10/9/24 Farmington Press by C & G Newspapers

2024 ELECTION GUIDE

DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING

WETLANDS ON HOLD

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

FARMINGTON HILLS — A development proposal that caused a stir among some residents last year has yet to be resolved.

At a Planning Commission meeting last February, more than 15 residents voiced concerns about a pro-

Planning Commission addresses controversial Sheetz development

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

FARMINGTON HILLS — At a Farmington Hills Planning Commission meeting Sept. 19, residents had the opportunity to share their thoughts about a proposal that has stirred up controversy in the city.

posed development on the south side of Folsom Road, between Parker Avenue and Lundy Drive. Folsom is a service drive for the M-5 highway, and runs from Farmington Road to Orchard Lake Road.

Forest at Riverwalk Development LLC has proposed 16 parcels for construction of single-family homes, with a one-family cluster option.

See WETLANDS on page 10A

Sheetz, a family-owned convenience store and gas station chain that was started in 1952 in Pennsylvania, is proposing a planned unit development at the former site of the Ginopolis restaurant, located near 12 and Middlebelt roads.

SkilkenGold Real Estate Development was listed as the applicant, and the proposal calls for the construction of a gasoline service station with a drive-thru restaurant.

According to Alex Siwicki, who spoke at the meeting on

south side of Folsom Road, between Parker Avenue and Lundy Drive, has been a cause for concern for some residents in the area. Pictured are local residents

Tom and Barb Seabolt, and Michelle Gala.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

The site of the former Ginopolis restaurant, located near Middlebelt and 12 Mile roads, could eventually be home to Sheetz, a convenience store and gas station chain that operates 24/7.

Barricaded gunman fires AK-47 in Farmington Hills neighborhood

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

FARMINGTON HILLS — A suspect who fired shots at police officers is facing multiple charges.

According to a press release, at approximately 11:30 a.m. Sept. 15, officers from

the Farmington Hills Police Department responded to the 29000 block of Morningview, near Middlebelt and 12 Mile roads, after a 911 call was made about a domestic assault that was in progress.

Officers arrived at the scene and were met by a “distraught woman,” who was the victim of a domestic assault, the release

states. She informed officers that her children were trapped inside the home and that the suspect, Dejuan Patrick Evans, a 32-yearold man, was armed with a gun.

“Without hesitation, officers entered the home to rescue the children, announcing their presence multiple times,” the release states. “Inside, they encountered Ev-

ans, who was concealing his hands behind a door frame and refused to comply with their multiple commands. Evans then aimed an AK-47 rifle at officers, forcing an officer to discharge their weapon in self-defense.”

As officers fled the home, Evans fired several rounds at them, causing the officers

See GUNMAN on page 11A

Glenlore Trails opens for Halloween season

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP — The Glenlore Trails “Enchanted” forest experience, an immersive and interactive Halloween light show, opened for its fourth season on Sept. 21.

The “Enchanted” forest walk has various interactive experiences for guests to enjoy as they walk the milelong trail. This includes a section with a giant pumpkin telling people to slow down as he “doesn’t like fast food,” a bubble tunnel, a fortune teller, several interactive light games, talking skeletons, howling wolves in the woods and much more.

“The trails are intended to provide moments of inspiration, reignite our sense of wonder and play, and deliver those who venture in with a sense of peaceful euphoria that comes from creating memories with friends and family,” said Scott Schoeneberger, co-founder of Glenlore Trails and managing partner of Bluewater Technologies, which operates the trails.

Schoeneberger describes the trails as “part art installation, part light show and part interactive storytelling.”

“It’s a fun, non-spooky family experience,” said Jesse Ewing, of Inkster, who came out to walk the trail with friends.

Ewing said she particularly enjoyed the wolf section. The trails were a brainchild of the pandemic. Schoeneberger said that a good portion of

See GLENLORE on page 11A

People walk Glenlore’s “Enchanted” Halloween Trail in Commerce Township. Pictured tp left, a skeleton fairy is one of many Halloween enchantments that give Glenlore Trails, in Commerce Township, a fun and spooky atmosphere this season. For more photos, visit candgnews.com/galleries.

Photo by Erin Sanchez

Michigan Supreme Court clarifies decision on wages

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The Michigan Supreme Court, following a request for clarification by the state of Michigan, provided a more definitive ruling Sept. 18 on the changing minimum wage and earned sick time in Michigan.

The court confirmed that the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act and the Earned Sick Time Act will both go into effect on Feb. 21, 2025. Changes to the wage rates will occur each year on Feb. 21 after this point. Rates for the upcoming year’s increase will be published by the state’s treasurer Nov. 1.

The minimum wage this coming February will be $10 plus the state treasurer’s adjustment for inflation, which according to information in the motion for clarification will bring it to $12.48. The additional adjustment will be made using July 31, 2024, as an endpoint. Tipped workers must make at least 48% of this.

These wages will continue to incrementally rise. In 2028, the minimum wage will be $12 plus the treasurer’s adjustment for inflation, which the motion indicated will be $14.97. The tipped workers minimum hourly wage rate must be at least 80% of minimum wage in 2028. From this point forward, the treasurer will need to determine the wage. By 2030, the minimum wage gap between tipped and nontipped workers should be closed.

The rate of inflation was also questioned by Nessel. The court clarified that the treasurer would bring the minimum wages

in the Wage Act current to July 31, 2024, through an inflationary catch-up beginning Jan. 1, 2019.

Justice Brian K. Zahra wrote the dissenting opinion Sept. 18 and adhered to his reasoning for initially dissenting to the July 31 opinion. He was joined by Justice David F. Viviano.

“A majority of this Court has no authority to rewrite unambiguous statutory provisions in pursuit of its subjective understanding of ‘equity.’ Such power is vested with the Legislature, not the judicial branch, and no case available to the Court in Michigan or any other jurisdiction in this nation has adopted or condoned the extraordinary remedial actions taken in this case by the Court, both in the initial opinion and in the instant order,” Zahra states.

“I respectfully note that the time to relitigate the opinion’s merits has passed,” Justice Elizabeth M. Welch said in part in her concurring opinion.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel set Sept. 15 as a deadline for the Michigan Supreme Court to clarify aspects of its initial ruling on the Wage Act. This deadline came and went, but the court had the ability to provide clarity prior to the state treasurer publishing the final wage calculations on Nov. 1.

This all comes after the court made a 4-3 bombshell ruling on the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act and the Earned Sick Time Act on July 31, affecting the state’s laws governing minimum wage and sick time.

The ruling was years in the making. It’s the result of wrangling to keep the issue off

See WAGES on page 7A

NEWS & NOTES

Farmington Hills offers instruction in CPR

FARMINGTON HILLS — The Farmington Hills Fire Department and the city of Farmington Hills Emergency Preparedness Commission are offering an American Heart Association Heartsaver class Oct. 24 to train members of the public in CPR, AED and “Stop the Bleed” tourniquet training.

The course is designed for anyone, including people with little to no medical training, according to a press release from the city of Farmington Hills. The class is scheduled for 5:30-10 p.m. at Fire Station 4, located at 28711 Drake Road. It is for individuals 12 and up. Children under 18-years-old must register with a parent or guardian. Registration costs $10 for residents of Farmington Hills and Farmington and $20 for non-residents, with an additional $20 required to receive an American Heart Association Certificate of Training, regardless of residential status. The class requires that participants are physically able to kneel on the floor, and use their arms and hands to perform continuous chest compressions. Registration fees are due by Oct. 17 and are non-refundable. Payments may be made with cash or check at the City of Farmington Hills Fire Department Headquarters/Station 5 at 31455 W. 11 Mile Road. Cash payments must be made with exact change and checks should be made payable to the City of Farmington Hills.

Correction:

A photo caption that ran with the story “Moving into the multigenerational-living era” Sept. 25 should have said that Jennifer Toomajian, of Real Estate One in Troy, is showcasing this home at 8905 Ridge Drive, Washington Township. It is currently on the market for $1,650,000 and was designed by 213 Designworks. For more information on the home, and buying inquiries, visit realestateone.com/MI/Macomb/Washington/8905-RidgeDrive-Washington-MI-48095/20240064203-MIRC#.

Farmington recognized with ‘Great American Main Street’ award

FARMINGTON — According to a press release, Main Street America has announced “Main Street Farmington” as a 2025 Great American Main Street Award semifinalist.

A jury of professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development, and historic preservation convened to review a nationwide pool of applicants.

After deliberating, the jury unanimously selected eight semifinalists that “demonstrate exemplary use of the Main Street Approach to lead community-based transformation strategies in their downtowns,” the release states. Farmington was the only semifinalist representing Michigan.

“This year’s semifinalists demonstrate exceptional achievements in reenergizing their downtowns through inclusive, collaborative organizing and innovative economic development, arts and culture, and historic preservation initiatives,” Main Street America President and CEO Erin Barnes stated via the release.

Collectively, the 2025 GAMSA semifinalists have generated over $695 million in local reinvestment, helped open 975 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 7,190 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 1,568 historic buildings, and leveraged 333,050 volunteer hours, according to the release.

NATIONAL PIZZA MONTH SUPPORTS FOSTER CLOSET

FARMINGTON HILLS — To help celebrate October as National Pizza Month, Uno Pizzeria & Grill of Farmington Hills is serving a Detroit Coney Chicago-style pizza for the duration of the month, according to a press release.

“Available for a limited time, this delicious fusion of two iconic dishes brings together the best of Detroit’s beloved coney dog and Uno’s famous Chicago deep-dish pizza,” the release states.

A portion of all proceeds from the sale of the Detroit Coney Chicago-style pizza will be donated to Oakland County Foster Closet to support local children in the foster care system.

Dine-in customers who order the Detroit Coney Chicago-style pizza and bring in a pack of new socks for Oakland County Foster Closet’s Socktober program will receive a complimentary appetizer add-on, according to the release.

The Detroit Coney Chicago-style pizza is available through Oct. 31 at Uno Pizzeria & Grill in Farmington Hills.

MURAL UNVEILED IN FARMINGTON

FARMINGTON — In recognition of Farmington’s 200 years of history, the unveiling of a timeline mural took place downtown Sept. 25.

The unveiling was held at 23300 Farmington Road, in the alley between Fresh Thyme Market and My Salon Suites.

The mural was created to commemorate Farmington’s bicentennial and “beautifully captures the key moments and milestones that have shaped our community,” according to a press release.

It was designed by local artist Carl Johnson, with input from local historian Brian Golden and Farmington Councilwoman Maria Taylor, according to the release.

Photo provided by the city of Farmington

CRIME WATCH

Police arrest cellphone theft suspect

FARMINGTON — On Sept. 24 at approximately 5 a.m., Farmington Public Safety officers were dispatched to the area of Grand River and Drake for a man in his mid 20s who stole a cellphone from a convenience store. Officers were in the area investigating when they saw the man walking on Drake Road. The subject ran from the officers but was ultimately apprehended and taken into custody. The case was presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for warrant consideration.

Woman loses more than $9K to scammer

FARMINGTON — A 74-year-old woman told police Sept. 20 that she had been contacted by a suspect who claimed to work for her bank. The suspect was able to convince the woman to withdraw $9,500 from her bank account and place it onto a credit card provided by the suspect. The woman is working with her bank, and the case has been forwarded to the detective bureau for investigation.

Defrauding an Innkeeper

FARMINGTON — On Sept. 22, officers were dispatched to the 23000 block of Farmington Road for a report that two customers had failed to pay for food. The suspects, two women 20-30 years of age, had left the scene prior to police arrival. The suspects left prior to paying for approximately $39 worth of food. The restaurant was able to obtain a license plate and description of the suspects, which was provided to police. The case has been forwarded to the detective bureau for investigation.

Editor: Annie Bates | (586) 498-1071 | abates@candgnews.com

Reporters: Mark Vest | (586) 498-1052 | mvest@candgnews.com

Charity Meier | (586) 498-1092 | cmeier@candgnews.com

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Wages

the ballot in Michigan by legislators against the changes.

It started with two petitions in 2018 that received the required number of signatures to potentially appear on the ballot.

One petition would have given workers gradual wage increases until the minimum wage became $12 in 2022. After 2022, the wage would be increased each year, as determined by the state, according to inflation. The minimum-wage gap between tipped workers and all other workers, 38% in 2018, would be eventually closed by 2024.

The other petition required employers to give employees one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked per week.

The Legislature adopted the unaltered initiatives in September 2018. This kept them off the ballot and allowed lawmakers to alter them.

They did this in two bills. One caused the minimum wage increases to not exceed $12 until 2030 and removed the increases for tipped workers. It also removed increases to the wage based on inflation. The second made changes to sick time. It exempted em-

ployers with under 50 employees from providing paid sick time. It reduced the amount of paid sick time hours for larger businesses from 72 hours to 40.

The changes, led by Republicans, were approved along party lines by margins of 6048 in the Michigan House of Representatives and 26-12 in the state Senate in a lame duck session in December 2018. They were signed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder and went into effect March 29, 2019.

In the Michigan Court of Claims, it was determined that the Amended Wage Act and the Amended Earned Sick Time Act were unconstitutional on July 19, 2022. This was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals, but was ultimately upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court’s July 31, 2024, ruling.

After the July 31 ruling, Nessel made a motion to clarify the ruling on Aug. 21.

“Respectfully, the Michigan Department of Treasury has read this Court’s opinion in earnest and believes there exist ambiguities as to how to interpret and implement this Court’s directives in accounting for inflation for the graduated wages for the 2025 through 2028 time period,” the motion states.

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.

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SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING

The popularity of LEGO® is at an all-time high.

Now, there’s a local go-to spot for fans seeking rare and specialty sets, those wanting to buy in bulk or anyone eager to customize their own miniﬁgures.

More than just a toy store, Bricks & Miniﬁgs Novi serves as a lively gathering spot where collectors can ﬁnd elusive pieces, share tips and even trade their unused LEGO® for cash or store credit.

HIGH SCHOOL INTEREST IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION SOARS

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The rising cost of college, combined with growing demand for skilled workers, is driving more students to enroll in career and technical education programs, known as CTE programs.

The state projects more than 520,000 Michigan jobs and approximately 45,500 annual openings in the professional trades by 2030.

Amid skilled-labor shortages across the nation, many students are choosing CTE programs to explore a future career, get college credit, find an internship, and/or earn industry recognized certifications, all while fulfilling their high school graduation requirements.

At Oakland Schools Technical Campuses, high school students from the county’s 28 public school districts, public academies, private learning institutions and home schools can learn practical career technical education. Enrolled students spend part of their day studying at their home district and the remainder involved in one of several career clusters offered at one of four of the county’s technical campuses — Pontiac, Clarkston, Walled Lake and Royal Oak.

Across Michigan, many high schools and specialty programs offer CTE courses aligned with in-demand, high-wage careers in fields like business, information technology, health care, hospitality and manufacturing.

“Career and technical education is preparing students for high-wage, high-skill, high-demand jobs,” said Paul Galbenski, the dean of Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northeast in Pontiac.

OSTC offers a total of 17 state-approved CTE programs: — including agriscience and environmental technologies; automotive technology; collision repair and refinishing; computer programming; construction technology; cosmetology; criminal justice; culinary arts/hospitality; cybersecurity networking; energy-electrical technology; engineering, robotics and mechatronics; entrepreneurship and advanced marketing; graphic and communication design; health sciences; machining; medium/heavy truck and equipment; and welding.

The primary focus of OSTC’s program is for students to marry their technical and academic skills together, so they are career ready. Because being career-ready looks different for each student and their field of in-

See CAREER on page 9A

“What sets us apart is that we oﬀer used LEGO® sets in various conditions: fully assembled, disassembled but certiﬁed complete with instructions and even repackaged in their original boxes,” said Cara Suksi, who coowns the shop with her husband, her mother and their business partners.

The store’s appeal lies in its specialized oﬀerings, attracting customers from toddlers to those in their 80s.

“We specialize in sourcing rare sets by purchasing pieces directly from individuals, which is how we stock our inventory,” Cara explained. “We cater to a wide range of collectors, some of whom visit us daily or several times each week. Many of our customers appreciate the ﬂexibility of buying in bulk and the option to trade in pieces they no longer use for store credit to acquire new items.”

Sean Krabach, one of the store’s co-owners and a Novi resident, recently visited LEGO® headquarters in Billund, Denmark. “Since there are exclusive sets only available there, he brought an extra suitcase speciﬁcally for purchases,” Cara shared. “We currently carry iconic sets like the Black Pearl, complete with all the miniﬁgures, and the Death Star 2, which is a massive Star Wars set that we are still assembling.”

Bricks & Miniﬁgs Novi is the ﬁfth Michigan location, and Cara said each of the stores mutually support each other. “We were at the grand opening for the Lansing location last year, and that family will soon open another in Ann Arbor.”

Community outreach is important to Cara, who noted: “We will be hosting birthday parties, collaborating with local schools and supporting robotics teams in the First LEGO® League.”

Bricks & Miniﬁgs was launched over 10 years ago in Oregon and is now headquartered outside Salt Lake City. Franchise opportunities are available nationwide.

Bricks & Minifigs Novi is located at 49881 Grand River Avenue in Wixom. For more information, call (248) 938-4219 or visit bricksandminifigs.com/novimi/. Follow Bricks & Minifigs Novi on Facebook and @bricksandminifigsnovi on Instagram.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Lake Orion High School seniors Logan Silaghi, left, and Brodey Selent, right, work on an assembly system. The workstation lets students experience an integrated work system and utilize electrical and mechanical systems at Oakland Schools Technical Campuses- Northeast.

Career

terest, there are many options.

“They can go into a pathway where they are working on our Oakland Technical Early College, where they could come out with an associate degree in their technical area. They could be in a pre-apprenticeship program. They could go directly into the workforce. They could go into the military. They could go into a speciality trade school. They could go to a two-year community college, or they could go to a four-year university. … All of those options are on the table,” he said.

Through internships, apprenticeships and day-in-the-life job shadowing, students learn what it’s like to work in their chosen fields — instead of spending thousands to figure it out in college.

“Students that attend a technical campus have what I like to phrase as a ‘force multiplier of opportunities’ because they are then in each of these programs, working toward and earning industry credentials,” Galbenski explained.

For example, students in the OSTC cosmetology program can earn a cosmetology state license, while those in the computer programming course can become certified in java, HTML, or CSS3. Students in OSTC’s health sciences program, can earn a certified nurse aide license or a patient care technician credential, and those interested in the construction field can earn an Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10 safety certification, to name a few.

And, according to Galbenski, it’s all for free at OSTC.

“Every one of these credentials is free. You want to talk about return on invest-

ment. … There are many opportunities for students to be successful and look at those careers and pursue those pathways,” he said.

Utica Community Schools offers a variety of CTE courses to high-schoolers in a number of areas, including everything from computer programming, cybersecurity and engineering to finance, radio and television broadcasting, and woodworking — to name a few. The district also features five high school specialty programs, including the Utica Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology; the Utica Academy for Health and Human Services; the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies; the Stevenson Center for Manufacturing and Design Engineering; and the Utica Center for Science and Industry.

Scott Spry, an electronic technology and mechatronics instructor at the Utica Center for Science and Industry, said UCSI students have access to work-based learning opportunities, including job shadowing, mentoring and work-site internships. Students, he said, focus on the design thinking process and choose one of the three CTE pathways — multimedia production, mechatronics or engineering technology.

“We already know that the pipeline for career and technical education positions is very, very lean, so continuing to try to fill that pipeline from our level has been a priority for the last couple of years,” Spry explained.

At Utica Community Schools, Spry said, many of its CTE students have gone on to work in needed fields within the community.

The same is true for many of OTSC students — including former OSTC health sciences graduates, who have gone on fill vacant, in-demand doctor and dentist positions within Oakland County communities.

Chef Justin Howard goes over proper dining room service with students at Oakland Schools Technical Campuses - Northeast. The northeast campus, located in Pontiac, serves students who live in or attend schools in the Avondale, Lake Orion, Oxford, Pontiac and Rochester school districts.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

from page 8A

Wetlands

from page 1A

The size of the land is 16.29 acres. According to Stuart Michaelson, who is one of the developer’s partners, they want to develop 38 homes, which would be between 2,000 and 2,700 square feet.

The meeting last February was to determine if the developer’s plans meet the qualification criteria for cluster development. It was referred to as the “qualification stage.”

At that meeting, Planning Commission members unanimously approved the first stage of the developer’s proposal.

What the developers hope to eventually get is site plan approval from the Planning Commission.

If that is accomplished, their next step would be to try to get approval from Farmington Hills City Council members.

However, before all of that, the Michigan Department of Great Lakes and Energy has a say.

The proposed development is located on wetlands, and according to Michaelson, a few months ago the developer submitted a request for a permit from EGLE.

Michaelson explained the significance of getting approval for the permit.

“(It) permits us to develop the land the way we have designed,” he said.

EGLE is accepting public comments about the permit request until Oct. 10.

According to Michaelson, the process to get an EGLE permit is a slow one.

“We’re waiting for the permit from EGLE,” he said. “It takes a while, so maybe another month or two we should get the permit. Then we go back to the city after we get

the permit for the site plan approval.”

Michaelson, of Forest at Riverwalk Development LLC, is listed as the applicant for the proposed project.

“The applicant proposes to place 1,465 cubic yards of fill in 0.5886 acres of Stateregulated wetland to facilitate construction of an access road and residential lots,” a public notice posting from EGLE states.

Michelle Gala is one of the residents in the area who is protesting the potential development.

“If he gets the permit he’s pretty much got the green light to go back to the city and get it approved,” Gala said. “If he doesn’t get this permit, it’s (going to) pretty much stop him, because he can’t do anything with filling in the wetlands or digging underneath the stream or any of that kind of stuff, because that’s where the road and some houses are. So our thing is, we just gotta stop this permit.”

The impact to wildlife and the poten-

tial for water runoff at the site were among the concerns expressed by residents at the Planning Commission meeting last year.

Those issues were again voiced by Gala.

“We have such a huge diversity of wildlife that’s in balance, basically,” she said. “So we have that part of it, with the streams and that kind of thing – with the wildlife. There’s infrastructure there because of all the water. We already have a high water table, so several neighbors already have extra drainage and stuff in their basements, because when it does rain, that water’s coming in.”

According to Gala, “Water’s always been a problem.”

The potential for an increase in traffic, along with developing new, larger homes near smaller ones that are in the area also doesn’t sit well with Gala.

“My house is 100 years old, and it’s only just over 800 square feet, and you (want to) put some huge house behind me – two sto-

ries, garage, and all of that kind of stuff on a lot that’s pretty much the same width as mine,” she said. “It doesn’t fit; doesn’t make sense, and it’s more damage than positive. … This does not make any sense to go through and clear out woods and then fill in three different wetlands to even put the houses on.”

Getting feedback from residents who push back against development projects is nothing new for Michaelson.

“It’s the typical complaint that anybody has on land that they live adjacent to,” he said. “They come up with what they think is an issue because they don’t (want to) see the woods go away or see new housing. I’ve been facing this for 40 years. It’s pretty typical complaints.”

Michaelson cited having new taxpayers in the community with children who attend local schools as an advantage of development.

He also said that a “huge” shortage of housing is a national problem.

“We’ve built in Farmington Hills and enjoyed a good relationship and a good reputation for the quality that we built, so we’re looking forward to another one,” Michaelson said. “Once we build, people are usually very, very happy.”

Comments about the permit application that was submitted to EGLE can be sent to mienviro.michigan.gov/ncore/external/ publicnotice/search.

“What I told EGLE was, ‘You have all these cities and counties and states and even countries adding back in all these green spaces. They’ve learned not to clear out all this, and here we still have this guy wanting to take it away,’” Gala said.

Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 4981052.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Water runoff is one of the concerns that residents have expressed about a potential development site in Farmington Hills.

Gunman

to take cover in a neighboring garage and behind their patrol vehicles.

Evans continued to shoot at numerous officers from both the front door and an elevated position on the home’s second floor, according to police.

Officers from the Farmington Public Safety Department, the Southfield Police Department and the West Bloomfield Police Department, along with the Oakland and Macomb County SWAT teams, responded to assist.

Negotiators from the Farmington Hills Police Department and the Oakland County SWAT team reportedly contacted Evans numerous times, but were unable to convince him to surrender peacefully.

“Over the course of the standoff, Evans continued to shoot at the officers and their vehicles from inside the home,” the release states. “Rounds from his high-powered rifle hit multiple neighboring homes, apartments and five police vehicles, nearly striking officers seeking cover behind them.”

The Oakland County SWAT team later subdued him, as he again took aim to shoot at officers, according to the release.

Evans was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment. He is reportedly in critical but stable condition.

The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office charged Evans with a 13-count felony warrant, including three counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of felonious assault, six counts of felony firearm, one count of felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of domestic violence.

“Additional charges are expected and the investigations of this incident are ongoing,” the release states.

Evans remains in police custody and will be arraigned on the charges after he is medically cleared, according to the release.

No members of the public or responding police officers were injured as a result of the incident.

“I am extremely proud of the heroic actions of the women and men of the Farmington Hills Police Department. They were calm and courageous in the face of extreme danger,” Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King stated in the release. “When encountering this danger, they relied upon their outstanding training that allowed them to safely stop the violence, while protecting the innocent. Their actions saved the lives of the victims and brought safety to the neighboring community. I commend the officers who, even under constant fire from the suspect, remained focused on the two minor children trapped inside the home.”

A $3 million bond was set – cash or surety. No attorney was listed for Evans. A probable cause conference was scheduled for Oct. 16.

Glenlore

from page 3A

his day-to-day business is producing corporate events; consequently, at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak he found himself with a “substantial” amount of gear and a “highly trained technical staff” that he wanted to keep employed.

“We also could feel the desire for any kind of entertainment throughout the community,” Schoeneberger said. “With these two things in mind, we felt that we could put together a safe outdoor experience that would at least for a moment make people feel like things were normal.”

He said that the goal of the trails is to provide quality entertainment to people who don’t often get this type of experience and to make people smile.

Ewing said she enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to those with kids or teens. She said she liked that it is self-paced with different attractions.

“We never expected the reaction from the community that we received,” Schoeneberger said. “So what started as a way to give back has turned into something much more meaningful in the hearts of many of our fans who have quickly adopted Glenlore as a new family tradition.”

Glenlore Trails “Enchanted” is open Thursday through Sunday evenings starting at dusk until Nov. 3. Start times vary, but it typically starts at 7 p.m. and the last entry is around 10:15 p.m. The trails will be closed on Halloween. Tickets cost $25 for those ages 13 to 64, $15 for kids 4 to 12, and $20 for seniors 65 and older. Children ages 3 and younger are admitted for free. Group rates are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to GlenloreTrails.com.

Press voters to decide local, state and national races, plus four tax proposals

In the Press coverage area, voters will decide various state, county and local races Nov. 5, along with tax proposals for parks, streets, schools and the library. Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim. Profiles were not sent to candidates running unopposed.

U.S. Senate

Six candidates are running for one six-year term. The salary for this position is $174,000.

Democrat

Elissa Slotkin Age: 47

Occupation: U.S. Representative (MI-07)

Municipality of residence: Holly

For how long: Grew up in Michigan; I now live on my family farm Online campaign information: elissaslotkin.org

Education: Cornell University - College of Agriculture and Life Science, Bachelor’s Degree and Columbia UniversitySchool of International and Public Affairs, Master of International Affairs

Previously and currently held elected offices: U.S. Representative (Formerly MI-08, now MI-07 due to redistricting): Top goals: My number one priority is to make it easier for Michiganders to get into the middle class. Michigan invented the middle class by maintaining a strong union presence and making investments in small businesses. We can keep people there by reducing healthcare costs, putting Americans on the path to homeownership and making more critical items in America. I am committed to restoring the national standard set by Roe, and ensuring voting rights for every American.

Republican

Mike Rogers

Age: 61

Occupation: Candidate for U.S. Senate, Army Veteran, Former Congressman, State Senator, and FBI Special Agent.

Municipality of residence: Brighton, MI

For how long: Nearly 50 years

Online campaign information: rogersforsenate.com

Education: Adrian College and the University of Michigan

Previously and currently held elected offices: U.S. Representative (2001-2015),

Michigan State Senator (1995-2000)

Top goals: Families are struggling under the current administration and are desperately in need of relief from the high costs of gas and groceries. As a Congressman, I earned a reputation as someone who got results for Michiganders by working across the aisle, and in the Senate, I’ll bring my experience to slash inflation, lower the cost of living for families, and secure our southern border to stop the flow of crime and deadly drugs.

Libertarian

Joseph Solis-Mullen

Age: 35

Occupation: Economist, Political Scientist, and Research Fellow at the Libertarian Institute, Author, and Professor of History at SAU

Municipality of residence: Marshall

For how long: Five Years

Online campaign information: https://solismullen4senate.com

Education: BA in English and Political Science, Spring Arbor University; MA in Political Science, University of Illinois; MA in Economics, University of Missouri; PhD in History, Liberty University

Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: Eliminate the Federal Reserve, IRS, and Pentagon, all foreign aid, Social Security and Medicare, the Department of Education, DEA and ATF, institute federal elections by lottery and one-term limits on those who serve, eliminate omnibus bills and continuing resolutions: basically, everything about the way Washington D.C. does business as usual needs to be scrapped, and Democrats and Republicans love their own power and privilege too much to ever do anything but continue to sail (…)

U.S. Taxpayers

Dave Stein

Age: 54 yrs old

Occupation: Retired CDL A Operator, Investing

Municipality of residence: Residence in Essexville MI.

For how long: Lived here my whole life Online campaign information: DaveStein-

4Liberty.com

Education: Some college, Trade school certificates: Heating and air conditioning, Building trades, Electronics, Heavy Equipment, CDL A, Metal fabrication,Tool making, Grinding, 3D Printing. Private studies: Common law 3 years and ongoing, cooking. IQ=156

Previously and currently held elected offices: Political experience: First time directly other that participation in local committee’s

Top goals: To stop abortion abuse. Abortion should not be used as birth control and only in extreme circumstances allowed. e.g. allow abortion for incest, rape, deformation, disease, threat to Mothers life. Children have a right to live. Alternative to being a parent is adoption. Ending the war machine and concentrating on American born business. Social Security monies go to heirs. Close Border. Require legal US Citizenship to vote.

Green

Douglas P. Marsh

Age: 40

Occupation: Journalist

Municipality of residence: West Branch

For how long: No answer given. Online campaign information: https://www.electmarsh.us

Education: University of Michigan

Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given

Top goals: I want to join a full-court press for Medicare-for-All (single-payer model), housing reforms and rent controls, public education funding, cleaning up PFAs and replacing Flint’s pipes, environmentally sustainable energy and transportation infrastructure investments, stopping money and weapons for war, and stopping the flow of oil through Michigan’s watersheds.

Natural Law Party

Doug Dern

Age: 62

Occupation: Lawyer

Municipality of residence: Highland MI

For how long: 22 years

Online campaign information: www.dougdern.com

Education: University of Oklahoma, Thomas Cooley Law School

Previously and currently held elected offices: n/a

Top goals:

Lots of reform that does not get media attention. Bankruptcy reform needs to be looked at on a national level. Expansion of exemptions, and stricter rules on Chapter 13 Trustees. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act needs reformed because it has not been changed since the 1970’s.

National Changes for third party ballot access. Push for a flat tax across the board equal to all. Promotion for health consciousness and cleaning up the toxic food and (...)

U.S. House of Representatives District 11

Three candidates are running for one two-year term. The salary for the position is $174,000.

Democrat

Haley Stevens (I)

Age: 41

Occupation: Congresswoman from Michigan’s 11th District

Municipality of residence: Birmingham

For how long: First Seaholm Grad to Congress!

Online campaign information: https://haleystevensforcongress.com

Education: I received both a B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy and a M.A. in Social Policy and Philosophy from American University.

Previously and currently held elected offices: I am serving my third term as the Congresswoman for Michigan’s 11th district.

Top goals: I am running for re-election to build on my legislative track record for Oakland County. Whether on trade, manu-

Slotkin

Rogers

Solis-Mullen

Marsh

Stevens

Stein

Dern

Election

from page 12A

facturing, or education issues; I have passed laws to meet the needs of our district. As can be seen by the 200+ visits to manufacturers through my Manufacturing Monday program and the CHIPS act, our district’s families remain my top priority. We also must protect our LGBTQ+ community and install nationwide reproductive care. I remain committed to equality and justice for all.

Republican Nick Somberg

Age: 35

Occupation: Attorney, Entrepreneur

Municipality of residence: Oakland County, Michigan

For how long: 2007

Online campaign information: www.NickSomberg.com

Education:

J.D., Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School

B.A., Oakland University

Previously and currently held elected offices: None

Top goals: My top goals are to restore the Constitution, ensure government accountability, and reduce inflation by cutting wasteful spending. I will fight to secure our borders, defend free speech, and protect the Second Amendment. My focus is on improving economic freedom, securing energy independence, and protecting the rights of families and individuals from government overreach.

Green Party

Douglas Campbell

Age: 65 years

Occupation: Registered Professional Engineer, semi-retired

Municipality of residence: Ferndale

For how long: 24 years

Online campaign information: https://migreenparty.org

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Previously and currently held elected offices: none

Top goals: Embargo weapons shipments to belligerent nations.

Re-introduce John Conyer’s H.R.676Medicare For All.

Overturn Citizens United and eliminate corrupt money from elections.

Amend the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act

to include digital electronics & software.

Repeal the Taft-Hartley Act and restore the protections of the Wagner Act.

Implement James Hansen’s Fee & Dividend program for fossil fuels.

Repeal the Trump tax cuts for billionaires & corporations. Raise the federal minimum wage; index it to inflation.

State House of Representatives District 18

Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for this position is $71,685.

Democrat Jason Hoskins

Age: 40

Occupation: State Representative Municipality of residence: Southfield

For how long: 9 years old

Online campaign information: votejasonhoskins.com

Education: Bachelors in Political Science –Eastern Michigan University; Master’s in Public Administration – Eastern Michigan University, Juris Doctor – University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

Previously and currently held elected offices: Southfield City Council 20192022; State Representative 2023- Present Top goals: Work to reimagine what economic development looks like in the state by attracting talent with mass transit, more housing, and addressing childcare needs. Address rising cost and inflation and that many Michiganders are struggling with right now. I want to increase state revenue sharing and change the state infrastructure funding formula which will result in more critical funding for our road, water and energy

Republican Mordechai Klainberg

Did not return questionnaire by press time.

State House of Representatives District 19

Two candidates are running for one two-year term. The salary for the position is $71,685.

Democrat Samantha Steckloff

Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Republican Kevin J. Hammer

Age: 66

Occupation: Retired Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills

For how long: 37 years

Online campaign information: VoteKevinHammer.com

Education: University of Detroit, B.S., Accounting/ University of Detroit School of Law, J.D.

Previously and currently held elected offices: None

Top goals: My top priority is improving our public schools. After that, 1. Budget discipline, reducing the size and scope of government and reducing our tax burden, 2. Implementing energy policy that provides plentiful and reliable energy to our homes and businesses at globally competitive prices, 3. Providing resources to our police and firefighters to keep our homes, businesses and neighborhoods secure, 4. Securing parental rights in our family life and schools, and 5. Election integrity.

State House of Representatives District 21

Three candidates are running for one two-year term. The salary for the position is $71,685.

Democrat Kelly Breen

Age: 46

Occupation: State Representative Municipality of residence: Novi

For how long: 18 years Online campaign information: tekellybreen.com

Education: Graduate of Northville High School; B.A. from Michigan State University/James Madison College; J.D. from Wayne State Law School

Previously and currently held elected offices: Novi City Council Member, State Representative HD 38, State Representative HD 21 Top goals: Continue with massive investments into education & community services to include revenue sharing. I’ve had 7 bipartisan packages signed into law, with an additional 3 public acts, in several areas to include common sense gun laws, protecting nurses and other victims of abuse, juvenile justice and more. I intend to continue to work on legislation to improve school safety, reform guardianship and

reduce elder abuse, combat human trafficking, improve consumer protections, and hold insurance companies accountable.

Republican Thomas Konesky

Age: 53

Occupation: Residential Real Estate Appraiser

Municipality of residence: Lyon Township House District 21

For how long: 10 years

Online campaign information: votetomkonesky.com

Education: Graduate 1989 River Rouge High School

MSU 1989 to 1992, Middleton Real Estate Training

Previously and currently held elected offices: None

Top goals: The top campaign goal is to advocate for a Michigan government that fosters a business-friendly environment, promoting policies that reduce regulatory burdens, lower taxes, and encourage innovation. By creating a stable, efficient infrastructure and supporting workforce development, the state can attract and retain businesses, boosting economic growth and job creation. The objective is to empower the private sector to thrive, contributing to Michigan’s long-term prosperity and competitiveness on a national and global scale.

Libertarian

James K. Young

Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Oakland County

Commissioner District 15

There are two candidates running for one four-year term

Democrat

Gwen Markham

Age: 71

Occupation: Retired Manufacturing Operations

Municipality of residence: City of Novi

For how long: 29 years

Online campaign information: gwenmarkham.com

Education: BS Chemistry, Western Michigan University

Previously and currently held elected offices: City of Novi Council Member 20132018, Oakland County Commissioner 2019-2024

Top goals: Oakland County has been

Somberg

Campbell

Hammer

Hoskins

Breen

Konesky

Election

focused on addressing climate change going forward. This includes everything from building operations to County-wide policies to help residents make their homes and businesses more resilient. We are also pursuing more affordable housing across the County. In my roles as Board Finance Chair, and Executive Vice Chair of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, I will continue my work to find funding from all available sources to address these issues.

Republican

Daniel Lawless Age: 42

Occupation: Novi Small Business Owner Municipality of residence: Novi

For how long: 9 of the last 13 years, spending 4 years in South Lyon Online campaign information: Facebook: Daniel Lawless for County Commissioner Education: Graduated Lake Orion High School (2000) and studied Political Science at Michigan State University

Previously and currently held elected offices: None.

Top goals: Over the last several years our county has seen increasing taxes and spending, rising crime and embarrassingly low student achievement scores, with nearly 40% of Farmington students unable to read at grade level. We need to refocus on the issues that matter, crime and safety, education, and lowering taxes and fees. Instead of spending county funds on a new shiny office for politicians we should be investing in public safety and individual student tutoring.

Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 16

Two candidates are running for a four-year term. The annual salary for the position is $45,131.

Democrat

William Miller Age: 44

Occupation: Political Director with the Operating Engineers 324 24 year Member Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills

For how long: Since 2012

Online campaign information: FaceBook: William Miller III for Oakland County 16th District Commissioner

Education: Trade School

Previously and currently held elected offices: Currently Oakland County Commissioner District 16

Top goals: As the current county commissioner, I will continue standing up for our values! • Fair wages • Reproductive freedom • Protecting water, trees and green space • Investing in mental health • Supports for working families • Improved regional transit

Republican

Jacob Kovacs

Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Oakland County Executive

Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for this position is $221,336.

Democrat

David Coulter

Age: 64 years

Occupation: Oakland County Executive Municipality of residence: Ferndale

For how long: 33 years

Online campaign information: www.friendsofdavecoulter. com

Education: Bachelor’s

Degree Michigan State University, Executive Education Certificate John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Executive 2019-present, Mayor of Ferndale2010-2019, Oakland County Commissioner- 2002-2010.

Top goals: By working across party lines, I have made balancing the budget and preserving Oakland County’s AAA bond rating a top priority. I have also secured key investments in public safety, water quality and educational opportunities. We are working to lower costs by making housing more affordable, improving public transportation, expanding mental health services, and protecting women’s health care.

Republican Nik Gjonaj

Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney

Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for this position is $191,281.

Democrat Karen McDonald Age: 54

Occupation: Oakland County Prosecutor Municipality of residence: Birmingham

For how long: 16 years Birmingham; Oakland County 29 years Online campaign information: McDonaldForProsecutor.com

Education: Wayne State Law School (1998), Alma College (1992)

Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Circuit Court Judge

Top goals: Keeping Oakland County safe by working with law enforcement to keep dangerous criminals off the streets. Holding Criminals Accountable, including the Oxford High School shooter and his parents, while also fighting for justice for crime victims and their families. Focusing resources on our Gun Violence Task Force, Trafficking Unit, and Hate Crimes Unit - crimes that have a huge impact on our community. Preventing future crime through the Commission to Address Gun Violence.

Republican Scott Farida Age: 34

Occupation: Attorney Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield

For how long: Approximately 30 years Online campaign information: www.faridaforprosecutor.com

Education: Juris Doctore from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Graduated Cum Laude; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Minor in History from Oakland University, Graduated Magna Cum Laude; Detroit Catholic Central High School; St. Hugo of the Hills School Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: We must depoliticize prosecution and re-focus on public safety and victim advocacy. Every single person in our community, regardless of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or any other identifier, has the right to live their life free from being victimized. Our community has seen huge spikes in crime and some of the worst

offenders undercharged or pleaded down. My goal is to be fair and proportional, not to trade one political extreme for another.

Oakland County Sheriff

Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for this position is $170,295.

Democrat

Amrit Kohli

Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Republican

Michael J. Bouchard Age: 68

Occupation: Oakland County Sheriff

Municipality of residence: Bloomfield

For how long: 8 years

Online campaign information: www.sheriffbouchard.com

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice and Police Administration, Michigan State University, Honor Student

Graduate of the United States Secret Service in Dignitary Protection Program Graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute Program (NEI)

Mid-Michigan Law Enforcement Center, Valedictorian

Graduate of the National Sheriff’s Institute Graduate of Darden’s Program for emerging Political Leaders, University of Virginia Toll Fellow, Council of State Governments in conjunction with the University of Kentucky

Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Sheriff, State Senator, State Representative, Beverly Hills Village Council

Top goal: As Sheriff, my top goal is to ensure the safety and security of everyone in Oakland County. I will continue to focus on keeping kids and our schools safe, reducing crime, improving emergency response times, enhancing mental health resources in law enforcement and boosting training. By building strong community partnerships and investing in cutting-edge training and technology, we’ll protect our neighborhoods while maintaining trust and transparency in the Sheriff’s Office. Public safety is not partisan.

Coulter

Bouchard

Miller

Markham

Lawless

McDonald

Farida

Election

from page 14A

Oakland County Treasurer

Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for the position is $170,761.

Democrat

Robert Wittenberg Age: 43

Occupation: Oakland County Treasurer

Municipality of residence: Huntington Woods

For how long: 29 Years

Online campaign information: www.RobertWittenberg.com

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Indiana University

Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative1/1/2015 – 12/31/2020 Oakland County Treasurer7/1/2021 - Current

Top goals: We accomplished a lot during my first term (lowest tax foreclosures, updated investment policy, increased efficiency/transparency, etc.), but the work is not done. My top priorities will continue to be protecting the financial security of every resident in Oakland County, maintaining our AAA Bond rating, and keeping Oakland County a wonderful place to live and work. I will do all I can to secure taxpayer dollars, preserve property values, and prevent foreclosure.

Republican

Donna Blake Age: 65

Occupation: CFO & Small Business Owner

Municipality of residence: Oxford

For how long: 24 Years

Online campaign information: Donna Blake for Oakland County Treasurer on Facebook

Education: Bachelor of Accountancy Walsh College, CPA State of Michigan, Executive MBA Michigan State University

Previously and currently held elected offices: Oxford Republican Delegate 3 two-year terms

Top goals: As a former FBI Forensic Accountant, I’m passionate about rooting out wasteful spending and any misuse of funds. Let’s not be spending county taxpayer dollars for illegal immigration, DEI initiatives, or empty buses driving around Oakland

County. I will accelerate the return of taxpayer money that was illegal taken through tax foreclosures. After cutting costs, I will support property tax cuts. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and work together without wasting a dime.

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner

Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The annual salary for the position is $170,761.

Democrat

Jim Nash

Age: 67

Occupation: Water Resources Commissioner

Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills

For how long: 30 years

Online campaign information: nash4wrc.com

Education: Florida State University, Bachelor’s in Political Science, minor in peace studies (1988)

Previously and currently held elected offices: I served as Oakland County Commissioner representing Farmington Hills from 2005 to 2013. I have been the elected Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner since 2013, now ending my third term.

Top goals: Continue my collaborative work with communities across Oakland County and the region to make our stormwater systems resilient to extreme weather brought by climate change and use our wastewater resources to replace fossil fuels with less expensive renewable energy. My mission is to protect our citizen’s health and safety, conserve our natural resources, continue our high-quality services, pursue sustainable/efficient infrastructure investments, protect economic prosperity for all our communities, promote public education and seek public input.

Republican

Steven Johnson

Age: 66

Occupation: Consultant

Municipality of residence: Highland

For how long: 15 years

Online campaign information: Steven-Johnson.com

Education:

• MBA, Masters of Business Administration, Plymouth State University - University System of NH

• Graduate Certificate, Strategic Marketing Management, Plymouth State University - University System of NH

• BS Business Management & Economics, SUNY- State University of New York

• Harvard University JFK School, Certificate US Public Policy: Social, Economic, and Foreign Policies

• AS, Associate Degree in Business Management - Oakland Community College + Certificate: Business Entrepreneurship

• AA, Associate Degree in Liberal ArtsOakland Community College

• US Navy training: Advanced Electronics - Data Systems, electricity/electronics, computer systems

Previously and currently held elected offices: No other public office.

Top goals: If elected the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, I am committed to protecting and being a good steward of our resources.

High-priority items:

• Nanoplastics and Microplastics

• PFAS

• Water Affordability

• Sustainable Water Management Practices

• Enhancing Water Efficiency

• Protecting and Restoring Wetlands

• Safety for non-municipal water residents

– Well and Septic

• Reducing Operational Emissions

• Safe use of fertilizers, chemicals, salt

• Resilient Infrastructure Water, Sewer, Stormwater

• Supporting Renewable Energy Initiatives

• Public Engagement and Education

Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds

Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The annual salary for the position is $170,761.

Democrat

Lisa Brown

Age: 57

Occupation: Oakland County Clerk/ Register of Deeds

Municipality of Residence: West Bloomfield

For how long: over 30 years

Online campaign information: www. lisabrown4michigan.com

Education: Earned Bachelor of Science degree at Michigan State University and Juris Doctor at the Detroit College of Law; also earned the national designation of Certified Elections/ Registration Administrator

(CERA), the highest credential for those in the elections profession

Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Clerk/ Register of Deeds (2013 to present); Michigan State Representative (2009-2012)

Top goals: To continue running a Clerk/ Register of Deeds office that serves as a model for the state, receiving local and nationwide acclaim for excellence and innovation

Coordinated with local clerks to increase transparency, save taxpayer dollars, and make elections more secure, efficient, and cost effective with the Oakland County Absentee Voter counting board and administering Early Voting for 45 communities

Increased protections for property owners against fraud by implementing the firstof-its-kind Property Records Notification service

Republican

Barb Pallotta

Age: An active, youthful & healthy 70 year old

Occupation: Retired

Municipality of Residence: Charter Township of Independence

For how long: ≈ 20 years

Online campaign information: www.VotePallotta.com

Education: Associates - Science Previously and currently held elected offices: Charter Township of Independence: Appointed as Clerk February 201, Charter Township of Independence: Elected as Clerk November 2012, Charter Township of Independence: Re-elected as Clerk February 2016

Top goals:

Advocate for election integrity and local control of elections. Enacted proposals (2018 Proposal 3 and 2022 Proposal 2) weakens election integrity and directly impacts the sovereignty of local control. Initiate immediate alerts about potential fraud activity to secure all Register of Deed property records 24/7.

Reassess online services and the merit of associated fees to improve access to public records. Develop a “NO FEE” policy for all electronic public records NOT subject to statutory exemption.

Wittenberg

Blake

Nash

Johnson

Brown

Pallotta

Election

page 15A

Farmington Public School Board of Education

Five candidates are running for two six-year terms. Board members receive $30 per meeting.

T.R. Carr

Age: 77

Occupation: Retired (University Faculty)

Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills

For how long: 8 Years

Online campaign information: TRCARR.COM

Education: Ph.D. in Public Administration; Master of Public Administration, BA in Social Science

Previously and currently held elected offices: No

Elective Office in Michigan

Top goals: Put Children First through an emphasis on excellence. I will work with the Superintendent, the Board, and staff to identify strategies for expanding educational excellence across our District.

I will work to open FPS Board subcommittees of Finance, Policy and Community Relations to allow public attendance to improve accountability. The District budget is about $180 million annually. I will work to ensure that spending is guided by an emphasis on excellence in all programs offered by the District.

Danielle DePew

Age: 41

Occupation: Business Analysis Manager | Pega Strategy Manager

Municipality of residence: Farmington, MI

For how long: 6 years

Online campaign information: Facebook: Danielle DePew for Farmington Public School Board

Education: Master of Public Administration | BA Interdisciplinary Studies

Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: I am deeply dedicated to advocating for our community as a compassionate communicator who actively engages with the public and champions transparency. With a background in workforce development and public administration, I possess the

expertise to ensure the effective execution of public programs for the benefit of our community. I aim to establish impactful policies, approve educational objectives, and drive curriculum changes that align with our vision of “building the foundation with equity and innovation.

Vanessa Gwinn

Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Claudia Heinrich

Age: 70

Occupation: Retired Educator

Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills

For how long: 49 years

Online campaign information: Facebook: Claudia Heinrich Farmington School Board Candidate

Education: BA Education, University of Michigan, MA Mathematics, Eastern Michigan University

Previously and currently held elected offices: Current Board of Education Trustee, 4 years

Top goals: My priorities are a safe environment for students to learn, adequate resources to meet the needs of every student and support for teachers to focus on teaching and learning as they empower every student to explore and develop their passions and interests and prepare them for a future beyond FPS.

Thomas Hull

Age: 48

Occupation: Mortgage Broker

Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills, MI

For how long: 19 Years

Online campaign information: On Facebook Elect Thomas Hull

Education: Davis Aerospace High School; Bachelor of Applied Science - Siena Heights University; Masters of Business Administration - South University

Previously and currently held elected offices: None

Top goals: My Top Goals as a School Board Member: - Enhance Academic Achievement: Advocate for stronger academic programs and support systems to help every student excel.

- Ensure Student Safety: Improve school safety measures while promoting mental health and emotional well-being.

- Increase Transparency: Foster open communication and involve parents and the

community in decision-making processes.

- Equity for All Students: Ensure all students have equal access to resources and opportunities regardless of background.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice

Two candidates are running for one eight-year term. The salary for this position is $181,483.

Andrew Fink

Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Kimberly Ann Thomas

Age: 52

Occupation: University of Michigan Law School professor

Municipality of residence: Ann Arbor

For how long: 20 years

Online campaign information: https:// www.electkimberlythomas.com/

Education: Harvard Law School, magna cum laude, 1999; University of Maryland at College Park, magna cum laude, 1994.

Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: I care deeply about equal justice for all Michiganders. I am an experienced trial and appellate lawyer and a law professor at the University of Michigan Law School, where I teach students the ethical practice of law and direct the Juvenile Justice Clinic. My background as a law professor and as a lawyer of 25 years gives me the expertise, experience and problemsolving ability that we need on the Michigan Supreme Court.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice — Incumbent Position

Two candidates are running for a partial term ending Jan. 1, 2029. The salary for this position is $181,483.

Kyra Harris Bolden Age: 36

Occupation: Michigan Supreme Court Justice

Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills

For how long: Two years, though I have lived my entire life in Michigan.

Online campaign information: www.boldenforjustice.com

Education:

B.A. Grand Valley State University

J.D. University of Detroit Mercy

Previously and currently held elected offices: Michigan State Representative, 35th Dis-

trict, 2019-2023

Michigan Supreme Court Justice, 2023-Present

Top goals: The Michigan Supreme Court has offered a unique opportunity to leverage my experience as a legislature, a litigator, and as a public servant in a single position. Throughout my tenure on the court, I’m proud to have made critical decisions that will help shape what justice looks like for generations to come. My work is not done, which is why I am running for retention.

Patrick William O’Grady

Age: 54

Occupation: 15th Circuit Court Judge (Branch County Coldwater, MI)

Municipality of residence: Coldwater

For how long: 25 years (Born and raised in Michigan)

Online campaign information: www.judgeogrady4supremecourt.com

Education: Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Juris Doctor, Western Michigan University Bachelors Business Administration, Michigan State Police Training Academy –Trooper, United States Army Signal Officer Basic Course, Algonac High School, Algonac MI

Previously and currently held elective offices: State of Michigan 15th Circuit Court Judge elected 2008/2014/2020

Top goals: To maintain and restore the public trust of the Supreme Court to one that all citizens look to as a guard of the Constitution and the rights of individuals. Maintaining a high level of impartiality while increasing access to justice in an ever increasing technological world. Further to make sure that the Judiciary remains as the “citadel of the public justice and the public security”. Federalist Paper 78, Alexander Hamilton

Judge of Court of Appeals - 2nd District, non-incumbent terms

Two candidates are running for the nonincumbent position. According to the House Fiscal Agency, the salary is $195,624.97.

Matthew Ackerman

Age: 33

Occupation: Attorney at Ackerman & Ackerman PC

Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Hills

For how long: Over 20 years in Michigan

Carr

DePew

Heinrich Hull Bolden

O’Grady

Thomas

Election

Online campaign information: www.ackermanforjudge.org

Education: A.B., Harvard (cum laude, high honors in Economics); M.Sc. in Economics, London School of Economics; J.D., Columbia Law School (Law Review, highest honors all three years)

Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: One of my goals is to reduce the time it takes for the Court of Appeals to issue decisions. The average time is currently 13.8 months—far too long for critical matters like child custody and criminal appeals. As a Harvard graduate, Columbia Law Review editor, and attorney with extensive appellate experience, including over 100 civil and criminal appeals, I am fully equipped to deliver high-quality, well-reasoned decisions efficiently, ensuring timely justice for all.

Latoya Marie Willis

Age: 49

Occupation: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills

For how long: 14 years

Online campaign information: www.willisforjustice.com

Education: Latoya is a proud graduate of Renaissance High School. After graduating high school, she attended Western Michigan University where she majored in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Latoya earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School and was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 2002. Previously and currently held elected offices: NONE

Top goals: To restore the general public’s confidence in the integrity of our judicial system. For 21 years I have fought to protect the rights of citizens and as a judge I will fight to protect the Court by ensuring it is fair, impartial, and completely nonpartisan. Politics have no place inside our courtrooms. Every individual should be able to trust that their case will be resolved based strictly on the merits, the evidence, and the law.

6th Circuit Court Judge

Two candidates are running for a non-incumbent position. The salary for this position is $180,741.35.

Tricia Dare

Age: 53

Occupation: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Oakland County

Municipality of residence: Oxford

For how long: 15 years

Online campaign information: www.dareforjudge.com

Education: University of Detroit Mercy School of Law from 1994 to 1997: Juris Doctor. Western Michigan University from 1989 to 1993: Bachelor of Science in Political Science (Public Law) and Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology

Previously and currently held elected offices: None

Top goals: As Chief Assistant Prosecutor of the Special Victims Unit, the Juvenile Justice Division, the Hate Crimes Unit and the Victim Services Division, my work has involved crimes committed against the most vulnerable individuals in our community. My goal is to bring the same dedication, compassion and fairness that I have displayed as a public servant for the past 27 years to the bench each and every day, as the next Oakland County Circuit Judge.

Nicole Sophia-Calhoun Huddleston

Age: 42

Occupation: Managing Director/Attorney Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Township

For how long: I’ve lived in West Bloomfield for the past 4 years. I previously lived in Southfield for approximately 14 years.

Online campaign information: lecthuddlestonforjudge.com

Education: - BA in Communications from Oakland University (1999-2004) - JD from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (2010-2014)

Previously and currently held elected offices: None

Top goals: My priorities for this family court seat are: 1.Implementing specialized dockets and support systems to address the needs of individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. 2. Reducing delays and backlogs by streamlining court procedures and leveraging technology to expedite case management 3. Ensuring fair and equal access to

justice for all, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. 4. Upholding the law without bias and making decisions based on facts and legal principles

Oakland County Probate Court Judge

Two candidates are running for one non-incumbent position. The salary is $180.741.35.

Daniel A. O’Brien

Age: 68 years

Occupation: Oakland County Probate Judge

Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield

For how long: 31 years

Online campaign information: Votejudgeobrien.com

Education: University of Detroit Law School, Juris Doctor - 1988 Michigan Technological University, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering – 1981

University of Detroit High School - 1974

Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Probate Judge – January 2009 to the present

Top goals: My goal is to continue providing the best service that any Judge can provide to the people of Oakland County. I have provided that same service to Oakland County my entire legal career, first as an Oakland Assistant Prosecutor, then an attorney providing free legal services to needy people, then an Oakland District Court Magistrate, and now an Oakland Probate Judge for 16 years. No candidate is more qualified.

Traci Richards

Age: 54

Occupation: Lawyer and Associate Real Estate Broker

Municipality of residence: Village of Franklin

For how long: Since 2012

Online campaign information: TraciRichardsforjudge.com

Education: J.D. University of Michigan, B.S. Florida A & M University, Summa Cum Laude

Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: My top goal is to provide more transparency. Transparency should be the norm and not the exception. Probate judges should provide a reason when they select professionals over previously designated individu-

als or family members. People should know what to expect when they go to court in terms of procedures to follow. Instructions should be provided on how to locate free resources about navigating probate cases.

Oakland County Parks and Recreation Millage

The Oakland County Parks System includes 17 park locations with nearly 7,200 acres of public park and recreational lands, 80 miles of trails, campgrounds, dog parks, golf courses, aquatic recreation facilities, and nature education centers. To continue to provide revenue to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, shall the current millage, which has been reduced by required rollback, be replaced, and increased to .65 mills for 20 years from 2024 to 2043, The .65 mills is equal to 65 cents per $1,000.00 of taxable value. The millage, if approved and levied, shall generate approximately $52,191,139 in 2024. The purpose of the millage is to expand, improve, operate, maintain, and acquire parks, recreational facilities, open spaces, lakes, rivers,water areas, and trailways; to support nature education, recreational, and outdoor educational and health programming; to support partnerships for access to and awareness of recreational lands and facilities; to promote the conservation and restoration of high-quality natural and wildlife habitats; and to allow free general park admission to all county parks for residents. Revenue from this millage shall be disbursed only to the County of Oakland to be used solely for the purpose of funding the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and shall be subject to oversight by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and to an independent audit.

Should the proposal be adopted?

Farmington Hills Public Roads and Streets Millage

Shall Section 7.02e of the Farmington Hills City Charter be amended to allow a renewal of the previous voter-approved additional special tax rate for purposes of the improvement, rehabilitation, repair and maintenance of public roads, streets and road drainage within the City by authorizing the City to levy a millage in the amount of 2.0 mills (being $2 per $1,000 of taxable value) for a period of ten years, starting with the July 2025 levy and resulting in the authorization to collect an estimated $9,000,000 in the first year if approved and levied?

Ackerman

Willis

Dare

Sophia-Calhoun Huddleston

O’Brien

Richards

Farmington Hills City Charter Amendment

Shall Section 2.05 of the Farmington Hills City Charter be amended to provide that the City Council members and mayor shall serve until their successor is duly sworn in following election or until they are duly resworn in following re-election?

Farmington Public School District Operating Millage Renewal Proposal

This proposal would renew the authority of the School District, which expires with the 2025 tax levy, to levy up to 18.00 mills for general school district operating purposes on taxable property in the School District to the extent that such property is not exempt from such levy, restrict the levy on principal residences (owner-occupied homes) to no more than 12.5955 mills and protect against the impact of future Headlee rollbacks of up to 3.0 mills, This authorization would allow the School District to continue to levy the statutory limit of 18.00 mills on non-homestead property (principally industrial and commercial real property and residential rental property) and to continue to levy on principal residence property (owner occupied homes) only that portion of the mills necessary to allow the School District to receive the full revenue per pupil foundation allowance permitted by the State. In 2024 the School District levied only 5.2029 mills on personal residences (owner-occupied homes). Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes

which may be imposed on taxable property in the Farmington Public Schools District, County of Oakland, Michigan, be increased in the amount of 21 mills, with 18 mills being the maximum allowable levy ($18.00 per $1,000 of taxable value), to the extent such property is not statutorily exempt, and of which not more than 12.5955 mills may be imposed on principal residences, for ten (10) years, the years 2026 to 2035, inclusive, to provide funds for operating expenses of the School District? This operating millage, if approved and levied, would provide estimated revenues to the School District of $49,196,277 during the 2026 calendar year, to be used for general operating purposes.

Farmington Community Library Millage Renewal Proposal

Shall the Farmington Community Library, County of Oakland, be authorized to levy annually a renewal of the previously authorized millage, which expires in 2024, in an amount not to exceed .9264 mill ($0.9264 per each $1,000 of taxable value) against all taxable property within the Farmington Community Library district for a period of twenty (20) years, 2025 to 2044, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for all district library purposes authorized by law? The estimate of the revenue the District Library will collect in the first year of levy (2025) if the millage is approved and levied by the District Library is approximately $4,750,000. A portion of the revenue collected may be subject to capture by the City of Farmington Downtown Development Authority and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the City of Farmington Hills Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and the Grand River Corridor Improvement Authority.

Sheetz

behalf of the applicant, the site is 3.8 acres.

“This is a 6,139-square-foot restaurantconvenience store and fueling station that we’re proposing,” Siwicki said.

According to an agenda packet from another Planning Commission meeting that took place about the proposal in June, features of the potential Sheetz development include a made-to-order restaurant with fresh food delivered daily, six dual-sided fuel pumps at 12 stations, high-quality materials with four-sided architecture, enhanced landscaping, a “net positive” in trees, outdoor dining and 30 inside seats.

All Sheetz locations are open 24/7.

Multiple residents spoke at the meeting, mostly in objection to the proposal.

“I was before you a year ago proposing (an) apartment development where we were denied because of traffic, crime and wrong zoning,” one resident said. “This project also has those same reasons, so I expect the Planning Commission to make the right decision and deny this project.”

That same resident also expressed concern about the possibility of Sheetz putting other fuel and retail stations out of business.

Another resident said he doesn’t see the need to have any more gas stations in that area.

“I don’t remember there being long lines of traffic trying to get gas anywhere in the city,” he said. “I think we’re served fine by the number of stations we’ve got. … If you’ve been through, at rush hour at 12 Mile and Middlebelt, you’re talking bringing even more cars through there.”

Siwicki addressed some of the concerns that have been brought up by residents, including that there are already plenty of fuel and food options in the city.

“We can say for certain that this loca-

tion will be a success for the demand for our offer,” he said. “There is an 88% greater demand for fuel at this location than there are across any of our locations across seven states. There’s a 92% greater demand for food in this location than there are compared to all of our 750-plus locations across our seven states.”

In regard to concern about a Sheetz location leading to an increase in traffic in the area, Siwicki said, “We are a traffic capturer.”

“Our customers are not necessarily going out of their way to come to us – 75+% of our customers were already passing by, so we’re generating very little new traffic,” he said.

The fact that Sheetz operates 24/7 has also gotten the attention of some residents.

“The 24-hour light and noise pollution emanating from this development will not promote for the health, safety and welfare of our neighborhoods,” one resident said. “There are already 32 convenience stores (and) food services locations located within a mile of this proposed development.”

Joe Tangari, who is a consultant for the civil engineering company Giffels Webster, which helps advise local governments, was present at the meeting.

He also discussed a potential problem with lighting at the site.

“Their lighting has some compliance issues with our standard lighting requirements,” Tangari said. “Some of the mounting heights are higher than what we permit. … It’s a very lit site, as many gas stations are, of course.”

Siwicki discussed concerns about lighting and noise at the site.

“We added fencing and additional trees to help buffer our residential friends to the noises of our property,” he said. “Light pollution is also something that has been asked about. It’s (going to) be tastefully-lit, not super-bright, in your face.”

Other concerns that came up include

air pollution, the potential for a decrease in property value for local residents, an increase in crime and a racial discrimination lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which alleges that the hiring practices of Sheetz screens out Black, Native American and multiracial applicants based on criminal conviction records.

According to Siwicki, although crime happens everywhere, Sheetz has 60-plus cameras at all of its locations and has four times the required inspections that are imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

One resident spoke in favor of Sheetz at the meeting.

He said that the worries expressed by residents are non-existent.

“I’m kind of surprised at the opposition,” he said. “Every place I’ve been, Sheetz

Direct

has always looked fantastic. When I first heard Sheetz was coming, I was really excited. … Let it happen and let supply and demand (win) out.”

The meeting did not lead to a final resolution, as the Planning Commission unanimously approved a motion to set a public hearing for the matter at a meeting scheduled for Nov. 21.

Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.

Spotlight on business...

Hearing focuses on patients... And organ donor cause

Direct Hearing in West Bloomfeld provides individualized hearing solutions in a family friendly, pressure-free environment. As a business owner in the Bloomfeld/Farmington area and surrounding communities since 2017, audiologist Nina Lopatin has quickly built a reputation as a trustworthy expert who provides concierge audiology and hearing aid services.

Direct Hearing is open Tuesday through Tursday and Friday mornings by appointment with Lopatin directly. She brings more than 40 years of experience in the audiology feld focusing on adults and seniors to provide the best solutions to meet their hearing heath care needs.

Yet as focused on her business as Lopatin is, recently she has been equally attentive to the wellbeing of her nephew Dan Ehrmann, a pediatric cardiologist in the Ann Arbor area who is in need of a life-saving kidney transplant donor.

Ehrmann was born with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, which is a progressive condition that eventually causes kidney failure in most patients. Given the severity of Ehrmann’s disease, a kidney transplant ofers a much better option to live a longer, healthier life. He is currently listed for a deceased kidney donor transplant at the University of Michigan, but the expected wait time of fve to seven years is problematic. Ehrmann would require dialysis while waiting which is associated with numerous complications.

Simply put, Ehrmann is need of a living donor and Lopatin is helping him to fnd options.

“Dan is a wonderful human being who has helped save the lives of children through his work in medicine, and now,

sadly, he is faced with his own challenge,” Lopatin said. She calls him a humble person who has much more to give to the communities where he lives and works.

Receiving a kidney from a living donor typically lasts longer and functions better than one from a deceased donor, according to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). In fact, being a living donor is associated with a very low risk of short and long-term complications.

Additional facts about being a living kidney donor, according to the NKF, include:

• You only need one of your two kidneys to live a long, healthy life, with good kidney function.

• Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning through a tiny incision near your belly button.

• Te recuperation period for most donors is typically two to four weeks.

• Te cost of your evaluation and donor surgery will be covered by Ehrmann’s insurance.

• A donor will gain a separate team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Te evaluation is completely confdential. Anyone interested in learning more about donation and potentially donating a kidney to Ehrmann or others must complete a screening questionnaire. Tis can be done by calling the Living Donor Ofce at the University of Michigan at 800-333-9013. Reference Daniel Eli Ehrmann, date of birth May 21, 1987.

To learn more about Lopatin’s business, Direct Hearing, visit directhearing.biz or call 248657-4327. She is accepting new patients.

nina@directhearing.biz

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Driver found with fake grenade but real guns during arrest

BERKLEY — Police arrested a driver for felon in possession of a weapon at 11:20 a.m. Sept. 18 near Greenfield Road and Edwards Avenue.

According to the Public Safety Department, officers pulled over a 32-year-old Detroit man, as the vehicle he was driving had an expired plate and no insurance. The driver stated that the vehicle was not his.

The man was placed in handcuffs and when asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, he said there was a grenade. A grenade-type object was found in the glovebox. Michigan State Police advised that, based on a photo, the grenade-type object did not have an explosive charge but contained rubber BBs and was not illegal to possess. The driver said it was for paintball.

Police said they did find multiple firearms in both the glovebox and center console with rounds inside. The driver reportedly had stated that there were no firearms inside the vehicle.

Cryptocurrency fraud reported

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Sept. 15, an officer from the West Bloomfield Police Department was dispatched to the 4800 block of Faircourt Drive to take a report of fraud involving cryptocurrency.

The reporting party informed the officer that they followed a fraudulent QR code on YouTube that advertised a service involving cryptocurrency.

The reporting party transferred money for the “service,” which resulted in a loss of over $1,000 in cryptocurrency.

There were no known suspects.

Plants go missing

WEST BLOOMFIELD — A resident filed a police report Sept. 16 stating that two plants were stolen over a one-month period.

The reporting party informed the officer that the plants were taken from in front of the Timber Edge subdivision sign, in the 14 Mile Road and Birchwood Trail area. There were no known suspects.

Extortion email threatens to share video of victim

BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Westwood for a report of extortion Sept. 9 at approximately 9 p.m. The victim, a 33-year-old female resident, said she had received an email from an unknown individual who stated they had put malware onto the victim’s phone and that they had personal information about the victim.

an embarrassing video of the victim to everyone in the victim’s contacts if they did not send the suspect $2,000 in bitcoin. Officers later learned that other residents in the area had received a similar extortion email. An investigation was ongoing.

Intoxicated driver hits parked car

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 10 p.m. Sept.

5, officers were dispatched to Lincoln and Birmingham Boulevard for a car accident that had occurred.

The reporting person stated that a white sedan had struck a parked vehicle and fled the scene.

Officers found the sedan parked nearby. Officers approached the vehicle and immediately identified signs of intoxication on the suspect, a 27-yearold from Auburn Hills. Upon failing field sobriety evaluations, the suspect was arrested and was given a citation for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Customer pulls knife on employee

BIRMINGHAM — A 49-year-old Troy woman told police Sept. 15 that while she was working the day prior, a disgruntled customer had pulled out a pocket knife and put the knife up to the victim’s face.

The victim did not know who the suspect was, but stated he was a middle-aged male. An investigation was ongoing.

Suspicious vehicle call results in arrest of man for possession of heroin

FARMINGTON — Public safety officers were dispatched to the area of Farmington and Cloverdale for a suspicious vehicle around 3 p.m. Sept. 11.

While investigating the vehicle, officers noticed a man walking away from it. Officers noticed he was walking with an open container of alcohol concealed in a brown paper bag. They detained him and learned that he had multiple felony and misdemeanor warrants out from other jurisdictions.

While taking the man into custody, officers located suspected heroin on him. He was arrested for possession of suspected heroin and open intoxicants, as well as his warrants.

Police spot motorcycle that fled from nearby city

FARMINGTON — On Sept. 5 at 10:04 a.m., a Farmington public safety officer saw a parked yellow motorcycle that fit the description of a motorcycle that had previously fled a traffic stop in a neighboring community.

The neighboring agency was able to positively identify the motorcycle as the one that had fled

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

OCT. 9

Paranormal Tourism in Michigan: Author shares

stories about haunted restaurants, hotels, attractions, tours and festivals around state, 6:30-8 p.m., Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St. in Farmington, registration preferred, (248) 553-0321, farmlib.org

OCT. 12

Antiques Twelve Mile Roadshow: 7 p.m., The HawkFarmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, (248) 699-6700, thehawktheatre.com

Trump Woodward Cruise: Route travels in both directions on Woodward Avenue from Square Lake to 12 Mile roads in Walled Lake, noon-3 p.m., www. michiganconservativecoalition.com

OCT. 16

Pretty ‘n’ Pink Bubbly Brunch: Fundraiser for Sisters HOPE with money supporting local women attending breast cancer survivors retreat, includes fashionable shopping, raffle baskets, HOPE boxes, brunch and cash bar, also Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist Lila Lazarus interviewing WDIV-TV meteorologist and breast cancer survivor Kim Adams, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Knollwood Country Club, 5050 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, sistershope.org

OCT. 17

Free medicare help: Hosted by Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and AgeWays, meet with trained counselor by appointment, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, (800) 803-7174

OCT. 18-20

Book sale: 12:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 18, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 20, Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 553-0300

OCT. 19

Michigan Makers Market: Arts and crafts fair, 10 a.m.4 p.m., The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, (248) 699-6700, specialservices@fhgov.com, facebook.com/fhspecialservices

OCT. 20

Boo Bash: Hayrides, s’mores, crafts, creepy crawly creature display and trick-or-treat trail, costumes encouraged, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Farmington Hills Nature Center inside Heritage Park, 24915 Farmington Road, registration required, (248) 699-6700, specialservices@fhgov.com, facebook.com/fhspecialservices

OCT. 24

Trunk or treat: 5-7 p.m., Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital Administration and Education Building, 28050 Grand River Ave., corewellhealth.org

to develop a suspect, a 20-year-old man, and also impounded the motorcycle for evidence processing.

Soda, candy bar stolen from hotel lobby

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 8, an unknown person entered the lobby of Hotel Royal Oak on East 11 Mile Road and stole a can of soda and a candy bar.

Handgun taken

MADISON HEIGHTS — An unknown suspect reportedly stole a Taurus 9 mm handgun from a location in the 1000 block of West 14 Mile Road sometime between 2 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Sept. 14.

According to a police report, the gun belongs to a 21-year-old Detroit resident.

Investigations were ongoing.

OU police investigate report of sexual assault

ROCHESTER HILLS — Police were investigating a sexual assault report that recently happened on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester Hills.

The incident, according to reports, happened at 1:20 a.m. Sunday Sept. 8 in a student housing facility. The report was filed with police on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Police said the victim had met the suspect. No other details were released.

Rental vehicle goes missing

SOUTHFIELD — A man went to visit a relative on Berg Road at noon Sept. 2. A few hours later, the man said his relative and his rental vehicle, a 2022 Toyota Corolla, were gone.

Officers apprehend suspect tampering with cars

SOUTHFIELD — At 4:13 a.m. Sept. 4, officers were dispatched to the 18000 block of Westover Avenue for a subject messing with vehicles.

Officers found the subject, who fled on foot, but officers apprehended him and took him into custody.

Scammer demands leads to fraudulent Best Buy purchase

TROY — A Troy man reported that he received an email Sept. 3 from an unknown suspect demanding money or his personal information would be leaked.

The man did not comply with the request.

The next day, the man received an email from Best Buy that his order was ready for pickup. The man

OCT. 28

Día De Los Muertos celebration: Learn about Mexican holiday, the altar and what should be placed on it, and decorate sugar skull cookies, 6:30-8 p.m., Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St. in Farmington, (248) 553-0321, farmlib.org

ONGOING

‘Sweet Home Sweet:’ Exhibit featuring photographs of family and friends taken by Holcaust survivor before and during time in Kraków Ghetto and German concentration camps, on display 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays through December, The Zekelman Holocaust Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 553-2400, holocaustcenter.org/exhibits

Hayride Central: Traverse trails of Heritage Park, then stick around for cider and s’mores, half-hour slots available 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays until Nov. 1, 24915 Farmington Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 699-6700, specialservices@fhgov.com, www.facebook.com/ fhspecialservices

Farmers market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through early November, Riley Park, 33113 Grand River Ave. in Farmington, facebook.com/FarmingtonMarket

Farmington Cruisin The Grand Car Show: Also door prizes, 50-50, music and snacks, 4-7 p.m. Mondays through Oct. 28 (weather permitting), Village Commons, 32780 Grand River Ave., find the group on Facebook Multi-media art exhibit: See nature-themed works by local artists Ernest Fackler and Mike Pendleton, on display 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays until Oct. 25, Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 11 Mile Road, (248) 871-2400

Senior Social Hour: New program for adults 60 and older and caregivers, includes crafts, music, games, puzzles, coffee and light refreshments, 10:30 a.m.noon every fourth Friday of month, Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 553-0300, farmlib.org

To view more events and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise, call (586) 498-8000.

OCT. 12

Stone Wall Pumpkin Festival: Pumpkin carving, pumpkin bowling, live entertainment, crafts, food, cider and doughnuts, professional pumpkin carving display and more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., also see pumpkins lit 7-9 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Eventbrite

OCT. 13

BeWitched & BeDazzled: Hosted by Meadow Brook Theatre Guild with mistress of ceremonies Karen Carter (meteorologist at CBS News Detroit and Detroit 50), includes luncheon, vendors, caricaturist, psychic readers, photo booth, costume contest, raffles, silent auction and door prizes, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Petruzzello’s Banquet and Conference Center, 6950 Rochester Road in Troy, www.meadowbrook theatreguild.com/bewitched-bedazzled

OCT. 19

Boo Bash: Crafts, games, trick-or-treating for ages 2-12 and live DJ, 1-4 p.m., also hayrides until 3:30 p.m., costumes encouraged, Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road, bit.ly/SfldBooBash24

Masquerade at the Museum: Strolling fundraiser featuring seasonal snack stations, costume contest, scavenger hunt and drink ticket, make mask on site or bring own, 7-11 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, rochesterhills.org/news_detail_T9_R366.php

OCT. 20

Costumes and Candy: Halloween event for special-needs children, includes trick-or-treat stations, pumpkin decorating, cider and doughnuts, games, karaoke and more, 1-4 p.m., Play-Place Autism & Special Needs Center, 42301 Mound Road in Sterling Heights, registration required, (586) 2546533, info@autisticplayplace.org, autisticplayplace. org/cc2024

OCT. 25

Trunk or treat: 6-8 p.m., Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital Research Institute, 3811 W. 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak, corewellhealth. org

Immersive and

See horror films in Gothic-inspired ballroom:

registration required, meadowbrookhall.org/events/ dinner-and-a-movie

Downtown BOO!kley: Fall-themed events include Witches Night Out (Oct. 10), Ghost Chase (Oct. 18), Trick-or-Treat Stroll & Monster Mash (Oct. 26)

blankets, slots available 5-8 p.m. Oct. 10-11 and 17-18, Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 451-1917, lazoury@ wbparks.org

‘Ghostly Affair’:

Photo by Erin Sanchez