BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

When Joshua Turcsak posted a video on his personal Facebook page last Wednesday showing what appeared to be an impending sinkhole on Clarkston Road near Clintonville and Eston roads, it quickly went viral.
As of this past Monday, the video had 419 comments and 931 shares. In the video, Turcsak takes a long piece of PVC pipe and sticks it down the hole, showing the hole to be probably at least 10 feet deep, if not more.
“The road commission came out the same night I noticed the hole, briefly inspected hole and said crews will be by in the morning,” said Turcsak. “They showed up, took a look, and seemed initially puzzled, as what was underground was not on record. They hypothesized based on experience what was going on underneath the road. Stated it would be filled or repaired and there was no current danger to the public.”
Turns out it was really nothing at all to worry about, according to Independence Township Supervisor Pat Kittle.
“The gentleman with the white PVC pipe claiming a sinkhole exists on Clarkston Road was misinforming his audience,” said Kittle. “What the gentleman was sticking the pipe into was a road culvert that traverses underneath Clarkston Road. Somehow, he found a rusted-out area at the top of the pipe and stuck the white pipe into that.
“There is zero problem with the integrity of the road.”
As of last Thursday, an orange barrel had been placed over the hole by the road commission.
“We are aware of the hole on the shoulder of Clarkston,” said Craig Bryson, senior communications manager for the Road Commission for Oakland County. “One of our foremen was at the scene (last Wednesday) night. Not sure I’d call it a sinkhole. We will be out there (Thursday) morning to repair.”
Turcsak said the situation has the makings of a potential hazard.
“It will certainly eat tires if the hole being covered by barrel is run over,” said Turcsak. “If the destination or path of the water is unknown, it could further erode under the road or possibly under the neighbor’s foundation, with unknown consequences.
“The ‘sinkhole’ phenomenon is new to me but invokes great curiosity for discovery of the unknown. I don’t think we have heard the last of this story, in my honest opinion.”
Turcsak said the attention has him smiling.
“We are all in this crazy life together,” said Turcsak. “Be a good neighbor. If you take a little time to care about the well-being others, your day will be a little brighter, smile a little bigger, and heart a little warmer.
“I’m also amazed at the attention this has gotten. It was a fun video for friends and family consumption. I can’t believe all the views accumulating.”