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10/24/12

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

DANCING THE NIGHTS AWAY Waterford dancer, 12, two others named to Mob Squad team - pg. 13

TRICK-ORTREATING Official times for age-old Halloween tradition for each community - pg. 3

SCARES AT MULTI-LAKES ‘Never a dull moment’ at association’s Haunted Forest attraction - pg. 3

T BALLO LS A S O P PRO

SIX STATEWIDE QUESTIONS ON TAXES, UNIONS, AND MORE, FACE MICHIGAN ELECTORATE ON NOV. 6 pg. 8

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Digestive Disorders Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Celiac, Colitis or Crohn’s ??

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Trick-or-treating hours across the lakes area Here’s a listing of designated trickor-treating hours for Halloween, Wednesday, Oct. 31 in the lakes area: • Commerce Township: 6-8:30 p.m. • Highland Township: 6-8 p.m. • Milford Township: 6-8 p.m. • Milford Village: 6-8 p.m. • Orchard Lake: 6-8 p.m. • Walled Lake: 6-8 p.m. • Waterford: 6-8 p.m. Candy scanning will be offered at the police station, located at 5150 Civic Center Drive, between 7 and 9 p.m. • West Bloomfield Township: 6-8 p.m. • White Lake Township: 6-7:30 p.m. • Wixom: 6-8 p.m. • Wolverine Lake: 6-8:30 p.m.

That’s what HE said: "I'm so proud, but not surprised." — Jenna Williams, owner of My Dance Studio in Keego Harbor, on the selection of three of her dancers — including 12-year-old Shayla Salisbury of Waterford Township — to be members of the Detroit Pistons Mob Squad dance team.

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‘Never a dull’ time at Multi-Lakes’ Haunted Forest By Kevin Elliott staff writer

Scaring people isn’t an easy job, but John Brandt and his friends at the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association in Commerce Township are up for the task this Halloween season. Brandt is one of the chairmen of the club’s Haunted Forest attraction, which runs tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 25 through Saturday, Oct. 27 at the club, located at 3860 Newton Road. “This is pretty amazing right here. These guys spend a lot of time putting this together,” Brandt said while touring the Haunted Forest. Volunteers started in mid-September to assemble some of the intricate displays in order to achieve the maximum fright potential. Visitors to the forest can expect everything from traditional Halloween spectacles to unique and creepy displays, such as “The House of Forgotten Children,” a family of evil clowns, and other shocking surprises. Local drama club students in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District are also standing in as actors to provide a more personal experience to visitors. “There’s never a dull moment with these guys,” Brandt said of the students. “Last night, we had 13 kids

Wixom town hall will address Nov. 6 proposed tax hike By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The city of Wixom will be holding a second town hall meeting on Monday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center to present information to voters relating to the city’s millage proposal on the Tuesday, Nov. 6 general election ballot. Voters will asked if the city charter should be amended to permit a levy beginning next July of a new dedicated millage of 3.5 mills (which is equal to

The Haunted Forest attraction (above) at the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association in Commerce Township runs from tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 25 through Saturday, Oct. 27 at the club, located at 3860 Newton Road. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

pay to go through again.” Groups of 20 to 25 people are led through the club’s archery trail that runs through three acres of forest while another person trails behind the each group to make sure nobody gets lost. Tours start with an enclosed maze, complete with scary sounds and disorientating lights. Brandt said each group is given about 10 minutes to get through the maze before they embark on the rest of the trail. He said the entire tour takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes to complete.

Tours begin after sunset and continue through “the dead of night.” Admission is $9, or $7 for children under 48-inches in height. Hayrides around the Multi-Lakes property following a tour of the Haunted Forest are included in the price of admission. Snacks and refreshments are available for purchase. “There’s no specific cut-off time,” Brandt said, adding that the forest has stayed open as late as 1 a.m. in the past.

$3.50 on each $1,000 of taxable property value) for four years to pay for operating costs for services such as police and fire, public works and parks and recreation. The millage would generate over $2.2 million per year, or $8.85 million over its four-year lifespan. “The town hall meeting is to increase voter participation and awareness about the proposal on the ballot,” said City Manager Mike Dornan. “The Nov. 6 ballot is packed with state proposals, but this is really important for the city to make people aware that we have a ballot question which is on the back and at the end of the ballot.” The city is facing an estimated deficit of over $1.7 million in 2013; $2.1

million in 2014; $2.5 million in 2015; and $2.6 million in 2016, for a total estimated deficit over four years of just shy of $9 million. The city has consolidated and privatized numerous city services saving over $700,000 since 2001, and has cut staffing from 65 employees a decade ago to 49 today. More potential cuts amount to $1.7 million. If the millage fails to pass, it may be necessary to privatize or close the Community Center and parks and recreation, eliminate senior services and non-emergency overtime for events, park cleanup, leaf collection and snow/ice control. The Community Center is located at 49015 Pontiac Trail. ❏

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School theater to Hollywood

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Justin Bartha remains grounded thanks to Midwestern values

ustin Bartha, 34, is a former West Bloomfield Township resident who has gone from starring in school plays and musicals to success on the small and big screens. Bartha is currently starring as David Murray on the new NBC sitcom “The New Normal,” which portrays a gay couple looking to become parents with the help of a surrogate mother. While working on the show, he is also currently shooting “The Hangover Part III,” where he is reprising his role as Doug Billings for a third time. It has been quite a journey thus far for the West Bloomfield High School alumnus and Florida native who went to New York University after high school to pursue acting and later added filmmaking to his resume. Bartha started his film career as a production assistant on the hit comedy “Analyze This” before directing a series of commercials and short films. His big break came in the 2004 blockbuster “National Treasure” in which he played Riley Poole alongside Nicholas Cage, and later also starred in the movie’s sequel as well as the hit comedy “Failure to Launch.” How did you first hear about the “The New Normal” and what drew you to try out for the role of David Murray? Was it hard to make the transition from playing Doug Billings in “The Hangover” to now playing a gynecologist with a boyfriend? JB: What drew me to the role was I was reading that Ryan Murphy (“Glee”), the creator of the show, had a new pilot for NBC and I had heard a little about it. So I called some people I worked with to try to find the script to read it and once I read it, I fell in love with and loved the character immediately and the message behind the show, and thought that if it were ever to actually make it to the air, it could be a bit more important than some of the usual programming that was on network television. Thankfully, Ryan Murphy and the cocreator Ali Adler agreed to meet with me and we talked about the role and I met with with Andrew Rannells, who was already signed on to do the role of Bryan, to see if we had any chemistry and then the rest is broadcast history. The transition wasn’t necessarily hard. The role itself on “The New Normal” is one of the more challenging roles I’ve had just because it does portray a homosexual relationship at its most real and fullest and it was something that I had really never done before but was looking forward to kind of exploring. So the role itself has its chal-

ductions and I did all the plays and musicals at West Bloomfield High School. It pretty much changed the course of my life because of that arts program at that public school. We live in a celebrity-obsessed culture with 24-hour entertainment channels and numerous gossip magazines and websites. As someone who came from Michigan and is now in the eye of the storm, how would you describe to someone what your life is like in Hollywood, including the pros and cons. Is it everything you initially thought it would be? JB: I never imagined a life in Hollywood growing up, and I never had that goal. I also grew up in a time right before there was not necessarily a celebrity obsession, before there was a business of celebrity obsession. I think there was always kind of a market for it, obviously since Hollywood started, but now it’s kind of been overblown into something else with the advent of reality television and that kind of thing. My life is pretty unexciting. I just try to work as hard as I possibly can and I have the same values as I did when I started out. I’m obsessed with trying to do the best job as I possibly could and be the best artist and best person I possibly can. So all the other noise, I don’t really pay attention to, honestly. A lot of that has to do with where I come from, coming from Michigan, where I was never really even aware of it so it never meant anything to me. Obviously, everyone gets their moments of insecurity, but when it comes to the celebrity culture, for me it seems like such an other thing, something that is very different than what my life is. I think as it develops, this kind of obsession with celebrity, it gets more distinguishable because it just is a bunch of nefarious characters that are interested in fame and that’s something that never crossed my mind. There’s been a lot of people that I’ve admired over the years that I’ve not only gotten to meet, but gotten to work with. I’ve been very lucky. I’ve been able to work with a lot of amazing actors and directors. My father and I, we watched movies growing up. Watched “The Deer Hunter” when I was probably too young. That was his favorite movie and I later got to work for Robert DeNiro, which was a dream come true. ❏

lenges, but the transition was fairly seamless. While in school in West Bloomfield, did you participate in the school’s theater program or take acting classes? If so, how did that help blossom your passion for acting? How would you describe your early life growing up in West Bloomfield? JB: I did, I was very involved with the theater program at West Bloomfield High School under the direction of Robert Leider (former Theater Arts Program Coordinator), who is a great acting teacher and really wonderful teacher that had a big impact on my life. My life wouldn’t have been the same if it wasn’t for that art program

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW

at West Bloomfield High School. Originally when I first entered the high school, I thought I was an athlete and that thought very quickly diminished after seeing the other athletes. Then I tried my hand in the theater program, mostly because I thought there were cute girls involved and it was an easier path to maybe get a date. My first play I did was “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and I immediately fell in love with acting because of that program and I immersed myself as much as possible. Outside Detroit there was a wonderful community program called “Jump Start the Arts,” which I became involved in and took acting classes. I started to take my first acting classes through them and did a community theater production and I did children’s theater pro-

By Michael Shelton

Read more of this interview at www.spinalcolumnonline.com

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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LAKES AREA NEWS

$150K spent on weed harvester causes a stir By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The move by the Wolverine Lake Village Council on Wednesday, Oct. 10 to purchase a new weed harvester has caused a stir among some village residents. The council voted last week to spend $150,000 toward the purchase. “There has been some misinformation out there,” said Village Council President John Magee. “There was no motion to delay action on purchasing a weed harvester by the Water Management Board. Only a few members wanted to delay buying one, and there’s some misunderstanding on why we should purchase one now.” There has been discussion for five years to determine when and if a new weed harvester is needed. The economic situation had prompted the village put a hold on all capital expenditures. “Over the last five years, we clamped down on expenditures to restore the fund balance, so now people think we can’t do anything, but it was a deliberate strategy,” Magee said. “Now we’re in good, solid condition and can do things.” The village’s weed harvester is over a quarter-century old and has broken down several times. “The old one was beyond repair and nearly sank in 2011,” Magee said. “We did substantial welding and parts replacement over the winter, but by mid-August the drive shaft failed.” For nine months, a committee has been reviewing cost analyses and alternatives. Two bids from leading weed harvester manufacturers in North America were submitted — one from Aquamarine at a cost of $193,065, including a trailer and shipping; and one from Aquarius for $195,205. The council awarded the purchasing contract to Aquamarine at its Oct. 10 meeting. As a condition to lock in a lower price, the harvester must be purchased by Sunday, Oct. 28 with a delivery time expected in the spring. “If we sign the contract in October, we will get the harvester by May 1,” Magee said. Water Management Board Member John Scott, who opposes the purchase, said that wasn’t a big issue. “Rarely will a capital equipment

Volunteers first started assembling some of the displays at the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association’s Haunted Forest attraction last month. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of spooky sites at the attraction. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Haunted Forest ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3

Visitors may receive $1 off of the price of admission by bringing a can of food for Operation CanDo. The Multi-Lakes Conservation Association is an organization manufacturer not hold a price,” he said. The difference between the purchase price and council-approved $150,000 allocation will be taken from the village’s fund balance. The council had requested certain specifications to extend the life of the new harvester, including a stainless steel barge and spud anchors. The committee also looked into contracting for weed harvesting services. In 2010, the cost was about $60,000 for those services. Magee added that the council will also consider integrating laminar flow aeration in conjunction with harvesting and herbicide applications after Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones of Lakeshore Environmental, Inc. gave a presentation tailored to the needs of Wolverine Lake.

formed “to further the understanding and enjoyment of the outdoors through programs and activities geared to the hunter and fisherman.” It features a bore range, a skeet and trap area, large event parking, an indoor shooting range and an area for archery. It also “To be extremely effective, she recommended herbicides in combination with harvesting and aeration,” Magee said. The three-fold approach is needed to eradicate the invasive species in the lake, such as starry stonewort and Eurasian watermilfoil, both of which can fragment and spread if harvested. “Still, harvesting isn’t just to mow the lawn, per se, but to remove biomass from the lake,” Magee said. The laminar flow aeration process coaxes noxious gases from lake sediments and the results are a cleaner, deeper lake. But the issue was not simply whether to purchase a weed harvester, but rather contracting with a lake management company prior to purchase. “We wanted to wait to interview

features fishing on the private Reed Lake, horseshoes, fish fries, hall rentals, assorted holiday parties year-round, and many other programs. For more information about the Multi-Lakes Haunted Forest, visit multilakes.com/EventsHauntedFor est.htm. ❏ and hire a single individual over the next three months who would form a comprehensive and detailed lake management plan,” Scott said. According to Scott, JermalowiczJones stated only 20 percent of the weed growth in Wolverine Lake should be harvested, whereas 80 percent should be addressed with non-harvesting measures. “She said the lake has been mismanaged and we should attack it in the spring with better managed chemicals,” Scott said. “From there harvesting could be a tool, but we needed to get a good defined central management plan by an expert first.” ❏

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 12

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

SPECIAL REPORT

n less than two weeks, supporters and opponents of a variety of ballot issues will know exactly how voters in Michigan feel about the six statewide proposals put before them in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 general election. The proposals range from those seeking to limit the scope of the government’s ability to increase taxes to those wanting to enshrine within the Michigan Constitution collective bargaining rights. What follows is a look at each of the half-dozen state proposals voters will be asked to decide on Nov. 6. You can read the ballot language for each of the six proposals in the sidebar article on pages 9 and 11. PROPOSAL 12-01 Emergency Manager Law Referendum National media attention has sparked a measure of outcry in some circles over Public Act (PA) 4 of 2011 — which expanded the powers of state-appointed emergency financial managers (EFMs) — and some are looking to get rid of the law that was one of the first legislative priorities of the 95th state Legislature when it was sworn into office in January 2011. The way the proposal is written, a “yes” vote would be to uphold the EFM law, the Local Government and School District Fiscal Accountability Act; a “no” vote would be to repeal the act. Supporters of PA 4, including Gov. Rick Snyder, argue that the 2-year-old statute helps keep local units of government financially stable and solvent by giving EFMs broader powers to make tough choices that help bring their budgets back in order. Detractors contend that it strips people of their constitutional right to choose their representatives in local government since EFMs can effectively neuter the authority of elected officials, as well as those who are appointed. Effectively, PA 4 of 2011 institutes a 12-step process by which a stateappointed official intervenes in the fiscal well-being of a community or school district and comes up with a written plan to address underlying causes of what the state considers a financial emergency. After several steps, if there is confirmation that a financial emergency exists, the governor is required to declare a local government in

Heading to the polls Fate of 6 statewide proposals on the line

Proponents of green energy sources like the solar panels at West Bloomfield High School (above) are calling for an amendment to the Michigan Constitution that would require that at least 25 percent of electric utility companies’ annual retail sales come from renewable energy sources like wind, solar, biomass and hydropower by 2025. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

receivership and appoint an emergency financial manager, who serves at the pleasure of the state’s chief executive. Upon being placed in receivership, both the chief executive officer and governing body of a local government in receivership are prohibited from exercising any powers of their offices without written approval of the emergency financial manager. Their compensation and benefits are also eliminated. Within 45 days of being appointed, the EFM is required to develop a written financial and operating plan. A local unit of government is removed from receivership when the financial conditions on which the underlying financial emergency was founded are corrected in a sustainable fashion as determined by the state treasurer. PROPOSAL 12-02 Collective Bargaining Constitutional Amendment With many believing that collective bargaining is under assault in Michigan, voters across the state will be asked whether to enshrine into

the state Constitution the right of public and private sector employees to collectively bargain. Proposal 2 would also strike down current or future state laws that limit the ability to collectively bargain, join unions, and negotiate and enforce union contracts. It would also define “employer” as a person or entity who employs one or more people, and override state laws regulating hours and conditions of employment to the extent that those laws conflict with collective bargaining agreements. The proposal has received support from a variety of groups, including the Michigan Parent Teacher Association (PTA). “When teachers have the right to collectively bargain, they use their voice to fight for what’s right for our school children,” said Michigan PTA President Shaton Berry. “Teachers bargain for training, smaller class sizes, and the materials they need to keep kids safe and to improve educational outcomes. As the voice of parents across our state, we support collective bargaining.”

Yet Protecting Michigan Taxpayers, a group opposed to the measure, calls it an effort to carve out “sweetheart deals” for government workers at a time when those in the private sector are faced with fewer benefits, wage freezes, and scaled back perks in light of the dour economic situation. The group says experts have already identified over 170 laws that Proposal 2 would overturn (including the Teacher Tenure Act allowing for discipline and removal of underperforming teachers) — and that’s just the start of it. Because of the proposal’s ambiguous wording, Protecting Michigan Taxpayers says, the exact consequences of a “yes” vote are still unknown. It would also hamstring state lawmakers from enacting any labor related legislation, according to opponents. Protect Working Families, a group backing Proposal 2, disputes the claim about the proposal overturning 170plus laws; that’s a “scare tactic” by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and “corporate special interests,” the group says.

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

PAGE 9

Ballot wording V

oters in west Oakland County and across Michigan will face six statewide ballot proposals in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 general election. What follows is the ballot language exactly as it will appear when voters head to the polls in less than two weeks. PROPOSAL 1 Emergency Manager Law Referendum “Public Act 4 of 2011 would: Authorize Governor to appoint an emergency manager (EM) upon state finding of a financial emergency, and allow the EM to act in place of local government officials. Require EM to develop financial and operating plans, which may include modification or termination of contracts, reorganization of government, and determination of expenditures, services, and use of assets until the emergency is resolved. Alternatively, authorize stateappointed review team to enter into a local government approved consent decree. Should this law be approved?” PROPOSAL 2 Collective Bargaining Constitutional Amendment “This proposal would: Grant public and private employees the constitutional right to organize and bargain collectively through labor unions. Invalidate existing or future state or local laws that limit the ability to join unions and bargain collectively, and to negotiate and enforce collective bargaining agreements, including employees’ financial support of their labor unions. Laws may be enacted to prohibit public employees from striking. Override state laws that regulate hours and conditions of employment to the extent that those laws conflict with collective bargaining agreements. Define ‘employer’ as a person or entity

required to provide training for inhome care workers, create a registry of workers who pass background checks, and provide financial services to patients to manage the costs of inhome care. In addition, the proposal would

employing one or more employees. Should this proposal be approved?” PROPOSAL 3 Renewable Energy Constitutional Amendment “This proposal would: Require electric utilities to provide at least 25% of their annual retail sales of electricity from renewable energy sources, which are wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower, by 2025. Limit to not more than 1% per year electric utility rate increases charged to consumers only to achieve compliance with the renewable energy standard. Allow annual extensions of the deadline to meet the 25% standard in order to prevent rate increases over the 1% limit. Require the legislature to enact additional laws to encourage the use of Michigan made equipment and employment of Michigan residents. Should this proposal be approved?” PROPOSAL 4 Home Health Care Workers Constitutional Amendment “This proposal would: Allow in-home care workers to bargain collectively with the Michigan Quality Home Care Council (MQHCC). Continue the current exclusive representative of in-home care workers until modified in accordance with labor laws. Require MQHCC to provide training for in-home care workers, create a registry of workers who pass background checks, and provide financial services to patients to manage the cost of in-home care. Preserve patients’ rights to hire in-home care workers who are not referred from the MQHCC registry who are bargaining unit members. Authorize the MQHCC to set minimum compensation standards

PAGE 11 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

authorize the council to set minimum compensation standards and terms and conditions of employment. “Proposal 4 will help ensure our loved ones can remain safe, healthy and independent in their own homes,” said Jeff Breslin, a nurse

and president of the Michigan Nurses Association. “Health care professionals see first-hand how staying at home helps seniors and people with disabilities stay happier, healthier, and more positive overall. By passing Proposal 4, we can help many families and their loved ones choose home care knowing that the providers they select will be screened and have access to essential training that can save lives.” But the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a conservative-leaning think tank in Midland, has concerns, including what it says would be the “forced unionization of tens of thousands of home-based caregivers in Michigan.” “There are no new services or cost savings for the disabled included in this proposal, only the legalization of a dubious arrangement that forced private citizens into a government union,” said Derk Wilcox, a senior attorney for the Mackinac Center who authored a recent study critical of the proposal. “This proposed ‘collective bargaining’ is bargaining in name only, and pursued for the sole purpose of allowing the SEIU (Service Employees International Union) to pad its political coffers. “If the proposal’s backers truly wanted to provide services such as training, a registry and background checks for these caregivers, they would have delinked it from the unionization issue. They did not, and it has turned out to be a poison pill.” PROPOSAL 12-05 Tax Increase Constitutional Amendment This proposal — which would create a constitutional requirement that a two-thirds majority of the state Legislature, or a statewide vote of the people in a November election, for the creation of new or additional taxes, expansion of the tax base, or an increase in taxes — has been roundly criticized by officials of both parties at the state and local government levels. Yet the Michigan Alliance for Prosperity, which is backing the measure, says that even though tax increases haven’t been a focus of the administration of Gov. Rick Snyder nor the Republican-led state Legislature, the group is looking to put “a more stringent legislative requirement on tax increases because tax increases can have such far-reaching and long-term impact on the state’s taxpayers and economy.” “On the face of it, it looks good,” PAGE 11 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

SPECIAL REPORT

PROPOSAL 12-03 Renewable Energy Constitutional Amendment Some are looking for a constitutional amendment that would require that utility companies by 2025 produce 25 percent of the state’s electricity using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass and hydropower. The ballot language states that electric utility rate increases charged to customers only to achieve compliance with the mandate would be limited to not more than 1 percent per year. Michigan Energy Michigan Jobs, the group backing the proposal, says if passed it would attract $10.3 billion in new business investment in Michigan and create “at least 74,000 Michigan jobs that can’t be outsourced” in areas such as operations, maintenance and construction. “Michigan will see job creation, increased economic development and a reduction in DTE bills by passing Proposal 3,” said Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office Director Samuel Offen. “Using more clean, renewable energy supports local communities by increasing their tax base and lowering dangerous pollution in the air and water, improving the health of families across Michigan.” Detractors of the proposal, including the Clean Affordable Renewable Energy for Michigan Committee, say that the mandate would cost Michigan at least $12 billion and raise energy costs for homeowners. The group, based out of Hartland, also says that the mandate would “eliminate the flexibility Michigan needs to provide families and businesses with safe, reliable and affordable electric service” while also “requiring as many as 3,100 wind turbines, each taller than the state Capitol, spread all across the state and perhaps even in the Great Lakes.” “Locking at least $12 billion into our Constitution and on the backs of Michigan’s most fragile families is illadvised, especially during these difficult economic times when folks are trying to stand on two feet,” said Maureen Taylor, the chairwoman of the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization. PROPOSAL 12-04 Home Health Care Workers Constitutional Amendment Supporters of Proposal 4 are looking to enshrine in the state’s Constitution the right for in-home care workers to collectively bargain with the Michigan Quality Home Care Council. If passed, the council would be

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ungry H e h t p Hel ave a Happy Thanksgi ving H HOSPITALITY HOUSE

needs donations of the following items to provide the approximately 600 families served Frozen Turkeys Pork or Beef Roasts • Hams by the pantry with Canned Gravy or Gravy Mix • Stuffing Mix Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce • Canned Vegetables Canned Fruit • Canned Sweet Potatoes • Potatoes Dinners. Fresh Onions, Carrots, & Celery • Bread or Roll Mix Pie Filling • Pie Crust Mix • Eggs • Canned Pumpkin Evaporated Milk • Butter • Milk For a complete list of other items needed, call the Hospitality House office at: (248) 960-9975

~OR~ Cash donations towards the purchase of these items are also greatly appreciated!

$10 Buys One Turkey • $20 Buys One Meal

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PLEASE MAIL CHECKS TO: Hospitality House P.O. Box 284 Walled Lake, MI 48390 PLEASE DELIVER FOOD TO: Hospitality House 1600 W. West Maple Rd., Suite C Commerce Twp.

VETERAN’S DAY IS 11•11•12 and we are celebrating by offering All American pricing to local businesses. In the spirit of the holiday we are offering special Spinal Column Newsweekly discounted advertising rates including full color! Ads will appear in the October 31 and/or November 7 editions only. CALL YOUR ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE AT 248-360-7355 FOR MORE INFORMATION

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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 Tom Buchanan - Real Estate One www.lakesareahomesearch.com

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PAGE 11

SPECIAL REPORT

State ballot ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 9

said Gov. Rick Snyder in a video explaining why he doesn’t support Proposal 5. “But when you get to the details, it really could restrain us in future tax reductions and other good things we can do to make us more competitive. While it may sound good, it’s not good public policy.” He specifically talked about the state Legislature’s repeal of the Michigan Business Tax, which did not pass with a two-thirds majority. If Proposal 5 had been in place when the MBT was repealed, the tax criticized by many would still be in place, Snyder said. PROPOSAL 12-06 International Bridge Construction Constitutional Amendment If passed, Proposal 6, which is sponsored by a group called The People Should Decide, would make it so that the state’s voters are the final authority on whether any new bridge or tunnel from Michigan to Canada is constructed. The proposal specifically states that a majority of voters would have to approve at “a statewide election and in each municipality where ‘new international bridges or tunnels for motor vehicles’ are to be located before the State of Michigan may expend state funds or resources for acquiring land, designing, soliciting bids for, constructing, financing, or promoting new international bridges or tunnels.” In addition, the proposal would create a new definition for “new international bridges or tunnels for motor vehicles” as “any bridge or tunnel which is not open to the public and serving traffic as of January 1, 2012.” The issue came to fruition because of opposition to a new bridge — which has been a crucial and at times contentious plank in the Snyder administration’s first two years in office — linking Detroit and Canada. The Detroit International Bridge Co., the Moroun family company that owns the Ambassador Bridge, has vehemently opposed the proposed construction of a new international trade crossing (NITC). “It is imperative that any discussion of such a massive governmentsponsored project should give taxpayers a final say,” wrote Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. “A yes vote on Proposal 6

Some are calling for a state constitutional amendment that would require a two-thirds majority of support among lawmakers in the Michigan Capitol (above) for a tax increase, new tax, or expansion of the tax rate to take effect. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

ensures that federal and state lawmakers must make the case to voters that any new bridge to Canada is in Michigan’s best interest.” Snyder’s proposal for a new bridge has hinged on that it wouldn’t cost Michigan taxpayer money based on an agreement forged with Canada, some-

Ballot language ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 9

and terms and conditions of employment. Should this proposal be approved?” PROPOSAL 5 Tax Increase Constitutional Amendment “This proposal would: Require a 2/3 majority vote of the State House and the State Senate, or a statewide vote of the people at a November election, in order for the State of Michigan to impose new or thing that critics dispute on a variety of levels. Some estimates touted by Proposal 6 backers peg the bridge’s cost at

between $1.9 billion and $6 billion. The bridge’s construction was the center of a major battle this legislative session, and some Republican state lawmakers are leery of the project that Snyder has been trying to see come to fruition. “Proposal 6 is an attempt by one

against passage of the Moroun familybacked proposal. “The governor has secured an agreement with the Canadians whereby they take on all of the risk and put up all of the money in order to fund the improvements of a new bridge. A private sector concessionaire will be selected in a competi-

additional taxes on taxpayers or expand the base of taxation or increasing the rate of taxation. This section shall in no way be construed to limit or modify tax limitations otherwise created in this Constitution. Should this proposal be approved?” PROPOSAL 6 International Bridge Construction Constitutional Amendment “This proposal would: Require the approval of a majority of voters at a statewide election and in each municipality where ‘new

international bridges or tunnels for motor vehicles’ are to be located before the State of Michigan may expend state funds or resources for acquiring land, designing, soliciting bids for, constructing, financing, or promoting new international bridges or tunnels. Create a definition of ‘new international bridges or tunnels for motor vehicles’ that means, ‘any bridge or tunnel which is not open to the public and serving traffic as of January 1, 2012.’ Should this proposal be approved?” ❏

special interest to enshrine a protection of their monopoly in our sacred Constitution,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Calley in an Internet video arguing

tive bid process to build and finance the bridge structure itself. This is an opportunity to create jobs in Michigan.” ❏

PAGE 12

Obituaries

ALLARD, ADDIE P. "POLLY" of Waterford; September 27, 2012; age 68. Beloved wife of Al. CARROLL (PAGE), CLORIS MARIE; died at age 86 on September 30th, 2012 in Commerce, MI. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Donald Carroll and two of her grandchildren. Survived by 6 children, Sharon Trammel of Waterford, MI, Joy Sturgis of Richmond, VA, Mark Carroll of Haines, AK, Scott Carroll of Fredricksberg, TX, Craig Carroll of Omak, WA, Janet Moore of Sheridan, IN. Also survived by 21 grandchildren, 14, great grand children, and 6 great great grandchildren. DANNER, RICHARD LEE "DICK"; age 82, of Milford, passed away in the care of his family October 9, 2012. DUNNIGAN, CAROLYN AUDREY; of Waterford, October 12, 2012 at 69 years of age. FLANIGAN, LINDA MARIE of Waterford, October 14, 2012 at age 63. FOSTER, STEVEN JAMES; The sunshine of our lives, unexpectedly left to be with the Lord Oct. 12, 2012. Steven was born Oct. 25, 1995. He was with us a short time of 16 years. HESTER, STANLEY J.; a long time resident of Milford, died in the care of his family at Town Commons in Howell on October 14, 2012. He was 84 years old. IHRKE, FLORENCE D.; of Waterford; October 15, 2012; age 88. Loving Wife of Duane for 66 years. KANDT, SHIRLEY ANN (BRAYTON); age 72; of Highland passed away October 15, 2012. RAGATZ, KAY L.; of Waterford; born onOctober 1, 1938 and passed away on October 12, 2012; age 74. VANKLEEK, ESTHER L.; of Waterford; passed away on October 15, 2012; at the age of 83. WOOD, REX L.; age 88 of Highland Township and Avon Park, Florida, died on October 12, 2012. To place an obituary in the Spinal Column Newsweekly please call the Classified Department at 248-360-7355 or email: lorisnyder@thescngroup.com

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LAKES AREA NEWS

CDBG funds used for minor home repairs, HAVEN By Kevin Elliott staff writer

A White Lake Township program to assist families struggling to pay for essential home repairs is expected to receive about $50,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in 2013. Started by the township in 2002, the Minor Home Repair program has provided more than $500,000 to 153 families to pay for repairs needed to fix health and safety issues, according to Dena Potter, CDBG director for White Lake. Potter, who has been overseeing the township’s CDBG program for the past decade, said White Lake is expected to receive $65,547 in federal CDBG funds for 2013. The majority of proposed funding for next year will be used to continue the Minor Home Repair program. Federal CDBG funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Urban Development (HUD). They must be used to fund activities to provide affordable housing, anti-poverty programs and infrastructure development in low-to moderate-income areas of participating communities. Potter said the number of township families requesting assistance for roof and furnace repairs has grown in recent years. “Especially the last couple of years with the way the economy has been going,” she said. “I’ve got people who have never asked for help before and it’s very hard for them.” Potter said some people receiving assistance have gone without water or heat for months before learning about the program. Since 2002, the program has replaced or repaired 52 furnaces; 40

roofs; 15 wells; five septic systems; 16 water heaters; 11 gutters; five decks/porches; four toilets; 11 bathtubs; one baseboard heating system; one bathroom floor; four home plumbing systems; window replacements at four homes; two doors; and one chimney rebuild. The township’s 2013 CDBG request also includes $6,200 each for HAVEN and Meals on Wheels, as well as $3,147 for Lakes Area Youth Assistance. For more information about the township’s Minor Home Repair program, contact Potter at 248-6983300. ❏

Milford Twp. seeking bids for ALS services By Michael Shelton staff writer

After over a year of deliberation, the Milford Township Board of Trustees at its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 17 approved a final version of a request for proposals (RFP) to send to ambulance companies throughout Oakland County for advanced life support (ALS) transport services. The RFP will call for a company to be the secondary medical response agency to the Milford Fire Department, which would provide basic life support (BLS) transport services. The township has indicated that it is seeking to enter a contract for a period of five years. The Milford Fire Department and the chosen private sector company would work together to provide transport of the sick and injured to area hospitals. The company would be asked to provide 24-7 ALS coverage, including providing emergency medical dispatch instruction for Milford Police

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Department dispatchers. In addition, the company would be asked to meet monthly with the fire chief and the township supervisor, or their designees, to review run statistics for the prior month and resolve any issues. In the RFP, the township is asking for an ambulance company to submit its credentials, including its experience and financial strength, as well as its policies on operations, personnel and training, reporting and community outreach. The RFP was approved by a 5-2 vote, with township Supervisor Don Green and Trustee Dale Wiltse casting the votes against the measure. “I’m concerned about the Fire Department doing 25 percent of the BLS runs, as well as liability issues,” Green said. “My main objective is that the government isn’t supposed to compete with the private sector.” Green send that he believes the RFPs will be sent out to companies after Jan. 1. The RFP draft process has taken over a year since the board decided in September 2011 to expand its search for a township ambulance service provider to include other providers in the county. ❏

MAP union makes concessions with new 4-year pact In a 6-1 vote, the Waterford Township Board of Trustees ratified a Michigan Association of Police (MAP) contract at a meeting held on Monday, Oct. 22. The four-year contract, effective Jan. 1, 2013, applies to community service officers, crime scene investigators, full- or part-time detention officers, and part-time patrol officers. It excludes supervisors and all other employees. Part-time officers will be eligible for only wages, not benefits. Concessions were made by the union, so eligible employees will now contribute 1 percent to retiree health care costs. “The police association and our police officers in the department have been very astute in understanding our revenue stream situation,” said township Supervisor Carl Solden. “Their cooperation is appreciated. It speaks volumes of their dedication to the

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 13

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OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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PAGE 13

LAKES AREA NEWS

Police concessions ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 12

community.” Eligible employees will pay the difference in health care benefit costs once the maximum health benefit is met. The township, in keeping with the requirements of Public Act (PA) 152, chose to enforce the hard cap on health insurance contributions. Now the maximum benefit per family is $15,000; per couple, it’s $11,000; and per individual, it’s $5,500. Once the maximum benefit is met, the employee must pay the difference. “That’s a $1.2 million annual savings with employees contributing, except for (firefighters), who are still under their old contract,” Solden said. Sick days are now capped at 9 days and 6 hours per year. A wage freeze will be in effect for the duration of the contract, with a wage reopener in 2014 and 2015. “That is only if the economic conditions improve,” Treasurer Margaret Birch said of the reopener. “The wage reopener is for the union, but not the township. I would like that changed to both the township and union, but basically they shoved it down our throats,” said Trustee Anthony Bartolotta, who was the only board member who voted against approval of the contract. The union also agreed to submit for compensatory time off four days prior, unlike before when this process was not mandated. Human Resources Director Lou Feurino said the capstones of the contract are getting control over the cost of benefits. “Getting control of sick, comp time, wages and PA 152 are all huge,” Feurino said. With the general election only two weeks away, Bartolotta said that the contract should have been approved by the new township board. “They should have a say in this since they will be stuck with this contract for four years,” he said. However, Solden said the intent was to approve the contract prior to the election. “Money for the special assessment district for police will be going to new police officers, not into the pocket of those already there, and that’s why we wanted to get this settled prior to the election,” Solden said. The township agreed not to subcontract or relocate work currently performed by the union’s employees, except in cases of emergency, but for no longer than 60 days. ❏

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 15

➥

From left to right, Shayla Salisbury, a 12-year-old from Waterford Township; Andrenee Foster, 12; and Lauryn Herron, 9, were all chosen to be members of the Detroit Pistons Mob Squad dance team out of a field of roughly 200 hopefuls. Salisbury, a cheerleader and straight “A” student at Orchard Lake Middle School, and the rest of the Mob Squad performed at the Palace of Auburn Hills during the Detroit Pistons first preseason game on Saturday, Oct. 13. (Photo submitted by Jenna Williams/My Dance Studio)

Under the bright lights Waterford dancer, 12, named to Pistons Mob Squad team By Leslie Shepard staff writer

hree dancers from Oakland County — including one from Waterford Township — are making their way to the Palace of Auburn Hills after being selected from roughly 200 hopefuls as members of this year’s Detroit Pistons Mob Squad dance team. Shayla Salisbury, a 12-year-old from Waterford; Andrenee Foster, 12; and Lauryn Herron, 9, were selected after tryouts at the Palace last month. Each of the girls attends My Dance Studio, Inc., in Keego Harbor, and works hard under the tutelage of studio owner Jenna Williams. “I’m so proud, but not surprised,” Williams said. “I know how hard they work at their craft and it’s exciting for them at such young ages to have these opportunities already.” Williams said her approach to instruction is to make use of as many resources as possible to give the girls an edge during competitions. “We did audition prep over the

summer and tried to bring in teachers and choreographers, too, so the girls can pick up choreography quicker,” Williams said. This is Salisbury’s third time with the Pistons. In 2009, she was chosen as a member on the Junior Automotion team and then again in 2010 for the Spark Plug hip hop dance team. She has been dancing since she was 3-years-old, but began intensive training when she was 7. “I take her wherever she can get the training,” said Shayla’s mother, Christine Salisbury. “She just recently danced with the Universal Circus at Shain Park (in Birmingham) through Project Rockout.” Salisbury’s diverse repertoire includes tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, technique and master classes. “Her favorite style of dance is musical theater, where there is more acting on stage,” Christine Salisbury said. “Last year she competed with her solo Amazing Mayzie from Seussical the Musical.” On top of a stringent dance schedule, Shayla is a cheerleader at

Orchard Lake Middle School and maintains an A average in her classes. Herron, the youngest of the three chosen dancers, is considered a natural by Williams. “She’s very gifted,” Williams said. “She picks up choreography very well.” Herron has been dancing for six years. The Mob Squad is an exciting segue into the competitive world of dance, she said. “It felt great to make it because it’s been a dream of mine to be on a professional dance team at 9-yearsold,” Herron said. Foster is also a straight “A” student despite her jam-packed dance schedule. Her determination is one reason she was a standout during tryouts. “I was surprised because there were so many dancers there and I thought the others were better than me, but I made it,” she said. The girls performed with the Mob Squad for the first Pistons preseason game on Saturday, Oct. 13. ❏

PAGE 14

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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PAGE 15

LAKES AREA NEWS

staff writer

By Michael Shelton staff writer

City to use DPW garage to house police vehicles By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Orchard Lake Police Department won’t be getting carports anytime soon after the City Council suggested an alternative of housing some patrol cars at the Department of Public Works (DPW) garage. A discussion was held last month on whether six carports should be built on city property to house police vehicles. Police Chief Joe George said extreme heat or cold is not only a detriment to patrol car computer sys-

The Milford Village Council at its Monday, Oct. 15 meeting tabled a resolution involving proposed 2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations of $15,888. CDBG grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They must fund activities to provide affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development in low- to moderate-income areas of participating communities. Out of the total funds allocated to the village for 2013, the village originally planned to have $8,000 go

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 17

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Orchard Lake

Apple Island

Trail an

Service groups may get CDBG funds from village

rc me C ommerce Rd. Com

i Ind

Highland Township officials will meet tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 24 to discuss an estimated $2.2 million general fund budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, which begins on Jan. 1. Township Clerk Mary McDonell said FY 2013 general fund revenues are expected to fall slightly from the projected FY 2012 amount of $2.35 million. “Property values continue to decline a little bit, but our main source of funding is state-shared revenue,” she said. Township property tax revenue is expected to be about $310,500 in FY 2013, which is 20 percent less than what has been projected by Oakland County. Property tax revenue this year totaled $395,917, down from $421,404 in FY 2011. Sales tax revenues returned to the township in FY 2013 are expected to increase to about $1.4 million, up from about $1.3 million expected in FY 2012 and $1.3 received in FY 2011. Township expenditures for FY 2013 are expected to total about $2.17 million, down slightly from $2.23 million approved for the current FY 2012 general fund budget, and up from $1.93 million in actual expenditures in FY 2011. McDonell said yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 23 that officials were still gathering figures that will be discussed today as part of the overall FY 2013 budget. The budget workshop meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. at Township Hall, located at 205 N. John Street. ❏

ard Lak e Rd.

By Kevin Elliott

tems, but snow and ice delays response time. However, the underlying problem lies with a city ordinance that prohibits carports, and although a variance could be issued, it would be unfair to residents who would want to follow suit, some have said. “The zoning ordinance says no carports in the city and even though the Zoning Board of Appeals could grant a variance, why wouldn’t we allow that for everybody? Some on Council felt it just wasn’t important enough, so they suggested using space in the DPW garage,” said Director of City Services Gerry McCallum. An ad hoc committee, comprised of City Councilmen Jerry Kosmensky and Norm Finkelstein, researched the issue prior to the Monday, Oct. 15 meeting during which the alternative was suggested. The pair reviewed rules in surrounding communities such as Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor, West Bloomfield Township, Farmington Hills, and both Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township to determine if they used carports. “Basically we came up with information that more communities use carports or DPW garages, so at the meeting Council suggested using the DPW garage because there’s space,” Finkelstein said. “The carports couldn’t be built until winter, so we are trying the DPW garage this winter. The chief thought it was a good idea and Gerry said it was something we could do.” ❏

Pine Lake

Orc h

Small revenue dip in Highland budget expected

W. Long Lake Rd.

3535 INDIAN TRAIL ORCHARD L AKE, MICHIGAN, 48324 248.683.0532 WWW.STMARYSPREP.COM

PAGE 16

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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PAGE 17

LAKES AREA NEWS

Pictured above, from left to right, are members of the 2012 Walled Lake Northern High School Homecoming Court: freshmen Amanda Navarre and Kuribel Sharpe; sophomores Karlie Golec and Kevin Vos; juniors Olivia Ruhberg and Joe Herrada; and seniors Jenny McKenna, Lexi Kohls, Jake Ginster (Brett Cordes as stand-in), Graham Westin (Myles Kenney as stand-in), Will Morton, Shelby Ward, Olivia Oldham, and Tyler Brinks. Not pictured are seniors Brianne Recker and Austin Peer, as well as Homecoming King Alex Watson and Homecoming Queen Morgan Barnett. The Walled Lake Northern Knights defeated South Lyon, 29-18, in the homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 19. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

Milford CDBG ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 15

toward the removal of architectural barriers to handicap accessibility, while $4,688 would be used for Ride With Pride transportation services and $3,200 would go toward sidewalk projects. However, village Clerk Deborah Frazer said the council asked to have the $4,688 for Ride With Pride split between two public service agencies. No allocation was set for Huron Valley Youth Assistance, Meals on Wheels, or HAVEN (Help Against Violent Encounters Now), an organization providing services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims. Last year, the village was allocated $15,706 in CDBG funding, with $2,355 going toward transportation

services and $13,351 for installation of handicapped-accessible sidewalk ramps within mostly low- to moderate-income areas near the downtown area. No more than 30 percent of CDBG funds can be pledged to public service-related programs. The CDBG allocations will be brought up again at the council’s Monday, Nov. 5 meeting. ❏

WB’s ZBA tables variances for Islamic center The West Bloomfield Township Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) at an on-site board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 16 tabled two zoning ordinance

variance requests regarding a proposed Islamic cultural center at the request of the applicant, the Islamic Cultural Association (ICA). Members of the ZBA held a site visit at the former Eagle Elementary School building site — part of the Farmington School District — on the northwest corner of Middlebelt and 14 Mile roads, where the center is proposed to be built. West Bloomfield Township Community Development Director Thomas Walsh said the meeting centered around two variance requests, including specification of height limitations for structures because according to plans, the overall height of a proposed minaret is 44.83 feet and the proposed spire located on the dome of the mosque measures 48 feet. The second request was for a vari-

ance for a parking area with a continuous and obscuring 5-foot masonry wall, but it was pointed out that there is a 6-foot-high solid wood fence already along the property line. Walsh said that the applicant requested that the requests be tabled to an uncertain date so the ICA can take what it has listened to from the board and the public and reassess its plans. Walsh said the ICA is also going to ask the Planning Commission to table actions regarding approval for a site plan and special land use at the commission’s Tuesday, Oct. 23 meeting. The Farmington Public Schools Board of Education approved the sale of the former Eagle Elementary School at 29410 W. 14 Mile Road in West Bloomfield for $1.1 million to the ICA, which is now located in Franklin. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

EDUCATION

Non-homestead levy renewal up in HVS district Nov. 6 By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Voters in the Huron Valley School District will decide on Tuesday, Nov. 6 whether to renew the non-homestead millage for another decade. The millage renewal represents more than 10 percent of the district’s budget, equating to roughly $1,000 per pupil. “Our per-pupil foundation state allowance is $6,966 for the current year — the lowest amount not only within the county, but within the state,” said Donna Welch, assistant superintendent of administrative services. Out of the 28 Oakland County school districts, Huron Valley Schools is tied with South Lyon, Holly, Madison and Brandon for the lowest per-pupil foundation allowance. “Some districts in the county receive over $11,000 per pupil — some just a few miles away from us. There is an inequity in the county and the state,” Welch said. The ballot proposal asks to levy the statutory rate of 18 mills on all property, except principal residences and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its per-pupil foundation allowance and renew the millage that will expire with the 2012 tax levy. “The state assumes the school district is levying 18 mills, so the $6,966 per-pupil amount assumes the millage passes. Without the non-homestead millage, clearly we would be $1,000 (per-pupil) less than any other school district in Michigan,” Welch said. The millage would be renewed for 10 years, from 2013 to 2022. Its goal is to provide funds for operating pur-

Walled Lake Central High School senior bass drummer Michael Rockwell (center) has been selected as a member of the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. The U.S. Army’s Sergeant Hedblad, Sergeant Vondoloski, Major Alex Garn, and Captain Breckenridge recently presented Rockwell with his 2013 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band jacket (above). Rockwell will be playing bass drum 5 at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 5, 2013. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is the nation’s premier high school football game, featuring the best 90 players in a classic East vs. West matchup in San Antonio’s Alamodome and broadcast live on NBC. (Photo submitted by Joy Frost)

poses. If approved and levied in 2013, it will generate $9.17 million in the first year. “This is renewed on a periodic basis and we want to remind voters that this is $9 million each year, 10 percent of our budget, so it’s a pretty big deal and if it doesn’t pass, we will have to hold a special election in May at the cost of $70,000 to the district,” said Director of Communications and Community Relations Kim Root.

CITY OF WIXOM

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Wixom Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct the following public hearings at their next regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2012 for the following topics: ZBA CASE #021-12: R & B WALTER ASSOCIATES, 50206 DENNIS COURT, WIXOM, MI 48393: The applicant is seeking a variance to erect a sign on an adjacent lot. The Wixom Municipal Code, Section 18.16.090 (I) prohibits off-premise signs, The property is located at 29330 Wixom Road and zoned M-1, Light Industrial. The tax parcel number is 22-08-100-048. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in Wixom Council Chambers, 49045 Pontiac Trail. Persons having any questions regarding these matters are urged to attend this meeting or contact the Building Department at (248) 624-0880. Catherine Buck, City Clerk City of Wixom (248) 624-4557

SC: 10-24-12

She added that the non-homestead millage renewal is placed last on the Nov. 6 general election ballot, so she is encouraging voters to be patient and complete the ballot in its entirety. “It’s a very long ballot this time with federal, state, and local issues, along with six statewide ballot proposals, so we want to make sure people are aware that our proposal is at the end of the ballot, so please take your time and work all the way through,” Root said. In effect since 1994, Proposal A mandates that property and business owners can only claim one non-homestead property tax exemption on their principal residence. The homestead millage rate is 6 mills, otherwise property owners are assessed the nonhomestead rate of 18 mills. Voters in the district approved a Headlee Amendment override in May 2006 of 2 mills. Currently the nonhomestead rate in Huron Valley is 17.6652 mills. The 0.3348-mill Headlee override will remain in place, allowing the district to renew the levy at the maximum 18 mills, according to Welch. ❏

Non-homestead tax on ballot in Waterford district By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Waterford School District will ask residents in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 general election to vote on the renewal of an 18-mill levy on non-homestead property. The renewal would be for a period of 10 years, from 2014 to 2023, and the district expects to collect $11.9 million in the first year of the renewal in 2014. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value. The owner of a non-homestead property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) would pay $1,800 in the first year of the millage’s renewed collection, if approved. The ballot language states: “This proposal will allow the school district PAGE 19 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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PAGE 19

EDUCATION to levy the statutory rate of 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance and renews millage that will expire with the 2013 tax levy.” A non-homestead property is a building in which a homestead exemption cannot be obtained, such as a commercial or industrial facility or a second home. The district states that this is not a new tax but instead is a proposal to continue an existing tax collection, nor is it a tax on homestead or principal residential properties. Tax revenues from the renewal would go toward the district’s general operation. ❏

Pay increases part of new union pact in WLCS district By Kevin Elliott staff writer

Maintenance workers, mechanics and other school workers represented by the Michigan Educational Support Personnel Association’s Walled Lake ESP No. 1 union will see some gains in compensation under a one-year contract approved by the Walled Lake Consolidated School District’s Board of Education. The contract, which expires after June 30, 2013, includes pay increases through step movements for eligible association members, as well as a 1percent off-schedule payment for employees who aren’t eligible for a step increase. The one-year contract was approved by the school board at it’s Thursday, Oct. 11 meeting. The board will meet next at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1 at the district’s Educational Services Center Board of Education Room, located at 850 Ladd Road, Building D. • In other news out of the district, local meteorologist Paul Gross, executive producer of weather for Local-4 WDIV-TV, will discuss global warming and climate change today, Wednesday, Oct. 24 with science students at Walled Lake Central High School. Gross, who authored “Extreme Michigan Weather: The Wild World of the Great Lakes State,” will join earth science and AP environmental students at the school’s auditorium. ❏

A West Bloomfield High School senior meets with a Grand Valley State University representative during the high school’s second annual on-site admissions fair on Wednesday, Oct. 17. District officials say 95 percent of seniors on hand were admitted to at least one of the colleges or universities on hand. (Photo submitted by Pam Zajac/West Bloomfield School District)

A resounding success 95 percent of WBHS seniors at event accepted to college By Michael Shelton staff writer

any West Bloomfield High School seniors with hopes of attending college didn’t have to look any farther than the school’s gymnasium on Wednesday, Oct. 17. The school hosted its second annual on-site admissions fair, where admissions counselors from colleges and universities from across the state were in attendance to give students a jump-start before the unofficial Nov. 1 deadline for early admission consideration. When it was over, 95 percent of the seniors at the event gained admission to at least one of the universities or colleges on hand, according to West Bloomfield High School Assistant Principal Mara Hoffert. In addition, Hoffert said four students were awarded full scholarships to the University of MichiganDearborn and over $750,000 in schol-

arship money was offered to students. “It was amazing to watch our students earn acceptance into college and see their reactions to the reward for all of their hard work,” Hoffert said. “We are proud to have doubled the amount of colleges participating in our event, which generated over $750,000 in scholarship money for our students.” Institutions represented at the fair included Oakland Community College and the University of DetroitMercy, as well as Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Western Michigan universities. Also on hand were representatives from Lake Superior State, Michigan Tech, Saginaw Valley State and Grand Valley State universities. Two Ohio schools, the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University, were also represented. Seniors also had the chance to take an aptitude test and attend seminars on scholarship opportuni-

ties and preparing for college. One session was presented by Oakland University called “Getting Ready for College,” which gave students advice on college life — ranging from choosing a course schedule, navigating around a campus and community, and getting along with roommates. “I have been a counselor for many years and nothing is quite as gratifying as to see one of our students walk across the gymnasium with a little more bounce in their step and the biggest smile possible after getting news of acceptance from the university of their choice,” said Charles Sanders, a West Bloomfield High School counselor who helped with the event. Students at the event were also provided transcripts and ACT scores free of charge by West Bloomfield High School to go toward university fee applications. ❏

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LOCAL MATTERS business notes movers / shakers changes ❐ The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Board of Commissioners appointed Lisa M. Dolan, CPA, controller of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. Dolan began her new post on Monday, Oct. 15. As controller, Dolan has the fiduciary responsibility for administering all financial proceedings of the Metroparks in accordance with federal, state and local laws, the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, and other regulatory agencies. Her responsibilities include investing agency funds and administering the Metroparks’ retiree health care and pension trust funds. In 2012, the Metroparks budget was $73 million. Dolan had worked as the finance director/treasurer for the city of Bloomfield Hills since September, 2010. She previously worked as the finance director/human resources director for the 41-B District Court in Clinton Township, finance director for the city of Berkley, and assistant finance director of Clinton Township. She began her accounting career as a certified public accountant (CPA) for Plante & Moran, where she specialized in auditing municipal clients, and has taught governmental accounting and payroll classes at Baker College. Dolan earned her masters and bachelors degrees in business administration from Wayne State University, and achieved her CPA designation in 1992. Dolan replaces David L. Wahl, who served 36 years as the controller for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, and retired in August

transitions changes

❐ My Girlfriend’s Closet in White Lake Township has announced that it is now under new management. This upscale consignment boutique features women’s designer clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, and household decor, including seasonal merchandise. The new owner, Marlene J. Graham, is currently accepting quality fall and winter consignments. In addition, there are many great buys on new and gently used merchandise, signified by the color-coded ticketed specials throughout the store. Watch

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for Tequilaritas in Milford on Thursday, Oct. 18. Located at 525 N. Main Street in downtown Milford, the Tex-Mex style restaurant and piano bar is open from noon to midnight every day and features daily specials. Among those specials is all-you-can-eat tacos all day for $9.95 Sunday through Thursday. (Photo submitted by Laura Bolyard/Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce)

for the grand opening of My Girlfriend’s Closet to be held on Nov. 16 and 17. Come visit the store at 8184 Cooley Lake Road or call 248366-4407.

weekly agenda ❐ Steinway Piano Gallery in Commerce Township will be hosting a performance by the Nighthawks Jazz Orchestra at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 2700 E. West Maple Road in Commerce. This show will feature Commerce Township’s own multi-talented flautist/composer/vocalist Tracy Kash Thomas, as well as vibes phenom Dr. Dick Tapert. Lead by saxophonist Joshua James, the Nighthawks Jazz Orchestra is one of Detroit’s premier musical organizations. The ensemble prides itself on performing music composed or arranged by Michigan artists, past and present, many from within the group. While the ensemble’s heart beats with the pulse of jazz, the Nighthawks Jazz Orchestra performs original compositions and unique arrangements of jazz standards, pop tunes, and whatever else its musicians can get their hands on. Admission is $20 or $15 for seniors/students. More information is available at steinwaypianogalleryofdetroit.com, or call 248-560-9200.

chamber notes ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, visit huronvcc.com: • LaFontaine Automotive Group’s 5th annual Family Fun Fest will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 4000 W. Highland Road in Highland Township. Come and enjoy the festivities with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, doughnuts, and cider, make your own monster, and a balloon artist, Scott. • Coffee Club, 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at Insurance Advisors, located at 525 N. Main, Suite 140, in Milford. Start your day off by joining us at this free morning mixer and enjoy a cup of coffee and network with fellow chamber members. You could meet your next potential customer and build some new friendships. • Views and Visions Art Show and Sale, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at the Huron Valley Council for the Arts (HVCA) gallery located at 205 W. Livingston Road in Highland. Art and All That Jazz! Opening Night Celebration and Awards, live music by Gary Weisenburg and Company, delicious food and drink.

Tickets at the door are $10 and $5 youth. If you have any questions, call 248-797-3060. • HVRN Wednesday Group, 8 a.m. Nov. 7, at Comeback Inn, 1451 S. Milford Road, Highland. • Chamber Member Orientation, 7 p.m. Nov. 7, Huron Valley State Bank conference room located at 130 S. Milford Road in Milford. Hosted by HVSB 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. Reservations helpful. Contact the chamber office at 248-685-7129. • HVRN Thursday Group, 8 a.m. Nov. 8, at Comeback Inn, 1451 S. Milford Road, Highland. • Off the Clock Connect, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 8, Tavern 131, 131 S. Milford Road, Milford. Hosted by Chamber Ambassadors. Come and network with your fellow chamber members. • Ribbon-cutting for Senechal Family Chiropractic, P.C., 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 12, 30802 Lyon Center Drive, New Hudson, in Walmart Plaza. Please join us by welcoming Senechal Family Chiropractic P.C. to PAGE 21 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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LOCAL MATTERS

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 20

our community. We will be doing a joint ribbon-cutting with the Huron Valley Chamber and the South Lyon Chamber. Appetizers and drinks will be served. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Oakland Chamber Networking Mixer will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, at The Shelving Store’s Haunted Warehouse located at 1444 E. 11 Mile Road in Madison Heights. Here’s your chance to network with business professionals from across Oakland County. This is a Halloween-themed event with music, appetizers and a cash bar. Prizes will be awarded for best costume. Admission is $15 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. For more information, contact the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce at 248-542-2160 ❐ 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 lakesareachamber.com. • First Friday Coffee, 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2, Facial Beauty Dental, 3255 W. Maple Road, Wixom. Complimentary early morning networking opportunity. • Expo, Taste and Fun Fest, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3, Walled Lake Central High School. Exhibitor registration is now. Expand your customer base. For an information kit, including “Smart Tips that Help Turn Lookers into Buyers,” call 248-624-2826 or e-mail info@lakesareachamber.com. • Spotlight Lunches, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15, L. Georges Family Restaurant, 1203 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake. Informal networking. No registration reqired. Free soft drinks with your meal purchase. • Holiday Mixer, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Beadon Hill Golf and Banquet Center, 6011 Majestic Oaks Drive, Commerce Township. The event will feature 50/50 and prize drawings, hors d’oeuvres, networking, cocktail cash bar. Bring your staff and/or co-workers. Share the fun with them, too. Ten-dollar prepaid reservations. The chamber invites you to help them provide a brighter holiday for the less fortunate in our community by bringing a non-perishable food item for our

local food pantry. They are assisting hundreds with food and personal care products. Cash, checks and gift cards also accepted. For more information, call the chamber at 248624-2826. ❐ 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 waterfordchamber.org. • Bullseye Conference, 8 a.m. to

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

110th Anniversary Celebration, 6 p.m. Nov. 10, 2100 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. Join us for a buffet dinner and Las Vegas show. Dinner and show are $35 per person and $40 non-members. Show only $25 per person and $25 non-members. Call 248-673-9860, ext. 1. • Ca$h Mob, 8 a.m. Nov. 15, VG’s grocery store, 7300 Highland Road, Waterford. The goal is to support local business. The idea is to give a financial boost to fellow chamber member businesses by having as many people as possible flood a business at a predetermined date, time and place with each making individual purchases. Each Ca$h Mob will be at a different chamber member’s business. Everyone will meet at the same time in the parking lot and will be handed a Ca$h Mob T-shirt to wear for the duration of the mob. We will re-collect the shirt after the event to be used at the next mob. All are welcome. Please invite all of your Facebook friends and join in the fun while supporting your local businesses. 248-666-8600. ❐ The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce has

announced that it is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-626-3636 or visit westbloomfieldchamber.com. • Orchard MALL-OWEEN is back on Friday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. Trick-or-treaters can get a jump on the night with candy, photos, music, dancing and entertainment for a frightfully fun-filled event. It’s open to the public and free of charge. • LaFontaine Charity Bash 2012, Friday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. Presented by Lady La’s Boutique, it’s a fun, affordable evening to benefit Childhood Cancer Campaign. For more information call 248-714-1094 or e-mail LadyLas@LaFontaine.com. • Wine tasting, Sunday, Nov. 4, Plum Market, 6565 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Businesses, community members and the public are welcome to network. Space is limited. Admission is $10 for chamber members and $15 for non-members. RSVP at westbloomfieldchamber.com or call 248-626-3636. • December Holiday Party, to be determined.

Invest in our future – buy local, live local, and volunteer local too.

You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here. noon, Thursday, Oct. 25, Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. This year’s business conference will host another dynamic and diverse line up of speakers who will impact your future growth as business owners, employers and professionals. There is no doubt you will walk away inspired with fresh, new ideas to rejuvenate your business spirit. Admission is $79 and the student rate is $20. Table rate, eight tickets for $225. Register online at waterfordchamber.org. • Perking Up Networking, 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, Planet Fitness, 5142 Highland Road, Waterford. Networking and continental breakfast. Ten-dollar advance registration for members; $15 at the door and for non-members. Register at http://bit.ly/dDg0p0 • Pontiac Waterford Elks No. 810

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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TRANSPORTATION

Wrapping up soon Some projects to end next Wednesday

PONTIAC TRAIL (Walled Lake) • Notes: The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) is continuing its reconstruction efforts on Pontiac Trail between West Maple Road and South Commerce Road. • Closures: During the project, Pontiac Trail will remain open, but will be reduced to one lane in each direction. West Maple is now open at the west side of Pontiac Trail, but is closed at the east side of Pontiac Trail. • Completion date: Nov. 15. • Cost: $2.6 million. COMMERCE ROAD (Commerce Township) • Notes: The project involves reconstruction of the roadway, as well as traffic signal upgrades and drainage improvements. Motorists should expect delays. Commerce Road between Carroll Lake and Union Lake roads is now open to traffic. • Detour: Union Lake Road to Wise Road to Carroll Lake Road, and vice versa. • Completion date: By Wednesday, Oct. 31. • Cost: $2.6 million. COOLEY LAKE ROAD (Milford, Highland, White Lake, and Commerce townships) • Closure: Cooley Lake Road, east of Duck Lake to Mystic Valley. • Notes: A gravel road paving project is underway on Cooley Lake Road, east of Duck Lake to Mystic Valley, in Milford, Highland, White Lake, and Commerce townships. • Detour: Duck Lake Road to Commerce Road to Carey Road, and vice versa. • Completion date: By Thursday, Nov. 1. • Cost: $4.4 million. BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: I-96 EAST OF MILFORD ROAD, WEST OF KENT LAKE ROAD (Milford) • Notes: Crews are currently constructing the inside of the Milford Road bridge and continuing efforts on the Kent Lake bridge (I-96 over Kent Lake Road). Work on the Huron River Trail bridge (I-96 over Huron River Trail) has been completed, although traffic shifts remain in place due to the proximity to Milford Road. The I-96 driving surfaces of the remaining two bridges on the eastbound side are complete. The westbound side on Kent Lake Road was expected to be finished by mid-October, but extra repairs are now needed on the median side and therefore will not open until early to mid-November. Work on the Milford Road bridge is expected to be completed by Wednesday, Oct. 31. At that time, Kent Lake will also open. • Cost: $15.5 million.

50 YEARS AGO Oct. 25, 1962 The petition for a city incorporation charter study has been allowed to expire. The Citizens Committee for Progressive Government made this announcement at their last meeting on Oct. 17. The committee also announced that new petitions would be drawn up in the future, but that more area people will be involved in the proceedings. The haste in which the first petition was filed, due to a fear of Waterford Township incorporating, will not be repeated in the next petition. Recent committee hearings have definitely established the fact that many area citizens would rather see the Union Lake area under a single area incorporation study, because they personally were not invited to draw up the original petition. Green Lake and Tripp subdivision representatives were the most adamant on this consideration for future city government.

40 YEARS AGO Oct. 25, 1972 Walled Lake's Maple Elementary School in West Bloomfield will be dedicated at an open house on Sunday, Oct. 29 between 1 and 4 p.m. Completed in the late summer, Maple Elementary School welcomed its first students on Sept. 7 and is attended by 400 children from kindergarten through sixth-grade. It is the 12th elementary school in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. The school, located at 7389 W. Maple Road between Halstead and Haggerty roads, is designed on a cluster concept.

30 YEARS Oct. 27, 1982 A group of Waterford Township citizens is outraged that the township's Building Authority wants to build a new 51st District Court building in the civic center complex on Crescent Lake Road north of M-59. To stop the proposed $900,000 building from becoming a reality, some township citizens are gathering signatures on a petition to put the issue to a vote. They have until Monday, Nov. 1 to get the 4,896 signatures required to Court Administrator Shirley Chaffee.

The main thrust of the citizens' protest is the possibility of an ad valorum tax being assessed to pay for the building. Building Authority Chairman William Flury has said additional taxes will not be necessary because the new courthouse will be financed through the sale of bonds ...

20 YEARS AGO Oct. 28, 1992 Commerce Township voters will be deciding a 20-year-old issue on Tuesday, Nov. 8: to allow the city of Walled Lake to annex some township land. Commerce Supervisor Robert Long opposes the annexation because he said it would hurt the township's master planning process and take away sate funding due to population decrease. But Walled Lake Mayor William Roberts ... says voting yes will give residents in the slated area more benefits and will help to increase the city tax base.

10 YEARS AGO Oct. 23, 2002 The man charged with the executionstyle shooting of a former coworker and college fraternity brother in August has been declared not competent to stand trial, delaying the prosecution for now and unleashing the possibility of all felony charges being dropped. Hearing a competency report from the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Ypsilanti on Monday, Oct. 21, a 51st District Court judge ordered that accused killer David D. McCloy be committed for treatment. The report dated Oct. 1 concludes the accused killer is not competent to stand trial. The 41-year-old Fort Myers, Fla. resident is charted with storming into the Waterford Township home of John Christian Polish on Thursday, Aug. 20 and gunning him down in front of his 6year-old son and a neighborhood boy.

Headlines of the Past

– A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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PAGE 25

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police probe shooting spree Wixom incidents first in string across three counties By Leslie Shepard staff writer

ixom police continue to investigate a series of shootings that occurred last week and a multi-jurisdictional task force has been set up after similar incidents were reported in other communities. Five vehicles were shot at as they were heading north on Wixom Road from south of Pontiac Trail toward an area near Charms Road around 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18, following a different shooting incident two days before. The shootings on Thursday resulted in no injuries. There are no known suspects in the shootings, which occurred within a 2- to 3minute time span. The first shooting incident occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 16 when a pair of 911 callers reported that they heard gunshots in the area of North Wixom and Loon Lake roads around 7:15 p.m. One of the callers said he thought he heard a bullet passing by his head as he was taking out trash. The other caller said he was driving north on North Wixom Road when a suspect vehicle passed by him traveling southbound, according to a Wixom Police Department press release. That caller’s vehicle sustained damage to its front driver-side tire as a result of the shooting. It is believed that the suspect was shooting a pistol out the driver-side window of the vehicle. While the make and model of the car is unknown, one witness described it as a dark sports car

Woman left young son alone at motel A Waterford Township woman is under investigation after she allegedly left her toddler alone at the Waterford Motel and he was found meandering near the intersection of Dixie Highway and Telegraph Road around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16. Officers responded to the area when a woman found the 3-year-old boy walking and wearing only a T-shirt and underwear. The woman told the offi-

with blue-tinted headlamp covers — possibly a Ford Mustang. No injuries were reported during the Oct. 16 incident. A multi-jurisdictional task force was formed to investigate the recent shootings that have occurred in Oakland, Livingston, and Ingham counties. The task force, commanded by the Wixom Police Department, is currently comprised of law enforcement person-

A vehicle similar to the one above may have been involved in a multicounty shooting spree that started in Wixom last week. One witness described the suspect vehicle as a dark-colored, small coupe car like a 1998 Toyota Camry or 1998 Oldsmobile Alero. (Photo submitted by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department)

nel from the Wixom Police Department; Walled Lake Police Department; Oakland, Livingston, and Ingham county sheriff’s departments, the Michigan State Police, the Detroit & Southeast Michigan Information & Intelligence Center, and the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center. There have been a total of 22 confirmd reports of similar random shootings across multiple jurisdictions, most occuring on Oct. 18, including two in cers she put the child in her car to keep him warm until police arrived. She also told officers that there was a visibly upset woman in the Waterford Motel parking lot. That woman, the child’s mother, told officers she left the boy alone for about 20 minutes in a motel room while she took her husband to work, according to a Waterford Police Department press release. The child was sleeping at the time, and he was not harmed or injured. The boy was returned to his mother once officers contacted Child Protective

commerce Township, one at Best Drive and West Mpale and a second at Benstein and West Maple roads. A forensic sketch was drawn up to assist in identifying the suspect in the recent shootings around Wixom and in Ingham and Livingston counties. The sketch was obtained after speaking with a witness of one of the Ingham County incidents that took place Oct. 18, when six cars were shot in the I-96/M-52 area, according to Wixom Public Safety Director Clarence Goodlein. The witness described the suspect vehicle as resembling a dark colored, small car such as a 1998 Toyota Camry or 1998 Oldsmobile Alero. On Oct. 19, a Wixom police officer put out an all-points bulletin that he was in pursuit of a vehicle possibly matching the vehicle description

involved in the recent shooting spree. Walled Lake police officers joined in the pursuit near Maple and Benstein roads following an older gray Buick Riviera. It was traveling between 70 and 80 mph and running red lights through jurisdictions, according to a press release. The subject continued onto southbound M-5, increasing his speed to about 100 mph. According to police reports, there was no traffic in the roadway; however, the officer discontinued the pursuit and last saw the subject merge onto I-275. Citizens are encouraged to call 1800-SPEAK UP if they have information regarding the suspect in the sketch or the suspect vehicles. Citizens are also encouraged to remain vigilant in reporting further suspicious activity. ❏

Services. The incident remains under investigation by both Waterford police and Child Protective Services. ❏

Officers found a pane of glass on the front of the store that had two holes smashed in it, apparently caused by a hatchet left at the store. ❏

Attempted break-in probed in township West Bloomfield Township police are investigating an alleged attempted break-in at the Hiller Food-Wine Basket at Hiller and Greer roads. The alleged incident took place on Monday, Oct. 15 at 1:50 a.m., when police were called to an alarm at Hiller.

$36K in cabinets, sinks, stolen in Orchard Lake Orchard Lake police are investigating the theft of $36,000 in home improvement materials that occurred in the 4000 block of Elmgate Drive around Oct. 17. The items include kitchen cabinets, countertops, sinks, and vanities. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

ENVIRONMENT

Disabled vets can get free hunting, fishing licenses By Kevin Elliott staff writer

Disabled veterans living in Michigan will be able to receive free hunting and fishing licenses in the state starting in March. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will allow a disabled veteran to obtain any resident hunting or fishing license free of charge. Those seeking licenses must provide proof of eligibility, and must carry proof when using the license. The offer doesn’t include hunting or fishing licenses for which a lottery is required. The offer was made available with the passage of legislation, House Bill 5292, which Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law last week. Under the new law, veterans must meet one of the following two requirements to qualify for a free hunting or fishing license: • Be determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and be entitled to veterans’ benefits at the 100percent rate, for disability other than blindness; and • Be rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be individually unemployable. The new program to provide free licenses is a small token of the DNR’s gratitude for veterans’ sacrifice to the country, DNR License and Reservations Manager Denise Gruben stated in a press release. “We want veterans to be full participants in outdoor sports,” she said. “We’re pleased to make these licenses available to qualifying veterans.” ❏

Panel offers ways to use parks, boost economy Gov. Rick Snyder’s push for collaborative efforts focused on building Michigan’s economy is reflected in a 41-page report released last week that focuses on the future of Michigan parks and recreation areas. The report, written by a 16-member blue-ribbon panel, encourages local communities to better utilize recreational opportunities to help

promote the long-term viability of all parks in the state. Created more than a year ago under Executive Order 2011-10, Snyder tasked the panel with a series of key objectives. Panel members looked at millions of acres of state forest, national parks, regional parks and thousands of local parks and trails in Michigan, in addition to about 100 state parks, which cover more than 300,000 acres of land that are visited by more than 22 million people each year. While recognizing recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, and boating already bring billions of dollars in revenue into the state’s economy, the panel states there is a growing recognition that recreational opportunities must continue to diversify as public interests change and expand. The panel — which includes representatives from nature conservancies, trails and marine groups, environmental agencies, and other experts in parks, recreation, and tourism — made seven “core” recommendations and 19 “complementary” recommendations in its report. The panel’s core recommendations

include: • Identifying and protecting important natural, cultural, historic, and prehistoric resources for the enjoyment and education of Michigan’s residents and visitors, and expanding stewardship of these resources; • Diversifying funding and using new criteria to target investment; • Giving high priority to investment in development of regional connected trail networks; • Encouraging greater connections between communities and their recreational assets to strengthen regional identities; • Creating four to five “signature parks” in Michigan’s core urban areas as a tool for revitalizing those areas, and integrating green infrastructure in Michigan’s urban redevelopment; • Integrating tourism and economic development marketing to fully leverage the economic and social benefits that parks and outdoor recreation resources can provide; and • Prioritizing investment in safety and maintenance of, and access to, parks and recreation spaces. The report also includes recommendations for eliminating or replacing about $15 million allocated each year

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

LEGAL LEVEL 927.87 934.00 906.30 928.60 1016.63 930.00 1.08 933.00 949.30 966.70 930.70 949.30 957.50 930.20 942.00 962.83 932.80 949.30 951.00 928.60 927.07 930.80 950.00 1018.60 964.92

10/5/12 +1.33 +.37 +.17 +.11 –.06 +.02 –.08 +.21 +.29 +.03 –.86 +.19 +.15 –.17 +.02 –.53 –1.17 +.19 –1.84 +.11 +.05 –.81 –.06 –.50 –.36

10/12/12 +1.33 +.38 +.18 +.01 –.15 +.08 –.08 +.10 +.20 +.02 –.96 +.20 +.13 –.30 +.13 –.55 –1.20 +.22 –1.99 +.10 +.03 –.90 –.06 –.58 –.37

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

10/19/12 +1.50 +.37 +.88 +.20 –.13 +.12 +.07 +.02 +.29 +.20 –1.00 +.37 +.18 –.27 +.98 –.45 –1.19 +.35 –1.92 +.17 +.13 –.82 –.08 Legal +.22

for payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) and “swamp taxes” to local governments; changing how future mineral lease revenues will be allocated; conducting an analysis of current funding of the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR); and engaging the medical community to encourage use of parks in prescribed health treatments. “The panel has heard nearly universally that people are more interested in the quality of a facility or the value of an experience in a park than in which government entity owns or operates it,” panelists stated in their report. “The panel’s recommendations are reflective of both issues, but we have strived to create better linkages between all parks and recreational opportunities, regardless of ownership. “We have also attempted throughout our recommendations to focus on actions that strengthen the connections between communities and their park and outdoor recreation spaces. We see this as a critical way to build stronger, healthier and more economically robust communities.” ❏

Encroachments on state park land at 129 The state of Michigan is working to resolve more than 125 cases of trespassing or encroachment on state park lands by property owners under an initiative unveiled this spring. Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Keith Creagh said earlier this month that 129 cases were brought forward under the department’s Encroachment Resolution Program, which offers a streamlined process to resolve encroachment issues. The DNR manages more than 4.5 million acres of public land available for recreational purposes, such as hunting, fishing and camping. According to the department, there have been encroachments on public lands across the state for decades, which have impeded the DNR’s ability to properly manage, protect, and maintain the public land. There are three state recreation areas in west Oakland County. The Highland Recreation Area in Highland and White Lake townships is comprised of about 5,900 acres, while the Proud Lake Recreation area in PAGE 28 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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ENVIRONMENT

Encroachment ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 26

Milford and Commerce townships has about 4,700 acres. The Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, in Waterford and White Lake, covers 3,745 acres. Under the new initiative, the DNR notifies owners of all known encroachments of the process to obtain the land being encroached upon between May 1 and Dec. 31. The deadline for those notified to file for a quick resolution on their case is Dec. 31. Encroachments range from struc-

tural trespasses (barns, garages, homes, or portions of structures on public land) to non-structural trespasses (signs, gardens, fencing), as well as historic trespasses (those built before 1973). The goal of the Encroachment Resolution Program is to provide incentive for property owners to settle cases in a streamlined process without penalties. Creagh said cases brought forth under the program address about 20 percent of all encroachment cases in the state’s system. ❏

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COUNTY

Autism coverage recommended for county workers By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Following passage of a new state law requiring health insurance coverage of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is calling upon the county Board of Commissioners to add coverage of such disorders to the health care plans for all full-time eligible county employees. “It’s the right thing to do,” Patterson said in a press release. “Parents who face the challenges of raising a child with autism should not be faced with the question of whether they can access the resources available to help their child.” Overall, the estimated additional cost to the county is expected to be minimal. The only employees affected by the new state law are those covered by HAP since the county self-insures, the press release states. If approved by the 25-member board, which has a 15-10 Republican majority, the county’s health insurance policies would cover applied behavior analysis, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and nutritional counseling for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which the Centers for Disease Control estimates affects one in every 88 American children, according to the release. Commissioner John Scott (RWaterford, West Bloomfield), who chairs the county board’s Human Resources Committee to which the resolution has been referred, said he expects smooth sailing for the measure. “If there’s a law that says we have to have it, then we would do it,” he said. The new state law, Public Acts 99

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

POLITICS

Waterford Township Clerk Republican Sue Camilleri and Democrat Teresa Fortino will compete in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 general election for the Waterford Township clerk position. The township clerk serves a four-year term and is currently paid between $72,696 and $94,507 annually, depending on experience. The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates, and their responses to those questions. CLERK’S OFFICE: What changes, if any, do you intend to make in Clerk’s Office personnel, equipment, processes, or services if elected, and why? TOWNSHIP BALLOT QUESTIONS: Waterford voters are being asked on Nov. 6 to authorize the establishment of annual special assessment districts (SADs) to support the police department, and a new millage for parks and recreation. Please explain why you do or don’t support each ballot question. TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the township at this time, and how do you propose to address them? WHY YOU? Why, specifically, should voters select you over your opponent? SUE CAMILLERI CLERK’S OFFICE: In the (township) Building Department where I work right now, I’m in charge of document retention and that is one of the core jobs of the clerk, so I would definitely move forward on digitizing records. Not only does it create a backup, but it makes it faster and easier to access the documents, so at this time of reduced staffing, it would be more efficient. I would imagine they are doing it now, and I would continue to work with the Secretary of State to clean up our Qualified Voter File. That’s been a goal of the Secretary of State and I’m fully supportive of that. TOWNSHIP BALLOT QUESTIONS: Public safety is a key component to a healthy community. The residents here deserve and expect a well-trained and well-equipped police department. I think the men and women in (the department) are some of the finest in the state and they count on my support 100 percent. However, I have a couple of problems with the SAD question on the ballot. The first one is that it has no (expiration) written into

Sue Camilleri has worked in the Waterford Township Building Department for the past 16 years. She has been a coowner and operator of multiple businesses, including Laura Lynn Bridals. Camilleri has been active in Christmas in Action of Oakland County, including as a house captain.

Teresa Fortino has been the owner and operator of Fortino's Flowers and Gifts for over 20 years. A graduate of Central Michigan University and Waterford Mott High School, she is the daughter of the late Waterford Township clerk Betty Fortino. She and her husband have three grown children.

it. The residents will never have the opportunity to decide if it should be renewed. The second problem is ... questions have already been raised about some possible savings in the police budget, and in good conscience I can’t support a millage increase without further scrutiny to be sure our residents don’t need to pay higher taxes in lieu of cutting. Parks and Recreation is an important part of the community, as well. It’s what leads people to move to a community and causes them to stay. An example is our Community Activities building where our Golden Age Club is housed. That is one of the hubs in the township for the senior citizens — there’s social interaction, sports opportunities, travel opportunities, and they love that facility. Our sports fields are used by teams of all ages year-round, so our residents in Waterford have demonstrated they want a strong, vibrant parks and recreation department. In order to ensure that, they need stable funding. I am supporting the 0.5-mill (collection) for Parks and Recreation. It means a $20 bill on average, but I feel it’s money well spent. TOP ISSUES: I would say public safety is No. 1. We need to be sure that Waterford has the police force it deserves. No. 2 is the budget, without a

doubt. Not only must we, by mandate, balance the budget, but we don’t want any threat of emergency financial managers to be looming on our horizon, so that’s critical. Another important item for the township is blight. I’ve walked through a lot of neighborhoods and no neighborhood is untouched. Trash, abandoned vehicles and vacant homes, properly that’s not maintained — the township only has three code enforcement officers and one seasonal one. They are hard working guys, but they only have time to react to complaints. I have a plan where we could be more proactive. We are all familiar with volunteer firemen. Well, there are communities across the U.S., from Florida to Washington state, that are implementing a volunteer code enforcement group that goes out and does the sign sweeps and the grass mowing inspections and inventory and monitoring of abandoned homes. This frees up our trained code enforcement officers to handle more complex issues. There’s a theory in criminology — the broken window theory: If you fail to address an issue when it’s small, the violations escalate. I believe that’s true and this is one way to protect the property values in Waterford. WHY YOU? I’ve lived here for 23 years. I chose to live here because I

like Waterford. I enjoy the natural features and the good people that live here. My husband and I have had three businesses and seen the challenges and opportunities business owners have when they choose to make a living here in Waterford and offer services. I work for the township. I’ve been there 16 years. I’ve developed relationships with department heads, and I know the policies and procedures. So this is a unique gathering of forces: a business owner’s perspective, a resident’s perspective, and an insider’s perspective. I’ve also worked with a lot of nonprofits to keep Waterford a good place to live, and this demonstrates my commitment to Waterford. I care about Waterford and do what I can to keep it a good place for people to raise their families. TERESA FORTINO CLERK’S OFFICE: I don’t know that there’s any big changes that are necessary. You know the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I know they are doing a lot of work on digitizing records and have made a lot of progress. The record retention, that’s possibly something that may need to be looked at to see if there’s records that they don’t need anymore in that system and if everything is being done efficiently with that. Otherwise, (Clerk) Kari (Vlaeminck) has been doing a great job. There’s not much that needs to be changed. TOWNSHIP BALLOT QUESTIONS: I support Parks and Recreation — it’s ultimately the people who decide, but it’s extremely important to keep the community vibrant and healthy, and a social hub. Those things are important to a community. The (police) SAD — I do support it. Does the police budget need a little more scrutiny? Possibly. I think that instead it being a disadvantage, the fact that the SAD can be reviewed every year is an advantage, because if they trust their elected officials — and I hope they do — every year that (special assessment) can be reviewed and adjusted. If it’s not needed it can go down to zero. It can never be made higher or go above 1.95 mills, but it can be reduced and adjusted as needed. We have to be realistic. The revenues have been cut. Is it essential? Yes, I think it is. It’s the cornerstone of a community. Having a PAGE 32 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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POLITICS

Waterford Township Supervisor Incumbent Democrat Carl Solden and Republican challenger Gary Walls will face off in the Tuesday, Nov. 6 general election for the Waterford Township supervisor position. The township’s supervisor serves a fouryear term and is currently paid $90,987 annually. The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates, and their responses to those questions. LEADERSHIP: The supervisor is the township’s chief executive officer, responsible for oversight of most township departments. Please describe your leadership style and priorities. TOWNSHIP BALLOT QUESTIONS: Waterford voters are being asked on Nov. 6 to authorize the establishment of annual special assessment districts to support the police department, and a new millage for parks and recreation. Please explain why you do or don’t support each ballot question. TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the township at this time, and how do you propose to address them? WHY YOU? Why, specifically, should voters select you over your opponent? CARL SOLDEN LEADERSHIP: I appreciate that question because it came up during a debate we had in 2000. Everyone was doubting my experience and I had three minutes to wrap it up and I said, “Everybody is asking about my experience, but not my leadership role.” It’s a very important part of this position. I’m not a micromanager and don’t intend to be because I’ve got qualified department heads and they are getting paid for that responsibility and charged with that responsibility. My attitude and the way I operate is let them do their job. If they have a problem where they stumble, they can come to me. If I have a problem, I can go to them. An example (is), I’m a police officer with 32 years experience. I’m well familiar with chain of command — that alone will destroy an agency if you don’t follow that. I’ve been brought up this way and done it for 32 years; I call it college, quite frankly. Based on that, if I go to the DPW (Department of Public Works) director, who I don’t

Carl Solden was first elected as township supervisor in 2000. Before that, he was a Waterford Township police officer for more than three decades.

Gary Wall has been the owner of Wall to Wall Construction for 22 years. He is a volunteer for the Waterford Historical Society and Christmas in Action, as well as a member of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce and the Oakland County Sportsmen's Club.

have a clue in most cases as to what his functions are until I look over his shoulder and say, “No, no, do it this way.” He’d probably be offended and say, “If you know so much about it, do it yourself.” Then where would I be. So, I have to depend upon these people. I have a great staff. We’ve made some changes along the way and haven’t skipped a beat. We’ve got a great group of department heads and professionals that take their job seriously. We’ve made numerous cuts since 2001 and they’ve stepped up to the plate. The key is to let them do their jobs and not micromanage them and (to) make them part-owner in the company, and that’s what’s happening. TOWNSHIP BALLOT QUESTIONS: I am supportive of the Parks and Recreation millage. I’ve used the services, and so have my family and friends. The important thing is to keep the people and programs in tact. We have a group of seniors who use the Community Activities facility on Williams Lake Road and, despite the fact that that’s a 1940s building and they are proud of that facility, there is a fear we are going to close that building. We can’t. First of all, we wouldn’t, but we also signed an agreement when we took that building over that we would maintain it for the Golden Agers and

those who use it. They call that building home. That’s a very important part of their life. So that needs to stay and it will, but we need to enhance the programs somewhat to get more funding to make it better for Parks and Recreation and the seniors, as well. So 0.5 mills was put on the ballot, and I support that 100 percent. When it comes to the SAD (special assessment district proposal for the Police Department), it’s again understanding how people feel and whether they can afford it or not. That’s definitely a problem, but at the same token, all is well when you turn the faucet on and there’s water, all is well when you call the Fire Department to respond to your home, and in a few minutes they’re there. (It’s the) same with police. There’s no secret crime is on the rise. We see that happening all around us and unfortunately we have our incidents, and not as many at this time, but I fear that will increase. We need more bodies on the streets. We need more police officers. We’ve decimated the Police Department with the budget cuts we made and the positions we eliminated because we didn’t have the money to pay them. So we need to enhance that and get those people back and this is the only way I know to do that.

It is a very critical service and I see no other way of doing this and asking the people to support this SAD. We did something recently and have a habit of doing good things here, such as the Pontiac fire consolidation merger, and just recently negotiated with the patrol union to give us the authority to employ parttime police officers, fully-trained and certified — wages only, no benefits — to put additional police on the street. We’re in the process of doing that. That will help the situation, but it’s not a cure-all because there’s a limit on hours and a limit on how many people we can have in relation to full-time guys. That’s a tentative stop-gap situation for now, but it’s something no other community has accomplished, and Waterford did. That’s the leadership role we spoke of earlier, having the ability to work with these people and keep them on our side and do the right thing. I do support the SAD and reemphasize that people need to trust in their township board, whoever that may be come Nov. 20, that they have the ability every year to decrease that 1.95 (mill levy) based upon the need. I tell you I will do it, and if I’m not (in office), hopefully the group that is there feels the same way. TOP ISSUES: Obviously revenues is one of the major issues. We’ve asked the people for help and hopefully they will come through and provide us with a better staffed Police Department. The second thing would be the Police Department being staffed adequately to perform duties and responsibilities (for) citizens. We’ve already talked of two (top issues), one of which is the SAD and ability to bring in part-time police for wages only. Thirdly is the Parks and Recreation situation, where we want to enhance that program and provide a better lifestyle to utilize services. Again, there’s a half-mill on the ballot for that. WHY YOU? I congratulate Mr. Wall and we squared off in 2008 and ran a good campaign. It’s up to the voters in the township to decide what they want. I understand it’s a public office, and have ever since I started in 2000. I’m aware the people decide — that’s the American way

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Supervisor race ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 31

and the best way. I don’t have a problem with that. On the other hand, I think I’ve served the community well. I haven’t done anything that drastic to lose the position. We’ve made a lot of changes during the last 12 years, some of which were painful and people understand that, I believe. By the same token, changes were necessary to survive and, quite frankly, we have survived. Is it the way it was 12 years ago? Absolutely not, but we’re down 125 employees since 2000 and that had to be done. It’s not nice to sit down and tell someone they are going to be laid off, or whatever the case might be . We’ve doubled and tripled the work load on these people and they’ve handled it very well. By the same token, my leadership in the organization has been great — I’ll hang my hat on that. If and when the time comes that I leave the position, be it of my own volition or the election process, I will (say) this: I can look in a mirror and not have any bad feelings or harbor any, because I haven’t done anything I’m ashamed of in this position. I therefore think, quite frankly, that I’m the best person to continue on, but that’s up to the voters and they will make that decision. We’ve made a lot of changes and consolidated a lot of things. Mr. Wall talked about forecasting the budget, and we’re doing that now and the Finance Department is doing that. Consolidation within and without — Pontiac with fire, and White Lake with IS (information services), made them accessible to a broadband wireless system so they can feed off our system. We’ve done (a lot) since 2002. We’ve gone to the next step and done a lot that other communities can’t. We probably have the thirdlargest fire department in the state now because of the merger with Pontiac. These are key components in everyday operations that a lot of people don’t understand. All these consolidations are working very well. Our human resources director left, (and) instead of adding someone outside the organization, I tapped the DPW financial guy and accountant and made them the financial people in the department. They are doing a wonderful job. We had a civilian employee in the Police Department with a background of personnel, so I made him the human

resources director. That saved us about $20,000 ... I have that experience and (would) like to carry on another four years. GARY WALL LEADERSHIP: My expertise is in the construction business. I’ve owned my own business for 22 years handling everything from top to bottom, including overseeing job sites. You’re dealing with subcontractors, employees, customers and suppliers, but the biggest thing is dealing with a budget. You have X amount of dollars to do a job, and if you don’t bring a job in at or under budget, it’s not profitable and hard to remain in business. The No. 1 goal is to keep the finances under control and still turn out a quality job. I feel confident in my ability to do this and have done it for years and kept my business going through tough times. (The) transformation and leadership role in the township will be a smooth one. I’m not saying I will have all the answers, but I’ve got 22 years experience in handling budgets and handling money, and that would be an essential part of my new job as township supervisor. You have to coordinate with people under you and keep open lines of communication, and when things come up, deal with things. As a township supervisor, you deal with department heads — coordinate and gets ducks in order and open lines of communication and deal with them on a daily basis. You’re dealing with all different people on the job. If something comes up, it must be dealt with immediately because problems don’t go away. TOWNSHIP BALLOT QUESTIONS: Anything that promotes physical activity and education in children, I’m 100 percent behind it. The biggest part of Parks and Recreation is the kids and seniors. They have some wonderful programs out there, and I’ve been personal friends with the (Parks and Recreation) director and he’s done a great job. Anything for Parks and Recreation, I’m behind. It promotes physical activity in this day and age of electronics. It promotes sports and builds character. (With the police SAD) ... I support our Police Department 100 percent — it’s not about me. My concern is about the people who can’t afford that (proposed tax). I’ve done a lot of door knocking and campaigning, and people from all walks of life like having their own police department, as do I for the personalization of it.

The majority of the people want that, too, and know they have to pay more money for it. Now it’s up to a vote and it’s what the taxpaying citizens and voters decide. That’s what’s beautiful about the U.S.A. — you’re free to support what you want to support and free to vote against what you want to vote against. It’s the people I know who can’t afford it who I’m concerned for, from a financial standpoint. TOP ISSUES: I based my campaign on my top three topics: (The) budget, blight, and creativity. The budget has to deal with financial revenues, and if you don’t have them — you have to crunch numbers — again it’s math and it has to work out. Your expenditures can’t exceed your income — if it does, then it’s a formula for disaster. (Do) long-time, I’ll call it, (budget) projections and try to get numbers in line. If the (police) SAD doesn’t go through, it’s tough to think about. We’re still faced with a budget deficit. There are other ways of generating income off the SAD to help balance that. If Parks and Recreation (millage) doesn’t go through — again, you have to think positive, but think safely. The budget is the top priority because everything revolves around the budget. No. 2 is blight. I’ve been here 58 years. I’ve done a lot of work on a lot of homes, and have passion for the community. When door knocking, you hear and have to listen to people because these are the people that form Waterford Township, and no one is happy about the blight. A big concern is dealing with blight. It needs to be addressed. No. 3 is creativity. I want to tap into the brilliance of a lot of people in the township. I’m talking volunteer programs. There’s no money to create anything new. I volunteered at the (Waterford) Historical Society for years. It’s amazing what people want to do and the creativity people have. We can hold rap sessions and sit down with the community and come up with programs to help the community, like beautification committees and build on programming to clean up the township. WHY YOU? Campaigning, when I get out and talk to people, I have ideas. First, I want people to understand (that) I don’t dislike Carl Solden — he’s a good guy, but I have experience. I’m not saying I’m more qualified than anyone else for the job, but I have experience in business, in handling situations and

working with people. The big thing is working with people to keep things going smoothly. There’s no one person who makes it happen, but when you can coordinate and get people working on the same page toward (the) same direction, that helps and I’ve been very good at this and working with budgets. I’m trying to project that to the taxpaying citizens that I’m more than qualified for the job. I worked with people, budgets and situations for decades and have been successful at it. I think the transformation from the work I do now into the Supervisor’s Office and the relationships I created would be a smooth transition and beneficial for everyone in the township. ❏

Waterford clerk ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 30

healthy police force — people feel safe, people want to live and stay here — and it creates the perception that it is a safe place to live. TOP ISSUES: The budget and maintaining the quality of services we enjoy will be a challenge that is ongoing. That’s our No. 1 priority, prioritizing and finding where the savings are. The public services we enjoy are important to maintain, whether that’s the senior center, parks and recreation — those are all very important and vital to the community. Maybe we can find more creative ways to maintain that. Those are the most important tasks at hand and it will take all the efforts that we have to do that. WHY YOU? I think I’m the best candidate for this position because I bring a unique set of life skills to the table. After I graduated from Central Michigan University, I held a variety of jobs and started my own business, got married, raised three children, and while I was doing that I ran Fortino’s Flowers for 23 years. Even with all the economic challenges, I managed to keep that business running, so I know what it takes to run a tight ship and maintain the same level of quality of services with much less. I know that the township deserves to have a public official they can trust and is honest and has integrity and good work ethic, and I believe I possess all those qualities. I want to go to work for Waterford. I was raised in Waterford and it’s a great place to live, and know that it can continue to be a great place to work, live, and play. I can promise you no one will work harder. ❏

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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MAIL BAG

Vote for Caradonna

Skate park editorial

From Dayna Elfont-Caradonna, Commerce Township: Why I believe in Paul Caradonna: Things were going great. I had just graduated from my Family Medicine residency, and Paul was in his last semester of law school. We had just gotten engaged. All of our dreams were before us. And then it happened ... Literally overnight, I was completely paralyzed on my left side, due to multiple sclerosis. I spent the next month hospitalized and wheelchairbound, while I learned to move my left side again. Despite the rigorous task of studying for law school and the Bar exam, Paul was at my bedside every single day. The next six months were rough, but Paul was there for me, day in and day out, determined to see me walk again. One year later, I was able to walk down the aisle to marry Paul and celebrate our life together. Now, Paul and I live in Commerce Township with our two beautiful children, Isabella and Parker. What you need to know about Paul is that he is a man of integrity and an unbelievably dedicated husband and father who never quits. He is a man who is not only committed to his family, but also to his community. He served as a Marine and then an Army National Guard Officer, and is currently a volunteer police officer. If elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, I know Paul will be a strong and committed advocate for all of us in Oakland County. Please vote for Paul Caradonna for our Oakland County Commissioner, District 7, on Nov. 6. Thank you for your consideration. ❏

From Milford Village Councilman Jim Kovach: I must admit that when I first read your editorial in support of the Milford Skate Park, I thought it was an attempt to be funny, and exaggerate the specious reasons to support this proposal. Upon review, I realized you were actually serious with these “benefits.” Your arguments in support of this proposal need to be placed in perspective: • It is estimated that over the first four years, this proposal will raise over $750,000 in taxpayer money to pay for the proposed skate “garden” and accompanying “viewing and picnic areas.” However, nobody knows the exact costs of providing this proposal and these features. There have been no firm proposals or quotations for the design and build of this park. The backers of this tax have decided that they did not want to invest any money in coming up with these numbers until after they could be guaranteed taxpayer money. Basically, this proposal is asking for a 20-year blank check, in which the voters may or may not get anything close to what is promised. • It is also stated that this skate park may “draw people from around the state and country.” This argument was used for the development of the Vans’ skate park in Novi (since closed and demolished), and the Meijer skate park in Brighton (which was closed for almost 2 years due to lack of funding and interest). One must also wonder why Milford taxpayers would find any benefit that their tax dollars are being spent to potentially have attendees “stay in local hotels” (there are none in Milford Township), or to “buy gas from local gas stations” (I think we all pay enough already at these gas stations). • I am impressed by your almost child-like belief that private donors will continue to contribute after a 20 year millage is put in place, and government will voluntarily reduce the amount of

money they have been authorized to collect from the taxpayers. This disconnect from the real world is charming, though totally unrealistic. The concept of the skate park is a wonderful idea, but when it was initially proposed (8 years ago), there was going to be no cost to the taxpayers. However, it has morphed into a proposal that would now cost over a million dollars over the life of the millage. It’s unfair to further burden the taxpayers to appease such a small group of residents. ❏

Unfair attack ads From Neil Wallace, Clarkston: Who we elect as our judges matters. So how we elect them should matter, as well. Judge Phyllis McMillen, Oakland County Circuit Judge, deserves your vote this election. And Judge McMillen needs your vote because of an untrue, unfair media attack on her funded by secret out-of-state money. So far both The Detroit Free Press and The Spinal Column Newsweekly have reported on this, identifying the PAGE 34 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

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

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

AROUND THE LAKES AREA

A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly

WE’RE ASKING… What's your favorite smart phone app? "SportsCenter ESPN."

— Garry Mack, Farmington Hills

"Internet Movie Database, or IMDB."

— Lorenza T., West Bloomfield

"Instagram"

— Francis Sabo, Commerce

"Places for the Android. It finds your location and recommends restaurants nearby."

— Toby Rabban Oak Park

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Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 33

cover organizations in Virginia and Oregon who are fronting for this secret money. Usually judicial campaigns are relatively quiet, particularly because the candidates cannot raise the money it takes to run television advertisements. So typically the folks who are voting for judges are those that have taken the time to really learn about the candidates. I’ve done that research so I know the attacks on Judge Phyllis McMillen are as wrong as they are vicious. The only way our votes mean more than this out-of-state money is if we vote to elect Judge Phyllis McMillen. ❏

Cooper experienced From Francis P. Hughes, Oakland Township; and Otis M. Underwood, Oxford Township: We are two well-experienced Oakland County attorneys who are familiar with the qualifications of Jessica Cooper and Michael Bishop, the two candidates running for Oakland County prosecutor... Jessica Cooper is a former district (court) judge, Circuit (Court) judge, Court of Appeals judge, and a fouryear Oakland prosecutor who supervises a staff of 180 persons, including criminal trial lawyers, investigators, legal secretaries, etc., all in a county with a current population of 1.2 million people. Michael Bishop is a 12-year Lansing politician who has never tried or prosecuted a felony case. He was term-limited out of office and one of his last acts was an attempt to reverse the term limits law. Thankfully, he failed to do so. He has since been self-employed as a real estate attorney. He did handle some ordinance viola-

NextCat

tions and minor traffic offenses, but that does not make him a prosecuting attorney as those matters are usually settled by payment of a fine, removal of a sign, or a plea of guilty to a lesser traffic offense. The voters should ask themselves, “If I (was) charged with a serious crime, would I hire Michael Bishop?” If you would not hire him as your attorney, why would you put him in charge of all the trials for all of the felony cases in Oakland County for the next four years? ❏

State slapped in face From Walter Pytiak, West Bloomfield Township: U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s refusal to debate has shown a total disregard for her constituency. Since Presidents Washington to Lincoln to Obama, political debate has been the backbone of our country and the democratic process it is based on. This is a direct slap in the face to all people in the state of Michigan — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. The name for such a politician is self serving condescending coward. ❏

Flaisher’s solid record From Sheryl L. Mitchell, West Bloomfield Township: West Bloomfield residents have been gravely disappointed by local candidates and office-holders who can “talk the talk” but can’t “walk the walk.” The current leadership which wallows in intimidation, bickering, and lawsuits has tarnished the reputation of our community. A cross-section of individuals — both Democrats and Republicans — have come together to seek a solid solution in filling this leadership void. We recognize that we need competent, professional leadership

on our township board. David Flaisher has a solid record which includes: instituting cost containment measures; expanding the police and fire departments; constructing bike paths and a new fire station; and negotiating rate savings on our water bills. David Flaisher is committed and actively involved in our community, including leadership and active roles with United We Walk, Michigan Week and Friendship Circle. West Bloomfield residents generously voted to renew and increase our millage for public safety. We need capable and conservative leadership that is committed to balancing the budget and improving services while attracting new businesses and families. We need someone with integrity who values diversity of opinion and is willing to work with others. David Flaisher is the only candidate that is a proven leader who is capable of building collaborative partnerships. In order for West Bloomfield to move forward in a positive way, we must fill the leadership void. Please join Democrats and Republicans in supporting professional, experienced leadership. FILL IN FLAISHER — an Independent for Supervisor of West Bloomfield Township. Important note: voters can vote a STRAIGHT PARTY TICKET and FILL IN FLAISHER. This only impacts your choice for township supervisor — all of your other straight party votes still count. ❏

Library board race From Beverly Orndorf, White Lake Township: Pam Collins and I are write-in

candidates for the White Lake Library Board. We both are retired teachers and have lived in White Lake for a number of years. Our White Lake Township Library is a great asset to our community and we want to help continue that trend. We would appreciate your support. Please write in the right candidates: Pam Collins and Beverly Orndorf. Thank you. ❏

Re-elect Solden From Russell C. Anderson, Waterford Township: I am writing with regard to the upcoming election for Waterford Township supervisor. As a lifelong member of the incredible Waterford Township community and longstanding member of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce doing business as a practicing attorney with my office in Waterford Township, I want to state that Carl Solden has done a terrific job as township supervisor. He has maintained the highest degree of competency and integrity in his capacity as township supervisor. I would encourage the voting members of Waterford Township to re-elect Carl Solden as township supervisor. ❏

CORRECTION In the Wednesday, Oct. 13 edition of the Spinal Column Newsweekly’s Sportsweekly section, the article titled “Knights earn first-ever football playoff berth” should have stated that on Walled Lake Northern’s first drive of the second quarter, quarterback Collin O’Donnell threw a screen pass to Jake Ginster, who then took the ball 28 yards for a touchdown. ❏

By Colin Bartlett

Hey Professor Pounce. I was hoping you could make me some solar panels. I want to start using clean energy.

... Solar ... panels ... ... clean ... energy... All right, I’ll see what I can do.

I’ve done it! I created tile panels that release the sun’s radiation and our electricity is being cleaned by our water pipes.

What... WHAT?

Whoa, guys! We have the coolest bathroom. I just got tanned, blinded, and electrocuted all in one shower.

I know, it was Astrocat’s idea.

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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IN OUR OPINION

‘Yes’ on Prop. 1, ‘no’ on 2-6 EFM law needs to stand; other proposals wrong-headed W

e continue our Tuesday, Nov. 6 general election editorial endorsements with this week’s focus on the six statewide ballot proposals and two lakes area school district millage renewal proposals. Keep in mind that the general election ballot is quite long, given the many candidate races, state ballot questions, and local funding proposals. Those local ballot questions will be found at the end of the ballot, so be sure to look for those and cast your vote on these several important local proposals. Readers looking for advice on approximately 40 contested candidate races impacting the lakes area — from those involving seats in the U.S. Congress down the ballot to local school board races — will find our endorsements in those contests in next week’s edition of the Spinal Column Newsweekly. The following is our take on the six statewide ballot questions facing general election voters, followed by our stance on the Huron Valley and Waterford school districts’ non-homestead millage renewal requests. You can read more details about the statewide proposals and the two local school district millage renewal requests in the pages of this week’s Spinal Column Newsweekly. PROPOSAL 12-01 Emergency Manager Law Referendum The first state ballot question presented to voters involves Michigan’s controversial emergency financial manager (EFM) law — the Local Government and School District Fiscal Accountability Act, or Public Act (PA) 4 of 2011. The way the ballot language is written, a “yes” vote would be to uphold the EFM law; a “no” vote would be to repeal the act. The act, which was among the first laws enacted by the current state Legislature, expanded the powers of EFMs as outlined in previous statute. Enacting that legislation sparked outrage among much of the public, particularly by Detroit officials and residents, who claim the expanded EFM powers rob citizens of their constitutional right to choose their representatives in local government. We’ve found that to be a somewhat hysterical, over the top complaint, and have no hesitation urging the public to vote

YES to uphold the EFM law. PA 4 outlines a 12-step process by which a state-appointed official intervenes in the fiscal well-being of a community or school district and comes up with a written plan to address the underlying causes of what the state considers a financial emergency. After several steps, if there is confirmation that a financial emergency exists, the governor must declare a local government in receivership and appoint an EFM. After being placed in receivership, both the chief executive officer and governing body of a local government in receivership are prohibited from exercising any powers of their offices without written approval of the EFM — thus the laments about disenfranchised voters. In reality, the several steps under the law preceding the declaration of a financial emergency serve as fail-safes, or opportunities for local governments to get their finances in order before an EFM is appointed. These preceding steps offer communities multiple opportunities to avoid coming under the authority of an EFM. It’s only under the most dire of circumstances that an EFM can be appointed — when elected officials repeatedly fail to fulfill their primary responsibility, which is to manage a municipalities finances. A single year of failing to balance a budget isn’t enough to trigger appointment of an EFM — it takes multiple years of mismanagement and neglect before a community could realistically be in a situation where an EFM takes over. As such, PA 4 isn’t as much about stripping the people’s right to elect their own officials as much as it is about making sure somebody steps up to make tough decisions and do the people’s bidding, which is to balance the municipal budget — a requirement of state law, by the way. No, we’re not thrilled about EFM’s ability to nix all or portions of labor contracts previously negotiated in good faith by both sides; but, sometimes aggressive, unpleasant steps such as that are necessary, particularly when the issue is a lack of money to maintain labor pact provisions. The EFM law ensures that municipalities live within their means, while first giving communities plenty of chances to get their house in order.

The law needs to stand with a YES vote. PROPOSAL 12-02 Collective Bargaining Constitutional Amendment This ballot question was prompted by efforts across the nation to limit, if not eliminate, collective bargaining rights for public employees. Proposal 12-02 seeks to enshrine in the state’s Constitution the right of public and private employees to collectively bargain. It would also strike down current or future state laws that limit the ability to collectively bargain, join unions, and negotiate and enforce union contracts. While Michigan workers may have had some collective bargaining rights infringed — such as public employees no longer being able to negotiate for health insurance co-pays below 20 percent of total premium costs — they still can unionize if they so choose; and with no guarantee that the fundamental right to collectively bargain will ever be eliminated in this state, Proposal 2 is a solution to a problem that doesn’t, and may well never really exist. We don’t see this as a constitutional issue, and advocate a NO vote. We believe the Constitution should provide for protection against discrimination and various government abuses. Frankly, providing for collective bargaining rights isn’t a constitutional issue — or at least it shouldn’t be. Chalk up Proposal 12-02 as a backlash against the nationwide GOP assault on unions. If Republicans in several states hadn’t railed against unions by, in some cases, moving to severely limit or eliminate them, Michigan wouldn’t face the potential of writing collective bargaining guarantees into the Constitution. Yes, we, too, believe that unions over the years have bargained for and received benefits and contract provisions that are either unnecessary or unsustainable; but, eliminating unions isn’t the way to address that situation. Don’t forget, bargaining involves two sides — labor and management. So, management is just as culpable for unions’ excesses as the rank and file. Instead of trying to dismantle the entire collective bargaining apparatus, why not just say “no” to unions when they bargain for something that doesn’t ensure workers’ health and safety,

or when they want something and there’s no money to pay for it? Management in government and the private sector should have started doing that decades ago. It’s that simple — just say “NO,” which is exactly what state voters need to do on Proposal 12-02 in the voting booth on Nov. 6. PROPOSAL 12-03 Renewable Energy Constitutional Amendment The third statewide proposal before general election voters is a constitutional amendment that would require utility companies to produce 25 percent of the state’s electrical power through renewable energy systems by 2025. It also states electric utility rate increases charged to customers only to achieve compliance with the mandate would be limited to not more than 1 percent per year; and provides for annual extensions of the deadline to meet the 25 percent standard in order to prevent rate increases over the annual 1 percent limit. Finally, the proposal would require the Legislature to enact laws encouraging the use of Michigan-made equipment and employment of Michigan residents. We are firm believers in the benefits of, and the need to develop, greater reliance on renewable energy sources and systems. However, the free market, not the state’s Constitution, should be the vehicle for reaching the laudable goal of greater use of alternative forms of energy. Once again, this isn’t a constitutional issue, and we’re suggesting a NO vote on Proposal 12-03. It’s interesting that while supporters of the proposal claim its approval would lead to lower utility bills for consumers, the ballot language actually provides for higher rates — albeit with a cap. So much for lower energy bills for customers. And, with the ability of utility companies to get extensions on meeting the 25 percent mandate, the 2025 deadline is — well, toothless and empty. We would be thrilled if utility companies used Michigan-made equipment and state workers in their move toward use of alternative energy sources; but once again, the free market needs to be the arbiter on these issues, not the state Constitution. PAGE 36 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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If you’re one of those people who recognizes the importance of using renewable energy sources and systems in your home or business, there’s nothing stopping you from, say, installing a geothermal heating/cooling system, for example. Individuals and the market need to be left with the option to implement — with some reasonable restrictions, in some cases — wind, solar, biomass and hydropower energy systems. A forced movement in that direction written into the Constitution is completely inappropriate. PROPOSAL 12-04 Home Health Care Workers Constitutional Amendment This proposal is about writing into the state’s Constitution the right for in-home care workers to collectively bargain with the Michigan Quality Home Care Council. If passed, the council would be required to provide training for in-home care workers, develop a registry of workers who have cleared background checks, and provide financial services to patients to manage the costs of in-home care. In addition, the proposal would authorize the council to set minimum compensation standards and terms and conditions of employment. Not unlike our thoughts on Proposal 12-02, there’s some value to be found in this proposal — training for in-home care workers, a registry of workers who have passed background checks, financial counseling for patients, and minimum terms and condition of employment. Yet all of that is possible through the legislative and executive branches of state government, so there’s no reason to add those requirements to the Constitution. This is another proposal that deserves a NO vote. We don’t quibble with the notion that in-home care workers and the patients who rely on them have some serious needs and issues. This proposal looks to address those legitimate needs and issues. We’d much rather see the in-home care industry regulated like so many other aspects of our economy and society — through statutes and administrative rules, and even industry standards. Our Constitution contains no provisions relative to minimum standards for doctors, lawyers, engineers, police officers and firefighters, bus drivers, etc ... so, why should it include the like when in comes to in-home care? The answer, of course, is simple — it shouldn’t, so vote NO.

It’s important to consider that just as workers should be able to unionize for collective bargaining, they should also be allowed to opt out of being part of a union, and this proposal, if approved, would force workers into unionizing. PROPOSAL 12-05 Tax Increase Constitutional Amendment This proposal seeks a constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds majority of the state Legislature, or a statewide vote of the people in a November election, for the creation of new or additional taxes, expansion of the tax base, or an increase in taxes. It would be foolish and short-sighted to enact this amendment, so please vote NO. At least this proposal focuses on an issue — taxation — that’s ripe for constitutional provisions. Sure enough, our Constitution already contains many provisions on the taxation issue, including multiple limitations on taxes, tax increases, borrowing and loans, investment of public funds, accounting and auditing of public funds, etc. We’re not aware that those provisions are “broken” and in need of a major fix, thereby making this proposal completely unnecessary. No one likes new taxes, but voter approval of this proposal would create a serious impingement on lawmakers’ ability to fulfill their fundamental duty and job. It would take a Herculean effort to implement a new tax, raise an existing tax, or restructure the overall tax system in this state under the provisions of this proposal. Actually, all of that may well be impossible if Proposal 12-05 is backed by a majority of state voters. We fear that placing these provisions in the Constitution would set the state up for the kind of gridlock and insanity that’s been witnessed in California, for example. There, when lawmakers can’t reach an agreement on a budget that includes any kind of hike or change in taxation, any potential increase in taxation must go before the voters, who historically shoot the new, expanded, or increased tax down. Unfortunately, that tends to lead to annual bouts of budgetary chaos. The notion of a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers seems like an impossible dream when it comes to taxation, especially in this era of hyper-partisanship and gamesmanship. Add in the public’s newfound right to potentially weigh in on every proposed increase, expansion or restructuring of taxation, and you have an overly onerous set of consti-

tutional provisions that easily could cause dire problems for one and all in this state. With Proposal 12-05’s provisions in place, Michigan almost certainly wouldn’t have been able to revise the business tax structure that officials and civilians alike screamed for over many years. So, wrap yourself in the warm, fuzzy glow of this anti-tax-driven proposal if you like, but be prepared for the paralysis and financial crisis that leads to the loss of all kinds of essential services and functions coming out of Lansing if this proposal is passed. Indeed, voting is a fundamental right in our nation and in this state, but the people shouldn’t have to, or be allowed to, vote on every tweak and twist of the taxation system; nor should a two-thirds supermajority in the Legislature be necessary to bring about changes from time to time. Just say NO. PROPOSAL 12-06 International Bridge Construction Constitutional Amendment Sponsored by a group called The People Should Decide, the sixth state proposal going before voters next month would forbid the state from spending money or resources on acquiring land, designing, soliciting bids for, constructing, financing, or promoting a new international bridge or tunnel between Detroit and Windsor, Canada unless authorized by a majority of state voters casting ballots in a November election. It’s another proposal that needs to be nixed by voting NO. This is probably the silliest of this election cycle’s overall laughable batch of statewide proposals. While a majority of state voters would have to back a new bridge or tunnel project, so too would a majority of voters in each municipality where a new bridge or tunnel would be developed. Let’s look at this proposal honestly — it’s nothing more than a means to ensure what amounts to a monopoly in southeast Michigan international crossings enjoyed by The Detroit International Bridge Co. Another way to look at it is the proposal amounts to being a proposed Moroun Family Fortune Preservation Amendment to the state Constitution, since it’s the Moroun family that owns the Ambassador Bridge and desperately wants to kill any project that would present competition. It’s surely not about the people’s choice, or sound public policy. Do we get to vote on highway, bridge, airport, water or sewer infrastructure projects? No. Why should we have the ability to vote on a something like a new inter-

national crossing? The Morouns are banking on their ability to scare people into opposition to such a project. Don’t give them that opportunity. HURON VALLEY SCHOOLS Non-homestead Millage Renewal Without equivocation, voters in the Huron Valley School District need to resoundingly approve the district’s request for a 10-year non-homestead property tax millage renewal with a YES vote. The millage renewal represents more than 10 percent of the district’s budget at $9.17 million per year. But more than that, this is a levy that non-homestead property owners — those who own commercial or industrial property, and second homes — are already paying. Those who own a single residential property that has been claimed as a homestead exemption don’t have to pay this tax and never have. The ballot proposal asks to levy the statutory rate of 18 mills on all eligible property, which is required for the school district to receive its state perpupil foundation allowance, and renew the millage that will expire with the 2012 tax levy. Huron Valley’s current per-pupil foundation allowance is $6,966 per pupil. District officials say that if the millage renewal doesn’t pass, the district would be docked $1,000 per pupil. Simply put, that is unacceptable, especially when this proposal doesn’t represent a new tax — it’s already being paid, and merely needs reauthorization for another 10 years. WATERFORD SCHOOLS Non-homestead Millage Renewal Likewise in the Waterford School District, voters should have no beef with supporting overwhelmingly the district’s request for a renewal of the non-homestead millage at 18 mills. The renewal would be for a period of 10 years from 2014 to 2023 and the district expects to collect $11.9 million in the first year of the renewal in 2014. Similarly a substantial chunk of the district’s budget, an $11.9-million annual funding hole would be created for Waterford Schools if the renewal is rejected. Like in Huron Valley, this levy is already imposed on non-homestead properties — businesses and nonprincipal residences. It is not a new tax, and it’s key to funding the district, just one of many across the state that are hampered for money. A YES vote on the non-homestead property tax levy is imperative for the district and Waterford students. ❏

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Four Towns United Methodist Church: Rummage Sale, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.5 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m.-noon “Bag Day” Saturday, Oct. 25-27, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-0211 ■ St. Anne’s Catholic Church: Youth group’s 9th annual “Haunted Forest,” 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Oct. 26-27, Wojo’s Greenhouse, 2570 Oakwood Road, Ortonville. Admission $10 adults, $6 for ages under 13. 248-627-3965, ext. 132. ■ Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 224 of Wixom: Captain Ron’s annual walleye fry dinner with karaoke, 5:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26, Walled Lake Eagles on Glengary, Wolverine Lake. Dinner $9, all proceeds go to charity. mitcheldo@aol.com. ■ North Oakland County Storytellers: Fright Night at Fisk Farm, an evening of Halloween storytelling, children’s stories at 7 p.m., adult stories at 8:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26, 9180 Highland Road, White Lake. Admission $2 per person or $5 per family. 248-698-9279. ■ VFW Post 4156: Halloween Party for ages 114, Saturday, Oct. 27, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. R.S.V.P. by Thursday, Oct. 25. 248303-9157 or email poolekmm@yahoo.com. ■ Oakland County Market: Family Fall Festival, games/ activities for kids, fresh grilled food, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Free admission. DestinationOakland.com. ■ St. Matthew Lutheran Church: “Ghosts, UFOs and the Paranormal” with Bob Dutko of WMUZ, 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, 2040 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake. Free admission. freewill offering will be appreciated. 248-6247676. ■ Michigan Society Sons of the American Revolution: 34th Model Car & Toy Fair, Carlton Hobbies Model contest/fund-raiser for Youth Scholarship Fund, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, Bakers of Milford, 2025 S. Milford Road, Milford. Admission is $5; free for children under 12. 248-684-5636.

Watkins Lake Road, Waterford. 248-698-9133 or 248-563-2109. ■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-673-3493. ■ Friends of Byers: Byers’ Antique Barn now open noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Volunteers are needed at 213 Commerce Road, Commerce. For more information, visit byershomestead.org or call 248-363-2592. ■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable transportation needed to visit terminally-ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888937-4390. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Thoughts and Colors of Nature, a group exhibit by members of the Michigan Association of Calligraphers, now on display at 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland. ■ Lakes Area Optimist Club: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Thursdays, Walled Lake Big Boy on Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake. Volunteer opportunity available. 248-520-4680. ■ Milford Police Department: Now taking back unwanted prescription drugs on a continuous basis at 1100 Atlantic Street in Milford. These unwanted prescription drugs may be placed into the secure drop box located in the Police Department lobby. All drugs turned in will ultimately be sent to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for destruction. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked. For more information, visit milfordpolice.com or call 248-676-2089. ■ Rotary of West Bloomfield: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Henry Ford Medical Center, second floor, southwest corner of Farmington and Maple roads. 248-520-0095. ■ St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church: Mom’s Day Out, free child care for errand-running moms, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, 3795 Sashabaw Road, Waterford. 248-674-4322.

■ Walled Lake Farmers Market: Open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays now through Oct. 31, Walled Lake City Event Field on E. West Maple Road between Decker Road and Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake. 248-624-4847.

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

■ Huron Valley Recreation and Community Education: In conjunction with White Lake Township and Stone Cold Statuary, looking for vendors to participate in the inaugural Fall Market Season, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 3, and Nov. 17, Huron Valley Lakeland High School inside the pool entrance, 1500 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. whitelakefarmersmarket.weebly.com. 248-676-8390, or 248-7551195. ■ Oakland County Market: Open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, May through Christmas, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. oakgov.com/cmarket.

❐ Orchard Lake Community Church Presbyterian: Free eight-week seminar and support group for people who are grieving, 7 p.m. Mondays now through Nov. 12, 5171 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield. Registration, walk-ins are welcome. 248-682-0730.

■ Big Chief Chorus: Rehearsals, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800

SUPPORT GROUPS

❐ Age with Grace: Caregiver support group meeting, 6 p.m. the first Monday of every month at 2230 E. Highland Road, Highland. Space is limited, please call to reserve your place. 248529-6431. ❐ AA Meetings: 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Four Towns United Methodist Church, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-0211.

❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for life’s hurts, habits or hangups, meetings, 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. 248755-9533. ❐ Families Anonymous, West Bloomfield Chapter: Twelve-step support group for recovery for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs, alcohol or related behavioral problems, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, West Bloomfield area. 1800-736-9805 or familiesanonymous.org. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 866-9143663 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. 248-338-9666.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES ❐ Active Adult Program: Master Class in Song Interpretation, 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, 6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield. Admission is $5. 248-967-4030. ❐ Dublin Senior Center: Senior Book Group, Helen Simonson’s “ Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand,” 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-6982394. ❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: Halloween Party, Friday, Oct. 26, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248-887-1707. ❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Soup, Sandwich and Movie Day, noon to 3 p.m. Thursdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. 248-926-0063. ❐ RSVP: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program needs volunteers, age 55 and up to work at hospitals, cultural institutions, food pantries, schools and more. For more information, contact Carol Heckman at 248-559-1147, ext. 3435. ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Avenue, West Bloomfield. 248-682-0770. ❐ Waterford Senior Center: Art Expression, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Room No. 2, 3621 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Five-dollar donation toward class supplies; $1 per day to help offset Waterford Senior Center costs. 248-683-9450. ❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Senior Programs: Line dancing, 11 a.m. Fridays at the Corners, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248-451-1900. ❐ Wixom Senior Center: Coffee Talk, 11 a.m. Thursdays, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. 248624-0870.

PARKS ❐ Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center: Creatures of the Night and Owl Prowl, Saturday, Oct. 27; “Tot Time: Nuts About Squirrels” and “Basic Orienteering,” Saturday, Nov. 3, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 248-625-6640. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: “Fun on the Farm Halloween Party” with stories, trick-or-treat, hayride, animal parade, costumes encouraged, 10 a.m. to noon, Oct. 25; Tractor-drawn Pick Your Pumpkin hayrides, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays now through end of October, Kensington Metropark, Milford. 248-684-8632 or 1-800-477-3178. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: Chartered horsedrawn hayrides are now available, Kensington Metropark, Milford. For price and reservations, call 810-227-8910. ❐ Waterford Oaks County Park: Native Seed Propagation Workshop with light refreshments, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, Waterford Oaks Greenhouse, 1580 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. Admission is $25, space is limited. Pre-paid registration for the workshop required by Oct. 31. Call 248-858-0916. Visa/MasterCard accepted.

LIBRARY EVENTS

❐ Commerce Township Community Library: Used book sale, most items 50 cents to $1, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, and “Fill a Bag” Saturday, 1-3 p.m. “Everything must Go” Sunday, Oct. 25-28; Speaker Kurt David, “From Glory Days: Successful Transitions of Professional Detroit Athletes,” 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Halloween Party for ages 3-11, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration and costumes suggested. 248-887-2218. ❐ West Bloomfield Library: “Little Explorers,” stories, songs, science exploration, creative dramatics, ages 3-5, 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. 248-682-2120. ❐ White Lake Township Library: “Scary Stories & Creepy Treats,” ages 5 and up with caregiver, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. 248-698-4942. ❐ Wixom Public Library: Movie & Pizza Night, “Hunger Games,” 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. 248-624-2512.

RELIGIOUS ❐ Shephard of the Lakes Lutheran Church: Veteran’s Day Salute, service, luncheon, WWII memorabilia, USO show, 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11, 2905 S. Commerce, Walled Lake. RSVP for lunch, Nov. 7; freewill donations. 248-6244238 or www.shepherdlakes.org.

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NOTICE OF ELECTION GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 6, 2012 IN THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE To the Qualified Electors: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Election will be held in: The Charter Township of Commerce County of Oakland, State of Michigan

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012 THE POLLS will be open 7 o’clock a.m. until 8 o’clock p.m. ALL POLLING PLACES ARE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE BRAILLE AND AUDIO VERSIONS OF VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE

passed but before 4 p.m. on Election Day. The emergency must have occurred at a time that made it impossible for you to apply for a regular absentee voter ballot. Your local clerk will have more information about emergency absentee voter ballots. ______________________________________________________________ FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING CANDIDATES OF ALL PARTICIPATING POLITICAL PARTIES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES: PRESIDENTIAL

ELECTORS OF PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

CONGRESSIONAL

UNITED STATES SENATOR, REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS PARTIAL TERM ENDING 01/02/2013

LEGISLATIVE

REPRESENTATIVE IN STATE LEGISLATURE

STATE BOARDS

MEMBER OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, REGENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, TRUSTEE OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, GOVERNOR OF WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY

COUNTY

COUNTY EXECUTIVE, PROSECUTING ATTORNEY, SHERIFF, CLERK/ REGISTER OF DEEDS, TREASURER, DRAIN COMMISSIONER AND COUNTY COMMISSIONER

AT THE POLLING PLACES LISTED BELOW: Precinct 1: Precinct 2: Precinct 3: Precinct 4: Precinct 5: Precinct 6: Precinct 7: Precinct 8: Precinct 9: Precinct 10: Precinct 11: Precinct 12: Precinct 13: Precinct 14: Precinct 15:

Commerce Elementary School Wolverine Lake Village Offices Crossroads Presbyterian Church Union Lake Baptist Church Oakley Park Elementary School Clifford Smart Middle School Country Oaks Elementary Oak Valley Middle School W.L. Northern High School Glengary Elementary Walled Lake Elementary Fire Station #4 Richardson Center Commerce Meadows United Methodist Church

520 Farr Street 425 Glengary 1445 Welch Road 8390 Commerce Road 2015 Oakley Park Road 8500 Commerce Road 5070 S. Duck Lake Road 4200 White Oak Trail 6000 Bogie Lake Road 3070 Woodbury 1055 West Maple Road 2401 Glengary Road 1485 Oakley Park Road 2400 Meadows Circle 1155 N. Commerce Road

Absentee Ballots: Absentee voter ballots are available for all elections. As a registered voter, you may obtain an absentee voter ballot if you are: • 60 years of age or older • physically unable to attend the polls without assistance of another • expect to be out absent from the community in which registered to vote on election day • unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons • appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence • confined to jail awaiting arraignment or trial. A person who registers to vote by mail must vote in person in the first election in which he or she participates. The restriction does not apply to overseas voters, voters who are handicapped or voters who are 60 years of age or older. Requesting an Absentee Ballot: Your request for an absentee voter ballot must be in writing and can be submitted to your township clerk. Your request must include one of the six statutory reasons stated above and your signature. You can also obtain a pre-printed Absentee Ballot application form at Commerce Township’s Clerk’s Department. Requests to have an absentee voter ballot mailed to you must be received by your clerk no later than 2 p.m. the Saturday before the election. Once your request is received by the local clerk, your signature on the request will be checked against your voter registration record before a ballot is issued. You must be a registered voter to receive an absentee ballot. Requests for absentee voter ballots are processed immediately. Absentee voter ballots may be issued to you at your home address or any address outside of your city or township of residence. After receiving your absentee voter ballot, you have until 8 p.m. on Election Day to complete the ballot and return it to the clerk’s office. Your ballot will not be counted unless your signature is on the return envelope and matches your signature on file. If you received assistance voting the ballot, then the signature of the person who helped you must also be on the return envelope. Only you, a family member or person residing in your household, a mail carrier, or election official is authorized to deliver your signed absentee voter ballot to your clerk’s office. If an emergency, such as a sudden illness or family death prevents you from reaching the polls on Election Day, you may request an emergency absentee voter ballot. Requests for an emergency ballot must be submitted after the deadline for regular absentee voter ballots has

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LOCAL TOWNSHIP TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR, TOWNSHIP CLERK, TOWNSHIP TREASURER AND TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES LOCAL VILLAGE

VILLAGE COUNCIL

JUDICIAL

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT – INCUMBENT POSITION JUDGE OF COURT OF APPEALS – 2ND DISTRICT – INCUMBENT POSITION JUDGE OF CIRCUIT COURT – 6TH CIRCUIT – INCUMBENT POSITION JUDGE OF CIRCUIT COURT – 6TH CIRCUIT – NON-INCUMBENT POSITION JUDGE OF PROBATE COURT – OAKLAND COUNTY – INCUMBENT POSITION JUDGE OF DISTRICT COURT – 52-1ST DISTRICT – INCUMBENT POSITION

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BOARD MEMBER HURON VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER

STATE PROPOSAL 12-1: A REFERENDUM ON PUBLIC ACT 4 OF 2011 – THE EMERGENCY MANAGER LAW. STATE PROPOSAL 12-2: A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION REGARDING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING. STATE PROPOSAL 12-3: A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH A STANDARD FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY. STATE PROPOSAL 12-4: A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH THE MICHIGAN QUALITY HOME CARE COUNCIL AND PROVIDE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR IN-HOME CARE WORKERS. STATE PROPOSAL 12-5: A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO LIMIT THE ENACTMENT OF NEW TAXES BY STATE GOVERNMENT. STATE PROPOSAL 12-6: A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES AND TUNNELS. LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSAL(S) WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSAL: BUILDING AND SITE SINKING FUND MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL. HURON VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSAL: OPERATING MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL. FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSAL(S) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM: DANIEL P. MUNRO, CLERK THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE COMMERCE TWP., MI 48390 (248) 960-7020 SC: 10-24-2012

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Huron Valley Milford senior Jonathon Schwartz (with ball) had a night to remember against Huron Valley Lakeland on Friday, Oct. 19. He not only caught a 75-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, but also returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown as the Mavericks defeated the Eagles, 35-32, to deny Lakeland a state playoff berth. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

A bitter pill for Lakeland Loss to archrival Milford keeps Eagles out of state playoffs By Michael Shelton staff writer

Huron Valley Lakeland headed into its annual rivalry matchup with Huron Valley Milford hoping to celebrate a state playoff berth on its home field at the end of the night. But in the end, the celebration that was held after the game involved the Mavericks and their fans that stormed the Eagles’ field as Lakeland’s open door to the playoffs was slammed

shut. Milford edged out Lakeland on the road, 35-32, on Friday, Oct. 19 for its second straight victory over the Eagles to finish its 2012 campaign with a twogame winning streak and a 4-5 record. “We had so many kids banged up, we lost five starters over the course of the night, but the kids played with courage and they finished the season the right way. I was very pleased,” said Milford Head Coach Pat Fox.

For Lakeland (5-4), last Friday marked the end of a disappointing threegame stretch to conclude what seemed like a promising season.

View VIDEO CLIPS relative to this story at www.spinalcolumnonline.com

Three weeks ago, the Eagles were 51 and on the verge of clinching their first state playoff berth and Kensington

Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division title since 2008. But, a 51-6 loss to eventual division champion Walled Lake Northern on Oct. 5 was followed up by a 31-12 defeat at Howell on Oct. 12. Last Friday’s loss to Milford may be the most bitter of all for Lakeland because of numerous missed opportunities. Lakeland was in position to take PAGE 40 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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the lead for the first time late in the fourth quarter with just over 3 minutes left and trailing by 3, as the Eagles were at the Milford 11-yard line on third-down and 3. However, a personal foul was called on the Eagles on the ensuing play, driving them back to the Milford 26-yard line. They would eventually turn the ball over on downs and that was as close as the Eagles would get in the fourth quarter. Special teams were also key for the Eagles, as they failed on three extra-point attempts in addition to giving up a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Milford’s Jonathon Schwartz late in the third quarter. But, the key play that is sure to be etched in the minds of the Eagles is Ross Heiman’s 6-yard pass to Beau Wilhelm with 11:44 left in the second quarter, in which Wilhelm fell down a half-yard short of the end zone after making the catch, giving the ball back to the Mavs. Milford senior quarterback Alex Larson started his final football game on a strong note as he scored on a 6yard touchdown run on Milford’s first drive that started at its own 20-yard line. Lakeland punted the ball away on its first drive before Larson then found one of his favorite targets, senior wide receiver Jonathon Schwartz, for a 75-yard touchdown connection to give the Mavs a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. “The long pass was big and in the first half, our offensive line did well, as well as the running game,” Fox said. After the key turnover on downs to start the second quarter, Heiman bounced back with a 6-yard touchdown run and the Eagles trailed 14-6 after a failed extra-point attempt.

FOOTBALL

Poise critical for Warriors in ‘W’ over Northville, 28-13 By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Western is heading into the state playoffs on a five-game winning streak after a 28-13 victory at home over Northville on Friday, Oct. 19.

Huron Valley Lakeland’s Beau Wilhelm caught a 74-yard touchdown pass from Ross Heiman against Huron Valley Milford on Friday, Oct. 19. However, Wilhelm was also involved on a key play in which he caught a pass, but fell a half-yard short of a touchdown on a fourth-down play in the second quarter that could have saved the Eagles from their third straight loss. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

But, Milford senior running back Robert Ritchie busted loose for a 50yard run on Milford’s next drive before scoring on a 6-yard touchdown run to put the Mavs up 21-6. “Ritchie is a great kid for battling. He hurt his knee last year and didn’t get his grip back until Week 5,” Fox said. Lakeland answered on the second play of its next drive as Heiman connected with Wilhelm for a 74-yard touchdown, and Lakeland trailed 21-12 after a failed two-point conversion attempt. The Mavs began their next drive at their own 18-yard line before driving down to the Lakeland 2-yard line.

Daniel Wallace would then score on a 2yard touchdown run to give Milford a 28-12 lead at halftime. Both teams punted on their first drives of the third quarter before Dalton Christie scored on a 1-yard touchdown run for the Eagles to cap a 72-yard drive. After Heiman threw a 2point pass to Wilhelm, Lakeland trailed 28-20. However, the Eagles’ momentum was quickly deflated as Schwartz took the ensuing kickoff from his own 3-yard line all the way to the end zone for a touchdown, and the Mavs went up 3520. Milford backup quarterback David Onofrio relieved Larson in the third

“We knew Northville would give us everything they had and we got the game we expected,” Western Head Coach Mike Zdebski said. “I think the fact that we took care of the ball and maintained our poise and presence at halftime was key.” The Warriors (7-2) finished the regular season with at least 7 wins for the third straight year. When Selection Sunday came around on Oct. 21, Western was matched up against Farmington (6-3) from the Oakland Activities Association (OAA) White Division.

The Falcons and Warriors will square off in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 2 pre-district game at Western on Friday, Oct. 26. “Anyone that makes the state playoffs is good. Farmington will be a tough out,” Zdebski said. The Falcons had a 6-1 record after Week 7 before losing their final two games of the season to Farmington Hills Harrison and Lake Orion. Against Northville (5-4), which shared the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) Central Division

quarter and played the rest of the game. Lakeland was able to recover as Christie scored again on a 1-yard touchdown run with just over a minute left in the third, but a botched extra-point attempt kept the Eagles’ deficit at 9. After Milford punted the ball away to start the fourth quarter, the Eagles began at their own 14-yard line before Heiman threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Waite, who had left the game earlier in the third quarter with an ankle injury before coming back in. However, Lakeland’s third failed PAGE 41 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

title, Western senior Josh Jones scored on a 3-yard touchdown run on the Warriors’ first drive to put Western up 7-0 at the end of the first quarter. However, Northville came back to tie the score at 7 in the second quarter. With the score tied in the third quarter, Jones scored again on a 4-yard touchdown run to put Western back up 14-7 at the end of the third. Josh Jones then capped his night with a 9-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter for a 21-7 Warriors lead before Malik Green finished off the PAGE 41 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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Western Warriors ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 40

Mustangs with a 57-yard touchdown run. “As soon as we were up 28-7, we got all the seniors in,” Zdebski said. Warriors’ quarterback Kyle Bambard finished with 11 carries for 100 yards rushing while completing 11-of-17 passes for 84 yards. Green finished with 66 yards rushing on 11 carries, while Josh Jones had 32 yards rushing on 11 carries. On defense, Zach Prokes and Melis Johnson each finished with six total tackles for Western while Josh Jones and Tomone Jones each had five. John Witkowski and Tomone Jones also each had an interception for the Warriors, while Johnson also recovered a fumble. Northville was among a handful of 54 teams shut out of the state playoffs. Last season, Western fell a win short of playing for the Division 2 state championship at Ford Field after falling in overtime to eventual Division 2 runnerup Lowell in the state semi-finals. Western’s first step toward getting back to that plateau is this Friday night against Farmington.

Milford-Lakeland ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 40

extra-point attempt would leave it needing a field goal to tie the game rather than win it. After forcing another Milford punt, the Eagles appeared to have momentum back in their corner for a chance to pull off a memorable comeback. But, the crucial late hit penalty in the Milford red zone put the Eagles out of field-goal range and Heiman’s last-ditch pass on fourth down to the corner of the end zone was just out of the reach of a Lakeland receiver. As time expired, the Mavericks celebrated along with the Milford students that stormed the Lakeland field to claim bragging rights over their Huron Valley rival for a second straight year. The Mavs were expected to make the state playoffs this season, but faced one of the toughest schedules in the lakes area that resulted in losses to KLAA West Division foes Hartland, Grand Blanc and Howell, as well as a non-conference loss to KLAA South powerhouse Plymouth. “It was a tough start to the season, but we finished well and I’m glad our students could join in,” Fox said of Friday’s victory celebration.

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Walled Lake Northern quarterback Collin O’Donnell (No. 6) and the rest of the Knights had to be on their toes in their homecoming game against South Lyon on Friday, Oct. 19. However, Northern did just enough to get past the Lions for a 29-18 victory and will now prepare to host its first-ever state playoff game against Howell on Friday, Oct. 26. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

Knights fend off South Lyon Northern earns home-field advantage in state playoffs By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Northern found itself in the unfamiliar position last Friday of playing a game the week after clinching a state playoff berth. While the Knights didn’t exactly pass the test with flying colors, they just did enough to earn a 29-18 victory over South Lyon in their homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 19. Northern capped its best regular season in school history at 7-2 while extending its longest-ever winning streak to seven games after an 0-2 start to the season. With the win, the Knights ensured that their state playoff debut in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 1 predistrict game will be on their home field on Friday, Oct. 26. Northern’s opponent will be the

6-3 Howell Highlanders from the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) West Division, who are entering the playoffs on a four-game winning streak after starting the season 2-3. The last time the Highlanders and Northern met was in the 2009 season opener in which the Highlanders came out on top, 18-7. “Howell is a school we’re familiar with,” said Northern Head Coach Brett Moore. “They’re very big, physical and their defense is solid. But, I like the fact that we’re at home.” Last Friday was unusual for Northern, considering that the regular season finale in its previous nine seasons meant either fighting for a state playoff berth in the final week or just wrapping up a sub-.500 season. The Knights were coming off a three-game road swing in which they defeated Huron Valley Lakeland to win

the KLAA North title and bested previously undefeated Hartland to clinch the KLAA Lakes Conference title and a state playoff berth. Returning to its home field, Northern had to deal with the distractions of homecoming and Senior Night festivities while trying to remain focused against the desperate South Lyon Lions (4-5), who were looking to reach the 5-win mark for a chance to sneak into the state playoffs. “It was a very odd feeling and we didn’t bring our ‘A’ game. I didn’t do a good job with the offensive scheme and we were not a desperate team,” Moore said. “That’s on me as a coach. There were a lot of distractions and I take full responsibility.” Northern had the upper hand early on as senior Matt Kosmalski scored PAGE 42 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HALLOWEEN COLORING CONTEST WINNERS! LAYNE BIGGERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 years SIMON ROTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 years MADISON MILLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 years ATHENA MOREY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 years ANTHONY WOODLOCK . . . . . . . .6 years LAYLA KARSEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 years

Milford-Lakeland ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 41

Lakeland would then have to wait until Sunday, Oct. 21 to watch the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) selection show to see if it broke apart from a handful of 54 teams to sneak into the state playoffs. But, it’s name never came up on the TV screen.

Northern Knights

VINCENT COWDREY . . . . . . . . . .7 years LAUREN WATSON . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 years KYLIE ROTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 years ELYSSA ORLANDO . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 years And a special Thank You! to Hungry Howie’s Pizza for providing one large pizza to each of the winners

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and two touchdowns on 14 carries for South Lyon. With the regular season now complete, Moore does not expect a lackluster effort when his team takes the field against Howell this Friday in a state playoff game. “Now the hunger is there and they’ll give everything they have,” Moore said.

Eaglets thwart CC to claim Catholic League crown

❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 41

By Michael Shelton

on a 63-yard touchdown run on its second drive, which was then followed by a 2-point conversion run by Chase Burton for an 8-0 Knights lead with just over 8 minutes left in the first quarter. Jake Ginster then scored on a 51yard touchdown run and Northern led 15-0 at the end of the first quarter. After the Tyler Marcus kicked a field goal to get the Lions on the board in the second quarter, Ginster scored his second touchdown on a 4-yard run to give Northern a 22-3 halftime advantage. Kosmalski scored his second touchdown of the night on a 4-yard run late in the third quarter as the Knights led 293 at the end of the third. Things then got hairy for Northern in the fourth quarter as Trevor Tank scored on a 17-yard touchdown run for South Lyon with just under 7 minutes left. After the Lions recovered an onside kick, Tank struck again on a 10-yard touchdown run before quarterback Andrew Garcia scored on a two-point conversion with 6:41 left as the Lions cut Northern’s lead from 26 points to just 11 in a span of 17 seconds. South Lyon then recovered another onside kick and had a chance to cut into the lead once again, but the Knights were able to hold off the Lions’ charge and hang on to win. The Knights outgained the Lions with 391 total yards compared to 238 for South Lyon, with 284 of Northern’s yards coming on the ground. Kosmalski finished with 168 yards rushing and two touchdowns on eight carries for the Knights, in addition to 13 total tackles on defense, while Ginster had 10 carries for 82 yards and two touchdowns. Northern quarterback Collin O’Donnell completed 7-of-12 passes for 107 yards while being held to seven yards rushing on 10 carries. Aaron Chretien also had eight total tackles, while Logan Hall had eight total tackles and an interception. Jordan Anstandig also had seven total tackles and an interception for Northern. Tank finished with 80 yards rushing

Ford Field used to be a house of horrors for Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, but now it is the Eaglets striking fear into the hearts of their opponents at the Detroit Lions’ home field. The Eaglets claimed their first Detroit Catholic League championship since 2005 with a 27-10 victory over Novi Detroit Catholic Central on Saturday, Oct. 20 in the 40th edition of the Prep Bowl. St. Mary’s had previously lost their last five Prep Bowl appearances. “This was big, especially when we lost to (Catholic Central) the previous week,” St. Mary’s Head Coach George Porritt said. “The kids performed well and I thought our defense was stout in the first half.” St. Mary’s (7-2) had lost two straight to the Shamrocks coming into last Saturday’s game. Catholic Central defeated the Eaglets in last season’s Prep Bowl, 21-7. Then on Friday, Oct. 12, the Shamrocks (5-4) handed St. Mary’s its first loss on its red turf field, 33-14, behind 150 yards rushing and four touchdowns from Anthony Darkangelo. It was a different story a week later for St. Mary’s as Grant Niemiec scored on a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter after Parker McInnis had a key 36-yard run to help set up the score. After an interception by Tyson Smith, Matt Linehan then threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Van Jefferson to put the Eaglets up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter, a score that would also stand at halftime. The Shamrocks responded in the third quarter as David Houle scored on a 1-yard touchdown run. Then after David Widzinski recovered an Eaglets’ fumble at the St. Mary’s 5yard line, Garrett Moore kicked a 24yard field goal to cut St. Mary’s lead to 4 at the end of the third. But the Eaglets hung tough in the fourth as McInnis scored on a 45-yard touchdown run. Then after Sean Harrington recovered a Shamrock fumble, Niemiec scored again on a 1-yard

staff writer

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Howell also kicked a 47-yard field goal in the first quarter. “We didn’t do as good a job in the first half as we should have and in the second half, we put the game away,” Our Lady Head Coach Mike Boyd said. “We just had to get a couple blocks and our backs started getting some holes they started running through.” Capac finished its season at 4-5. The Lakers will now prepare to make their return to the state playoffs after a year’s absence against Pittsford of the Southern Central Athletic Association. The Wildcats finished their season with a 7-2 record and have won their last three games. “Hopefully we’ll be pretty good for the first couple (playoff) games, but the last three are difficult,” Boyd said.

Eaglets beat CC ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 42

touchdown run. McInnis finished with 104 yards rushing on the night, while Darkangelo was held to just 63 yards by the Eaglets, who forced four Shamrock turnovers on the night. “We did a good job of preparation. (Catholic Central) knocked us off the ball last time, but this time we played pursuit defense,” Porritt said. Last year, St. Mary’s snapped a fivegame losing streak in the state finals with a 45-7 victory over Mt. Pleasant to win the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 3 state title at Ford Field. The Eaglets will begin their quest for back-to-back state titles when they host an MHSAA Division 3 pre-district game against South Lyon East (5-4) on Friday, Oct. 26. The Cougars won their final two games against Livonia Franklin and Pinckney to earn the right to make their first-ever appearance in the state playoffs. “They have an outstanding quarterback and they’ll be fired up coming into the game,” Porritt said.

Captains, Corsairs end years on high notes with wins By Michael Shelton staff writer

Our Lady’s sights on Pittsford after win over Capac By Michael Shelton staff writer

`Fresh off a 3-point overtime victory to clinch a state playoff berth, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes avoided any letdowns on the road this past week. The Lakers defeated Capac, 34-6, on Friday, Oct. 19 to finish the regular season at 7-2. Our Lady will next be matched up against Pittsford in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 8 pre-district game at home on Saturday, Oct. 27. The Lakers trailed, 6-3, at the end of the third quarter before Richie Cross scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to give Our Lady a 10-6 lead at halftime. The Lakers then turned up the heat in the second half as Sean Thomas scored on a 20-yard touchdown run before Spencer Howell kicked a 27-yard field goal. Jake Doetsch’s 5-yard touchdown run gave Our Lady a 27-6 lead at the end of the third quarter. Thomas capped the Lakers’ scoring in the fourth quarter on a 10-yard touchdown run.

Freshman outside hitter Courtney Wightman had eight kills, seven digs and two blocks as Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes defeated Allen Park Cabrini in a Detroit Catholic League semi-final on Thursday, Oct. 18. The Lakers played in the Catholic League C-D final at Madonna University on Monday, Oct. 21 against Bloomfield Hills Sacred Heart after press time. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Lakers advance

Our Lady moves to 32-7-4 on season By Michael Shelton staff writer

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes swept Allen Park Cabrini at home, 25-13, 25-14, and 25-10, in a Detroit Catholic League semi-final on Thursday, Oct. 18. Senior setter Haley Howell had 28 assists and led the Lakers in aces with seven while also garnering four

kills, four digs and a block. Freshman outside hitter Courtney Wightman had eight kills, seven digs and two blocks, while junior right side hitter Allison Samulon had six aces, five kills, a block and three digs. Senior libero Kelly Meehan also had 12 digs and a pair of aces. The Lakers improved to 32-7-4 on

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Waterford Kettering ended its first season under Head Coach Kyle Schultz on a strong note with a 14-0 win over Dearborn Edsel Ford at home on Friday, Oct. 19. The Captains (2-7) finished the season by winning two out of its last three games, including a victory over rival Waterford Mott. The win also stopped Edsel Ford (54) from reaching the six-win mark and earning a birth in the state playoffs. “It was our ability to control the clock on offense, get some timely turnovers, and stopping their running game that was key for us,” Schultz said. Alec Spurlock scored on a 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, while Austin Wood had a 30-yard touchdown run in the third quarter for Kettering and Danotiss Smith scored on a 2-point conversion. Jon Scarber also had two interceptions for Kettering, and Randy Bicknell also had an interception. Spurlock finished with 159 yards rushing, while Wood had 66 rushing yards and Smith had 52 rushing yards. “Looking back, we ran into a tough part of our schedule, but we ended up finishing strong,” Schultz said. “This is a good step for us and we’re bringing back 18 starters next year.” • Waterford Mott ended its season with a 37-6 victory over Redford Union on the road on Friday, Oct. 19. The victory snapped a 7-game losing streak for the Corsairs (2-7), who began their season with a victory at Wayne PAGE 44 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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FOOTBALL

Football Roundup ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 8

Memorial. Sophomore quarterback Dakota Kupp completed 18-of-26 passes for 263 yards and three touchdowns, while senior wide receiver Justice Bolling had 10 catches for 140 yards and three touchdowns in addition to eight tackles at safety. Freshman quarterback Hunter Schmidt rushed six times for 61 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown. Junior linebacker Brennan Schneider had 12 tackles to lead Mott’s defense, while Maleek Green had five pass breakups and Josh Payne had five tackles and one sack. Redford Union finished its season at 3-6. “It was very exciting, the kids and coaches got along well, and we can see where we were getting better each game,” Mott’s first-year head coach Chris Fahr said. “The program is in a much better situation than it was 3 months ago. Ninety percent of our staff didn’t know our system in the beginning.” Fahr added that some coaches have been added to the staff and his returning players are excited to get back in the weight room. • West Bloomfield fell on the road to Farmington Hills Harrison, 48-20, on Friday, Oct. 19. The Lakers finished the season with a 2-7 record, while Harrison clinched a state playoff berth with a 6-3 record. • Walled Lake Central finished its season with a 40-14 loss at home to Detroit Cody on Friday, Oct. 19. Nick Krumm scored on a 5-yard touchdown run and a 2-point conversion for the Vikings, while Zac Goor had a 2-yard touchdown run. The Vikings finished with a 3-6 record, while Cody clinched a state playoff berth with a 6-3 record.

VOLLEYBALL

Our Lady Lakers ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 43

the season and are currently ranked No. 8 in Class D by the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association. Our Lady next played in the Catholic League C-D Final at Madonna University on Monday, Oct. 21 against Bloomfield Hills Sacred Heart after press time. Last season, Our Lady advanced to

Leading the pack Milford, Finn among favorites in XC By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) boys and girls cross-country regional meets will take place on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27, with some lakes area athletes among the favorites. On the boys side, Huron Valley Milford, the defending Division 1 state team champion, will run at Huron Meadows Metropark on Friday. Last year, the Mavs claimed the Division 1 boys’ state title at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., with a team total time of 79:48 (128 points). The Mavericks’ runners that year included Brian Kettle, Cody Snavely, Paul Ausum, Chris Housel, Matt Graves, Steven Sloboda, and Shawn Welch. This season, Milford claimed the championships of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division and Lakes Conference the Catholic League final, but fell to Madison Heights Bishop Foley in three games. The Lakers will then play in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Class D district tournament at Clarkston Everest Collegiate in a group that includes Birmingham Roeper, Warren-Macomb Christian and host Everest. The tournament begins on Monday, Oct. 29.

Knights put up strong showing at KLAA tournament A number of lakes area teams participated in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) Tournament at Novi on Saturday, Oct. 20. Walled Lake Northern was the lone lakes area team to advance to the quarter-finals of the Gold Bracket. In pool play, the Knights defeated Livonia Churchill, 25-20 and 25-20, before splitting with Livonia Stevenson (25-16, 22-25) and Huron Valley Milford (25-18, 25-27) to earn the No. 4 seed in the bracket. Northern had a first-round bye before facing No. 5 Brighton in the quarterfinals and falling to the Bulldogs in three

thanks to the efforts of Kettle and Snavely, who finished in first- and second-place, respectively, at the Lakes Conference meet on Thursday, Oct. 18. Meanwhile, Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford Township will host a number of lakes area teams on Saturday, including Huron Valley Lakeland, Walled Lake Central, Northern and Western, Waterford Mott and Kettering, and West Bloomfield. Waterford Mott’s boys team won the KLAA North Division before finishing second to Milford in the Lakes Conference meet. On the girls’ side, all eyes will be on West Bloomfield senior Erin Finn, the defending Division 1 state champion who claimed her third straight Oakland Activities Association White Jamboree title on Friday, Oct. 19. Also, Mott’s girls team won the KLAA North Division title this season while coming in second to Brighton in the Lakes Conference. games, 17-25, 25-21 and 16-18. Against Churchill, Peyton Lang had 13 kills out of 24 attempts with a .456 attack percentage. In the tournament, Courtney Sullivan had 24 kills and 11 total blocks, while Gabrielle Bauer had 20 kills. Meanwhile, Walled Lake Central had a disappointing showing as it went 0-for3 in its pool play matches, falling to Hartland (11-25, 24-26), Novi (15-25, 17-25), and Northville (16-25, 13-25). The Vikings were matched up with Brighton in the first round of bracket play and fell to the Bulldogs, 25-13 and 25-10. Brittany Guldan had 19 kills, 15 assists, 14 digs and an ace for Central, while Catelyn Girard had 26 assists, four kills and an ace. Alex Picardal also had 19 digs, while Mikaela Beck had 16 kills. Meanwhile, Milford fell in its opening pool play matches to Huron Valley Lakeland (13-25 and 20-25) and Canton (16-25 and 14-25) before splitting with Walled Lake Northern (27-25, 18-25). The Mavericks then fell to KLAA West Division rival Hartland in the first round of bracket play in three games, 21-25, 25-19, and 9-15. The Michigan High School Athletic Association district tournament will begin on Monday, Oct. 29. Central and Northern will join

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Lakeland and Walled Lake Western in the North Farmington district, along with Farmington Hills Harrison and the host Raiders. Meanwhile, Milford will be in the Fowlerville district, along with Brighton, Hartland, Howell and host Fowlerville. • Walled Lake Central and Huron Valley Milford met in a KLAA crossover match on Oct. 16, with the Vikings winning in three games, 25-19, 25-16, and 27-25. Guldan had 13 kills, 8 assists and eight digs for the Vikings, while Girard had 22 assists and four aces. Picardal had 12 digs and Beck had 14 kills. • Walled Lake Northern fell in three games to Brighton, 25-16, 25-15, and 25-19 on Oct. 16. Lang had 12 kills and 14 digs for the Knights, while Bauer had 12 digs and Melissa Griffiths had 11 digs.

Another Lakes title for Lakeland with ‘W’ over Hartland Huron Valley Lakeland claimed its fifth straight conference title this past week, but the Eagles and a number of other lakes area teams fell flat in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) tournament. Lakeland began its week with a thrilling victory over Hartland in the KLAA Lakes Conference championship match on Tuesday, Oct. 16. Lakeland took the opening game, 25-19, before Hartland answered back to take the second game, 25-22. Lakeland then found itself down two games to one after Hartland edged out a 27-25 win in the third game. But, Lakeland won the fourth game, 27-25, and force a tiebreaker. Lakeland would clinch the Lakes Conference title with a 15-8 win in the fifth and deciding game. The Eagles then hoped its success would carryover to the KLAA Association Tournament on Oct. 20. But Lakeland split its first pool play match to Canton, 16-25 and 25-22. The Eagles would then defeat Huron Valley Milford, 25-13 and 2520, before splitting their final pool play match against Livonia Stevenson, 2225 and 25-21. Lakeland was matched up against Plymouth in the first round of bracket play. The Eagles would end up falling to the Wildcats, 25-15 and 25-15. Lakeland will next play in an MHSAA district tournament at North Farmington, which starts Oct. 29.

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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COMMUNITY LEGAL NOTICES CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE

Regular Board Meeting – Synopsis – October 16, 2012 Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Tabled: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved:

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Seven board members and attorney present. Agenda Consent Agenda Minutes, September 18, 2012 Minutes, September 26, 2012 Open Public Hearing, 2013 Community Development Block Grant Close Public Hearing, 2013 Community Development Block Grant 2013 Community Development Block Grant Application Ormond Road Radio Tower Reserve at Tull Lake, Conservation Easement Fire Station #1 Parking Lot Rehab and Community Hall Parking Lot White Lake Cemetery Clean Up Resolution #12-010, 2013 Annual Permit for Work on State Trunk Line Right of Way Resolution #12-012, Support of Increased Legislative and Regulatory Action on Oil and Gas Development Procurement Policies Review Job Description for Transportation Driver Twin Lakes Well Number 1 Pump Repair Hidden Pines Infield Abstention of Treasurer Brendel from voting on the Graveling of White Lake and Oxbow Lakeside Cemeteries Graveling of White Lake and Oxbow Lakeside Cemeteries Adjourn meeting Meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. Terry Lilley, Clerk White Lake Township S.C. 10/24/12

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CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI 48390

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWNSHIP FIRE PROTECTION SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that the Township Board of the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan, will meet at a Special Board meeting on the 30th day of October, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., at the Township Hall, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390, to review the Special Assessment ROLL for the Township Fire Protection Special Assessment District for the year 2013. This Special Assessment District includes all real property in the Charter Township of Commerce and the Village of Wolverine Lake not exempt from the collection of taxes by the General Property Tax Act, Public Act 206 of 1893, as amended. The Township Board will receive comments from affected property owners regarding the accuracy of their assessment and the total project cost. The Special Assessment Roll can be inspected at the office of the Township Clerk at the address listed above. If the proposed Special Assessment District Roll is approved by the Township Board, the assessment will be a lien on the affected property as of the date of approval. In order to appeal the amount of any special assessment, affected owners or parties with an interest must protest the proposed assessment. This may be done by appearing in person at the hearing or having an agent appear at the hearing on behalf of an owner or party in interest, or in writing by filing a letter of protest before the hearing, addressed to the Township Clerk at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390. An owner or party having an interest in the real property affected by the special assessment may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the special assessment roll if the special assessment is protested at the hearing held for the purpose of confirming the special assessment roll. Please direct any questions you may have to Thomas K. Zoner, Supervisor, (248) 960-7070. Daniel P. Munro, Clerk Charter Township of Commerce

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

SUMMARY OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING October 15, 2012 At the October 15, 2012 Regular Council Meeting, Council took the following action: • Approved a zoning board of appeals extension for retaining walls at 3570 Erie Drive; • Approved a side yard setback variance for a new home at 3761 Indian Trail; • Tabled a rear yard setback variance for an in-ground swimming pool at 5952 Seville Circle; • Approved a minimum lot area, lot width, lake frontage, road frontage & creation of a non-conforming lot at 4800 Willow Lane; • Held the second reading & adoption of the Fireworks Ordinance Amendments; • Adopted the Title VI policy; • Adopted the Debt Service Charge Resolution; • Adopted the Traffic Sign Inventory Proposal; • Authorized a computer equipment acquisition; • Accepted all department reports. Bruce H. McIntyre, Mayor Rhonda R. McClellan, City Clerk S.C.10-24-12

WALLED LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT AUTO AUCTION 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake, MI 48390

Sealed Bid Addressed to Deputy Clerk Tamara Williams NO later than 10 am on October 30th, 2012 Bids to be opened in City Council Chambers at 10:30 am on October 20th, 2012 Vehicles Open to Inspection 8 am – 5 pm Monday thru Friday at Police Dept. All Winning Bids Subject to City Council Approval on November 5th, 2012 ALL Vehicles Sold As Is YEAR: 2008 MAKE: Ford MODEL Expedition XLT 4X4 VIN#: 1FMFU16508LA804012 COLOR: Black MILEAGE: 26,793 YEAR: 2000 MAKE: Chevy MODEL: Silverado Pick Up VIN #: 1GCFC29UXYZ101377 COLOR: Tan MILEAGE: 143,103 YEAR: 2004 MAKE: Ford MODEL: Escape 3.0L V6 VIN #: 1FMCU94144KA19360 COLOR: Black MILEAGE: 143,216 YEAR: 1976 MODEL Badger 300 MODEL: Hydroscopic Hop-To VIN #: 121265 COLOR: White MILEAGE: 10,296 YEAR: 1983 MAKE: GMC 300 Vactor Truck VIN #: 1GDJ7D1B3DV510788 COLOR: Yellow/White MILEAGE: 49,313 BOX TRAILER - No vehicle Information YEAR: 2002 MAKE: Contrail Trailer MODEL: C-12HD Hydraulic Lift Dump VIN: 4KNUC122L161723 COLOR: Black

SC 10-17-12 & 10-24-12

SC: 10/17/12; 10/24/12

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI 48390

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWNSHIP POLICE PROTECTION SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that the Township Board of the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan, will meet at a Special Board meeting on the 30th day of October, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., at the Township Hall, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390, to review the Special Assessment ROLL for the Township Police Protection Special Assessment District for the year 2013. This Special Assessment District includes all real property in the Charter Township of Commerce and outside of the Village of Wolverine Lake not exempt from the collection of taxes by the General Property Tax Act, Public Act 206 of 1893, as amended. The Township Board will receive comments from affected property owners regarding the accuracy of their assessment and the total project cost. The Special Assessment Roll can be inspected at the office of the Township Clerk at the address listed above. If the proposed Special Assessment District Roll is approved by the Township Board, the assessment will be a lien on the affected property as of the date of approval. In order to appeal the amount of any special assessment, affected owners or parties with an interest must protest the proposed assessment. This may be done by appearing in person at the hearing or having an agent appear at the hearing on behalf of an owner or party in interest, or in writing by filing a letter of protest before the hearing, addressed to the Township Clerk at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390. An owner or party having an interest in the real property affected by the special assessment may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the special assessment roll if the special assessment is protested at the hearing held for the purpose of confirming the special assessment roll. Please direct any questions you may have to Thomas K. Zoner, Supervisor, (248) 960-7070. Daniel P. Munro, Clerk Charter Township of Commerce

SC: 10/17/12; 10/24/12

PAGE 46

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CITY OF WIXOM

NOTICE OF ELECTION NOVEMBER 6, 2012 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the Qualified Electors that a General Election will be held in the City of Wixom, County of Oakland, State of Michigan, on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012. The polls will be open from 7 o’clock a.m. until 8 o’clock p.m. All polling places are handicap accessible and have Braille and audio versions of voting instructions available. Polling places are listed below: Precinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 3 Precinct 4

Wixom Community Center 49015 Pontiac Trail Wixom City Hall (Police Department Entrance) 49045 Pontiac Trail Wixom Community Center 49015 Pontiac Trail Wixom City Hall 49045 Pontiac Trail

The election is being held for the purpose of electing candidates of all participating political parties for the following offices: PRESIDENTIAL

President and Vice-President of the United States

CONGRESSIONAL United States Senator, Representative in Congress (11th District), Representative in Congress (11th District) Partial Term Ending 01/02/2013 LEGISLATIVE

Representative in State Legislature (39th District)

STATE BOARDS

Member of the State Board of Education, Regent of the University of Michigan, Trustee of Michigan State University, Governor of Wayne State University

COUNTY

JUDICIAL

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

County Executive, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Water Resources Commissioner and County Commissioner (8th District) Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice of Supreme Court (Incumbent Position, Partial Term Ending 01/01/2015), Judge of Court of Appeals (2nd District - Incumbent Position), Judge of Circuit Court (6th Circuit - Incumbent Position), Judge of Circuit Court (6th Circuit - Non-Incumbent Position), Judge of Probate Court (Incumbent Position), Judge of District Court (52-1st District Incumbent Position) Walled Lake Consolidated School District Board Member, South Lyon Community Schools Board Member, South Lyon Community Schools Board Member (Partial Term Ending 12/31/2014) Oakland Community College Board of Trustees Member,

And for the purpose of voting on the following Proposals, the full text of which can be obtained from the Wixom City Clerk’s Office: STATE PROPOSAL 12-1 A Referendum on Public Act 4 of 2011 – The Emergency Manager Law STATE PROPOSAL 12-2 A Proposal to amend the State Constitution regarding Collective Bargaining

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

STATE PROPOSAL 12-3 A Proposal to amend the State Constitution to establish a standard for Renewable Energy STATE PROPOSAL 12-4 A Proposal to amend the State Constitution to establish the Michigan Quality Home Care Council and Provide Collective Bargaining for In-Home Care Workers STATE PROPOSAL 12-5 A Proposal to amend the State Constitution to limit the Enactment of New Taxes by State Government STATE PROPOSAL 12-6 A Proposal to amend the State Constitution regarding Construction of International Bridges and Tunnels CITY OF WIXOM PROPOSAL A Dedicated Millage Proposal for Municipal Operating Purposes Including Police and Fire, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSAL Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage Renewal Proposal COUNTY TREASURER’S STATEMENT AS REQUIRED BY ACT NO. 62 OF THE PUBLIC ACTS OF 1933 AS AMENDED I, Andrew E. Meisner, County Treasurer of the County of Oakland, State of Michigan, do hereby certify that according to the records in my office, as of October 16, 2012, the total of all voted increases in the tax rate limitation above the 18 mills established by Section 6 of Article IX of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 affecting taxable property in the City of Wixom, in said County, is as follows: LOCAL UNIT City of Wixom

VOTED INCREASE 1.08 .1 .30

Walled Lake Consolidated School District

.50 18.0

YEARS INCREASE EFFECTIVE 2007 – 2016 (Library) 2008 – 2017 (Zoo) 2009 – 2023 (Sidewalks) 2004 – 2013 Incl. 2006 – 2015 Incl.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the October 15, 2012 Regular Meeting of the City of Orchard Lake Village Council the second reading and adoption was held on amendmentsw to the Fire Prevention Code Section 8.02 (Fireworks Ordinance). The ordinance provisions will take effect ten (10) days following publication of this notice. Complete copies of the full text of Ordinance No. 8.02.00 are available for inspection by and distribution to the public between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at City Hall. Rhonda R. McClellan CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com SC 10-24-12

PUBLIC NOTICE TO THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF WIXOM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST for the General Election being held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 will be conducted on Monday, October 29, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at Wixom City Hall, 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, Michigan. The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to determine that the computer and program being used to tabulate the results of the election count the votes in the manner prescribed by law. Catherine Buck City Clerk

S.C. 10-24-12

Notice of Posting for Charter Township of West Bloomfield Township Board 1. Synopsis of the meeting held on: Monday, October 15, 2012 The above ordinance and synopsis shall be posted (in their entirety) at the following locations:

County School District of Oakland County

3.6483

Unlimited

County of Oakland

.2415

2012 to 2021 Incl.

1.00 .7811

Unlimited 2012 to 2021 Incl.

Oakland Community College

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE

ANDREW E. MEISNER, TREASURER OAKLAND COUNTY

(1) Office of the Township Clerk 4550 Walnut Lake Road

Dated: October 16, 2012

Absentee ballots for this election can be obtained by contacting the Wixom City Clerk's Office to request an application for an absent voter ballot or by sending a written request for a ballot to the Wixom City Clerk. Written requests must include the reason you are requesting an absentee ballot, as well as your name, the address where you reside, the address to which the ballot is to be sent if different than your home address, and your signature. The deadline to obtain an absentee ballot is 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 3, 2012. Catherine Buck, City Clerk, City of Wixom 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom MI 48393 (248) 624-4557 S.C. 10-24-12

(2) Main Township Library 4600 Walnut Lake Road (3) Township’s website www.wbtwp.com Catherine Shaughnessy Township Clerk SC: 10-24-12

NOTICE TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS

OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD Notice is hereby given that the Public Accuracy Test for the November 6, 2012 General Election has been scheduled for Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the Township Hall at 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, Michigan. The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the computer program used to record and count the votes cast at the election meets the requirements of law. CATHERINE SHAUGHNESSY TOWNSHIP CLERK West Bloomfield Township 248-451-4848 S.C. 10-24-12

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

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

President and Vice-President

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

State Representative - 39th and 40th Districts

STATE BOARDS

Members of the State Board of Education – 2 Positions Regents of the University of Michigan – 2 Positions Trustees of Michigan State University – 2 Positions Governors of Wayne State University – 2 Positions

COUNTY

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

TOWNSHIP

Township Supervisor, Township Clerk, Township Treasurer, Township Trustee Township Parks & Recreation Commissioners, Township Library Board Members

JUDICIAL

Justice of the Supreme Court Justice of the Supreme Court – Incumbent Position Judge of Court of Appeals – 2nd District – Incumbent Position Judge of Circuit Court – 6th Circuit – Incumbent Position Judge of Circuit Court – 6th Circuit – Non-Incumbent Position Judge of Probate Court – Oakland County – Incumbent Position Judge of the District Court – 48th District – Incumbent Position

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Birmingham Public School District – 2 Positions Bloomfield Hills School District – 2 Positions Bloomfield Hills School District – 1 Position – Partial Term Ending 12/31/2014 Pontiac School District – 1 Position Walled Lake Consolidated Schools – 2 Positions Waterford School District – 2 Positions West Bloomfield Public Schools– 1 Position COMMUNITY COLLEGE Oakland Community College Board of Trustees – 2 Positions ALSO TO VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS AS LISTED BELOW:

PAGE 47

STATEWIDE PROPOSALS A Referendum on Public Act 4 of 2011 – The Emergency Manager Law A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution Regarding Collective Bargaining A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution to Establish a Standard for Renewable Energy A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution to Establish the Michigan Quality Home Care Council and Provide Collective Bargaining for In-Home Care Workers A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution to Limit the Enactment of New Taxes by State Government A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution Regarding Construction of International Bridges and Tunnels LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSALS Walled Lake Consolidated School District – Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage Renewal Proposal Waterford School District – Operating Millage Renewal Proposal West Bloomfield School District – Building and Site Sinking Fund Tax Proposal Full text of the proposals may be obtained from: CATHERINE SHAUGHNESSY, TOWNSHIP CLERK West Bloomfield Township 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48325 COUNTY TREASURER’S STATEMENT AS REQUIRED BY ACT NO. 62 OF THE PUBLIC ACTS OF 1933 AS AMENDED I, Andrew E. Meisner, County Treasurer of the County of Oakland, State of Michigan, do hereby certify that according to the records in my office, as of October 18, 2012, the total of all voted increases in the tax rate limitation above the 18 mills established by Section 6 of Article IX of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 affecting taxable property in the Township of West Bloomfield, in said County, is as follows: YEARS INCREASE LOCAL UNIT VOTED INCREASE EFFECTIVE West Bloomfield Township 1.00 Unlimited .25 2004 - 2013 Incl. .3892 2008 – 2017 (Parks & Rec. Renewal) .2200

West Bloomfield School

.59 .6586 .2415 3.12378 2.85

2011-2020 (Renewal of Parks & Rec.) 2010 - 2013 2012 – 2026 2012 – 2021 2012 – 2021 2011 - 2021

18.00 5.1603

2004 - 2014 Incl. 2004 - 2014 Incl.

City of Pontiac School

18.5

2007 – 2016

City of Bloomfield Hills School District

1.50 11.7041 20.00

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

.74 City of Birmingham Schools

11.3111 7.98

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

Farmington Public Schools

18.00 13.5735

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

.50 18.00

2004 – 2013 Incl. 2006 – 2015 Incl.

Walled Lake School District County School District Of Oakland County County of Oakland Oakland Community College _________________________

3.6483 .2415 1.00 .7811 Dated: October 18, 2012

Unlimited 2012 to 2021 Incl. Unlimited Beg.7-1-2012(10yrs)

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

S.C. 10-24-12

PAGE 48

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NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION

CITY OF WALLED LAKE

NOTICE OF ELECTION

NOVEMBER 6, 2012

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Election will be held in the City of Walled Lake, County of Oakland, State of Michigan on:

To the Qualified Electors: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Election will be held in:

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012 THE POLLS will be open 7 o’clock a.m. until 8 o’clock p.m. ALL POLLING PLACES ARE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE BRAILLE AND AUDIO VERSIONS OF VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE POLLING PLACES LISTED BELOW: Precincts 1 & 2 – Walled Lake Fire Department - 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake, MI 48390 ABSENTEE BALLOTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM: City of Walled Lake - Clerk 1499 E. West Maple Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 (248) 624-4847 On November 2, 2012 City Hall will be open from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., which is the last day to request an Absentee Ballot to be mailed. THE NOVEMBER 6, 2012 GENERAL ELECTION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ALL VOTING PRECINCTS OF THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING CANDIDATES OF ALL PARTICIPATING PARTIES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES: PRESIDENTIAL

President and Vice President of the United States

CONGRESSIONAL United States Senator (1); United States Representative 11th District (1); United States Representative 11th District partial term (1) STATE

State Representative 38th District (1); State Board of Education (2); University of Michigan Board of Regents (2); Michigan State Board of Trustees (2); Wayne State University Board of Governors (2)

COUNTY

County Executive (1); Prosecuting Attorney (1); Sheriff (1); Clerk/Register of Deeds (1); Treasurer (1); Water Resource Commissioner (1); County Commissioner 7th District (1)

JUDICIAL

Justice of Supreme Court (2); Justice of Supreme Court Incumbent Position (1); Judge of the Court of Appeals – 2nd District Incumbent Position (3); Judge of the Circuit Court – 6th Circuit Incumbent Position (5); Judge of the Circuit Court – 6th Circuit Non-Incumbent Position (1); Judge of the Probate Court Incumbent Position (1); Judge of District Court – 52nd District, 1st Division Incumbent Position (1)

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Oakland Community College Board of Trustees (2)

LOCAL

Board Member Walled Lake Consolidated Schools (2)

City of Orchard Lake Village County of Oakland, State of Michigan

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012 THE POLLS will be open 7 o’clock a.m. until 8 o’clock p.m. THE POLLING PLACE IS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE BRAILLE AND AUDIO VERSIONS OF VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE POLLING PLACES LISTED BELOW: PCT 1 – Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI 48323 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING PRESIDENTIAL

President & Vice President

CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATIVE STATE BOARDS

United State Senator, Representative in Congress – 14th District Representative in State Legislature – 29th District Members of the State Board of Education, Regent of the University of Michigan, Trustee of Michigan State University & Governor of Wayne State University County Executive, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Water Resources Commissioner & County Commissioner – 5th District

COUNTY

JUDICIAL

STATE PROPOSAL 12-1 A REFERENDUM ON PUBLIC ACT 4 OF 2011 – THE EMERGENCY MANAGER LAW. STATE PROPOSAL 12-2 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION REGARDING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING STATE PROPOSAL 12-3 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH A STANDARD FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

Full text of the proposal(s) may be obtained from: City Clerk’s Office 1499 E. West Maple Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 (248) 624-4847

Board Members – West Bloomfield School District, Board Members – Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, Board Members – Bloomfield Hills Schools & Board Members – Bloomfield Hills Schools – Partial Term Ending 12/31/2014

STATE

Proposal 12-1 – A Referendum on Public Act 4 of 2011 – The Emergency Manager Law, Proposal 12-2 – A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution Regarding Collective Bargaining, Proposal 12-3 – A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution to Establish a Standard for Renewable Energy, Proposal 12-4 – A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution to Establish the Michigan Quality Home Care Council and Provide Collective Bargaining for In-Home Care Workers, Proposal 12-5 – A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution to Limit the Enactment of New Taxes by State Government, Proposal 12-6 – A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution Regarding Construction of International Bridges and Tunnels

LOCAL

West Bloomfield School District – Building and Site Sinking Fund Tax Proposition & Walled Lake Consolidated Schools – Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage Renewal Proposal

STATE PROPOSAL 12-5 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO LIMIT THE ENACTMENT OF NEW TAXES BY STATE GOVERNMENT

LOCAL PROPOSAL WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT BUILDING AND SITE SINKING FUND MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL

Council Members

AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS:

STATE PROPOSAL 12-4 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH THE MICHIGAN QUALITY HOME CARE COUNCIL AND PROVIDE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR IN-HOME CARE WORKERS

STATE PROPOSAL 12-6 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES AND TUNNELS

Justice of Supreme Court, Justice of Supreme Court – Incumbent Position, Judge of Court of Appeals – 2nd District – Incumbent Position, Judge of Circuit Court – 6th Circuit – Incumbent Position, Judge of Circuit Court – 6th Circuit – Non-Incumbent Position, Judge of Probate Court – Incumbent Position, Judge of District Court – 48th District – Incumbent Position

COMMUNITY COLLEGE Board of Trustees Member Oakland Community College CITY LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS:

Tamara Williams Deputy Clerk

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Full text of the proposal may be obtained from: Rhonda R. McClellan, City Clerk City of Orchard Lake Village 3955 Orchard Lake Road Orchard Lake, MI 48323 248 682-2400

S.C. 10-24-12

S.C. 10-17-12 & 10-24-12

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP

To the Qualified Electors:

NOVEMBER 6, 2012 GENERAL ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Election will be held in:

WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP COUNTY OF OAKLAND, STATE OF MICHIGAN

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012 THE POLLS will open at 7 o’clock a.m. until 8 o’clock p.m. ALL POLLING PLACES ARE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE BRAILLE AND AUDIO VERSIONS OF VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PLACE LISTED BELOW: PRECINCT NO. 1 – Dublin Community Center, 685 Union Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 2 – Dublin School, 425 Farnsworth PRECINCT NO. 3 – White Lake Middle School, 1450 Bogie Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 4 – Township Hall, 7525 Highland Road PRECINCT NO. 5 – Houghton Elementary School, 8080 Elizabeth Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 6 – White Lake Oaks Golf Course PRECINCT NO. 7 – Oxbow Community School, 100 Oxbow Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 8 – White Lake Presbyterian Church, 4805 Highland Road PRECINCT NO. 9 – St. Patrick’s Church Hall, 9086 Hutchins Road (Entrance off Union Lake Rd.) PRECINCT NO. 10 – Lakewood Elementary School, 1500 Bogie Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 11 – Grace Church, 220 Bogie Lake Road PRECINCT NO. 12 – St. Patrick’s Church Hall, 9086 Hutchins Road (Entrance off Union Lake Rd.) FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING CANDIDATES OF ALL PARTICIPATING POLITICAL PARTIES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:

PAGE 49

AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL(S): STATEWIDE PROPOSAL(S) PROPOSAL 12-1 A REFERENDUM ON PUBLIC ACT 4 OF 2011 - THE EMERGENCY MANAGER LAW PROPOSAL 12-2 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION REGARDING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PROPOSAL 12-3 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH A STANDARD FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROPOSAL 12-4 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH THE MICHIGAN QUALITY HOME CARE COUNCIL AND PROVIDE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING FOR IN-HOME CARE WORKERS PROPOSAL 12-5 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO LIMIT THE ENACTMENT OF NEW TAXES BY STATE GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL 12-6 A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL BRIDGES AND TUNNELS AND FOR THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL DISTRICTS: HOLLY AREA SCHOOLS PROPOSALS OPERATING MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL HURON VALLEY SCHOOLS PROPOSALS OPERATING MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL WALLED CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN BUILDING AND SITE SINKING FUND MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL WATERFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSALS OPERATING MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL

COUNTY TREASURER’S STATEMENT AS REQUIRED BY ACT NO. 62 OF THE PUBLIC ACTS OF 1933 AS AMENDED I, Andrew E. Meisner, County Treasurer of the County of Oakland, State of Michigan, do hereby certify that according to the records in my office, as of October 18, 2012, the total of all voted increases in the tax rate limitation above the 18 mills established by Section 6 of Article IX of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 affecting taxable property in the Township of White Lake, in said County, is as follows: YEARS INCREASE VOTED INCREASE EFFECTIVE LOCAL UNIT

PRESIDENTIAL

President and Vice President of the United States

White Lake Township

CONGRESSIONAL

United States Senator Representative in Congress – 11th District Representative in Congress – 11th District – Partial Term Ending 1/2/13

Clarkston Community Schools

LEGISLATIVE

State Representative – 44th District

STATE BOARDS

State Board of Education, University of Michigan Regents, Michigan State University Trustees, Wayne State University Governors

COUNTY

County Executive Prosecuting Attorney Sheriff Clerk/Register of Deeds Treasurer Water Resources Commissioner County Commissioner – 6th District

LOCAL

JUDICIAL

Supervisor Clerk Treasurer Trustees Library Board Justice of the Supreme Court Justice of the Supreme Court – Incumbent Position - Partial Term Ending 1/1/2015 Judge of Court of Appeals – 2nd District – Incumbent Position Judge of Circuit Court – 6th Circuit – Incumbent Position Judge of Circuit Court – 6th Circuit – Non-Incumbent Position Judge of Probate Court – Oakland County – Non-Incumbent Position

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Clarkston Community Holly Area Huron Valley Walled Lake Consolidated Waterford

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Oakland Community College Board of Trustees Member

.30 .4584 1.35

Unlimited 2006 – 2013 Incl. 2008 – 2013 Incl.

19.2491

2006 – 2015 Incl.

Holly Area Schools

18.00

2004 - 2013 Incl.

Huron Valley Schools

18.00 2.0 .9513

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

Walled Lake Schools

18.00 .50

2006 - 2015 Incl. 2004 - 2013 Incl.

Waterford School District

18.00

2004 - 2013 Incl. (Non-Homestead)

County School District Of Oakland County

3.6483

County of Oakland

.2415

Oakland Community College

1.00 7811

_________________________ ANDREW E. MEISNER, TREASURER OAKLAND COUNTY

Unlimited 2012 to 2021 Incl. Unlimited Beg. 7/1/2012 10 yrs Dated: October 18, 2012

Absentee Ballots may be requested from: White Lake Township Clerk’s Office 7525 Highland Road White Lake, MI 48383 (248) 698-3300 Ext. 7 TERRY LILLEY, CLERK WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP SCN 10/24/12

PAGE 50

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WEST OAKLAND SUPER WANT ADS

SUPER RATES! SUPER REACH! PHONE 248.360.7355 • Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5 FAX 24/7• 248.360.5308

WANT ADS APPEAR ON www.spinalcolumnonline.com ABSOLUTELY

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01-08

REAL ESTATE

12-22

MOBILE HOMES 42-43

RENTALS 45-57

HELP WANTED 60-75

JOBS WANTED 77-86

• Absolutely Free (#90): An item must be offered FREE to appear in this category. The want ad is FREE to you. One item per ad, one ad per family on any given week. Column is for non-commercial ads only. • Items under $25: Advertise an item for $25 or less and a 10-word want ad is FREE. Special rates for items over $25. • Used Vehicle: Five weeks FREE for private party vehicles. Charge your first week and we schedule it for 5 more weeks. Call to cancel when sold. • Found: Found a lost item? We will run an ad for FREE (#3/Found) to help you find the owner. • Reunions (#4): Published FREE for 4 weeks.

MERCHANDISE 89-138

LEISURE TIME 142-159

RECREATION

BOATS 162-179

CARS, TRUCKS CYCLES 181-196

PERSONAL

SERVICES

Reunions

FARMINGTON HILLS Harrison High School Class of 1982 30th Reunion. Sat., November 24th, 2012, 7pm–1:00 am Uptown Grille, Commerce MI Details: www.hhs1982alumni.info

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Houses For Sale

1,735 sq. ft., convenient kitchen, 19X13 living room. Family room with natural fireplace. 1 car detached garage. Nice setting, paved road, sandy beach & good fishing.

248-887-9736 LAKEFRONT HOME! Stylish custom built home on all sports Lake Tyrone. 3 bedrooms, sharp kitchen, dining area with cherry cabinets & granite counters open to a great room with soaring ceilings. Deck for relaxing & enjoying the views. Walk-out lower level finished with bedroom, walk in closet & full bath. 4 car garage w/ finished loft area. Paved road.

$244,900 248-887-9736

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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.

Mobile Homes for Sale

EXCEPTIONAL HOME! Desirable Dunham Lake access / this pristine 1.5 story home situated on 1 acre setting. Well planned with 3076 sq. ft. Gorgeous kitchen w/ butler's pantry, granite counters & terrazzo floor. Spacious great room w/ 2 story see through stone includes family room w/ fireplace & addl. 2 car garage/ workshop. Extensive landscaping.

$499,000 248-887-9736

MOBILE HOMES

WATERFORD

BEAUTIFUL 55+ COMMUNITY

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

Warehouse Space/ Shop Various Sizes Low Prices

248-496-7652 or 248-496-7648 Houses/ Condos

HARTLAND

Is offering NO RENT until Jan. 1, 2013 for those who wish to relocate their manufactured home to our 55 Plus community in White Lake. We will pay $5,500 towards move on singles and $8,500 on doubles. Customer must sign seven year lease with no increases during the length of the lease. For more details, please call 248-698-1120

Commercial/ Industrial

Houses/ Condos

Spacious home w/ 4 bedroom, full bsmt. & garage. Dunham Lake privileges.

RENTALS

England Real Estate

Mobile Homes for Sale

CRANBERRY LAKE ESTATES

$110,000 England Real Estate

England Real Estate

☺ ★ • Display Ads • Free Ads • Cancellations/Corrections

Highland

ALL SPORTS MAXFIELD LAKE!

HIGHLIGHT YOUR AD

FRIDAY AT 5

NOTICES

Hartland

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

IN PRINT and On-Line 24/7

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COMMERCE TWP

$1,700 monthly plus 1.5 months security England Real Estate

248-887-9736 MILFORD VILLAGE CAPE COD 4 bedroom, 1.5 baths, A/C, 3+ car garage, 1/2 acre. House across the street from Huron River.

$1400/month Call Denise 517-292-1380

Looking to rent a house or condo? Call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com

248-912-4628 Sales/Purchase/ Leasing and Relocation Apartments

WATERFORD

MUST SEE

FOUNTAINBLEAU

Condo complex 1 Bedroom

CRANBERRY LAKE WHITE LAKE

2 bdrm ranch. Modern granite kitchen & bath with skylights, modern lighting, a/c, large fenced yard, landscaped, lake access, small pets ok. $850. olivermich@mac.com

248-698-1120

248-755-5073

Heat, Water, Sewer Parking under awning ground floor, A/C & Pool 248-674-1465

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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www.spinalcolumnonline.com P. TW CE R E MM CO

LD FIE OM O BL

$389,900

$495,000 UNION LAKEFRONT PRICES ARE RISING IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BUY! •75’ sandy shoreline, 200’ deep lot, seawall •Possible walkout site, existing 2 br, 2 ba home #212088077 • EXT. #205

ITE WH

BIRKDALE BEAUTY LARGE, NICELY LANDSCAPED LOT! •3,627 sq ft, 4-5 bed, 2.5 ba, LR, DR, jet tub ba •2-story GR, ff laundry, w/o bsmt, 3 car #212073978 • EXT. #237

P. TW RD O F

P. TW KE A L

. WP DT N A HL HIG

$349,900

#212105889 • EXT. #210 . WP DT N A RTL HA

$104,900 END UNIT CONDO BACKS TO WOODED AREA •1,060 sq ft, 2 bed, 2 ba, GR, ff mstr w/ba access •Kitch w/appl., 2nd flr mstr, bsmt, att. garage #212105253 • EXT. #226

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$79,900

$199,900

$624,900

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$299,900

$249,900

P. TW CE R E MM

$374,000

$499,900

LAKEFRONT RANCH HOME GORGEOUS LAKEFRONT HOME ON ALL-SPORTS LONG LAKE ON WOLVERINE LAKE •3 bed, 1.5 ba, Florida rm, GR, new snackbar kitch •2,514 sq ft + fin walkout, 4 bed, 2.5 ba, GR, fp •New flooring, covered deck, dock, seawall, 2 car •Mstr-jet tub bath, dock/seawall, ff laundry, 2 car #212075900 • EXT. #241 #212089282 • EXT. #255

•Meeting Client’s Needs Since 1977 •Dedicated Listing & Buyer’s Agents •160+ Negotiated/Closed “Short Sales”

RARE FIND - HUNTER’S PARADISE 38+ TREED ACRES •Gentle rolling terrain, creek/pond, zoned agriculture •Splits avail., good road frontage, Holly schools #212105642 • EXT. #204

$539,900

CHARMING HOME ON BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS ALL-SPORTS UPPER STRAITS LAKE! CONDOMINIUM TOWNHOUSE SANDY SHORELINE ON WALTERS LAKE! •3 bed, 2 ba, walkout basement, jet tub bath •2 bed, 1.5 ba + fin. bsmt, granite kitchen •3 bed, 2 ba, fin. walkout, fp, needs TLC •GR w/fp, kitch w/appl., decks, dock, 2 car • 3 story deck, 2 car detached gar, shed • Ceramic & hardwood thru-out, pool #212100812 • EXT. #232 #212092228 • EXT. #259 #212095693 • EXT. #266

127 FT. OF BULLARD WATERFRONT GORGEOUS TREED .43 ACRE LOT •2,116 sq. ft., walkout, 4 bed, 3.5 ba, wet bar •Part fin. w/o, ff laundry, elevated deck #212091684 • EXT. #234

We are full time professional Realtors...

. WP

LD FIE OM O BL

$104,900

DL AR CH R O

$214,900

#212104263 • EXT. #245 LA

P. TW CE R E

GORGEOUS RANCH HOME ON ALL-SPORTS BRENDEL LAKE! •1,488 sq ft + fin. walkout, 3-4 bed, 2 ba •GR/DR - hdwd flr, 2 fp, deck, patio, dock, shed

L WA

BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED HOME ON ALL-SPORTS DUCK LAKE! •2,962 sq ft, 4 bed, 2 ba, vaulted dining, library •Fp, granite kitchen, 1st flr laundry, bsmt #212093248 • EXT. #246

P. TW KE A L

BEACH PRIVILEGES ON ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE! •1,600+ sq ft, 3 bed, 2 ceramic ba, 2 car •GR, FR w/fp, newer kitchen, deck, fenced yard

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$299,900

$399,900

$129,900

$199,900

. WP DT N A RTL HA

ALL-SPORTS BRENDEL LAKEFRONT 80 FT. OF SANDY SHORELINE ON UPDATED RANCH HOME BEAUTIFUL HOME ON 2.6 ACRES- BACKS 1.4 ACRE LOT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE! ON FENCED LOT TO HEARTLAND GLEN GOLF COURSE! •4,000+ sq ft, 5 bed, 3.2 ba, hdwd flr., newer kitch • 2,172 sq ft, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, w/o bsmt, 9 ft. ceiling •3 bed, 2 ba, LR, FR, jet tub bath, appliances •2 separate-buildable lots, newer 2 car gar. •Mstr suite, fp, sauna, 2 car + 1 car garage • 2 sty GR, fp, ff mstr suite & laundry, lg deck •Newer kitch, ff laundry, bsmt, deck, attach 2 car •Existing 3 bed, 2 ba, GR, fp, Florida rm, FR #212103989 • EXT. #224 #212103190 • EXT. #216 #212084822 • EXT. #279 #212096727 • EXT. #290

ITE WH

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SPACIOUS COLONIAL ON LARGE, FENCED LOT •2,080 sq ft & fin bsmt, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, GR-fp •FR, 1st flr laundry, 3 car, 2nd story storage #212079251 • EXT. #228

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Our performance speaks for itself! Call today for a private consultation.

10+ ACRE HORSE/HERB FARM WITH CIRCA 1880 FARMHOUSE •2,200 sq ft 2 sty, 4 bed, 2 ba, full basement •14 stall barn, 10 fenced pastures, coop, 8 car #212105137 • EXT. #201

. WP ET AK L ITE WH

$39,900 LAKEFRONT LOT ON ALL-SPORTS COOLEY LAKE •300 ft + deep lot, wetland assessment completed •LC terms, poss. split, w/o site, util./sewer at street #212097601 • EXT. #204

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

There’s No Better Time To Sell! 800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message 2900 Union Lake, Suite 210, Commerce, MI 48382

248-366-7200

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

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

janet@TheStocktonTeam.com

steve@TheStocktonTeam.com

www.TheStocktonTeam.com

PAGE 52

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Commerce Market Center David Botsford - Team Leader Call about our new agent and veteran’s scholarship programs. 248-360-2900

866.784.0917

WHITE LAKE Gorgeous home with open floor plan w/kitchen, hearth room and breakfast area. 5 bedrooms; 5 baths; finished walkout lower level; formal dining; great room; first floor master; 3 car garage; much more. Not a short sale. $325,000

DEBRA LENZEN 248-760-5474 - cell 2900 Union Lake Rd., Ste 210 Commerce Twp., MI 48382 Residential & Lakefront Expert Award Winning, Top Producing Realtor

dwlenzen@comcast.net MichiganHomesPro.com

NEW LISTING - 5592 Bentwood Lane, Commerce, MI

GORGEOUS HURON HILLS BEAUTY - 3,221 sq. ft.! Hardwood floors, casement windows, elegant first floor master with new carpeting and private access to deck. Master bath with steam shower and jet tub. Granite in kitchen with custom built in buffet, bonus room addition with remote motorized shades, lots of room for entertaining in finished lower level (50” big screen TV stays!)

Whether Buying or Selling a Home…

Christine Atkinson I Specialize in Referrals and I Appreciate Your Help!

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

Email: christineatkinsonrealtor@yahoo.com Visit my website

CHRISTINEATKINSON.COM KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY 2900 Union Lake Rd. Ste. 210, Commerce, MI 48382

UNION LAKE - WHERE DREAMS NEVER END! Move right into this charing allsports Union Lake front home. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2,410 sq. ft. All natural sandy beach, professional gardening, spacious kitchen, formal living and dining rooms with spectacular views! $499,900

BRENDEL LAKE - 380’ OF ALL-SPORT LAKE FRONTAGE 3,126 sq. ft., spectacular views of all-sports Brendel Lake from every room in the house! 4 private balconies with electric storm shutters, turret with breakfast room, large open floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths! Your own Shangri La! $484,900

GREEN LAKE - HIGHLY PRIZED SETTING New England style home featuring huge heated Florida room overlooking 93’ of sandy beach front. 2 master suites, 4 full baths, 3,744 sq. ft. Wet bar, 3 fireplaces, finished walkout basement and 3 plus car garage with workshop. A must see! $599,900

CEDAR ISLAND LAKE - LIFE IS BETTER HERE Come see this all-sports Cedar Island Lake waterfront home! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and over 2,100 sq. ft. of living space. New stainless steel appliances, family room with wet bar, natural fireplace and huge deck and basement with doorwall and heated 2 car garage! $299,900

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

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featured properties: EN OP

N. SU

1-3

– HIGHLAND – BEAUTIFUL COLONIAL OPEN FLOOR PLAN, GOURMET KITCHEN, PRIVATE BACKYARD 212101491 $420,000

– HIGHLAND – SPACIOUS RANCH MOVE-IN, NEWER WINDOWS, LARGE YARD 212105600 $119,900

– WHITE LAKE – 4 BEDROOMS - 4 BATHS - 1ST FLOOR MASTER 2ND FLOOR SUITE - .62 ACRE LOT 212089177 $49,900

– COMMERCE – UPDATED CAPE COD - LARGE WINDOWS HARDWOOD FLOORS - TONS OF COUNTERSPACE 212101188 $130,000

PAGE 54

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Apartments

Pontiac Lake 1 bdrm for $459 2 bdrm for $499 Includes all utilities except electric. Security Deposit. For more information & availability call

248-626-7857 MILFORD VILLAGE APARTMENTS 1 bedroom apartment. Heat and water paid. No pets. In Milford City. Call for specials.

(248)477-9192

General/ Help Wanted WATERFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT

Two bdrm apartment & studio ($475) Walk in closets, high speed internet available, heat & water paid, Walled Lake Schools, no dogs. Leasing now.

Needs Relief Bus Drivers$12.11/hr, Sub Bus Driver Assistants- $8.94/hr. No exp needed, will be trained. Apply online at www.waterford.k12.mi.us Call 248-674-2692

Hardwood Floor Installer/ Refinishers

Fax references/ Resume to 248-698-4854

248-982-3281

TAXI & AIRPORT

HELP WANTED

DRIVERS WANTED Full or Part time Day or Night

Move in special!

248-666-2110 65

TOW TRUCK DRIVER Needed full or par t time, would prefer live in Waterford area. Must be reliable.

248-623-1010

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

INTERNAL MEDICINE PRACTICE

2 years min. exp. Receive products, pick/ship orders, operate forklift & other equipment from 11a.m.-7:30p.m. MonFri. $9.75/ hr. Wixom area.

Seeks exp. Medical Assistant. Must be outgoing, detail oriented, and able to multi task. Strong computer skills are required. EMR knowledge helpful. Please email your resume to mdeweycpc@gmail.com

HELP WANTED

Are you Retired and your Bills don’t realize it? Are you looking for Part time employment? Are you familiar with ID Grinding Machines or Handy with a Wrench We could use you knowledge. Wixom or Farmington Area Location. Apply in person & ask for JJ Monday-Friday 9:00 am-4:00 pm 4527 Old Plank Rd., Milford, MI 48381

(248) 685-0961 ext. 233

CHILD CARE Lead and or assistant child care givers needed, Commerce area. Full or part time. Experience preferred. Flexible, paid holidays. Call Becky or Amy Z

248-360-7743 www.rlckids.com

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Used/Wanted

CAREGIVERS WANTED!

SCRAP METAL

Home Instead Senior Care of Waterford & Walled Lake are currently seeking compassionate, trustworthy, reliable caregivers to serve elderly clients in their own homes. Must demonstrate maturity and be 21 years of age, with valid car insurance, reliable vehicle, and able to pass a background check. Retirees welcome! Experience is preferred, but will train the right candidate. Please apply online at our employment website: www.homeinsteadmich.com.

INSURANCE OFFICE In Milford has two full time positions. Customer Service

Rep and P&C Licensed Sales Agent. A minimum of two year's experience preferred.

WAREHOUSE MATERIAL HANDLERS

Apply online www.caraco.com

Sales Positions 67

CNAs and HHAs needed with flexible availability needed for Oakland County. 6 months experience or CNA Certification required. Must have current CPR, TB Test, valid Michigan drivers license and proof of auto insurance. Fax resume to Lesli at 248-972-5529 or email to jobs@inspirehomecare.com

Office/ Clerical

CHILD CARE CENTER

Medical/ Dental

CNAs/ HHAs

Must have 2 years experience in installing/ refinishing hardwood floors with references. Need your own transportation.

WALLED LAKE AREA

General/ Help Wanted

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

HELP WANTED Walled Lake Office offers part-time opening that could lead to full time. Ideal assignment for talented college student. Utilizing Microsoft Office including WORD, Excel, PowerPoint 60+ wpm. Filing, copying, telephone answering. Easy to access Walled Lake location. Fax resume to 877-504-2990 Immediate need.

FAX

Aluminum .30-.65¢/lb. Copper $2.10-$2.70/lb. Brass 1.00- 1.50/lb. Auto Rads. .90¢-1.20/lb. 1011 Decker, Walled Lk

Mann Metals Corp. (248)960-1200 Absolutely Free

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. CAT- FIXED MALE, 1.5 year old tabby or/ fixed female, 1 year old long hair. Both need another cat's company, no young children. 248-7384901/ 248-214-9898 DUE TO Allergies, owners must find a new loving home, for grey longhair cat, (female) and orange tabby cat(male). 248-212-0645

Collectibles

34th MODEL CAR & TOY FAIR Bakers of Milford

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Auction/Estate Sales101

GOODRICH FLEA MARKET

EVERY SATURDAY 9a.m. to 4p.m. 7285 South State St. Goodrich, MI 48438 Vendors call 248-622-1516 Moving Sales

102

MOVING 2855 Warner of Commerce. Friday, Saturday, 10-5. Housewares, tools, furniture, antiques, lawn equipment.

103

WATERFORD

6451 Cooley Lake Road Waterford Oct 25th 9a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct 26th- 9a.m. to 5p.m Oct 27th- Bag sale 9a.m.-12 WOLVERINE LAKE 1400 DELMONTE (off Benstein), Oct 26, 27, 28. 2 family. Furniture, tools, Christmas.

Pets/Supplies

115

WELL TRAINED Golden Retriever/yellow lab, 6 years old, $15. 248-821-4097

Clothing/Apparel

119

CARHARTT HOODED Coatbrown, frayed cuffs, XL, $24. 248-425-1004 DETROIT LIONS Jersey, C. Rogers, size medium. $18 248887-6079 ELMO COSTUME 3T / 4T furry and warm, $8. 248-4201528

Sunday, Oct 28th, 8:30 -1:30

PROCTOR SILEX Food chopper. Brand new in box. $7 248623-2661

Stuff/Infants

129

132

HIGHCHAIR WITH large with tray, Graco $12 248-6690741 Wixom

248-684-5636

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

248-360-5308 • 248-360-5309

164

DAVE'S MOBILE MARINE •Pontoon Hauling •Winterizing •Shrink Wrapping "We Come To You" •Buy & Sell Motors

Odds N Ends

PONTOON HAULING

138

WHEELED LUGGAGE Carrier with handles for airpor ts/ trains etc. $10. 248-6232661 PEOPLE THAT bought the talking Frankenstein forgot the battery cover. Please call 248- 623-2661

Winter Storage-$175.99 Snowmobiles, Trailers, RV's Fenced, Gated & Lighted Shrink Wrap & Winterization Let us sell your Pontoon.

Tom 248-681-4250 www.tomspontoonservice.com

TRAVEL- TECH

Shrink Wrap 248-980-3453 I / O Winterizing 248-698-3686 Certified Master Mechanic Boat Hoists Docks

166

BOAT HOIST Shore Station 3,600 pounds, ver tical, 115VAC drive, 2 canopy tops. $2,500 248-310-4267

Boat Storage

170

PWC & BOAT WINTERIZING Shrink Wrapping & Storage Motorcycle, ATV, Snowmobile Parts & Service

Lakes MotorSports 4713 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI 48329

248-674-0663 www.lakesmotorsports.com

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage

Motorcycles

181

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

(248)467-0396

183

MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page Trucks/Trailers

Local & Long Distance

RUMMAGE SALE Four Towns United Methodist Church

Household Items

YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

Boats/Motors/ Trailers

(248)666-9248 Garage Sales

2025 S Milford Road Milford, MI 48381

$5 admission- free for children under 12. Carlton Hobbies' Model contest. Portion of the profits will be used to support the Youth Scholarship Fund of the Michigan Society Sons of the American Revolution. Call

BOATS/ OUTDOOR

185

FORD F150 1985: Black 4X4, 302EFI, A/C, auto, very clean, 113K, $7,000 OBO. 248-6848741.

Cars

187

FIREBIRD 1979 Make offer. Father & son project. 248613-9354 2008 JEEP LIBERTY Sport, 27,000 miles, mint condition, $15,000. 248-926-6165

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page BUICK LE SABRE LTD 2000, excellent condition, 140K, $3,900. 248-698-2238 LET US HELP YOU SELL that vehicle. Give us a call at 248-360-7355 or fax to 248-360-5308

Cars

187

FORD ESCORT 1999 4door, 4 cylinder, auto, 97k, $2,000 248-891-7678 FORD EXPLORER 1991 4x4 Sport, 104k, runs good. $1,500 248-245-3322.

HADLEY'S TOWING 24825 Hathaway St. Farmington Hills MI 48335

Auction: 10-30-12, 10a.m 1. 1993 Ford Truck Vin 1FTEF15Y2PLA56247 2. 2002 Ford Focus Vin 1FAFP34322W222525 3. 2004 Chevy Malibu Vin 1G1ND52F44M647985 4. 1998 Mitsubishi Galant Vin 4A3AJ56G1WE012590 5. 1997 GMC Jimmy 1GKCT18W2VK501717 SUBARU IMPREZA Outback, 1999. 250K miles, good tires, $1,900. 248-363-1947

RC TOWING 2001 Pontiac Grand Pre 1G2WR52191F190774 2000 Lincoln LS 1LNHM87A8YY7680709 1998 Chevy Camaro 2G1FP22G4W2102901

Auction will be held at October 29th, 10am 1237 E/W. Maple Rd Walled Lake MI 48390

OCTOBER 24-30, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 55

LAKES AREA SERVICES (248) 360-7355

www.SpinalColumnOnline.com

Fax (248) 360-5308

IN PRINT and ON-LINE 24/7

Personal • Business • Maintenance • Improvements • Repair PERSONAL/ SERVICES Home/Office Cleaning 368 COLLEEN'S CLEANING SERVICE is coming to your neighborhood. Residential / Commercial 20 Years Experience • Insured • Local References upon request. Call for FREE Quote or questions 9am-5pm

Cabinetry

& free quote 248-881-3389

REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT Appliance Repair

502

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

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

513

524

CERTIFIED OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE

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

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

(248)363-3804

R&D DRYWALL & PAINTING

elegant-woodworking.com

Cement/Concrete

517

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

(248)684-5928 MARCUCCI 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 www.marcuccicement.com

248-486-5900 Doors

524

BOB'S CARPET

THE DOOR STOP

Mohawk Carpet Great buys! Remnants Living room & Bedroom sized $4 per yd. Low prices on restretching, repairs, pad, & installation.

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

35 years experience Bob (248)681-5771

Doors

Elegant Woodworking

248-974-5104 HOME CLEANING SERVICE BY ANNA •Weekly •Biweekly •Monthly & ONE TIME CLEANING Call for appointment

515

Since 1980

Call Anytime 248-624-4042 (cell) 248-640-6298

248-624-3161 Drywall

526

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

•Hang & Finished •Small Repair •Texture Repair •Plaster Repair •Wet Sand

Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians

528

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

D & S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING

"The job your husband will do tomorrow."

(248)624-6458

Heating/Duct Work 546

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

(248)241-6913

Outdoor Services, LLC * Snowplowing * Fall clean ups • Gutter cleaning • Lawn Service • Brick pavers • Mulch & weeding •Insured • Res. & Com.

Licensed & Insured Complete Plumbing Service

(248)887-2366

EDWARD'S

A R T

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.

LADY LIBERTY ENTERPRISES Land Dec-

Backhoe service & landscaping. 38 Years Experience. Small or Large Jobs. Fully insured. Free estimates.

536

553

VS PAINTING FALL SPECIAL

248-684-4175 810-714-3058

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

Flooring

Lawn/Garden Services

Tile 562

Premier Plumbing

(248)683-7985

J.J.M BACKHOE SERVICE LLC

248-310-7768

Painting/ Decorating

www.artoutdoorservices.com (248)625-5719

TOTAL HOME SERVICE

529

WILL FOLSOM HEATING & COOLING Commercial/Residential Service & Installation Licensed & Insured •Furnaces •A/C Units •Water Heaters •Humidifiers

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

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

Excavating

Heating/Duct Work 546

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

FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION

248-363-1615

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

248-634-7041 COLLEGE STUDENT •Fall Clean Up •Tree Trimming

INSURED Shawn Larkins

248-931-0295 Painting/ Decorating

562

248-894-3239 Plumbing

567

New Construction & Remodel Commercial & Residential

248-363-5864 Roofing

571

D&D Construction * Fall Roofing Specials * $200 per square/30 year Siding • Windows LeafGuards • Gutters

Doug Dible 248-431-6243

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

Siding

577

I.D.C.

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

Bob: 248-363-0589 idchomeservice.com

585

Tree Service

587

J.M. TILE & MARBLE CUSTOM WORK

J ROMO TREE SERVICE

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

•Tree Trimming •Lot Clearing •Tree Removal •Experienced •Quality Work •Affordable •Free Estimates •Insured

John Miller (248)505-8865

(248)939-7420 (248)978-1096

jmtileandmarble.com

jromotreeservice@yahoo.com

Trash/Debris Removal

Waterproofing 586

Progressive Transportation Specializing in: •Appliances •Furniture •Debris Removal •We haul cars too! Call anytime for estimates & great service 248-887-4892

Tree Service

587

STUMP GRINDING AFFORDABLE Free Estimates Prompt Service Fenced Yard Accessible

Insured. Call Todd

248-425-0155

599

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

Wells

603

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

MAXON'S TREE SERVICE

Emergency Service

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

248-

Licensed & Insured Free Estimates

(248)887-2190 KODIAK AERIAL TREE SERVICE Tree Trim Removal and Stumps •Free estimates •Insured 30 years experience

248-921-9097

7 days a week

363-6464

aquawells.com All credit cards accepted

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

(248)310-0917

Emergency Service Visa & MasterCard

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ACCURATE WOODWORKING & CABINETRY

What’s cook’n in your kitchen? “From the first drawing to the final installation, our goal is a quality product and a satisfied client.” Quality and Service Since 1954

Our products include

Custom Cabinetry & Semi Custom Cabinetry • Office and retail cabinetry •Kitchen and bath cabinetry • Wall units • Bars • Libraries • Conference tables • Fireplace surrounds & mantels • Motor Coaches, boats and aircraft • Laminate & solid surface countertops

7675 Highland Rd. • Waterford, MI 48327 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

248-666-3755