Lakes area residents itching to “ooh” and “ahh” at some of the best fireworks displays for the Fourth of July in the metro Detroit region need to look no farther than their own backyard — sometimes literally — as various organizations are holding both public and private fireworks displays to celebrate Independence Day. However, it’s important to remember that when an event is listed as being private, the hosts mean it, so be sure to [...]

The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees voted Monday, June 27 to approve a proposal from the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) to have a roundabout constructed at Orchard Lake and 14 Mile roads and a four-lane boulevard constructed along Orchard Lake Road from 14 Mile Road to Maple Road. The board’s approval was a major step in negotiations between the township and the RCOC since late 2008. According to the proposal, the total [...]

Walled Lake Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Loyd Cureton quietly retired from his post on Friday, June 17, leaving a significant void in the city. Now, in addition to running the city’s day-to-day operations, City Manager L. Dennis Whitt must also run the DPW, as well as treasury and finance departments. “It was rather sudden, but Loyd kept his retirement under wraps,” Whitt said. “We haven’t picked anyone else yet because it falls to [...]

The Orchard Lake City Council voted Monday, June 20 to allow the removal of a landmark tree on a homeowner’s property after determining the tree posed a safety risk. The homeowner, Paul Vagnozzi of 4200 Commerce Road, submitted a request to cut down a red oak tree that was deemed dangerous by Oakwood Tree Services, which concluded there is a high degree of probability the tree could fall onto the house. “The tree is within [...]

The barn at the Byers Homestead Park in Commerce Township will be getting a new roof. At its meeting on Tuesday, June 14, the Commerce Township Board of Trustees approved a Parks and Recreation Committee recommendation to accept QHR Roofing and Remodeling’s bid on the job. QHR will be replacing the barn roof for $5,250. “This is just a small, little project,” said Township Supervisor Tom Zoner. “It’s a joint project between the township and [...]

Pontiac Trail between M-5 and Welch Road in Commerce Township was closed on Sunday, June 26 so construction crews could begin work on the new roundabout at the intersection of M-5, Pontiac Trail and Martin Parkway. The stretch of roadway was expected to close Thursday, June 23, but inclement weather delayed the closure. Once completed, the M-5/Pontiac Trail/Martin Parkway roundabout will be the largest to date in Oakland County. Drivers may be compelled to seek [...]

Following the recent candidate filing deadline, there will be two uncontested races in Wixom during the city’s Nov. 8 City Council election. The candidate filing deadline for the election was 4 p.m. on May 10. Unless a write-in candidate steps up to the plate, voters can bank on the trio of candidates who tossed in their names for three city council seats. Mayor Kevin Hinkley is running unopposed for another term as mayor. Terms for [...]

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have taken significant criticism from pundits and politicians for their role in the downfall of the U.S. housing market, but the two mortgage giants are also facing the ire of Oakland County now that a lawsuit has been filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit over what the county argues are unpaid taxes amounting to an estimated $1.6 million. Treasurer Andy Meisner and the Oakland County Corporation Counsel are suing [...]

Perhaps the third time will be a charm for Neil Billington. The former 2010 Republican primary challenger against state Rep. Gail Haines (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield) has again filed proposed recall petition language against the second-term lawmaker, after two previous attempts were shot down by the Oakland County Elections Commission for lack of clarity. The latest proposed recall language reads as follows: “State Representative Gail Haines of District 43 supports legislation and has voted in favor [...]

The White Lake Township Board of Trustees decided once again to extend the medical marijuana moratorium in the township at its Tuesday, June 21 meeting. This marks the third time the moratorium has been extended since the passage of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act in 2008. According to township Planning Director Sean O’Neil, one of the main concerns is that marijuana — whether its use is medicinal or recreational — still remains illegal under federal [...]