Business groups urge lawmakers to hold line on taxes

Michigan’s business community on Friday called on lawmakers and Gov. Jennifer Granholm to “hold the line” on tax increases and pass the cuts-dominated budget agreed to by House Speaker Andy Dillon and Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop.

The letter from 16 major business groups came amid continued rumblings of new revenue being considered to soften major cuts that have proved difficult to achieve as lawmakers close in on the Oct. 1 start of the fiscal year with no budget in place.

“With a 15 percent unemployment rate, Michigan’s business is already unstable and uncertain,” the groups wrote. “We stand unified in our opposition to any tax increase on job providers.

“The business community has engaged in the process of making structural reform a priority, encouraging conversation among legislators and offering menus of possible reforms and has expected as much for two years,” the letter said.

“It is a drastic mistake to raise taxes and make Michigan less competitive when even the simplest reforms have not been considered.”

The groups include: the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Detroit Regional Chamber, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Lansing Regional Chamber, Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan, Kalamazoo Regional Chamber, Michigan Association of Home Builders, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Association of Realtors, Michigan Restaurant Association, National Federation of Independent Business-Michigan, Business Leaders for Michigan, Small Business Association of Michigan, Michigan Grocers Association, Michigan Retailers Association and Michigan Bankers Association.

The groups also cited concern about the passage of a continuation budget that does not include the cuts targeted by Dillon, D-Redford Township, and Bishop, R-Rochester.

Senate Republicans on Friday passed continuation budget bills reflecting cuts at the targeted levels, over the objection of Senate Democrats who said the 30 day, cuts-only budget was extreme and would slash funding for education, public safety and health care.

Written By: Amy Lane of Crain's Detroit Business

What's your feedback? Would like to hear from you.

Pass it on......

On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States . Every individual should make it the ir duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost the ir lives on 9/11, the ir families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take ano the r attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and toge the r we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

Action Plan:

So, here's what we need you to do.

(1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Please don't be the one to break this chain. Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you..

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11 Thank you for your participation..

God Bless You and God Bless America !

Best Boat Test

Are you thinking of buying a boat? Not sure if it's a good and strong boat?Wonder how strong the hull is? Well have no fear. Now there is the BubbaTest for boats. The following video will demonstrate this very valuable test.

http://www.toughboats.com/video.cfm?fullscreen=1&filename=Toughboats_BubbaCRevLegal

What Goes First?

Maybe they should have taken the boaters safety class?

Tax Foreclosure Extensions, Exemptions Sought

By: Lisa Brody

August 19, 2009 - The state would standardize the approach to granting tax foreclosure hardship extensions and exemptions for low-income homeowners if legislation that House Democrats are introducing receives the Legislature's approval and Gov. Jennifer Granholm's signature.

Currently, local governments can set their own guidelines for determining who can receive property tax bill exemptions or extensions. Standards vary across the state. Setting common state standards would usurp the local officials' ability to set their own standards.

Additionally, the legislation will specify uniform notification requirements, requiring that homeowners receive notice by mail that their house is in tax foreclosure, telling them how much they owe, and when delinquent taxes are due. Furthermore, the legislation would prevent foreclosure due to unpaid water bills or other municipal utility bills.

"Of course, they sound wonderful, but I'm always leery about Lansing mandating what local governments should do," said state Rep. Chuck Moss (R-Orchard Lake). "It's always great to be Robin Hood, but who's going to pay for it?

"Two bills in the House Democrats' tax foreclosure package have been introduced. The first is House Bill (HB) 4035, sponsored by state Rep. Shanelle Jackson (D-Detroit), specifying tax exemptions. HB 4050, introduced by state Rep. Bettie Scott (D-Detroit), details delinquency of taxes and how those in foreclosure due to water or utility bill delinquency would be exempt.

The bills would also create a hardship extension for households living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and would allow a tax exemption for those property owners. Currently, for a family of four, the federal poverty threshold is $22,050.

"Two-hundred percent of the poverty level is $43,500," Moss said. "That's nothing. Foreclosures are a bad thing, but do you tell people they don't have to pay their taxes, their water, or their utilities? Municipalities are in trouble, too, and can't afford to give a free ride to all of these taxpayers."

Lisa Brody is a staff writer for the Spinal Column Newsweekly

Lake Oakland Home For Sale

Click on the link below to preview a wonderful home for sale on Lake Oakland. If you know of anyone looking to buy a lakefront home please send them this link.

http://www.moveinmichigan.com/Searchdetails.aspx?ListingTag=842233B5FF804211916PJ4E2135TX2VL98OBA0EF3JX

Have a Great Weekend!!!

Tim

Lakefront Home For Sale

This home is truly a must see on Maceday Lake.
If you know of anyone looking to move onto Maceday or Lotus Lake please forward them this link.

http://www.ignitecast.com/p/upUvQ6qVPO/

The Price of Children

The Price of Children

This is just too good not to pass on to all. Here is something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice.
The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140.00 for a middle income family. Talk about price shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.

But $160,140.00 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:* $8,896.66 a year,* $741.38 a month, * $171.08 a week.* A mere $24.24 a day!* Just over a dollar an hour.
Still, you might think the best financial advice is: don't have children if you want to be 'rich.' Actually, it is just the opposite.

What do you get for your $160,140.00?* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!* Glimpses of God every day.* Giggles under the covers every night.* More love than your heart can hold.* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.* A hand to hold usually covered with jelly or chocolate.* A partner for blowing bubbles and flying kites.* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140.00, you never have to grow up. You get to:* finger-paint,* carve pumpkins,* play hide-and-seek,* catch lightning bugs, * never stop believing in Santa Claus.
You have an excuse to:* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,* watch Saturday morning cartoons,* go to Disney movies, and* wish on stars.

You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodlewreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For a mere $24.24 a day, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,* taking the training wheels off a bike,* removing a splinter,* filling a wading pool,* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and* coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream regardless.

You get a front row seat in history to witness the: * First step, * First word, * First bra, * First date, * First time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match..

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits, so one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!!

Love & enjoy your children & grandchildren & great-grandchildren!!!

It's the best investment you'll ever make!!!!

Signs of Change!

July 24, 2009-Existing-home sales rose for the third consecutive month with inventory easing and home prices declining less sharply in June, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Existing-home sales-including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops-increased 3.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.89 million units in June from a downwardly revised pace of 4.72 million in May, but are 0.2% lower than the 4.90 million-unit level in June 2008.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, is hopeful about the gain. “The increase in existing-home sales occurred in all major regions of the country,” he said. “We expect a gradual uptrend in sales to continue due to tax credit incentives and historically high affordability conditions. Despite the rise in closed transactions, many Realtors® are reporting lost sales as a result of new appraisal standards that went into effect May 1 of this year.”

A June survey of NAR members shows 3% experienced at least one lost sale as a result of the new Home Valuation Code of Conduct, with seven out of 10 reporting an increased use of out-of-area appraisers. Seventy percent of NAR appraiser members said consumers were paying higher fees, while 85% report a perceived reduction in appraisal quality. “Clearly the process needs to be revised, but the most logical approach is to use appraisers with local expertise, industry designations and access to local data, who make a physical examination of the property and use apples-to-apples comparisons with nearby home sales,” Yun said. “In many cases, normal homes are being compared with distressed homes sold at a discount, which often are in subpar condition-this is causing real harm to both buyers and sellers.”

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 5.42% in June from 4.86% in May; the rate was 6.32% in June 2008. Mortgage interest rates have trended lower in recent weeks.

Total housing inventory at the end of June fell 0.7% to 3.82 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.4-month supply at the current sales pace, down from a 9.8-month supply in May. Raw inventory totals are 14.9% below a year ago. “This is another hopeful sign-if we can keep the volume of sales above the level of new inventory, prices could stabilize in many areas around the end of the year,” Yun said.An NAR practitioner survey in June showed first-time buyers accounted for 29% of transactions, unchanged from May, and that the number of buyers looking at homes is up nearly 12 percentage points from June 2008. NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth, said there are very good opportunities. “Despite some of the challenges, the housing market continues to demonstrate signs of recovery,” he said. “The temporary first-time buyer tax credit is clearly helping people make a decision and is contributing to the overall stimulus impact, but since it’s taking longer to close transactions, many would-be beneficiaries may not be able to take advantage of the credit before the December 1 expiration date. As a consequence, consumers need the expertise of Realtors more than ever to navigate both the obstacles and opportunities in today’s market.”

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $181,800 in June, which is 15.4% below June 2008. Distressed properties, which accounted for 31% of sales in June, continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.

Single-family home sales rose 2.4% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.32 million in June from a level of 4.22 million in May, and are 0.2% higher than the 4.31 million-unit pace a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $181,600 in June, which is 15.0% below June 2008.

Existing condominium and co-op sales jumped 14.0% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 570,000 units in June from 500,000 in May, but are 3.1% below the 588,000-unit level in June 2008. The median existing condo price was $183,300 in June, down 18.9% from a year ago.
NortheastRegionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast rose 2.5% to an annual pace of 820,000 in June, but are 4.7% below a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $249,400, down 5.9% from June 2008.

MidwestExisting-home sales in the Midwest increased 0.9% in June to a level of 1.10 million but are 1.8% lower than June 2008. The median price in the Midwest was $157,000, which is 9.1% below a year ago.

SouthIn the South, existing-home sales rose 4.0% to an annual pace of 1.81 million in June but are 3.7% below a year ago. The median price in the South was $163,200, down 11.9% from June 2008.

WestExisting-home sales in the West improved by 6.4% to an annual rate of 1.16 million in June, and are 11.5% higher than June 2008. The median price in the West was $214,800, which is 24.9% below a year ago.

Talk About Fun!!

Well it's over and I thank everyone that helped out on the tow boats. And an extra special thank you to my wife Darlene for helping Saturday morning when the temperature was a chilly 58 degrees. I hope that all of you enjoyed the races as much as I did.

It was a great weekend of racing with some incredible boats and drivers from all over the US and Canada. Time trails and elimination heats were run on Friday and Saturday with the final races held Sunday. The races were held on Pontiac Lake on a 1 mile oval course.

There were several classes of boats running from the Vintage class up to the Grand Prix class. I was completely in awe of the Grand Prix's! The average speed was 140mph and on the straightaways they could reach speeds up to 170mph and throwing 70' rooster tails. I have never seen something running across the water at those speeds or heard anything that loud passing by you within 100 feet. Being in a tow boat is truly the best seat to be in for this event!

On Sunday one of my helpers Dave and I were sitting at the beginning of turn 2 when 3 boats were side by side coming into the turn and the inside boat (Desperado) seemed to catch the wake of another and the stern went straight up in the air spinning the boat like a top on it's bow and coming to rest right in front of us. All of this happened within a split second and the fortunately driver wasn't injured. SHE was a bit rattled but walked away without even a scratch. Nothing like coming to an abrupt stop at 90mph!! That was the only major incident over the weekend. Most tows we preformed were boats that broke down.

Another group of racers that were fun to watch was the junior class that ran on a 1/4 mile course. They ran a smaller scale hydroplane boat with a 15hp outboard motor. They also ran a junior class of first time drivers under 14 years of age and one of them didn't realize they were running the small course so off he went around the 1 mile track.

It had everyone laughing!

Looking forward to next years races.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Our US Flag

UNFURLING THE STARS AND STRIPESBy Jeffery VailThe flag remains a powerful symbol of patriotism for many Americans. But where did those stars and stripes come from in the first place? Time for us to unfurl the story.

What Came Before the "Stars and Stripes"? Try the "Continental Colors." It had 13 red and white stripes representing the 13 colonies and a British Union Jack in the corner. George Washington raised this flag as the banner of the Continental Army on January 1, 1776. Other early flags depicted a pine tree or a snake. There were several versions of the "Gadsden flag," which was yellow with a rattlesnake coiled over the words "Don't Tread on Me!"

Betsy Ross--Did She or Didn't She? Many Americans believe a Philadelphia seamstress named Betsy Ross designed and sewed the first Stars and Stripes. The legend began when her grandson, William Canby, spoke on the origin of the flag to the Pennsylvania Historical Society in 1870. Canby said his grandmother had told him that she fashioned the flag in June 1776 at the request of George Washington. Still, despite the fact that Betsy Ross was a good businesswoman who kept careful records, Canby admitted he could find no documents to back up the story.Canby said Washington approached Ross because he was part of a congressional committee in charge of creating a new flag. But no one has found any evidence that the committee existed, that Washington visited Ross's shop, or that the two even knew each other. Betsy Ross did make flags, but for now, the legend of her sewing the first-ever Stars and Stripes remains a legend.

Why Stars and Stripes? On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, adopted the following resolution, without comment or debate:"Resolved, That the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."Congress said nothing about the stars' arrangement, so different versions of the Stars and Stripes appeared during the following years, with different star patterns. These included the "Betsy Ross flag," with the stars in a circle.Many historians now believe the Stars and Stripes may have been the work of Francis Hopkinson, a congressman, artist, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1780, Hopkinson wrote a letter to the government about designs he had made for official symbols, including the "Flag of the United States of America." He noted that he hadn't been paid and asked for a quarter cask of wine as compensation.

Why Red, White, and Blue? No official explanation of the color scheme has ever been established. Yet in 1782, Charles Thomson, the congressional secretary in charge of choosing a great seal for the United States, did explain the meaning of the seal's red, white, and blue. He said, "White signifies purity and innocence, Red hardiness and valor, and Blue . . . signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice."On the other hand, the flag may be red, white, and blue simply because those are the colors of the British flag. Maybe early Americans weren't quite as rebellious as they thought.

This article was provided to you through collaboration with Every Learner. To learn more, play quizzes, and read additional articles, visit http://everylearner.com/ and get a one-month membership at no cost to you.Copyright © 2002-2009 Every Learner, Inc. All rights reserved.

Another old photo!

This is a picture of the Dell Steamboat Ferry.

What lake did this steamboat cross many years ago?

Great Historical Photos

Do you know where this building was and somewhat
still is?

What was the name of this establishment?

What lake was Shorty Hooks Place on?

Please post the locations in the comment box below!

Missed Opportunity!!

Already Pending!

This was a great deal on a lakefront home on Lotus Lake.

It didn't take long for this home to sell. The asking price was $118,000 and it was only on the market for a few weeks.

If you know of anyone interested in a lakefront home a great price there are several opportunities out there and more on their way.

Call me or email me anytime for additional information.

Cell# 248-310-5588

Quake on the Lake

It's almost here! Great fun for everyone this July 17, 18 & 19.

Come watch the fun!

http://www.oaklandlakefront.com/Articles-i-2009-07-01-70058.113117_10th_Quake_on_the_Lake_slated_for_July_1719.html

Controlling the goose population

This is an interesting article from the Oakland Lakefront Magazine.
What are your thoughts on how they should be handled? They seem to have quadrupled on our lake this year!

Local geese likely to be killed following roundups

June 18, 2009 - The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that lethal means will most likely be used this year to address nuisance giant Canada goose populations in parts of southeast Michigan, leaving some area residents upset about the methods used to reach that decision.Karen Stamper, a Walled Lake resident, has been working with others to circulate petitions objecting to goose roundups and lethal goose controls. The petitions, which were submitted to the DNR, contained more than 800 signatures from lakes area residents who agree with Stamper."We don't have to kill the geese," Stamper said. "I think there are other humane methods that we need to look at. We contacted the DNR and gave them the name of a guy who runs GeesePeace, who said he was more than willing to help. It seems like they just want to kill (geese)."

For the rest of the story click on the link below:

http://www.oaklandlakefront.com/Articles-i-2009-07-01-69929.113117_Local_geese_likely_to_be_killed_following_roundups.html

NEED A BOAT?

I am looking to sell my boat and thought I'd check with you to see if you may know of anyone that's looking.

Excellent condition! 2003 Supra Comp with only 215 hrs and 350 motor. Great ski and wakeboard boat. Adjustable wake plate, teak platform, stereo w/ CD player and eagle trailer. Stored indoors. Asking $22,500.00 OBO

Call Tim @ 248-310-5588

4th of July Recipe!

Sweet and Sour BBQ Ribs

Ingredients:
1 1/4 c Ketchup
3/4 c Water
1/4 c Honey
2 T Worcestershire Sauce
4 tsp Lemon Juice
1 sm Onion, chopped
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
6 lb Back Ribs

Directions:Mix together the ketchup, water, honey, worcestershire sauce, lemon juice onion, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Prepare a charcoal grill, and cook ribs over medium-hot coals (adjust accordingly if you have a gas grill), turning occasionally. Brush ribs with sauce after each turn. Cook ribs until desired doneness. Remove from barbecue and enjoy.

Marine Division Gone?

Please provide me with your comments after reading:

June 17, 2009 - The Oakland County Sheriff's Department practice of keeping a Marine Division patrol boat on more than two dozen county lakes for the duration of the boating season is expected to end after this summer due to budget considerations.The change will occur next summer due to pending Sheriff's Department budget cuts for the 2009-10 fiscal year that begins on Oct. 1. The planned spending cuts will also result in a scaling back of other Marine Division services."Next year, we won't have any permanent lake boats out there," said Sgt. Matt Snyder, commander of the Marine Division. "We might have a couple on the larger lakes, but as far as the majority of them, there won't be any permanent moored boats out there. We are going to be available for our (Dive Team) call outs, we'll be available to respond to any kind of incidents and calls, but we're not going to be out there patrolling the lakes like we once were."The department is currently planning for $13.3 million in spending cuts that will take place beginning Oct. 1, including about $1 million less for the Marine Division, which currently operates on a budget of about $1.2 million a year."The sheriff has made the decision that he's cutting services that affect the least amount of people countywide, so the bottom line is that the marine unit is part of those cuts," said Undersheriff Michael McCabe."We're eliminating the two-full time (Marine Division) deputies, but we're not eliminating the Dive/Rescue Team," he said. "We will fund as many part-timers as we can with the state's reimbursement of the money we send to the state."McCabe added that the department has already been approached by a couple of lake associations that are interested in contracting for part-time deputies to maintain regular patrol hours next summer."We haven't done it in the past, but we will now," McCabe said of entering into marine patrol contracts. "So if there is a lake association or homeowners group that would like to see more than what we're going to provide, they'll have the ability to do that, but they'll have to pay for it."McCabe said he doesn't believe the Marine Division is receiving enough financial support from the state to provide marine law enforcement and education services at current levels."The state only gives us about $230,000 (a year) despite the fact that we have the most registered boats in the state of Michigan and we have over 400 navigable lakes and rivers," McCabe said. "The state Legislature and the (Department of Natural Resources) goes through a formula that we question, which gives us back about 25 cents on the dollar (sent to Lansing through boat registration fees), so for every dollar we send to Lansing we only get back 25 cents. We have approached a couple of legislators, including (state Rep.) Eileen Kowall (R-Highland, White Lake), to say we have a real mess here on our hands and Oakland County is getting the short end of the stick. We're trying to obtain more state funds through that boat registration process and at least get back to (a return of) 50 cents on the dollar."McCabe said despite the pending budget cuts, the division will continue doing the best job it can with the money that is allocated, and that the department is looking at other ways to serve the public."Property values dropped 4.5 percent last year, and this year almost 13 percent," he said. "Governmental entities get their revenue from property taxes and the amount of revenue drops correspondingly."Our big focus right now is on Lansing," he said. "If we can get back some of the money we're supposed to have, we will correspondingly increase the amount of patrols that take place out on the lakes."In the meantime, the Marine Division will conduct regular patrols on the major area lakes this summer to keep watch over boaters, with an emphasis on cracking down on drunken boating and adjusting to a new state law allowing personal watercraft (PWC) riders to stay out on the water later.The Marine Division will keep patrol boats this summer on the following west Oakland lakes for regular patrols: Cass Lake, North and South Commerce lakes, Duck Lake, Elizabeth Lake, Loon Lake (Waterford Township), Lower Straits Lake, Maceday Lake, Middle Straits Lake, Orchard Lake, Pine Lake, Pontiac Lake, Lake Sherwood, Sylvan Lake, Union Lake, Walled Lake, Walnut Lake, Watkins Lake, White Lake, Williams Lake and Long Lake (Commerce and White Lake townships).
This year's list is pretty consistent," Snyder said. "There are no additions or deletions. Everything's kind of the same. We try to concentrate on the more populated, larger lakes."Marine Division Deputy Dennis Finney said that patrol hours can occur on weekends and holidays anywhere from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or noon to 8 p.m. on the lakes where the Marine Division permanently stations a patrol boat for the summer.Snyder said that if a lake generates certain complaints, the division will adjust those general patrol hours."Overall we're out there in the middle of the day, when most people are out there, so we can just make it safe," he said.One change taking place on area lakes this summer is a new state law that allows operators to use their PWCs on the water until sunset. The previous law allowed them to be out on the water until a hour before sunset."We're all aware of it, so we'll be looking for it," Snyder said. "It became effective in April of this year."Marine Division deputies will also be on the lookout for boat and PWC operators who are under the influence of alcohol, with a special emphasis on the weekend of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 26-28. That's when the division will be participating in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide program organized by the National Organization of State Boating Law Administrators to crack down on boating under the influence of alcohol."We will be concentrating on the alcohol related-issues including reckless operation," Snyder said. "Our guys are always aware of the reckless operation of vehicles or vessels." The Marine Division uses about 34 watercraft to patrol the county's waterways, including 12 Searay boats, 12 Monterey boats, two Larson boats, one Bayliner boat, one Proline search and rescue boat for the Dive Team, one Proline jump boat, two Triumph jump boats, one rigid hull inflatable, one Smokercraft aluminum boat, and one Hoverguard 1000 hovercraft vessel.The division also has an underwater sonar unit and an underwater remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) for use in search and rescue operations. In addition, the division has four all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and four snowmobiles for patrols during the winter season."We have a dive van that has all our support equipment, all the necessary lines, buoys, markers, chain saws, tow bars — you name it," Snyder said. "We have a gas maintenance vehicle, which is a pickup truck with a gas tank in the back that's able to tow any one of our boats. It has a gas tank in the back and that's how we fill our boats up on the lakes. They don't come out to gas up, we go to them and gas them up."According to Snyder, the Marine Division consists of approximately 60 part-time marine deputies. The division's Dive/Rescue team consists of 12 full-time deputies that work throughout the Sheriff's Department in different capacities, in addition to being on-call 24/7 for dive team deployment."We have a great response time to water accidents, or drownings, or missing persons, because we're spread out," Snyder said of the marine and Dive/Rescue Team deputies. "We do search and rescues, and we also do evidence searches. We also are available for mutual aid to any other surrounding county, including Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne and Macomb."The Dive/Rescue team is trained by Frank Schipani, a retired Sheriff's Department sergeant who now serves as a part-time Marine Division deputy. He also repairs the division's watercraft."I'm the instructor, but the union contract excludes me from being on the dive team officially; but I dive with inethem all the time," Schipani said. "I train them all and I respond if I'm in town."The process of becoming a Dive/Rescue Team member requires a deep commitment."First we do an application process and sometimes I'll get a diver that's already a basic scuba diver; but if not, I'll give them a basic scuba diving class and then we try to work them up to what we call master scuba diver (certification). We give them some pretty intense training," Schipani said.The divers train about once a month, when they are tested on a variety of tasks and conditions."Usually in September we'll do a three-day training session; and we do everything from ice diving to night diving and deep diving," Schipani said. "In the winter, we'll do a pool session where we actually black out their masks and give them tasks to do while they can't see, like taking bolts and nuts apart and putting them back together and swimming through obstacles, including netting and maybe tires and tubes, to challenge them. They're trained to use dry suits and full-face masks, which are a little more difficult to use than standard scuba gear."Schipani added that the divers are also trained in the use of the underwater sonar equipment."We give them a pretty physical, grueling day when we do dive training and we make them work — it's not like sport diving," he said. "We might get a call at 2 or 3 in the morning and we have to get ready to handle whatever conditions we go out to."All the dive team members keep their scuba equipment in their patrol car with them and we have pagers," he said. "When a call goes out, normally everybody responds; but between vacations and other things, we don't always get the whole team response. In 90 percent of the drownings or the callouts, the whole team responds."Schipani said that his job as a marine deputy is interesting because there's a variety of things to do."You never know what you're going to do when you get in," he said. "You never know if you're going to have a callout or a problem with a boat."I hate recovering children — it's one of the downsides, having to recover a family member, but it does bring closure to the family," Schipani said. "It's better than having your relative gone missing. That tears you up and you never get used to that."The Marine Division has been working to combat drownings and accidents with boater safety courses that are offered to the public, including students in the county's public middle and high schools."Last year, we taught around 8,000 students who were certified in boater safety by the sheriff's department," said Deputy Finney, a full-time Marine Division deputy whose primary duty is providing boater education. "What the class teaches are the rules of safe navigation, the rules of operation, hours of operation, techniques for docking, anchoring, and safety procedures. We test and certify them and if they pass the class, we actually give them their boater safety license at that time."While it's not a requirement to operate a boat, Michigan law requires that anyone born after Dec. 31, 1978, who wants to operate a PWC has to take and pass a boater safety class to operate such vessels.Children age 12 and 13 may attend the class with a parent or guardian, while children 14 and older may attend the class and operate a PWC on their own once they're certified.However, in 2011, the age at which a child can operate a PWC alone will be raised to 16."It's about 40 states that have enacted laws that require you to take this class if you're going to drive a (PWC)," Finney said."The educational goal is to make the public aware of the rules that govern safe boating," he said. "If everyone follows the rules, it's a safe, enjoyable sport or activity."Some of the rules the classes focus on include driving only counter-clockwise around lakes."If you're skiing or tubing you have to have a spotter, which is critical so they can notify the boat operator if the person falls in the water," Finney said. "But with all the traffic going one direction, it makes it much easier. If your skier falls off, you have to go back to them quickly, so other boaters know what's going on and can avoid the skier."The boating safety classes also emphasize boaters being at least 100 feet off shore and away from any other vessel when operating a boat at high speed. Boat operators that navigate closer than 100 feet to shore or any object in the water have to slow down to a slow/no-wake speed, which is defined as a speed at which there is no "white" water in the track or path of the vessel and no waves or wake created by the vessel.
Finney said that using a lifejacket is probably the single most important thing a boater can do, and that children under the age of 6 must wear a lifejacket when they're on a moving boat."Most people who drown never plan on being in the water," he said. "They fall and bump their head as they go overboard. Without a lifejacket, they're going to drown before anyone gets to them in that kind of a situation."The Marine Division will be offering boating safety classes at its headquarters, located at 1700 Brown Road in Auburn Hills, on June 27, July 11, July 25, Aug. 8 and Aug. 22.Safety courses will also take place at the Wixom Community Center on July 15 and 17, and at the Waterford Township CAI building on Williams Lake Road on July 18.Those interested in signing up for the classes should register with the Marine Division by calling 248-391-0256, or contacting the city of Wixom or Waterford Parks and Recreation Department.With the upcoming budget cuts being implemented in October, Finney's full-time deputy position will be eliminated. He said he plans to return to road patrol.Finney added that doesn't believe that boater safety education courses in the public schools will take place during the 2009-10 school year. He said he believes the division will continue to use part-time deputies for community outreach, and that it may direct residents to online sources for boater safety classes, but he couldn't speculate beyond that.

This information was provided by Michael Shelton of the Spinal Column Newsweekly.

Quake on the Lake!

On July 17, 18 & 19 2009 Pontiac Lake in White Lake Township will again be hosting Quake on the Lake.
It's a fun time for everyone. I will be working as a tow boat in the middle of the course and am looking for persons that could help. It could be 1/2 a day or a full day. Your choice.. I have the best seat in the house!! If your interested let me know.. 248-310-5588

http://www.quakeonthelake.org/

Storage Needs?

I am a bit partial to this storage facility but thought I would provide you with a link in case you or a friend may every need indoor or outdoor storage.

Keep in mind we do boat storage, winterizing, shrink wrapping, pick-up and delivery.

http://maxxselfstorage.com/

Maceday Waterfront

WATERFRONT ON ALL SPORTS MACEDAY/LOTUS LAKE. ONLY 2 HOUSES OFF THE MAIN LAKE. THIS 3 BEDROOM, 2.5 BATH HOME OFFERS 2 GAS FIREPLACES, FINISHED WALKOUT LOWER LEVEL, 2 FURNACES, HEATED 2 CAR GARAGE, LAKEVIEWS AND STEEL SEAWALL. THE OFFICE MAY BE USED AS 4TH BEDROOM. HOME IS LOCATED AT THE END OF THE STREET. ONLY $275,000

FOR MORE INFO CALL ME:
248-310-5588

Great Lakefront prices!

The link below is of 2 homes on Maceday and Lotus Lakes that are priced to sell quick.
These wont last.

http://pub.realcomponline.com/publist.aspx?a=6526F797A623836363F373E3E62585062&b=435345B4F35464A455C5A45384E56

Some Good News For Builders

New construction is starting to pick up a little! Nice to hear something positive.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/16/real_estate/May_housing_starts/index.htm?postversion=2009061609

Info on Lake MIchigan

Lake Michigan third largest (22,178 sq mi/57,441 sq km) of the GREAT LAKES, fifth largest lake in the world, and largest freshwater lake entirely within the U.S. It is 307 mi (494 km) long and 30-120 mi (48-193 km) wide, with a surface elevation of 581 ft (177 m) and a maximum depth of 923 ft (281 m), and it is joined to Lake Huron by the Straits of Mackinac. Chicago and Milwaukee are major lakeshore cities, and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (est. 1966) borders the southern shore. Discovered in 1634 by the French explorer Jean Nicolet, the lake passed to England in 1763 and to the U.S. as part of the NORTHWEST TERRITORY in 1796

Some of the marinas around us.

http://clubroyale.net/

http://www.skierspier.com/

http://silverspraysports.com/

Test drive a new ski or wakeboard boat

The following link is to Waterski magazines virtual test drives. Very cool!

http://www.waterskimag.com/virtual_boats.jsp

War plane found in Lake Michigan

Below is a link to an interesting article about a war plane that went down in Lake Michigan over 60 years ago.

http://www.petoskeynews.com/articles/2009/06/10/news/doc4a2fa3159fc0a792906032.txt

Eurasion Millfoil

Here is some interesting information about Eurasion Millfoil in our lakes.

http://www.michiganlakeinfo.com/PermaLink,guid,88b6de5c-2fe3-4944-802c-b3b7f8a363bf.aspx

Lake Levels

Below is a link to the lake levels compliments of Oakland Lakefront Magazine.

http://www.oaklandlakefront.com/SitePage-16604.113117_Lake_Levels.html?-token.menuseclooptracking=3&-token.menuitemlooptracking=303

Lake Maps

Click on the link below for all the lake maps in Oakland County compliments of DNR website.

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-30301_31431_31560-67601--,00.html