Judge spares Cider mill big fine for tree sales

PONTIAC (AP) -- A southeastern Michigan judge has spared a cider mill's owner a threatened $7,500 fine for selling Christmas trees. Instead, Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren levied a $3 fine against owners of the cider mill in Oakland Township. Tom Barkham has a long-running dispute with township officials over sale of the trees, as well firewood and tickets for a corn maze. Barkham bought the cider mill in 1981. It was closed for several years and in 1983 the township sued, saying the closure affected the facility's right to operate in a residential area. A court order let the mill reopen between Labor Day and Jan. 1, but guidelines restricted sales to cider, popcorn, mill-related items, and allowed a petting farm. Barkham was found in criminal contempt in January. Published: Fri, Feb 11, 2011