8/15/24 Rochester Post by C & G Newspapers

PROJECTED STANDINGS FOR OAA AND CHSL FOOTBALL

Local police see increase in drugged driving IMPAIRED DRIVING CRASHES RISE STATEWIDE

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — Impaired driving crashes across Michigan are on the rise, a troubling statistic released in a study from Bridge Michigan, which also found that police across the state are not making as many arrests for drunk driving as they have in the past.

The study found fatal alcohol and drug-related crashes

have risen by 40% across Michigan, with alcohol-and-drug related fatalities up statewide and in many counties — including Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne.

Over the last five years, Nick Soley, of the Bloomfield Township Police Department, said the township has seen an increase in “drugged driving.”

“That’s twofold. It’s illicit drugs and also prescription drugs, which is, obviously, just as dangerous as drunk driv-

See DRIVING on page 11A

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER — Construction on a new universal play area in Rochester begins this month.

Over the next few weeks, crews will begin construction on the Memorial Grove All Abilities Park, adjacent to Halbach Field, off Woodward Avenue.

“We’re thinking in a couple of weeks we’re going to start breaking some ground and getting some work done on the park,” Rochester’s Deputy Finance Director and Deputy Treasurer Marcy Moriwaki said. “We already did the sidewalks on the north side to make them (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant, and we will finish up the second ones after all of the construction happens, because we don’t want to roll heavy equipment over brand-new sidewalks.”

City officials say the park will include new interactive play equipment around the existing walkways in Memorial Grove, south of Halbach Baseball Field, with a turf floor around the equipment.

“We definitely want to keep it quiet for the surrounding neighbors, because there’s a lot of residential properties that abut the park there. Our goal really was that it was a passive park, a quiet space for the enjoyment of everyone,” Moriwaki said.

The intent of the area, according to city officials, is to be a barrier-free passive area for children with sensory sensitivities or accessibility barriers, allowing them to enjoy the play equipment as families walk around the oval pathway.

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ROCHESTER HILLS VOTERS APPROVE LIBRARY TAX INCREASE

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS/OAKLAND

TOWNSHIP — Primary election voters in Rochester Hills have approved a millage hike to support the Rochester Hills Public Library.

The measure passed with nearly 66% of voters supporting the move, while approximately 34% voted against

the increase, according to unofficial results from the Oakland County Elections Division.

“We see a vote of two-thirds of the community as a strong mandate to take the Rochester Hills Public Library to the next level and fulfill its full potential,” Library Director Juliane Morian said. “That means providing adequate space for storytime for as many families as want to experience it as possible, that means more technology for students

LUXURY REMODELING

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

AUBURN HILLS/ROCHESTER HILLS/TROY/ BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Voters in the Avondale School District hit the polls Aug. 6 to decide on a $150 million bond issue renewal, with the measure passing with over 65% of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Oakland County Elections Division.

James Schwarz, the superintendent of Avondale Schools, said the bond — which passed with 3,115 yes votes to 1,668 no votes — will enable the district to enhance school safety and security; replace select furniture, furnishings and equipment; and update the learning environment, school exteriors and sites, mechanical and electrical systems, and technology.

“Certainly, it exceeded our expectations,” Schwarz said of the vote. “I don’t think any of us thought that we would win by that much of a margin. It just underscores the commitment of the community to the schools. We can’t thank the community enough for putting their trust in us to move forward to create the kind of environment that we all desire for our students.”

The renewal of the school improvement bond, Schwarz said, will keep the current millage rate at or below 7.3 mills for the next 25 years. According to the ballot language, residents will pay an estimated 1.37 mills in the first year of the five-year bond and an estimated 4.19 mills per year after that. One mill is $1 per $1,000 of a home’s taxable value.

The bond will support the new construction of a $32.9 million, 55,000-square-foot early childhood center — proposed for the corner of Waukegan and Squirrel — which is expected to accommodate the demand for preschool programs throughout the district. The center will serve as a hub for approximately 300 preschool students districtwide and will include 20 classrooms, a kitchen and cafeteria, an indoor play space, a group learning area, a playground and more. It will also allow the district to offer birth to age 3 programs.

Primary voters enter Adams High School Aug. 6 to cast their ballots.

Photo by Erin Sanchez

FULL OF HEART

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Post voters decide township offices, county, state races in Aug. 6 primary

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS/ OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — In the Post’s coverage area, voters weighed in on various state, county and local primary races Aug. 6, including township offices.

Across Michigan, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced, more than 1.2 million voters had cast an early or absentee ballot in the August primary before the polls closed at 8 p.m. on election night. Election officials reported steady turnout throughout the day.

“First, I want to congratulate all voters for participating in the Primary Election,” Benson said in a statement. “Secondly, I want to assure them that the counting and canvassing processes will be carried out in accordance with the law, every ballot will be counted fairly and accurately, and the election’s outcome will reflect their will.”

Benson said it’s common for vote tallies to change from the initial unofficial results, as Michigan’s election system has built-in steps to identify and correct errors before results are finalized and certified. At press time, she said, bipartisan boards of county canvassers will canvas the results for accuracy and correct any clerical mistakes. After the Board of State Canvassers certifies, the primary election results will be official and final.

The unofficial results reported by all Michigan counties are available online at Michigan.gov/Vote.

State House District 55

Two Democrats, Trevis Harrold and

Alexander Hawkins, ran for their party’s nomination to compete for a two-year term in November. Harrold came out on top with 52.8% of the vote, or 4,859 votes, while Hawkins earned 47.2%, or 4,347 votes, according to unofficial election results. Harrold will face off against Republican Mark Tisdel, who ran unopposed in the primary, this November. The salary for the position is $71,685.

State House District 66

Two Republicans, Randy LaVasseur and Joshua Schriver, ran for their party’s nomination to compete for a two-year term in November. Schriver earned 65.8% of the vote, or 8,494 votes, surpassing LaVasseur, who had 34.2% of the vote, or 4,414 votes, according to unofficial election results. Schriver will compete against Democrat Shawn Almeranti-Crosby, who ran unopposed in the primary, this November. The salary for the position is $71,685.

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner

Two Democrats, Jim Nash and Jim Stevens, and two Republicans, Steve Johnson and Steve Klein, ran for their parties’ nominations to compete for a four-year term in November.

Nash received 68.16%, or 87,325 votes, outpacing Stevens, who earned 31.66%, or 40,554 votes, according to unofficial election results from the Oakland County Elections Division. Johnson garnered 64.33%, or 45,847 votes, to surpass Klein, who earned 35.40%, 25,226 votes, according to unoffi-

cial election results from the Oakland County Elections Division. Nash and Johnson will compete for the position in November. The annual salary for the position is $170,761.

Oakland Township Supervisor

Two Republicans, Rubin Buxar and James Komendera, ran for their party’s nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. Buxar earned 51.82%, or 1,113 votes, while Komendera received 48%, or 1,031 votes, according to unofficial election results from the Oakland County Elections Division. No Democrats filed to compete in the primary race. The position has an annual salary of $13,226.

Oakland Township Treasurer

Two Republicans, John Giannangeli and Christopher Hornbeck, ran for their party’s nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. Giannangeli garnered 61.03% of the vote, for a total of 1,259 votes, against Hornbeck, who fol-

lowed with 38.78%, for a total of 800 votes, according to unofficial election results from the Oakland County Elections Division. No Democrats filed to compete in the primary race. The treasurer position has an annual salary of $8,998.

Oakland Township Trustee

Nine Republican candidates ran for their party’s nomination to compete for four, four-year terms in November. John Casadei led the field with 15.21% of the vote, or 1,059 votes, followed by Emily Campbell with 893 votes, Jeanne Langlois at 892 votes and Jack Elder with 860 votes, according to unofficial election results from the Oakland County Elections Division. Drew Moore earned 803 votes, Karen Reilly had 703, Keith Popis got 665, Craig Blust received 601 and Clayton Winkler earned 475, according to unofficial election results. No Democrats filed to compete in the primary race. Trustees earn $300 per quarter, plus $100 per meeting.

Park

from page 1A

“We believe this area will allow us to connect activities for park-goers, like the ball games and having all-access playscapes, ultimately making it a more grounded and recreational complex in that build.”

The Memorial Grove All Abilities Park is slated to cost around $300,000 and will be paid for via a $225,000 Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, with a $75,000 city match for which Rochester is using a Community Development Block Grant.

The park, which city officials said should be open by early fall, was designed in a way to allow for more equipment, benches, trees and landscaping to be installed in the future.

“It’s set up in a way that if we want to add more units, either in the turf area or along the walkway on the grass as you walk around the oval path, there is that possibility,” Department of Public Works Director Alek Mizikar said.

Once the Memorial Grove All Abilities Park is up and running, the city plans to begin work on a second all-abilities park to remove the tot lot playground, near Ludlow Avenue in Rochester Municipal Park.

In 2018, city staff identified that the play sets for the tot lot by the Rochester Community House were deteriorating and were past the point of being able to get parts.

“That’s going to be a much bigger footprint than the existing footprint, with upgraded, all-abilities, barrier-free equipment,” Moriwaki said.

Construction, she added, will likely kick off in the spring of 2025.

The two new parks, Moriwaki noted, have been designed with input from local community organizations, including those that work with individuals with disabilities, to ensure that all members of the community had a voice in the design process.

“We’re committed to inclusivity and allowing everyone to enjoy the outdoors, regardless of age and ability,” she said.

For more information about the all-abilities parks or to donate, visit rochestermi.org or call (248) 733-3700.

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

NEWS & NOTES

‘Praise

in the Park’ celebrates 25 years

ROCHESTER — The community is invited to the 25th anniversary “Family Praise and Picnic in the Park” celebration at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 in Rochester Municipal Park. Dress casually, bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy family friendly outdoor worship featuring uplifting music and a message of hope. A free picnic lunch and ice cream social will be offered, plus fun-filled activities including a photo booth, facepainting, an illusionist, balloon artists, a wheels parade and a vintage

Rochester Hills student crowned National American Miss Michigan Junior Teen Queen

ROCHESTER HILLS — Isabell Johnson, the daughter of Rodney and Deborah Johnson of Rochester Hills, was crowned 2024 National American Miss Michigan Junior Teen Queen at a state pageant July 4-7 at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, Ohio.

She received her official state crown, banner and trophy. She also received an invitation to compete at the national pageant Thanksgiving week in Orlando, Florida.

She placed first in the talent competition, where she performed the violin solo of “Obsession,” by Eugene Ysaye, and received first runner up as “Miss Personality.”

The National American Miss Pageants are dedicated to “celebrating America’s greatness and encouraging its future leaders,” according to organizers. Each year, the National American Miss Pageants awards $1.5 million in cash, scholarships and prizes to recognize and assist the development of young women nationwide. Pageants are held in each state for girls ages 4 to 24 in six age divisions. Makeup is not allowed on contestants 12 and younger.

Isabell Johnson is a homeschooled student entering 11th grade. She performs with the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra, composes music, and sometimes busks at Detroit’s Eastern Market.

vehicle display will follow.

Golf classic to benefit the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s

ROCHESTER HILLS — The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s will hold its eighth annual Kirk Gibson Golf Classic Aug. 19 at the Wyndgate Country Club in Rochester Hills.

The foundation was formed by former professional baseball player and manager Kirk Gibson after his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2015. Gibson attended Michigan State University, where he played football and baseball. He spent most of his career with the Detroit Tigers, but also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Kansas City Royals and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Gibson is currently the color commentator for the Detroit Tigers and a special assistant to the Tigers, and spends his time supporting his mission and vision of spreading awareness for Parkinson’s and providing inspiration and hope to others who are living with Parkinson’s.

Over the last seven years, the Kirk Gibson Golf Classic has raised more than $1.3 million to fund programs to benefit those living with Parkinson’s disease and their families.

Kirk Gibson will be golfing along with the support of celebrities, and current and former athletes, including Alan Trammell, Lance Parrish, Dave Rozema, Goose Gossage, Larry “The Cable Guy” Michigan native, and actor Martin Klebba, best known for his role as “Marty” in Pirates of the Caribbean series, to name a few. The Kirk Gibson Golf Classic is sold out, but there are additional opportunities to support the foundation. For more information, visit KirkGibsonFoundation.org.

All ages are invited to decorate bikes, trikes, wagons, scooters and strollers in patriotic colors and participate in the 1:15 p.m. “Red, White, and Cute” wheels parade. All parade participants receive gifts. People who would like to exhibit a special car, truck, tractor or motorcycle at the vintage vehicle display can register at 9:30 a.m. There is no entry fee. Vintage vehicle exhibitors should use the park entrance off Griggs Street, west of Rochester Road.

Event attendees should use the Pine Street Park Entrance, north of University Drive, just west of Rochester Road, where parking is available. Shuttles will transport those needing assistance to reserved seating areas. Attendees are encouraged to pick up door prize tickets at the welcome centers.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the St. John Lutheran Church and School campus at 1011 W. University Drive. For more information, call (248) 402-8000 or visit stjohnrochester.org.

Avondale

page 3A

“Likely, this school year will largely be spent on all the design work associated with that facility. We’ll be involving stakeholders such as staff and parents and so on, that will provide input into the needs and wants of that building and how to design and lay out on the footprint of that building and its contents. … I expect that as that work is done through the year, the shovel in the ground will probably take place in late spring or early summer of next year,” Schwarz said.

Officials earmarked approximately $36.6 million for interior and exterior improvements at Avondale High School — including science labs and athletic field refreshes, renovated performing arts spaces, and classroom renovations, to name a few — $9.7 million for Avondale Middle School and $14.6 million for R. Grant Graham Elementary School, including an addition to add four classrooms. The bond will also support all new playgrounds throughout the district, and upgrades to technology equipment and infrastructure; safety and security; heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems; remodeling and re-furnishing school

buildings throughout the district, and more.

“There’s not a person in this that’s not going to get something out of this bond — if you’re a staff member, if you’re a student, if you’re a community member. There’s something in this for everybody,” Schwarz said in an interview before the election.

Schwarz said design work will begin this fall and construction projects will start next summer.

For more information, visit the school district’s website at www.avondaleschools. org/2024-bond. The document also outlines all the planned projects for each school and facility within the district. The public can also contact Superintendent James Schwarz at james.schwarz@avondaleschools.org or (248) 537-6000.

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

Op. Ed. We Deserve Better

One of the less desirable costs of democracy is the triumph of mediocrity. Our elections, unfortunately, do sometimes have that disagreeable efect. And the ultimate price we pay for it is the eventual inevitability of electing to our legislature those whose idea of governance is to provide this community with the lowest common denominator of needed outcomes. We are now in the unenviable position of experiencing the pain of career politicians ready, able and willing to do whatever it takes to further their political ends to the detriment of all else. And as a result, we all sufer.

Our cities are not merely places we drive to and from work. Tey are the communities where we grow our families, raise our children and celebrate life with our friends and neighbors. When our legislature refuses, as they have done for years now, to adequately share statutory funding with our cities the loss belongs to all of us. Revenue sharing is critical to the funding of public safety, infrastructure maintenance and community programs.

Our community does not lack individuals with a desire to serve and the means to be able to accomplish great things for us. Tat’s why so many fght like hell, knock on doors, attend meetings and pay close attention to the work of our legislature. Tey carry with them the hopes, expectations and aspirations of us all and operate as a control valve limiting the extremes of some of our current elected ofcials. In turn, we need representatives in the state house and senate who don’t merely have an appreciation for the issues facing this community but the desire and wherewithal to be able to foster the solutions necessary for the well-being of all. Tis community deserves it.

CANDGNEWS.COM

REN NUSHAJ, Attorney / Prosecutor Ren@MichiganTreeIntiative.org

Driving

from page 1A

ing,” he said. “The driving pattern may be erratic and may be similar to what we see with drunk driving, when we talk about swerving and speeds and things like that, and even being passed out behind the wheel.”

Rochester Police Chief George Rouhib agrees.

“We see more people that are actually drugged driving, or driving under the influence of drugs, rather than drunk driving. The pendulum has swung over the last several years. We used to see all drunk drivers. Now it’s like 50% to 50%. A lot of people are taking prescription drugs, or they are legally taking drugs and driving, and that definitely has an impact on their ability to operate a motor vehicle effectively.”

In Rochester, Rouhib said, there are typically 95-105 arrests — whether it’s drunk drivers or drugged drivers — per year.

“That’s our average number for the last three years,” said Rouhib. “We don’t really experience too many accidents with drunk driving; however, we are steady on the arrests. We have a number of restaurants and

bars around town, so that is to be expected, but you think people would learn their lessons. They don’t really understand the ramifications if they are arrested for drunk driving, how it will impact their life. Especially, if you do kill somebody or seriously injure somebody, you just ruined many people’s lives, including yourselves.”

Now that marijuana is legal in Michigan, law enforcement officials say many people have also forgotten the ramifications of marijuana use and many others have been caught on the road abusing prescription drugs.

“How many prescription bottles do we see that say don’t operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery? I think several people have the notion that if I’m using them as they are prescribed by my doctor, I’m good to go. That’s not the case. I always use the common example of Ambien. It’s a sleeping pill. It’s meant to put you to sleep, so you shouldn’t be driving on those pills,” Soley said.

According to the Michigan State Police annual drunk driving audit, in 2023 the state had nearly 10,500 crashes where a driver was found to be impaired, resulting in 454 deaths and more than 6,300 injuries.

See DRIVING on page 19A

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• Aerating

• Brush hogging

• Drainage

• Dumpster Rental

• Fall Clean up

• Firewood

• Flower planting

• Grading

• Holiday Lights

• Ice control

• Landscape DESIGN

• Lawn mowing

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• Overgrowth removal

• Plowing

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Spring clean up

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Library

from page 3A

who use our study rooms, and that means modern furniture and amenities to make the library your third space in your daily life.”

Although the costs to run the library have risen over the years, Morian explained, the library’s rate of 1 mill had not changed since voters approved it a century ago, in 1924.

In Rochester Hills, the 1 mill is currently levied at 0.7353 mills due to the Headlee rollback. The millage increase adds an additional levy of 0.39 mills for library funding for 10 years. One mill is $1 per $1,000 of a home’s taxable value. The current annual cost for a $150,000 home is $109.50. Because the proposal passed, homeowners will pay an additional $58.50, for a total of $168 annually, according to the library’s website.

The millage increase will generate an additional $1,724,195 in funding for the library, according to library officials.

“We are so pleased that the residents of Rochester Hills recognize the value of librar-

ies — not just the books inside of it, but the interconnected value of lifelong learning, librarians as guides, our makerspace and innovative equipment we circulate, the space we offer and the programming that expands horizons,” Morian stated.

The higher tax rate, Morian said, will allow the materials budget to expand to over $1 million annually, with priority given to popular materials and e-books. Sunday hours will be added year-round, program offerings will increase, building renovations will begin — with a possible new café — the building will obtain greater Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility, the roof will be replaced, the heating and cooling systems will be modernized, and new bookmobiles will be put into service for the 70-squaremile service area.

“Not only will the new millage provide necessary funds for critical infrastructure improvements, it expands our open hours, it extends our outreach capabilities with new modern vehicles, it grows our e-book and audio collections, and allows us to add a fulltime digital services librarian who could help

CANDGNEWS.COM

patrons with one-on-one technology needs,” Morian added.

The library serves residents of Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township. Rochester and Oakland Township contract with the library for service and have annual contracts based on the millage rate for Rochester Hills residents. Because voters in

Rochester Hills approved the millage hike, library staff said a proportionate request will be made to these communities, which were expected to make a decision after press time. For more information, visit www.rhpl. com.

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

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WUJEK-CALCATERRA & SONS: Round-the-Clock Compassion since 1913

With 15 licensed funeral directors, totaling 350 years of combined experience, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is uniquely qualifed to bring peace and comfort to grieving families in their time of need. And these aren’t ordinary funeral directors. Each one was specifcally sought out by the Wujek and Calcaterra families based on their individual talents and expertise.

Licensed funeral director Dominick Astorino, managing director at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, is honored to be a part of this exceptional team. “My colleagues and I are career professionals,” stated Astorino. “Most of us have been with Wujek-Calcaterra for over 20 years. We are dedicated to our career in a long-standing way.

“We also have an excellent collection of younger funeral directors. As the embalming professor at Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science, I have taught many of them. I see their potential from the frst day I meet them and watch them develop.”

Tese devoted individuals represent a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. Tey have formed enduring relationships with local families and the community. Tey are familiar with the neighborhood churches and have worked alongside their pastors. Tis allows them to connect with all types of families, putting them at

ease at a most difcult and overwhelming time.

Furthermore, their compassion isn’t strictly confned to business hours. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is one of the few funeral homes in the area where there is someone present 24/7.

According to Astorino, “We have never taken a day of since opening our original location in Detroit back in 1913. Christmas, holidays, brownouts, the worst snow storms – there has always been someone here to pick up the phone. We treat our families the way we would like to be treated. Tey never have to talk to an answering machine, and they know their loved one is never lef unattended.”

In addition to the 15 funeral directors, there is a support staf of 35 capable and compassionate individuals to complete the team at Wujek-Cacaterra & Sons. “We can serve all of our families, giving them everything they need – much like a personalized concierge.”

From preplanning to afercare services, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tey ofer two welcoming locations: 36900 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, phone (586) 588-9117; and 54880 Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township, phone (586) 217-3316. For more information, visit wujekcalcaterra.com or follow Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons on Facebook.

Driving

from page 11A

“COVID brought out a lot of addiction problems, or drug and alcohol use,” Soley said. “People turned to that when they didn’t feel like going to the doctor because it was scary. We’re still definitely looking at the ramifications from that.”

While the number of impaired crashes has increased, drunk driving arrests across Michigan have dropped 28% from 2014 to 2023, declining in 67 of the state’s 83 counties since 2014, according to Bridge. In Oakland County, drunk-driving arrests from 2014 to 2023 were down 20%. They were down 16% in Wayne and 15% in Macomb, according to annual state drunk driving audits.

“If you look at COVID, traffic enforcement went down dramatically because we obviously wanted a lot less face-to-face interpersonal contact … but what went up during COVID was the feeling of isolation, anxiety, depression,” Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said. “Obviously, self-medication comes in a variety of forms — including alcohol and drugs — so you have a recipe for less enforcement and higher consumption of alcoholic drugs, which, obviously, if you do the math on that, leads to more crashes.”

The disparity between crashes and arrests, experts say, correlates with fewer police officers and less traffic enforcement, a recipe for more dangerous driving.

Bouchard confirmed there are a lot fewer police officers on the streets around Michigan than there were 20 years ago, including in Oakland County.

“Every agency is struggling with their budgets and they’re struggling with recruiting and retention as well,” he explained. “Right now, we have 40 vacancies in the Sheriff’s Office alone, so if you have less people, you’re going to have less eyes, and obviously enforcement.”

With limited resources and many police departments shorthanded, there just aren’t as many officers available to handle traffic enforcement as there were in the past.

“If you’re shorthanded and you’re going from call to call, you don’t have time to assign people to work in high-crash locations, because they can’t park there and do select enforcement, they have to answer 911 calls, first and foremost, and high-priority calls,”

Bouchard explained.

“If you can get back the staffing levels, then you can have selective enforcement assignments without degrading your response capability,” he added. “We have to be able to respond to everything.”

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has been working hard to fill its vacancies, recently adding a dedicated recruitment specialist whose job is to focus on how to get more people to apply, a more diverse applicant pool, and a broader community to hear about the opportunities in law enforcement.

The Sheriff’s Office, Bouchard explained, has also increased its visits to high schools, and other locations, to expose students and other potential future employees to what a career in law enforcement might look like via cadets.

“We’ve also dropped the age to hire into a number of positions — including in the jail — to 18. You can go into the military at 18, so we have made some changes in our tactics, in terms of broadening our net, if you will, and changing some of the components to what may have been a hurdle to hire,” he said.

In Rochester, Rouhib said his staff is full.

“We’re at full staffing here. However, you always need more police officers, within reason. We can always use more bodies and, obviously, the more bodies there are out in the street and they can focus more on traffic enforcement, because if you’re at minimum staffing levels and you’re going from callto-call, there are less police officers on the street doing traffic enforcement, and that is where you are picking up your drunk drivers. There’s no doubt it impacts the number of arrests with less officers,” he explained.

In Bloomfield Township, Soley said there seems to be fewer qualified applicants, which, when paired with lateral transfers and an ever-increasing number of retirements, only compounds the problem of employee retention at police departments across the state.

“It’s easy to give a cop-out of, people don’t want to be cops anymore. I teach at our academies, and I don’t think that’s true, because we still have full academies of people going through it. I think we’re just seeing less qualified applicants because there is more opportunity out there.”

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

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP LIBRARY BOARD

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A public hearing on the library budget for the fscal year starting January 1, 2025 will be held on August 22, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., at the Oakland Township Hall. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for review online and at the offce of the Township Clerk on August 19, 2024 at noon. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. Note: Pursuant to a longstanding agreement, the Rochester Hills Public Library will be compensated for its services to Oakland Township in 2025 from an estimated 0.5729 mill tax levy – 1 mill Headlee reduced.

Michael P. Tyler, Board President

Published: Rochester Post 08/15/2024

0254-2433

Planning Commission

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

400 Sixth StreetSeptember 3, 20247:00 pm

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ROCHESTER PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a Public Hearing for the consideration for 114 E. 4th St, modi cation of a previously approved Site Plan to adjust payment in Lieu of Parking requirements. The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 2, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rochester Municipal Of ces, 400 Sixth Street, Rochester, MI 48307.

All interested citizens are requested to attend the Hearing. Public comments may be submitted in writing or presented orally at the time of the meeting. To submit written comments in advance, or for assistance and questions about accessing and/or making public comment during the meeting, our Planning Coordinator can provide assistance; please reach out to Jeremy Peckens at (248) 733-3700 or by email: Jpeckens@rochestermi.org

For further information, please contact Jeremy Peckens, Planning and Zoning Administrator, at 248-733-3700. See Planning Commission Agenda Packet for Zoom participation information.

NOTE: Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the City Clerk’s Of ce at 248-733-3700 forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. Staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements to provide necessary reasonable accommodations, including auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting.

0395-2433

Published: 08/15/2024 Rochester Post

Planning Commission

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ROCHESTER PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a Public Hearing for the consideration for 1120 N. Main Street – Request for modi cation to a previously approved Site Plan and a Special Exception request to allow upper story residential units in the top oors of the proposed building. The public hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 2, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rochester Municipal Of ces, 400 Sixth Street, Rochester, MI 48307.

If you are unable to be present at the Public Hearing, please submit your written comments to the Of ce of the City Manager, Rochester Municipal Of ces, 400 Sixth Street, Rochester, MI 48307, PRIOR to the scheduled Public Hearing. For further information, please contact Jeremy Peckens, Planning and Zoning Administrator, at 248-733-3700. See Planning Commission Agenda Packet for Zoom participation information.

0396-2433

Planning Commission

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

400 Sixth StreetSeptember 3, 20247:00 pm

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ROCHESTER PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a Public Hearing for the consideration for 339 East St., request for site plan approval for a 3 – story mixed use development (retail on rst oor and of ce uses on top two oors), and a special exception request for payment in lieu of provided onsite parking of 30 spaces at the former site of Moon River Soap Company. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rochester Municipal Of ces, 400 Sixth Street, Rochester, MI 48307.

For further information, please contact Jeremy Peckens, Planning and Zoning Administrator, at 248-733-3700. See Planning Commission Agenda Packet for Zoom participation information.

Published: 08/15/2024 Rochester Post

Planning Commission

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

400 Sixth StreetSeptember 3, 20247:00 pm 0417-2433

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ROCHESTER PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a Public Hearing for the consideration for 415 Walnut Ave, request for site plan approval for the former School of Rock Building for conversion to a gathering space on the rst oor with a Special Exception request to allow for upper story apartments on the second oor. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rochester Municipal Of ces, 400 Sixth Street, Rochester, MI 48307.

Published: 08/15/2024 Rochester Post

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

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

Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com

Published: 08/15/2024

SPORTS

22A/ ROCHESTER POST • AUGUST 15, 2024

C & G NEWSPAPERS’ PROJECTED STANDINGS FOR OAA FOOTBALL

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

Home to two state champions last year — Southfield A&T and Harper Woods — the Oakland Activities Association is propping itself up to be the conference to beat this year.

Below is C & G Newspapers’ projected standings for the 2024-2025 OAA football season. Regular season and division records from last year are in parenthesis.

OAA Red Division

West Bloomfield (10-3, 3-2)

Lake Orion (10-1, 5-0)

Clarkston (6-6, 4-1)

Rochester Adams (6-4, 2-3) Oxford (4-6, 1-4)

Heading into the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 state tournament last year, the OAA Red was home to three potential Division 1 state championship-caliber teams in West Bloomfield, Clarkston and Lake Orion.

That was until the league beat up on itself, and Clarkston, who finished second in the league, earned some revenge by eliminating Lake Orion, who won the league, from the playoffs.

West Bloomfield then eliminated Clarkston before coming up a game short of the Division 1 championship game, falling to OAA White’s Southfield A&T in the semifinals.

The top three teams are interchangeable, so the standings could shake out either way. For the sake of having a league champion, our projections favor West Bloomfield because of its returning cast of Kamren Flowers (WR), Elisha Durham (WR),

C & G NEWSPAPERS PROJECTED STANDINGS FOR CHSL FOOTBALL

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

The Catholic High School League is shaping up to have a memorable season on its hands with a slew of teams fighting for the top spot in the Central Division and movement between Intersectional 1 and Intersectional 2 teams shaking up the divisions.

Below is C&G Newspapers’ projected standings for the 2024-2025 CHSL football season (regular season and division records from last year in parenthesis):

CHSL Central Division

Warren De La Salle Collegiate (11-3, 5-1)

Toledo Catholic Central (16-0, 6-0)

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (3-6, 3-3)

Detroit Catholic Central (8-3, 4-2)

Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (0-9, 0-6)

Toledo St. John’s Jesuit (4-7, 2-4)

Similar to how the Macomb Area Conference Red or Oakland Activities Association Red operate, the CHSL Central Division is truly a dogfight each week, and expected improvements from Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s only makes it more of a gauntlet.

Warren De La Salle Collegiate, which lost to Muskegon in the Division 2 state finals, and Toledo Central Catholic, which won its sixth Ohio state title last year, are the two heavyweights hoping one of its league counterparts can do some dirty work and give one of the top teams a loss before

DLS and Central Catholic meet up on Sept. 20.

Central Catholic won the first meeting between the two schools 28-23 on their turf, but DLS will have the home field advantage this time around.

It’s always been about retooling a graduating class for DLS, but the Pilots return a healthy amount of all-Region talent in Jacob Hoffman (OL), Damion King IV (WR), Sante Gasperoni (QB), Jacob Tur (DL), Anthony Presnell (DL), Dalton Drogosh (LB) and Isaiah Jones (DB), who are not only motivated to regain control of the Central Division but to take back the D2 state championship.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (OLSM) and Detroit Catholic Central (DCC) are prime candidates for throwing a wrench in the plans of a DLS or Central Catholic, but the two schools

Players to watch in the OAA football league

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

C & G Newspapers sports reporter Jonathan Szczepaniak looks at players to watch in the Oakland Activities Association League.

Elisha Durham, West Bloomfield

A 50/50 ball is more like a 90/10 when it’s in the vicinity of Durham.

As a junior in 2023, Durham had a breakout campaign for the Lakers, racking up 41 receptions for 1,124 reception yards and 11 TDs.

West Bloomfield had an array of receivers with 2024 senior Nigel Dunton, 2025 senior Kamren Flowers and Durham all sharing the receptions, but Durham still found a way to separate himself.

More often than not, when 2024 senior quarterback Reqez Nance found himself in trouble he’d take a deep shot to Durham. Having that kind of trust in a receiver speaks volumes to Durham’s playmaking capability.

Currently a three-star recruit (according to 247sports) with offers from various D1 colleges — such as the University of Wisconsin, the University of Toledo, Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University — another monster year from Durham should only result in more colleges looking his way.

There’s very few wide receivers who possess the type of hands Durham has, which is why he holds the rank as one of the top high school receivers in Michigan.

Matteo Humbert, Rochester Adams

Having a nearly four-minute highlight tape for both offense and defensive plays should tell you all you need to know about Humbert and what he brings to the table.

Humbert may not have the college offers stacking up for him, but he has the skill-set and heart all college coaches are looking for.

Handling the bulk of the carries for the Highlanders offense and anchoring the linebacker core, Humbert does whatever is asked of him, and he does it with extreme efficiency.

He’s a gritty, north-and-south kind of runner with the ball in his hands, and he’s equally as physical when he’s going after a ball carrier, but can also drop back in coverage if needed.

Wherever the football is on the field, you’re guaranteed to see No. 39 right near it.

Hopefully, an impressive senior year throws some attention Humbert’s way, because it’s well deserved.

Chris Little, Birmingham Groves

What can you say about the Grand Valley State Uni-

See PLAYERS on page 27A

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LEFT: Troy senior Noah Oury carries the ball.

Photos by Donna Dalziel

OAA

Jay Gardenhire (OT), and Josh Tate (RB), but the Lakers matchup against Clarkston Sept. 27 will be one to watch.

To show how close it’s been, the Lakers are 7-9 against Clarkston since 2010 while posting a much more respectable 9-5 record against Lake Orion.

Adams, Oxford and Stoney Creek will try to do what they do best: make the top three teams sweat. Stoney Creek had onescore losses to both West Bloomfield and Clarkston, while Adams also posted a onescore loss to West Bloomfield during the regular season.

If one thing is for sure, there are no days off in the OAA Red.

OAA White Division

Birmingham Groves (6-4, 4-1)

Harper Woods (11-3, 3-2)

Southfield A&T (13-1, 5-0)

Rochester (3-6, 2-3)

Rochester Hills Stoney Creek (3-6, 0-5)

How about two state champions coming out of the OAA White? And they say the

OAA Red is the one to beat.

Harper Woods graduated a top D1 college talent in Jacob Oden, a University of Michigan commit, but there’s still plenty of talent from their title-winning season with Dakota Guerrant (WR), Colby Bailey (ATH), Jevon Jones (DL) and Matthew McCraw (ATH) all returning.

Groves, who finished second in the league last season, had its only league loss come at the hands of Southfield A&T, the eventual D1 state champion who had an abundance of D1 college talent.

Graduating the majority of its skill players on both sides of the ball, Southfield A&T is expected to drop a few spots, but it’s difficult justifying a defending state champion any further than third.

Rochester, Farmington and Bloomfield Hills will look to play spoiler for the top three teams while also battling against each other.

OAA Blue Division

Birmingham Seaholm (9-2, 4-0)

Oak Park (3-6, 2-2)

North Farmington (4-5, 3-1)

Troy (5-4, 1-3)

Farmington (2-7, 1-4)

Bloomfield Hills (1-8, 0-5)

Troy Athens (3-6, 0-4)

The OAA Blue could inevitably end up being the league with the most movement in the standings, which makes for some great football.

Our projected standings give Seaholm the benefit of the doubt as the two-time league champions (tied for first with Farmington in 2022), but there’s a lot of unknown with the OAA Blue heading into the year.

Seaholm obliterated the OAA Blue last year, outsourcing opponents 189-62 en route to an unbeaten league record, and the hope is that the well-oiled machine continues to run without all-Region talents, such as Granden (RB) and Colton Kinnie (QB) as the skill positions and Blake Baldner (OL) on the line.

Prior to last year, Seaholm was 0-6 against Oak Park since 2010. Oak Park will play host to this year’s matchup on Sept. 20.

North Farmington hopes its 4-2 stretch to end the year continues on this season after handling Troy and Troy Athens by a combined score of 46-13. The Raiders are 4-0 against Troy and Troy Athens since 2022, when the program rejoined the OAA Blue.

OAA Gold Division

Auburn Hills Avondale (9-2, 4-0)

Ferndale (4-5, 3-1)

Royal Oak (3-6, 2-2)

Pontiac (3-6, 1-3)

Berkley (0-9, 0-4)

A conference is only top-to-bottom strong if every division can bring something to the table, and the OAA Gold reserved itself a seat last year.

Auburn Hills Avondale made quick work of its league opponents and even crossed over to the Macomb Area Conference Gold to beat Warren Cousino and Warren Fitzgerald.

With the type of showing the Yellow Jackets put on in 2023, it’s impossible to not have them reclaim the top spot in the league again.

As for Avondale’s league counterparts, Ferndale earned a MAC Gold win of its own by besting St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, and handled league business by beating Royal Oak by 19 points and taking care of Berkley.

Pontiac showed life early in the season and hopes to re-light its flame, but the only movement to potentially foreshadow is Ferndale and Royal Oak in the second and third spots. Pontiac has suffered eightstraight losses to Royal Oak after beating them in 2011.

0143-2433

CHSL

are also geared up for another battle after a 16-14 DCC win over OLSM last year ultimately swung DCC to finish third and OLSM to finish fourth in the league.

This year will be on OLSM’s turf as the Eaglets host DLS and DCC in back-to-back weeks.

For Brother Rice, you hope the offseason splash of hiring former Southfield A&T football coach Aaron Marshall motivates the guys this year.

Marshall, who led Southfield A&T to its first state title in school history last year, can only improve on a record that saw Brother Rice go winless for the first time since 1963, but his squad will start out with an immediate test in Roseville, which blanked Brother Rice 41-0 to open the 2023 season.

CHSL AA Division

Jackson Lumen Christi (13-1, 3-0)

Detroit U of D Jesuit (7-3, 2-1)

Dearborn Divine Child (6-5, 1-2) Toledo St. Francis De Sales (1-9, 1-5 Central)

The CHSL AA Division is really in the hands of Jackson Lumen Christi, which is looking for its third-straight Division 7 state championship.

Lumen Christi outscored league opponents 105-19 en route to an unbeaten league record and 13-1 season.

Toledo St. Francis De Sales will make the jump from the Central Division to the AA, but De Sales hasn’t shown enough to prove it’s a worthy challenger to the Titans.

Until Jesuit or Divine Child steps up, it will more so be about the battle for second as Jesuit and Divine Child continue to put on great matchups.

Our projected standings favor Jesuit this season, which has beaten Divine Child in six-straight matchups and returns a core of all-Region talent in Jacob Bellinger (OL), Elijah Dotson (WR), Zach Green (DL), Kasim Gozic (LB), and DaCari Gilkey (DB).

Intersectional 1 Division

Detroit Loyola (4-6, 0-3 AA)

Riverview Gabriel Richard (8-5, 2-2) Macomb Lutheran North (9-3, 4-0) Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett (7-3, 4-1 Int 2)

Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (8-3, 3-1) Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood (27, 1-3)

Aside from the Central Division, this may be one of the more fun league title races

to watch for the upcoming year.

You could spend hours putting multiple teams in different spots to finish, and the likelihood is it will still be incorrect by the time the season is over.

Detroit Loyola, which is picked to finish in first in the Catholic League’s preseason poll, and Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, which played in Intersectional 2 after leaving Intersectional 1 in 2021, are the two unknowns for this league.

Loyola played one Intersectional 1 opponent last year in Cranbrook Kingswood, and they beat them 59-20, but that’s also a last place Cranbrook Kingswood team.

Liggett, on the other hand, is no stranger to Intersectional 1 play, but it would be better to have an elephant’s memory when trying to think about its tenure in the league.

The Knights were a bottom-half team, but the program is in a much better place than when the division last saw it.

Macomb Lutheran North and Riverview Gabriel Richard both return a core of talent that should have both teams contending again for a league title, but don’t count out Liggett to be a dangerous play each week.

Lutheran North is coming off a season where the program brought home its first district title and the most regular season wins in school history.

Lutheran North will travel to Riverview Gabriel Richard High School on Oct. 11, and Riverview Gabriel Richard has had Lutheran North’s number at home.

CHSL Intersectional 2 Division

Clarkston Everest Collegiate (9-3, 5-0)

Marine City Cardinal Mooney (6-5, 3-2)

Madison Heights Bishop Foley (1-8, 0-4 Int #1)

Allen Park Cabrini (5-6, 2-3)

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (3-6, 1-4)

Royal Oak Shrine Catholic (1-8, 0-5)

It’s Clarkston Everest Collegiate’s league and everyone else is just playing in it.

Everest Collegiate outscored returning league opponents 147-39 last year en route to an unbeaten record, which didn’t include Everest Collegiate’s second win over Cardinal Mooney in the playoffs.

You could make an argument that Cardinal Mooney gave Everest Collegiate its toughest test in the league, but returning only three players on offense and four on defense leaves a lot of questions that only its play on the field can figure out.

University Liggett was the only team to really make Everest Collegiate sweat in a 3129 game favoring Everest Collegiate, but the Knights are no longer the concern of any Intersectional 2 teams.

Allen Park Cabrini and Waterford Our

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN THE CHSL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Sante Gasperoni (QB), Warren De La Salle

Damion King IV (WR), Warren De La Salle

Collegiate

Jacob Tur (DL), Warren De La Salle

Dalton Drogosh (LB), Warren De La Salle

Jabin Gonzales (QB), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Charles White (LB), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Bryson Williams (ATH), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Jayden Savoury (TE), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Jaden Pydyn (ATH), Detroit Catholic Central

Benjamin Eziuka (OL), Detroit Catholic Central

Lee Krueger (RB/LB), Detroit Catholic Central

Kadale Williams (RB), Jackson Lumen Christi

Dante Banks (ATH), University of Detroit Jesuit

Zachary Green (DL), University of Detroit Jesuit

Marcello Vitti (ATH), Dearborn Divine Child

Antonio Sobush (RB/SS), Riverview Gabriel

Richard

Joseph Calhoun (RB/LB), Riverview Gabriel

Richard

Lady of the Lakes hope their returning starters can help improve on last year’s finish with the CHSL preseason poll picking league newcomer Bishop Foley to finish ahead of both the schools in third while Cardinal Mooney is slated to be in second.

It was a disaster year for Bishop Foley

Bryson Franklin (OL), Ann Arbor Father Gabriel

Richard

Raylon Murry (MLB/ATH), Detroit Loyola

Owen Steinke (WR/DB), Bloomfield Hills

Cranbrook Kingswood

Mitchell Brewer (OL/DL), Madison Heights

Bishop Foley

Lucas Roman (RB/LB), Allen Park Cabrini

Cam Spezia (WR/DB), Marine City Cardinal Mooney

James Nedwick (ATH), Clarkston Everest

Collegiate

Alex Asai (RB/LB), Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes

Josh Cairo (SB/LB), Royal Oak Shrine Catholic

Gary Stacy (RB), Grosse Pointe Woods University

Liggett

Hudson MacDonald (QB/WR), Macomb Lutheran North

Brady Thomas, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice

across the board in 2023, but it’s hoping to find its footing in Intersectional 2 play. Even in as tough of a position as Foley was in, it handled Shrine Catholic 33-6 last year, a Shrine Catholic team that had close losses with Cabrini (13-7) and Our Lady of the Lakes (28-21).

Players

versity commit other than he’s an absolute athletic freak?

Against Birmingham Seaholm last year, Little made one of the greatest catches you’ll ever see in a high school football game, running a fade route towards the corner of the back end zone and reaching up for a onehanded grab over a Seaholm defender.

The best part? That’s not even the position he earned first team all-State honors for. As a defensive back, he tallied seven interceptions to notch his career total at 17 now in only two seasons as a starter.

Little is a natural athlete with elite-level speed and playmaking ability, making him a defensive back with explosive closing speed who can wrap up on a tackle or lockdown any receiver.

On the offensive side, he tallied 620 receiving yards and 4 TDs this year. So whatever side of the ball you’re on, Little can make you pay with his skill-set.

Jordan Melton, Southfield A&T

There’s a lot of question marks surrounding Southfield A&T and its flurry of losses, from graduation to head coach Aaron Marshall now manning the sidelines for Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice, but the Southfield A&T defense should still be strong, courtesy of safety Melton.

A key member of the state championship-winning defensive unit in 2023, Melton led a defense that held one of the most prolific offenses in Michigan high school football, Belleville, to only 10 points

at halftime to help win the school’s first-ever state title.

Melton has a natural nose for the ball and can drop back in coverage, which is a necessity for an OAA White league that can be pass-heavy.

From a leadership standpoint, Melton learned from guys like Dorian Freeman and Reggie Gardner on the defensive side, so he knows what is expected for this unit to click in 2024.

With Melton anchoring the defense along with some key returners, expect the Southfield A&T defense to hold its own.

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN THE OAA FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Elisha Durham, (WR) West Bloomfield

Kamren Flowers (WR), West Bloomfield

Beau Jackson (QB), West Bloomfield

Tristan Hill (QB), Lake Orion

Ryan Rocheleau (WR), Lake Orion

Greyson Clark (ATH), Clarkston

Matteo Humbert, (RB/LB) Rochester Adams

Lachlan Tillotson (WR), Rochester Adams

Ryland Watters (QB), Rochester Adams

Luke Johnson (RB/LB), Oxford

Spencer Beckeman (OL), Rochester Hills Stoney Creek

Brandon Dobos Jr. (FB/LB), Rochester Hills Stoney Creek

Jevon Jones (DL), Harper Woods

Bryant Weatherspoon (OL/DL), Harper Woods

Colby Bailey (RB), Harper Woods

Matthew McCraw (LB), Harper Woods

Chris Little, (WR) Birmingham Groves

Nick Hardy (WR), Birmingham Groves

Noah Sanders (RB), Birmingham Groves

Noah Oury, Troy

Standing at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Oury is a physical quarterback who can showcase just about any ability the position asks for on the football field.

A Grand Valley State University commit, Oury has the arm talent that translates to the next level, combined with the mobility to evade the pocket and either find an open receiver or run at a defender.

Troy was on the cusp of reaching its fourth-consecutive state playoff last year after starting 3-0, but a rocky finish saw the Colts slip to 5-4, a tough record compared to the 7-3 and 8-2 record the Colts had the two seasons prior.

With Oury under center, Troy is never out of a game as long as the receivers are still running and the offensive line is still standing.

Mario Campoy-Lovasco (RB), Birmingham Groves

Avery Gach (OL/DL), Birmingham Groves

Jordan Melton, (S) Southfield A&T

Kenneth Brooks (LB), Southfield A&T

Jaun Mitchell (WR), Southfield A&T

Jack Lower (RB/LB), Rochester

Daniel Vukaj (TE/LB), Farmington

Payton Parsons (WR/DB), Bloomfield Hills

Penn Roberts, (RB/LB) Birmingham Seaholm

Wesley Billings (K), Birmingham Seaholm

Ron’Dre Austion (DB), Oak Park

Brendon Rice (DL), North Farmington

Terrance James (WR), North Farmington

Noah Oury, (QB) Troy Jaielen Peacock (WR), Troy

Nathan Piggott (WR/DB), Troy Athens

Cooper Voeffray (WR/DB), Auburn Hills Avondale

Jaden Mills (ATH), Ferndale

Blaze Jeffries (WR/CB), Royal Oak

Khanye Donalson (QB), Pontiac

Benjamin Bullock (LB), Berkley

Penn Roberts, Birmingham Seaholm

Roberts simply embodies everything that Seaholm football is about, which is a blue-collar, hard-nosed brand of football.

As a linebacker, Roberts embraces contact and has a natural nose for the ball on the defensive side.

When he’s a running back, the mentality doesn’t change. Roberts can either lay a block on a rushing defender to free up some time for his quarterback or space for his running back, or he can drag three defenders with him as he carries the ball.

After graduating a slew of talent on both sides of the ball, especially with lead ball carrier Granden Kinnie graduated, Roberts will be someone Seaholm heavily leans on this year on both sides of the ball.

from page 23A

Photos by Donna Dalziel

ABOVE: West Bloomfield senior wideout Elisha Durham attempts to make a grab with two defenders around him. TOP: Birmingham Groves senior Chris Little makes an incredible one-handed grab.

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Home Improvement

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Painting

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

AUG. 15

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., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, rochesterhills.org/musprograms

Honey Harvest: Try sweet treat and talk to resident beekeepers, 6:30-8 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, registration required, rochesterhills.org/musprograms

AUG. 16

Music in the Meadows: Hear Motortown All-Stars, 7 p.m., Bear Creek Nature Park, 740 W. Snell Road in Rochester, oaklandtownship.org

Women Leaders in Business Luncheon: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Rochester Hills Banquet Center, 1919 Star-Batt Drive, register at rrc-mi.com

AUG. 16-17

Woodward Dream Cruise: Officially held 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 17, participating cities along 16-mile radius of M-1 include Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Berkley, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and Pontiac, more events for both days at woodwarddreamcruise.com

AUG. 17

Congenital Heart Walk: One-mile walk, activities, entertainment and more, supports The Children’s Heart Foundation, 8:30 a.m., Rochester Municipal Park, 400 6th St., events.chfwalk.org/event/detroitwalk

AUG. 20

Medicare 101: 7 p.m., Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, registration required, (248) 656-2900, calendar rhpl.org

AUG. 25

Family Praise and Picnic in the Park: Worship, lunch, ice cream, photo booth, face painting, illusionist, balloon artists, door prizes, wheels parade and vintage vehicles display, 11 a.m., Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St. in Rochester, (248) 402-8000, stjohnrochester.org/event/fppp

VIEW MORE! Visit candgnews.com/ calendar or use this QR code

CLASS REUNIONS

Franklin School - all alumni and family/friends: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 1 at Franklin Historical Museum, 26165 13 Mile Road, open house 2-4 p.m. at former Franklin School (now Huda School & Montessori), 32220 Franklin Road, and happy hour 4-6 p.m. at Franklin Community Association Park, 26495 Carol Ave., RSVP for happy hour by noon Aug. 31 at fcamichigan.org/form/m/284879

Cousino High School Class of 1969: 55-year reunion, classes of 1967-1971 also welcome, 7 p.m. Sept. 6, Roger’s Roost, 33262 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Larry Wilk at lwilk@ comcast.net

Mount Clemens High School — all alumni: Cash food and

Free day at Lost Lake Nature Park: Themed indoor and outdoor activities, noon-3 p.m., 846 Lost Lake Trail in Oakland Township, oaklandtownshipparksrec@gmail.com

AUG. 27

Outdoor concert: Hear latin jazz combo Tumbao Bravo, 6 p.m., Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, registration required, (248) 656-2900, calendar.rhpl.org

ONGOING

Farmers market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until Oct. 26, corner of East Third and Water streets in Rochester, downtownrochestermi.com/ farmers-market

‘The Art of Abstraction’: Exhibit of 54 pieces on display until Aug. 24, Paint Creek Center for the Arts, 407 Pine St. in Rochester, pccart.org/ exhibitions/art-of-abstraction

Summer in The Village of Rochester Hills: Live music for adults and kids at Festival Park (north of Walton Boulevard and east of Adams Road), food trucks and exotic bugs/doughnuts events at Fountain Park (north of Walton and east of Adams), and yoga next to Von Maur (400 N. Adams) and Eddie Bauer (388 N. Adams), select times and dates until Aug. 31, details at thevorh.com

WANT TO SEE YOUR OWN EVENTS ONLINE & IN PRINT — FOR FREE?

With the same link, click and sign in using your Google or Facebook information, or easily create a CitySpark account.

Input the details, upload a photo and select “Review Changes,” then “Submit and Finish.” Events should appear online within 2 hours, and will appear in print as space permits. There’s no limit as to how many you can submit.

refreshments, 5 p.m. Sept. 13, Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd. in Mount Clemens, contact Ron Hiestand at (586) 463-6386 or drron82@ yahoo.com with questions

Osborn High School Class of 1974: 50-year reunion includes dinner and open bar, 6-11 p.m. Sept. 20, Blossom Heath Inn, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, osborn1974.com

Grosse Pointe North High School Class of 1974: 50-year reunion includes cash bar, food stations, photo booth and GPN gift, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, 788 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, also casual gathering 7 p.m. Sept. 20, WaterMark Bar and Grille, 24420 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, grossepointenorth1974.com

Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve activities: Topics include space (ages 6-11, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 15), photos and stories from naturalist’s bat travels in Nicaragua, Trinidad and Costa Rica (for teens and adults, 7 p.m. Aug. 23), Story & STEAM (ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every second and fourth Friday of month), and Nature Tales Classic (story, snack and craft, ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every third Thursday of month), 333 N. Hill Circle in Rochester, dinosaurhill.org

Live music: Summer concerts include Aug. 16 (Pop Rocks), Aug. 17 (Kat Mandu, Bob Seger tribute), Aug. 23-24 (Dueling Pianos), Sept. 14 (Elektrik Dream), Sept. 15 (ShamRock Jazz Orchestra), Sept. 21 (Kashmir - The Led Zeppelin Show) and Sept. 22 (Ben Sharkey), The Roxy, 401 Walton Blvd. in Rochester Hills, (248) 453-5285, find times and shows through end of year at theroxyrochester.com/events

Support groups: Join meetings for alzheimer’s disease and dementia caregivers, grief support, those with parkinson’s disease and their care partners, and those who are visually impaired, OPC Social and Activity Center, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester, OPCcenter.org

Michigan Renaissance Festival: Themed weekends are Pirates & Pups Aug. 17-18, Highland Fling Aug. 24-25, Vikings Invasion Aug. 31-Sept. 2, Wonders of the World Sept. 7-8, Shamrocks & Shenanigans Sept. 14-15, Harvest Huzzah Sept. 21-22, and Festival Friday and Sweet Endings Sept. 27-29, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., 12600 Dixie Highway in Holly, michrenfest.com

For questions, email calendar@candgnews.com

SOUTHFIELD — At 1:30 p.m. July 11, a guest heard a knock on the door of her hotel room in the 27000 block of Northwestern Highway. When the guest opened the door, there was a man with a gun pointing at her.

The guest ran out of the room and to the front desk, and the gunman fled the area. Nothing was taken and no one was injured during the incident.

Guitar stolen from car

SOUTHFIELD — Someone had their guitar stolen from their vehicle between 1:30 and 9:40 a.m. July 8 in the 26000 block of Berg Road, according to a police report.

$1K stolen in home invasion

SOUTHFIELD — Between 9 a.m. and 11:34 p.m. July 13, a resident discovered that her front door had been damaged, according to a police report. Approximately $1,000 in cash was taken from the home, located in the 26000 block of West 12 Mile Road.

Witness reports car stolen

SOUTHFIELD — A caller told Southfield police that they observed four to five males break out of a window of a 2023 Kia Forte at 12:37 a.m. July 14 in the 25000 block of Grodan Drive. The caller said the men started the car and left.

Police apprehend car thief

SOUTHFIELD — A 2021 Mazda CX-9 was stolen from the 28000 block of Franklin Road at 9:38 p.m. July 11. Officers located the stolen vehicle as it was leaving the immediate area, and a chase ensued.

The chase resulted in the suspect exiting the vehicle and fleeing on foot, but officers apprehended him.

Vehicle theft outside restaurant

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 9 p.m. July 12 and 3 a.m. July 14, an unknown person stole the complainant’s vehicle from his parking spot in the street at Hop Cat at 430 S. Main St.

Intoxicated driver found asleep outside Sunoco TROY — Officers on patrol saw a suspicious vehicle at the Sunoco gas station at 5012 Rochester Road at 3:18 a.m. July 12.

and

The

Officers awoke the driver, a 56-year-old Macomb man. While speaking with him, they noted that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy, his speech was slurred, and there was an odor of intoxicants emitting from his person.

The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, and the officers noted that he performed poorly. He submitted to a preliminary breath test with a result of a 0.14% blood alcohol content.

He was arrested and transported to the Troy police lockup, where he agreed to submit to a chemical breath test, with a result 0.175%. He was issued a citation for operating with a blood alcohol content of 0.17% or more.

Fraudulent U.S. Immigration letter results in check scam

TROY — In December 2023, a Troy resident reportedly received a letter supposedly from U.S. Immigration, demanding a check payment of $137.20.

The resident sent the check to the address provided, but did not notice it had not been deposited.

In July, the resident was notified by their bank about an overdraft alert. Upon contacting their bank, the resident discovered an unknown suspect had altered the check, changing the payee and increasing the amount to $9,500.

Shoplifting incident reveals possession of illegal substance

TROY — On July 19, at 11:05 a.m., police officers were notified by Kohl’s loss prevention officers of a retail fraud in progress and responded to the store at 500 John R Road.

The suspect, a 42-year-old Detroit man, was observed exiting the store with a duffel bag full of unpaid merchandise. Officers detained him, and he was escorted back to the security office.

Loss prevention officers inventoried the stolen merchandise and found 24 items worth $1.011.24 total. During a pat-down of the man, officers located a glass crack pipe in his pants pocket.

The suspect was arrested and transported to the Troy police lockup facility. During the booking process, lockup staff observed a brown powdery substance in the suspect’s sock. The substance later tested positive for heroin.

The suspect was charged with retail fraud and possession of a controlled substance.

Inebriated driver found slumped over in 7-Eleven parking lot

TROY — Officers were dispatched to the 7-Eleven at 3982 Crooks Road after a caller reported a tan

the driver appeared to be slumped over the center console at 1:41 a.m. July 18.

Upon arrival, officers knocked on the vehicle’s window and awoke the driver. While speaking with her, officers noted a strong odor of intoxicants emanating from the vehicle.

The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, and the officers noted she performed poorly. She submitted to a preliminary breath test, with a result of a 0.185% blood alcohol content.

The driver, a 47-year-old West Bloomfield woman, was arrested. During the impound of her vehicle, officers noted both the front and rear passenger tires were flat.

The case was turned over to the Detective Bureau for appropriate charges.

Suspect fraudulently orders products using another person’s account

TROY — A resident of Dorchester Road reported July 13 that an unknown suspect gained access to his Amazon account.

The suspect ordered $450 worth of products to be delivered to an address that the resident was unfamiliar with.

The resident became aware of the fraud when he received an email from Amazon notifying him that his purchases had been delivered.

Attempted Vehicle Theft

NOVI — A man parked his rental car in a lot on Haggerty Road at 5 p.m. July 15, and when he returned to the vehicle at 7 a.m. the next day, he found that the rear passenger side window of the Dodge had been broken out and that some of the electrical components under the glove box had been tampered with. When officers arrived, they noted shattered glass inside the vehicle and on the ground. Officers also said in the report that a control module under the glove box had been pulled out and “obviously” tampered with. The center console tray had also been taken. Police searched the area but there were no cameras that would have recorded the incident.

Police make arrests for alleged fraud

NOVI — A man and a woman reportedly were caught making fraudulent transactions at 8:25 p.m. July 18 at Walmart in Novi. The couple was seen at the self-checkout attempting to commit fraud with an exchange of gift cards. In order to prevent the couple from leaving, the police officer handcuffed both of them pending investigation.

After viewing the security footage, police advised the couple that they were under arrest for fraud. They

released with a court date.

Purse snatched

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an 85-year-old Troy resident had a purse stolen from a shopping cart in the 32000 block of John R Road between 4 p.m. and midnight July 13. Police were investigating.

AirPods stolen

BERKLEY — A 38-year-old Hazel Park man was suspected of retail fraud July 8 at a cellphone store at 27861 Woodward Ave.

According to the report, police were called to a T-Mobile store at 12:42 p.m. July 9 for a report of a larceny the day before. The manager told police a man came in and purchased items on his T-Mobile account. It was discovered after the man left

Burglary at