7/27/23 Rochester Post

Dutton Road closed through November for bridge replacement

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER HILLS/OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — Dutton Road has closed for bridge replacement between the north and south legs of Livernois Road through early November.

The detour for through traffic throughout the closure is Brewster to Tienken to Rochester Road to Orion, back to Dutton, and vice versa. Officials from the Road Commission for Oakland County said access to homes within the construction zone will be maintained during work, but the road will be completely closed at

See DUTTON ROAD on page 12A

19th annual Fine Art at The Village returns July 29-30

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER HILLS — Art enthusiasts will gather at the Village of Rochester Hills July 29-30 for the 19th annual Fine Art at The Village.

Donna Beaubien, the executive director of Fine Art at The Village, said the outdoor shopping center will be transformed into an artistic haven, with traffic closed through the center of the Village, allowing artists’ booths to line Main Street and one side street.

During the festival, over 70 artists will display and sell their work in a variety of mediums — including ceramics, glasswork, paintings, drawings, mixed media, sculptures, photography, fiber art, woodwork, jewelry and more.

“The goal of the art fair is to always bring back the favorites, but always offer something new and different. … People really enjoy work-

See ART on page 16A

TOP: Christine Labaza, of Rochester, will have her underwater photographs on display during Fine Art at The Village. BOTTOM: Painter Timothy “Jackson” Dupree, of Oakland Township, will be featured in Fine Art at The Village. Photos provided by Fine Art at The Village

MAKING A SPLASH

‘Every community along the way has just been outstanding’

MILITARY VETERAN RETURNS TO MICHIGAN AFTER CROSSCOUNTRY JOURNEY

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — It was the penultimate day of a journey spanning nearly 1,800 miles, walking on foot from Florida to Michigan, but U.S. Army veteran Jack Huffman didn’t seem tired at all.

Instead, the Center Line man was energized by the many people who came out to support him as he raised awareness for the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund.

“Veterans gave us the ability to chase our dreams. This is a chance to pay that back to them,” Huffman said. “They made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can pursue what makes us happy.”

Huffman, also known as Jax, worked as a helicopter mechanic in the Army. He was greeted by honking car horns and waving American flags as he made his way through Madison Heights July 12.

It was the 61st day of a journey that started in May in Sarasota, Fla., winding through Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana before reaching Michigan, averaging 30 miles per day.

Huffman did this while pulling a cart carrying 200 pounds of supplies, sometimes in hot or stormy weather, or through the haze of smoke from wildfires up north.

ABOVE: Kids had fun playing in the creek while waiting for the slip and slides to open during Wet and Wild Wednesday July 19 at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm. BELOW: Children play in the water sprayed by a Rochester Hills firetruck during the event. BOTTOM: Wet and Wild Wednesdays at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm was full of splashing and smiles, especially on the giant slip and slide, July 19.

Photos by Erin Sanchez

Jack Huffman, of Center Line, visited Madison Heights July 12 on his journey from Sarasota, Fla., to Rochester Hills. The Army veteran walked on foot to raise awareness for the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund.

Photo by Andy Kozlowski See HUFFMAN on page 20A

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NEW RANCH ON OVER ½ ACRE LOT.  3 BEDROOMS, 2 ½ BATHROOMS, 2450 SQ. FT. 6145 CHRISTOPHER COURT, BRUCE TWP., $639,900

DESIGNER SHOWCASE! COMPLETELY UPDATED CUSTOM BUILT 1 1/2 STORY WITH FULL FINISHED WALKOUT ON QUIET WELL MANICURED 2.2 ACRE PARCEL. OVER 9,000 SF OF FINELY APPOINTED LIVING AREA WITH ALL HIGH END FINISHES FEATURING ALL TODAY'S UPSCALE CUSTOM DESIGN TRENDS. BRAND NEW CHEF'S GOURMET ISLAND KITCHEN WITH COMMERCIAL GRADE APPLIANCES & LARGE HEARTH ROOM WITH 2 WAY FIREPLACE. BEAUTIFUL WIDE PLANK HARDWOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT. SPACIOUS FIRST FLOOR OWNER'S SUITE WITH DESIGNER LUXURY BATH. SECOND FLOOR FEATURES 2ND OWNER'S SUITE WITH FIREPLACE, PLUS 2 LARGE BEDROOMS. BRIDGE OVERLOOKING 2 STORY FOYER & GREAT ROOM. BRAND NEW FINISHED LOWER WALKOUT FEATURES 2ND GOURMET KITCHEN BAR-THEATRE ROOM-5TH BEDROOM- FULL BATH- OPEN ENTERTAINING AREA THAT WALKS OUT TO HUGE COVERED PATIO. GARAGE PARKING FOR UP TO 6 CARS. HUGE RAISED PATIO ACROSS BACK OF HOME OVERLOOKING PRIVATE YARD. RECENTLY REPLACED-ROOF-HVAC. OWNER HAS FINISHED HOME WITH ALL  THE BEST FEATURES WITH THE INTENTION OF STAYING FOREVER, UNFORTUNATELY HAD TO RELOCATE. WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A NEW OWNER!  69359 LAKE POINT COURT BRUCE TWP $2,250,000

GATED 12 ACRE FRENCH COUNTRY MANOR OVER 12,000 SQ. FT OF EXQUISITE LIVING SPACE.  ENTERTAINER'S GOURMET KITCHEN WITH SEPARATE PIZZA OVEN, 6 FIREPLACES, 6 BEDROOMS PLUS PRIVATE LOFT AREA, MAPLE PLANKED FLOORING THROUGHOUT, FINISHED WALK-OUT LOWER LEVEL FEATURES 15' X 10' INDOOR LAP POOL AND GAMING AREAS. GUNITE SWIMMING POOL, HELI-PAD AND HELICOPTER HANGAR, 6 STALL HORSE BARN. 5350 BREWSTER, OAKLAND TWP., $4,999,900

STATELY 5 BEDROOM 4,700 SQ. FT. COLONIAL IN THE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER ROYAL FOREST COMMUNITY.  GOURMET CHEF'S ISLAND KITCHEN, ORIGINAL OWNER'S HAVE MAINTAINED THIS HOME IN EXCELLENT CONDITION  13676  TIMBERWYCK SHELBY TWP $899,900

RIGHT: The free meals must meet federal nutrition requirements, including minimum servings for vegetables, fruits, milk, grains, and meat or meat-alternate components.

PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS COULD ALL RECEIVE FREE MEALS THIS SCHOOL YEAR

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Michigan is the fifth state in the nation to agree to provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students this school year.

Michigan’s House and Senate have approved the state’s fiscal year 2024 budget, which was recently signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The budget includes the allocation of $160 million to provide students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a free daily school breakfast and lunch for the 2023-24 school year.

Some states have either implemented universal free meals or are considering it following last June’s expiration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture waivers that allowed schools across the nation to offer free meals to students during the height of the pandemic.

Michigan’s new universal free meal program is only budgeted for this year, so to keep it going, state lawmakers would have to provide additional funding.

The Michigan initiative, called “Healthy School Meals for All,” aims to address food insecurity and improve student concentration and performance, state officials said.

“This is something we have wanted to see for the kids of Michigan for years,” said Diane Golzynski, the deputy superintendent for finance and operations for the Michigan Department of Education, which will oversee the program. “It’s going to be a huge win for kids all over the state to be able to go to school and know that there will be meals there if they want to eat them.”

Schools will have to opt in if they want to participate.

“The important message for families is, as long as your school opts in, then you will be able to have free breakfast and lunch at school,” Golzynski added.

Critics of the program say that free and reduced school meals were already offered to students who need them.

State Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, objected to the “expansion of the school meal program, a previously needs-based program that will instead provide free food even for kids from the wealthiest families when fully phased in,” according to a press release.

Advocates said the Healthy School Meals for All program will eliminate the stigma associated with receiving free and reduced lunch by providing reimbursement from the state for meals served to students

ABOVE: During the 2023-24 school year, Michigan students will be eligible for free breakfast and lunch from their public schools.

Photo provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Photo provided by the Michigan Department of Education

Peripheral Neuropathy Relief in 5 Metro Detroit Locations

“I am on my feet 8-12 hours a day,” says David Zarek, who works in law enforcement. His job keeps him on the move, running up and down stairs, and climbing ladders.

David’s diabetic peripheral neuropathy caused nerve damage in his legs and feet, leaving him in pain and thinking it might be time to retire. However, a er ultrasound treatments at RealWave Neuropathy Treatment Centers, David plans to work a few more years.

David’s podiatrist referred him to RealWave Neuropathy Treatment Centers. “She started talking about this wonderful new company,” he says, but more importantly,“... my insurance also covers it.”

RealWave uses a

special ultrasound machine to deliver focused energy to the a ected area and treats the nerves involved to reestablish consistent electrical conductivity and normalize sensation.

88% of all treated patients see an improvement in their symptoms within 12 weeks.

At his first appointment, tests assessed the nerve conductivity and blood circulation in his legs and feet. The nurse practitioner recommended RealWave ultrasound and RealPulse treatments, a form of low-wave mechanical energy that increases blood flow and amplifies the positive impact of the ultrasound treatment.

A er his second session, David says, “I started to notice a little bit of a di erence. I noticed that parts of my feet weren’t hurting as bad. And, then it was getting progressively

better as the weeks went by.”

When speaking about the RealPulse treatment, David says, “I love it. It kind of wakes your feet up, and then the RealWave [ultrasound] starts to soothe them.”

RealWave Neuropathy Treatment Centers has o ces in •Rochester •Warren •Livonia •Southfield •Dearborn. To schedule an appointment, call 1-877-3013441 or visit www.realwavecenters.com

David Zarek, patient of RealWave

Valerie Lamott

Emily Matticks

Paige Deon Robert Barrett Trinity Brown August 24–27 Kids 17 & Under Free Tickets: allychallenge.com

Full Swing Summer’s in Professional Golf, Concerts, Celebrity Challenge and More! Don’t miss this annual end-of-summer showcase.

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Inman Audiology Treats Tinnitus, Hearing Loss Through Experience and Best Practices

You don’t have to live with tinnitus, and you don’t have to fight hearing loss alone. Is a hearing issue affecting your life? The staff at Inman Audiology is listening, with the best staff and best audiologist in Michigan.

With tinnitus, “If you go to the doctor, they’ll say there’s nothing that can be done, just ignore it, and that’s not the case anymore. It hasn’t been for many years,” said Dr. Tiffany Inman, Au.D, CCC-A, F-AAA.

Inman Audiology, in Troy, specializes in the effective management and treatment of hearing loss and tinnitus through a patient-centered approach based on best practices. For those currently wearing hearing aids, or where hearing aids are the prescribed treatment, that includes real ear measurement to test the performance of the devices while they’re in use in the ears. Less than 10% of all clinics in America perform these tests.

Inman Audiology is accepting new patients at 1651 W. Big Beaver Road, in Troy. To set up a consultation or for more information, visit www.InmanAudiology.com or call (248) 839-5429

$500 off a pair of premium devices when you mention this ad. ** offer expires Aug. 30, 2023

-A. Bass

Metroparks receive grant to combat invasive spotted lanternfly

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — An invasive fly that’s known to damage crops has made its way to Michigan, threatening the state’s fruit and wine growers.

Native to eastern Asia, the spotted lanternfly was first discovered in the U.S. in 2014, in Pennsylvania. The insect has since spread to several states on the East Coast.

In Michigan, the spotted lanternfly’s first live population was found in Pontiac last year.

“A lot of invasive species come from Eurasia into North America, and they are introduced in shipping. They come in, in a pallet of wood, inside fruit, those kinds of things,” said Tyler Mitchell, the chief of natural resources for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. “This particular one represents a threat to, primarily, timber, as well as agriculture crops, so it’s a concern for damage of those species — things like grapes, apples and other things that are grown in the region.”

The invasive species, he said, feeds on

important Michigan crops, including grapes, apples and hops, although its preferred host plant is the tree of heaven, commonly called ailanthus. While feeding on them, the pest secretes a sugar-rich, sticky liquid called honeydew. Honeydew and the resulting black sooty mold can kill plants and attract other pests that disrupt crop production and harvesting.

Four regional Metroparks — Kensington, Indian Springs, Stony Creek and Wolcott Mill — are located within a 20-mile range of the initial Pontiac infestation. Combined, the parks cover over 14,000 acres and include grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and lakes. The large woodland areas — with populations of tree of heaven, sumac, grape, black walnut and maples — have the potential to create a biomass center for the lanternfly in the region, according to officials.

To get ahead of any potential spread, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks was recently awarded a grant from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program to survey its parks for the spotted lanternfly and to treat trees of heaven.

See LANTERNFLY on page 17A

We offer full outdoor services year-round

• Aerating

• Brush hogging

• Drainage

• Dumpster Rental

• Fall Clean up

• Firewood

• Flower planting

• Grading

• Holiday Lights

• Ice control

• Landscape DESIGN

• Lawn mowing

• Litter detail

• Mulch

• Overgrowth removal

• Plowing

• Power raking

• Retaining walls

• Rock & boulders

• Sod

• Spring clean up

• Tree & shrub trimming

• Weeding

ABOVE: The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that has been found in Michigan, feeds on fruit, ornamental and woody trees, with tree of heaven being one of its preferred hosts. In adult form, its open wings show yellow, black and red.

RIGHT: The spotted lanternfly is a pest that can have negative effects on specialty crops.

Photos provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Webber, Tisdel move to honor longtime congressman with ‘William S. Broomfield Memorial Highway’

ROCHESTER HILLS — Legislation recently introduced by state Sen. Michael Webber and state Rep. Mark Tisdel would name a section of Rochester Road from Tienken Road to M-59 the “William S. Broomfield Memorial Highway.”

Broomfield passed away in 2019 at the age of 96 and had an extensive history of civil service, representing residents of Oakland County in Lansing and Washington, D.C.

“Mr. Broomfield spent much of his life working to better the lives of residents in Oakland County. He served with immense dedication and civility while understanding the extraordinarily important role of representing the voice of the people in a government body,” Webber, RRochester Hills, said in a statement.

“Mr. Broomfield’s long-standing dedication to Congress merits the utmost recognition in every possible way. His invaluable contributions are diligently preserved in the archives of the VanHoosen museum in Rochester Hills. It is only fitting that the state thoroughfare, symbolizing his exceptional record of achievements, be named in his honor,” Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills, said in a statement.

Born in Royal Oak and a veteran of World War II, Broomfield served in Congress for 36 years, from 1957 until his retirement in 1993. He was the ranking Republican member of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs for 18 years during the Cold War and through the fall of the Berlin Wall. That allowed Broomfield to be a part of a delegation that traveled to China in 1974 as the United States restored diplomatic relations with the communist nation.

Before going to Washington, Broomfield served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1948 to 1954, becoming speaker pro tempore in 1953. He was elected to the state Senate in 1955.

Webber sponsored similar legislation in honor of Broomfield when he served in the Michigan House.

Senate Bill 375 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and House Bill 4705 has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure for further consideration.

CHARITIES COLLECT SCHOOL SUPPLIES

ROCHESTER — Gifts For All God’s Children, a children’s charity, is hosting its annual Back to School Aid Challenge to gather essential school supplies and financial contributions to provide over 1,500 children throughout metro Detroit with resources.

Search the organization on Amazon’s Wish List. Items needed include wide- and collegeruled loose-leaf paper, spiral notebooks, three-ring binders, two-pocket folders, scissors, glue sticks, crayons, colored pencils, markers, pencils, pens, rulers, erasers, and plastic pencil boxes.

Monetary donations can be made at giftsforallgodschildren.org or by mailing a check to Gifts For All God’s Children, P.O. Box 71017, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, or email info@giftsforallgodschildren.org to arrange drop off of donations.

In another effort, the Rochester Kiwanis, Rochester Hills Lions and the Rochester Rotary clubs are working together to bring backpacks to foster kids through the Samaritas Backpack Drive. Donations can be dropped off at Eugenia’s 3rd Street Hair Gallery, 212 W. Third St., through Aug. 1. School supplies are needed for all ages and genders and include backpacks, notebooks, crayons, pencils, erasers, markers, rulers, scissors, etc. Call (248) 318-9542 for information.

MARISSA CARSON OF HIGHLAND IS THE NEW MISS OAKLAND COUNTY

ROCHESTER HILLS – Marissa Maxine Carson, 20, of Highland Township was crowned Miss Oakland County 2023 at the annual competition July 15 at Oakland University.

The theater major at Oakland Community College won $1,850 in education scholarships, as well as several other prizes and gifts.

Carson won scholarships of $1,200 for winning Miss Oakland County and $200 for the Vivian Zhong Best Talent Award for her rendition of “Wishing You Were Here Again,” from “The Phantom of the Opera.” She also earned scholarships of $250 for the Aldo Vagnozzi Community Service Award and $200 for the JoAnn Lingenfelter Spirit of Miss America Award.

Carson, who plans to obtain a bachelor’s in musical theater, will represent Oakland County at the 2024 Miss Michigan competition in Muskegon next June. Her community service initiative is “The Importance of Volunteering,” which seeks to bring volunteering opportunities throughout Michigan to people of all ages and abilities.

Milford’s Rebecca Kobylas, a 20-year-old neuroscience and psychology major at Alma College, earned a $700 scholarship as the first runner-up. Kobylas also won the Samantha Steckloff Community Service Award and an additional $150 scholarship.

Claudia Kenny, 16, of Chesaning, became the 2023 Miss Oakland County’s Teen. A junior at Chesaning H.S., Kenny’s community service initiative is “The Big SEE: Skin Cancer is the Cancer You Can See.” She will represent Oakland County at Michigan’s teen competition next June in Muskegon.

The Miss Oakland County Scholarship Program is a preliminary competition to Miss Michigan and Miss America.

The Rochester Lions Club 23rd Rockin Rods n’ Rochester Car Show

ROCHESTER — The Rochester Lions Club will host the 23rd Rockin Rods n’ Rochester Car Show Aug.13 on Walnut Boulevard in downtown Rochester. All proceeds from the car show are used to support Leader Dogs for the Blind and other Lions charities.

The show will open at 9 a.m. and will consist of up to 400 cars entered in 23 classes. Awards will be presented at approximately 3:30 p.m. Music, food, refreshments, 50/50 raffles, door prizes, T-shirts and posters will be available.

Participants for the show can enter their cars using the online registration process at rochesterlionsclub.org or by downloading the registration form available on the site. The registration fee is $20 per car. There is no charge for spectators.

For more information, call Celia Domalewski at (248) 765-6929 or visit rochesterlionsclub.org.

William S. Broomfield

Dutton Road

from page 1A

the bridge.

The project includes removing the bridge over the Paint Creek and replacing it with a wider bridge; extending the pavement of the shoulder on the north side of Dutton Road to connect the existing Paint Creek Trail parking lot to the trail; and installing curbs and gutters, new guardrails, and shoulder paving.

“This was an old, deteriorating bridge that needed to be replaced, so we are tearing out the old bridge … and providing a wider bridge to allow for greater pedestrian access, as well as vehicular access on the bridge. We’re also going to widen the shoulder on the north side of the road between the Paint Creek Trail parking lot and the trail itself, so people can get to the trail without walking on the road,” said Craig Bryson, the Road Commission’s spokesman. “It’s a good project. I’m glad to see this come to fruition.”

Access to the Paint Creek Trail will remain open during construction, Bryson said, except for a two-day closure in the fall, with dates to be announced.

“The project will help improve trail access, and it should make it safer for our users, as well as anyone who happens to be walking or running on Dutton — which is great,” said Eryn Grupido, the administrative assistant for the Paint Creek Trailways Commission.

For more information on the project, visit the Dutton Road Bridge Replacement page in the “Road Projects” section of www. rcocweb.org, email dcsmail@rcoc.org or call (877) 858-4804.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

Photo provided by the Road Commission for Oakland County The detour throughout the closure is Brewster to Tienken to Rochester Road to Orion, back to Dutton, and vice versa.

Waltonwood’s Rochester communities are hosting musical happy hours all summer long, featuring local entertainers. Make plans to join us and get a peek at the carefree lifestyle our residents enjoy every day.

Signature drinks and chef-prepared appetizers will be served. Bring a friend!

School supplies for kids in need collected through Aug. 1

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER

HILLS/OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — As families begin shopping for school supplies, the Rochester Area Neighborhood House is hoping they will pick up a few extras for local kids in need.

Rochester Area Neighborhood House is once again hosting the Blast Off 2 School supply drive to provide school supplies, back-to-school clothing and over 400 backpacks to children in need.

Individuals, organizations and businesses can help by donating school supplies through Aug. 1.

“With the rise in inflation, we’re expecting a greater need from students this year,” Michael Dreon, Neighborhood House executive director, said in a statement. “Support from the community is pivotal in setting our school-age neighbors on the path to success for the upcoming school year.”

This year, the following items are especially needed, according to Neighborhood House officials: backpacks, calculators,

Grandparents useMETtohelp grandchildrenwith education

‘With the rise in inflation, we’re expecting a greater need from students this year’

— Michael Dreon, Neighborhood House executive director

three-ring binders, pointed tip scissors, ballpoint pens, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, highlighters, solid color pocket folders, dry erase markers, washable markers, spiral notebooks, binder dividers and more. For the full wish list, visit ranh.org/donate-now.

Meagan Mommersteeg, the director of marketing and communications for Neighborhood House, said the COVID-19 pandemic has added to the economic struggles of many families.

“We’re really seeing such an increase in demand for basic needs, so this program is so important, because not only does it help provide school supplies and clothing, but there is also the health assessment and sports physical component. We really just want to set kids up for success for their school year. It’s so important to start the school year on the right foot and to have the proper items.”

School supplies can be dropped off at Ram’s Horn, 1990 S. Rochester Road in

Rochester Hills; the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester; the Rochester Fire Station, 277 E. Second St.; Auburn Hills City Hall, 1827 N. Squirrel Road; and the Neighborhood House main office, 1720 S. Livernois Road.

Families in need can register their students to receive free health screenings and sports physicals offered by Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital 3-7 p.m. Aug. 3 at Neighborhood House’s main office, 1720 S. Livernois in Rochester Hills. All participants will receive a completed health appraisal form.

The Blast Off 2 School event will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 13 at Neighborhood House’s main office. Each participant will receive a backpack, school supplies, clothing and a hygiene kit provided by the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan. To participate in the back-to-school supply pickup, families must register online

by Wednesday, Aug. 3.

Both the health screening and Blast Off 2 School programs are free for families with children ages 4-18 who qualify for Medicaid or free and reduced lunch programs, and who live in Addison Township, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township, Rochester or Rochester Hills.

Neighborhood House provides rent and utility financial assistance, operates a food pantry and clothes closet, offers transportation services, provides counseling, facilitates educational programs for families in need, and more.

To register for the event, visit ranh.org/ get-help or call (248) 651-5836. To volunteer for Neighborhood House, email volunteer@ranh.org or call (248) 651-5836.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

The MET prepaid tuition savings program enables grandparents to ensure the legacy of their grandchildren’s future education. It is a safe, secure and flexible way to pay today’s prices for future tuition at any qualified college or trade school in the U.S.

Oakland Township man involved in crash that killed woman, injured two children

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — A Pontiac woman was killed and her two young children were injured in a car crash with a man from Oakland Township on M-24 in Auburn Hills.

The crash happened on Lapeer Road, south of Harmon Road, at 11:27 a.m. July 21.

Police say a 36-year-old man from Oakland Township was driving a 2021 white Ford F-150 truck and was attempting to turn onto southbound Lapeer Road from a median turnaround when he pulled out and struck a 2002 tan Cadillac Escalade that was traveling southbound.

The Escalade was driven by a 43-yearold woman from Pontiac, who was on southbound Lapeer Road with her 5-year-old and 3-year-old daughters.

The impact, according to police, caused the driver of the Cadillac to lose control and cross over the median onto the northbound

side of Lapeer Road. Witnesses say the vehicle then rolled, and the 43-year-old woman was ejected from the vehicle.

The woman and her two children were transported to Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital, where the woman was pronounced dead. Her young children also sustained injuries in the crash but were expected to be OK at press time.

Police said the driver of the Ford F-150 was not injured and is cooperating with investigators, who do not believe alcohol or drugs are a factor in the crash.

This crash is currently being investigated by the Southeast Oakland County Crash Investigation Team, which includes investigators from Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham and Clawson.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact the Auburn Hills Police Department at (248) 370-9460.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

from page 1A

ing with the artists,” Beaubien said.

Artists featured in the show come from all across the nation to participate in the juried art show, curated by the team behind the Village Fine Art Gallery.

“One artist is coming from as far away as California, and several are coming from Florida,” Beaubien shared.

Locally, Timothy “Jackson” Dupree, of Oakland Township, will bring a variety of architectural paintings to the show. Dupree, now 21, has been participating in Fine Art at the Village since he was 15.

“From the get-go, I have always had a passion for art … so I decided to go to school for it as well,” Dupree said.

His work, he said, focuses mostly on “intricate architecture,” mainly from Detroit and some from New York.

Christine Labaza, of Rochester, is also featured in the show.

As a child, Labaza dreamed of becoming a scuba diver, and she finally decided to learn after graduating college in 2014. Learning to scuba dive prompted her to delve into underwater photography.

“I decided some of my photos were decent enough for art shows, so I started apply-

ing, and here I am several years later,” she said.

Labaza’s photography focuses on underwater sea creatures, shipwrecks, abstract images and macro photography.

“I love doing underwater photography because it’s a chance for me to take photos of places and things that a wide majority of people never get a chance to see in their lifetime. There is another whole world under the surface, and getting to bring that up to light is why I do what I do,” Labaza said.

Along with the art, attendees can enjoy free entertainment and children’s activities — including an all-ages coloring contest at Barnes & Noble for the chance to win one of three gift baskets.

Plastic eggs will be hidden throughout the art fair, with some containing $1 and others offering coupons worth $25 or $100, redeemable exclusively at participating artists’ booths.

Between 10,000 and 15,000 people typically attend the art fair, depending on the weather, and the event goes on rain or shine. The festival runs 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, July 29, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday, July 30.

For more information about the 19th annual Fine Art at The Village, call (248) 561-4919 or visit fineartatthevillage.com.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

Lanternfly

from page 9A

“We’re very excited to receive the grant funding,” Mitchell said. “It really enables us to get out ahead of this problem, and to try to identify any locations where it may spread into neighboring communities, into their timber harvesting areas, or to businesses that grow grapes for wine or apples in orchards, all of those types of businesses.”

The $30,000 grant, Mitchell explained, will allocate $10,000 each year to the cause through 2025. As part of the project, the Metroparks will be working with a contractor to survey the four Metroparks to check for the spotted lanternfly in all stages of its lifespan, followed by removal of trees of heaven.

“Receiving grant funding like this is

super important for us to be able to identify these invasive species early, before they take a foothold, and really address the issue before it is a large concern,” said Danielle Mauter, a spokesperson for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

The public can help by reporting sightings of spotted lanternfly by taking pictures, if possible, recording the location and trying to collect them in a container. They can then send the information to Michigan’s Eyes in the Field online reporting system or using the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network online reporting tool. If they see a spotted lanternfly in a Metropark, they are encouraged to use the Metroparks-specific form at form.jotform. com/231694898764074.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

ACCORDING TO MICHIGAN.GOV, HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO IDENTIFY SPOTTED LANTERNFLY:

· Adults are 1-inch-long leaf hoppers. Folded wings are gray to brown, with black spots.

· Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots transitioning to black and white bands at the edge.

· Nymphs are 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch long, wingless and beetle-like, first appearing black with white spots and developing red patches as they mature.

· Egg masses resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating.

· Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits.

— Source Michigan.gov

The adult spotted lanternfly is about 1 inch long and is most visible in August through October. Its folded wings are gray/brown with black spots.

Photo provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

‘The Dispo Difference’ On Display At Michigan’s First Cannabis Mall

It’s 2023, and Michigan is an awesome place to live. Not only are the many benefits of cannabis legally available to anyone over 21, you can find all the best brands and related merch under one roof at the state’s first cannabis mall, Dispo Romeo.

“Dispo has 12 locations and counting, and this is the first cannabis mall in Michigan,” said Darren Dabish, director of marketing for Dispo. “This is the first of its kind.”

The Dispo Difference will be on full display at Dispo Romeo. The mall is a 60,000-square-foot space near 32 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue offering a unique experience and luxurious amenities for patrons.

“The dispensary budroom is definitely one of the many focal points,” Dabish said. “It’s a large showcase budroom with 18 different stations and hundreds of different brands and products to choose from.”

It’s not only about size and volume, offering the largest selection of cannabis products in the state. It’s an opportunity for guests to browse and learn about the products offered, and where trained professionals stand ready to answer questions.

Facing the mall are seven shops for vendors, offering boutique-style merchandise, including paraphernalia and apparel that is often exclusive or limited edition.

Of course, no mall is complete without a food court, and Dispo Romeo will offer fresh, tasty

fare from local vendors with both stationary storefronts and food truck services.

“Having the ability to build the first cannabis mall in Michigan is definitely a unique opportunity,” Dabish said. “We can set the precedent for people who are wanting to do large scale projects that are the first of their kind. Our overall goal is to curate a destination point for consumers and the community as a whole. Having the opportunity to educate our guests is one of many important efforts we make to fight the stigma and make it more accepted and approachable. Dispo is not one to cut corners, we really value quality and do things the right way.”

“Dispo is really all about community involvement,” Dabish added. “We do canned food drives, coat and toy drives and many other initiatives. The team encourages local community involvement quite heavily as they want to support those who support us. From sponsoring community events, hosting events of their own at the mall location and donating to charity causes, Dispo proves to deliver the difference they promise as they continue to go the extra mile where it matters most. Dispo is always looking to partner with brands to do things that better the community and we do that in each community we reside in.”

Dispo Romeo is located at 100 Shafer Drive, in Romeo. For more information, visit disposhops.com/home.

0415-2330

HOMES

ADD CURB APPEAL TO YOUR HOME WITH TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

ABOVE: Maximize curb appeal by cutting the grass, edging the lawn, trimming shrubs and planting flowers that add a pop of color.

RIGHT: Fresh mulch, plants free of dead leaves and stems, and bright flowers enhance the appearance  of the home.

BELOW: An outdoor living area can be a beautiful respite when it is tidy and refreshed.

METRO DETROIT — “Tidy,” “refreshed” and “exciting” are some of the words to describe a home whose owners have increased its curb appeal.

It has been said that first impressions are everlasting. Curb appeal is the first encounter that homebuyers have with a property. So whether prospective buyers are cruising the neighborhood on a nice sunny afternoon or viewing the listing on their phones, real estate agents agree: make it a good first impression.

Some leading metro Detroit real estate agents recently shared tips to increase curb appeal.

“The first image in the marketing is typically the front exterior of the home,” said Alan Jay, of Century 21 Curran & Oberski.

“First impressions go a long way. I always advise my sellers, if they have the physical and financial ability to dress up their curb appeal to either match or supersede their neighborhood’s curb appeal, that that would be ideal,” he said.

Part of the matching or superseding process begins with cleaning.

“Do a good spring and fall cleanup,” said Nancy Robinson, of Century 21 Curran & Oberski.

Power-wash the driveway to remove grease stains. Power-wash the exterior of the house to remove dust or mold. Clean the gutters, particularly after a storm or windy weather.

Remove all debris. Cut the grass and edge the lawn. Trim the shrubs, plant flowers and lay fresh mulch. Remove all the weeds from cracks in the driveway. Fill in cracks in the driveway or cement so it is flat. According to real estate agents, these projects pay off exponentially.

“Clean the windows and open the blinds,” said Robinson. “Your house looks a lot more inviting when the windows are clean and the blinds are open. It doesn’t look quite as closed up.”

Make the property tidy by removing lawn items.

“They want to at least put it in the backyard where it cannot be seen from the street,” said Caron Koteles Riha, of Real Estate One/Max Broock.

Refresh by painting the front door and adding a new doorknob. Sand and paint any rusty banisters. Remove and replace torn screens.

“Replacing the front porch light — make sure it is new and modern,” Robinson said. “They are pretty inexpensive and it’s a lot of bang for your buck.”

Robinson also suggests making the house number more noticeable from the street.

A mat at the front door that evokes excitement can be a plus when showing the house.

“If you have a doormat, (have) something that has enthusiasm. It sets the tone of the showing,” Jay said.

Part of a refreshed look includes landscaping.

According to Koteles Riha, flowers and shrubs show a pride of ownership that is very appealing to a buyer.

“If (buyers) are looking at several different homes and there’s one that has nice shrubs and fresh flowers, it just makes them feel happier,” Koteles Riha said. “Landscaping is proven to increase the value of a home. It doesn’t necessarily have to be professional. It just has to look good.”

According to Koteles Riha, shrubs and flowers that look good and are hearty — and economical — are boxwood shrubs, impatiens and begonias.

“I like begonias because you really can’t kill them,” Koteles Riha said.

Some are finding microclover to be a good replace-

See CURB APPEAL on page 23A

Photos provided by Caron Koteles Riha

Meals

from page 5A

who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Previously, just over half of all students in the state qualified for free or reduced meals through federal programs, based on their family’s income or whether they qualified for SNAP benefits or Medicaid. In 2022, 53.3% of Michigan students qualified for free or reduced-cost lunches.

“The federal reimbursement will come in first, and then (the MDE) will calculate the state reimbursement and provide those resources to the schools that opt in,” Golzynski explained.

The governor’s office said the program will help feed 1.4 million children across the state, which they estimate will save a family $850 over the year. A 2012 study of school lunch costs found that homemade lunches ranged in cost from around $1.55 to $2.12, and the NSLP lunches came in around $2.15, without giving a dollar amount to the time involved in preparing either, according to schoolnutrition.org, which also found that parents tend to pack more sugary items.

Collin McDonough, director of Michigan government relations at the American Heart Association, said he applauds Whitmer, the state Legislature, the Michigan Department of Education and the AHA’s partner organizations No Kid Hungry Michigan, the School Nutrition Association of Michigan, and the Michigan School Meals Coalition for “their tireless work to take this program from an idea to reality.”

He said Healthy School Meals for All will be “transformational” for Michigan’s students and families.

“Not only will it help students learn — no one can focus on an empty stomach — it will help reduce the risk for chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes,” McDonough said in

Parent Jessica Kalef, of Rochester, has concerns about the quality of food served.

“While this sounds like a good idea, during COVID, when they were offered free lunch, there was a big difference in the quality of free food, versus paid. During the free period, we had gotten expired milk and yogurts … and upset stomachs, and were told stuff smelled or wasn’t cooked right,” said Kalef.

Food standards, she stressed, need to be upheld for the universal free food program as well.

“We, as parents, can’t be there for lunch, so it was upsetting that they were served this on several occasions,” Kalef added. “I would rather pay for the lunch to be sure it’s hot, fresh and not expired. However, I know that not all families can do that — so then who is responsible for upholding the standards and checking our kids safety?”

The meals offered through the state and federal programs, Golzynski said, are required to meet the dietary guidelines for Americans, which are set at the federal level.

“In order to get the federal reimbursement, those meals have to meet those nutritional values, but the beautiful part of having the additional state reimbursement is the schools will actually now have more money to spend on their food products, so they can get even higher quality food than what they had before,” she said.

Federal requirements include minimum servings for vegetables, fruits, milk, grains and meat or meat-alternate components. Schools must also adhere to requirements for calories, trans fat, saturated fat and sodium content.

While meal pattern requirements are set at the federal level, MDE officials said school menus are set at the local school or school district level.

“If there is a food allergy situation, where it is life or death, then the family gets a note from the child’s doctor, and the

COMMUNITY BRIEF

Oakland County seeks public’s input for countywide disaster plan

OAKLAND COUNTY — Oakland County wants to hear from residents, businesses, schools, hospitals, and other agencies and organizations to help develop its next hazard mitigation plan in collaboration with cities, villages and townships.

Those who live or work in Oakland County are encouraged to share their experiences, knowledge and concerns about local hazards by participating in the brief survey by July 30: oakland.prepare2023.alchemer.com/s3.

— Mary Beth Almond

food service department has to make those accommodations; no matter what those accommodations are, they have to meet that child’s requirement based on what the doctor says,” said Golzynski. “In the case of dietary preference, like for religious reasons, or oftentimes a family eats vegetarian or vegan, then the food service department will do everything they can to meet those but they aren’t required to.”

Rochester Community Schools, along with many other local school districts, works with Chartwells for its food service.

“Universal free meals in Michigan offer a great opportunity for students to eat together in the cafeteria and hopefully make it easier for students and families to confidently check breakfast and lunch off their list. We’re excited to serve even more students in Rochester Community Schools this year, helping to fuel their busy days with favorite menu items and a variety of delicious new recipes,” Marsha Dziewit, the director of dining services for Rochester Community Schools, said in an email.

Rochester parent Cristina Poma feels the universal free meal program is “a move in the right direction” and said it can always be tweaked in the future to address concerns.

“I’m sure the quality of the food and whatever other gripes people may have can be adjusted as the program grows, but for the children of Michigan, I couldn’t be prouder to be in a state that is taking care of their kids in this manner,” she said.

MDE officials said parents or students can advocate for improved meal quality by first contacting their school’s food service director with concerns.

“Not every family will choose to eat the meals — and that’s always been the case, even during the pandemic, when the meals were free. … But we do expect there to be more children who choose to eat because they are free,” Golzynski stated.

She also encouraged parents to fill out income information, specifically a form called the “educational benefits form,” which will allow schools to continue to get federal funding for education.

“No matter what your income level is, return it, because it’s important to the school for additional education funding that they can get,” she said.

Those with additional questions or concerns can email MDE’s School Nutrition Programs at mde-schoolnutrition@michigan.gov.

Huffman

from page 3A

At night, he would pitch a tent and roll out a sleeping bag, resting in fields, cemeteries, parks and churches. During the day, he would walk against traffic. He did so much walking that he wore the rubber off two pairs of shoes. He said his feet were callused, and his hips purple from the harness he wore.

In quiet moments, Huffman, a practicing fire performer, would also skillfully twirl a staff.

He kept two 500-watt camping batteries charged, rotating them on a solar panel. He also brought a satellite link, a time-lapse camera, and of course food, water, medicine and other supplies.

He said many motorists would stop and graciously offer anything he needed.

“Every community along the way has just been outstanding, just the generosity and kindness that’s coming from everyone across the country,” Huffman said.

His final destination was Rochester Hills the next day, where he would participate in the annual Salute Our Warriors event by the FWSF. He was also transporting Nikki — a dove who would be released with 100 other birds at the event, as a symbol that veterans are heard. It’s a tradition that dates back to World War II, when homing pigeons were used to deliver messages.

“She’s been holding up well,” Huffman said, as Nikki cooed softly in her crate. “Her handler checked her, and said she’s actually gained weight. Here I’m losing weight, and she’s gaining weight. But birds know the way home. If she happened to get out, she’d make it home well before I did.”

There would also be many birds released later that day at Wilkinson Middle School. But first, Huffman met supporters waiting for him near Madison High School, at The Telway hamburger restaurant at 11 Mile and John R roads. From there, he walked to Fire Station No. 2 on John R, where a crowd chanted “USA” and one man yelled, “Way to go, Jax!”

Roslyn Grafstein, the mayor of Madison Heights, presented Huffman with a $1,200 check from community businesses, benefiting the FWSF. She also gave him a key to the city. To top it off, Huffman was hugged by his mother.

“I think this is great — a great cause,” Grafstein said earlier, while walking down 11 Mile Road. “My dad was a veteran. He fought in World War II. Everyone is connected to a veteran in some way, and this brings awareness to all of that. When I found out Jack was going to be in our city, I jumped on the chance to do something.”

This wasn’t the first time Huffman had undertaken such a journey. In 2019, he walked nearly 3,000 miles from California to Georgia, raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

His walks inspired his friend Dereck Coe, of Royal Oak, who accompanied him on the last week of his journey, meeting him downriver outside of Saline. Coe recently lost a grandfather who served in the Korean War. They’ve known each other for years, and both have sons who attended school together at Oak Ridge Elementary in Royal Oak.

“Walking is such a great way to process your emotions, anything you got going on,”

See HUFFMAN on page 21A

Photos by Andy Kozlowski

TOP: Jack Huffman was transporting Nikki, a dove who was to be released at the Salute Our Warriors event at Rochester Hills the next day. Nikki is trained to return to her handler’s home after being released. ABOVE: Dereck Coe is a friend of Huffman’s who accompanied him on the final week of his journey.

Huffman

from page 20A

Coe said, leaning on two walking sticks near the high school. “It’s a chance for reflection, getting yourself back in a balanced state. Jack told me the emotional journey he’s been on, and I was at the same point in my life. Everyone is always trying to find answers.

“I was pushed to my limit yesterday, and I’m right back to walking today,” he added. “It just goes to show that you can get back up and persevere. There’s no end to it. You just keep going.”

As Huffman met supporters at The Telway, another veteran stood outside in a bright red shirt emblazoned with the FWSF logo. He was Chris Cornelius, the organization’s co-founder.

Cornelius said that veterans have a wide range of needs, and 97% of all donations to FWSF go directly to the vets, the rest covering the organization’s operational expenses.

“We recently got a call from a veteran who was using T-shirts as diapers for his kids. And that’s just one scenario,” Cornelius said. “Other needs can be baby food, or someone’s deployed and something happens in the house, like an air conditioner goes out

or a hot water heater stops working. We’re an all-volunteer organization, and we’ve kept true to our mission that most of the money we get goes to the veterans. And if we can’t help them directly, we look at other organizations and funds around here that can help.”

Veterans can apply for assistance at fwsf.org. Donations can also be made on the website.

The festivities concluded at Wilkinson Middle School, with the release of dozens of homing pigeons trained by Kenneth Moore of Clinton Township. He said the birds can find their way back to his house anywhere in a 400-mile radius.

He presented Huffman with a certificate from the American Racing Pigeon Union, honoring him and “Nikki Bird” for positive recognition for veterans and homing pigeons.

“What I see on the news every day, about the world we live in, well, it’s kind of chaotic right now. But then I see Jack, he starts walking, and people come out of nowhere for him. And by the time he got two states in, I’d seen a completely different America — an America united way more than we are led to believe,” Moore said.

“There’s all this political stuff out there,

but none of that mattered. So many people, so many walks of life, came out to thank him for what he was doing,” Moore said. “I was in his earpiece when he was talking to people, and they’re asking him how he’s doing, if he needs a ride, turning their cars around to feed him, to give him drinks. It was just amazing.”

Lenea Renshaw, the owner of Miss NeNe’s Child Care Center, was at Wilkinson with a gaggle of preschoolers. They fawned over the birds, and treated Huffman like a superhero.

“The most important thing is we just recently had the Fourth of July, so we talked a lot with the kids about America, and how it’s the most special place we’ll ever have in our hearts,” Renshaw said. “And so, as free people — all of us — we want to support the military as much as we can, and of course the essential workers, too. And what this man Jack has done is simply unbelievable.

“My own husband is a Marine veteran from Vietnam, so this hits really close to home for me,” she said. She also noted her soft spot for the birds, having raised pigeons herself. “The kids were just ecstatic seeing the birds.”

Ultimately, she hopes the good vibes of the day will stay with people and serve as

a reminder that Americans are like a family that share more in common than not.

“There’s so much trouble in today’s world,” Renshaw said. “If all of us could just have kindness, live in the moment, be gentle and love each other, we would all be so much better off.”

To learn more about Paws With A Cause and to find out how you help, just download this app and watch the story come to life!

Provided as a community service by this civic minded publication in conjunction with the Association of Community Publishers and Community Papers of Michigan

CRIME WATCH

Fire Department saves man in overturned vehicle covered in down electrical wire

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were flagged down while at the car wash on John R Road for a serious accident that had just occurred near John R and Auburn roads at 3:30 p.m. June 9.

Deputies located a vehicle on its side with wires down over the car, and a person trapped inside.

A light pole was on top of the vehicle.

Rochester Hills fire personnel responded and extricated a 72-year-old man from Rochester Hills from the overturned vehicle.

DTE and the Road Commission for Oakland County were advised of the live wires, pole and traffic lights completely out. DTE was able to cut the power and remove the downed pole. The Road Commission restored the traffic lights. The driver of the overturned vehicle had minor injuries and appeared to be in diabetic distress, which is believed to be the cause of the accident. He was transported to the hospital. The drivers of two other vehicles that were struck had no injuries and refused treatment.

Suspicious person reported watching swimmers at Rochester High School

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to a report of a suspicious person inside Rochester High School at 7:35 p.m. June 21.

The caller reported that a suspicious male — wearing a white shirt, tan cargo shorts and a blue/gray backpack — was inside the swim competition/pool area but had no child competing to watch. He was also reportedly looking at what appeared to be a dating app on his phone, and the caller felt this was suspicious in nature.

When deputies arrived, the subject had left the pool area but was suspected to be inside the building. Deputies checked the entire school building and complex but did not locate the subject. The caller took a photo of the suspicious person, which was added to the report.

The school resource officer was notified of the incident, and, per school administrators, the subject was observed on video in the school for approximately one hour prior to the deputies’ arrival. The subject appeared to leave on a bicycle before deputies arrived.

Woman arrested after passing out in running car following alleged drug use

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to a store in the 2100 block of South Rochester Road on a suspicious circumstance report at 7:01 p.m. June 30.

A caller reported a yellow pickup truck in the lot, with the sounds of a female screaming coming from inside. A deputy arrived, located the vehicle in the parking lot, and found a 30-year-old woman from Troy slumped over behind the wheel of the running vehicle, with a “whip it” between her legs, her mouth over the nozzle of the container. The deputy removed the woman from the driver’s seat and a struggle ensued. While escorting the female to the patrol vehicle, the woman kicked the deputy in the leg, causing no injury. The woman was placed under arrest and was transported to the hospital for a blood draw. She was lodged at Oakland County Jail, pending the issuance of charges.

Attempted identity theft reported

ROCHESTER — A Rochester resident reported that a fraudulent loan application was attempted using his name and Social Security number at approximately 11 a.m. July 7. The resident received email notification about recent inquiries on his credit report, which involved multiple different banks and was related to attempts to apply for auto loans. The resident was advised to put a freeze on his credit to help prevent any further attempts to use his identity. The case is being investigated.

Home invasion reported on Songbird Drive

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to the 1000 block of Songbird Drive on a report of a home invasion at 9:35 p.m. June 19.

The homeowner, a 29-year-old woman from Rochester Hills, said she left home around noon, returned at 9:30 p.m. and observed that her residence had been “ransacked” and several items of value were missing.

Deputies cleared the residence, and no suspects were found. A visual inspection of the entryways revealed no signs of forced entry. The homeowner said the main garage door was open, so the suspect may have known the entry code.

The scene was photographed, and an evidence technician arrived to check disturbed items in the residence for prints, with

Continued on page 23A

Curb appeal

from page 18A

ment for grass.

“There is a new trend coming in to replace grass with microclover,” Robinson said. “It will be very interesting to see where that goes.”

Jay has had microclover for about a year.

“The reason I did it is, it’s less maintenance than grass. Microclover requires less water, so it is more environmentally friendly.

CRIME WATCH

negative results. Approximately $10,000 in cash, high-valued items of clothing and a small safe, which contained $6,000 and jewelry, were taken from the home.

Man arrested for possession of drugs

ROCHESTER — An officer performing selective enforcement in the area of Main Street and University Drive heard a vehicle approaching him with an extremely loud/ defective exhaust and noticed the front seat passenger was not wearing his seatbelt at approximately 11:45 p.m. July 7.

The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and investigated the driver, a 27-year-old man from Leonard. A search of the vehicle revealed a silver and black metal

It grows slower,” Jay said.

According to Robinson, in the summer, the grass in metro Detroit goes dormant and can be seen turning brown. Microclover may be a remedy for that.

“It is very vivid, beautiful, electric green that I have right now,” Jay said.

Sellers should keep pets out of sight when showing their homes.

“Buyers can stigmatize a property as having potential issues due to their odor and their behavior,” Jay said.

Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.

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container on the floorboard area directly behind the driver’s seat. Inside the container was a blue glass smoking pipe and a Vaseline Lip Therapy container that contained a small plastic baggie with several small, clear, rock-style substances, appearing to be methamphetamine. The driver was arrested and taken to the Rochester Police Department and processed for the offense of possession of drugs. Police are investigating.

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Pecky D. Lewis Jr., who guided Oakland County Parks expansion, dies at 94

LEWIS WAS FORMER

MAYOR OF ROYAL OAK

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — Bloomfield

Hills resident Pecky D. Lewis Jr., who died at his home July 10 at the age of 94, left his mark on Oakland County through his long service on the county’s Parks and Recreation Commission, as a longtime business owner and as the mayor of Royal Oak in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Lewis was a parks commissioner from 1982 to 2015. In 1992, he became the chairperson of the commission. He held this position until 2013, making him the longestserving chairperson of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission.

Sue Wells, retired manager of parks and recreation, worked with Lewis the entire time he was a parks commissioner. Wells said that at the time, Oakland County Parks and Recreation was very facility-driven with waterparks, golf courses and playgrounds.

“He helped guide the wave for the facilities, the programs and the best practices that we had,” Wells said.

Several parks were developed under his leadership including Catalpa Oaks, Highland Oaks, Lyon Oaks and Rose Oaks county parks.

Among the facilities that opened while he was on the commission were Red Oaks

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Waterpark, Michigan’s first refrigerated toboggan run, a golf course, greenhouses, three nature centers, three dog parks and renovations to campgrounds.

Wells described Lewis as “humble,”

“thorough” and “thoughtful” in his work.

“He was dedicated and loved what he did,” Wells said. “He was very passionate about the park system and about making

See LEWIS on page 27A

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Pecky D. Lewis Jr.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

JULY 27-31

Used book sale: Also CDs, DVDs, games and puzzles, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 27, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. July 28-29 and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 31 (closed July 30), Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, calendar.rhpl.org, (248) 656-2900

JULY 27

Music in the Park: Featuring the Rochester Symphony, 7:30-9 p.m., Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St., facebook.com/musicintheparkdowntownrochester

JULY 27-29

‘Shakespeare Upon Avon: Twelfth Night’: 7:30 p.m., Lake Norcentra Park, on campus of Rochester University, 800 W. Avon Road in Rochester Hills, rochesteru. edu/ru-theatre-music

JULY 29

‘God Kinda Looks Like Tupac’: Reading by Shakespeare in Detroit, 2 p.m., Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, open to RHPL cardholders only, registration required, calendar. rhpl.org, (248) 656-2900

JULY 29-30

Fine Art at the Village: Featuring approximately 70 artists, also kids activities, food court and live demonstrations, plus free admission and parking, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. July 29 and noon-6 p.m. July 30, 104 N. Adams Road in Rocheter Hills, fineartatthevillage.com

AUG. 5

Rochester Grangers: See live “base ball” game featuring teams using equipment, uniforms and rules circa 1870s, 1 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, rochesterhills. org/musprograms

Twilight Tours: Also live music and drinks, 6-9 p.m., Meadow Brook Estate, 350 Estate Drive in Rochester, meadowbrookhall.org/twilighttours

AUG. 8

‘Donut’ Be Afraid of Bugs: Educational session from

expert at Bugs on Wheels and treats for sale from The Little Donut Factory, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Festival Park in Rochester Hills, also Aug. 22, thevorh.com/events

Rochester Community Concert Band: Free outdoor performance, 7 p.m., east lawn of St. Mary of the Hills Catholic Church, 2675 John R Road in Rochester Hills, RochesterCommunityConcertBand.org

AUG. 10

Car show: 6-7:30 p.m., Blossom Springs, 3215 Silverbell Road in Oakland Township

Dragons & Damsels in the Sky: Presented by Dinosaur Hill, 7 p.m., Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, open to RHPL cardholders only, registration required, calendar.rhpl. org, (248) 656-2900

AUG. 11

Music in the Meadows: Featuring The Rose Quartet, 7-9 p.m., Cranberry Lake Park, 388 W. Predmore Road in Oakland Township, oaklandtownship.org

Financial Friday: Learn financial planning basics, 10 a.m., Older persons Commission, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester, opcseniorcenter.org

AUG. 13

Rockin Rods n’ Rochester: Opens at 9 a.m., awards at 3:30 p.m., also DJ, food, raffles, merchandise and more, Walnut Boulevard in downtown Rochester, all proceeds support Leader Dogs for the Blind and other Rochester Lions Charities, rochesterlionclub.org

AUG. 22

‘Donut’ Be Afraid of Bugs: Educational session from expert at Bugs on Wheels and treats for sale from The Little Donut Factory, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Festival Park in Rochester Hills, thevorh.com/events

ONGOING

Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until Oct. 28, corner of East Third and Water streets, downtownrochestermi.com

Widowed Friends Dinner Club: 5 p.m. every third Wednesday of month, Oceania Inn, 37 S. Livernois Road in Rochester, RSVP to Sharry at (248) 840-0063 five days in advance

Summer Concert Series: 7-9:30 p.m.July 27 (Collision Six), Aug. 2 and 3 (Amadeus), and Aug. 10 (Ben Sharkey), Garden Tent at Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, also cash bar and self-guided tours, reservations required, meadowbrookhall.org

Nature Tales Classic: Story, snack and craft, intended for ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every third Thursday of month, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, 333 N. Hill Circle in Rochester, dinosaurhill.org

Movies in the Moonlight: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” July 29 and “Moana” Aug. 5, pre-shows at 8:30 p.m. and movies at dusk, parking lot on East Third and Water streets in Rochester, downtownrochestermi.com

Rochester Toastmasters: Meets 6:30 p.m. every first and third Thursday of month, Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Drive in Rochester, (248) 828-5649, 4890.toastmastersclubs.org

Live music at Fork n’ Pint: 7-10 p.m. Saturdays, 51 N. Broadway in Lake Orion, (248) 845-4476, forknpintlakeorion.com

Story & STEAM: Combines books with science, technology, engineering, art and math concepts, intended for ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every fourth Friday of month, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, 333 N. Hill Circle in Rochester Hills, dinosaurhill.org

Stream Science: Use nets, magnifying glasses, bug boxes and more to learn about what’s living in Stony Creek, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Thursdays until Aug. 31, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, rochesterhills.org/museum

Rochester AAUW: Meetings every fourth Thursday of month, Zoom and in person, Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow Ave., (248) 651-2223

Support groups: Join meetings for alzheimers and dementia caregivers, caring and sharing loss, those with parkinson’s and their care partners, and those who are visually impaired, Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester, (248) 656-1403

Paint Creek Garden Club: Meets 9:30 a.m.-noon every second Friday of month, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm dairy or calf barn, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, (248) 505-4307

Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, milupus.org/support-groups, (248) 901-7299

C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:

Farmington Press

Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle • Grosse Pointe Times • Macomb Township Chronicle Madison-Park News • Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Township Journal • Novi Note • Rochester Post Roseville-Eastpointe Eastsider Royal Oak Review • Shelby-Utica News • Southfield Sun • St. Clair Shores Sentinel • Sterling Heights Sentry Troy Times • Warren

(Grosse Pointe/Macomb Co.) • C & G Special Edition (Oakland Co.)

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

Reporter: Mary Beth Almond | (586) 498-1060 | malmond@candgnews.com

Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com

For retail ad rates: Andrew Magda | (586) 498-5010 | amagda@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1034 | kboz@candgnews.com

Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100

Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099

Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com

Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com

26A/ ROCHESTER POST • JULY 27, 2023

Opinions expressed in this newspaper are the opinions of the individual sources and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of C & G Publishing Inc., its ownership or management. Copyright © 2023 C & G Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

Lewis

from page 25A

Oakland County parks a better place for the people of Oakland County.”

David VanderVeen, vice chairperson of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, worked with Lewis for about 17 years.

Lewis was with the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission during a time of expansion, and VanderVeen said he thought Lewis was the “right person at the right time.”

“He guided us through periods of tremendous expansion and growth, and the efforts that he brought to Oakland County Parks and Recreation will be enjoyed continually for generations to come,” VanderVeen said.

VanderVeen said Lewis was a very patient man, which contributed to his effectiveness as a leader.

“He was a very considerate person,” VanderVeen said. “He weighed all opinions and encouraged everybody to participate, which are traits of a good leader.”

In 2015, Lewis was inducted into the Michigan Recreation and Park Association

Hall of Fame.

In addition to his work with parks and recreation, Lewis served as president of Liberty Special Tool Co. for more than 50 years — which was founded in Hazel Park in 1953 and later had facilities in Royal Oak and Bad Axe, according to his obituary — and he served as mayor of Royal Oak from 1975 to 1981. He was a longtime member of the Royal Oak Lions Club, according to his obituary.

Royal Oak City Commissioner Patricia Paruch worked with Lewis while he was mayor. She said they were facing a tough time economically during his term, partly because property tax revenue was not keeping up with inflation.

At this time, the city was also trying to figure out how to reinvigorate the downtown. Due to the economy at the time, development was low; however, some of the downtown’s development was in its infancy.

Paruch said Lewis approached city government like a business, which she said was an appropriate approach at the time.

“When push came to shove, the business of running the city and the economics of it were the most important thing as far as he was concerned in order to get the city back on track,” Paruch said.

The Trustees of the Rochester Hills Public Library will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 8 p.m. in the Boardroom at the Rochester Hills Public Library on the Library’s budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024. The Rochester Hills Public Library is located at 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester, MI 48307.

The regular monthly meeting will follow at the conclusion of the public hearing. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for review at the Library on Friday, August 18, 2023. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.

For more information please contact Juliane Morian, Library Director, Rochester Hills Public Library at 248-650-7122.

NOTE: The library will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon one weeks’ notice to the Library by contacting the following:

Outreach Services

Rochester Hills Public Library 500 Olde Towne Road Rochester, MI 48307 248-650-7150, TDD 248-650-7153

Published: 07/27/2023 Rochester Post

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NOTES NEWS

NEWS AND NOTE ITEMS TAKEN FROM AROUND OUR COVERAGE AREAS

Distracted driving law now in effect

METRO DETROIT — Drivers and law enforcement departments across Michigan are reacting to a new law that went into effect June 30 that prohibits using cellphones and other devices while driving.

According to a press release issued on behalf of Insurance Alliance of Michigan, data from the Michigan State Police showed that in 2021, more than 16,000 motor vehicle crashes involved a distracted driver, with 59 of those crashes resulting in a fatality.

The use of a mobile electronic device means using a mobile electronic device to do any task, such as sending or receiving a call; sending, receiving or reading a text message; viewing, recording or transmitting a video; and accessing, reading or posting to a social networking site. An exception is allowed if the driver is contacting emergency services. Michigan is now the 26th state to adopt a hands-free driving law.

SWIMMING ACROSS AMERICA FOR A CURE

DETROIT — At press time, swimmers and volunteers were preparing for the fifth annual Swim Across America-Motor City Mile scheduled for July 7 on Belle Isle in the Detroit River. A 2-mile swim, a 1-mile swim and a half-mile swim were scheduled. SAA-Motor City Mile benefits cancer research at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, where roughly 500 researchers are working to prevent cancer, improve outcomes for patients, and improve quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. One participant, Julie Brabbs — pictured right with her husband, Steve — is the chief administrative officer at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. Brabbs also is a cancer patient and currently has raised $14,232 for cancer research, with more donations expected. Brabbs, 56, of Ann Arbor, is currently being treated with Keytruda, which is an immunotherapy cancer treatment that was funded and created in a Swim Across America lab at Johns Hopkins University. For more information about Swim Across America, visit swimacrossamerica.org.

According to the release from MDOT, texting while driving has been illegal in Michigan since 2010, but increasing the parameters of the law to prohibit the use of phones “without hands-free technology is expected to further improve safety for all road users, including passengers, pedestrians and road workers.”

“Everyone who spends time on our roadways has a story or a negative experience that involves a distracted driver. The latest legislation is another tool to help encourage safer driving habits and ultimately save lives,” Capt. Joshua Jones of the Troy Police Department said in an email. “Our officers have been briefed on the new law and will be out there helping educate the public on its importance. The more buyin we can get from drivers, of all age groups, the safer our roads will become. I like the simple message we put out on our social media: ‘Just Drive.’ Put the phone down, and just drive.”

AUTHORITIES WARN OF DEBT COLLECTION SCAM

METRO DETROIT — The office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is alerting Michigan residents about a new scam in which fraudulent letters are directed to workers and businesses.

The letters attempt to collect an outstanding debt and are part of a scam that fraudulently identifies the sender as the State of Michigan, seeking to unlawfully collect a debt that is owed to the Unemployment Insurance Agency or the Michigan Department of Treasury, which functions as the state’s debt collection agency.

The recipients are threatened with seizure of their bank accounts, wages, business assets, cars, real estate, refunds and cash if past due debts are not paid. The letters use personal information that can be

to the scene of the crime

SOUTHFIELD — A woman contacted police at 3:59 p.m. June 26 to report her purse missing from her vehicle in the 23000 block of Lahser Road.

She told police that she knew the individual who took her purse. The suspect returned to the area while the officers were at the scene.

Officers observed a purse matching the victim’s description in the suspect’s vehicle. The purse was recovered, and the suspect was arrested for larceny from auto and outstanding warrants.

Man discovers attempted vehicle theft as he leaves for work

SOUTHFIELD — On July 1 at 5:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to 25000 Greenfield Road for attempted vehicle theft.

A man had observed an unknown individual hanging from the driver’s side window of his 2016 Hyundai Elantra as he was leaving for work.

The man began yelling at the suspect, and the suspect fled on foot.

Multiple items were stolen from the vehicle, and ignition damage was done to the vehicle.

Man finds sliding door open after alarm is tripped

NOVI — A man living in the 24800 block of Fairway Hills Drive, in the general area of 10 Mile and Taft roads, contacted police when he discovered that his back patio sliding door was open after his home alarm had been tripped at 7:29 p.m. June 26.

The man told police that his neighbor had seen a man near his home at approximately that time.

The homeowner stated that he keeps a piece of wood in both of his sliding doors, which is why he believed that whomever unlocked the door was unable to gain entry, according to the police report.

The man told police he does not know who would try to break into his home, but he said he had “weird feelings” about some contractors who worked on his back patio a month prior. He said he paid for the services in cash and noticed that the workers paid close attention to that detail. He reportedly said he did not wish to give the name of the company, as he had no proof. He said he would be looking into obtaining and mounting cameras for security. The case was closed pending more information.

Troy bank robbed

TROY — Police are searching for a suspect accused of robbing the PNC Bank at 725 E. Big Beaver Road at 4:27 p.m. June 23.

Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial looking for volunteers

ROYAL OAK — The Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial is looking for volunteers for a dedication event later this summer.

The organization will hold a dedication ceremony in celebration of completing phase 1 of the memorial at 4 p.m. Aug. 10 in Memorial Park, 31100 Woodward Ave. The group is looking for volunteers to help with the event.

gleaned from internet records to make their sources sound legitimate and make the threats more likely to result in payment.

Workers and businesses should note that any legitimate letters from the Department of Treasury will be printed on Treasury Department letterhead and will also provide options for paying the debt, as well as outline taxpayer rights. Letters from the UIA will contain information about how to protest and appeal payment determinations. Letters from the treasury or the UIA will always include the names of departmental leadership at the top.

Anyone with questions about their state debts should call the Treasury Collections Service Center at (517) 636-5265. Anyone with a consumer complaint or who believes they have been the victim of a scam can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team by calling (517) 335-7599.

Volunteer efforts will include helping to coordinate volunteers at the event, helping with setup from noon to 3:30 p.m., helping during the ceremony from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., helping during cleanup from 5 to 6:30 p.m., or assisting with tasks the day prior to the event.

For more information, visit michiganww2memorial.org/ dedicationceremonyvolunteer.

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27, the memorial is looking for volunteers to help Team Depot as it lays sod, spreads mulch and plants bushes at the memorial’s site. Also on the agenda that day is to rebuild the flower box at the corner of 13 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue.

Volunteers need to be 18 years old. Volunteers should wear comfortable shoes and bring work gloves, sunscreen and water. Sign up for a time slot at michiganww2memorial.org/ home-depot-grounds-project.

entered the bank and slid an envelope across the desk with a note demanding money “so no one would get hurt.” The teller put the money in the envelope, and the suspect was last seen fleeing the bank on foot.

Charges pending blood test following hit-and-run crash

TROY — Troy police officers responded to reports of a crash at 12:30 a.m. June 19 near the intersection of Rochester Road and East Big Beaver Road.

They were informed that a second vehicle had fled the scene.

Shortly afterward, officers were flagged down by a passerby in the parking lot of 3331 Rochester Road where they observed a 2021 GMC Yukon with heavy front-end damage, two flat tires and smoke coming from the engine compartment.

Officers spoke to the registered owner of the vehicle, who was standing nearby, and asked him what had happened. The owner said he had been driving and hit something, but did not know what he had hit. Officers noted the driver, a 36-year-old Troy man, was slurring his words, and there was an odor of intoxicants coming from his person.

During an inventory search of the driver’s vehicle, officers discovered marijuana throughout the passenger compartment. A search warrant was obtained for a blood draw for testing.

Three arrested in theft

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 3:20 p.m. July 3, three suspects stole clothing and household goods from the Meijer located at 5150 Coolidge Highway and fled in a blue Chevrolet Traverse. The suspects were arrested for retail fraud after responding officers reportedly located the vehicle and recovered the stolen merchandise.

Hockey net reportedly stolen from driveway

WEST BLOOMFIELD — A woman on McDivitt Drive reported that her son’s hockey net was taken from near the end of her driveway between June 25 and 26 by an unknown person. No further information was provided.

Fight breaks out between drivers

BIRMINGHAM — On June 21 at approximately 9:59 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of South Old Woodward and Merrill Street on a report of two men fighting.

The confrontation began as a verbal altercation between the individuals while they were driving in

lot at 33400 Woodward Ave. The case was being reviewed for possible charges.

Suspect throws rock through

business window

BIRMINGHAM — On July 3, at approximately 10 a.m., an offer was dispatched to 33000 Woodward Ave. for a malicious destruction of property report.

A 36-year-old business owner reported that an unknown man wearing a black shirt, light-colored pants, white shoes and a black bucket hat threw a rock through the business’s exterior front window.

The window damage/repair costs are estimated at $2,500. The suspect did not take any items or enter the business. The investigation was ongoing.

Steering wheel columns stolen from Malibus

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department took two reports of larcenies from automobiles June 27-28, one in the 400 block of Maple Road and the other in the 1600 block of Bloomfield Place.

In both cases, two separate 2019 Chevrolet Malibus had the driver-side windows smashed out and the steering wheel columns stolen. Other agencies in metro Detroit have reported similar thefts from Chevrolet Malibu vehicles.

The case was under investigation.

Residents report check fraud

FARMINGTON — A Farmington resident went into the police station at 1 p.m. June 16 to report that a check was fraudulently altered and cashed on behalf of their personal bank account.

The victim reported that they wrote two checks for $200 each; however, the checks were altered to show a new amount of $6,500. The payee’s name was changed, and the checks were then presented to a local bank, where they were cashed. A report was taken and turned over to the detective bureau for further investigation.

At 4 p.m. June 14, a second resident reported a similar incident where they mailed a check in the amount of $695; however, the check was altered to show a new amount of $6,200.

Bank customer bothers others

FARMINGTON — Farmington Public Safety officers responded to the Chase Bank on Farmington Road for a report of a customer trouble at 2 p.m. June 24.

An investigation revealed that a customer had been at the location for over two hours disturbing

the bank staff. The customer was advised to leave and not return at the request of the business.

Money swiped from register

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, money was stolen from the register of a cafe in the 21400 block of John R Road around 1:15 a.m. June 28.

The victim is a Hazel Park woman, 56. A total of $150 in cash was taken. The front door was broken to gain access.

Police were investigating.

Teen suspended after threatening to commit violence at Rochester High ROCHESTER HILLS — At Rochester High School, a student reported to school staff that another student had shouted in the hallway between classes that he was “going to shoot up the school” at around 11:50 a.m. June 6.

The responsible student, a 15-year-old male from Rochester Hills, was immediately identified and taken to the main office.

The school resource officer responded and initiated an investigation.

The responsible student was interviewed and denied making any threat. Additional witnesses were identified and interviewed. All related witnesses confirmed hearing the threat, but they believed it to be a joke.

The person responsible was searched, along with his belongings. No weapons were found. His parents were notified and advised that the student had no access to firearms. Through the investigation, it was determined that the threat was not credible.

The responsible student was taken home by his parents and was suspended for the remainder of the school year.

Driver arrested for felony assault

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to the area of Rochester and Auburn roads for a report that a subject had a gun pointed at him by another motorist at 12:47 p.m. June 15. The complainant, a 34-year-old man from Rochester Hills, provided a vehicle description of the responsible driver and a direction of travel. A deputy in the area began looking for the suspect vehicle and located it in an adjacent apartment complex. The driver, a 31-year-old resident of Auburn Hills, was taken into custody and lodged at Oakland County Jail. A handgun was recovered. The case was forwarded to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.

Photo provided by Swim Across America - Motor City Mile