Can't find what you're looking for?  Please give us your feedback.



Ask Rover - Answered Questions
AskRover - Questions
Question:I was wondering what people who live in Cherry Grove Township are supposed to do with their yard waste. The garbage man won’t take it, the dump won’t take it and no one picks it up. What are our options?
Date Published: 03/20/2010
Answer:Rover went straight to the top for this one when he asked Cherry Grove Township Supervisor Ron Vaughan about this reader’s question.

Vaughan said Cherry Grove Township has no yard refuse pick-up service and in fact he said he was not sure that any township in Wexford County has that service. A few years ago he said some different options were researched.

"A couple years ago we did explore a townshipwide trash-hauling agreement that would have included yard waste pick-up, but we had lots of opposition," he said.

With the options for yard waste pick-up few and far between, Vaughan did say there a couple of things Cherry Grove Residents can do to rid themselves of the yard waste.

First, he said a person could get a burn permit to get rid of the yard waste, which obviously is dependent on burning bans and conditions. He also said residents have been known to compost the yard waste as well as simply chop it up. He also mentioned one other option that many people have utilized.

"If you can find anybody with a field or vacant lot and get permission, that is where you can put it," he said.
Question:I was wondering why, when I see reports of crimes occurring in Missaukee County in the Cadillac News, I don’t see names reported. But when I see reports of crimes in Wexford County, the names are included. What gives?
Date Published: 03/20/2010
Answer:Rover didn’t have to go far to sniff out an answer to this question. The Cadillac News reports judgments issued by the 84th District Court in both Wexford and Missaukee Counties in a feature known as "public record." Names, ages, and city of residence, if applicable, are always included when reporting the judgments. Judgments may consist of jail time and/or fines. You may be confusing the judgments from 84th District Court in Missaukee County with the "incident report" from the Missaukee County Sheriff’s office, which does not include names. The incident report includes information about the location and the nature of the call responded to, but not the names of particular individuals. If an incident results in a judgment by the court, the name will be given in public record.
Question:Can you tell me where we can ride quads in Wexford County? I’ve been told so many different things; I would just like to have feedback from someone who knows so people won’t get tickets doing what they were told to do.
Date Published: 03/20/2010
Answer:The same rules and regulations that apply to ORV usage also apply to quads or ATVs. Since national forest ordinances take precedence over ordinances set by the county in which they are located, the Huron-Manistee National Forest has set its own regulations in regards to ORV/ATV usage. Maps of acceptable routes are available online at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf/index.shtml under the heading "Motor vehicle use maps" and at the Huron-Manistee National Forest office in Cadillac, 1755 S. Mitchell St.
Question:I understood that Cadillac bumped out corners at downtown intersections to make the pedestrian crossings shorter and safer, five lanes vs. seven. Now to get the crossing symbol, we have to push a button or risk getting a ticket. Not a very tourist-friendly atmosphere. Can we program the crossings to show the walking symbol even when the button hasn’t been pushed? Side-street crossings utilize this method. If we need more time, push the button to stop traffic to cross. One would think we can have it both ways and not be such a negative scenario for our visitors.
Date Published: 03/20/2010
Answer:Lately, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in Cadillac has received many Rover questions about bump-outs, pedestrian crossing buttons, box spans, traffic cameras and ADA ramps.

MDOT said these improvements have many advantages: 1) They reduce pollution; 2) They maximize vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow; and 3) They increase safety. Thus, these improvements have become a statewide MDOT standard and likely are familiar to tourists, according to MDOT in Cadillac. MDOT explained that this system of improvements works together and that the department carefully considers and studies the interactions between the systems.

In the US-131 BR project of 2009, MDOT said all Mitchell Street crossings were updated to use push buttons. Without using the pedestrian-crossing push buttons, MDOT noted that the light cycles would have to allow enough red-light time on Mitchell Street for a pedestrian to cross, even if no one was crossing the street. Therefore, motorists traveling Mitchell Street would run into more and longer red lights. Without using the push button, MDOT said that people would experience increased traffic delays, their cars would use more fuel and more pollution would be emitted into the environment. MDOT also noted that push buttons are required for crossing Mitchell Street, as opposed to the side streets, because of the greater width and traffic volumes.

For more specific questions with more detailed answers on traffic signals and their function in Cadillac, MDOT encourages people to call their office at 775-3486. In addition, MDOT refers people to the Jan. 22, 2010 Cadillac News article "Pushing the Button," which outlines why it’s important to use and how to safely cross Mitchell Street using the new push buttons: www.cadillacnews.com/news_story/?story_id=1343970&year=2010&iss ue=20100122
Question:Why, when we’re in a recession, did we decide to change Cadillac’s green street signs to blue? Just certain ones are changed.
Date Published: 02/27/2010
Answer:Several years ago, it was decided that the street signs should be updated to incorporate the new city logo, says Bob Johnson, the city’s Public Works director. Additionally, larger lettering was used, making it easier for drivers to read the signs, he said.

The project has been under way for two years and, based upon the availability of funds, should be completed in approximately five years. According to the city’s recently updated 2011-15 capital improvement program, city officials anticipate using state Motor Vehicle Highway Funds to pay for the new signs.
Question:Are there going to be any job fairs in the Cadillac area in the near future?
Date Published: 02/27/2010
Answer:Rover asked Baker College Director of Career Services Jackie Soltman for help with this one. Every year the college has a job fair and last year there were two. One was a general job fair while the second focused on the health care industry.

While Baker College is not going to have health care job fair this year, Soltman said it will be hosting its general job fair.

"It’s a new date, new time and new place. It’s open to current students, past students, alumni and the general public," she said.

This year the job fair will be held at the Cadillac Armory from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 12. Right now there are 53 booths committed to the fair but Soltman said the hope is to have 60 by the time of the job fair.

For more information about the job fair call Baker College at 876-3100.
Question:Our neighbor puts more trash out right after the trash is picked up. What can we do about that?
Date Published: 02/27/2010
Answer: According to Bob Johnson, Director of Public Works for the City of Cadillac, regulations for the handling of curbside trash fall under the city’s Solid Waste Ordinance.

A. According to the ordninance, it’s the duty of a dwelling owner or occupant to place trash out on the day scheduled for collection. Containers should be set out, as directed, on the day of the pick-up.

Many people, however, set them out the night before, because their work schedule does not allow them to be at home in the morning. Such actions are acceptable, but using the curb as a storage site for waste for day after day before the trash man shows up is not.

Neighbor’s violations may be reported to Pam Klifman, the Code Enforcement Officer at the Cadillac Department of Public Safety.

"If they are in violation of the city code, they will take appropriate action," Johnson said.
Question:Why do the police always ask for the public’s help to solve a crime? We don’t have the training that they have, and we don’t get paid for it like they do. We would never think to ask the police to help us do our jobs. Also, the security camera pictures are usually distorted, so why use them?
Date Published: 02/20/2010
Answer:Cadillac Director of Public Safety Jeff Hawke said police departments often ask the public for help in solving crimes because police officers partner with citizens to protect the community. He continued by saying citizens often witness crimes and have information that would be helpful to police officers in accomplishing their mission. No special training is required to provide information to a police officer. Police/community partnerships are the essence of community policing, he said.

As for the cameras, Hawke said security camera pictures are sometimes distorted because of the quality of equipment used in recording the video. Darkness, distance, movement and many other technical issues impact the quality of video recordings. Many small business owners don’t have funds for expensive video systems and install the best system they can afford. Security camera video footage and pictures assist greatly with investigating crimes. Many criminals have been identified as a result of video security systems, he said.
Question:Are there any plans to have shooting programs at Dillon YMCA as this would be a benefit to Tom Jr.’s legacy. As he would tell of shooting as a 10-12 year old at the Cass School. I am sure that Tom would smile down from heaven if this was to happen. There can be no guns at schools anymore but the YMCA would be out of this jurisdiction and would be a great benefit to Tom’s memory.
Date Published: 02/20/2010
Answer:The short answer is "no," said Chris Gentry, executive director of the Cadillac Area YMCA Dillon Community Center.

"This is the first time it’s come up, so we hadn’t considered it at all," Gentry said. "Like anything, we would have to consider programs based on member input or on somebody who comes to us with a program idea."

Noting that nobody on the current Y staff "does anything with shooting," Gentry added that another factor to consider is the Y’s close proximity to houses, parking lots, Baker College and businesses. However, Gentry encourages people who are interested in starting Y program that meet a community need or serves the community to give him a call.

"We’re always interested and willing to talk about that," Gentry said.
Question:Who is responsible for designing the Mitchell Street project? The lanes seem too narrow, the parking sections do not fit normal size cars. The bumpouts are not visible at night and are being struck by drivers, and we have lost eight parking spots on each intersection. What gives?
Date Published: 02/06/2010
Answer:The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Cadillac Transportation Service Center designed the 2009 Mitchell Street project.

According to MDOT, the width of the current travel and parking lanes in the downtown area is the same as before the road was reconstructed in the summer of 2009. Also, both the current travel and parking lanes meet national standards.

Between Chapin and Howard streets, MDOT eliminated most of the rarely-used parallel parking, which increased the travel lane’s width. South of Howard Street, the lanes were already - and still are - wider than downtown, MDOT said.

While the bumpouts on Mitchell St. mean fewer parking spots, MDOT said it added the bumpouts to increase safety.

According to MDOT, prior to the 2009 construction, the last parallel-parked cars on Mitchell Street at each intersection obstructed the vision of motorists and pedestrians attempting to enter Mitchell Street. MDOT said the bumpouts are made more obvious to drivers at night with streetlights, and that delineator posts with reflectors have been placed to alert drivers to bumpouts in the event of snow.
Question:Where near the Cadillac area would be the proper place to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs?
Date Published: 02/06/2010
Answer:Those bulbs are among the numerous items that are accepted during the Household Hazardous Waste Day the City of Cadillac and Wexford County jointly hold every spring and fall.

An exact date for this spring’s event has yet to be announced, according to the city’s Utilities Department.

In addition to fluorescent light bulbs, those doing some spring cleaning in the home and garage, as well as yardwork, can use this event as an opportunity to dispose of items such as aerosols, floor care products, medicines, rechargeable batteries, insecticides and herbicides, rodent poison, brake fluid and oil-based paints and turpentine.
Question:When will the ESPN special featuring CHS football be aired?
Date Published: 02/06/2010
Answer:Rover also is excited to see how ESPN tells the story of when KISS came to Cadillac. For those unaware of the unique story, the rock band KISS visited Cadillac in 1975 at the invitation of the Cadillac High School football team.

Although crews were in Cadillac last fall filming, the date the segment will air has not been nailed down, however, the wait appears to be almost over. All signs indicate that Feb. 28 will be the date that ESPN will tell the story of how KISS came to Cadillac. Check the Cadillac News frequently for updates on this story.
Question:I recently watched a documentary concerning the 1918 world wide influenza epidemic. I have family ties to Wexford County that reach back and before the turn of the last century. My parents and grandparents lived through the 1918 influenza epidemic, and I have memories of them talking about many things which occurred during this period - WWI, logging, etc. Glaringly absent was any mention of the influenza epidemic. Because of this fact I am asking if Rover could look into the historical records for Wexford County and provide a statistical review of what the county’s population was in 1918 and the incidents of flu cases and influenza-related deaths.
Date Published: 02/06/2010
Answer:Rover had to do some checking for this one but was able to find the answer in a story that ran in the Cadillac News on Oct. 29, 2005.

In the story entitled, "When the flu turned deadly", the reporter did research at the Wexford County Clerk’s office. A scan of death records at the clerk’s office found 88 people died in Wexford County of what was called influenza or pneumonia from October 1918 into April 1919, according to the story.

As for population, Rover went to the 1910 and 1920 U.S. Censuses to get an idea of what the population was in 1918. In 1910, the population of Wexford County was 20,769 while it dropped to 18,207 in 1920.

To read the entire story about the local impact of flu pandemic of 1918 go to the Cadillac News web site and search the achieves or simply go to this link, www.cadillacnews.com/articles/2005/10/29/news/news01.txt.
Question:I live in Manton, and I was recently diagnosed with MS. I’m too young for the senior center, but there doesn’t seem to be much else to do for enjoyment. Are there any activities you know of that I could participate in?
Date Published: 01/30/2010
Answer:While sniffing around for an answer, Rover came up with several solutions to get rid of the boredom blues.

If you’re interested in cooking or baking or would like to start, the Manton Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Fourth Annual Chili Cook-off and Pie Contest at 5:30 p.m. on March 6 at Manton High School. There are only 20 entry spots available, so call Jaimie Fellows at 920-6617 to reserve your spot. If competitive cooking isn’t your thing, for five dollars you can taste all the chili and pie and vote for your favorites.

Or how about trying your hand at bingo? People of all ages can enjoy this activity at 6 p.m. every Saturday at the VFW Post 7806 in Manton, and all proceeds from the night go to help veteran causes and the community.

Volunteering is also a worthwhile - and free - way to pass the time. Manton’s INC Spot, a resale shop through the organization Love In the Name of Christ, is looking for volunteers to help sort and fold clothes and arrange merchandise. Call 824-6511 if interested. The Manton Area Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers for the events it puts on. Call 824-4158 for more information.

Are music and dancing your flair? A jamboree with acoustic old-time country music, singing and dancing is held at Manton High School in the Ranger Room each month. The event is from 6 to 10 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month, with the exception of April and July, when it will be held on the second Saturdays. You can bring your own instruments, and donations taken at the door benefit the Manton Area Harvest Festival. Call Terry at 389-0042 for more information. In addition, plans for a community Valentine’s dance in Manton are in the works, and more information on it will appear in the Cadillac News in the near future.
Question:The lights downtown recognize cars; do they also recognize motor scooters and motorcycles?
Date Published: 01/30/2010
Answer:The traffic detection cameras placed at intersections on Mitchell Street were designed to detect scooters and motorcycles as well as cars.

As part of the Mitchell Street project, MDOT mounted non-recording white cameras on the newly-installed strain poles at signalized intersections.

The cameras are positioned to detect when vehicles appear on side streets. When a vehicle appears in a designated area, the camera triggers the light sequence and gives side-street traffic a green light. This allows Mitchell Street traffic to have a green light, unless someone pulls up to an intersection from a side street.

The prior traffic detection system was "detection loops," which are placed in the pavement. The cameras are a newer technology which functions with MDOT’s computer-controlled signals and don’t need to be replaced every time there is road work.
Question:Is there a place to get rid of old greeting cards?
Date Published: 01/30/2010
Answer:If they’re unused, there’s no need to throw them out. Several resale shops will happily take them off your hands as long as the cards aren’t tattered and torn. That way, not only are you getting rid of something you don’t need, you’re helping someone in need. Proceeds from the sale of donated items help pay for local charitable programs and services.

Here are some places that accept unused greeting cards:

• Friends Ministry’s Just As Nice Thrift Store, 3728 S. Morey Road, Lake City

• Goodwill, 2025 N. Mitchell St., Cadillac

• The INC Spot - 520 N. Michigan Ave., Manton, and 116 W. Upton Reed City

• Salvation Army thrift store, 607 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac

• Second Chance - on North Mitchell Street, between Wendy’s and Wesco, Cadillac.
Question:Why can’t the Cadillac (Cinema 5) movie theater have 3D movies?
Date Published: 01/16/2010
Answer:Being a movie buff himself, Rover was very interested in finding out the answer to this question. It appears, however, the reason is quite simple. As with most things it comes down to finances. Cadillac Cinema 5 Manager Jennifer Anderson said there are no 3D movies because there needs to be projector upgrades. All the new "RealD" movies like "Avatar" are shown through digital projectors and currently the Cadillac theater does not have them. While Rover could not find an exact cost, he did some snooping on the Internet and found the cost to upgrade a projector and screen easily reaches six digits. The benefit for such an investment allows theaters to charge more for movies that use the technology.

"It is expensive and eventually we will have them but I don’t know when that will be," she said. "They (Goodrich Quality Theaters) plan on upgrading all their theaters but with the expense associated we just don’t know when."
Question:How many homes are for sale in the city of Cadillac? How many in the surrounding area?
Date Published: 01/16/2010
Answer:In the city of Cadillac, there are 93 active residential listings, said Jim Meier, president of the Paul Bunyan Board of Realtors. In Wexford County, there are 448 homes such listings and 189 in Missaukee County, he said.

These numbers do not include the number of homes that are for sale by owner.
Question:Why is the road commission putting all that money into secondary roads that aren’t traveled that much? 46 Road is so rough it about rattles the dashboard off the car.
Date Published: 01/16/2010
Answer:Rover tracked down Alan Cooper, manager of the Wexford County Road Commission, to answer this question.

Without knowing specifically which roads the inquirer was referring to, Cooper said "it’s very possible that they’re talking about FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) work."

The county received FEMA grant money to repair specific roads that were damaged due to the June 13, 2008 storm.

The road commission is fixing many of these damaged gravel roads, because "that’s where we have to spend the grant money as outlined by the emergency funding," Cooper said.

"If we’re talking about 46 Road, it didn’t have washouts," Cooper said. "We’re fixing roads from FEMA dollars, other roads that we’re not fixing didn’t have wash outs or qualify for FEMA."

Cooper said he has driven 46 Road and, unless the person is referring to the paved section of the 15-mile road, the gravel part is "not that rough."

Cooper said the road commission performs regular routine maintenance on gravel roads but doesn’t have money to repave local roads "unless townships and people participate."
Question:The former Cad-a-Stram building on the corner of N. Mitchell and Ayer St. was to be torn down this past July. Why is it still standing?
Date Published: 11/21/2009
Answer:Technically, the Cad-a-Stram building is considered a secure structure. And if a building is not a condemned structure, it is not mandatory that it be demolished, according to Precia Garland, Cadillac’s assistant city manager.

While the owner of the Cad-a-Stram building is not obligated to tear it down, Garland noted that the owner has expressed interest in the removal of the structure.

"We have spoken with him about its removal," Garland said. "We are investigating possible Brownfield Incentives."

According to Garland, Brownfield Incentives are usually an economic development tool used to redevelop a Brownfield site. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Brownfields as property that the "expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant."
Question:I noticed a few cameras suspended near the new traffic lights on Mitchell Street. What’s their purpose?
Date Published: 11/21/2009
Answer:As part of the Mitchell Street project, MDOT mounted non-recording white cameras on the newly-installed strain poles at signalized intersections.

The cameras are positioned to detect when cars appear on side streets. When a car appears in a designated area, the camera triggers the light sequence and gives side-street traffic a green light. This allows Mitchell Street traffic to have a green light, unless someone pulls up to an intersection from a side street.

The prior traffic detection system was "detection loops," which are placed in the pavement. The cameras are a newer technology which functions with MDOT’s computer-controlled signals and don’t need to be replaced every time there is road work.
Question:Where in the industrial park is that "varnishy" smell coming from every time we in Kenwood are in the north winds? It’s putrid! Can we die from the effects?
Date Published: 11/21/2009
Answer:Rover, too, has smelled that odor while driving down 13th Street but has been unable to sniff out its exact source.

Rover spoke with Kurt Childs of the air quality division at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s district office in Cadillac. He said it’s hard to say exactly where in the city’s three industrial parks the smell is coming from, but based on the description provided by both you and Rover, three businesses’ emissions’ have a similar distinctive odor. Cadillac Casting Inc., Four Winns and Cadillac Renewable Energy have been known to emit a strong, sweet odor. Some have described the smell at Cadillac Renewable Energy as "piney."

However, these emissions do not pose a health hazard, he said. Facilities that emit air pollutants must obtain air pollution control permits from the MDEQ and are subject to emission limits and inspections, Childs said.

Those seeking more details or have concerns about air emissions and odors can contact the MDEQ’s air quality division at 775-3960.
Question:What is the legal amount of vehicles or sheds one can keep in their yard?
Date Published: 11/21/2009
Answer:Cadillac’s city code doesn’t address the number of vehicles someone can keep on their property but it does state that vehicles parked on a property must be operable, says Pam Klifman, city code enforcement officer.

Also, the city code does not limit the number of detached accessory buildings - such as sheds - in residential districts, according to Jerry Adams, the city’s community development coordinator. However, it does limit the total area that detached accessory buildings may occupy.

Such buildings cannot be constructed on a lot unless the parcel also contains a principal structure like a residential dwelling. Then, it cannot occupy more than 25 percent of a rear yard, provided that in no instance shall all of the accessory buildings exceed 65 percent of the ground floor area of the main building.
Question:The timing of the traffic light at the intersection of 13th Street and North Mitchell is set so very, very few cars make it traveling east and west through the intersection. Can MDOT review the timing of that traffic light?
Date Published: 11/07/2009
Answer:In 2008, the 13th Street and Mitchell Street intersection was part of a signal optimization project that adjusted the system’s light timing to minimize peoples’ average wait times at the light, which saves fuel for motorists and reduces pollution, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). MDOT said it adjusted the timing by taking into account all turning movements and each direction of travel.

MDOT also scheduled this intersection for an upgrade to a "box span signal" during the Mitchell Street project of 2011. Box spans are MDOT’s new method for better positioning traffic signals at an intersection; the box span design removes traditional traffic signals from the middle of an intersection and instead lights are hung from wires attached to poles placed at each corner of the intersection, thus the "box" design.

The signal upgrade should increase safety for motorists who will better be able to see the signal due to its position and new brighter LED lights, according to MDOT.
Question:I have noticed that something is being built between Hagstrom’s Flowers and Marathon gas station on U.S. 131 South. What’s going in there?
Date Published: 11/07/2009
Answer:The construction ongoing at 924 S. Mitchell St. is for Willow Mercantile, a produce market.
Question:I noticed the city is changing the street signs from old to blue and white. When do they expect to finish that project?
Date Published: 11/07/2009
Answer:Existing green-and-white signs will be replaced with blue-and-white signs featuring the city’s logo as budget money is available, according to city officials. The signs were discussed at a Cadillac City Council goal-setting session in September. Signs at side streets east of Stimson Street between Mitchell and Pearl streets are expected to be replaced next year.
Question:Is Rover a he or she?
Date Published: 11/07/2009
Answer:I’m all ears to most questions and like to sink my canines into the answer. But doggone it, this question really makes me howl.

Can I just give you the puppy-dog eyes and have you on your way?

See, Rover has been fixed, and that’s pretty embarrassing for a dog. So, Rover doesn’t necessarily feel like a he or she. No bull(dog).
Question:When will the mailboxes be put back up by the Cadillac Post Office?
Date Published: 10/31/2009
Answer:According to Cadillac Postmaster Cindy Zeigler, the outdoor mailboxes, or collection boxes, as they are known in the industry, should be ready for customers in about a week.

Shelby Street will remain a two-way street for traffic, but the special drive-through lane for the collection box will be one-way from north to south so that drivers may roll down the window and drop their mail in the slot.

Renovation work on the outside of the building is expected to be complete within two weeks, with the rest of the project wrapping up by the end of next month. Much interior work is still left for the addition, such as interior doors, walls, and drywall, Zeigler said.
Question:When I walk on the Clam River Walkway, I see these old cement pilings alongside the river. They are near the area where the railroad track crosses the path. What were these cement pilings?
Date Published: 10/31/2009
Answer:Rover talked to several people concerning this question but couldn’t exactly get a firm answer. Co-chair of the Clam River Greenway Committee, Shari Spoelman, said she believed it was what they referred to as the "old railroad bridge or crossing." As for the piles of cement, Spoelman said the committee would like to remove it but it costs money.

"We are in the process of a long-term plan. It includes extending it outside of the city but also improving and enhancing the existing Greenway and river within the city," she said. "Removing the cement would be one of the things we are looking at."

Steve Cunningham also had an idea of what the cement was from but said his information was "anecdotal." He said there was a previous railroad bridge across the Clam River but there also was something else that could have resulted in the cement piles.

"There was a different water control structure on the Clam River. Much of those cement pilings are related to that," he said.

Rover will still be looking into the question so if anyone has more "concrete" information please feel free to give him a call.
Question:How long can a trash can sit out by the side of the road in the city and what are the rules regarding what can be thrown out? Is there a weight limit on the trash you put out?
Date Published: 10/31/2009
Answer:Rover spoke with Pam Klifman, Cadillac code enforcement officer.

She says totes can be placed curbside the night before your scheduled pick-up day and must be removed that same day is your garbage is collected. Totes cannot sit curbside between weekly pickups.

The city’s waste hauler will not accept construction materials and items containing refrigerants - such as refrigerators and air conditioners - that are not certified as gas-free. The waste hauler will accept one large item, such as furniture, appliances and tires, along with your weekly pickup, she says.

There is no weight limit on the trash you place in the totes, she said. However, if you’re throwing out carpet or carpet pads, they must be cut into 4-foot sections and bundled and cannot weigh more than 40 pounds.
Question:What is the semi trailer in the parking lot of the Cadillac Christian Reformed Church used for?
Date Published: 10/31/2009
Answer:It is used for a paper recycling project. And according to Beverly Taylor, the Cadillac Christian Reformed Church office administrator, it is always open to the community.

"Anybody can stop by anytime to drop off paper," Taylor said.

While the semi is on the church’s property, it is not actually owned by the Cadillac Christian Reformed Church.

"Nu-Wool is a recycled paper insulation company," Taylor said. "They bring in a trailer, we fill it up (with paper), and they take it and replace it with an empty one."

According to Taylor, Nu-Wool pays the church for the recycled paper. Those profits then go toward helping parents pay tuition for their students that attend Northern Michigan Christian School in McBain.
Question:What is the tall, skinny building behind and just south of Godfrey’s Chevrolet?
Date Published: 10/31/2009
Answer:It was constructed in the early 1990s as a salt transfer building for TSBY Railroad Co., Ind., which since has been purchased by GLC Railroad in Owosso, according to Laura Bickle, assistant to the president/CEO of GLC Railroad.

"We are not currently using it for a customer so we have it for storage at this time," she states in an e-mail to Rover. "It is capable of transferring product for further delivery at a separate location, as rail is not always available at production or consumption points."
Question:Why isn’t there a stop sign on the left-hand side of the road at Cass and Lake Streets?
Date Published: 10/24/2009
Answer:Bob Johnson, Cadillac director of Public Works, said he consulted city engineer Bruce DeWitt who told him there have been traffic studies on that intersection. From those studies, Johnson said the current signage was the most effective at maintaining traffic flow. Johnson also said that the intersection is not one where there is a high frequency of crashes as people drive more cautiously there because it is a unique intersection.
Question:I have a house with cedar siding. All of a sudden, I have woodpeckers pecking holes all over my siding. How can I stop them?
Date Published: 10/24/2009
Answer:DNR Wildlife Biologist Pete Kailing said there could be two reasons why the bird is pecking - food or claiming territory.

"They are announcing they are around, to attract a mate or to say they are around," he said.

To deter the birds, Kailing said a person can use decoys like a hawk silhouette or something that is flashy, like a mirror or a mylar balloon. He also said a noise deterrent such as banging pots and pans when they start pecking or firing a cap gun or firearm can work. He also said there are odor repellents but a person should do his or her homework so as not to make a bigger mess.

If the woodpeckers are there for food, Kailing said, that may be an indication that there is an infestation and you may want to look at that.

"They are protected so you can’t just shoot them. Normally, trying one of these methods will get them to go away," he said.
Question:The heavy truck traffic has taken a toll on Lake Street due to it being used as a detour during the Mitchell Street reconstruction. Will MDOT resurface this street, and if so, when?
Date Published: 10/24/2009
Answer:The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) detoured traffic for the Mitchell Street project onto Lake Street to replace the railway crossing, which required a road closure, and because the city of Cadillac requested to install new water mains and sanitary sewer mains from Granite Street to Howard Street.

"In the interest of public safety and with the concurrence of the city (of Cadillac), MDOT extended the three-week detour for the railroad work to eight weeks to include the (city’s) requested utility work," said Wayne Emington, transportation engineer for MDOT.

Since the detour benefitted MDOT, MDOT paid for some project features and items which normally would have been paid for by the city of Cadillac, such as paving the parking lanes downtown. Therefore, the city of Cadillac is responsible for maintenance and restoration work on city streets utilized for the detour route during the project.

According to City of Cadillac engineer Bruce DeWitt, the city plans on adding Lake Street to its capital improvement list, but it plans on doing more than just resurfacing; DeWitt added that this work will be done when funding is available.
Question:Now that the downtown improvements are almost done, I would like to know if the delivery trucks will continue to use the back doors like they have been instead of blocking traffic. It is a hazard that can be avoided, as this last summer has shown. Lots of money was put into improving the alley on the east side of Business U.S. 131, and it’s a shame that it is not utilized as it should be instead of blocking traffic and being a hazard on the main street.
Date Published: 10/24/2009
Answer:According to Jeff Hawke, public safety director at the Cadillac Police Department, the motor vehicle code law indicates vehicles should not be left standing or parked on a roadway when possible.

"In the case on Mitchell Street, it isn’t possible for commercial vehicles to parallel park because they are generally too wide and will take up the outside lane." Hawke said.

Hawke said while the vehicle is in the lane, the term is called "standing," not "parking."

Commercial vehicles can "stand" for up to 20 minutes with hazard lights on. According to the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code, the driver must put out a marker or flare if the vehicle is stopped in the lane for more than 20 minutes.
Question:When is all the plastic going to be removed from all the bump outs on the sidewalks? What is the purpose of the bumpouts anyway?
Date Published: 10/24/2009
Answer:Rover believes that what the inquirer is referring to is not a bump out - it’s a detectable warning. Bump outs are sections of sidewalk and curb/gutter that extend a few feet into the parking lanes near intersections. Detectable warnings are surfaces required at crosswalks by the American Disability Act to alert citizens with low or impaired vision to the fact that a sidewalk crosses a roadway.

The plastic is placed to prevent discoloring and damage to detectable warnings during construction and will be removed before the end of the construction process, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

For more information on the American Disability Act and detectable warnings, visit www.ada.gov .
Question:If a school bus driver has a video camera on their bus and they know it is there and taping at all times, can a bus driver be disciplined for their wrong doings using the tape as evidence?
Date Published: 10/17/2009
Answer:Jim Pals, CAPS director of Transportation, said there is a simple answer to this question and that answer is ‘yes.’ While Pals said there are not cameras on every bus in the fleet in Cadillac, if a bus driver is caught on camera doing something illegal/wrong they can be prosecuted/disciplined.

"We have three cameras that we put on the buses as needed. The cameras are there to view what happens in the bus," he said.
Question:Is the street sweeper in Cadillac on a regular schedule and route? Can we find out this information so we can have our cars out of the way?
Date Published: 10/17/2009
Answer:There is no regular schedule, says Robert Johnson, city public works director. The city cannot guarantee when a street sweeper will be in a particular neighborhood because of weather conditions and the condition of the sweepers, he said.

One sweeper works east to west and north to south during the summer. Two run in the winter to clear sand and debris and in the fall to clear fallen leaves, Johnson said.

Residents will not be penalized for leaving their vehicles parked on the street when the street sweeper comes through, he added.
Question:I have heard that gift certificates need to be good for five years. Is this true? Are gift certificates issued for six months invalid?
Date Published: 09/26/2009
Answer:First, keep in mind there is a difference between a gift certificate and a gift card. Gift cards are similar in appearance to credit cards, but contain a limited amount of money that it is not tied to your bank account.

A gift certificate represents the right of the person holding the certificate to present it to a merchant in exchange for goods or services. The main difference is a gift certificate is usually printed on paper, while a gift card is plastic like a credit card.

Michigan law requires that most gift cards issued by merchants cannot expire within five years of purchase.

Gift cards issued by banks or financial institutions may expire in less than five years.

Under Michigan law, as of Nov. 1, 2008 merchants must accept a gift card or gift certificate for personal, family, or household use unless the gift card has an expiration date that is more than five years from the date of purchase and the gift card is presented after the expiration date.

In general, avoid purchasing a gift card from a merchant that is struggling to stay in business or has filed for bankruptcy. For added protection, use your credit card when buying a gift card. If the merchant closes before you have completely used the card you can refuse to pay the charge and dispute it with your credit card issuer.

Carefully read restrictions before you purchase a gift card. Be wary if the expiration date is not clearly listed. Ask if there are any fees associated with purchasing the card. The fees cannot come out of the card’s amount. Ask for an extra receipt and give it to the person you are giving the card to.

If you run into problems, call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 877-765-8388.
Question:The former Cad A Stram Ceramics Building, which is on N. Mitchell Street near Lincoln Elementary School, is an eyesore. It needs to be torn down or remodeled. We heard it was used to train firefighters. Can’t they train on a building out in the country?
Date Published: 09/26/2009
Answer:The owner of the building plans to tear it down, according to Jeff Hawke, Cadillac director of public safety.

However, in the interim, the owner was gracious enough to allow firefighters to conduct training in the building, Hawke said.

"Local fire departments are always looking to make use of these types of training opportunities as they allow for the actual use of the tools and tactics employed during a real fire situation," Hawke said.

Demolition of the building is not dependent nor connected to the use of the building by firefighters; however, all local firefighters that participated in the training were grateful for the opportunity, Hawke added.
Question:With the Hersey Congregational Church being forced to stop serving food, I was wondering how that was going to affect other church that offer pot lucks, coffee for their congregation and the occasional funeral luncheon? How will we know if we’re breaking the law?
Date Published: 09/26/2009
Answer:In most cases, if a church does not have a fixed food license, the church should not be preparing food in its kitchen without a temporary license. A temporary license is good for up to 14 days and an application for such should be submitted at least four business days in advance. To secure a temporary license, contact your local health department environmental health division for more information.

According to Thomas Reichard, the environmental health director for District Health Department No. 10, there are three events held at a non-profit organization that are considered exempt from licensing: private events, bake sales and pot lucks.

"There are some disagreements between local departments about what is considered private," Reichard said. "From our standpoint, funerals and weddings are private events."

And as far as coffee goes? Doug Fitzgerald, the supervisor for environmental health in Osceola County, said church-goers should be fine.

"I know coffee is brewed in a church kitchen," Fitzgerald said. "But I don’t think you could get a prosecutor or sanitarian in the state to issue a violation for serving coffee after church service."

To learn more about the specifics of temporary food licensing, visit the Environmental Health section at www. cmdhd.org or the Department of Agriculture section at www.michigan.gov.
Question:Has there been any more news about the VA clinic? Have they found a place for Cadillac?
Date Published: 09/26/2009
Answer:While a building has not yet been identified as the next Veteran’s Association (VA) Clinic, Cadillac can still expect to welcome a clinic in the next year.

"Cadillac is still on the list to receive a VA Clinic in 2010," said Carrie Seward, the public affairs officer at the VA Medical Center in Saginaw. "It’s currently in the hands of contracting."
Question:Does Maple Hill Cemetery close for the winter? I was under the impression that all cemeteries closed both after dark and in the winter, but I noticed that some of the roads in there were plowed last year.
Date Published: 09/19/2009
Answer:The grounds are open year round for burials according to Bryan Elenbaas, Maple Hill Cemetery supervisor.

"I plow the roads in the new, or the south, section (during the winter months)," Elenbaas said. "We usually leave the north section unplowed considering that the section doesn’t get as many visitors."

While Elenbaas said that the north section rarely has any interments, the cemetery will open and plow the roads in the older section if there is a burial scheduled.

Maple Hill Cemetery is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Question:On a recent visit to Maple Hill Cemetery, I noticed that the last entrance on the south end has been pretty well washed out in several areas. Are there any more plans to put some more gravel in on that road?
Date Published: 09/19/2009
Answer:Bryan Elenbaas, Maple Hill Cemetery supervisor, said that the cemetery re-gravels that section on a regular basis, noting that the gravel often washes away during heavy rains.
Question:I was wondering if hazardous waste accepts old computers, word processors, microwaves, TVs or VCRs. Also, when are the next disposal dates?
Date Published: 09/19/2009
Answer:None of the Hazardous Household Waste Days in the area will be accepting electronics. There are, however, alternative sites to drop off your unwanted electronics.

For instance, Goodwill Industries, located on 2025 N. Mitchell St. in Cadillac, accepts used computers and computer accessories through the program Reconnect Partnership.

"If they’re not working, they get recycled," said Amy Johnson-Hill, Goodwill team leader. "If they are working, we can sell them."

Johnson-Hill also noted that while Goodwill accepts VCRs, they do not accept TVs or microwaves.

Best Buy will also accept TVs, computers, DVD players, monitors and cell phones. There is a $10 fee for TVs under 32", CRTS, monitors and laptops, but those who pay it will be given a $10 Best Buy gift card.

For those interested in when and where the counties will be accepting hazardous wastes such as cleaning chemicals and bug sprays: The Missaukee County Hazardous Household Waste and Clean Sweep Collection is scheduled on September 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Missaukee County Road Commission one mile north of Lake City on M-66. Note: This Clean Sweep event will also accept used cameras and calculators.

The Osceola County Hazardous Household Waste and Clean Sweep Collection Day is scheduled for October 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Road Commission North Facility on 13353 20 Mile Road in Tustin.

The Lake County Hazardous Household Waste and Clean Sweep Collection Day is scheduled for October 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Wenger Pavilion in downtown Baldwin (behind Jones Ice Cream Parlor).

The City of Cadillac/Wexford County Hazardous Household Waste Day is scheduled for October 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Cadillac Wastewater Treatment Plant on 1121 Plett Road in Cadillac.
Question:Where can I dispose of a black and white TV that can’t be connected to a digital converter box?
Date Published: 09/19/2009
Answer:For a fee of 40 cents a pound, Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Company will recycle used electronics - including TVs.

"We don’t make money from doing this, but we are in the business of recycling, so it’s a service we like to offer to the community," said Karl Marcusse, company manager. "There’s stuff in those TVs that you really don’t want to be throwing in the landfill."

Padnos said the fee was a result of recycling in North America, where the company is guaranteed a paper-trail showing that everything has been taken care of properly.

According to Marcusse, recycling TVs can become very expensive. While a small TV might cost $5 to recycle, projection TVs weighing hundreds of pounds will cost significantly more. On average, Marcusse said that people generally spend about $20 to $30 to recycle their TVs.

Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Company is located at 1111 Leeson Avenue in Cadillac.
Question:Is there going to be a Halloween store in Cadillac this year? Usually there is one set to open around Labor Day, but I have seen nothing advertised this year.
Date Published: 09/19/2009
Answer:Rover did some sniffing around and he found the answer to be yes. Halloween Superstore, located in the Lakeside Plaza in Haring Township, actually opened its doors on Tuesday (Sept. 15) and will be open though September and October. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Hours will change as Halloween nears.
Question:When will the road on Cass St. between Mitchell St. and Lake St. be redone? They’re tearing up Mitchell St., but I think this is the worst section of road to drive on.
Date Published: 09/12/2009
Answer:Cadillac City Engineer Bruce Dewitt said the hope is to have some minor repairs made to that section of Cass Street prior to the end of the construction season this year. He said the goal is to work those repairs in with another project but, if that doesn’t happen, that portion of Cass Street will be added to the five year plan as one of the streets in need of repair.

As for the Mitchell Street Project, Dewitt said that is totally different than Cass Street as that is a state of Michigan project whereas Cass Street would be a city project.
Question:Several years ago, I believe it was in 2004, there was a group of young people on tour and they played in front of the Wexford County Historical Museum. Does anyone know what their group name was and if they are being asked to come back? They were really good.
Date Published: 09/12/2009
Answer:The group was the Americanos Drum & Bugle Corps out of Menasha, Wis. According to Cadillac Area Public Schools band director Mike Filkins, the group, like many small regional drum corps, is no longer able to function due to the difficult financial climate.

"Drum Corps International, the umbrella organization, has gone from a three-tier competitive summer season to two tiers, as the economy has whittled away at the number of groups," he said.
Question:Many news articles have been written or broadcasted on TV concerning the role distractions play in vechile safety. Yet we have observed school bus drivers talking on cell phones, eating fast food, drinking soft drinks and/or coffee, some not wearing seat belts and some smoking. What are the laws and rules concerning these issues?
Date Published: 09/12/2009
Answer:According to section 257.710e of the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code, bus drivers are not required to wear a seat belt. Cadillac Police Chief Jeff Hawke said that activities such as talking on cell phones, eating and/or drinking and smoking are governed by the policies of the employer.

Schools employ bus drivers, and according to Manton Consolidated Schools superintendent Mark Parsons, who has worked at several school districts, most schools mandate that their bus drivers adhere to a general list of guidelines, which do not allow much room for distracted driving.

"The only time they’re on cell phones is if there’s an emergency or if they’re calling ahead to find out if someone is riding - generally, if they make those calls, they stop," Parsons said. "They will use public address (PA) systems or another radio to call to dispatch if they need... The cell phone is not used much."

Parsons also said Manton’s and many school-employed bus drivers are not allowed to smoke, consume food or drinks of any kind while on the job.

"It’s for the safety of students that we adhere to those guidelines," said Parsons, noting that most schools use bus driver guidelines provided by the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation.

"I’ve been in several districts over my career, and those concerns (talking on cell phones, eating and/or drinking and smoking) that were raised are irregularities and are not the common practice," Parsons said.
Question:Lincoln school is back in session already. When Cadillac went to "year-round" school, it was supposed to be on a trial basis. If it was successful, the rest of the district was to follow or the school would revert back. What happened? It makes it hard for families to plan child care and vacations with kids in different buildings.
Date Published: 09/05/2009
Answer:Lincoln Elementary School offers an extended-year calendar and according to the office of superintendent, that extended-year calendar is only offered at Lincoln. There are no plans at this time to change the Cadillac Area Public Schools calendar for other school buildings.
Question:I have a question about the wind generators near McBain. Very seldom are they moving when I drive by, even on windy days. Are they working? Do they only work at certain time?
Date Published: 09/05/2009
Answer:Rick Wilson, project manager for Heritage Sustainable Energy, the company behind the McBain wind turbine project, said the supply chain to get new parts is a long one, stretching all the way to Europe.

For one repair, the company needed to get a battery module that contained hazardous materials. The part was flown to Chicago, where it then encountered some delays through customs.

"All the more reason to have these things made in the United States," Wilson said.

Seven new wind turbines will be going up in the area, beginning this month. Wilson’s company now is going with a different company, known as REpower. The new supplier builds wind turbines with blades manufactured in Arkansas and towers built in Saskatchewan, Canada.
Question:I was wondering what is going to be done with all the broken concrete from the U.S. 131 business route’s construction in Cadillac. I see some of it is behind the building by Hagstrom Flowers.
Date Published: 08/29/2009
Answer:Rover started sniffing out the answer at the Michigan Department of Transportation in Cadillac. There he discovered that once the concrete is removed on a State of Michigan project, it becomes the property of the contractor, who may choose to crush the concrete and reuse it as gravel or use it as fill offsite.

Craig Johnson, vice president of CJ’s Excavating in Cadillac, explained that the concrete is going to the Wexford County gravel pit, where it will be crushed and used for road gravel on county roads. At this point, Johnson said, the road material is county property.

"It will all be recycled," Johnson added.
Question:At one time, I was able to get the Michigan sex offender registry on my computer but can no longer get that. Where is it available?
Date Published: 08/29/2009
Answer:The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR) is still available online at www.mipsor.state.mi.us/.

There are multiple search criteria - by county, zip code or city. You may also search for a specific individual.

If you have a slower Internet connection, you may have more success searching without thumbnails - miniature pictures of the individuals listed.
Question:There is a picture painted on the front of the Roaring 20’s. Who are those people or who do they depict?
Date Published: 08/29/2009
Answer:According to Roaring 20s owner Jim Feister the mural depicts several stars of the past. They include Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, W.C. Fields, Clark Gable, Clara Bow and Mae West.

Feister also said the painting was done by local artist Frank Ferland. Ferland updated the painting five years ago.
Question:On Paluster Street going south, right after you cross the railroad track on Whaley Road, on the south side of Paluster, west of the gravel pit is a tall, white square building with no apparent reason to be there. What is this building?
Date Published: 08/29/2009
Answer:Cadillac Police Capt. Matt Wohlfeil said the structure does have a reason for being there. The structure is the city’s public safety training facility and is used by various police and fire departments including the Michigan State Police, DNR, Missaukee County Sheriff’s Department, Wexford County Sheriff’s Department, and several fire departments including Cadillac City Fire Department.

The white structure that can be seen is actually a training tower that is used for building-clearing exercises and repelling by police and multistory fire fighting and multistory rescue by the fire departments.

Wohlfeil also said there are pistol and rifle firing ranges as well as a live fire training facility where police can practice a simulated real life experience. Fire fighters also can practice in an underground facility to simulate confined space rescue.

"It is a real versatile facility," Wohlfeil said.
Question:A few weeks ago, there were a couple of crosswalk signs on downtown Mitchell Street that flashed a countdown of numbers for people to reference as they crossed Mitchell Street. Lately, they haven’t been working. How long until they countdown crosswalk signals start working again? Where will they be located? And what’s the benefit of the sign?
Date Published: 08/22/2009
Answer:According to the Michigan Department of Transportation in Cadillac, all the pedestrian signals should be working.

However, due to ongoing construction, there may be interruptions in service, such as when the signals are switched from temporary to permanent wiring hookups, according to Del Kirkby then delivery engineer at MDOT in Cadillac.

Pedestrian signals will be or are already installed at all signalized intersections within the construction limits of the downtown Cadillac project, he said. These new signals will indicate the approximate time remaining for pedestrians to cross by displaying a countdown timer of the pedestrian crossing interval.

For more information on pedestrian facilities including pedestrian signals please, visit www.walkinginfo.org or www.michigan.gov/mdot.
Question:I notice bicyclists at stop signs rarely use signals when turning. Has the city of Cadillac police ever given bicycle riders traffic tickets? How many in a year?
Date Published: 08/22/2009
Answer:The hand signals for bicyclists are 1) Left turn: Hand and arm extended horizontally; 2) Right turn: Hand and arm extended upward; and 3) Stop or decrease speed: Hand and arm extended downward.

But unfortunately, many motorists don’t readily recognize the hand signals, said Jeff Hawke, Cadillac Director of Public Safety.

"Additionally, some cycling organizations promote using hand signals that differ from those outlined in the motor vehicle code," he added. "This also creates confusion for cyclists and motorists."

Given these issues of signal misunderstandings, Hawke said the Cadillac Police Department prefers to take an educational approach regarding bicycle safety. For example, a list of bicycle safety recommendations and rules was recently published in the City of Cadillac News and Views Newsletter. In addition, the Cadillac Fire and Police Department partner with Wexford County Safe Kids to host the annual and upcoming Sept. 11 Child Safety Expo; the use of bike helmets is promoted at the event.

Another area of concern regarding bicycles is the practice of riding on downtown sidewalks during the day and on the lake path, both of which are prohibited by city ordinance, Hawke said.

"Riding in these areas greatly increases the likelihood of a collision with pedestrians," he said. "These types of violations are generally subject to enforcement action by summer bike patrol officers."
Question:Now that the home values in Cadillac have dropped so much, is the city planning on reassessing?
Date Published: 08/22/2009
Answer:"We are just doing our regular studies," Wexford County Equalization Director Molly Whetstone explained. While there has not been a specific program to reassess all of Cadillac’s homes, assessors are in the process of looking at properties through the normal course of business.

The State of Michigan has mandated that all local units of government use one year sales studies for the 2010 year. The dates are Oct. 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2009, and over the course of the cycle the values in Cadillac have decreased. As a result, homeowners should see a reduction in the assessed value.

In addition this department tries to specifically look at between 10 and 20 percent of the residential parcels each year, Whetstone explained.
Question:I recently noticed that several trees downtown have been cut down during this construction. I was wondering if it was talked about transplanting those trees somewhere else instead of just cutting them down.
Date Published: 07/25/2009
Answer:Michigan Department of Transportation Delivery Engineer Del Kirkby said the city of Cadillac had a list of trees they were concerned about. Some were overgrown and diseased while others needed to be removed for utility and sewer work or for obstructing sight. While the trees have been removed they are not being transplanted. They are instead being replaced.

"They are being removed and replaced with a species selected by the city of Cadillac’s arborist. They will be Bradford Pear Trees," he said.
Question:While stationed at the Boca Chica, Fla., US Naval Air Base in July 1950, I noted with delight a Miami Herald front page headline that read, "Cadillac Thermometer Goes Berserk." To paraphrase the article, it suggested that Cadillac (MI) was the coldest place in the nation and the warmest place in Michigan on the same day! Your July 15 lead article mentioned the unusual cold that summer. Did the Miami Herald have their facts right? Was there a July 1950 date (before Alaska was a state) where Cadillac earned that distinction? I was a proud sailor!
Date Published: 07/25/2009
Answer:Rover went to National Weather Service Meteorologist Jim Keysor to find the answer to this question. Keysor said it is possible that Cadillac, out of the major reporting stations, would have had the coldest reading in the country and the warmest temperature in Michigan in the same day. He went on to say that there were two instances in July 1950 where there was very cold temperatures. One of those instances was on July 1, 1950 when the low was 32 degrees and the other instance was on July 14, 1950 when the low was 34 degrees.

The warmest temperature in 1950 was 87 degrees which occurred on July 11 and one of the biggest one-day spreads was on July 7 when the low was 38 degrees and the high was 82 degrees. Although the NWS does keep records, Keysor said it would be very hard to determine if Cadillac was the coldest place in the nation as well as the warmest in the state on the same day.

"There is no way to go back that long ago and determine what was the warmest temperature in the state on a particular day or for that matter in the country. It would be very difficult to find now," he said. "There was a lot of extreme weather during 1950. Lots of records were broken and there was lots of cold weather across the country in 1950."
Question:I have noticed that there are several new poles on M-115 from 13th street to Premarc Corporation and even farther down the road. Who was the one that put them there? Were they a replacement for others?
Date Published: 07/25/2009
Answer:Consumers Energy upgraded the poles as part of a system to improve electrical service to the Premarc Corporation, according to Tim Pietryga, spokesperson for Consumers Energy.

"We’re putting a larger wire on those poles to improve (Premarc Corporation’s) reliability of service and voltage to that plant," Pietryga said.
Question:I heard that a couple of area schools are having school lunches during the summer. Is Cadillac schools going to be doing the same thing?
Date Published: 07/18/2009
Answer:Six local school distrcits are participating in the free summer lunch program for any child under 18.

• Manton - 8 to 8:45 p.m. breakfast and 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. lunch. Running July 27 to Aug. 21

• Marion - 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 21

• Evart - 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 9

• Reed City - 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday through July 30

• Lake City - 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 7. Friday Funday, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Friday.

• Cadillac - The Cadillac Area Public School free summer lunch program concluded on July 16.
Question:I have a handicap the prevents me from easily getting out and pumping gas. When I do find a station that will pump for you, they won’t give me the gas at the self-serve price, even though I have the handicap tag and documentation of my disability. Isn’t there a law that requires them to serve handicapped individuals at no additional charge?
Date Published: 07/18/2009
Answer:One useful tool for diabled and handicapped individuals is "The Pump Guide," developed by the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) through a partnership with the members of the Michigan Petroleum Association.

The Pump Guide lists more than 800 Michigan gas stations where "drivers who display a state-issued license plate or window placard identifying themselves as disabled are eligible for full pump service at self-serve pricing, as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)," explained the Web site, www.thepumpguide.com.

The following stations in Wexford, Missaukee and Osceola counties voluntarily listed themselves for service to the handicapped. In most cases, handicapped drivers may either phone ahead for service or enter the gas stations, sound the horn and display the handicapped sign. An attendant will then be out to service you at no additional charge.

• Meijer Gas Station, Cadillac

• Thirsty’s, Cadillac

• PBS Marathon, Cadillac

• Bill’s Pit Stop, Harrietta

• B.S. Lounge, Falmouth

• Whipple & Co., Moorestown

• Hersey Party Store, Hersey

• Dewings Corner, LeRoy

• Middle Branch Country Store, Marion

• Northwind Travel Center, Reed City

• Gartlet’s Corners, Wellston
Question:Are we ever going to have sidewalks on Holly Road?
Date Published: 06/20/2009
Answer:Cadillac City Engineer Bruce DeWitt said usually sidewalks are paid for by local property owners or adjacent property owners. Usually it gets started by a request by the property owners. To this date we have not received any requests for a special assessment. The city council can initiate it but normally sidewalks are initiated by neighborhoods, schools or businesses that want to encourage pedestrian traffic.
Question:Where does the money from the fines go that people have to pay from the court? Does it stay in Wexford County? The county is always needing money.
Date Published: 06/20/2009
Answer:Wexford County Clerk Elaine Richardson said if it is truly fines and not other court assessments such as court costs, Crime Victims Rights fees, attorney fees, State Minimum Cost fees, or restitution, both district and circuit court fines go to the Cadillac Wexford Public Library. The other assessments from court cases go to the state, the county’s general fund, or the victims of the crime.
Question:We recently had our water shut off on our end of the street due to some repair work on the other end of the street. Is there a policy that says homeowners should be given notice, if feasible, the day before or a door to door notice the day of so we could have prepared for not having water?
Date Published: 06/20/2009
Answer:According to Jeff Dietlin, utilities directors for the city of Cadillac, if the city schedules a water shut-off for a repair, the city notifies the people affected by the water shutdown at least 24 hours in advance.

"Any (repair) that we know is coming up, we give residents notice," Dietlin said. "We know who’s going to be affected when we do a planned (repair) - we find out which valves to shut off and notify those people.

"We usually post notices on the doors or go door to door and tell people - usually it’s a combination of both," he continued.

However, if the city turns off the water due to an emergency, it shuts off the water immediately and thus doesn’t have time to alert neighbors, Dietlin said.

While Dietlin said he’s unaware of how other local communities give notices to residents regarding water shut-offs, he said the city of Cadillac’s giving residents notice 24 prior to the water shut-off likely is common practice.
Question:Before Frosty Cup burned and added their dining areas, was there ever access to Lake Cadillac between Frosty Cup and Burkes Waterfront Restaurant?
Date Published: 06/20/2009
Answer:Jean Lamphere, who built the Frosty Cup with her husband in 1958 and whose family owned the property since the late 1800s, doesn’t recall any sort of public boating access ramp to Lake Cadillac before or after the fire, which occurred in 1977.

Burke’s Waterfront owners also had no knowledge of an access ramp to Lake Cadillac on their side of the water.

However, Lamphere said if people asked, her family let people use their property to park their cars and put their boats in the water.

"We used to let people put their boat in there, but it wasn’t a public access (boat launch site)," Lamphere said. "Burke’s Waterfront, I think, was the same situation - it was all private property."

Wexford County Sheriff Gary Finstrom, who’s the nephew of Lamphere, remembers people "dragging a boat or carrying a canoe down to the lake and putting it in the water."

But like his aunt, Finstrom said, "If it’s their assumption that there was a boat ramp, there was never anything like that."

According to Lamphere, before the state redid the causeway near the Marina Restaurant and Burke’s Waterfront, there was a tunnel that travelled underneath the bridge, allowing access between the main Lake Cadillac and the water by Burke’s Waterfront and Frosty Cup.

"If people had a small boat, they could go underneath it to get to the water by Burke’s Waterfront and Frosty Cup," said Lamphere, who was unaware of when the state installed the causeway.

Therefore, the only way to access the water by Frosty Cup was by private permission or cruising underneath the bridge.

Lamphere and her husband sold the Frosty Cup in 1990.
Question:What does Razzasque mean?
Date Published: 06/13/2009
Answer:"Razzasque Days," the name of the town of LeRoy’s July celebration, has been puzzling locals and visitors alike for years.

Stacie Dvonch, president of Razzasque Days, said the answer is still murky.

"Over the years people have tried to figure it out, but even the historical society has said it doesn’t know," Dvonch said.

The rumor is that local lumbermen came up with a nonsense word and passed it off as French.

The festival had its beginnings in the early 1900’s, dreamed up by a group of lumber company owners, Dvonch said.

The festival gave folks in and around the LeRoy area something to do during the summer lull in the logging operation.

Razzasque Days was discontinued in 1915, but was reinstated for LeRoy’s centennial in 1973 and was a big hit, so it was continued. The event has now been running steadily for 36 years, and this year it will be held Friday and Saturday, July 10 and 11. For the first time in its history, it will feature a carnival with rides. Other events include a parade, health and wellness fair, chicken barbecue, and tournaments in horseshoes, softball, sport (cup) stacking, dodgeball and arm wrestling.
Question:I was in Cadillac and the Meijer gas station had gas for $2.88 a gallon. When going through Greenville, gas at Meijer was $2.71 a gallon. Why are the prices so different when it is the same company owned gas station?"
Date Published: 06/13/2009
Answer:According to Frank Guglielmi, director of public relations for Meijer, retailers like Meijer purchase fuel from wholesalers.

There are several factors that influence the cost they pay, including which particular wholesaler they are purchasing from from where the gasoline is shipped.

Geography plays a role in the cost, too. If the fuel has to be shipped from a long distance, that can affect the cost. Greenville and Cadillac are a good distance away from each other, and Meijer uses a different gasoline supplier for those two stores, due to their locations. Meijer says the bottom line is they always try to match the lowest price in the market where gas stations are located.
Question:I came into the Cadillac News building the other day and really enjoyed the architecture. What’s the origin of the building?
Date Published: 06/13/2009
Answer: The Romanesque-style office building, which was designed by Chicago architect H. H. Waterman, was first occupied in 1909 by the Cummer-Diggins Lumber Co.

And since 1936, the building has been occupied by the Cadillac Evening News, now titled the Cadillac News.

According to a 1909 news report, the building "is one of the most beautiful... in this part of the country."

The main entry to the building is set off by granite pillars. Six lion heads support the second floor windows. Cream-colored-face bricks rest on a base of polished granite.

A green tiled roof crowns the downtown Cadillac building.

When you walk through the front doors, inside you see a marble-floored, hexagonal rotunda with carved oak pillars and a stained glass skylight. You also find extensive use of quarter-sawed oak woodwork, all befitting its early history as the home of one of Michigan’s largest and most prominent lumber companies.
Question:I noticed all the tent worms on trees and was wondering if they are a detriment to the tree? How harmful are they?
Date Published: 05/30/2009
Answer:Rover has noticed the tent worms too and decided to call Jill O’Donnell at the Wexford County Michigan State Extension.

O’Donnell said this is the second year of high levels for the tent worms and that it usually last between three and five years before it returns to normal levels.

O’Donnell also said that there are probably two types of worms people are seeing: the Eastern Tent Caterpillar while the second is the Forest Tent Caterpillar.

Eastern Tent Caterpillars feed mostly on wild or ‘scrub’ cherry trees growing throughout the country in old fields, on the edges of woodlots or along the roadside, but will occasionally lay eggs and nest on landscape and cultivated fruit trees in home orchards.

The Eastern Tent Caterpillar makes its nest in the fork of branches. The caterpillar has several different markings and colors on them, but the most revealing characteristic is a solid, white-to-yellow stripe that runs down the center or back of the caterpillar when full grown.

The damage to trees can occasionally be severe - especially if a single cherry tree is infested by several colonies or tents.

These hairy caterpillars feed on foliage in and around the tent during the day and usually return to the colony at night.

At first, both the caterpillars and tents are small in size. However, as feeding continues, both the caterpillars and silken tents get larger in size. The caterpillars usually mature in the first part of June.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar larvae are prey for other insects, toads, and birds.

Many caterpillars die from disease during unfavorable weather. Homeowners can either prune out or destroy the tents by crushing the caterpillars, dropping them into a pan of soapy water or apply an insecticide to the nests and about one foot of the surrounding branches or trunk. If possible, make applications early in the morning when the caterpillars are generally congregating on their nests.

Forest Tent Caterpillar is similar in habit and appearance to Eastern Tent Caterpillars. Full-grown caterpillars are about two inches long, mostly blue and black, with a row of white, key-hole shaped markings on their backs, and many hairs along the edge of the body.

Forest Tent Caterpillars do not build nests but leave mats of silken threads on trees where they travel or rest. Their favorite hosts are oak, maple, poplar and birch trees.

The long-term affects of forest tent caterpillar on forest trees are usually not serious and trees rarely are killed by this insect. However, trees already under stress from other factors like drought, poor growing conditions, old age, etc may die.

Spraying to control the caterpillars is rarely necessary. Occasionally individual shade and landscape trees may require treatment during outbreaks. Identify the trees in your yard you want to protect. Biological insecticides like B.T. are a safe, effective option. Chemical sprays can be costly and often kill natural enemies that are responsible for eventually bringing the insect under control.

Later in June, mature larvae of both these caterpillars can become a nuisance when they wander to find a place to pupate and their search takes them to nearby buildings and yards.

They do not bite people or harm animals or property, but they can be very annoying when large numbers are found crawling or clustering on building walls, lawns, and sidewalks.

Dealing with tent caterpillars can be very frustrating for homeowners, try to remember this will be over in mid to late June.
Question:Do you have any info on the bullying event that was held at the Kalkaska middle school?
Date Published: 05/30/2009
Answer:To find the answer to this question Rover contacted Kalkaska Middle School Counselor Rebecca Kik. Kik said bullying is everywhere, in every school, in every town and no one is immune to this type of behavior. As the middle school counselor, Kik teamed up with Dee Miller from the MSU Extension and put together a half-day workshop for the school. The goal was to create a greater awareness of what is acceptable and what is not when dealing with a bullying situation.

During the event, Kik said many students expressed that it is happening all around them, but the problem is that many of them don’t know what to do about it.

The workshop gave the students tools to deal with the issue. Some examples - students were told to get a group of friends together and tell an adult, play along with the words they are using to hurt you, use humor or smart comebacks that won’t make the situation worse but gets your point across. Tell a trusted adult, someone who you know will handle the situation and not just say ‘OK, I’ll see what I can do’ and do nothing. Or put together a project where the entire school is involved about character and what we want to see in our school.

A pilot group was started with the National Junior Honors Society, Builder’s Club and Student Council.

Since it was a success, the school decided to offer it to the entire schoool. Kik also will be teaching a Character Education class for the entire sixth grade next year.
Question:Quite a bit of wild land is owned by school districts in Wexford County (Manton and Cadillac). Why do these schools have this wild land instead of selling it and getting it back on the tax roll?
Date Published: 05/16/2009
Answer:Most schools in northern Michigan were awarded state land many years ago, according to Manton Supertindent J. Mark Parsons. There were more programs at that time that focused on forestry and in the original deeds there are limitations for land use of these areas, he said. If the land was to be used for something other than its original use or someone tried to sell it, Parsons said it must revert back to the state. With the advent of alternative energy such as wind power, Parsons said the district has been seeking ways to use the property.

"I have and will continue to offer our state forest land as a possible site for wind generation," he said.
Question:Once you get the H1NI Flu (Swine Flu) can you get it again?
Date Published: 05/16/2009
Answer:District Health Department No. 10 Medical Director Dr. James Wilson said a person can’t get the same strain of influenza twice, however, it could change a little bit and a person could get a similar type of illness.

"With influenza it changes rapidly. You could get a Influenza A strain this year and it could change through a Androgenic drift," he said. "If this Swine Flu virus changes you might be able to get it again."
Question:Where is the new YMCA going to be located?
Date Published: 05/16/2009
Answer:The Cadillac Area YMCA Dillon Community Center, which is scheduled to open in October, is located at 9845 Campus Drive, next to Baker College.
Question:What will be in the new YMCA building?
Date Published: 05/16/2009
Answer:The building, which will be just under 35,000 square feet, will include a six-lane pool, walking/jogging track, meeting rooms, full-size gym, teen center, fitness center and child-watch center. The walking/jogging track will have a rubberized composite surface. The fitness center will include cardio equipment, such as treadmills, bikes, climbers and elliptical trainers, as well as strength traning equipment.
Question:I was wondering why Cadillac has really bad roads. They have holes, and the bricks are showing. My dad’s tire has a big rock in it.
Date Published: 05/16/2009
Answer:According to Rick Liptak, transportation and service center manager for Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in Cadillac, the reason Mitchell Street in Cadillac is in rough shape simply is because "it’s old."

"The road is quite old and has not had major reconstruction in a long time," Liptak said. "The bricks that you’re seeing now is the old, original road from the 1900s."

The potholes are thanks to Mother Nature, which are mainly due to the area’s multiple freeze/thaw cycles during the cold weather season, each of which weaken an older pavement.

"We’re getting to a point where we’re letting the road age, because we know we’re going to be rebuilding it in a couple years," Liptak said. "We’re trying to get maximum life out of pavement."

Liptak pointed out that Cadillac isn’t the only city in Michigan experiencing rough roads.
Question:How come the Cadillac area has no entertainment or anything to do for fun for children under the age of 3?
Date Published: 05/09/2009
Answer:Browsing through the Cadillac News community calendar and seeking out area organizations, Rover found several activities for children under age 3.

From 11 to 11:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month, Horizon Books in downtown Cadillac hosts a story time with Mary Dillon, and at 10 a.m. every Thursday, the Missaukee District Library on South Canal Street in Lake City has a story time with puzzles and playtime included.

Another fun, interactive option for toddlers and their parents is Kindermusik with Melinda Lise, which takes place at St. Ann in Cadillac. According to the program’s Web site, http://musicwithmelinda.kindermusik.net, the Kindermusik Village class "incorporates the most current research on early childhood development and provides families a special place for learning and connecting with other parents and babies through music and movement." The Kindermusik Our Time class helps children build their language skills through singing, imitating sounds, rhyming and identifying objects. Children also are encouraged to move to different music to develop their sense of balance, timing and spatial awareness. All these in turn help children’s social skills to evolve. For more information on Kindermusik, visit the website or call Melinda at 631-7751.

The Cadillac Area YMCA also offers different classes for toddlers and their parents. One, shrimp swimming, for children ages 6 to 18 months, introduces children to water and teaches about basic water safety. The next step up, perch swimming, for ages 19 months to 3 years old, teaches children to move more independently in the water, while parents learn about aquatic and boating safety. Children in that class also enjoy playing with toys and flotation devices. Another class offered is parent-child gymnastics, for ages 18 to 41 months. The YMCA offers financial assistance programs to those who qualify. For more information on the YMCA, visit their Web site at www.cadillacareaymca.org or call 775-3369.

If you’re looking for something faith-based, the Cadillac Revival Center hosts its Family Learning Center from 6 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday. The Family Learning Center offers a kid-friendly dinner, family worship and classes for all ages. Call 878-0203 for more information.
Question:Can you tell me for the Wexford County area if the average home sales prices for the last four years has increased or decreased and the percentage of each?
Date Published: 05/09/2009
Answer:When Rover asked realtor Jilane Fenner this question, she referred him to the Paul Bunyan Board of Realtors MLS Statistics, which lists that the average sale price for homes in Wexford County decreased three percent from 2006 to 2007, 10 percent from 2007 to 2008 and 19 percent from 2008 to present. The average home sale price went from $110,320 to $67,371.
Question:On Business 131 in Manton, the parking lot lights at a restaurant, just up the street from the fire house, are quite blinding to southbound drivers at night when they are on. Can these lights be set differently so not to affect drivers vision at night?
Date Published: 05/09/2009
Answer:Mike Long, Manton Police Department chief anMack Erickson, building inspector the city of Manton, concluded that The Northside Restaurant’s parking lot lights are not problematic to drivers.

"If you’re driving down the road and looking at the road, the lights shouldn’t bother drivers, because they’re mainly (shining) over the parking lot," Long said. "And those lights shut off after 8 p.m. They’re on so people can see in the parking lot to get into their vehicles; after threstaurancloses, the lights are off."

Both Long and Erickson said this complaint is the first they’ve heard regarding the restaurant’s parking lot lights.

If anyone has a concern regarding the city of Manton, fill out a complaint form at the city office, and the appropriate personnel will look into the concern.
Question:Why does 9 and 10 News always start its broadcast shortly before 5 p.m. and 6 p..m. instead of at the exact hour?
Date Published: 05/09/2009
Answer:Kevin Dunaway, news director for 9 and 10 News, said the 5 p.m. broadcast begins at 4:58.30 and the 6 p.m. broadcast begins at 5:58.30. Dunaway said the slightly early start provides a seamless transition from the previous program into the news broadcast, and allows for a longer program.

"It’s the only way to get a full 30 minutes. It’s important for us to get as much content in as possible," Dunaway said.
Question:What has been accomplished at Cadillac High School regarding the academic hall of fame which Superintendent Liabenow said should have been completed by graduation time of last year in June?
Date Published: 05/09/2009
Answer:The Academic Hall of Fame will be mounted outside of the auditorium in early June and a dedication ceremony will take place during Homecoming 2009. Scholars’ names have been compiled and are currently being verified by volunteers. Any individual that is willing to volunteer their time for special features such as these is encouraged to contact CAPS Central Office 876-5000.
Question:As much as I have enjoyed the snowflakes that the vo-ed center had made a few years ago, I noticed this year that some of the lights on them are not working. Who is in charge of them and were they tested before putting out on display?
Date Published: 05/02/2009
Answer:Cadillac City Parks Superintendent Al Dumond said the snowflakes were originally made by the Wexford-Missaukee Career Tech Center for the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce several years ago.

When the city started to light up the lake front during the holiday season, there were deer, angels and snowflakes. Now only the snowflakes are in use as the deer and angels fell into disrepair.

Every year, Dumond said the snowflakes the city checks to make sure the lights are working - if they are not, new lights are strung on them. He also said various factors could have led to the lights not working as well as the fact that a full-time parks crew is not working during the winter months.

"We check them before we put them out but due to vandalism, extreme weather or moisture getting into them, things happen," Dumond said. "Next year we will turn them on and string them if they need it before we put them out."
Question:The City of Cadillac allowed the Meadowland Apartments to be built in a "wet-land" area and then a drainage culvert was constructed under the road to allow water to flow into an existing drainage ditch that runs over and along Holly Road. During a storm earlier this year, several homes were flooded in the Barbara Street/Petrie Street area. What has the City of Cadillac done to remedy the situation so it won’t happen in the future?
Date Published: 05/02/2009
Answer:According to Cadillac Community Development Coordinator Jerry AdamNorthland Meadow Apartments are located on an approximate 21-acre site, east of Hector Road.

The site contains a mix of upland and wetland areas. A majority of the wetlands are found in the southern portion of the parcel. In addition to their wildlife and water filtration benefits, the site’s wetlands serve as natural detention areas for the on-site management of storm water, Adams said.

Regulated wetlands are governed by Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 Public Act 451, as amended

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality administers the Act. Construction in a regulated wetland is normally prohibited unless a comprehensive and stringent mitigation plan (wetland replacement plan) is approved by the MDEQ, he said.

Prior to preparing their final site design plan, the developers of Northland Meadows retained a professional wetland’s consultant to identify and map the parcel’s regulated wetlands. The consultant’s findings were subject to MDEQ review and approval and were used by project designers to locate buildings and infrastructure.

Buildings and interior streets were placed in upland locations in order to avoid disruption of the regulated wetlands, Adams said. That is why one finds a majority of the development located toward the northern portion of the site. That area is upland in character.

The project did not involve the construction of a drainage culvert linking to the existing ditch that runs over and along Holly Road. The development employs use of the on-site wetlands for the management of storm water.
Question:I’m replacing the DLP lamp in my television, but what should I do with the old one? I’m told it contains hazardous materials such as mercury.
Date Published: 05/02/2009
Answer:Pell’s Radio Appliance and TV in Cadillac disposes of their old DLP lamps by taking them to the city of Cadillac Sewage Plant on hazardous waste collection day.

The next collection day is coming up Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. at the City of Cadillac Wastewater Treatment Plant on Plett Road.

They will accept hazardous materials such as thermometers, mercury vapor lamps, aerosols, bug spray, batteries (not car batteries), alcohols, oil stains, paint stripper, turpentine, brake fluid, herbicides, pesticides and more. They will not accept latex paint, used motor oil, car batteries, smoke detectors, and electronics. Items should come from the city of Cadillac or Wexford County.

If a customer purchases a new DLP lamp at VanDrie Home Furnishings in Cadillac they will accept the old lamp and send it back to the company.

Some television manufacturers offer the service of accepting the old lamps, even as far as sending prepaid mailers.
Question:I was wondering if there could be another bowling alley. My family and I tried to go bowling, but everybody was bowling, and there were no lanes anywhere to bowl. We had to go to Manton to bowl. Please put another bowling alley in Cadillac or reopen Caberfae Lanes.
Date Published: 04/11/2009
Answer:Caberfae Lanes is open, and never closed, according to Brian Laveck, manager.

"We just installed four new retractable bumpers for kids," Laveck added. They also have new shoes and will be resurfacing all lanes, Laveck said.

Summer league bowling is coming up, and they are trying to put together a summer youth league.

The Pines bowling alley has leagues in the fall, but leagues are ending and soon will have open bowling all day, said employee Chris Morris.

Look for open bowling at The Pines Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. They are also open noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

At Parkview Lanes, Brian Richards said they don’t have room to expand, and they are busy on the weekends.

"There’s plenty of bowling in the area," Richards said.
Question:Back in the ’50s and ’60s there was a restaurant in what is now the Glen’s Market plaza. It operated at about the time a Ben Franklin store came to that plaza and was probably where the Chinese restaurant is now. What was the name of that restaurant and who owned it?
Date Published: 04/11/2009
Answer:There was not a restaurant there, but there were two bakeries: Dutton’s Bakery and Fran’s Bakery. Records from the Wexford County Equalization Department show that the building was constructed in 1961 and housed a Ben Franklin and Carter’s grocery, but since the space was leased there is no information there on who owned the bakery.
Question:What jobs will be created in alternative energy? Are they going to come to northern Michigan?
Date Published: 04/11/2009
Answer:According to Rick Wilson, project manager for the Stoney Corners Wind Farm by Heritage Sustainable Energy, some of the jobs directly related to renewable energy are construction jobs when the projects are developed. Local firms have been used to pour the concrete foundations, which need to be very large to stabilize the wind turbine.

In the bigger picture, as technologies develop, hopefully parts of turbines and solar panels will be manufactured locally.

A company called Cascade Engineering is working on smaller scale turbines in Grand Rapids, and a firm called KM Manuacturing is working on wind turbine hub assemblies. A small engineering firm in the Glen Lake area is also involved in renewable energy.

"Hopefully the auto industry will retool and move in that direction," Wilson said.
Question:I have some ideas for developing downtown Cadillac, but don’t know who to contact anyone about them. Do you know if there is an e-mail address to get a hold of a contact person?
Date Published: 04/11/2009
Answer:Ideas for developing downtown Cadillac can be sent to Assistant City Manager Precia Garland. Garland focuses on economic development and special projects for the city, and she is also the Director of the Downtown Development Authority and Community Development.

To contact Garland, call the city offices at 775-0181 or e-mail acm@Cadillac-MI.net.
Question:Can we park in the street all night yet?
Date Published: 04/11/2009
Answer:Seasonal parking restrictions for the city of Cadillac is near it’s end, according to Precia Garland, assistant city manager. Vehicles may not be parked on city streets from 2:30 to 6:30 a.m. through Thursday, April 15. After Thursday, vehicles are free to resume using the street for evening parking in legal parking lanes.
Question:How much money has the State of Michigan received from the tobacco settlement over the years? Isn’t this money suppose to go toward reducing peoples’ dependence on tobacco? How much funding has been appropriated to Michigan’s Tobacco Quit Hotline? Where has all of the tobacco settlement money gone?
Date Published: 04/11/2009
Answer:Michigan’s initial payment from the tobacco industry was $104.5 million, to be followed by $279 to $365 million annually for 24 years. Currently, Michigan has received $2.6 billion since 1999, according to Terry Stanton of the Department of Treasurey for the state of Michigan.

Michigan policy makers enacted legislation allocating 75 percent of the tobacco-settlement funds to support the Michigan Merit Award program, a fund providing college scholarships to high school students who do well on the Michigan Educational Assessment Program test. The remaining 25 percent goes into the Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund, which supports a variety of programs, including a prescription-drug program for seniors and various health programs and research efforts.

In 2008, the state received $290.2 million, one third of which was used on health-related programming, Stanton said.
Question:Are you allowed to have a GPS device on your windshield in Michigan?
Date Published: 04/11/2009
Answer:Michigan motorists may use a GPS device on their windshield, as long as the device does not obstruct the driver’s view, according to Jeff Hawke, director of public safety for the city of Cadillac.

Hawke pointed to Section 257.709(1)(c) of the Michgian Motor Vehicle Code, which deals witwindshielvision obstructions and states, "A person shall not drive a motor vehicle with any of the followingdangling ornament or other suspended object that obstructs the vision of the driver of the vehicle, except as authorized by law."

This section of the motor vehicle was recently contemplated by the United States Court of Appeals in U.S. vs Davis. An opinion was rendered and then withdrawn by the court. No further action has been taken to date.
Question:The Clam River that runs next to Kel Graphics on River Street in Cadillac doesn’t have a barricade or embankment by it to prevent someone from driving into it. Why?
Date Published: 04/11/2009
Answer:According to Bruce DeWitt, engineer for the city of Cadillac, at this time, the city is "satisfied" with the bridge and doesn’t have plans to install a barricade or embankment to the bridge

"The speeds arrelatively low in that area, and (the lack of barricade) has not given us any concern since the bridge was installed according to the latest engineering standards in 2005," DeWitt said. "We’ve got a lot of bridge crossings in town, and I haven’t heard of any problems in any of the areas."
Question:We have noticed that the supervisor for the Cadillac Public Schools transportation department and family members use a school car. With constant budget concerns at the schools is this necessary? Is the personal use of this car reported the IRS as income? I understand such perk is considered income and must be reported.
Date Published: 04/04/2009
Answer:Cadillac Area Public Schools staff are directed to use school vehicles to accomplish certain tasks. Using a school vehicle is less expensive than reimbursing employees the IRS approved rate for mileage. Cadillac Area Public Schools does not allow school vehicles to be used for personal use. Concerns regarding personal use of school vehicles should be directed to the CAPS business office.
Question:I was wondering why they tore down the old sawmill building. Are they building a bank there?
Date Published: 04/04/2009
Answer:The Harris Milling building was demolished last summer in preparation for the construction of a new Chemical Bank facility in downtown Cadillac.

"Right now we are working on getting finalized bids from the contractors," John Catlin, Community Bank President explained.

With construction beginning in early spring, Catlin hopes to be able to hold an open house for the community around Thanksgiving.

"We’re excited to have the transition and have a more full-service facility for our community," he said.
Question:Who said, "If the government is big enough to give you everything you want, it is big enough to take away everything you have."
Date Published: 04/04/2009
Answer:Although the quote is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, scholars can not find any documentation verifying the statement.

President Gerald R. Ford is recorded as having said it, however.
Question:What is going on with Wexford County, and the ORV trails, and opening up county roads for the ORVs.
Date Published: 04/04/2009
Answer:The ordinance is still being reviewed for consideration by the Wexford County Board of Commissioners sometime in April, said board chairman Mike Stump.

The process has hit some snags due to the abundance of state and federal land in Wexford County. The U.S. Forest Service owns hundreds of small portions of roads in southwestern Wexford County.

Because ORVs are prohibited on forest service roads, in order for fluid passage through that portion of the county to be possible, the roads would have to be vacated by the USFS.

The process of vacating the roads takes three years or so, USFS Assistant Ranger John Hojnowksi said.

In the northern portion of the county, townships are discussing their options with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The DNR hopes to work together to connect open trails with open roads, as opposed to opening all county roads in Wexford County.

Given the fact that townships can develop their own ORV ordinances, the county could potentially have numerous ordinances with different rules for each.
Question:What is the status on the Wexford, Missaukee, Osceola County ORV ordinances?
Date Published: 04/04/2009
Answer: As mentioned above, Wexford County is still in the process or sorting through the ORV ordinance.

Missaukee County passed an unchanged version of the state legislation Oct. 14, 2008 without additional road restrictions. Osceola County did the same Nov. 4, 2008.
Question:Our Cadillac News paper is delivered by our mail carrier. I read that the postal service wants to reduce mail delivery to five days instead of the current six. How would that change affect our Cadillac News delivery?
Date Published: 04/04/2009
Answer:"While there has been talk of the USPS cutting back the number of service days, to the best of my knowledge there has not been anything definite," Cadillac News Publisher Chris Huckle explained. The USPS recently announced their consideration of other plans to help with profitability rather than eliminating a day of mail delivery.

"They are going through what a lot of other businesses are going through right now - a little belt-tightening," Huckle said

If the USPS did decide to cut back on delivery days, the Cadillac News would look at other options for delivery.
Question:How long has Rover been at the Cadillac News?
Date Published: 04/04/2009
Answer:Rover made his first appearance for the Cadillac News at Sidewalk Sales in 1998. Not quite satisfied with being just a show dog, he started answering reader questions in approximately 1999.
Question:Has CMU’s channel 27 started digitally broadcasting yet?
Date Published: 04/04/2009
Answer:While all analogue transmissions for the Central Michigan University Public Broadcasting System were discontinued as of noon March 31, digital transmissions of multiple PBS stations began several months ago.

PBS Channel 27 can be viewed on Digital Channel 17.
Question:Where is the Cobbs-Mitchell Building?
Date Published: 04/04/2009
Answer:The Cobbs-Mitchell Building in located at 100 E. Chapin in downtown Cadillac.

The marker from the Michigan State Registrar of Historic Sites reads, "In 1905 George D. Mason of Detroit designed this brick and limestone building as a showplace for the products of Cobbs & Mitchell Inc., a nationally known lumber company. Completed in 1907, the buildings interior is completed in nine varieties of native Michigan wood - elm, white maple, bird’s-eye maple, sap birch, red birch, curly red maple, red beech, red oak and hemlock. The company was named for Jonathon W. Cobbs (1823-1898), and William W. Mitchell (1854-1915). Their families were prime movers in the growth of the city of Cadillac and developed much of northern Michigan’s lumber industry. The building also housed the Mitchell Bros. Co. and other lumbering interests before it was purchased by the State Highway Department in 1939."

The building was vacated by the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Cadillac Transportation Service Center in May 2008.
Question:Why do so many school buses have white roofs?
Date Published: 04/04/2009
Answer:According to School Bus Fleet magazine, studies have shown that white roofs reflect more sunlight than yellow roofs, and buses sporting the white roof can lower inside temperatures by as much as 10 degrees.

"This difference is significant, considering the number of hot days students must ride the buses," according to the schoolbusfleet.com Web site. Studies have also shown that the comfort level of the student can be improved with the addition of dark-tinted glass on the side windows.
Question:On the north end of town, there are two lanes going north and two going south. What are the rules about this middle lane? Is it legal to merge into the middle lane in between the two north and south lanes to wait to turn? Also, is it legal to turn left out of a business or street into that middle lane and wait there to merge to the opposite side?
Date Published: 03/21/2009
Answer:According to Jeff Hawke, Public Safety Director for the City of Cadillac, yes, it is legal to merge into the middle lane to wait to turn.

It is not legal however to turn into the middle lane of the street to wait to merge, he explained.

The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code allows vehicles to travel in the lane "for a reasonable distance before making a left turn."

"The center lane is used for left turns, not as a merge or acceleration lane," Hawke said.
Question:Where do Johnny’s Game Park animals go in the winter months?
Date Published: 03/21/2009
Answer:"Most of them stay right here," explained Brain Johnson of Johnny’s Wild Game and Fish Park. "We have barns and facilities to house them for the winter."

While larger animals such as the emus, miniature horses, donkeys and cows stay on a barn on the property, the smaller animals such as the goats and sheep actually come from area farms and are returned at the end of the summer season.

Johnny’s Wild Game and Fish Park located at 5465 East 46 1/2 Road, Cadillac will open for the summer on Memorial Day weekend.
Question:Why can’t I view PBS on TV? I’ve only heard the station is working on it. What caused the problem, and when will it be up and running again?
Date Published: 03/21/2009
Answer:A few weeks ago, the Central Michigan University Public Broadcasting System suffered a massive transmitter failure, explained Rick Schudiske, Director of Television.

After looking into the problem, the damage was too extensive to repair. A tube containing an oil-antifreeze-like material burst, spraying all of the sensitive equipment within the transmitter. Fixing the damage would have not only have been prohibitively expensive, but also dangerous.

With digital conversion looming, the station made the decision to forego repairs as all analogue signals will be shut down at noon Tuesday, March 31.

"It would have taken a long time and a lot of money to fix, and wouldn’t have gotten it done before the March 31 shut off," he said. "A lot of thought was given to the situation, but it didn’t make sense for time, safety or cost."

Fortunately, PBS has begun digital transmission, so Schudiske recommends effected households hook up digital broadcast converter boxes to continue receiving PBS programming.
Question:Why is the company that distributes the Yellow Book allowed to just set the books on the ground by mailboxes instead of hang them inside peoples’ doors like the inside of the Yellow Book says they should?
Date Published: 03/21/2009
Answer:Mary Valsa of Yellow Book explained that contractors hired to deliver Yellowbook directories are shown a video instructing them on proper delivery methods.

The video, shown to all contractors nationwide, directs contractors to insert the Yellowbook into a yellow bag and place them on the hinge side of the door.

"The only exception to this is if it is a rural area. Then they are able to leave the books near the mailbox," Valsa said.

If your mailbox was placed on the ground and damaged by snow or mud, you may call 1-800-373-3280 and have one sent to your home within seven to 10 business days.
Question:Since the Buyer’s Guide is no longer in business will someone be around to take out the metal post and the box or do it myself?
Date Published: 03/21/2009
Answer:The posts and boxes will be removed in the spring after the ground thaws, said Al Frattura of the Morning Star Publishing Company. "Customers are welcome to call us at the MSPC office if they have specific requests for removal or concerns," Frattura said.

You can contact Morning Star Publishing Company’s customer service toll free number at 1-800-616-News.
Question:The Cadillac News reported on Wexford County having received 161 inches of snow. That was about a month ago. It also stated the record was 175 inches. Have we broken that record yet?
Date Published: 03/14/2009
Answer:Yes, the 30-year record of 175 inches of snow has been shattered by this year’s snowfall. As of March 11, Wexford County has received 214 inches, according to the Wexford County Road Commission.
Question:I have noticed that at the four-way stop at Lake Street, South Street, and Holly Road, there isn’t a crosswalk across Lake Street on the north side of South Street and Holly Road. Shoppers coming from the Marina Apartment with their carts have to cross at Holly Road, then cross over Lake Street and then cross over at South Street at Aspen. They have to back track the same way. Why isn’t there a crosswalk on the north side of South Street and Holly Road to cross Lake Street? It would certainly be safer.
Date Published: 03/14/2009
Answer:According to city of Cadillac Engineer Bruce DeWitt, Marina Shores Apartment funded the sidewalk project. The original project did not include a crosswalk at the location, DeWitt said.

"If they feel it is needed now, the city will work with them," DeWitt said.

Crosswalk needs are reviewed during street reconstruction projects.
Question:I have received notice that my property values have increased. I’m sure they haven’t. Is there anything I can do?
Date Published: 03/14/2009
Answer:"There are some pockets of the area that have increased, some pockets of the area that have decreased," explained Wexford County Equalization Director Molly Whetstone.

However, if you feel that the value of your home is significantly lower than your assessed value, a little research and an appearance with your local Board of Review may help sort it out.

The data tax assessors must use ends Sept. 30, 2008. "We are behind the market, we have a lag in the data we are allowed to use by the state," Whetstone explained. "But, a lot has happened between September and now in our area."

Because the Board of Review has final control of the assessing, appearing before the board may help bridge that gap, Whetstone said.

To prepare for the board, homeowners may bring a recent appraisal on their property if available, and should verify that their record card accurately represents their home.

"The city of Cadillac Board of Review looks at all the data that comes before them," Whetstone said. "Sometimes it’s only a matter of checking."

The board may direct tax assessors to visit the house to verify the class or look for other discrepancies - such as the home listed as having a basement, when in fact has a crawl space.

Dates and times for you local Board of Review will be listed on the assessment change notice.
Question:What is the correct way to stop at the four way stop in Ashton, before the stop sign or after?
Date Published: 03/14/2009
Answer: Justin Halladay, Undersheriff of Osceola County, referred Rover to the Michigan Complied Laws - Motor Vehicle Code Book. Section 257.649 (6) states: Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, the driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection; or if there is not a crosswalk shall stop at a clearly marked stop line; or if there is not a crosswalk or clearly marked stop line, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadwayAfter having stopped, the driver shall yield the right of way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from another highway or which is approaching so closely on the highway as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when the driver would be moving across or within the intersection.

"The bottom line is," Halladay stated, "the law does not say drivers have to stop at or behind the stop sigitself; it states that drivers have to stop at the intersection that the stop sign marks. Because there is not a clearly defined crosswalk or stop line at the Ashton intersection, the driver then has to, as stated in the above law, stop at the nearest point where he has a clear view of all approaching traffic."
Question:Last week’s question regarding which Native American people originally occupied this area encourages me to ask: What is the meaning of Missaukee? We know it’s the name of a Native American chief, but Native American names have meanings behind them. What is it for Missaukee?
Date Published: 03/14/2009
Answer:Missaukee County was named after prominent Ottawa Chief Nesaukee, who signed treaties with settlers in 1831 and 1833, according to the Clarke Historical Library of Central Michigan University.

The translation of Nesaukee roughly translates into "Large Mouth of the River."
Question:I see other states putting a bottle deposit on all beverage bottles. Shouldn’t Michigan consider this as a way to raise more money? It would also help clean up the state.
Date Published: 03/14/2009
Answer:Michigan lawmakers have been approached with the possibility of expanding the state bottle law at various occasions, but the most recent bill to pass in 1998 did not include the expansion - only regulations to help deter bottle return fraud.

Arguments exist for both sides of the bottle expansion.

The Michigan Environmental Council calls for the inclusion of all beverage containers in order to help litter, keep the plastics from landfills and encourage recycling overall. With 750 million beverages in non-returnable containers sold each year, they currently find their home on the sides of roads or landfills.

The Michigan Recycling Partnership (MRP) opposes the expansion, citing increased costs to consumers with 10-cent deposits on milk, juice, water, tea, sport drinks, and alcohol containers in one gallon size and under. They also expect increased costs to grocers for having to handle the larger quantity of returns, which they believe will be passed on to the consumer.

"You should not have to pay a higher price for these items, especially when many of these containers are already recyclable through drop off collection programs," argues the MRP.
Question:Recently a meeting was held in Tustin concerning the new rules for farmers and other trucks using the county roads. What is this and how will it affect small commercial or other trucks?
Date Published: 03/07/2009
Answer:If farmers have a 10,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating, either single or in combination, they will need to have a United States Department of Transportation number displayed. The 10,000 pounds refers to the vehicle’s rating, not what it actually weighs, or weighs with its cargo, and would include a truck and a trailer. The numbers are needed for any vehicle involved in any commercial activity, such as taking a steer to be sold, or hauling hay to be sold.

The Michigan Farm Bureau Web site is a good source of information on this subject.

Go to www.michfb.com, under "Farm Organization," click on "Visit." On the next page, on the left, click on "Labor/Safety," and then click on "Transportation Guidebook." There you will find links to documents such as the "Michigan Truck ID Requirements for Farm Operators-2008," the "Michigan Farmer’s Transportation Guidebook-2008," and "What to have ready for a USDOT or MSP audit-August 2008."
Question:What is the history of Native Americans in the Cadillac-Lake City area?
Date Published: 03/07/2009
Answer:Whenever archeologist John Davis of the National Forest Service is asked which tribe lived in the Cadillac area, he can’t give a specific answer. The best description is broad - there were no major settlements, but those that moved through were Central Algonquin speakers. While it is a broad description that covers many groups, it fits because this area of Michigan was more of a "seasonal hunting, family group area," Davis described.

It is likely that several different groups continuously travelled through and moved on.

Alexander Henry, a Frenchman who travelled with an native American family for a winter published a narrative of his experiences. In the work, it is believed that while he was in the area, he stumbled upon Lake Mitchell. (It also may have been Lake Cadillac, Lake Missuakee or Houghton Lake.) The immediate area was uninhabited, and the family Henry travelled with was trapping for furs to trade and moving on.

Davis believes this was likely an accurate representation for this part of Michigan.

It could be said that the area was mainly Ottawa-Chippewa, or the "people of three fires," but Davis reiterated that a specific group can’t really be identified.

"In this historical period, there is very little known," Davis said. While there are archeological sites, "With the British and the French, everybody was disjointed and moving around during the 1600s and 1700s," he explained.
Question:For several weeks there has been a large number of newer tanker-type rail cars parked on the track just north of Marion. They have not been moved. What are they hauling, and why are they there ¦ especially for so long?
Date Published: 03/07/2009
Answer:A representative of the Great Lakes Central Railroad said the tankers are empty railroad cars that are being stored on the tracks. Due to the economic slowdown, fewer rail cars are needed, so they are being stored on tracks out of the way of regular traffic.
Question:I was wondering what are the blue footprints on wheeler street and going around the corner.
Date Published: 03/07/2009
Answer:They are markers to guide trail users between sections of the Clam River Pathway. Where one section of the pathway ends, the footprints lead trail users to the next section of the trail.
Question:There was a bridge built over the Clam River off Boon Road east of the expressway. Can you give any input on the purpose behind this bridge?
Date Published: 03/07/2009
Answer:The bridge was constructed by the landowner who is interested in developing the land. The land is owned by Caribou Investments. Because it is currently zoned forest recreation and agriculture, the developer has been unable to move forward with any project

Bill Kozak, who is managing the project for Caribou, has asked Haring Township to consider a freeway interchange designation to make the project feasible. No plans are in the work at this time.
Question:I know of several young men who in their teens were convicted of felonies. For over 18 years, both have become law-abiding citizens and have held trustworthy jobs and have done no criminal acts. They would love to be in the police department or on the fire department but because of the youthful felonies they cannot. Why is that held against a person forever, how can young people ever get past this and be a contributing member of society if even after growing up and proving themselves they are barred from jobs that contribute to the betterment of society?
Date Published: 03/07/2009
Answer:People convicted of a crime can seek to have that crime "expunged" from their record, according to Wexford County Prosecutor Mark Smathers.

The primary statute is MCL 780.621. Most people use an attorney but it can be done without an attorney, Smathers explained.

He noted that there are specific rules that govern an expungement request.

• The person must have only been convicted for one crime and it must not have been a life offense or most criminal sexual conduct offenses.

• Traffic offenses are not applicable.

• Must be five years after the conviction or five years after incarceration, whichever is later.

• Must complete the application form (available from attorney or court). Must include a certified copy of the conviction.

• A copy of the application must also be given to the Michigan State Police along with two sets of fingerprints and a $50 fee.

• A copy is sent to the Attorney General and also to the Prosecuting Attorney for the county where the crime occurred. Either may object to setting aside the conviction

• Victims of certain crimes must be notified and may also object.

• The application must be filed with the convicting court.

• An affidavit may be required.

• Setting aside a conviction is a privilege and not a right.

• It can only be done one time.
Question:E-85 fuel is available in Big Rapids and Traverse City, when will it be available in Cadillac?
Date Published: 03/07/2009
Answer:While E85 is available around northern Michigan, it’s not available in Cadillac, according to the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition.

Here are some locations where it can be purchased:

• Blodgett Foomart, 701 N. First St. in Harrison

• Meijer Gas, 3955 U.S. 31 South in Traverse City

• Wesco, 21380 Perry Ave. in Big Rapids

• Clare Shell, 10400 S. Clare Ave. in Clare

Larry Davy, owner of the PBS Marathon Gas Station in Cadillac, said he considered using E85, but there is not enough demand to meet the investment needed to begin selling the fuel.

Davy also said he’s heard a number of stories about poor fuel economy and performance by motorists using E85, including his son-in-law.

In order to install E85, Davy said it would require a new hose nozzle because it’s highly flammable along with some other upfront investments.

Davy said his fuel supplier, Johnson Oil, also has not seen station owners jump on the bandwagon to use E85.

"I think it would be the way to go," he said. "It’s renewable."

Ultimately, it’s up to the station owner to determine if E85 is a fuel that fits the business, he said.

"Most people I’ve talked to say the trade off isn’t there," he said.
Question:Who is paying for all the advertising for the change to digital broadcasting coming up in February?
Date Published: 02/21/2009
Answer:The majority of the advertising spending - $1.2 billion - is being spent by the broadcasting industry itself, lead by the National Association of Broadcasters, according to NAB spokesperson Shermaze Ingram.

"It’s considered the largest consumer education campaign in television history," Ingram said.

The federal government and other industry groups also are doing their part.

FCC spokeswoman Rosemary Kimball said the FCC has spent about $20 million on its own for education.

And if you received a converter box coupon in the mail and are wondering where the money came to pay for the boxes, Kimball said the government received about $20 billion when it was able to auction off parts of the electromagnetic spectrum freed up by the conversion to digital television. This is a result of the fact that the digital TV signals use less of the spectrum than the analog signals did.

So the government received $20 billion in the auction but so far has spent only $1.5 billion for the converter boxes.
Question:Although new lines were painted in the Glen’s parking lot in Cadillac, many people still park outside the lines and right where people are supposed to drive. Can people get ticketed for parking in the roadway in a parking lot? What can be done?
Date Published: 02/21/2009
Answer:The Glen’s Parking Lot is considered private property and not regulated by traffic control devices for the purposes of lined parking spaces, explained Public Safety Director Jeff Hawke. "Common issues regulated by state law or local ordinance for privately owned parking lots open to the public include reckless driving, operating while intoxicated, fire lane parking, and other similar offenses," he said.

Customers depend on the courtesy and consideration of other customers to maintain orderly parking and access in the lot, Hawke added.
Question:Is it illegal for a person who is not handicapped, but is driving another person’s vehicle with a handicapped sign, to park in a handicapped space?
Date Published: 02/21/2009
Answer:According to the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code, all methods of identification used to extend parking privileges to disabled persons are for the personal use of the disabled person or individual transporting a disabled person, Jeff Hawke, Director of Public Safety explained. "In the scenario outlined, the driver could be cited for the parking violation," he said.
Question:When a school bus lets off children and then pulls forward off to the side of the road to let the traffic pass them, I cringe. This is a practice done by many buses around the area. I thought it was illegal to pass a stopped school bus. Why is this done and what are the rules for cars and the bus?
Date Published: 02/21/2009
Answer:"We’re kind of like a moving stoplight," Jim Pals, Director of Transportation for Cadillac Area Public Schools explained. "When you see the yellow lights flashing on top, it means slow down and prepare to stop - you know the red is going to follow."

After vehicles have come to a complete stop for the children to safely load and unload from the bus, buses will pull to the side of the road to allow traffic to pass, Pals said.

"We want to hold up traffic when we let the students off or are letting them on, but we don’t want to hold it up more than necessary," he explained. When the buses turn off their lights and pull over after safely collecting the children, cars may feel free to go around and continue on their commute.
Question:How far is the Greenway walking path?
Date Published: 02/21/2009
Answer:The greenway path is 1.6 miles in length, explained Assistant City Manager Precia Garland.
Question:Is the Clam River Greenway walkway complete?
Date Published: 02/21/2009
Answer:"The CRG walkway is now substantially complete inside the city of Cadillac," explained Assistant City Manager Precia Garland. She noted that two sidewalk ramps intersecting with Lake Street must be removed and replaced this spring to achieve the proper Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) slope. "Additionally, we are looking at the possibility of placing a few more signs along the greenway, but it is otherwise complete," she said.

Long term, the CRG committee would like to see the greenway continue northward through Haring Township and connect to other systems, such as the Cadillac Pathway.
Question:A friend of mine was ticketed for picking up Petoskey stones on a beach. Is that illegal?
Date Published: 02/21/2009
Answer:Under Title 36, Part II in the Code of Federal Regulations, the rules are laid out for National Park Service lands. The rules state that collecting, possessing or removing park resources in national parks is prohibited. Rocks fall under the resource category.

Rules can be altered for specific national parks. For example, some parks allow hunting.

On state land, rules differ.

"In our state parks along Lake Michigan, we prefer that you leave things as you found them so everyone can enjoy them," Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Mary Dettloff said. "We don’t ticket people. I think, though, there is no state law that governs other public beaches."

The same is true for the U.S. Forest Service. Spokeswoman Carol Nilsson said the forest service does not want driftwood removed from federal forest service beaches. There also are some campfire restrictions.

As for picking up stones, Nilsson said there’s no rule saying it’s illegal.

Kevin Gauthier, owner of the Korner Gem in Traverse City and co-author of "Lake Huron Rock Picker’s Guide," said people should be cautious when collecting Petoskey stones.

The Sand Dunes federal area is very strict on the rules, Gauthier said. The state informed a friend of Gauthier’s that commercial collecting on state beaches also was prohibited.

"It kind of depends on who you run into and what they consider commercial collecting," Gauthier said.

A tourist picking up a Petoskey stone probably won’t run into any problems, he said.
Question:One year, I noticed that the lights on the Shay Locomotive in Cadillac’s City Park made the wheels look like they were going around, but the last couple of years they haven’t. What happened to those lights?
Date Published: 02/21/2009
Answer:The lights on the Shay Locomotive’s wheels never looked as if they were going around in a circular motion, however, the wheels sported twinkling lights for a couple years. Now, the city uses rope lights, which do not blink.

Al Dumond, parks and cemetery superintendent for the city of Cadillac, said the reason the city switched from twinkle lights to rope lights is because the rope lights are higher quality and last longer.

"With the twinkle lights, when one goes out, they all go out - but with the rope lights, if one goes, they don’t all go," Dumond said. The other reason the city switched to the rope lights is because they’re easier to display, compared to the twinkle lights, which required people to staple the lights to pieces of plywood.

Dumond said people shouldn’t expect flashing lights in the future.

"We are going to leave it at the rope lights," he said. "We think that does the job."
Question:Have any of the condos on the corner of Lake St. and Chestnut St. been sold? I never see any lights on in there.
Date Published: 02/07/2009
Answer:The Lake Street Condominums were put on the market in 2007, according to realtor Jim Meier. "One has sold so far, in late November of last year," he explained.

The majority of the units in the complex are two bedrooms, two units are three bedrooms, and four are loft style. Condos available for purchase may be customized by the buyers, choosing wall color, flooring type, and dark or light cabinetry.

"Once the purchase is final, it takes two to three weeks to complete. We are waiting for the buyer to make the final decisions on each unit," Meier said. For more information on purchasing a condo, contact Meier at 884-1386.
Question:I have heard that someone in Cadillac is working on a 211 System for our area. Is that true, and what will it be like?
Date Published: 02/07/2009
Answer:The 211 project for Wexford County is being headed by the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class, explained Leadership Class participant Tara Veddler.

"The 211 system is a health and human service line, similar to the 911 program," Veddler explained. "You can call the number and get information and referrals on food, clothing, housing, youth programs, child and family program, elder care and more."

The Leadership Class is currently compiling a database of all of the programs and services available in the county, Veddler explained. They hope to have the database complete and a 1-800 number available by June.

"It’s hard to go to a phonebook at say ˜I need food, where do I go?" Veddler said. The 211 number would connect individuals with that information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

With 211 programs currently available to 70 percent of Michigan and 65 percent of the country, the Leadership Class hopes to soon add Wexford County to that list, Veddler said.

For more information, e-mail cadillacleadership211@yahoo.com, or for information on the national level, visit www.211us. org.
Question:Can I get pulled over for not scraping snow off of my license plate? Will I get a ticket for this, or just a warning?
Date Published: 02/07/2009
Answer:Yes, motorists may be pulled over if their vehicle registration plate is obscured by snow, according to Cadillac Police Chief Jeff Hawke.

Section 257.225" of the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code states, "The plate shall be maintained free from foreign materials that obscure or partially obscure the registration information and in a clearly legible condition."

However, the decision to issue a ticket or warning is based on the discretion of the police officer.

"Many times, officers will simply make the driver aware that the license plate is obscured without issuing a ticket," Hawke said.

Police recommend that drivers make cleaning their license plates part of their regular routine when clearing snow from the vehicle windshield, mirrors and windows.
Question:Has the DNR lifted the ban on feeding the deer, we have a cabin in Wexford County, and the deer are starving, with all the snow, and nothing to eat.
Date Published: 01/31/2009
Answer:"No, it has not been lifted," Karen Wingate of the Department of Natural Resources explained. The Natural Resources Commission met in October 2008 to approve a permanent ban on deer and elk baiting in the lower peninsula.

Wingate explained that because of the confirmation of chronic wasting disease at a private facility in Kent County, the ban was established to prevent the spread of the disease in the deer and elk populations.
Question:We’re changing over from analog to digital. I’m 81-years-old and I have a couple TVs, I bought two converter boxes, programmed them into my TV, and when it comes up on the screen it says no signal. You can’t get anything on them. When they had the test, cut analog off, I didn’t have anything. Can you get any of the four local stations digitally on" regular" TV" antenna?
Date Published: 01/31/2009
Answer:It is possible to receive all of the local stations digitally through a regular TV antenna, however if the antenna is not directed in the proper direction, or isn’t of a high enough quality the signal will not be received, Bob Schultz of ABC Warehouse explained

"Depending on the type of antenna you have, you will get more or less signals," Schultz explained. "The better your antenna, the better signal you are going to get - but you still have to have it directed properly."

ABC, NBC and Fox all transmit from Kalkaska, so homeowners will need to redirect their outdoor antennas in that direction, Schultz said.

If your home uses an indoor "rabbit ear" antenna and isn’t receiving a signal, Schultz warned that it likely will not get signals for the stations no matter how it is directed.

"With a digital signal, you either get it or you don’t. If you are getting no signal, then your antenna is not getting a signal," he said.
Question:I have read two questions to Rover about Cadillac’s elementary schools and their starting times for their elementary students. I was disappointed to see that due to sports and two separate bus runs (one for upper grades and another one for elementary) that CAPS was not willing to look into revamping their busing. How long has CAPS kept the same bus schedule? Is it not worth looking into having the elementary students start a little earlier (even a half hour would make a difference). My child is up and ready to get to work by 8:10 a.m. yet he does not start his schooling until 8:50 a.m. and he does not get home from school until close to 5 p.m. When he does get home he is exhausted. If CAPS wants the best for all students, why not look into starting the elementary students earlier?
Date Published: 01/31/2009
Answer:The start time for the different levels of Cadillac Area Public Schools is determined by the size of the district - the larger number of students require a two-tiered busing system, and the accommodation of student athletics at the middle school, junior high and high school levels.

Superintendent Paul Liabenow explained that the possibility of having the elementary students begin school earlier is being investigated at Kenwood Elementary School at the behest of a parent request. He encouraged any parents with additional concerns to contact him directly.

"I’m always glad to speak with a parent," Liabenow said. "I problem solve with parents all the time."
Question:I have some old computers and printers I’d like to donate to a local school or charity. What are my options?
Date Published: 01/24/2009
Answer:Several charities throughout Cadillac will accept donations of old computer equipment. Goodwill in Cadillac will accept both functioning and non-functioning equipment.

"Just come to our donation door," Pam Winkleman explained. "All you need to do is let us know if they aren’t working." The non-functioning items will be sent out to be refurbished or recycled.

Another donation option is the The Habitat Restore in Cadillac. They will accept donations of complete, functioning computer systems, and donors can receive a tax deductible receipt in return, Lori Bowen explained.

Cadillac Area Public Schools also will accept donations of computer equipment and printers, but "they have to be compatible with our systems to be able to work with our network," explained Mary Jo Blackmer of the assistant superintendent’s office.

Regular desktop printers, because they cannot be connected to the network, should be donated elsewhere.

If you have computer equipment to donate to the schools, the first step is to contact Assistant Superintendent Pat Briggs at Cadillac Public Schools Central Office. From there, it will be arranged to evaluate the equipment to see if it would be compatible with the school.
Question:The wind generated turbines on McBain Road are very majestic. Sometimes they are both turning, sometimes only one is turning, and sometimes neither is turning. It doesn’t appear to be lack of wind or too much wind, so why don’t they turn all of the time?
Date Published: 01/24/2009
Answer:Rick Wilson, project manager of the Heritage Renewable Energy wind site near McBain explained that one of the windmills has not been turning due to a mechanical problem with a part in the generator.

"It’s a part that has to come out of Germany," Wilson explained. When the part arrives, the windmill will be up and functioning once again.

"Everything is doing very well, this is just typical of big machines," Wilson said. "We should have no worries."
Question:I thought that the "First Night" picture was to be taken at different places around Cadillac. It has been in the same place for 3 or 4 years in a row now. Can’t it be somewhere else next year?
Date Published: 01/24/2009
Answer:It’s probably an unknown dilemma," explained First Night organizer Carla Filkins. "The place that we have found near the historical museum is a perfect spot for the clarity of the picture."

All of the elements from the angle of the sun to clearance for the elevation of the photographer combine to produce a picture where all of the faces can be seen very crisply and clearly, without too much darkness or overexposure.

"This year it was our desire to move the picture," Filkins said.

The organizers hoped to hold it at Mercy Hospital in celebration of their 100 year anniversary, but in the end, because of the location in relation to the sun, the picture wouldn’t work.

The hunt for alternate locations continued, but a solution couldn’t be found.

"We’d love to do it downtown, but we can’t shut down traffic," she said. "Also, the fire engine has to get in there, with the lift going up without getting into wires."

"There was a lot of thought put into it. We really did try this year," Filkins said. All things considered, the picture near the historical museum was fitting for this year’s theme, focusing on the heritage and history of Cadillac - but Filkins welcomes suggestions for additional options for the location of the picture.

To submit suggestions, go to www.firstnightcadillac.com and select "Contact Us."
Question:Where is the weather data recorded and how is snowfall indicated?
Date Published: 12/06/2008
Answer:Official weather data for Wexford County is recorded at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Gaylord, explained meterologist Scott Rozanski of the NWS.

The NWS has volunteer weather observers in nearly every county in Michigan - Wexford County’s weather observer is located near downtown Cadillac, Rozanski said.

Each day between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., the weather observer will go to the designated location with a 2’ by 2’ white board called a snowboard. The weather observer will then measure both snowfall and snow depth in multiple areas and take an average of the results.

Snowfall is measured in 0.1 of an inch, and snow depth is rounded to the nearest inch.

"They take the snowfall data and send it to the weather service, and that becomes the official record for the entire county," Rozanski explained. "That record determines the climate for that area for the long term."
Question:When is the wild turkey season?
Date Published: 12/06/2008
Answer:There are two turkey seasons each year in Michigan, during the spring and the fall. The 2008 fall wild turkey season ran from Oct. 6 to Nov. 14.

According to the DNR, each licensed hunter may take one turkey with a bow and arrow or a firearm that fires a fixed shotgun shell or by a muzzleloading shotgun. Baiting and the use of decoys is prohibited in turkey hunting.
Question:Every year, the city puts up a tent for the snowmobile festival; but why didn’t the city put up a pole building years ago at the edge of Lake Cadillac so that snowmobile clubs can use it in the winter and people could rent kayaks in the summer?
Date Published: 12/06/2008
Answer:There are numerous differences between the snowmobile festival tent and a permanent pole barn structure on the lake front, which appears to make it a bad fit for the city, said Precia L. Garland, Assistant City Manager/DDA Director for Cadillac.

"The tent is erected on the ice," she said. "While it is possible to construct a permanent structure over water (ice), it is not practicable, nor would the public or MDNR allow it."

A tent is also considered a temporary structure and not rigid construction; standards of a permanent building would need to follow. Also, a tent’s size can be adjusted to accommodate planned activities, she said.

"There is a certain ambiance associated with the use of a tent," Garland said. "A tent conveys an outdoor presence consistent with the atmosphere of the snowmobile festival."

Except for Kenwood Park, there is no city-owned site by the lake large enough to efficiently accommodate the needs of a snowmobile club: snowmobile parking, automobile/truck parking, trailer parking, restrooms, driveways and maneuvering areas, etc.

"Kenwood Park is not considered an appropriate location due to its existing development and programmed uses," she said.

"Several of the area’s hotels, motels, and resorts provide space and staging areas for snowmobile groups throughout the winter months," Garland said. "The livelihood of these businesses is heavily dependent on the attraction and accommodation of these groups. The construction of a city-owned and operated structure for wintertime use by snowmobile clubs has the potential to negatively impact private businesses. Similarly, should the city pursue the rental of kayaks and other small watercraft, it would be competing with several area businesses that currently provide this service."
Question:Why can’t I find Newsweek in any of the stores in Lake City or Cadillac?
Date Published: 11/29/2008
Answer:Kaycie Ramsey explained that Horizon Books in Cadillac tries to offer the largest selection of magazines possible to local residents. Offerings depend on what vendors have available, as well as catering to magazine demand in the area, focusing on high demand products such as recipe or cooking guides or auto magazines. "We have a very good variety for this area," she said.

While Horizon Books does not offer Newsweek, Ramsey recommended Time Magazine as a possible alternative.

For those interested in purchasing Newsweek, a subscription can be purchases at www.newsweek.com.
Question:I frequently bike out Boon Road through Boon. I noticed that the small post office there seldom flies its flag. Is there a requirement for federal buildings to fly their flags, at the very least, when they are open?
Date Published: 11/29/2008
Answer:As of July 14, 2008, Boon became a part-time post office, according to officer in charge Diane Peterson.

"Because it doesn’t have a light, the flag cannot stay up all the time," Peterson explained. Peterson puts the flag up when she arrives at the post office at 8:30 a.m., and brings it down at around 1:45 p.m. when she leaves.
Question:Banks, credit card companies, even local businesses ask for my social security number, at least the last four digits. I am reluctant to give it because identity theft is so prevalent. Are they required by law to demand it, or are there other reasons? Can I refuse and still demand or expect service?
Date Published: 11/22/2008
Answer:"Your social security number (SSN) is used to keep a record of workers’ earnings. Except for their employer and financial institutions, which need them for tax reporting purposes, people are not required to give their SSN to private businesses," explained Yolanda York of the Social Security Administration.

When a private businesses does request the information, York suggests you ask several questions. Why is the number needed, and how will it be used? Is it really needed?

"Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly," she said. There is no law requiring you to provide your SSN to private businesses, but on the other side, there is no law requiring them to provide you the service or purchase for which the number was requested.
Question:If I haven’t paid a parking ticket in over a year, what happens?
Date Published: 11/22/2008
Answer:Tickets administered in the city of Cadillac must be paid within 10 days, with a five day grace period, according to officer Pam Kilfman.

"If the ticket is not paid within 15 days, I send it to a collection agency," she explained.

The collection agency will then contact the party in an effort to collect payment. Unpaid tickets are reflected on an individual’s credit report.
Question:What happened to the dog in the beagle break in?
Date Published: 10/18/2008
Answer:Before Manton homeowner Mary Stoddard went to sleep on Sept. 29, 2007, a noisy beagle paced, howled and slammed her paws against Stoddard’s country house for a grueling three hours - not letting Stoddard sleep."

A couple hours after Stoddard fell asleep, at 4:16 a.m., the dog pounced on her."

Stoddard called 911, and one half-hour later, the dog catcher showed up and took the dog to Wexford County Animal Shelter.

The female beagle broke into Stoddard’s home by chewing off the outside tin of the sliding, glass door; the dog then rammed her paws against and chewed the wood on the door. The door was soon off its runner, and the dog ran through the kitchen, dining room, living room and found Stoddard’s open bedroom door and jumped into bed with her.

Soon after the incident, the beagle was claimed by her Manton owner, according to Wexford County Animal Shelter records.
Question:Are there any plans in the works for installing sidewalks along Cobb Street and Carmel Street?" With doctors offices, Health Department, Community Mental Health, the Sheriff’s Office, as well as other offices in the area, quite often there are people walking on the roadway. This is dangerous, especially in the upcoming winter. Does the City of Cadillac have any plans in the works for pedestrian safety?
Date Published: 10/18/2008
Answer:City of Cadillac Engineer Bruce DeWitt said at this point there are no plans to install sidewalks along that section of streets. DeWitt said there have been no requests from neighbors, property owners or the general public as well as no request for a special assessment.

In terms of pedestrian safety, Cadillac Director of Public Safety Jeff Hawke said the city of Cadillac continues to focus on pedestrian safety. The 2009 Mitchell Street project will include design features targeting pedestrian safety." Safety features include planned intersection "bump outs" to reduce the physical distance of the crosswalk." Reducing the physical distance of the crosswalk reduces the time that pedestrians are in the street, Hawke explained.

Additionally, Hawke said the project will include bold crosswalk markings." The markings are more visible to both pedestrians and drivers." ADA compliant pavement features will also be included to assist persons with vision impairments." The raised truncated domes in the pavement allow visually impaired pedestrians to "feel" when they have arrived at an intersection.

The city of Cadillac has long been focused on pedestrian safety. One of the best solutions is to provide non-motorized walking routes, Hawke said. The city of Cadillac boasts many miles of neighborhood sidewalks. Also, the Keith McKellop Lakefront Walk combined with more than seven miles of bike path around Lake Cadillac has enhanced pedestrian safety. Hawke said the completion of the Clam River Greenway project adds another 1.6 miles of non-motorized walking trail area.
Question:Whose idea was it to put the sign in front of the pavilion in Cadillac? Was it a concern that it may detract from the natural beauty of the lakefront?
Date Published: 10/11/2008
Answer:The sign in front of the pavilion was a joint contribution to the community from the Cadillac Community Foundation and the city of Cadillac

"We had felt for a long time that there were a lot of questions and general curiosity about events taking place at the pavilion," explained Linda Kimbel, executive director of the Cadillac Community Foundation.

Seeing this need, the community foundation set to work to create a sign that could display upcoming events. Kimbel explained that in designing the sign, it was important to have a lighted sign, visible on both sides, with large enough lettering to read while driving past.

The design aesthetic correlates with the other blue and white signs that have been used throughout the city.

After nearly a full year of effort, the community foundation donated $5,000 toward the sign, aided by an additional $1,000 from the city, which made sure the sign was installed properly and placed in the right location.

"The sign helps to promote community events to locals and tourists," Kimbel said. "We’re trying to point out that the natural beauty of the lake front is there for everyone to enjoy."
Question:Why did they cut all the pine trees down on Boon Road?
Date Published: 10/11/2008
Answer:The trees on Boon Road were removed after a state inspection of the Wexford County Airport in September. Airport Manager Mike Pacola explained that the tops of the trees were encroaching on the right of way for the planes. "We have to maintain a 20 to 1 glide slope, and the tops of the trees were getting too close," he said.

If the trees were to grow too high, airplanes taking off and landing at the airport may risk running into them, and overall, they decrease visability for the pilots.

Beginning Sept. 17, between 170 and 180 trees were removed. In the spring, the Wexford County Airport Authority plans on replanting a shorter species of tree, possibly ornimental pear trees, Pacola said.
Question:Rover you do not need to look into the Manton Mill pond. But, you could find out just why the city of Manton believes that FEMA would be interested in funding the Manton Mill Pond. It is FEMA where they plan to apply for money. Money that could be used for a real emergency.
Date Published: 10/11/2008
Answer:The city of Manton applied for FEMA funding after the June 13 storm, but since the time of the city’s application, FEMA has changed some of its regulations and focus.

According to city of Manton Superintendent Bryan Vincent, FEMA is now distancing itself from flood control and construction projects, and it is excluding dam removal and repairs.

As of September, Vincent said the city of Manton is no longer looking at FEMA as an option for funding."

Question:You often see the title of "Dr." (such as Dr. and Mrs. Smith) but you do not see other noble titles listed with names, such as judge, sheriff, mayor, attorney. Why would just the one profession be selected when others also require a lot of education and respect?
Date Published: 10/11/2008
Answer:The Cadillac News is among the many newspapers nationwide that follow the "Associated Press Stylebook." As stated in the rules of the "Associated Press" 2008 Stylebook" edition, in general, confine capitalization to formal titles used directly before an individual’s name (ex: Cadillac Area Public Schools Superintendent Paul Liabenow;" Osceola County Sheriff James Crawford; city of Cadillac Mayor Bill Barnett;" District Court Judge David Hogg). WHEN TO USE LOWERCASE TITLES: Lowercase and spell out titles when they are not used with an individual’s name (ex: The Cadillac superintendent issued a statement; the sheriff arrested the man; Cadillac mayor Bill Barnett voted no; the man told judge Hoag he was guilty). Lowercase and spell out titles in constructions that set the off from a name by commas (ex: The Cadillac Area Public School superintendent, Paul Liabenow, declined to run again;" Osceola sheriff, James Crawford, signed the document.). Other titles serve primarily as occupational descriptions (ex: attorney David McCurdy; the only time attorneys are capitalized is if they have an officeholder’s title: District Attorney Hamilton Burger)."

From the AP Stylebook: The title "Dr." may be used on first reference before the names of individuals who holds a doctor of dental surgery, doctor of medicine, doctor of optometry, doctor of osteopathy or doctor of podiatric medicine degree. If appropriate in the context, "Dr." also may be used on first reference before the names of individuals who hold other types of doctoral degrees. however, because the public frequently identified Dr. only with physicians, care should be taken to ensure that the individual’s speciality is stated in first or second reference.
Question:Why are most of the traffic lights in downtown Cadillac blinking so early? As I remember, they didn’t start flashing until midnight.
Date Published: 09/06/2008
Answer:According to Bob Felt, North Communications Representative for MDOT, what time the lights blink is based on volume of traffic. Currently, MDOT is in the midst of a region-wide project that will change traffic signals across Michigan; the blinking lights are part of that project. Since downtown Cadillac has little traffic later at night, the lights have been reprogrammed to blink earlier.

The changes also reach outside of the Cadillac area. As part of the project, one signal in Houghton Lake will soon be removed entirely.

The results of the changes will continue to be monitored. "If things down the road say we need to change (the signals), then we will," Felt said.
Question:A previous Rover answer regarding hanging baskets in downtown Cadillac said the flowers were purchased from a greenhouse in Grand Rapids. Why weren’t they purchased from a local florist?
Date Published: 09/06/2008
Answer:According to Precia Garland, Assistant City Manager, the city of Cadillac does a public bidding process to determine who will supply the hanging flower baskets downtown. "We accept bids from all qualified vendors, review the bids and select a qualified bidder," Garland explained.

This year, Cadillac chose to use reusable flower baskets and signed a multi-year contract with the Grand Rapids greenhouse, suppling the flowers and reusable baskets.
Question:In my apartment complex, a car continuously parks in a handicapped parking spot without displaying the proper signs. Can handicapped parking spaces in private complexes be ticketed by police?
Date Published: 09/06/2008
Answer:If the handicapped parking space in the private complex is properly marked, police can ticket vehicles improperly using the space, according to Capt. Matt Wohlfeill of the Cadillac Police Department.

"If we get a call to come on property by residents or management, we can enforce the violation "­- but the space has be properly signed," Wohlfeill said.

An official handicapped parking spot must be marked with a sign on a post at around eye level. Handicapped spots marked only on pavement are not valid, said Wohlfeill. "If it’s only marked on pavement, that is not considered proper marking, and we can’t enforce it," he explained.

Tickets for improperly parking in handicapped spots will earn violators a $50 ticket.
Question:For the last several years the plant pots hanging from the light poles in Cadillac were great. This year, they don’t look the same. Who provides and purchases them?
Date Published: 07/19/2008
Answer:The Downtown Development Authority began the hanging flower basket project five years ago, according to Precia Garland, Assistant City Manager of Cadillac.

"The DDA is really pleased to offer the service, and it’s well worth the cost to beatify downtown Cadillac," said Garland.

The baskets, purchased from Holstege Greenhouse in Grand Rapids, are actually the same size as last year. The baskets themselves are a reusable plastic basket, unlike the former fiber basket that were disposed of at the end of each year. The visible difference is actually the type of flower planted. The DDA chose a standard petunia this year, rather than a hybrid petunia that has been seen in former years.

"As we experience more warm and humid weather - that is the what the flowers love. You should see them continue to explode."
Question:What are cell phone restrictions in Michigan?
Date Published: 07/19/2008
Answer: In the United States, Cailfornia, Conneticut, New Jersey, New York, Washington and Washington D.C. have banned handheld cell phone use. Four states have banned text messaging, including Alaska, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington.

The Insurance Information Institute lists the primary concerns with cell phones use as one, physically taking your eyes off of the road while dialing, and two, becoming too absorbed in a conversation, affecting a driver’s ability to concentrate on the road.

"Other states are looking at cell phone bans, but Michigan currently does not have a restriction," said Seargent Salasky of the Michigan State Police in Cadillac.
Question:What is the status of the post office remodeling project?
Date Published: 07/05/2008
Answer:While construction for the Cadillac Post Office expansion will begin later this year, "We don’t have a construction start date yet," Al Tumera, United State Postal Service (USPS) Project Manager said.

At a public meeting held June 11, the USPS shared changes made to the original expansion plans based on recommendations from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

After review, SHPO determined that the proposed expansion would have no adverse affect on the historic nature of the building, and the USPS will proceed with construction.

The final steps will be finalizing contractors and setting a date to break ground, explained Tumera.
Question:What kind of fireworks can our family legally use during Fourth of July celebrations?
Date Published: 07/05/2008
Answer:The Attorney General’s Office for the State of Michigan explained that illegal fireworks used without a permit are illegal for sale, use, or transportation without a permit. Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor.

Examples of illegal fireworks/explosives in Michigan:

(This list is not all-inclusive.)

• Cherry Bomb - A small red sphere approximately 1" in diameter.

• Comet (or Mine) - A cylinder containing a star and attached to a wooden base. Upon ignition, the star is thrust 50-100 feet in the air and continues to glow as it falls to the ground.

• Firecracker - A small noisemaking cylinder up to 1.5" in length, often strung together with a fuse.

• M-80 - Up to 2" in length, usually a red cylinder with a fuse coming out the side. This is not a firework; it is a federally banned explosive.

• Bottle Rockets - A cylinder, frequently topped by a cone to stabilize its flight, attached to a long stick.

• Roman Candles - A 6-12" tube containing alternating layers of compacted black powder that shoots single stars out of the top when lighted.

• Silver Salute (M-100) - A silver cylinder with a fuse coming out of the side containing large quantities of flash powder. This is not a firework; it is a federally banned explosive.

• M-250 and M-1000 (quarter-stick) - Large versions of the M-80 and M-100 that have extremely high risk factors for crippling and disfiguring injuries. This is not a firework; it is a federally banned explosive.

• Torch - A 6-12" tube filled with colored material and ending in a handle. When ignited, streams of colors come out of the top of the tube.

• Wheel-type Device - A firework that spins or twirls is a "wheel" and thus is neither a "cylindrical fountain" nor a "cone fountain."

Legal firework, no permit required:

• Flat paper caps - containing not more than .25 of a grain of explosive content per cap.

• Toy noise makers - toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes, toy trick noise makers, and toy guns in which paper caps are used.

• Sparklers - containing no more than .0125 pounds of burning portion per sparkler.

• Flitter sparklers - in paper tubes not exceeding 1/8 inch in diameter.

• Cone and cylinder fountains - emits showers of sparks.

• Toy snakes - not containing mercury and packed no more than 12 per box.

• Toy smoke devices.

Safety tips for using fireworks:

• Always read and follow label directions.

• Have an adult present.

• Buy from reliable, established sellers.

• Use outdoors only.

• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).

• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.

• Light only one firework at a time.

• Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).

• Never give fireworks to small children.

• If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.

• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

• The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.

• Stay away from illegal explosives.

• Use legal fireworks only.
Question:During the last sidewalk assessment by the city of Cadillac, the city selected a few slabs for replacement on my property. Originally I told the city I would repair them myself, but I haven’t been able to get around to it. What happens now?
Date Published: 06/28/2008
Answer:Residents notified that sidewalk slabs on their property were in need of repair were given an option to either do the work themselves, or have the city take care of it-with the cost placed as a special assessment on the summer tax roll.

"There is a deadline to complete the work," explained Bob Johnson, Director of Public Works for the city of Cadillac.

"If the work was not completed or significant progress made by the deadline, it would remain on the special assessment roll," he said.

Homes that opted to do the work themselves but were unable to complete the work would have seen the assessment on their summer tax statement.

Sidewalk repair will begin later this summer.
Question:If you run a business out of your home in the city, can you include your business trash with your regular pick up? Is there a distinction between household and business waste?
Date Published: 06/28/2008
Answer:Trash from a home business may not be included with a regular household trash pickup.

"If we are aware of someone disposing of commercial waste in the residential waste, we advise that party that it is not acceptable," explained Bob Johnson, Director of Public Works for the city of Cadillac. "They have to make arrangement with a commercial hauler."
Question:Can I display a Minnesota license plate on the front of my vehicle, or is it illegal? Will I get a ticket for it even with a Michigan plate on the back?
Date Published: 06/28/2008
Answer:Trooper Rick Pearson of the Michigan State Police Cadillac Post explained that previously, it would have been illegal to display another state’s plate on the front of the vehicle-or even vanity plates for that matter. But, the laws have changed.

"As long as there is a legal Michigan plate on the back of the car, you can have anything on the front-any other state or vanity plate," Pearson said.
Question:Where did the names Wexford and Cadillac originate?
Date Published: 06/21/2008
Answer:One wild canoe trip down the Pine River, and Rover is hooked. The rushing waters from last week’s rain turned a normally peaceful river into a rushing tunnel of bucking, churning water. While not recommended for beginning water sportsmen, for those with proper safety equipment and experience, it was a once in a lifetime ride. Rover is still shaking out his fur, and if given the opportunity, will jump right back in.

Remember that Rover can sniff out answers for anyone in Lake, Missaukee, Osceola or Wexford counties. To get a hold of Rover, please call the Cadillac News at 775-NEWS (6397), e-mail news@cadillacnews.com or FAX the question to (231) 775-8790 and he will see what he can do for you.

Q: Where did the names Wexford and Cadillac originate?

According to the Cadillac Chamber of Commerce, Wexford County was originally named Kautawabet in 1840 after Chief Broken Tooth, a Potawatami leader. In 1843, Michigan legislators renamed the county Wexford, after a southern county of Ireland.

At it’s founding, Cadillac was originally called Clam Lake. During its incorporation into a city, it was renamed Cadillac after Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, an early Michigan explorer and founder of Detroit.

A: What was the road work being done on Mitchell Street?

On Wednesday and Thursday work crews took core samples from the soils under Mitchell Street, as part of the 2009 Mitchell Street project. The four corners at seven intersections were tested.

According to Precia Garland, Assitant City Manager, "The samples will be used to determine installation required for the new box span traffic lights."
Question:What was the road work being done on Mitchell Street?
Date Published: 06/21/2008
Answer: On Wednesday and Thursday work crews took core samples from the soils under Mitchell Street, as part of the 2009 Mitchell Street project. The four corners at seven intersections were tested.

According to Precia Garland, Assitant City Manager, "The samples will be used to determine installation required for the new box span traffic lights."
Question:Energy efficient light bulbs contain mercury, so how or where is the proper place to dispose of them?
Date Published: 06/07/2008
Answer:"People are switching to CFLs because of the energy and monetary savings," said Earth911.com President Jonathan Smith. "However, responsible disposal of CFLs is critical."

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing, about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen, according to Energy Star, a joint government program between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

Energy Star recommends that used or broken CFLs be disposed of in designated recycling centers. Isabella County Recycling Center in Mount Pleasant and the Emmet County Recycling Center in Harbor Springs are two centers that will accept CFLs from all Michigan residents.

In the absence of a recycling center, Energy Star recommends that used or broken bulbs be sealed in two plastic bags and placed in the outside trash for the next normal trash collection.

When cleaning up broken bulbs:

1. Before Clean-up: air out the room

• Have people and pets leave the room, and don’t let anyone walk through the breakage area on their way out.

• Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.

• Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.

2. Clean-Up Steps for Hard Surfaces

• Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.

• Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass pieces and powder.

• Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place towels in the glass jar or plastic bag.

• Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

3. Clean-up steps for carpeting or rug

• Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.

• Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.

• If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.

• Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.

4. Clean-up Steps for clothing, bedding, etc.

• If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb that may stick to the fabric, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away. Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage.

• You can, however, wash clothing or other materials that have been exposed to the mercury vapor from a broken CFL, such as the clothing you are wearing when you cleaned up the broken CFL, as long as that clothing has not come into direct contact with the materials from the broken bulb.

• If shoes come into direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from the bulb, wipe them off with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place the towels or wipes in a glass jar or plastic bag for disposal.

5. Disposal of clean-up materials

• Immediately place all clean-up materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area for the next normal trash pickup.

• Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.

• Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some states do not allow such trash disposal. Instead, they require that broken and unbroken mercury-containing bulbs be taken to a local recycling center.

6. Future cleaning of carpeting or rug: air out the room during and after vacuuming

• The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window before vacuuming.

• Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.
Question:Will the Cadillac Recreation Plan include a bark park, a park for dogs?
Date Published: 05/31/2008
Answer:"We just went through the public hearing process and solicited input, I don˜t think we ever had a request for one," Cadillac City Manager Pete Stalker said.
Question:Does Cadillac have a leash law for dogs? I see dogs that run loose all the time with collars.
Date Published: 05/31/2008
Answer:"In accordance to Cadillac’s city ordinance, the" owner must keep the dog on a suitable leash or under the oral control of the owner. This section of the code is punishable as a Municipal Civil Infraction," said Pam Klifman, Code Enforcement Office for the city of Cadillac.
Question:What the rules are for old garage sales and signs hanging on poles all over Cadillac? Is there anyone to regulate when they should be taken down?"
Date Published: 05/31/2008
Answer:"As the ordinance is written, posting of signs and" garage sale signs is prohibited in the city right of way," according to Pam Klifman, Code Enforcement Office for the city of Cadillac. Signs may however be placed on private property with the owner or occupant’s permission. Signs need to be removed in a timely manner, and failure to remove the signs may result in a Municipal Civil Infraction fine, explained Klifman.
Question:There is a rumor that Menard’s is thinking about adding a location in Cadillac. Is this true?
Date Published: 05/24/2008
Answer:Shawn Forrester, second assistant front end manager of the Menard’s in Traverse City said that the rumor is false. "We are expanding," she admitted. "We build new stores every year. We have a new store in Clio and we have quite a few stores going up but there are no plans in Cadillac right now."
Question:Has anyone ever considered putting a statue in downtown Cadillac to honor Cadillac’s most famous citizen Ad Wolgast, who was a world boxing champion for two years back in the early 1900s?
Date Published: 05/24/2008
Answer:Rover put this question to Cadillac’s John Bunnell, a former school teacher who has devoted hours of research to the life of Adolph "Ad" Wolgast, nicknamed the "Michigan Wildcat." Wolgast captured the world light-weight boxing crown in 1910.

Bunnell said he has talked to the schools about putting Wolgast in the Hall of Fame as an honorary member but that request has been turned down twice. Bunnell would also like to see the Wexford Civic Arena renamed in honor of the boxer. Bunnell has created pictures displays in the Civic Arena about Wolgast’s history. However, although he never thought about the idea of a statue, Bunnell thinks it’s a great idea.

"We are approaching 2010," he explained. "That will be the 100th anniversary of his winning the world title. So that gives us two years to get the statue ready. That would be a neat idea. But it would take some people to get behind this idea."

Anyone interested in promoting, fund-raising and being involved in the creation of an Ad Wolgast statute, call John Bunnell at 775-4175.
Question:The building on the corner of Pine and Mitchell Street that houses an antique store always looks great with the green brick, so clean and shiny looking. What kind of brick is this and how old is it?
Date Published: 05/17/2008
Answer:The shiny green glazed brick that decorates the exterior of the building located at 301 and 303 N. Mitchell Street, now occupied by Furniture by Design Antiques, is original to the building, according to Joe Conerly, who rents the store from the owner Gus Paulos. Paulos has given Sue and Joe Conerly information about the history of the building, which was built in 1910. That makes those green bricks almost 100 years old. Glazed bricks were first used in the U.S. in the early 20th century. Many of these glazed bricks were manufactured by a process called salt glazing, a process taken from the pottery industry. Most likely the bricks on the front of Furniture by Design Antiques were salt glazed, a process no longer used because it emits toxic fumes.
Question:Why does the fountain in the City Park have an apparent shut off cycle each hour instead of continually flowing?
Date Published: 05/17/2008
Answer:The fountain does not shut off on a regular schedule, but it does have a system that turns off the fountain during high winds to prevent people from getting sprayed, according to Cadillac City Manager Pete Stalker.

"It has a wind meter. If it gets to a certain mile-per-hour wind it shuts off," Stalker said.
Question:With all of the apartment buildings going up around Cadillac, you wonder how many rental units are already here. How many apartment buildings are there, and with home many units? How many rental homes are in Cadillac?
Date Published: 05/17/2008
Answer:"Percentage wise, around 37 percent of housing units in the city are rental," Community Development Coordinator Jerry Adams said. That equates to about 1,630 rental units total, between apartments and single family homes. "This number has risen, only modestly, primarily due to the recent apartment complexes. We have had approximately 200 new apartments come on line," Adams said.

In 2000, about 35 percent of the housing units in the city were rental units, meaning the city has only seen a 2 percent increase in eight years, which Adams explained was average for a mature urban community such as Cadillac.

The percentage of rental units in Cadillac has been comparable to other communities. In 2000, Manistee had 35 percent rental units, Frankfort had 31 percent and Reed City and Traverse City were 41 percent rental units.

"A typical city ranges somewhere between 35 and 45 percent," Adams said.
Question:Why is there not a Menorah in the City Park for Hanukkah?
Date Published: 05/10/2008
Answer:Cadillac City Manager Pete Stalker said holiday displays are not handled directly by the city. "We lease the park to the Downtown Cadillac Association and they are basically in charge. The lease agreement basically says any holiday display is allowed," Stalker said.

"I don’t think there’s ever been a request" for a Menorah, Stalker said.
Question:How far away people are supposed to be from residential homes when they shoot or sight their guns? We live in Wexford County and our home is not far away from where there is all kinds of shooting going on.
Date Published: 05/10/2008
Answer:According to Sgt. Michelle Wiegand, of the Department of Natural Resources, you must be at least 450 feet away from a residence when hunting unless given permission to be closer. This is for any residence or structure occupied by humans or animals. There is no shooting allowed within the city limits.

When target shooting, this are no distance requirements. Wiegand said they hope that people will respect others and get along when pertaining to this issue.
Question:What is the official name of the Creek that runs through Manton? Is it Manton Creek or Cedar Creek?
Date Published: 04/26/2008
Answer:The official name of the creek that runs through Manton is Manton Creek, and has been since 1948, according to Mark Tonello, Fisheries Biologist with the Department of Natural Resources.

"There are a zillion Cedar Creeks all over Michigan, including another one in Wexford County near Yuma," said Tonello. "The name Manton Creeks sets it apart from all of the others."

Official naming of geographical features is handled by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Disputes over a name or a request of name change may be addressed by the USGS.
Question:How can I determine who owns a specific piece of property in the City of Cadillac?
Date Published: 04/26/2008
Answer:Questions about ownership of any particular piece of property in Wexford County, including the City of Cadillac, can be answered by visiting www.liaa.info/wexford where you can access City of Cadillac and Wexford County GIS maps. Information found on the website includes property ownership, assessed value, and zoning status. Other map information such as zip code areas, school district, and county commissioner district boundaries can also be found there. You can also check with the Register of Deeds at your county courthouse.
Question:Is gasoline in the state of Michigan taxed on a flat rate per gallon, or on a gradient or percentage rate with the actual price of gas?
Date Published: 04/19/2008
Answer:Gas tax in Michigan is assessed on a cent per gallon (cpg) rate. As of January 2008, Michigan motorists pay 54.4 cents per gallon in both state and federal taxes on gasoline and $.604 for diesel fuel, according to the American Petroleum Institute (API.)
Question:Over by Consumer’s Power, people jog against traffic. When you jog, aren’t you supposed go with traffic, not against it?
Date Published: 04/19/2008
Answer:The state of Michigan requires pedestrians and joggers to travel against traffic. According to guidelines posted on www. michigan.gov, drivers must be alert for joggers who may be running along roadways. "Joggers, like other pedestrians, should be on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic."

By running against traffic, joggers and pedestrians are more likely to see potential problems and avoid an accident if facing oncoming cars.
Question:When Consumers Energy marks trees, what does the "x" stand for?
Date Published: 04/12/2008
Answer:Tree trimming and removal is part of yearly maintenance done by Consumers Energy to clear power lines, according to Jon Hall, spokesperson for Consumers. "We have two different marks. X stands for intended removal and a dot stands for a trim," Hall said.

Hall explained that trees are involved in 30 percent of outages in the Consumers system. "Trimming and removal of trees is necessary to maintain safe and reliable electricity to our customers."

Al Dumond, Parks, Forestry, and Cemetery Superintendent for the City of Cadillac explained that Consumers has the right of way near power lines. "If a tree is getting close to a primary electric line, they have their choice of either trimming or removal. Sometimes trimming works."

To avoid the possibility of tree trimming or removal, Hall stressed the importance of planting the right tree in the right place. Tall growing trees will not be able to reach their full maturity if planted near a power line.
Question:Why doesn’t the Cadillac post office have their phone numbers listed in the phone book, like every other post office in the area?
Date Published: 04/05/2008
Answer:Like many private sector companies, several years ago the United States Postal Service made the decision to handle all customer inquiries through headquarters at 1-800-ASK-USPS, according to Sabrina Todd, Consumer Affairs for USPS. "This helps streamline the process of post offices so they can focus on their customers at the window. Clerks were being taken away from the window to answer the phones."

A national 800 number also helps customers because trained representatives can provide and additional information on USPS services that a local post office may not have time to explain or offer. The switch was aimed at increasing the quality of customer assistance, both on the phone and inside the local post office.

As to why Cadillac is the only local post office that lists the 800 number rather than a direct line, Todd explained that not all post office’s have made the switch, yet. Eventually, all phone book listing will provide the 800.
Question:I love walking along the lakeside walk. I have noticed signs that say the park closes at 11 p.m. I love to fish off of the shore and the docks, so what can I do to fish late if I like to do late night fishing?
Date Published: 04/05/2008
Answer:By ordinance, all city parks are closed between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., except for the Kenwood Boat Launch, according to Bob Johnson, Director of Public Works for the City of Cadillac. "The intent of the ordinance is to prevent disturbance of the peace," said Johnson. With that goal in mind, the police officers exercise discretion in the enforcement of this ordinance on a case-by-case basis, as is done with many other ordinances throughout the city.

Al Dumond, city parks, forestry and cemetery superintendent, described the lakefront as a place that has been enjoyed by Cadillac residents since the lumbering days.

Over the years, that area of the lake has been available for public use in various forms, from a yacht club that was actually suspended out over the lake, to a wading pool in Lake Shore Park in the ’40s, and more currently with the pavilion, park and lake front walk.

"The park is used for fishing and walking, picnicing. There is anything from concerts to car shows and the arts festival and Lakefront Days. Daily, hundreds of people use the park," explained Dumond.
Question:Is it legal for ice fishermen to haul tree branches, sometimes even small trees out on the ice to flag open ice fishing holes? It seems that the DNR would frown on this as those branches/trees may be hazardous to boaters and fishermen in the spring/ summer.
Date Published: 03/29/2008
Answer:Lt. Dean Molnar, District Law Supervisor for District 4 of the DNR explained that placing a few branches to mark a shanty hole is actually a good safety measure. The holes that ice fishermen mark are shanty holes-holes that are at times 2 feet by 4 feet-left in the ice after removing shanties. The branches are indicators to people walking or driving a snowmobile or car that there is thin ice.

"Quite a few fisherman will mark their shanty holes after they remove their shanty. It gives others a warning that there is a large opening in the ice," said Molnar. "The branches mark anything big enough for someone to fall into, not auger holes which are only 6 to 8 inch holes in the ice."

Molnar advised that a few branches sticking up are not a problem, but leaving large amounts of woody debris would be discouraged.
Question:I live on W. Cadillac Road but in the phone book, my house address is listed as M-55. I have called several times to fix this, but it has not changed. How are telephone book listings changed?
Date Published: 03/29/2008
Answer:Incorrect listings in phone books originate with local phone service providers. The service providers compile the lists of all public telephone numbers, names, and addresses, which create the white pages in phone books.

Sherrie Walters, Service Manager of Public Relations for YellowBook explained that if your information appears incorrectly in the phone book, there are a few ways to get the it changed. Customers can usually contact each phonebook publisher by phone, email, or website and request a change of information. The corrected information should appear in the next publication, which is distributed annually.

Walters said that the best way to ensure the correct information is provided to phone book publishers is to contact your local phone service provider. "They provide the information to all of the phone books." Once it is corrected on that master list, the listing should be correct for all phonebook publishers.
Question:What was the reasoning for daylight savings time, schools and energy savings or something else, such as farming?
Date Published: 03/22/2008
Answer:The concept of daylight savings time is largely attributed to Benjamin Franklin, due to a humorous essay he wrote in 1784 commenting on the common habit of going to bed at 3 a.m. and waking at noon-using seven hours of candles rather than free sunlight.

According the Encyclopedia Britannica, the actual proposal of shifting the hours of the clock in the spring and fall was first proposed by Englishman William Willet in 1907. His justification was neither education, energy savings, or farming-but rather recreation. Shifting the hours to manipulate daylight would encourage people to use the morning hours of sunlight, and extend hours in the evening for activities such as golf. His proposal however, was rejected by the British House of Commons and not enacted into law. Willet’s proposal was finally passed into law in 1916.

The first use of daylight savings time by the United States was during World War I, in order to conserve resources. The law passed in 1918 was repealed in 1919 due to its unpopularity. It was reinstated again during World War II from 1942 to 1945 to save energy and fuel.

Since 1945, law has not mandated participation in Daylight Savings Time, but nearly all of the United States adheres to the practice.
Question:Is there some sure way to determine whether our existing TV sets can receive the digital broadcasts that are coming in February of 2009? The information I have seen so far hasn’t been very helpful. Is there a master list of digital compatible makes and models somewhere that can be accessed?
Date Published: 03/15/2008
Answer:Glen Shack, Store Manager at ABC Warehouse explained that usually it is pretty simple to determine whether a TV is equipped with a digital receiver. Shack advised looking at the front of the tv near the logos. If the tv displays SDTV or HDTV, it means there is a digital receiver built in. The age of the TV does have some influence on the installation of the digital receiver, "but in some places you can still buy tv’s without the digital receiver," said Shack.

The remote control can also be an indicator of a digital receiver. If on the bottom left of the keypad of the remote there is a "." or a "-" try entering 9.1 or 9-1. This is a digital station broadcast locally. If the TV displays a station, it has a digital receiver. If it doesn’t, the TV will need a digital tuner converter box.

Another way to determine whether a TV has a digital receiver is to look through TV manual. In the "tuner set up" section of the manual, if it lists ATSC, the TV is equipped with a digital receiver.

Alternate methods to discern whether a TV has a digital receiver would be to call the manufacturer or search the Internet. With a model number, it would possible to determine whether a digital receiver was installed during production.

If a household currently receives television broadcast through an antenna rather than cable or satellite, a TV not equipped with a digital receiver will need a digital tuner converter box to receive TV broadcasts after Feb. 17, 2009. "What you need to do is call 1-888-DTV-2009 if you aren’t planning to purchase a TV with digital tuner. They will send you a two card coupons worth $40 each for invoicing a digital tuner converter box," said Shack.
Question:Are there any locations that will accept used plastic shopping bags to be recycled?
Date Published: 03/15/2008
Answer:Wal-Mart in Cadillac accepts used plastic shopping bags at drop off boxes in the front of the store, according to Melody Hurley, Personnel Manager. Customers may drop off the bags at any time, and are not limited to returning only Wal-Mart bags. Any empty bags free of receipts and other items may be returned. After being collected, all of the bags are shipped to the Wal-Mart distribution center where they are then sent to be recycled. "Wal-Mart always looks for way to improve and recycle as much as possible, and we encourage the community to be involved also," said Hurley.

Save-A-Lot in Cadillac also accepts shopping bags to be re-used. Manager Glenn Bartholomew explained that "customers just come in and set them on the counter and we reuse them to bag another customer’s groceries." Noting how quickly bags can accumulate in homes, after being returned to the store, the store reuses them and they never have any leftover.
Question:What is the dropout rate at CHS?
Date Published: 03/08/2008
Answer:The student drop out rate for Cadillac High School for the 2005/2006 school year was 4.36 percent, as calculated by the state. With 245 students successfully graduating, this represents 11.17 students identified as "dropouts." CAPS Superintendent Paul Liabanow explained that the drop out rate calculated by the state represents all students unable to complete their graduation requirements within an allotted 4-year period. Some of the students included in the statistic may have completed the requirements for graduation and later received a diploma, but not within the 4 year period.

Liabanow stated that there are many possible factors that may lead to a student dropping out including family challenges, getting behind due to illness, or getting behind on credit accumulation due to lack of attendance.

"We are disheartened when a student drops out. We do everything we can to reinstate them in a program that will work for them. We know how important a diploma is for success for the rest of their lives."

Cadillac High School offers several programs that may help struggling students continue their education and receive a diploma. These options include attending Cooley Alternative High School, participating in a drop out recovery program, or attending the Career Technical Center for half a day while spending the other half focusing on academic and core subjects to complete the credits required to receive a diploma. Students over 18 may also participate in CAPS adult education programs.
Question:I am a resident of Wexford County and I’m interested in starting to recycle, but I don’t know what the recycling center takes. Do you have to separate cans from plastic and paper? What are their hours? Also, I get a lot of plastic shopping bags from local grocery stores-are those recyclable?
Date Published: 03/01/2008
Answer:The Wexford County Recycling Center, located at 5018 East M-115, is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Recyclable items, such as tin cans, cardboard, and plastics must be separated, according to Tim Fite, co-Manager of Wexford County Recycling Center.

The recycling center accepts cardboards from paper bags to shoe boxes, paper products from newspapers to phone books and computer paper, clear and colored plastics, clear glass, tin cans and aluminum products such as foil and bakeware.

Items that cannot be accepted include ice cream and frozen food containers, aerosol or paint cans, and plastic bags.

"Recycling cuts down on the amount of trash going to the landfill. It cuts down on greenhouse gases and it takes less to reuse recycled materials," said Fite. "Nearly 300 to 400 people a week use the center."

For more information on the Wexford County Recycling Center, you may visit www.wexfordcounty.org.
Question:Does Cherry Grove Township have a noise ordinance or curfew when snowmobiles must be off the road?
Date Published: 02/23/2008
Answer:Cherry Grove Township attracts a number of snowmobilers that travel roadways to reach the snowmobile trails. Currently, the township does not have a noise ordinance, according to Supervisor Ron Vaughan. "The township board has looked at it in the past, but has decided against it." The primary consideration for this decision is the issue of enforcement. The noise ordinance would come down to decibel levels, and without anyone to enforce it, and the difficultly of identifying individual offenders, establishing an ordinance would be meaningless.

"We allow it because the law allows it," said Vaughan.

In addition, several area businesses benefit from the snowmobilers, which indirectly benefit the township through the income generated from the people passing through.
Question:What are the white spots on human fingernails that grow out with the nails?
Date Published: 02/23/2008
Answer:Dr. James Wilson, Medical Director for District Health Department No. 10 explained that white spots on fingernails may manifest for multiple reasons. Abnormalities with the whitish crescent under the nail, called the lunula, can be an indicative of certain systemic diseases. "The significance of these abnormalities is that certain diseases manifest in this part of the nail first." The white marks are an indication that nail bed is not growing properly, the first symptom of kidney, liver or heart disease.

White marks on fingernails may also be the result of minor injury or trauma to the fingernail, such as pressure caused by hitting or slamming fingers in a door. With typical nail growth, the marks will take about 8 months to grow out, and are of little cause for concern.
Question:We frequently hear about the shortage of funds to run the school districts. Quite often I see the Cadillac School bus take a load of kids to the bowling alley. Is this part of their education?
Date Published: 02/16/2008
Answer:Bowling is part of the curriculum for the Advanced Physical Education course offered by Cadillac High School. Principal Todd Bruggema described the goal of the class as exposing students to the types of physical activities and sports that can be lifelong pursuits. "These are lifelong activities. The class also introduces students to tennis and golf which can be done in any community," Bruggema said.

As noted, with ever-present budget concerns, the cost of bowling is not funded by the school budget. In order to make these activities possible, the students pay for each game that they bowl.
Question:Quiz Central is a competition between high school teams shown on Central Michigan University PBS Television. Four team members from each school compete on various questions and the winners get a one year scholarship to Central Michigan University. Why isn’t Cadillac High School represented in this competition?
Date Published: 02/09/2008
Answer:Cadillac High School offers a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular activities for students, explained Teresa Williams, Guidance Counselor for Cadillac High School. Currently, the high school does not have a Quiz Central team, but if students were to show interest in creating one, the process would begin with finding an advisor and approaching the office.

"Programs like Quiz Central cost money for incidental expenses such as transportation. As a school, we end up prioritizing what programs are available for the largest amount of students," said Williams. The Cadillac High School currently offers academic programs for debate and forensics, which provide students with the opportunity to travel and compete amongst other schools. The school also offers several clubs such as the poetry club, book club, Science Olympiad, drama club, and many upper level classes to give students a variety of options for extracurricular intellectual activities.
Question:Why are the names listed for the Honor Roll for Cadillac students not in alphabetical order?
Date Published: 02/09/2008
Answer:The Honor Roll is a list provided by Cadillac High School to recognize students that have achieved high academic standards. At the completion of each quarter and semester, the school compiles the list based on student’s grade point averages (GPA) and submits it to the Cadillac News. The list is first broken down by grade, next by students that have received all A’s, and finally in numerical value of GPA in a descending order.

Cadillac High School Principal Todd Bruggema explained that, "at this time, the honor roll is submitted by GPA because that is the way is has always been done." Bruggema said that the school will consider the possibility of submitting the list both by GPA and alphabetical order.
Question:Quiz Central is a competition between high school teams shown on Central Michigan University PBS Television. Four team members from each school compete on various questions and the winners get a one year scholarship to Central Michigan University. Why isn’t Cadillac High School represented in this competition?
Date Published: 02/09/2008
Answer:Cadillac High School offers a wide variety of clubs and extracurricular activities for students, explained Teresa Williams, Guidance Counselor for Cadillac High School. Currently, the high school does not have a Quiz Central team, but if students were to show interest in creating one, the process would begin with finding an advisor and approaching the office.
Question:Why are the names listed for the Honor Roll for Cadillac students not in alphabetical order?
Date Published: 02/09/2008
Answer:The Honor Roll is a list provided by Cadillac High School to recognize students that have achieved high academic standards. At the completion of each quarter and semester, the school compiles the list based on student’s grade point averages (GPA) and submits it to the Cadillac News. The list is first broken down by grade, next by students that have received all A’s, and finally in numerical value of GPA in a descending order.

Cadillac High School Principal Todd Bruggema explained that, "at this time, the honor roll is submitted by GPA because that is the way is has always been done." Bruggema said that the school will consider the possibility of submitting the list both by GPA and alphabetical order.
Question:When a driver has been drinking, can passengers in the car get in trouble? If so, what can they be charged with?
Date Published: 02/02/2008
Answer:According to Jeff Hawke, Cadillac Police Public Safety Director. Director of Public Safety, the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code, Section 257.625 states that it is illegal for the owner or person in charge or in control of a vehicle to allow an intoxicated person to drive. "Penalties for this offense range from misdemeanor to felony charges depending on the circumstances. If the situation results in injury or death, the person allowing the intoxicated driving could be charged with a felony," explained Hawke.
Question:My wife and I feed deer and watch them in our backyard. Is there a certain amount of feed we are allowed to put out? I know that during hunting season there is a restriction on the amount of feed, but do the same restrictions apply outside of the season?
Date Published: 02/02/2008
Answer:While the DNR defines baiting for hunting and feeding for recreational viewing as two separate actions, both are restricted. Year round, volume of feed at any residence may not exceed two gallons, equal to the two-gallon limit on bait piles for hunting. The restrictions applied to feeding deer for recreational viewing and bait piles are similar due the primary reason for the limit in the first place - the increased potential for disease transmission.

Recreational feeding regulations from the DNR also specify that the feed pile be within 100 yards from a residence and at lease 100 yards away from any area accessible to cattle, goats, and sheep.
Question:Why aren’t the Wexford County snow plows out earlier in the morning when we have had bad storms? Many times I have met them at 8 a.m. just coming from Cadillac on old U.S. 131. Many people have to be to work at 6 or 7 a.m. and by then the children are almost to school. Wouldn’t it be a lot safer for every one if the roads were cleared earlier before traffic started? After the last big storm I noticed that M-42 from Lake City to Manton was bare and wet" by 10 a.m. Why not" U.S. 131?
Date Published: 08/09/2007
Answer:Alan Cooper, Wexford County Road Commission Manager, explained that the county has people out plowing during and after storms, but it’s usually not the full crew, because "we can’t put all of our guys out, because we don’t know when it will stop snowing."

The county has 25 snowplow employees which the county allows to work a maximum of 16 consecutive hours.

"We do have guys out early in the morning, but we just can’t cover every road - there’s no physical way we can do that by 7 a.m.," Cooper said. "If I have six to eight guys come in the morning, and it keeps snowing all day and night, I could run out of guys to send out later in the storm. We try to use our resources as best we can."

Cooper said the Road Commission’s goal is to have all roads open, but their priority is opening highways and freeways. Next, the plows move to blacktop roads, and lastly, they clear gravel roads.

The plows first clear highways and freeways, such as U.S. 131; however, sometimes the snow is coming so fast and heavy that once a plow finishes a road, they may have to re-plow the road. Once the plows clear the main road, they move to secondary roads.

Unfortunately, because of funds, the county is not hiring more snowplow employees, Cooper said.

"Be patient with us," he said. "We are trying to do the best we can."
Question:In a previous question asked to Rover, someone asked why the Cadillac Public Schools started their elementary students so late in the morning, the answer given was due to bussing. However, there is no doubt that younger students perform better earlier in the morning and older students perform better later in the morning, shouldn’t the bus schedule be flipped? That would be best for all our children.
Date Published: 08/09/2007
Answer:Jim Pals, Director of Transportation at Cadillac Area Public Schools (CAPS) and Superintendent, Paul Liabenow tell Rover that the reason for the varied start times of CAPS schools is twofold." First, students in the upper level grades are not transported with elementary students. The second reason is the transportation of upper level students that participate in extra curricular activities and athletics.

Students that compete are transported to designated locations throughout Michigan." Whether it is band competitions, Forensics or athletics, there are times that students are dismissed early and return late on school nights. A later start and end time would make it difficult to keep students in the classroom for a large part of the day.
Question:Is there going to have to be a lot of renovation to the old girl coat factory before the Salvation Army opens up there? I noticed they have already made deliveries there, but the building is in bad need of repair on the outside.
Date Published: 08/09/2007
Answer:According to Salvation Army Captain Jeff Eddy, the renovation of the old Cadillac Girl Coat factory is a work in progress. Currently, much of the work is being done on the inside. Also, the addition to the building’s south side will be torn down to make room for parking and make access to the building easier. The projected opening for the store is Feb. 1.
Question:On Carmel Street, near the school, there are some large branches that fell off a tree during a storm a few weeks ago. They are still sitting there and are dead. It is outside the school’s fence, so whose responsibility is it to get rid of it?
Date Published: 07/21/2007
Answer:According to Bob Johnson, director of Public Works for the City of Cadillac, the city is responsible for maintaining the trees on the public right of way.
“Following the last severe wind storm, trees were damaged at various locations in the city,” Johnson said. “Tree limbs that were found to be blocking sidewalks and streets were removed by city forestry crews.”
The remaining limbs are being removed as forestry operations progress throughout the city.
Question:Is it intentional that Kenwood Park, especially on the west side of North Boulevard, is so rustic? Namely, it does not appear that it is raked, grass does not appear to be cut consistently and the dead leaves from last year are still there by the street. The other park, across from the high school, is meticulous. I’m judging Kenwood from the street, but it appears very unkempt, with lots of bare spots instead of grass.
Date Published: 07/21/2007
Answer:Kenwood Heritage Park is considered a rustic park, according to Bob Johnson, director of Public Works for the City of Cadillac.
“There are some sections along Rose Avenue and North Boulevard that are maintained by the summer parks maintenance crew,” he said. “The area around the Kenwood Beach Park is mowed and maintained each summer.”
Question:It is a hit or miss with the traffic lights through downtown Cadillac on Mitchell Street. Sometimes I can make it through there, but many times I end up getting stopped at every red light. I am not speeding, so why does this happen?
Date Published: 07/07/2007
Answer:According to Rick Liptak, manager of the Michigan Department of Transportation Department in Cadillac, the traffic lights are supposed to be timed and set so they keep traffic moving as best they can — as long as vehicles are traveling the speed limit.
“The problem is that the signals that are downtown are quite old and we need to upgrade them,” Liptak said. “The timing clocks are losing time and we have to come back every few months to reset the clocks. That is the problem with old equipment.”
When Mitchell Street gets its makeover in 2009, Liptak is optimistic money will be available to upgrade the traffic lights.
Question:I have been wondering how much gas could be saved if one slowed down just 5 miles per hour or 10 miles per hour?
Date Published: 07/07/2007
Answer:According to Ken VanderMeeden, president of the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan, a person can save a substantial amount of gas — and money — over time if they would just slow down a little.
“For every 5 miles per hour you reduce highway speed, you can reduce fuel consumption by 7 percent,” he said. “If you typically drive 70 on the highway and slow down to 65, it’s the equivalent of saving 19 cents per gallon.”
Other fuel saving tips, according to VanderMeeden, include;
• Checking the air filter: a clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. Changing a dirty air filter can save the equivalent of 28 cents a gallon or carry or carry you 23 more miles on a tank of gas.
• Align your car: fixing improper alignment would be like saving 10 percent or 28 cents per gallon.
• Drive smoother: the smoother you accelerate and decelerate, the better your gas mileage, with potential gas savings of 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent around town. Consumers who currently drive erratically can pocket the equivalent of 48 cents a gallon by driving more smoothly.
• Foot off: Riding with your foot on the brake not only wears out brakes but can also increase gas consumption by as much as 35 percent. By kicking the habit, you can get the equivalent of 96 cents per gallon in savings.
Question:Isn't it each city councilman's job to watch over the district they represent? For example, shouldn’t they check out to see whose lawn isn't mowed and make sure junk cars, appliances, papers, bottles and other debris are not on a person's property?
Date Published: 06/30/2007
Answer:The following is a statement from Cadillac City Manager Pete Stalker.
“The City of Cadillac operates under a council/manager form of government. As such, the day-to-day responsibility for the operation of the city rests with the city manager and his staff.
“The city council is the governing body and is responsible for the legislative function of the city including the adoption of all laws, ordinances and resolutions.”
If a citizen has a concern or complaint about a zoning or code violation, they should contact the code enforcement officer at the Cadillac Police Department. The phone number is 775-3491.
Question:What has happened to the old Mac Fire Truck? I believe it was purchased by the City of Cadillac in 1940 and it was here for many years. Then the city gave the title to the Buckley Steam Show with the provision that it was fixed up and shown at the parades in Cadillac. What ever happened to it?
Date Published: 06/30/2007
Answer:The transfer of the project to the Buckley Steam Engine Show was not completed due to the fire that destroyed their building at the show area, according to Cadillac Public Safety Director Jeff Hawke.
“Firefighter Larry Cooley and Fire Marshal Mike Mongar volunteered to complete the project,” he said. “The truck is currently in the body shop with the restoration of chrome parts on-going. This follows work on the engine, interior and upholstery, brakes and other components.”
When the chrome is complete, the truck will be re-assembled and painted. The last step will be application of graphics, Hawke added.
The estimated completion date is fall 2008.
Question:In all high school sports in Cadillac, a fee of $25 is charged to participate. You are not guaranteed to play. Why aren’t you charged just $12.50 if you can’t play? It isn’t fair. All parents pay school taxes and all kids should be able to play.
Date Published: 06/23/2007
Answer:At every preseason organizational meeting for parents and students, CAPS Athletic Director John Horrigan said it is explained that CAPS has a participation fee.
For high school students in grades nine through 12, the cost is $25 for the first sport, $10 for the second sport and no charge for the third sport.
For sixth- through eighth-grade students, the cost is $10 for the first sport, $5 for the second and no charge for the third sport.
“There is a $75 family max per season and a $150 family max per school year,” Horrigan said. “And you do not pay the fee until you make the team.”
In the CAPS district, Horrigan said cuts have been made to athletics by more than 25 percent in the last three years. Rather than cut anymore programs, he said the fee was put into place.
“One of things we decided to do in talking with the board, parents and boosters was to institute a small participate fee rather than cutting other programs,” Horrigan said. “It is very specific. You only pay if you make the team and it doesn’t guarantee more or less playing time for anyone.”
For those students who would like to play a sport but it is a financial hardship to pay the participation fee, there are scholarships available. For those athletes that are injured or don’t finish the season (for reasons other than quitting), the school will work with the student on a refund.
The pay-to-play program generates about $18,000 a year in participation fees. CAPS isn’t the only school in the area who has this program and Horrigan said he unfortunately doesn’t see it going away anytime soon.
Question:We picnic at Kenwood Park. It has plenty of tables but all the grills are either broken or missing. Can they be replaced?
Date Published: 06/16/2007
Answer:According to Bob Johnson, director of the Public Works Department, the city is in the process of replacing several barbecue grills at Kenwood Beach and Kenwood Heritage Park.
As for when the project will be complete, the city is aiming to complete it prior to July 1.
Question:There are planters on certain downtown intersections of the city that are not maintained. It looks pretty shabby. Why aren't they maintained by the city?
Date Published: 06/16/2007
Answer:There are four raised planters downtown, according to Cadillac City Assistant Manager Precia Garland, that are fully irrigated and maintained by the a downtown maintenance worker.
Each planter contains a tree, lilies and a variety of other perennials. They also contain ornamental grasses that are supposed to look wild.
“We always welcome volunteer assistance from the community and receive it from a number of organizations that maintain flower beds throughout the Lakefront Park,” Garland said.
For further questions or concerns regarding the planters, she encourages people to contact the city at 775-0181.
Question:What is happening with the former Cad-A-Stran building on Mitchell Street? I noticed it was sold recently.
Date Published: 06/09/2007
Answer:The former Cad-A-Stran building was recently purchased by the Cadillac Insurance Center, which is located in a next-door building at 932 N. Mitchell St. Owner Jeff Geeseman said there are no plans set in stone, but he is looking at some options.
“We talked about putting in a parking lot and some other ideas, but there are no certain plans for it yet,” he said. “For the next few months, we gave it to the Cadillac Fire Department to use in search and rescue training.”
Question:Why is Cadillac putting in baseball and softball fields near the CASA soccer fields? We already have nice softball and baseball fields in Cadillac.
Date Published: 06/09/2007
Answer:The current ball fields are at least 35 years old and the goal of CASA was to make improvements, according to CASA President Bruce Schroeder.
“When we started, the goal was to improve and upgrade the facilities as well as get everything centrally located around the area,” Schroeder said. “We do have field shortages in the area right now. It isn’t too bad for games, but for all the teams to practice, there aren’t enough fields.”
He added that many of the old fields around the area are not around anymore including the fields at the fairgrounds and Diggins Hill. The field near Lincoln School also is scheduled to leave at some point, he added.
Bruce said there are five new fields with two for baseball, two for softball and a T-ball field. At the time he said the bases were still being installed but he hopes the fields will be useable next week. The second bridge was constructed and more concession stands will be added.
Question:I recall last year there was discussion of monitoring speeding on Mitchell Street in Cadillac through the downtown area. I still see numerous cars speeding in excess of 25 miles per hour and you have to be extra careful when driving and crossing the street. I was wondering what the results were from the speed study last year and if anything can be done to slow down the cars?
Date Published: 06/02/2007
Answer:There were speed surveys for Mitchell Street conducted in 2005 and 2006. The 2005 survey was extensive and included 400 cars, according to City of Cadillac Public Safety Director Jeff Hawke, while the 2006 survey was a sampling of 5 cars to identify any changes from 2005.
“The average speed for vehicles in the downtown corridor for was 27.49 miles per hour in 2005, and 24.96 miles per hour in 2006,” Hawke said. “Vehicles that are turning, slowing for pedestrians, slowing for parking or negotiating traffic obstacles are not included in the totals.”
A 2007 survey will be conducted this summer.
Question:Is there an ordinance for noise and if so, how often is it enforced? Is it possible for the police to make home visits to let people know there are complaints about their loud music? If there is no ordinance, is it possible to look into one?
Date Published: 06/02/2007
Answer:There is a city noise ordinance that is enforced, according to
Cadillac City Police Code Enforcement Officer Pam Klifman.
"Officers do respond to loud music complaints frequently," Klifman said.
Generally warnings are issued, but enforcement action is taken when
necessary.
The noise ordinance includes many types of noise including construction
during certain hours, animals, music, etc.
Question:I have seen many people continue to feed the ducks — even near the signs. I know there is a new ordinance — how is it being policed? Have any tickets been written or people been warned?
Date Published: 05/26/2007
Answer:The ordinance prohibiting feeding of waterfowl near the Lake Cadillac shoreline was approved on April 16, 2007 and took effect on May 7. It not only prohibits the feeding of domestic and migratory waterfowl in the parks system, but also pigeons in the core downtown area.
“Because the ordinance changes a common practice that is detrimental to the parks, downtown and the impacted waterfowl, the City of Cadillac
and Cadillac Police Department will first take an educational approach,” said City of Cadillac Director of Public Safety Jeff Hawke.
Educational literature has been prepared for distribution and will be used in conjunction with signage to make people aware of the ordinance. However, repeat offenders may be cited.
Question:Is it still considered littering when people throw cigarette butts out the window? If so, are people fined if caught and how often?
Date Published: 05/26/2007
Answer:Littering is addressed under Public Act 451 of 1994, which is the
Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.
Litter is defined in the act as “rubbish, refuse, waste material,
garbage, offal, paper, glass, cans, bottles, trash, debris, or other
foreign substances.”
“The person responsible is guilty of a civil infraction when the amount
of litter is less than one cubic foot in volume,” said City of Cadillac Public Safety Director Jeff Hawke. “Technically, a person throwing a cigarette butt out the window of a car is violating the littering statute. However, enforcing the statute at this level is often unrealistic as the violations are so numerous and difficult to detect.”
This is more a question of respect for public and private property, as
well as the environment.
Question:Why did Family Video add another store in Cadillac? Will they add more movies to the new one? Are there plans to close down the old one?
Date Published: 05/19/2007
Answer:According to Eric Summer in the new store development department at Family Video, the company is happy with both stores and plans to keep them both open.
“Cadillac has always been a good market for Family Video and we saw an opportunity to add another store,” Summer said. “We have no plans to close either of the stores. We will continue to stock each store with movies and games as the market sees fit.”
One big difference in June, according to Summer, is there will be more video games. They will be adding more due to the market increasing from XBOX 360 and Nintendo sales.
“By June, kids can walk in the game room and notice a big difference,” he said. “But movies will continue to be real strong. That is the bulk of our business.”
Question:I have noticed they have closed Seeley Road (south off of 34 Road) to through traffic. It looks like they have taken down trees on both sides of the road. Are they widening and paving Seeley Road through to M-55?
Date Published: 05/19/2007
Answer:That area of Seeley Road will be undergoing a major reconstruction project throughout some of the summer and will be closed to anything other than local traffic.
“We have just started moving dirt this past week,” said Missaukee County Road Commission Clerk Dave Hejnal. “(Road crews) are going to grate and put in ditches and culverts where necessary. Although paving is not part of the original project, there is a possibility of it in the future depending on what the township decides.”
Hejnal said there will be some inconvenience, but it’ll be a nice product when it is done.
Question:Are workers at the Wexford County Recycling Center volunteer or paid workers?
Date Published: 05/12/2007
Answer:According to Cya Stambaugh, Wexford County Administrator, there are three paid employees at the recycling center, which is located on the corner of M115 and No. 35 Road.
“We have two regular part-time employees that are paid by the county,” she said. “And we also have one temporary employee.”
The temporary employee’s job includes feeding the machines and dealing with the general public. As for the part-time employees, they operate heavy equipment and do light maintenance work.
Question:Is there any way we, in the city limits, can water our lawns without having our water bills go through the roof? The city bills our sewage portion of the bill based on how much water we use, but that is unfair, since the water for lawn care isn't going through the water treatment that in-household water usage goes through. Is there anything that can be done to ease our already high bills so that we can enjoy nice lawns?
Date Published: 05/12/2007
Answer:According to Larry Campbell, City of Cadillac Director of Utilities, during the summer months of May, June, July, August and September, residential sewer usage is based off your winter average usage during the months of October, November, December, January and February.
“You still pay for the water that goes through the meter, but sewer is based on that winter average,” he said.
Non-residential users can opt to have an irrigation meter installed, in which case the city only bills water usage for that meter.
Question:The well in Evart has water being pumped in at an amount of 216,000 gallons per day being bottled. That brings the total for six days at 1,296,000 gallons. This does not seem imaginable for me — can you conjure up the size container that such an amount would be if it weren’t bottled, but in a pool.
Date Published: 04/21/2007
Answer:In the water purchase agreement between Ice Mountain and the city, Evart City Manager Roger Elkins said the city wouldn’t exceed the 25-year historical average from the well field.
The maximum permitted capacity of water withdrawal from the city of Evart wells is 2.024 billion gallons year. Ice Mountain’s actual withdrawal of water was 62.3 million gallons in 2006 while Collin’s & Aikman withdrew 569.1 million gallons of water that same year.
“When you do the math, it sounds large,” Elkins said. “But the amount of water Ice Mountain draws is a small fraction of the permitted capacity.”
The water tower in Evart holds about 500,000 gallons of water while in Cadillac, Elkins said the water tower could hold even more water.
To visualize how much 1.3 million gallons of water is, Deb Muchmore, spokesperson for Ice Mountain, said to picture a football field covered with roughly 10 feet of water (which is a few feet more than ceiling height).
Question:What type of materials can be recycled at the recycling center near Cadillac?
Date Published: 04/21/2007
Answer:The Wexford County Recycling Center, which is located on the corner of M115 and No. 35 Road, accepts recyclable items free of charge.
The center accepts items from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
Items that can be recycled include No. 1 plastics which are clear; No. 2 plastics which include detergent containers or milk jugs; cardboard and paper products which must be separated; aluminum and tin cans; and clear glass materials.
For more information, people can call the center at 779-1767.
Question:What is going on in northern Osceola County and southern Wexford County on north and southbound U.S. 131? There are roadwork signs and staked off areas. How long will it take?
Date Published: 04/14/2007
Answer:A $5.7 million dollar reconstruction project is taking place on U.S. 131 between 14 Mile Road in Osceola County to M-115 in Wexford County according to Del Kirkby of the Michigan Department of Transportation construction department.
“We are planning to rebuild the last section of U.S. 131,” he said. “We started already and work will continue until early August.”
Work will consist of crushing down existing pavement and resurfacing the entire road and replacing the guard rail. MDOT also will replace the concrete bridge approach sections at the bridges near the White Pine Trail and 50 Road.
“The total length, combining north and south, is 16.83 roadbed miles,” Kirkby said. “That is about 13 miles one way.”
He said MDOT has a few projects in the works that he believes will make good changes to the area.
“It isn’t fun for people while the construction is going on, but that stretch of road will be a lot nicer when it is done,” he said.
Question:How are homes appraised? Is it based on how much you paid for it or other houses around you?
Date Published: 04/14/2007
Answer:Because there are so many different areas of market value, it depends on the purpose of an appraisal said Diana Looney of Ace Appraisal Service of Lake City.
For new construction, Looney said she uses the cost approach. For most requests — such as mortgages, estates and divorce — appraisals are based on the property sales and home sales in surrounding areas.
“What we do is go out and measure the home, take pictures and take notes about the property,” she said. “Then we drive through the area to make sure the home conforms with the neighborhood.”
After that, Looney said she has to do the figuring, which takes quite a bit of time.
“It normally costs between $250 and $350 to appraise a home, and you are only at the home for an hour,” she said. “But most of the work is done afterward. There is a lot to it.”
For new construction, Looney said the cost approach is used and with rental or commercial property, many times the income approach is used.
Question:: I live in the city of Cadillac, I am concerned about property taxes that have to be paid in full — all at one time. What time of year will that start?
Date Published: 04/07/2007
Answer:Although there will be a shift in the amount of taxes paid during the year, Cadillac City/Treasurer Clerk Jan Nelson said there will continue to be a summer and winter tax bill.
The change, she said, is with the collection of the county operating taxes. In the past this was collected in the winter, but now it is being shifted to the summer.
The shift was scheduled to be done in thirds, so it wouldn’t be such a large change at one time. The July 1, 2007 tax bill will be the first bill that will collect all county operating taxes on one bill.
According to the Wexford County Treasurer’s Office, the change in county operating tax collection was in answer to a budget shortfall. All county governments are doing this because the state government cut out revenue sharing.
Question:Who is responsible for repairing the finish on the fence that was installed in front of the Wexford County Civic Arena? It looks bad with all the paint peeling off.
Date Published: 04/07/2007
Answer:Any money used for repairing the fence comes out of the arena’s budget. And that money isn’t there, according to Wexford County Civic Arena Assistant Manager Ron Bennington.
The fence was put up in 2000 as part of the U.S. 131 bypass beautification grant.
“A group had gotten the grant to extend through here and it covered the fence and putting up some maple trees,” Bennington said. “There was a two-year contract where everything was kept up, but after that it became our responsibility for the upkeep.”
Right now, Bennington said painting the fence is one of the lower priorities.
“The painting of the entire auditorium building and replacing the exit doors on the west end of the building are much more pressing issues,” he said. “And my request for monies to replace the doors have been denied.”
Question:A few years back, there was a training class for senior citizens at the sheriff’s department. I was under the impression they were going to assist in monitoring shopping areas in and around Cadillac. In other areas, I see seniors with a ticket book in parking lots where they monitor handicapped parking spots. Is this done in Cadillac? If not, what was that training class for? Also, can a sheriff deputize a citizen for this type of thing?
Date Published: 03/31/2007
Answer:A number of years ago, there was a senior citizens police academy done jointly by the Wexford County Sheriff’s Department and the Cadillac City Police.
“What we did was take this as an opportunity to give exposure of law enforcement to seniors in the community,” said Wexford County Sheriff Gary Finstrom. “We ran the sessions for about 10 to 12 weeks.”
Officers from the three agencies — sheriff’s department, city police and state police — did demonstrations. Some included an undercover officer from TNT, evidence technicians and underwater divers.
As for having the seniors help the departments with ticket writing, Finstrom said that wasn’t the case.
“We have no intention to use the seniors for violation enforcement,” he said. “That type of thing is usually done in cities that are larger than Cadillac. Citizens can be given special permission to do that sort of thing, but it hasn’t been done here.”
Question:I noticed the clock tower in downtown Cadillac hasn’t had the time turned ahead. Who is in charge of this?
Date Published: 03/31/2007
Answer:The clock tower is set to automatically go ahead or behind an hour for the spring and fall time change. The change earlier this month was an exception.
“The time change came a couple of weeks early this year, so it has not changed yet,” said Cadillac City Manager Pete Stalker. “But it will change at the normal time.”
If the clock is manually changed early, it will advance another hour in a week or so and we would have to then move the clock back, he said.
Question:What is going on with construction near the Old TirConnell's building?
Date Published: 03/24/2007
Answer:Although there is no construction occurring near that area, there is construction happening immediately north of that area in the old Connie’s Hallmark storefront, according to Cadillac Assistant City Manager Precia Garland.
“The 106 N. Mitchell Street building was purchased several months ago by Lisa Lundahl, owner of Cadillac Family Pharmacy. She is currently remodeling the building,” Garland said. “The pharmacy will soon move
into the rear two-thirds of the first floor and the first one-third of
the building is available for rent.”
Long term plans call for the remodel and reuse of the second and third floors of the building, so an elevator and new stairs are being installed now to provide access to those floors, she added.
Question:Is it illegal for cars to be parked across sidewalks — if so, what can be done if someone is constantly doing this? Is it illegal for cars to be parked against traffic in city streets?
Date Published: 03/24/2007
Answer:According to Cadillac Code Enforcement Officer Pam Klifman, it is illegal to park across the sidewalks in the city of Cadillac.
“The sidewalks need to stay unobstructed for public use,” Klifman said. “If a vehicle is found to be blocking the sidewalk it will be ticketed.”
She added that it is illegal for vehicles to be parked facing traffic, and those found facing traffic will be ticketed as well.
Question:Could a stoplight be placed at the corner of Plett Road and 13th Street? That corner is a nightmare with the fairgrounds, ball fields and when there is a shift change at the factories. A timed light during daylight hours is badly needed.
Date Published: 03/24/2007
Answer:"This question comes up several times a year,” according to Alan Cooper, manager of the Wexford County Road Commission, “The traffic patterns at that intersection do not meet the requirements for a traffic signal and cost is a factor.”
The cost of installing a timed traffic signal runs between $60,000 and $80,000.
Because the road commission and the city each are responsible for half of the intersection, both entities have been looking into a solution. One possible solution that the city and road commission engineers are looking at is a roundabout.
There was one built in Gaylord last year that addressed a similar issue. This is something that is being looking at and there may be grants available for that type of project, but it isn’t something that will happen this year.
Question:What is happening at the Dairy Queen in Cadillac? Are they adding on or just redoing the deck?
Date Published: 03/17/2007
Answer:The work at Dairy Queen, which is on hold due to winter weather, is adding a new deck. As soon as the snow melts, construction will commence with pouring a new concrete deck and adding rod-iron fencing.
“The wood deck will be gone and we will add new outdoor furniture,” said owner Sherry Davy. “But before that happens, we are waiting for Mother Nature to stop serving blizzards — that is our job.”
Along with the new outdoor changes, customers will see changes to the menu, the interior and a new sign.
“We are the only Michigan standalone Dairy Queen in a test where we are adding Orange Julius to the menu — with different flavors,” she said. “We also are adding waffle cones too.”
The new sign will soon be put up, as soon is it arrives from its trek from Florida.
Although the DQ opening is in May, the store has already opened to the public. The hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 10 a.m. seven days a week until Memorial Day, when it will be open later.
Question:I have been seeing a lot of old mattresses and furniture set out for trash pickup, but I see they are never picked up. Is there a reason for this?
Date Published: 03/17/2007
Answer:Shoreline is required to take one large item per week with the garbage pickup, according to for Cadillac Code Enforcement Officer Pam Klifman. “If (Shoreline) is not taking these items, residents can call and I will contact Shoreline and arrange for a pickup,” she said.
Klifman can be reached by calling the Cadillac Police Department at (231) 775-3491.
Question:I have read that Grand Rapids will soon get wireless Internet throughout the city — without any cost to residents, but maybe through taxes. Is that something that we could look at in Cadillac?
Date Published: 03/10/2007
Answer:Although there are no plans for the entire city of Cadillac to go wireless due to costs, Cadillac Assistant City Manager Precia Garland said the city is looking at establishing a hot spot throughout the downtown area.
“We have talked to three vendors and requested proposals to make the downtown a hot spot, but so far no on has come forward and presented us with a proposal,” Garland said. “Because no one has followed through, it is on the back burner at this point.”
She said the wireless internet would cover the downtown area, City Park and some residential area.
Garland said there are a number of businesses that do provide wireless Internet downtown including the Shay Station, The Bistro, Kodiaks and the Chefs Deli.
“One issue with going wireless is that technology keeps changing and we are concerned that if we install something, it will not be that great after a while,” she said.
Question:A stamp on an envelope claims the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is the longest span bridge. I thought the Mackinac Bride was the longest. What is right?
Date Published: 03/10/2007
Answer:The stamp in question is one of 40 Wonders of America stamps which is part of the U.S. Postal Service’s 2006 Commemorative Stamp Program. The stamps feature natural and man-made wonders of the United States.
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge has the longest span (in the United States) at 4,260 feet. The Golden Gate Bridge follows with a span of 4,200 feet while the Mackinac Bridge comes in third with a span of 3,800 feet.
Although the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge has the longest span in the United States, it has the seventh longest span in the world.
As for the Mackinac Bridge, which opened on Nov. 1, 1957, it was formally dedicated as “the world’s longest suspension bridge between anchorages,” according to the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
This designation was chosen because it wouldn’t be the world’s largest using the customary way of measuring suspension bridges, as that title belonged to the Golden Gate Bridge. The Mackinac Bridge still is the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the western hemisphere, but is now the third longest worldwide.
Question:I noticed work is going to be done on the M-115 intersection at North Boulevard. As they do this, are they going to widen the area under the bridge so two boats can pass without having to alternate turns for boaters? I know it doesn’t affect as many boaters as it will affect those cars using a safe turning lane, but if they are going to change the bridge anyway, why not make it better for everyone?
Date Published: 03/03/2007
Answer:According to Del Kirkby of the Michigan Department of Transportation construction department, to wide the area under the bridge would mean tearing out the entire bridge – which is not in the plan.
Construction will widen the bridge 11 1/2 feet beyond the existing dimensions.
“To widen the channel would mean that we would have to remove all the existing bridge down to the foundation,” Kirkby said. “Then when we put a new bridge in to create more of a span, we would have to put bigger beams on the bridge. That would reduce head room underneath the bridge.”
In addition to the extensive extra work, it would cost millions of dollars extra, which Kirkby said isn’t feasible.
Question:A week ago in the parking lot at Meijers, there were about five to seven cars parked in the handicapped area — where there were only three actually parking places. If someone with a lift vehicle needed a spot, there would have been no room for the person to get out. I was told officers don’t have enforcement powers in that case. If so, who can enforce this?
Date Published: 03/03/2007
Answer:The Wexford County Sheriff’s Department does have power to enforce handicapped parking, according to Undersheriff Marty Dahlstrom.
“Handicapped parking is a state law, so we do enforce that,” he said. “But when it comes to stop signs in a private parking lot, that is a different deal. We don’t get involved in that.”
He said each parking spot is marked correctly and people should park in the lines. Many times there is an end spot that allows a person with a wheelchair ramp to be easily lowered.
“If a person has any problems, they can contact us,” Dahlstrom said.
People can call the sheriff’s department at 779-9211.
Question:One in a while, on TV or in the newspaper, there is a story about crime that is committed. Many times they show a photo from a surveillance camera, asking people if they recognize the person on the tape. Most of the time the photo is distorted, which makes it impossible to recognized a person. What is the sense of spending all that money on a surveillance camera if you can’t see the person anyway?
Date Published: 02/24/2007
Answer:The reason many of the surveillance photos are low quality, according to Wexford County Sheriff’s Department Det./Lt. Dan O’Riley, is the digital computer image is taken from the film and then faxed — which distorts it.
“When moving an image from a video camera to a still, you always get distortion,” O’Riley said. “We just hope that someone recognizes the person or clothing on the photo. They aren’t meant to be used as positive IDs, it is a source for leads.”
In a photo released to media, O’Riley said it is a way for people to see height and build of a person or another type of feature.
“It is amazing how someone sees a surveillance photo that is distorted,” he said. “For someone who knows the person in the photo, they sometimes can tell who it is by a hat they wear all the time or they can just tell who it is. It might not work 100 percent of the time or even 50 percent of the time, but if it works 30 percent of the time, it is worth it.”
The cost is usually minimal, it is just the price of running the equipment. Most of the time the surveillance equipment is paid for by the business, and many times it is cheaper to get a lower quality camera.
Cameras purchased by cities usually have good quality equipment. Cameras in McBain helped police identify suspects and make an arrest recently when they broke into the McBain Pharmacy.
Question:On the corner of Cobb and Mitchell streets, there is a sign that says not to block intersections. What exactly does that mean? I was coming from the south heading north and a bus pulled out in front of me from Cobbs going south without stopping and shouted that I was supposed to stop. What is right?
Date Published: 02/24/2007
Answer:According to Dan Lund, Michigan Department of Transportation traffic and safety department, the sign is there to inform northbound traffic not to block the intersection because of the proximity to the traffic signal on South Street.
“It is there so cars don’t block the entrance and exit to Cobbs Street, where emergency vehicles may enter and exit,” he said.
For vehicles on Cobbs Street, there is a stop sign that must be used before entering Mitchell Street.
Question:When I first came here two and a half years ago, the dome on the First Congregational Church was lit at night. It is no longer lit and I was wondering if they are going to re-light it. We sure do miss it.
Date Published: 02/17/2007
Answer:According to First Congregational Church manager Penny Phelps, there are lights at the base of the tower and lights on the dome.
“I haven’t seen the dome lit in a while myself,” she said. “I am not sure if the timer isn’t working or if the bulbs are out. But as soon as weather permits, we will get someone up there to fix the problem.”
Question:While walking through the corridors between the high school and the junior high school in Cadillac, I noticed the walls by the gym at the high school covered with photos of sports stars but nothing anywhere to honor those who have graduated from Cadillac High school and had gone on to excel in the fields of education, medicine, science, political, etc. Why has this been overlooked and are there plans to do this in the future?
Date Published: 02/17/2007
Answer:The Cadillac High School school improvement committee is presently developing an Academic Hall of Fame, according to CAPS Superintendent Paul Liabenow.
“The hall of fame will begin with honoring our valedictorian and salutatorian as well as the top 20 students of each class from the past 20 to 25 years,” he said. “In the future, specific people may be honored for their academic pursuits and successes.”
The Academic Hall of Fame will likely be placed near the high school auditorium as Liebenow said there is enough wall space and it is a highly visible location for the students and community to view the plaques.
“The Cadillac High School school improvement committee is charged with making recommendations and decisions for implementation of this project,” he said. “My hope is to have this completed before this year’s graduation in June.”
Question:Are there speeding regulations or rules \ by area schools? If so, why isn’t it posted by St. Ann School?
Date Published: 02/10/2007
Answer:According to the city ordinance on speed limits in school zones, the established speed limit for streets adjacent to school buildings is 25 miles per hour.
“This would apply to the side streets in the subdivision east of the school that border the St. Ann Elementary playground,” said Cadillac Public Safety Director Jeff Hawke.
Because 13th Street is bordered by St. Ann Church (not the school) and there are no sidewalks in the area parallel with this portion of the area, the school speed limit ordinance doesn’t apply.
“The setback of the church building, coupled with the lack of pedestrian and student foot traffic are contributing factors for the posted speed limits,” Hawke said.
Question:The World War I cannon by the courthouse is rusting and in bad shape. Who is in charge of care for the cannon and are there plans to fix it up?
Date Published: 02/10/2007
Answer:According to Wexford County Administrator Cya Stambaugh, that piece of land is owned by the county.
“At some point an organization asked for it to be put there, but it was so long ago no one is sure who that group was,” she said.
John Lamphere of Veterans Affairs said a group had attempted to do a fund-raiser a year or two ago to raise money for the project, but there was not enough funding for the project.
“The wheels are the biggest part of the project. I think it was somewhere around $3,500 for the total restoration,” Lamphere said. “And that was with the metal work being donated.”
He said if anyone is interested in stepping forward to give funding or donate services such as sandblasting or labor, people can contact Lamphere at the Veterans Affairs office at 775-6654.
“This is a World War I monument and it is a shame that people aren’t recognizing those who made sacrifices for the country,” he said. “I really hope there is more interest in helping raise money for the monument.
Question:If you eat a pound of chocolate, will you gain a pound of body weight?
Date Published: 02/03/2007
Answer:The following is an answer to the question from Cadillac Mercy Hospital Registered Nurse Julie Miller.
To gain one pound of body fat, an average adult would need to eat 3,500 extra calories. In other words, one pound of body fat equals 3,500 calories.
The average adult needs 12 to15 calories per pound of body weight to maintain their weight depending on activity level. For example, a man who weighs 225 pounds would need about 2,700 to 3,375 calories a day to maintain his weight depending on activity level. A woman who weighed 175 pounds would need 2,100 to 2,600 calories a day depending on her activity level.
A pound and a quarter of chocolate equals 3,500 calories which equals one pound of stored fat. A pound and a half of chocolate equals 3,450 calories which equals one pound of stored fat.
Theoretically, if a person ate 1.25 to 1.50 pound of chocolate above their daily calorie needs (see first paragraph for estimated daily calorie needs) to maintain their weight, they could gain one pound.
Of interest is the fact that the body doesn’t really care where the excess calories come from (fruit, bread, meat, cheese, candy, cookies, pop), if they are above what the daily maintenance calorie needs are, it will turn to fat.
So, in answer to your question: 1.25 to 1.50 pound of chocolate can lead to a pound of body fat if eaten in excess of what a person’s maintenance calorie needs are.
Question:I was told Consumer's Energy was planning on closing its building in Cadillac but apparently it is going to stay open. Was Consumer's planning to close the building? Will it now stay open?
Date Published: 01/27/2007
Answer:According to Dan Bishop, spokesperson for Consumers Energy, the building will continue to stay open.
“To cut down on costs, we were going to close that location in terms of accepting customer payments,” he said. “But things changed and the bill payment office in Cadillac will continue to stay open.”
A person will be available to accept payments from noon until 4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays at the Cadillac location. Tuesday through Thursday a person can put their payment in the night deposit box.
Other methods of payments accepted by Consumers Energy is by direct payment through a bank account; online billing; or a no-fee Visa payment automatically paid every month. More information on these services can be found at www.consumersenergy.com.
For a small fee, payments can be made at Patty Drug Store in Baldwin, Beem Cellular in Lake City and Dick’s Market in Reed City.
“More customers are choosing the online or automatic payments because of the convenience and no paper work,” Bishop said.
Question:Who is responsible for removing dead animals that have been hit by cars?
Date Published: 01/20/2007
Answer:According to Alan Cooper, manager of the Wexford County Road Commission, although it isn’t required for them to do so, the road commission does take care of deer carcasses.
“We do drag them off the road, but we don’t necessarily pick them up and
take them away unless they are in front of someone’s yard,” Cooper said. “We aren’t required to do this by law, but we have done it. Whose responsibility it is to pick up deer carcasses has been a state wide issue for some time. The DNR has jurisdiction while they are alive, once they get killed on the road they don't have anything to do with them. Most of the time the county or MDOT ends up removing the carcasses.”
Cooper said that there are times when they do miss the deer that have been reported and they don’t always get there right away.
“It depends on who is available and what else they need to do during the
day,” Cooper said.
Question:A number of times I have had stores charge me more at the cash register for items than what the tag listed the item. When this happens, I always ask for the lower price. Isn’t the store obligated to pay the customer $5 when this happens?
Date Published: 01/20/2007
Answer:Under the Michigan Item Pricing Act, provided by the Michigan Attorney General, the state law requires most items on store shelves be clearly marketed with a price tag.
When a person is charged for more than the price marked on the item, the shopper is entitled to request the difference between the market price and what was charged plus an additional compensation of 10 times the difference. The bonus must be at least $1, but may not be more than $5.
The law also states that if the seller refuses to pay the difference (or bonus), a person may sue for actual damages plus attorney fees.
If a price is not marked on a sale item and it scans for more than the sale price, a person is entitled to the sale price but not the bonus.
Some items that do not have to be individually priced are items sold by weight ; prepared food intended for immediate consumption, those not more than 3 ounces; live animals or plants; motor vehicles, greeting cards.
Question:A number of times I have had Meijer charge me more at the cash register for items than what the tag listed the item. When this happens, I always ask for the lower price. Isn’t the store obligated to pay the customer $5 when this happens?
Date Published: 01/13/2007
Answer:Under the Michigan Item Pricing Act, Meijer (like other stores) is required to price its products at the same price as it is entered into the Point of Sale System. According to Stacie Behler, vice president of corporate communications at Meijer in Grand Rapids, this is done so when a person checks out, the items are scanned at the same price as any tag that is required to be on the item.
“If there is an error, the transaction has been completed, and you have a receipt indicating the item purchased and the price charged for it, you should take the item and the receipt to the Meijer service counter for assistance within 30 days,” Behler said. “At that point, with that information demonstrated to the service team members, you can ask for a refund of the difference between the amount charged and the price marked plus a "bonus" of ten times the difference, with a minimum of $1 and a maximum of $5.”
Behler did note that not all items are required to be marked under the law. Those include unpackaged food items, those sold by weight, prepared food and items that have a total weight of 3 ounces or less.
“Meijer works very hard to insure pricing integrity and stands compliant with the state law,” she added.
Question:In the Cadillac News, there was a section of the paper that had holiday recipes in it. Back when it started, it was a thick book that had many recipes in it. This year there were just a few pages, with many of the recipes something that people wouldn’t make on the holiday. What happened to that section?
Date Published: 01/13/2007
Answer:Unfortunately, throughout the years, recipe submissions from our
readers for this annual section have decreased significantly. Each year the Cadillac News asks readers to send us their tried and true recipes for the holidays, and lately it seems we receive mostly a small selection of recipes from just a few of our loyal local cooks.
We’re uncertain as to why this is and hope more people send in their recipes in the future. The readers who send in their recipes are who makes this book happen.
Question:There was recently an article about the city looking for new well field sites. Years ago there was a business that had contaminated soil and groundwater. I believe it had set aside millions of dollars for cleanup. How does that fit into everything — will they pay for the new wells?
Date Published: 01/06/2007
Answer:According to Cadillac City Manager Pete Stalker, the city’s current review of the municipal wellfield is related to the ongoing Wellhead Protection Program.
“A significant aspect of this project is to consider alternative sites for additional wells,” Stalker said. “The new groundwater plume of contamination recently discovered in the area of the wellfield is not related to any known sources of contamination since it consists of a chemical called MTBE which was added to gasoline when lead was removed by the EPA many years ago.”
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality continues to investigate the new plume, which further indicates the need for the Wellhead Protection Program to be implemented.
Question:What is the speed limit on Crosby Road (between M-55 and Baker College)? It is not posted until you near Mitchell Street.
Date Published: 01/06/2007
Answer:Wexford County Road Commission Manager Al Cooper helped Rover look into this question.
The posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour with a traffic control order setting the speed. Cooper said there is a speed limit sign on 13th Street just east of Plett Road and another sign just north of M-55 on Crosby Road. He added that section of road is properly signed.
Question:What is happening with 32 Road? Is it going to be paved soon?
Date Published: 05/14/2005
Answer:Alan Cooper, manager of the Wexford County Road Commission, said that preparations are being made right now and the road should be re-paved within the next two weeks.
Question:Is it possible to have at least a four-way stop at the corner of Plett and 13th Street? It can be very difficult at times if you are on Plett trying to cross over or turn onto 13th Street. When the fog settles at that corner it is dangerous and frightening.
Date Published: 05/07/2005
Answer:According to Alan Cooper, manager of the Wexford County Road Commission, none of the criteria are met to make it a four-way stop at this time.
"This has come up before from people," he said, "but for us to make some kind of change, it can't happen right now. There is no accident history there, that we're aware of, and it is difficult to make that kind of change because it is right on a truck route."
He added that the City of Cadillac is responsible for two of the corners and the road commission is responsible for the other two corners.
Question:Are Native Americans required to have a fishing license to fish in the area?
Date Published: 05/07/2005
Answer:Lt. Dean Molnar of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said right now it depends on where they are fishing.
"Native Americans have some rights for sustenance fishing on the Great Lakes," he said. "But, the state of Michigan doesn't recognize Native American rights for fishing on inland waters or land at this time."
Therefore, Native Americans must have a fishing license in order to fish on area lakes.
Question:What is happening with 32 Road? Is it going to be paved soon?
Date Published: 05/07/2005
Answer:Alan Cooper, manager of the Wexford County Road Commission, said that preparations are being made right now and the road should be re-paved within the next two weeks.
Question:Is there any hope the cartoon "Rose is Rose" will ever come back to Cadillac News? It was one of my favorites.
Date Published: 05/07/2005
Answer:Although it did have a following, during an extensive survey that was done about a year ago, it wasn't a top chose that readers chose. Therefore, there aren't any plans of bringing it back to the newspaper at this time.
Question:There is a garden that was made by students in front of Lincoln School that isn't maintained. Who is supposed to take care of it? It is kind of an eyesore right now.
Date Published: 04/30/2005
Answer:According to Glenna Anderson, administrative assistant at Lincoln School, the garden was started with help by Wild Ones, a local wildflower group. Wild Ones mission is to preserve areas in Michigan with natural growth of grasses, plants and flowers native to the state.
"We just received a $400 grant through Wild Ones to maintain the garden," said Anderson. "Each classroom will adopt a section of the garden and will be responsible for maintaining it under the guidance of teachers and Wild Ones."
Anderson added that because it will be a wildflower garden, so it won't look like traditionally groomed gardens. It will have a natural look because they want it to be like a native wildflower garden.
"People should watch for things to start shaping up, because the upkeep will be ongoing for the science curriculum," said Anderson. "We are also going to try and tie it to the nearby walkway."
Question:Does the $3.89 franchise fee on the Charter Cable bill go to the city of Cadillac? What is it used for?
Date Published: 04/30/2005
Answer:According to Tim Ransberger of Charter Communications, Cadillac charges a 5 percent franchise fee which gets passed on to the customer's bills.
"Franchise fees are established by the contract between a cable operator and the municipality," he said. "The contract is called a franchise agreement, and the maximum amount (set by the federal Cable Act) is 5 percent of a cable operator's revenues from providing cable service in the community."
Franchise fees are derived as a percentage of a customer's bill and are not fixed rates — therefore the amount of the fee is determined by the level of service that a customer subscribes to. Ransberger added that it is generally considered that franchise fees are meant as compensation or "rent" for the use of the public rights-of-way, which is where the cable system is physically located.
"I should note that cable modem service (high speed Internet service) is not subject to franchise fees because the FCC has deemed the high speed Internet service is not a cable service, but an information service," said Ransberger. "Therefore, it is not subject to franchise fees."
He added that he doesn't know what the city does with the revenue collected by the revenue fee, but many times it goes into a general fund.
Question:What are the regulations in terms of cats being on leashes, trespassing on or defecating on other neighbor's property and killing birds?
Date Published: 04/30/2005
Answer:According to Michelle Smith, manager of the Wexford County Animal Shelter, cats and dogs are under the same city ordinance and are supposed to be put on a leash if they aren't on their own property.
"The city ordinance says that no animal should be left at large," she said. "If someone wants to take their cat outside, it should be on a leash and not left running around on its own."
Animal control will pick up a cat, but only if it is contained. The cat must be in some kind of cage or box, or held.
"We won't chase a cat around town," said Smith. "We won't chase a cat up a tree either, for that matter. If someone calls to report a cat at large, they must have it contained."
Question:Is it possible to have a four-way stop or traffic light at the corner of Crosby and M-55? Traffic really backs up on Crosby.
Date Published: 04/23/2005
Answer:According to Rick Liptak of the Michigan Department of Transportation, it is a possibility, but the city would have to first do a study in that area.
"M-55 stops just between Crosby and the interchange — we recently turned old M-55 (Cass Street) back to the city," said Liptak. "That intersection between Crosby and Old M-55 is the city's jurisdiction. It would need to meet warrants before a signal could be added, and that is something the city would have to study."
Question:How does the Cadillac News score the college basketball grid contest that was held last month?
Date Published: 04/23/2005
Answer:The contest is determined by finding those with the least incorrect answers. Tiebreakers are determined by the total points in the championship game.
Question:Who won the college basketball grid?
Date Published: 04/23/2005
Answer:There were three winners published in the April 8 edition of the Cadillac News. Two contestants had 16 incorrect answers and one had 12 incorrect answers. The top three winners were Robert Maybee of Cadillac, Pete Bernek of Cadillac and Roland Samuelson of Tustin.
Question:Is there anything that can be done about the washboard road between Save-A-Lot and Butternut Bread Co.?
Date Published: 04/23/2005
Answer:"When it comes to fixing driveways," said Rick Liptak of MDOT, "it is the responsibility of the landowner unless there is a construction project."
Liptak added that they are looking into doing construction work down the line on Mitchell Street between North and River streets, but there aren't any definite plans at this point.
Question:A few months back, MDOT was busy installing two units that face 13th Street, one each direction. What are the units and why do they face 13th Street if they are cameras, since most of the traffic that runs the red light are on the highway?
Date Published: 04/16/2005
Answer:According to Rick Liptak of the Michigan Department of Transportation, the units are cameras and are new products being used by MDOT to detect cars.
"What is up there are digital image taking cameras that detect when cars get to the intersection to activate signals," said Liptak.
He added that in the past they have used wires in the pavement at that intersection that could detect when cars were present, but with the new products out, they decided to try the cameras.
Question:What is the liability issue on dogs defecating on city sidewalks or on personal property such as yards? What can be done?
Date Published: 04/16/2005
Answer:According to Kris Corwin, Wexford County Animal Shelter attendant, there is a city ordinance requiring dog owners to pick up waste from their pet.
"If a dog defecates on a sidewalk, yard, school playground or anywhere, it is the owner's responsibility to clean it up," she said. "It is, at the very least, a littering problem as well as a health issue. The owner must pick up after the animal, as well as have it on a leash when taking a walk."
Although it is hard to enforce the ordinance because you have to witness the act, the dog owner could be fined for not picking up after the dog. Corwin said if someone sees a dog go to the bathroom and the owner doesn't clean up after it, they can report it if they know who the owner is.
"People can report the incident, but it may not be taken care of right away because of other more important matters," said Corwin. "Someone will respond to all complaints at some time however."
Corwin also reminds people to keep their dogs on a leash and pick up after the animal, as the ordinances say. It is a good idea to bring a bag along just in case. She also said not to let their dogs roam because people are supposed to call the shelter if they spot a stray animal.
Question:: Has MDOT checked out the manhole cover at the intersection at 13th Street and U.S. 131?
Date Published: 04/16/2005
Answer:Rick Liptak of the Michigan Department of Transportation said that the department checks on manholes in the spring and they do what is necessary depending on the shape they are in.
"On the manhole cover at 13th Street and U.S. 131, it was checked this spring," he said. "Yes, there are some bumps, but it isn't anything to be concerned about at this time."
He also mentioned that depending on where the manhole is and what it covers, MDOT may or may not be obligated to fix it, as the city or other authorities may be in charge.
Question:What is the speed limit between Business U.S. 131 and Highway U.S. 131 on Boon Road?
Date Published: 04/09/2005
Answer:According to Rick Liptak of the Michigan Department of Transportation, if there is not a sign, it is a statutory 55 miles per hour.
“If there is a sign, that would mean it (the speed limit) is reduced,” said Liptak. “But I believe that it is a statutory 55 right now.”
MDOT established the speed limit in that area based on the speed of what 85 percent of drivers are driving.
"We may have had a speed study and it showed that at least 85 percent of the drivers were driving at least 55 mph, so it didn't warrant to reduce it," he said.
Liptak added that the area will probably be evaluated and the speed adjusted after the signal is activated near the new Wal-Mart Supercenter.
Question:What is the significance of the letters engraved in each sidewalk square on the Keith McKellop Walkway?
Date Published: 04/09/2005
Answer:The scenic walkway, located in the heart of town on the shores of Lake Cadillac, was built in the 1980s. People can walk, jog, run or in-line skate along the water and over the Clam Lake.
"It is my understanding that the initials are of people who donated money or bought a sidewalk section," said Bob Johnson, director of public works, "or else they (sections of sidewalk) were purchased in the memory of someone."
Question:What is going on in the recreation area on U.S. Highway 10 in Reed City?
Date Published: 04/09/2005
Answer:According to City Manager George Freeman, the renovations on Westerburg Park were "pretty much completed last fall." The park was developed in the 1970s.
The city was in charge of the renovations, which were funded through a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources trust fund.
"The renovations included new restrooms, walking paths, new trees planted and a new irrigation system," said Freeman. "It is pretty much done, but we had to wait for the snow to melt to do some touch-up work and clean the area up."
The park's grand opening is scheduled for May 21.
Question:Is Herman Suhs selling his businesses and moving to Florida?
Date Published: 04/02/2005
Answer:According to Herman's wife, Mardi Suhs, there is no plan in the imminent future.
"Selling his business and moving to Florida is his retirement dream," she said. "He hopes to do that sometime in the future, but with the kids still here, we plan to stay here for now."
Question:I recently noticed the time service hotline, 775-1212, has been disconnected. Why? And is there a local time line anymore?
Date Published: 04/02/2005
Answer:According to a SBC representative, the 1212-time line for all areas was done away with in 2005. This resulted from a lack of usage.
The representative added, "In this era of technology almost everything comes with a time and date stamp on it. Cell phones, digitial planners, pagers, computers and the television guide channel, at any given time there is something in or around you that is posting the time and date."
There was not enough usage of the time line today to keep the funding, therefore a decision was made to do away with it.
For further assistance contact SBC at (800) 924-1000.
Question:A few years ago I read an article about a doctor who was going overseas on missionary work and was taking prescription drugs with him. Is there any place in town that unused drugs can be taken to? I just hate throwing them away.
Date Published: 04/02/2005
Answer:According to Mike Moffit, a pharmacist at Cadillac Family Pharmacy, prescription drugs can be dropped off at the Cadillac Family Pharmacy and are then sent to Third World countries.
"We have two doctors, Drs. Edward Stehouwer and Glenn Verbrugge, who come in about once a month and pick up medications," said Moffit. "They have contacts in Third World countries, so they package them and send them over there."
Depending on how many prescription drugs they accumulate, the pharmacy calls the doctors once or twice a month. They also accept other devices that are in need in those countries such as blood glucose machines or eyeglasses.
"It sure beats flushing them (prescription drugs) down the toilet," said Moffit. "Those countries have less restrictions on medications, so they aren't scrutinized as much."
People or other pharmacies can drop off prescription drugs anytime at the Cadillac Family Pharmacy.
Question:Could you tell me why dirt collects under the edges of rugs that are on kitchen floors? There is always a bunch of dirt on the end of the rug – how does it get there?
Date Published: 03/15/2005
Answer:An employee of Cinderella’s Housecleaning Service of Cadillac said there are a few reasons why dust can collect under rugs. When you walk on a rug with shoes on, the dirt and sand from shoes that collect on the rug may go through the rug material and end up under the rug. Also, dirt that collects on the floor from shoes or even from sweeping can sneak under the rug when the rug is moved even just slightly.
Question:What is the history behind the Cadillac News being distributed through the mail system rather than being delivered via a carrier route?
Date Published: 03/15/2005
Answer:In 1980, the Cadillac News changed from carrier (and motor route) delivery to mail delivery. While each delivery method has its advantages and disadvantages, mail delivery has proven to be a good fit.
Most carrier-delivered newspapers struggle with ongoing delivery related problems, ranging from wet or damaged newspapers tossed onto doorsteps to missed deliveries resulting from nearly constant carrier turnover.
For the Cadillac News, however, the U.S. Postal Service has provided consistent, reliable and efficient service for our readers and advertisers.
Question:Can you sniff out what is going on at the old Bunker Hill Golf Course on No. 32 road?
Date Published: 03/15/2005
Answer:According to Shari Ault of the Cadillac Visitors Bureau, it was closed down and as of now, she has received no other information about the golf course. The phone line for the golf course has been disconnected.
Question:What happened with the Dan Rather poll that 9&10 News were doing?
Date Published: 03/15/2005
Answer:According to general manager William Kring in a press release, the poll had been suspended and the program was planned be broadcast in its entirety.
Kring said they wanted to allow the local viewers to voice their opinion about whether it would be broadcast, but the poll was misinterpreted.
9&10 News has always valued their 50-year relationship with CBS network and apologizes for any misunderstandings their actions may have caused.
Question:Instead of leaving lights on all night at Kenwood Park boat dock, why doesn’t the city light up Diggins Hill and have a ski tow and have skating rink like years ago?
Date Published: 03/12/2005
Answer:Cadillac Department of Public Works Director Bob Johnson said the ice skating rink is a community school issue but Diggins Hill is not an approved ski area. It is a sled at your own risk hill and is not a developed area. Using the hill is no different than going out on a hill anywhere else and going sledding. That being said, Johnson said there has been some public interest in improving the hill for sledding and snowboarding. A group has talked about having a fundraiser. Right now with the funding being an issue across the board, Johnson said there are no plans to upgrade the hill from the city’s end. As far as the outside ice rink, Community Schools Director John Horrigan said it is not a viable commodity. Horrigan said it was very difficult to get a rink flooded before Christmas and generally in February it would begin melting under the warmer sun. The cost involved to have someone work it and for upkeep also were issues when running an outdoor ice rink especially with the ice surface at the Wexford County Civic Arena, Horrigan said.
Question:Why isn’t Cadillac native Ad Wolgast in the Cadillac High School Hall of Fame? Why isn’t he accepted?
Date Published: 03/12/2005
Answer:It is the Cadillac Viking Hall of Fame and is for former graduates, coaches or honorary inductees, according to Cadillac Athletic Director John Horrigan. Criteria for entrance to the hall includes being a graduate of Cadillac High School, coached at the high school or had to work/volunteer to help improve the high school or athletic program, Horrigan said. While Horrigan said he knows Wolgast has contributed to the YMCA and did a lot for youth in the community, the hall is the Cadillac Viking Hall of Fame. While he also believes, Wolgast should be honor he does not feel the Cadillac Viking Hall of Fame is the right venue and is something the community should do similar to the Keith McKellop Walkway.
Question:Why are there no ribbons or signs of warming where the ice is unsafe to warn drivers to stay off the ice?
Date Published: 03/12/2005
Answer:Cadillac Department of Public Works Director Bob Johnson said there are a couple of reasons why ribbons or signs are not on the lakes warning people of unsafe ice. First, the city does not have control of the lakes. For example, if the city put a sign on the lake that said it was safe to drive on and someone fell through, it would be a liability, Johnson said. It also is not the city’s area of responsibility. People are responsible for their actions, he said. There are no guarantees. Second, he said no lake is safe to drive on. A lot of people drive on the lake but the bottom line is no lake is safe to drive on.
Question:When did Cadillac Area Schools begin picking up high school kids at each of the elementary schools?
Date Published: 02/26/2005
Answer:Because there are very few records on that, CAPS Director of Transportation said he believed it started with the 1983-1984 school year. It began with pickups at all the elementaries in town as well as one other stop in town. Students had to live at least 1 1/2 miles from the high school to get a ride, according to Pals Being a former student of CAPS, Pals said prior to the 83-84 school year there was no busing within the city. Students had to walk or get a ride. Currently, there are still walking routes which includes some elementary students, Pals said.
Question:How is it that Wal-Mart can put a gas station in right across the street from where Peterson’s proposed gas station got so much resistance?
Date Published: 02/26/2005
Answer:The simple answer is there wasn’t much opposition, according to Haring Township Zoning Administrator Gary Fuller. Fuller said the Wal-Mart station was part of a site plan review, there was a public hearing for it and there wasn’t much opposition to it. Likewise, Haring Township Planning Board Chair Stan Fawcett said when the Peterson’s proposed station was turned down, there was no commercial development in that area. The new Wal-Mart store going up further enforces the commercial zoning of the area, Fawcett said. There were continual rumors the proposed Peterson’s development was going to be a truck stop and those unfounded rumors led to anxiety in residents near by, Fawcett said.
Question:Why didn’t the Cadillac DDA have a Santa/Santa House this year?
Date Published: 02/26/2005
Answer:The city did have Santa and Christmas in the Park events, according to Downtown Cadillac Association President Pat Goggin. Santa lit the lights around the lake and then led a procession to the Sweet Shop the weekend before Thanksgiving. The idea in 2004 was to bring Santa closer to the downtown and into the stores, to give merchants the opportunity to host Santa for an afternoon. The Santa House was always cold, cramped and people had to stand outside, Goggin said. The idea was to try and improve those things and help connect the merchants, Goggin said.
Question:Why aren’t real estate signs subject to the same laws about being in the right-of-way?
Date Published: 02/26/2005
Answer:The signs are not supposed to be on the sidewalk and street and they are suppose to be on the person’s property, according to Real Estate Agent Willa Fagerman. The signs are suppose to be right in front of the house and not between sidewalks and street but there are not any specific rules as far as number of feet, Fagerman said. Similarly, Cadillac MDOT Service Center Manager Rick Liptak said it depends on whether the signs are on premise or off premise. If the property is along a state highway, property owners may have real estate signs in front of their business or homes. It is consider on premise, Liptak said. If the home or business is on a county road, a sign can not be along a state highway pointing up the county road toward the business or house. It is consider off premise, Liptak said.
Question:
Date Published: 12/31/1969
Answer:
Question:
Date Published: 12/31/1969
Answer: