat & City Water

Town & Country Apartments •48200 W. Pontiac Trail

•Between Beck & Wixom Rd.

CALL US TODAY !

(248)624-3194

LANDLORDS AND INVESTORS Huge inventory of potential rental properties under $50,000.00 Several are move in condition!!!!!

Waterford, Wixom, Commerce Twp., Novi

Landlord Classes Available!

Nancy Neville, Realtor

248-724-6960 (Retired Landlord)

Century 21 West Bloomfield

PAGE 48 Apartments

www.spinalcolumnonline.com 56

WALLED LAKE AREA One bedroom apar tmentwalk in closets, high speed internet available, heat & water paid, Walled Lake Schools, no dogs. Leasing now.

Move in special!

248-982-3281 Pontiac Lake

HELP WANTED General/ Help Wanted

General/ Help Wanted

CHILD CARE CENTER 65

OFFICE CLEANING POSITIONS

1 bedroom (newly renovated). $395 Includes all utilities except electric, Security Deposit, Call after 12 noon for availability:

EVENING HOURS NOVI AREA MONDAY - FRIDAY

White Lake Apts 248-626-7857

CORPORATE CLEANING GROUP

Apartments For Rent SPECIAL 1 or 2 bedroom apartments. Heat and water paid. No pets. In City of Milford.

(248)477-9192 Rooms/Share Quarters

57

BUSINESS WOMAN looking to share 2 bedroom apartment in Novi, with female. $400 plus utilities. Call for information.

248-787-2059

Rooms/Share Quarters

57

LOCATED NEAR Huron Valley Hospital. Newer home, bedroom available $450 per month. 248 961-2108.

248-313-9880

DRY CLEANER Looking for counter help and shirt presser.

Full or Part Time.

Call before noon 248-694-4933 EXPERIENCED

ASPHALT LABORERS

Rollers & rakers needed as well as experienced equipment operators. Start work immediately, good wages,

810-602-4289 or 248-390-9092 or 248-887-4626

65

Seeking Child Care Provider.

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

248-669-6880

OUT DOOR MAINTENANCE Howell Co. now hiring full time workers for lawn maintenance/ snow removal. Experience preferred. Must have chauffeurs' license, current medical card & own transportation

517-545-9994

Let’s Grow Michigan.

Are you looking for a new career?

Would like to own your own business?

We are the largest real estate broker and last year we sold over 17,000 properties. We expect to surpass that in the coming year.

Join us as we grow Michigan.

Contact Mary Nicole 800-370-5816 or marynicole@ realestateone.com

General/ Help Wanted

65

Dietary Aide Full Time Days, Every other weekends

No phone calls West Hickory Haven 3310 W. Commerce Rd. Milford MI City of Wixom

Community Center Room Set-up Coordinator High school graduate; must be able to lift up to 50 lb. consistently; must be flexible to meet the schedule of Community Center by working morning or evening shifts as well as weekends & holidays; excellent communication & organizational skills; strong customer service focus; accuracy, attention to detail & ability to follow directions from written instructions. Apply in person:

49015 Pontiac Trail Wixom MI 48393

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS Start A.S.A.P. No experience necessary, up to $500 a week to star t.

Wild & crazy atmosphere.

Call Erika 810-603-1751

HAIR STYLISTS New Great Clips salon opening in White Lake needs both part time & full time hair stylists .

No clientele needed, hourly wage plus commission. Fun team environment.

Ask for Bridgette

248-330-6402

Pre-Licensing Class

September 19, 21, 22 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

September 26, 28, 29 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Contact Mary Nicole 248-684-1065 MaryNicole@RealEstateOne.com •Are you looking for a new career?

•Would you like to own your own business?

We’re Michigan’s largest real estate broker and last year we sold over 17,000 properties. We expect to surpass that in the coming year.

Join us as we grow Michigan.

General/ Help Wanted

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY 65

DELIVERY PERSONNEL Needed. Duties include driving, loading, and set up of equipment. Chauffeur's license and good driving record required.

Immediate availability. Call Perry's Tents & Events

248-338-8810

Medical/ Dental

67

PODIATRIC MEDICAL ASSISTANT Direct patient care, vitals, EMR entry, wound care, surgical assistance; 2 doc Commerce Twp. office; medical experience or training preferred; 3, 4, or 5 days per week; hours vary by day of week, 8:30-6:30, some Saturdays.

Physically demanding, lots to learn. Fax Resume and cover.

(248)363-0894 or e-mail : horningsl@sbcglobal.net MEDICAL ASS'T Pontiac Trail Medical Center in Walled Lake needs part time help on Wed., Fri., & Sat. Must be good with people! Experience preferred & will train.

Please fax resume to: 248624-4408 or call 248-624-4511

Office/ Clerical

69

TEACHERS AIDE / OFFICE WORK School / Classroom experience needed. Part time or Full time.

Walled Lake area. Fax re-

sume to: 248-737-9517 or E-mail: administrator@ MiMontessori.com

Office/ Clerical

69

RECEPTIONIST/ SCALE ATTENDANT ROR White Lake is a local recycler. Must be able to work Mon.-Sat., with ability of work OT. 401k plus 75% health. Resume to: info@ royaloakrecycling.com or fax: 248-541-3065 Do not inquire at office Sales Positions

71

Real Estate Career

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

85

Homemade food. Space available for full or part time kids. Great locationLow prices. Hours 7-6pm.

Call Julie 248-225-6559

MAC Valves, Inc. is a worldwide manufacturer of pneumatic solenoid valves. We are looking for some one to fill an opening position in our purchasing department. They must be a reliable, self motivated person and be able to work in a customer focused team. We are a people oriented technology based company and operate in a group system environment where people are given responsibility to learn and advance. Purchasing experience is preferred and Excel experience is a must.

Apply in person or mail resume to: Donna Shopp MAC Valves, Inc 30569 Beck Road • Wixom, MI 48393

89

SCRAP METAL Aluminum .30-.70¢/lb., Copper $2.20-$3.00/lb., Brass 1.10- 1.70¢/lb, Auto Rads. .90-1.25¢/lb.

1123 Decker, Walled Lk Mann Metals Corp.

(248)960-1200 SEA-DOO JET Skis wanted dead or dying. 1995 on ups. $200- $1400. Top $ for XP's & 947/951 or larger motors. Call Steve at 231-943-4152

90

Items must be FREE to respondents, ad free to you. Restricted to residential. The publishing group accepts no responsibility for actions between individuals.

Sorry, we do not accept ads for free dogs.

FREE TO good home 7 kittens, born July 9th. 248-860-2085

Absolutely Free

Day Care in Commerce Twp.

BUYER/PLANNER NEEDED

Used/Wanted

Absolutely Free

We're doubling our staff!

•Do you like working with new people and new situations?

•Do you have good problem solving skills?

•Do you have a "Sky is the limit mentality"?

If you said, "Yes", call me.

Senior/Child Care

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

90

FREE TWO loveseats. One is a hide-a-bed. Good Shape.

You pick up. Novi area. 248787-2059 ONE ADORABLE, fun, loving 11 weeks old kitten, free to good home. 248-722-8249 SOFA, 7FT. Light rose tapestry. You pick up. 248-6244310

Auction/Estate Sales101 HUGE ESTATE Sale in warehouse, too much for garage.

September 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 9-5. 2044 Winner Street in Walled Lake off Welch Road.

All appliances, furniture, antiques, flatscreens, tools, outdoor equipment, stereos, DVDs, kids and baby clothes, baby gear, toys, and much more, too much to list.

PUBLIC AUCTION "Mini Storage Depot will sell at public auction, contents of Units Numbered (B8, Sharon Lawrence: household goods, furniture, boxes), (L1001, Thomas Saunders: boxes, sporting goods, tools), (L1054, Mark Royal: household goods, furniture, boxes, trunks), (X11, Todd Coughlin: vehicle), on Friday, September 30th, 2011 at 2pm, for back storage fees owed. The auction will take place at Mini Storage Depot 46550 Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390. We reserve the right to reject any and all bids."

WALLED LAKE, Estate Sale, September 15, 16, 17. 9am5pm. 314 Shorebrook Lane.

Household items, tools, furniture, etc.

Moving Sales

102

FURNITURE, TOOLS: 9a.m.4p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 1036 Lakeview between Ladd & McCoy, Wolverine Lake.

Garage Sales

103

COMMERCE FURNITURE, TOOLS, Household items: 9a.m.-5p.m. Saturday, Sunday, 9a.m.-5p.m.

8055 Marshalsea, east of Union Lake.

MEGA MOVING sale 4200 Logans Lane. September sixteenth, seventeenth, 9-6, September eighteenth, 1-6.

HUGE GARAGE Sale. Designer clothes, toys, furniture.

Saturday 8-3, Sunday 8-11.

Look for signs on South Commerce between Oakley Park, Commerce. Westwoods of Reed Lake Sub. ARTS N' Crafts, wood decorations, unique handmade ornaments, hand painted welcome mats, outdoor wishing wells and planter boxes, even some power tools! 1910 Alton Circle (Welch and Pontiac Trail) September 15th, 16th, 17th, 9-4.

WALLED LAKE BIG SALE Friday and Saturday, 9-5. Guy stuff, kids, toys, household, TV, and much much more. 1610 Ladd off Maple between Pontiac Trail and Benstein WATERFORD ESTATE/ GARAGE Sale Thursday thru Saturday, 9am.

329 South Pinegrove off Elizabeth Lake Road.

WEST BLOOMFIELD 7495 LOCKLIN. Furniture & lots, more. Friday, Saturday, Sunday .9am-4pm.

7th Annual “Everything But The Kitchen Sink” Garage Sale 4097 Crooks Road Off Richardson between Haggerty & Bloomer Park

Thurs, Fri, Sat , Sep 15, 16, 17 9:00 til ?

Craft materials, plus size clothing, household items, some tools, ? off Avon, plus lots more.

Don’t miss this one.

HUGE GARAGE/ Estate Sale. Furniture, tools, Christmas, household goods. 7801 Eldora Blvd. September 15, 16, 17, 9am-5pm

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

.

WP DT OR F TER WA

$750,000

$759,900

STONE HOLLOW SUB – CUSTOM BUILT 2.62 ACRE LOT •5 bed, 3.5 bath, 3,671 sq. ft. + 1,627 walkout •Attached 3 car, 2.5 car carriage house garage #211019535 (800) 396-5205 X265

$399,900 CUSTOM QUALITY BUILT 1.14 PRIVATE ACRE ESTATE •4 bedroom, 4 full bath, 2,900+ sq. ft.

•Fin. daylight basement, 3 car/workshop, patio #211023447 (800) 396-5204 X241 P. TW CE ER M M CO

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382

Lakes Area’s #1 Team! $374,900

$219,900 GORGEOUS GERUNDEGUT BAY ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •Remodeled ranch, stone fireplace, dining rm •Corian counter kitchen, tile, crown molding #211027050 (800) 396-5204 X280 .

WP DT AN L H HIG

$274,900

$149,900 WHITE LAKE WATERFRONT RANCH WITH WALKOUT •1,661 sq. ft., 3-4 bedroom, 2 bath, great rm •Family room w/fireplace, enclosed carport #211026322 (800) 396-5204 X260 .

WP ET RC E MM CO

$79,900 BEST BUY IN MAPLE CROSSING CONDOMINIUMS •1,404 sq. ft., 2 bed, 2 bath, ground floor ranch •1 car garage, subj. to mort. short sale approv. #211096442 (800) 396-5204

RD FO TER A W

$209,900 219 FT. FRONTAGE TO ALL-SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE •3 bedroom, 2 bath, Florida rm, deck •Great rm w/fireplace, deck/dock, shed #211089314 (800) 396-5204 X248

W.

E AK

$499,900 STUNNING COUNTRY ESTATE ON 2.18 ACRES •3,200 sq. ft. + fin. walkout, 4 bed, 3.5 bath •Huge mstr., fireplace, bar, sauna, 3 car #211086533 (800) 396-5204 X282 CE ER MM CO

P. TW RD FO R TE WA

FULL LOG RANCH ON BEAUTIFUL & PRIVATE TREED 1.12 ACRE •4 bedroom, 3 bath, 1,863 sq. ft., fin walkout •2 story fireplace, Florida room, 3+ car attached #211035240 (800) 396-5205 X299

P. TW

L ITE WH

$329,900 BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CEDAR ISLAND LAKEFRONT •2,302 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 3 bath, l.c. terms •New granite, ceramic, carpet, paint #211089671 (800) 396-5204 X246

ALL-SPORTS OXBOW LAKEFRONT 1.19 TREED ACRE LOT •3,271 sq. ft. + fin walkout - contemporary •4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3+ garage, deck/dock #211075518 (800) 396-5204 X271

$299,900

STUNNING 90 FT. OF MAIN LAKEFRONT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •2,778 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 fireplaces •2+ car garage, 3 decks, dock, seawall, shed #211063900 (800) 396-5205 X231

Zillow - Preferred Agent

P. TW CE ER M M CO

ALL-SPORTS LOWER STRAITS LAKEFRONT SPECIAL •2 houses @ price of 1 - Remod 3 bed, 1 ba, garage •Lake house 1,768 sq. ft., 4 bd, 2 ba, needs TLC #211073682 (800) 396-5204 X232

RD FO MIL

$649,900

248-366-7200

.

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P. TW LD FIE M O BLO W.

P. TW RD FO L I M

CUSTOM BUILT - ALL-SPORTS MACEDAY LAKEFRONT!!

•4 bed, 4 bath, all brick + fin. walkout •5,200+ sq. ft., 1st & 2nd flr. masters, 3 car #211017553 (800) 396-5204 X296

PAGE 49

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$124,900

SHARP RANCH - TREED LOT OVERLOOKING CROSS LAKE •3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,321 sq. ft., updates •Part finished basement, deck, 3 car garage #211064266 (800) 396-5205 X204 .

WP ET RC E MM CO

$64,900 DESIRABLE ADDINGTON CORNERS UPPER RANCH CONDO •1,242 sq. ft., 2 bed, 2 bath, cathedral master •1st flr laundry,fireplace, deck, pool, spa #211042201 (800) 396-5204 X289

Janet Steve Direct:

Direct:

248-755-7600 248-755-7500

janet@TheStocktonTeam.com

steve@TheStocktonTeam.com

THANK YOU LAKES AREA RESIDENTS! 101 Homes Closed thru August 2011

We are full time professionals with 35 years experience, dedicated Listing & Buyer’s Agents, and over 150 successfully negotiated/closed “Short Sales”.

Our performance speaks for itself!

Call us today to discuss our listing incentives.

$324,900 DEEDED BOAT SLIP ON ALL-SPORTS COMMERCE LAKE •3,019 sq. ft., 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 fireplaces •Daylight basement, deck, courtyard garage #211073119 (800) 396-5204 X224 P. TW SE RO

$224,900

$259,900

CHARMING HOME ON ALL-SPORTS WATKINS LAKE •1,170 sq. ft., 3 bed, deep treed lot, fireplace •Basement, 2 car garage, huge storage loft #211078354 (800) 396-5204 X251 .

WP ET RC E MM CO

RARE FIND – HUNTER’S PARADISE 38+ TREED ACRES •Gently rolling terrain, creek, small pond •Zoned agriculture, split avail., good road frontage #211083343 (800) 396-5204 X204

M XO WI

$184,900

$199,900

GORGEOUS 1.37 ACRES WOODED LOT ON HURON RIVER •2,160 sq. ft., 4 bed, 2 bath, 1st flr. laundry •Great room, formal dining, basement, 2 car #211082673 (800) 396-5204 X233

QUIET CUL-DE-SAC & BACKS TO NATURE PRESERVE •1,575 sq. ft. + fin. walkout, 3 bed, 2.5 bath •Isle kitchen, family rm, fireplace, vaulted bath #211079134 (800) 396-5204 X201 .

WP DT AN L H HIG

M XO WI

$128,000 $124,900 ALL-SPORTS PENINSULA LAKE HOME BACKS TO SUB PARK LAKEFRONT ON TREED LOT AND WALKING PATH •1,438 sq. ft. + fin. lower lvl, 3 bed, great rm •3-4 bedroom, 2 bath ranch w/fin. walkout •Snackbar kitchen, family rm, 2 car garage •3 fireplaces, 2 car, lrg. deck, patio and deck #211095520 (800) 396-5204 X253 #211089004 (800) 396-5204 X247 P. TW LD E I F OM BLO W.

RD FO TER WA

$69,900

SUB BEACH AND BOATING ALL-SPORTS PLEASANT LAKE •1,802 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2 bath, cathedral mstr suite •Family rm, deck, newer roof and windows #211029440 (800) 396-5204 X263

$40,000 GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME •3 parcels (90 x 101), sewer & water at street •Sub beach and boating on Upper Straits Lake #211032130 (800) 290-9994 X221

www.TheStocktonTeam.com

PAGE 50

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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211079746 - $259,900

211088973 - $125,000

211070398 - $85,000

211092231 - $41,000

211079839 - $549,900

211036868 - $129,000

SUPERB COMMERCE HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, first floor master with bath, close to M-5

UNIQUE OLDER HOME - GORGEOUS LOT 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, newer windows, roof and furnace, 3 season Florida room

UP NORTH LIVING 1.45 ACRES 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, oak cabinets, newer roof, 3 car detached garage

FIRST FLOOR CONDO 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, freshly painted, new hardwood floors, lake privileges Cass Lake

GORGEOUS HOME 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 2 story great room, gourmet kitchen

MODERN RANCH 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan, master suite with walk-in closet.

RD FO TER A W

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211092207 - $230,000

211056180 - $124,900

211068047 - $189,900

211042968 - $159,900

211061876 - $459,000

211091695 - $190,000

GORGEOUS CONDO 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, great room with fireplace, granite kitchen with island

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

FAIRWAY ESTATES STUNNING 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, granite, new carpet, tile, overlooking 16th hole

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

UNION LAKEFRONT 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, kitchen with island, pantry, stone fireplace, den

WILLIAMS LAKE DEEDED CANALFRONT 3 bedrooms, 2 baths ranch gated private dock, views open floor, spacious kitchen

S ILL DH IEL F OM BLO

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TURED HOME A FE OF THE WEEK

W.

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211088481 - $55,000

211089418 - $150,000

211075547 - $245,000

211014823 - $229,900

FOX HILLS CONDO 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, doorwall to deck, clubhouse, pool, tennis court

LOVELY HOME 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, bright kitchen with pantry, finished basement

A PIECE OF PARADISE 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open floor plan, quality decking

UPDATED TUDOR 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, hardwood floors, fireplace, granite kitchen

YAL RO

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211085668 - $159,000

210042174 - $178,000

211087174 - $265,000

211089163 - $148,000

ARTS & CRAFTS BUNGALOW 4 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, updated, cove ceilings, new roof/furnace/central air

OXBOW LAKEFRONT 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, fireplace, 2 garages, estate sized lot

WONDER HOME GREAT NEIGHBOR 5 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, master suite, walk-in closets, in-law suite, professionally landscaping

EVERYTHING RIGHT HERE 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 fireplaces, finished basement, maple kitchen, great room

LD FIE OM LO B W.

RD FO MIL

211086475 - $59,000 D AN STL WE

CE ER MM CO

LD FIE ING R SP

LD FIE OM LO B W.

211037965 - $90,000

211092618 - $234,900

211043488 - $131,900

211047575 - $400,000

211091693 - $289,000

211054757 - $299,900

UNION LAKE PRIVILEGES 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, huge master suite, needs updating

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

MOVE IN CONDITION 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, sprinkler system

COMMERCE LAKEFRONT 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, almost 3/4 acre, finished walkout

PROF. LANDSCAPED, PRIVATE SETTING 5 bedrooms, 2.2 baths, master ste. with jacuzzi and private balcony, lower level walkout

SPECTACULAR COLONIAL 4 bedrooms, 2.2 baths, spiral staircase, 2 fireplaces, hardwood

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211058061 - $129,900

211089687 - $168,000

211091317 - $250,000

211001031 - $84,000

211082623 - $189,900

211090111 - $120,000

ENJOY RESORT AMENITIES 3rd floor condo, 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, pool, sandy beach

BEAUTIFUL SPRAWLING RANCH 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, granite, prof. landscaping/fountain

WOLVERINE LAKEFRONT 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, spacious kitchen, tiled Florida room

LOTS OF UPDATES 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, finished basement, 2 car garage

NEW DETACHED RANCH CONDO 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood flooring, gas fireplace

COLONIAL OPEN FLOOR PLAN 4 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, natural fireplace, built-in cabinets, patio with tree-fenced yard

Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300

ŠReal Estate One, Inc., 2011

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

DEBI ISAAC

248-505-6911

CHERYL YEAGER

MEET THE POWER TEAM

Diane & Mary strive to make your transaction seamless from start to finish. Let our TEAM guide you through the process.

SELLING REAL ESTATE SINCE 1980

248-310-8077

DIANE BUCHANAN

cherylyeager.com cherylyeager@yahoo.com

disaac21@comcast.net

PAGE 51

MARY SHIELDS

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

Cell 248-245-6090 realestateone.com/mshields

CT RA NT LE O C B ND IL A L A AVA

W.

GREAT LOCATION in West Bloomfield with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. Living and dining room with hardwood and fireplace. Granite and ceramic kitchen.

Finished basement. Whole house generator and deck.

Code HU264DI $229,900

WHITE LAKE RANCH

LIKE NEW DETACHED 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with custom features. Open floor plan with hardwood, granite kitchen and upgraded stainless steel appliances and fixtures throughout. 1st floor laundry. Large patio.

Code WI587DI $189,900

4,400 SQ. FT. OF WATERFRONT! Sandy beach front, 4 beds, 3.1 baths! Plus finished walkout. $450,000

WA TE RF RO NT

$795,000 - LAKEFRONT BEAUTY! 100 ft. of frontage on all-sports lake.

This home is amazing throughout.

BECKY KATZMAN McCARTHY 248-790-9915

Associate Broker - A.B.R.

susigollinger@hotmail.com

1-4 AT. S EN OP

T ON FR R TE WA

SUSI GOLLINGER

Lakes Area Specialist

TOP PRODUCER

rmccarthy@RealEstateOne.com W NE

PR

HARTLAND - FOR LEASE $1,700 Approx. 1,900 sq. ft. colonial, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, finished basement. Two car attached garage, peaceful wooded setting on 0.63 acres, with access to clean, desirable Dunham Lake, gorgeous park, newer kitchen, all appliances, family room/fireplace, hot tub in sunroom, Hartland schools. To move in: application with credit report, 1 1/2 months security deposit, 1st month rent, pets with landlord’s approval. $200 non refundable pet deposit. No smokers. Possession negotiable. Landlord will use his lease contract.

FOR ALL SHOWINGS CALL MATT FOSTER 248-229-9002

ICE

BEAUTIFUL COLONIAL ON W ALL-SPORTS NE LAKE! Spacious kitchen with island and pantry, separate dining room, family room with fireplace, library/den, Andersen windows throughout with views of lake, 3/4 huge bedrooms, master bedroom with balcony with lake views, 3 full baths. 6 panel doors throughout, full basement with 8 ft. ceilings and storage, deep 2 car attached garage, deep scenic lot with sandy bottom lake.

Newer home built on old foundation. Immaculate. $459,000. Call Becky 248-790-9915.

PR

Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

SPECTACULAR FAMILY HOME 3,400 sq. ft., 2 fireplaces, 4 bedrooms, 2 full, 2 half baths! $299,900

TRULY A MUST SEE!!!!

The only way to describe this home…

“BEAUTIFUL”

Desirable Whispering Meadows Sub, cul-de-sac setting, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, hardwood floors, first floor laundry, maple kitchen, vaulted great room with natural fireplace, skylights, Andersen windows, 4 door walls, vaulted master suite, spa tub, awesome finished walkout lower level, huge wet bar, well landscaped, sprinkling system. $269,000 (cy1047T)

LD FIE OM O BL

ICE

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • 8430 Richardson

GREAT RANCH ON 1/2 ACRE LOT! Great brick ranch nestled on beautiful 1/2 acre lot in desirable sub! Features, approximately 1,800 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, spacious kitchen with eatin area, separate dining room, both living room and family room with natural fireplace, big master bedroom with doorwall and tons of closet space, huge screened in Florida room overlooking scenic, private, fenced yard, 2 car attached garage, close to shopping & freeways. $115,000. Call Becky for details.

GORGEOUS CONDO IN PREMIUM BUILDING! Features 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances, great room with fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, master bedroom with huge walk-in closet and bath with jetted tub, in suite laundry, 24 hour gym, secure building, assigned parking in heated garage, secure bike room, private storage locker. Right around the corner from restaurants and shopping! Lease or Sale. Call Becky for details! ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2011

PAGE 52

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Visit us at 560 N. Milford Rd., Milford B AR WET

D FO R MIL

$244,900 BEAUTIFUL HOME ON 1/4 ACRE! •2,566 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Island kitchen open to family room with cathedral ceiling •Finished basement with wet bar •211091132

1.49

A CR

ES

ES

OT EL

24 A

ES CR

GE LAR

D YAR

ESS CC

$309,500

ITE WH

E LAK

$79,000 ALL-SPORTS WHITE LAKE! •1,702 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car detached garage •2nd floor master suite with jet tub •1st floor laundry •211064566

S AC E EPL

ULAR TA C

$359,500

EGES

$135,000

$399,900

S CRE

CHARMING WIXOM RANCH •1,388 sq, ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths •Hardwood floors •Patio with private yard with lake privileges •210132913

ET QUI

BAY

$309,900

$549,900 LAKEFRONT & ACREAGE! •3,043 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •11+ acres on all-sports lake •Granite kitchen and baths •211067932

KL DUC

BEAUTIFULLY CUSTOM BUILT! •3,800 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •3-story great room with hardwood floors •Kitchen with built-in appliances •211049829

$75,000 ALL-SPORTS DUCK LAKE! •1,654 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, 1 car attached garage •Bright kitchen with appliances •Great room with fireplace •Enjoy lake views •211048878

VI L PRI LAKE

EXQUISITE BUILDER-OWNED HOME •4,383 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car attached garage •2 master bedroom suites •17 ft. cathedral ceilings •Hardwood floors •2 fireplaces •211064264

$59,900

C SPE

LAKE UCK

$226,500

A 11+

LAKE ACCESS ON WHITE LAKE! •825 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, basement •Cute and clean •Wood floors in living room •Large fenced yard •211084396

$67,900 GREAT INVESTMENT! •Includes 3 structures •Main house 1,199 sq. ft., 1 bedroom, 2 baths •Guest house 400 sq. ft., 1 bedroom, 1 bath •2 car garage •211046843

TS D POR ALL-S

5.03 BEAUTIFUL ACRES! •1,531 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Family room with brick hearth •Newer maple kitchen •Oak floors on main level •211063667

R 2 FI

ON PRIVATE DOWNEY LAKE! •5,552 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 4.1 baths, basement, 5 car garage •24 beautiful acres •Mahogany kitchen •Generator, elevator •211088015

EA LAK

HOME ON QUIET DUCK LAKE INLET! •2,349 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Large rooms •Large yard •Andersen windows and custom wood trim •211094646

ES CR

$2,100,000

$139,900 MOVE IN READY! •1,700 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Colonial on large lot •Open kitchen and eating area •All appliances stay •211076905

ES TUR

$40,000

A 5.03

PRIVACY BY NATURE! •3,683 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •41 beautiful acres •Horse barn with 5 stalls •Wrap around decking •211075949

C RU 3 ST

LAKE ACCESS ON ELIZABETH LAKE! •885 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, basement, 2 car garage •Original log walls •Living room with ceiling fan •211091516

$689,900

$270,000

G LAR

ALLS

$239,900 MOVE TO MAGICAL MILFORD! •1,865 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Eat in kitchen with granite tops, new appliances, hardwood entry •211023966

CR 41 A

CUSTOM BUILT QUALITY HOME! •2,820 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •1.49 wooded acres •Living room with beautiful oak mantle •Open floor plan •211032090

W LOG

AKE

WONDERFUL WHITE LAKE VIEWS! •1,700 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •On quiet bay to main lake •Maple and granite kitchen •211028656

GE LAR

$344,900 AWESOME RANCH ON DUCK LAKE! •2,147 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 3 baths •Many updates, 2nd kitchen in walkout •Patio, covered deck, boat launch •211037456

Serving Milford & Surrounding Areas - 248.684.1065

D YAR

$64,900 MOTIVATED SELLERS! •1,032 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1 car attached garage •New carpet in master and bedroom 2 •Hardwood floors throughout •Large yard •211057520 ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2011

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011 Garage Sales

103

WEST BLOOMFIELD HUGE MOVING Sale. 20 years. Table saw, bedroom furniture & many other treasures. 1839 Elsie Dr. East of Hiller, off Green. 9/15- 9/17.

9am-5pm.

WHITE LAKE

Williams Lake Crossing Condo Sub Sale Between Elizabeth Lake & Cooley Lake Roads.

Thur. & Fri. 9-4 Sat. 9-1

Garage/ Estate Sale Many found treasures.

Something for everyone

CRANBERRY LAKE MEADOWS

Annual Sub Sale Thurs., Fri., 9-4, Sat. 9-2 Kids' clothes, toys, & household items. Something for everyone. M-59 & Teggerdine, north to Pontiac Lake Road East.

WOLVERINE LAKE THURSDAY, FRIDAY, Saturday, 9am-4pm. 558 Pinecrest. TV's, computers, furniture, games, toys. Everything must go.

Building Materials 105 STEEL TANK- 15 gallon, 12" diameter, 1/2" taps, $25. 248698-4168

www.spinalcolumnonline.com Tools

106

ELECTRIC PIPE Machine.

Power head and dies. Older pipe machine, works well.

Ridged dies 1/2", 3/4", 1" and 1-1/4", with pipe cutter. Can thread 2" capacity. $250.

248-363-5321 or 248-5056546

Lawn Tractors/ Mowers

109

2004 SIMPLICITY Broadmoor, Briggs & Stratton 16hp.

V hydro transmission, 38" floating mower deck, lawn tractor. Only 41 hours of usage. $1299, OBO 248747-7641

Clothing/Apparel

119

BLACK LEATHER Men's Pants, 32inch waist, $24.00.

248-534-7004 MEN'S HARLEY Davidson jeans. 38X32. $20 248-6669944

Appliances

122

FRIGIDAIRE REFRIGERATOR, 25cu ft., white, side by side, ice/ water, works great, $250. 248-698-8623 NEW WHIRLPOOL electric dryer $295. Frigidaire stainless steel tall tub dishwasher $195.

248-804-6056

Furniture/Rugs

BOATS/ OUTDOOR

125

FOUR OAK Dining room chairs, cane backs, good $24 248-698-9469 RECLINING CHAIR with ottoman. $25. 248-666-9944 TWIN SIZED Girls wooden headboard bookcase $25 full sized Art Van one year old mattress (no box springs) $50.

248-624-8857 (Walled Lake area)

Bargain Bin

137

"OUR CENTURY in Pictures," 1900-1999, Life Magazine book. very large 10" X 11", excellent condition. $10. 248623-2661

Odds N Ends

Wanted Boats/ Jet Skis/ Parts

Boats/Motors/ Trailers

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

METAL Rabbit or pet cage medium, with tray. $7 248363-0693 USB DESK Top fan and light for computer desk, brand new $5 248-632-2611

162

•Pontoon Hauling •Winterizing •Shrink Wrapping "We Come To You" •Buy & Sell Motors •Re-deck & furniturefor pontoons

(248)666-9248

Boat & Pontoon Hauling Local & long distance Shrink wrap- Winterization

Tritube hauling specialist Winter storage $199.99 Pontoons for sale Tom 248-681-4250 seaway5@comcast.net

RARE OPPORTUNITY

100’ LAKEFRONT - PRIVATE ALL-SPORTS UPPER STRAITS LAKE SPECTACULAR 1+ TREED ACRE GENTLY SLOPING HILLSIDE LOT FEATURES INCLUDE: •1,660 sq. ft. custom brick ranch •Finished walkout lower level •4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 fireplaces •Wet plaster, hardwood floors •Large tiered entertainer’s deck •Attached garage + covered patio •Sandy shoreline - includes dock THE RIGHT LAKE + THE RIGHT STREET + THE RIGHT LOT = ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES $775,000 • MLS#21109224 1-800-396-5204 ext. 290

The Stockton’s are the Lakes Area’s #1 Team!

Janet Direct:

248-755-7600

janet@TheStocktonTeam.com

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

248-366-7200

Steve Direct:

248-755-7500

steve@TheStocktonTeam.com

Guaranteed Marketing ‘Til Sold: •Virtual Tours •800 # Hotline •Best Web Exposure

www.TheStocktonTeam.com

181

UNWANTED AUTOS LLC TOP $ Paid For Any: • Junk • Non Running • Wrecked Cars.

FREE TOWING. SAME DAY PICK UP

(248)467-0396 Motorcycles

183

2004 YAMAHA R1- 1000 motorcycle. Many extras, must see. $4,500. (248)9789246

MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page Trucks/Trailers

185

1978 CHEVY 3/4 ton, solid Tennessee truck. $2,200 OBO 248-762-4565

Cars

Cars

187

CHRYSLER SEBRING Convertible 1996. white body black top gray interior. always been garaged. 32,000 miles. $6,900 248-363-1210

Classic/ Antique Cars

187

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page HADLEY'S TOWING 25460 TRANS X NOVI MI 48375

Auction: 9-20-11 9a.m 1. 1995 Ford Vin# 1FTCR14U3RPB48279 2. 1996 Chevy Vin# 3GNFK16XTG140855 3. 1998 Chevy Vin# 2G1FP22K3W210814 4. 1996 Saturn Vin# 1G8ZH1279TZ146925 5. 2004 Pontiac Vin#1GMDU03E44D108144 6. 2003 Buick Vin# 2G4WS52J931120701 7. 1999 Chevy Vin# 1G1JC5243X7244292 8. 1986 Buick Vin#1G4GM47Y5GP227624 9. 1997 Ford Vin2FALP73W8VX1244498 10. 1994 Buick Vin# 1G4BN52P2RR421207 1995 LINCOLN Town Car Executive. 113k miles, runs good. Well maintained. Gray, new shocks/ tires. $3,700.

248 961-2108 THUNDERBIRD 2003 4,000 miles, never been in weather, triple black $24,900 248-3631210

188

CLASSIC 1967 MERCEDES Benz, 4-door sedan, original condition, $7,000. 248-3903337.

MONTE CARLO 1970, 38k original miles, like new, $12,500. 248-682-9726

Vans

!

164

DAVE'S MOBILE MARINE

138

FISH TANK- 1 medium size tanks, no leaks, $4. 248-3630693

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage

SEA-DOO JET SKIS WANTED DEAD OR DYING. 1995 on ups. $200$1400. Top $ for XP's & 947/951 or larger motors.

Call Steve 231-943-4152

PAGE 53

194

CHEVROLET EXPRESS Van 2005. 3/4ton, V8, air, cruise, tilt, p.s p.b, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, heavy duty locking differential, ziebart, tinted windows, original owner, highly maintained. $12,900 248-622-8910

Auto Dealer Specials on Pages 55 - 56

SERVICE DIRECTORY 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 PAGER (248)-452-3240

Carpet Installation

513

BOB'S CARPET Has the best buys on all brand named carpet. Pad 1/2 8 lb $3 yd. Installation guaranteed.

Also have heavy plush remnants $4- 6 per yard

Call 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

Carpentry

516

YAM CONTRACTING •Carpentry •Deck Repair •Int. & Ext. Painting •Custom Woodwork •Powerwashing •To Do Lists •Unfinished Projects

(248)709-6631 anthyam@att.net

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

Doors

524

THE DOOR STOP Since 1980

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

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

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

248-624-3161 Drywall

526

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

Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians

528

(248)684-5928

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

MARCUCCI

Insured & State licensed, 25 years experience.

Prompt, courteous service.

Free estimates, All types of work.

Competitive prices

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

!

Master, Lic. & Ins., 25 years Experience. 24 Hour service, Free estimates. Outside plug, service upgrades, generator hook-up, all electrical jobs .

Excavating

Affordability Quality Workmanship

All Phases Driveway Specials Fully Lic. & Ins. www.arrowcement.com 248-758-4346 517

AFFORDABLE CONCRETE SERVICES Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, Tear-outs, Replacements, Footings, Block work.

Over 30 years experience.

Call Bob

Electrical Specialist 20% OFF ALL LABOR

248-343-4238

Arrow Concrete

Cement/Concrete

(248)683-7985

248-579-3979

529

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

Fully insured. Free estimates.

(248)624-6458

Excavating

529

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

248-624-4473

PAGE 54

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LAKES AREA SERVICES (248) 360-7355 FAX (248) 360-5308

Personal • Business • Maintenance • Improvements • Repair Flooring

536

EDWARD'S FLOOR COVERING •Linoleum •Ceramic Tile •Hardwood Floors •Laminate Wood 27 Years Exp. Free Est.

(248)684-5983

Handy Person

545

DU-IT-ALL HOME CARE IMPROVEMENTS Specials: •Ceramic Tile •Formica Tops & Kitchens •Exterior/Interior Painting Also, we do complete basements and all other interior work, including electric, plumbing, etc. Call today. Cell #

(248)891-7072 Licensed and Insured

D&S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING •Additions •Garages •Drywall •Painting •Plumbing •Electrical •Tile •Marble •Kitchens •Baths •Basements •Decks 33 Years ... Licensed

248-684-4175 810-714-3058

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

"The job your husband will do tomorrow."

(248)887-2366

Handy Person

545

QUALITY HOME REPAIR

•Carpentery & Painting •Plumbing •Kitchen & Bath remodelingCounter tops, Cabinets •Home Improvements

248-820-1286

Licensed & Insured

Heating/Duct Work 546

553

A R T Outdoor Services, LLC Spring Clean-ups • Mulch Landscaping • Lawn Service Weeding • Fully Insured Residential & Commercial www.artoutdoorservices.com

(248)625-5719

THOMASON HEATING & COOLING

LADY LIBERTY ENTERPRISES Land Dec-

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

FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION

248-363-1615

HURON VALLEY HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING •Repair •Replace •Inspections •Humidifiers •Water Heaters •Night service available

(248)887-3666

Home Improvement 547 SHERMAN BLDG CO. •Additions •Garages •Decks •Rough & Trim Carpentry •Wood Siding •Basements •Kitchens •All outside wood repairs

248-682-1393 248-802-6554

Home Inspection

Lawn/Garden Services

548

Buying A Home?

Let Us Look Before You Leap!

AFFORDABLE HOME INSPECTIONS Licensed • Insured STERLING HOME SERVICES

248-881-3478

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

248-634-7041

College Student Looking for Lawn care, mulch/ stone & odd jobs Shawn Larkins 248-931-0295 Painting/ Decorating

562

!

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

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

Same day free estimates.

248-894-3239

Painting/ Decorating

562

Lakes Painting

Roofing

571

PRICE IS RIGHT ROOFING

Tree Service

587

LOUIE'S TREE SERVICE

Drywall Repairs & Texturing Wallpaper Removal & Installation .References

Lakes Area

•Repairs •Re-Roofs •Chimney Repair •Metal Work •Flat Roofs •Complete Roof Packages.

•Siding •Gutters

Owner Operated Since 1980

Tree Removal •Stump Grinding Firewood • Free Estimates 20 Yrs. Exp. • Fully Insured "Will Beat All Competitors" Residential • Commercial

30 Years Experience

248-240-6143 248-240-6142 248-366-1325

All types of Painting

FREE Estimates 248-459-7894

248-762-1534 Plumbing

567

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

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

I.D.C.

248-363-5864 Power Washing

569

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

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

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

Bob: 248-363-0589 idchomeservice.com Tile

585

J.M. TILE & MARBLE CUSTOM WORK 571

D&D ROOFING •Siding •Gutters & Leaf Guards •Soffits & Trimwork •Decks •Windows We accept Credit cards

Doug Dible 248-431-6243

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

248-926-6631

577

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

John Miller (248)505-8865 jmtileandmarble.com

Trash/Debris Removal

586

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

Call anytime for estimates & great service

248-887-4892

603

248-921-9097

STUMP GRINDING AFFORDABLE Free Estimates Prompt Service Fenced Yard Accessible

Insured. Call Todd

248-425-0155

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

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

WELL DRILLING

"If you have questions, we have answers!"

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

248-

363-6464

aquawells.com

603

BOB WYCKOFF

WELL SERVICE

7 days a week

25 years experience •Tree trimming •Tree & stump removal •70ft bucket lift •Free estimates •Insured

Wells

McPherson

Emergency Service

KODIAK TREE SERVICE

Waterproofing

Wells

•PUMPS •TANKS • WELL REPAIR

(248)310-0917

Emergency Service EASY PAYMENT PLANS No Credit Check

All credit cards accepted

Visa & MasterCard

Buying a Home?

Let us

Look Before You Leap!

Afford

able Home Inspections

Up to 170 components inspected in a typical three bedroom home.

Computer-generated, comprehensive, easy-tounderstand report summary.

High resolution, color pictures provide a visual reference of problem areas.

Reports are emailed to you and your Real Estate Agent.

After inspection questions are always answered, even after you move into your home.

248-881-3478 Licensed Insured

4075 Echo Drive West Bloomfield

SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 55

Union Lake Rd.

2199 HAGGERTY RD. At Pontiac Trail across from Lakes Professional Building

Commerce Rd.

www.morrismotorsmi.com R ich

Oakley Park

WALMART

~ COUPON ~

M

19

95

$

*

O I OTOR L

OIL CHANGE

~ COUPON ~

OUR FACTORY-TRAINED TECHNICIANS WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING: •Check belts and hoses •Pressurized system leak test

+tax & dep. fee with coupon

•Check heater output •Flush cooling system

*Includes up to 5 quarts of oil and oil filter. Excludes synthetic oil and diesel engines. Most vehicles–see service advisor for exceptions. With this coupon. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 9/28/11.

SC

Front End Alignment INCLUDES:

25 Off $ 15 Off

$

39

$

Must present coupon when order is written. Most vehicles. Cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts. Expires 9/28/11.

95 +tax

SC

Any Service Over $175.00 Any Service Over $90.00

Any Make or Model

SC

One coupon per customer. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 9/28/11.

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

SC

.

Check Engine Light Special or any Warning Light (ABS/Airbag)

ACT NOW BEFORE OFFER EXPIRES

95

Plus tax and disposal. Most GM cars and trucks. All coupons must be presented at time of write up.

Offers cannot be applied with any other offers.

Chemical cleaning extra. Expires 9/28/11.

14 Mile Rd.

We will perform a complete computer scan and external diagnosis. If your vehicle displays a “Check Engine” or “Service Soon” bring this coupon in for diagnosis.

WILD CARD SPECIAL

FREE TIRE ROTATION with any alignment

• Set toe-in on applicable vehicles • Check tire pressure • Caster or camber and rear adjustments are extra

Was 12999

$

99

$

Maple Rd. Haggerty Rd.

BG’s Cooling System Flush

Trail tiac Pon Walnut Lake Rd.

Trail tiac Pon

M-5

Benstein Rd.

Service Special

Rd

ard son 248-624-4500

LIMITED TIME ONLY

FREE

Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any other offers. GM vehicles only. Plus tax and shop supplies. Expires 9/28/11.

SC

GM PROTECTION FLEET PLAN SERVICE PLAN Bring your GM Protection Plan Extended Service Contract to the dealer you know and trust!

Have a fleet of Cars or trucks serviced here WE GIVE DISCOUNTS!

SERVICE CONTRACTS HONORED HERE

We Service All Makes and Models of GM Vehicles and most Domestic and Import models as well

WE OFFER: NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY • Most Repairs Completed Same Day • Enjoy your complimentary coffee while you wait Work With Most Insurance Companies • Expert Mechanics and Technicians • Full Paint or Touch-Ups • Expert Color Matching • We Handle Large or Small Jobs

Service, Parts and Body Shop Hours: Monday & Thursday 7 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Celebrating

www.morrismotorsmi.com

Your Hometown Car & Truck Service and Maintenance Center for over 42 Years

42

YEARS 11 9-20 1 96

*Diagnosis extra, brake inspection extra.

FREE Estimates on Collision Repairs!

PAGE 56

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Celebrating

42

We Offer the Best Value for Less!

YEARS 11 9-20 1 96

Low Monthly Payments • Highest Quality Vehicles

Purchasing a new sub-compact car can easily cost you $18,000 or more, and for that price, you’re still likely to have to compromise on features that are important to you.

Get the most from your car buying dollars, with all the features you need and want with a previously owned vehicle!

ONE WEEK ONLY - Sep. 14th to Sep. 21st OTHER FINE CARS & TRUCKS

2005 BMW X5

2006 CADILLAC ESCALADE

2001 JEEP CHEROKEE 4 DR. SPORT 4WD Was 7,995

#P1887

21,589

$

#P1845

#P2041

Now

5,995

$

**

22,995**

$

2007 CHEVROLET TAHOE LTZ

2006 BUICK TERRAZA CX #P2039

13,850

$

2006 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 2DR CPE LT

#P1895

28,888**

$

#P1714A

10,995

$

9,399

**

2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA #P1875

13,995

$

11,995

$

**

29,779

$

13,295**

$

$

24,995

$

$

19,999**

$

OTHER FINE CARS & TRUCKS

FEATURING

2001 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 is the first modern compact sport utility vehicle having four-door styling and it is a far more popular option than the 2-door. Cherokee holds five people and has a 4.0 liter inline-six-cylinder with 190 horsepower.

Featured equipment includes: rear bench seat, power steering, power door locks, power windows, tachometer, bucket seats, CD player, center console, rear window defroster, dual air bags, intermittent wipers, leather wrap steering wheel. Take advantage of this great buy!

EPA FUEL ECONOMY • City: 17 • Highway: 22

2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA #P1921

11,994**

$

2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING #P1913

14,575

$

12,995**

$

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

13,688

$

248-624-4500

Morris Motors Michigan

Complete Inventory At: www.morrismotorsmi.com For Peace of Mind: most of our vehicles have warranty or service contracts available.

**For purchase with qualified credit approval. Prices are plus tax, title, license & doc fee. Call dealer for more details. Offer good thru 9/21/11. Subject to prior sale.

SALES HOURS: Mon. & Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Tues., Wed., Fri.: 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.