WB Library seeks millage increase in November
BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — This November, voters are slated to have an opportunity to vote on matters that have both local and national implications.
One of the big decisions that local residents have to make is whether to approve a proposal put forth by the West Bloomfield Township Public Library.
The Library Millage Repeal and Replace Proposal is asking voters whether they want to repeal the previous library millage authorization of 0.6586 mills, which was approved in 2010 and is set to expire in 2026, and replace it with a new millage that would be levied at 0.7 mills, which is 7 cents for every $1,000 of a home’s taxable value.
If approved, the new millage would begin with the Dec. 1 tax levy and would run through 2033.
Cathy Russ, who is the library’s director, said she understands that when millages go on ballots, what people want to know is how much it will cost.
Given that the cost depends on the taxable value of each home in the
Orchard Lake police chief reflects on path to his position
BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
ORCHARD LAKE — When current Orchard Lake Police Department Chief Jeffrey Gomez first stepped foot onto Orchard Lake’s City Hall campus approximately 15 years ago, he was there on behalf of a taxi cab business, where he managed a fleet of vehicles.
While he was there, he asked “long-time legend” Janet Green, a former clerk for the city, “Hey, do you have any police jobs open?”
Gomez was there because the business had won a bid to purchase a former Orchard Lake Police Department vehicle, with the intent of turning it into a taxi.
Green informed him that there was an opening for a seasonal part-time job for a police officer to guard a boat launch.
See CHIEF on page 9A
Gomez had gone through a police academy and studied criminal justice at Schoolcraft College.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The West Bloomfield Township Public Library has elected to have a millage proposal placed on ballots in November. The library’s director, Cathy Russ, is pictured with “library enthusiast” yard signs that have been offered to patrons.
Supporting Women Facing Unexpected Pregnancies
Pregnancy can be a time of joy and hope, but it sometimes comes with worry and uncertainty as expectant women navigate the complexities of preparing for a new life.
Another Way Pregnancy Center (AWPC), a nonpro t organization based right here in Oakland County, educates, supports and empowers women facing unexpected pregnancies with compassionate, professional medical care.
“We offer free and con dential pregnancy tests, obstetric ultrasounds and options counseling,” said Executive Director Jennifer Trevathan. “Our clients often come to us unsure about whether they want to parent. We listen to their concerns, openly discuss their options and give them resources so they have all the information they need to make the best decision for their individual situation.”
AWPC can also provide a prescription for prenatal vitamins and doctor referrals for ongoing prenatal care, including those that offer services for free or at sliding or discounted rates.
“We ensure resources are available to help our clients thrive, such as ongoing parenting support programs from birth to the child’s second birthday,” Jennifer added.
These include educational sessions on childbirth, breastfeeding, safe sleep practices, car seat safety, mental health and services for fathers as well. Clients in AWPC’s parenting support programs meet once a month with a parenting advocate and can shop monthly in the center’s baby boutique. The boutique is stocked with essentials such as diapers and diaper rash cream, baby wipes, clothing, formula, cribs and car seats—all donated by community members, churches and local businesses.
AWPC also encourages community building through various family activities. Regular events are planned for clients in metro Detroit including playground meetups, bon res, cider mill visits and pumpkin picking to foster a strong sense of community among clients.
“Our weekly ‘Mom Chat’ gives clients at different stages of motherhood—from newly pregnant to those managing toddlers—an opportunity to share experiences and advice on everything from morning sickness to the terrible twos,” Jennifer added.
In addition to prenatal and postnatal care, AWPC offers resources for adoption by connecting clients with carefully vetted services. They also support women post-abortion through counseling and support in a warm, nonjudgmental environment. “We want to be a place of support, no matter the client’s decision,” Jennifer explained.
All services are funded through private donations, without government assistance. The center thrives on contributions from individuals, churches and businesses, which supply everything from nancial backing to the items available in the baby boutique.
“We are expanding and the need of community support for material goods, nancial support and volunteers has never been greater,” Jennifer said. “Last year we performed 570 free ultrasounds. We served 643 unique clients and had 3,200 client visits. In 2024, we have already surpassed 3,200 client visits.”
Clients are appreciative of the care they receive. One stated, “I just need to thank all of you for what you are doing for so many of us. When I rst came to you guys, I was homeless, pregnant and severely depressed. I had no hope for the next day. Here
I am, 14 months later, encouraged that I am on
had any support. Thank
I am, 14 months later, encouraged that I am on the right track to healing and peace. Without AWPC, I wouldn’t have had any support. Thank you for all you do!”
Now in its 40th year, AWPC purchased a building to make room for the growing demand for its services. They are gearing up for a Grand Opening Celebration at the new location. Attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and will have an opportunity to tour the building. Registration is required to attend the event. To register, please visit awpcfriends.org/grandopening or call (248) 939-5900. “All are welcome to join us for the Grand Opening Celebration on October 2 at 4:30 pm and to learn more about AWPC’s ministry,” Jennifer said.
Another Way Pregnancy Center is located at 28552 Orchard Lake Rd., Suite 300, in Farmington Hills. A Christ-centered ministry, it serves people of all faith traditions. In keeping with its nonpro t, pro-woman mission, the organization does not provide or refer for abortion services. For more information or to schedule a tour, call (248) 939-5900 or visit awpcfriends.org.
The Beacon is one of 21 bi-weekly publications produced by C & G Newspapers, a family-owned company serving residents in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties since 1981. We deliver our papers to more than 571,000 homes in 45 communities via direct mail.
Main: (586) 498-8000
Editor: Annie Bates abates@candgnews.com
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SECOND FRONT PAGE
3A/ WEST BLOOMFIELD BEACON
Catholic Central opens $61 million STEM center
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
NOVI — Detroit Catholic Central High School, in Novi, which is marketed as the largest private school in the state, just got a bit larger with the opening of a new stateof-the-art science, technology, engineering and math center Aug. 11.
Known as the George and Mary Turek Hall of Science, the $61 million expansion has 57,000 square feet of learning space and is designed to last 100 years.
“Sometimes schools are struggling to make the building, the facilities, the equipment work for what they want to do. We’ve been put in more of a unique situation where the donors wanted the building, and the resources going into the building, to challenge us to fill it with curriculum,” said Jake Marmul, Catholic Central director of admissions and public relations.
The building features an aviation suite; a fabrication and machinery shop; a sustainably focused greenhouse; a FIRST Robotics competition field, along with robotics programming and building spaces; a 4-meter Observa-Dome with a GPS computerized
Road Commission, LTU launch new road safety tech
BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com
OAKLAND COUNTY — On July 16, the city of Southfield sponsored a public demonstration of the latest road safety technology being piloted in Southfield and Oakland County, conducted by P3Mobility and the Road Commission for Oakland County at Lawrence Technological University.
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The public open house showcased a simulation of the technology, which will be installed at five intersections throughout Oakland County and in 10 vehicles to be studied for a year. The intersections include:
• Church Street and 10 Mile Road in Oak Park.
• 12 Mile Road at Northwood Elementary School in Royal Oak.
• Greenfield at 10 Mile in Southfield.
• 12 Mile and Main St. in Royal Oak.
• Greenfield and Lincoln in Southfield.
“This is what we call connected vehicle technology,” Craig Bryson, the senior communications manager for the Road Commission, said. “So, the long-term goal is that cars will be equipped with this, the infrastructure will be equipped with this
See ROAD SAFETY on page 8A
See STEM on page 12A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
A retired U.S. Navy Blue Angels jet hangs from the ceiling above the new robotics competition field.
CRIME WATCH
Surfboard goes missing
WEST BLOOMFIELD — A complainant went to the Police Department Aug. 29 to report that their surfboard was taken from their boat at the West Acres Marina.
No suspects were reported.
Stolen firearm reported
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Aug. 24, an officer was dispatched to the 7300 block of Creek View for a report of a stolen firearm.
The reporting party informed the officer that sometime between early July and Aug. 24, someone took the firearm from inside their home.
No suspects were reported.
Resident cited for animal violation
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Aug. 28, officers were dispatched to a location on Lone Pine Road for a report of a person letting their dog off its leash.
The officers spoke with the reporting party, who showed them pictures of the dog without its leash.
After locating the responsible party, police cited the individual for an ordinance violation.
Intentional scratches reported on vehicle
WEST BLOOMFIELD — An officer was dispatched to the 2200 block of Woodrow Wilson Boulevard Aug. 22 due to
a report of intentional damage to a parked vehicle.
The reporting party showed the officer multiple scratches on the vehicle that may have been made by a key.
No suspects were reported.
Mailbox damage reported
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Aug. 22, an officer was dispatched to the 5000 block of Wallbrook Court to take a report about damage to a mailbox.
The reporting party informed the officer that the mailbox was found broken off of its post.
No suspects were reported.
Sports cards reported missing
WEST BLOOMFIELD — An officer
took a report of stolen baseball and basketball cards from a residence in the Aldingbrooke complex Aug. 31.
The reporting party explained that they had placed a box of cards on top of their water heater in March, and when they went to retrieve them Aug. 17, the cards were gone.
No suspects were reported.
Items missing from vehicle
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Items were reportedly stolen from a vehicle while it was parked in the 5500 block of Northcote Lane, according to an Aug. 22 report.
No suspects were reported.
Anyone who has information about these crimes or others is asked to call the West Bloomfield Police Department at (248) 975-9200. — Mark Vest
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Armed suspect reported in WB and Orchard Lake
BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD/ORCHARD LAKE — According to a press release from the West Bloomfield Police Department, at around 8:40 p.m. Sept. 4, dispatchers received a 911 call from an employee at the Twin Beach Market, located at 4292 Green Lake Road, with a report of a lone adult female entering the store with a pistol and robbing him for cash.
Shortly after the employee reported the incident, police received calls from other businesses in both West Bloomfield and Orchard Lake about other robberies that had taken place, allegedly by the same suspect.
One 911 call came from a CVS Pharmacy located at 6070 W. Maple Road, where two gunshots were reportedly fired by the suspect.
“A short time later, West Bloomfield officers encountered the armed adult female suspect outside in the parking lot of the CVS Pharmacy, where she was taken into custody,” the release states. “The preliminary investigation suggests the adult female acted alone. There are no known injuries to anyone at this time. There is no known danger to the public at this time.”
According to the release, the investigation is active and ongoing.
Anyone with information can contact West Bloomfield Police Department Detective Phil Pacheco at (248) 975-8905, or Orchard Lake Police Detective Michael Clement at (248) 682-2400.
After the investigation has concluded, a warrant request will be sent to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration of criminal charges, according to the release.
Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.
6A/ WEST BLOOMFIELD BEACON • SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
‘CARFEST’ SCHEDULED TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR LOCAL RESIDENT
COMMERCE TOWNSHIP — A benefit is planned for Connor Donohue, a local 31-year-old resident who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a hit-and-run accident on I-96 in Detroit.
According to a press release, Donohue was hit after trying to rescue a dog on the freeway.
The benefit is titled “Connor’s CarFest” and is slated to feature a classic car competition.
The event is scheduled to take place 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Multi Lakes Conservation Association in Commerce Township.
Residents can register their vehicles for the competition or simply attend.
An Indy car display, music, food and jewelry made from car parts by Mend on the Move will featured.
“Local neighbors witnessing the challenges on a day-to-day basis, came together to organize the Carfest to assist the family with daily living expenses and enhancements,” the release states.
According to the release, Donohue, who was in training to be a Detroit police officer, will likely require dependent therapeutic and occupational care for the rest of his life.
He is currently being cared for by his parents after being in hospitals and other facilities for nearly three years, according to the release.
Organizers are seeking sponsorships and donations to help with funding for the event.
For more information, visit facebook.com/events/10113152 90415964/.
WB PARKS SCHEDULES GROUP HAYRIDES
WEST BLOOMFIELD — A series of group hayrides are scheduled to take place at Marshbank Park 5-8 p.m. Oct. 10, 11, 17 and 18.
The cost is $135 for residents and $140 for nonresidents.
The tractor-drawn hayrides will last approximately 20 minutes and will include a few “nature-knowledge stops.”
The registration fee is for one time slot and includes a private hayride for a group of a maximum of 30 people. Cider, doughnuts and four roll-up picnic blankets are included, according to the release.
For more information, send an email to lazoury@ wbparks.org or call (248) 451-1917.
S SATURDAY, , OCTOBER R 5 4:00 0- 9:00 0 PM
AT JIMMY JOHN’S FIELD 7171 Auburn Road, Utica, 48317
PHISHING SCAM REPORTED
OAKLAND COUNTY — The Oakland County Republican Party has issued a warning about a potential phishing scam.
The scam involves the name “R. Vance Patrick,” who is the OCRP chairman.
“The scam message suggests that I would like to speak with you,” Patrick stated in a press release. “Please do not be fooled — this message is not from me.”
According to the release, the phisher’s email address appears to be officemail865@gmail.com, “but it may change as people begin to mark it as spam.”
The release states that legitimate emails will only come from the domain “oaklandgop.org.”
“Stay vigilant and do not respond to any suspicious emails,” the release states.
‘MAKE
A BLANKET DAY’ TO HELP COMFORT CHILDREN IN HOSPITALS
PONTIAC — The “Fleece & Thank You 2024 Make a Blanket Day” is scheduled to take place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 21 at the UWM Sports Complex, located at 867 S. Blvd. E in Pontiac.
The event aims to help provide comfort to 1,000-plus kids in Michigan hospitals by providing blankets.
Registration is free.
For more information, visit fty.charity/mabd24 or send an email to info@fleeceandthankyou.org.
Photo provided by WB Parks
Kwame Kilpatrick speaks at Oakland County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
NOVI — Kwame Kilpatrick, the former mayor of Detroit who was elected as a Democrat and convicted in 2013 of embezzling thousands of dollars from the city during his tenure as mayor, was a featured speaker at the Oakland County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi Aug. 21.
During his speech, Kilpatrick admitted to his past wrongdoings and told the audience that he had found God during the nearly eight years he spent in prison. He said that in the beginning of his sentence he was mad at God, mad at the world, mad at himself and contemplating suicide. However, he said it was at this time that God started speaking to him and showed him visions of his family and others who were close to him “smiling and OK” while in solitary confinement during the beginning of his 28-year sentence.
“I was waving my fists at God, saying all kinds of words that you can’t say to God or your wife, and he spoke in me,” Kilpatrick said.
“I sat down on that steel concrete bunk and I started to wonder about who he is. See, I heard about Jesus, but I never really heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I went to church my whole life, but I really didn’t know Jesus. If I would have died, I would have gone straight to hell.”
Kilpatrick said a visit to the prison chapel changed his direction and led to a job as a janitor in the chapel.
“Best job I ever had,” he said.
See KILPATRICK on page 14A
Road safety
from page 3A
so that all of this stuff is talking to each other. The cars and the infrastructure are all talking to each other. There are sensors that detect pedestrians so that when you’re driving down the street, if there’s a car about to pull out in front of you, for example, but it’s not within your line of sight — say, it’s behind a building, but it’s accelerating to pull out right in front of you — that car will tell your car that that’s about to happen. Ultimately, someday, your car will automatically break. In the near term, that’ll probably just give you a warning that, ‘Hey, there’s a car. Warning, there’s a car about to pull out in front view.’”
The connected vehicle technology will alert drivers to potential hazards such as vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, deer, etc., regardless of whether they are in view.
This technology is part of a project called “Leading in Sustainable Safety with Technology,” funded through a $2 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to build a model for deploy-
ing safety-critical communication technology nationwide. The grant was a Stage 1 Planning and Prototyping Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation grant.
The city of Southfield paid around $1,600 to bring the equipment to LTU for the demonstration.
“This technology makes so much sense,” Southfield City Administrator Fred Zorn said. “We make cars here. We got all this engineering talent. We’re doing so much in Southfield, particularly our businesses that are involved in the driverless technology, and that this is all of this stuff coming together. Lawrence Tech has faculty members on the committee. I think there are two LTU persons, myself, Erin from P3Mobility, and Craig Bryson from the Road Commission.”
Bryson explained that the grant proposal included a test implementation of the technology with the goal of proving that the technology works and looking into a funding model that could be used to expand nationwide to help speed up the implementation of this technology.
Bryson added that for the last 30 years, Oakland County has either had the lowest fatality rate in Michigan or tied for the
lowest. He explained that this is because the Road Commission was one of the first road agencies in the country to start using crash data to identify projects and project design.
“We look at where the crashes are. We look at what’s causing them,” he said. “Is it something in the design of the road that can be corrected? For example, every year, we totally reconstruct a mile or two of road. We look at where the crashes are and the high crash locations. If we identify a road segment that has high crashes, and we can determine that those crashes are at least in part based on something in the design of the road, that project will rise to the top of our list so that
we can correct that when we redesign the project for the reconstruction.”
Bryson shared that according to 2023 data, Oakland County had a traffic fatality rate of 0.46, which is the number of fatalities per 100 million miles of vehicle travel. The national rate was 1.35, and Michigan’s rate was 1.15.
Erin Milligan is the founder and CEO of P3Mobility, a seven-year-old technology startup with the mission to “improve safety, mobility, and sustainability through Connected Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology.”
www.wbtownship.org
by Erin Sanchez
to working for the Orchard Lake Police Department, where he is now the chief, Jeffrey Gomez worked in the taxi cab business. He has worked for the Police Department for more than a decade.
Chief
Gomez was hired for that position in 2009. He grew up in the Westland/Livonia area and was not too familiar with Orchard Lake at the time.
“So that’s how I got my start. I worked the weekends when I could and kinda fell in love with the area,” Gomez said.
Gomez’s role has evolved over the years and has included being an officer, a sergeant and a lieutenant. The most recent change came last November, when he was promoted to the position of chief of the Police Department, with Orchard Lake’s City Council unanimously approving the promotion.
“They gave me a shot, and I will forever be grateful,” said Gomez, who is 39. “Now that I’m almost coming up on a year here, things have settled down somewhat. I’ve settled into the position, and things are going great.”
Gomez said that it was strange being called “chief,” as that is not a position that he had previously aspired to.
In an email, Gomez stated that he enjoys being a “working chief.”
“I still love road patrol and frequently take a car out and assist, especially if an officer takes a day off,” he stated.
Gomez worked with Joe George, a previous chief at the Orchard Lake Police Department, for approximately 10 years. George was hired after Gomez had started at the Police Department.
According to Gomez, he was happy just being a patrol officer, but George pushed him to further his career in law enforcement.
“Jeff stands out,” George said. “It was easy to see when I came in, Jeff is very conscientious. He’s a very bright guy. … I think he was ready for the move.”
As Orchard Lake’s director of city services, Gerry McCallum said that he and Gomez work together very closely. He shared his perspective as to what helped make Gomez a strong candidate for the position of chief of the Orchard Lake Police Department.
“Climbing through the ranks, he’s been in numerous positions that qualify him to be the leader of the Police Department, but more importantly, I think chief knows the history of the city, cares very deeply about the city and its residents, and about the officers and how the Police Department is run,” McCallum said. “So overall, he was the best candidate to take over.”
McCallum shared another form of endorsement for Gomez.
“He was recommended by the union that represents the police officers as well,” McCallum said. “The police officers felt he would be a good commander and leader of the department, which he is. He’s been doing a fabulous job. (He’s) very conscious of how the department’s run, very conscious of his officers and of the residents of the city as a whole.”
Gomez is the first member of his family to work in law enforcement. He recalled that when he was a 15-year-old student at Livonia Franklin High School, the Livonia Police Department helped sell him on the idea of working in law enforcement via a “police explorers” program.
“It’s an introduction to youth into law enforcement, and I was almost instantly
Photo
Prior
Millage
from page 1A
township, it can vary. Property tax values are typically about 50% of a home’s market value.
According to Russ, the average taxable value of a home in West Bloomfield is $182,699, with the average market value being $365,398.
What that means is that the average taxpayer in West Bloomfield is currently paying $241 per year in taxes for library services. If the proposal passes, that amount would increase by $17.84, making it $258.84 per year until 2033.
Russ pointed out that the amount per year is a combination of two millages, one that is in perpetuity, “which means it can go on forever,” and the one that voters approved in 2010 that is at the heart of the repeal and replace millage set to be on ballots in November. She also pointed out that the amount paid in taxes goes towards both the library’s main branch and its Westacres branch.
“The combination of the two millages is that $241,” Russ said. “The one that we’re renewing probably represents about $120 of that $241 – think about half and half. … (The) one in perpetuity, people are paying $120 on that one.”
The millage that is in perpetuity was established when the residents of West Bloomfield voted to have a library. According to Russ, it was 1 mill when it was established, but it has since been rolled back to 0.7108 mill.
See MILLAGE on page 16A
Griffin’s Neighborhood Auto Clinic - Getting To Know Our Team
Curt Dewitt, Aaron Towne, Garrett Baker, Jody Chapman, Fred Garcia, James Sterns.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
If a library millage passes in November, some homeowners may pay an extra $17.84 per year in taxes. Pictured is the Reflection Room at the West Bloomfield Township Public Library.
Thursday, September 19, 2024
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Birmingham Seaholm High School
Join us for an unforgettable evening! We are thrilled to welcome our friend and renowned nutrition expert Dr. Neal Barnard, who will share insights from his latest book, The Power Foods Diet. Founder, Paul Chatlin, and the entire PBNSG team will be in attendance to welcome everyone back to a PBNSG live event with hugs and smiles, along with special surprise guests! Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with the PBNSG community, gain valuable knowledge from leading experts, & celebrate the power of plant-based nutrition together again!
• You must present your order confirmation email at the door to be admitted!
• Tickets can be purchased at the door for $30 CASH ONLY!
• Book signing before and a er live lecture!
Book Cost $30.00
Thursday, September 19th, 2024 6:00 - 9:30 PM
Celestron telescope; an innovation space; an Engineering/CAD Lab; eight dedicated science laboratories, which are 2.5 times larger than a normal classroom; 4 lab prep rooms; and upon completion of construction, an immersion theater where students can feel like they are part of the film they are viewing.
The Hall of Science is named after the parents of George Turek, an alumnus from the Class of 1966 and the primary donor for the project. The STEM wing is designed as a U-shaped offshoot of the school’s main hallway with inspiration from many colleges, most notably the Jordan Hall of Science at the University of Notre Dame.
“When they designed the building, they wanted to maintain an easy flow for our kids,” Marmul said “So, when they were looking at how to add a STEM wing, they just did another little loop. … So for the kids’ perspective for navigating where they’re
going, it just makes it very easy because everything is in one section. They are not trying to figure out wings or anything like that. If you can do Pac-Man and turn left when you hit a wall, you’ll be OK.”
Biology instructor Jeff Baker said that he is overwhelmed with the vast amount of equipment he now has at his disposal to instruct his students on things such as polymerase chain reaction. The $5,000 PCR machines are used to amplify and study billions of copies of DNA.
“The potential is amazing,” Baker said. “We got all the toys. That’s going to be so cool. I can’t wait to do PCR.”
According to Amy Ely, the school’s director of STEM, Catholic Central is the only private school in southeast Michigan to offer a flight training program, through which students can obtain their pilot’s licenses. The school has multiple flight simulators for students to train on and acquire flight hours necessary for their licenses. The school has a Redbird FMX flight simulator as well that is certified by the Federal Aviation Administra-
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The robotics lab at Catholic Central is loaded with advanced machinery for students to learn how to take a design from its beginnings to production.
STEM
from page 12A
Chief
from page 9A tion.
Students will get flight time at a flight school of their choice.
“This first year our boys will walk away with their private pilot’s license. They’ll have to be able to finish the paper portion of that, based on their number of flight hours. Our goal is for them to have done their flight exam as well,” said Ely.
The program will expand over the next three years to gradually instruct kids in all three levels of pilot certification; this includes private pilot licensing, instrument rating, and single- and multi-engine or commercial.
“Our goal is that by the end of year three we’ll have a multiyear program where we’re turning out potential commercial pilots,” said Ely.
The school also now has an advanced robotics program and a competition area, which, according to Marmul, the school plans to not only allow its students to use, but students at other schools as well.
On display in the robotics competition field room is a retired U.S. Navy Blue Angels jet. The plane belonged to Turek, who flew that model of plane in the military and thought the plane was not only fitting for the STEM center, but that it would help to inspire the students. The plane was delivered in pieces and reassembled in the building. It now hangs above the competition floor and can be raised and lowered as needed.
“He’s like, ‘It’s a pinnacle of design, engineering and motivation.’ So our kids are lucky enough to come to a school with a
See STEM on page 18A
hooked,” Gomez said. “I made that my goal.”
With a background in the taxi business, starting off cleaning cabs after school, Gomez described his journey toward eventually becoming the chief of police for the Orchard Lake Police Department as a “strange road to get here.”
Gomez said that Orchard Lake is a unique, relatively small area, with approximately 2,500-ish residents.
“But we are a large passer town,” he said. “The amount of traffic that moves through this town is astonishing. I kinda consider it the gateway to the western freeways from Pontiac or vice versa. … We get lots of traffic.”
Gomez said that the Orchard Lake Police Department averages about 3,000-ish calls for service per year and employs 11 full-time officers.
Although he said that the crime rate is relatively low, as has been the case regionally, there has been an increase in larcenies from vehicles.
The city is typically not accustomed to experiencing such incidents, according to Gomez.
The culprits of such crimes target unlocked vehicles, and if key fobs are left inside, entire vehicles can be stolen.
According to Gomez, there have also been a few breaking and entering incidents within the last year.
Although a group from South America has been linked to breaking and entering crimes that target afflu-
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ent homes in Oakland County, Gomez is not aware of that being an issue in Orchard Lake.
“We do not believe anything within the city of Orchard Lake is related to the South American theft group, but we have been closely monitoring, working with our law enforcement partners about information sharing and what we can do to combat that theft group that seems to have (targeted) Oakland County within the last year or so,” he said.
Residents can look for tips about crime prevention on the Orchard Lake Police Department’s Facebook page.
“Your Police Department’s here,” Gomez said. “If we can assist in any way, I would like to do that. Don’t hesitate to call us if you have any (questions) or need some help or anything along those lines.”
From George’s perspective, choosing Gomez to assume the role of chief in Orchard Lake was a solid decision.
“I think they had someone right there that was very qualified to do a good job,” George said. “You don’t need a new wheel when you have something that’s working. … He didn’t miss a step. … I think he had the support of his officers too.”
When Gomez, who is married and has a 6-yearold son, was still a relatively new officer, he recalled that George asked him how he liked the job.
“I said it was the greatest job in the world, and I still feel that way today,” Gomez said. “I’m so grateful that I did land in a place like this. … I, hopefully, have many years to go.”
Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.
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Kilpatrick
During that time, Kilpatrick said, he started to use his education as a lawyer to help his fellow inmates who were “trapped in the system.” He said he was successful in having convictions reversed.
“I also was growing in the Lord and people stopped asking me about politics and they started asking me about their own issues,” Kilpatrick said.
He said he also taught Bible study to inmates five days a week and preached on some Sundays.
“I spoke at conventions all over this country, but I have never been more nervous than standing in front of 50 guys in an old prison chapel and preaching my first sermon,” he said. “Because I couldn’t placate that position. I couldn’t politick my way through it. I understood that I had a responsibility that I never had before for people’s lives.”
Kilpatrick said he spent the last 200 days of his incarceration in solitary confinement praying Proverbs 21:1-9, “The heart of the king is in the hands of the Lord,” and asking God for then-President Donald Trump to pardon him. He said he hadn’t met Trump before, but that Trump pardoned him after being asked to do so by Alice Johnson, the woman for whom Kim Kardashian had successfully advocated to receive a pardon in 2018.
Kilpatrick said that he was once asked by a young man at Costco how he felt about Trump. He said that Trump was like a firefighter who had single-handedly rescued not only himself, but his wife and kids from a burning house.
“This election is about the survival of our nation, and when people are set against us in war, it matters that you sent the firefighter into the room,” Kilpatrick said. He said that during his time in prison he had to challenge his stance on various issues, such as abortion, identity politics and partisanship.
“God wants me to do in the government what he desires for us,” said Kilpatrick.
Kilpatrick’s position as a convicted felon and former Democratic elected official was enough for many to be skeptical of him. Many of the event attendees said they had their reservations about Kilpatrick, but that people deserve second chances.
“I was concerned. I followed all that went on with him (in the past), and I thought, ‘Why is he here?’” said Bernadette Walli, of Milford. “I hope that what he said was real, and I hope that everything that he said took. He turned his life around; everybody gets a second chance, we hope. I still don’t agree with what he did, but certain cases, second chances, his kids, his family. We’ll see.”
Walli said she was pleasantly surprised by what Kilpatrick had to say and will be watching to see what happens next with him.
“Everybody’s been watching the 30-something-year-old Kwame with all the old footage from the 2000s, but I’m 54, and 54-year-old Kwame wishes he could go back and talk to 31-, 32-, and 35-year-old Kwame. But you change,” Kilpatrick said when asked by media about people being skeptical of his change. “If you are the same way at 54 that you are at 31, then something that should have happened in your life didn’t.”
Angelina Esteban, of Wixom, said she thought it was “shocking” when she first heard that Kilpatrick was to be a featured speaker at the dinner. Her friend, Pam Dawson, of Milford, agreed, saying that she too was surprised Kilpatrick was selected to speak at the dinner.
“I know that they had said that he has changed. I don’t know really, even now. Even after hearing him, if exactly what his role is, if any, in Detroit with the lawsuits that he went through. Did he make restitution? I don’t know any of that background, but he seemed sincere. I was pleasantly surprised at his talk, that he stood up, admitted his wrongdoing and told his story of being in prison. That took a lot of strength for any-
body to do,” Dawson said. “That was commendable and we always as Christians want to give somebody a second chance, and it seems like if he is true to his word, he’ll end up being a very good asset to humanity, and I’m going to be watching.”
“The things that he said resonated with me too. I’ve heard the voice of the Lord in my head,” Esteban said.
Kilpatrick said that this election is about coming together as a country and that differences should be put aside.
“It’s not about warm and touchy feelings. It’s about how we come together as a nation and preserve our way of life. We can fight about our differences later. But at some point we have got to act like the United States of America.”
Nancy Quarles, of Novi, is the chair of the Oakland County Democratic Party.
“It appears that is where he got his release from, so his giving a speech for the organization/party that helped him get out of jail, I’m sure he’s moving forward and doing
whatever he needs to do to help them as they helped him,” Quarles said.
“I wouldn’t say that I was surprised because I think I read that since the former mayor’s been out, he’s done a couple things for the Republican party,” Quarles said.
“I believe in second chances,” she said.
Derek Albert is a businessman, Democrat and former co-chair of the National Organization of Black County Officials, and he has known Kilpatrick for a long time.
“I want the man to be able to have another chance at life. So if his views have changed and they’re the opposite of mine, it is what it is. So many people’s views are opposites. You and I won’t agree on everything. There’s some things we might have commonality on. So at the end of day some people might be angry. Some people might be upset, but what is there to be upset about? I mean, the man has a second chance at life,” Albert said.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Kwame Kilpatrick, the former mayor of Detroit who was convicted of multiple felonies, speaks at the Oakland County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner on Aug. 21 in Novi. He talked about his experience in prison and how he said it changed him.
Walking among friends
Over 1,400 people reportedly attended the Walk4Friendship event Sept. 1. The event was hosted by the Friendship Circle, a nonprofit that provides special needs services to children, young adults and their families. Attendees also had the opportunity to enjoy activities, live entertainment and food. Genevieve Johnson, 5, top left, got to ride Finch. To learn more about the Friendship Circle or to make a donation, visit friendshipcircle.org.
Millage
from page 10A
The millage that was approved in 2010 at 0.6586 mill has since been rolled back to 0.6108 mill, according to Russ.
The reductions are due to the Headlee Amendment. Under that amendment to the Michigan Constitution, a community’s millage rates are reduced to offset any increase in overall taxable value exceeding the rate of inflation in a given year.
The millage cost for each property owner can be calculated by multiplying the taxable value of their property by the millage rate and dividing it by 1,000.
Property tax values can be found on property tax statements and by checking with the local assessor’s office.
The millage that voters are being asked to decide on is not set to expire until 2026, and Russ said that the original plan was to have it placed on ballots in August 2025, but doing so would make it a special election, which costs several thousand dollars.
The West Bloomfield Library Board unanimously approved having the proposal placed on ballots this November, and avoiding the cost of a special election was one of the reasons that the board’s president, Carol A. Kravetz, cited for doing so.
“It wasn’t a tough proposal (to decide on) because it saved the library $100,000, or thereabouts, from having a special election,” Kravetz said. “I know we’re going to need the roof replaced; I know we’re working on the HVAC system.”
November preview
Also on the ballot, Beacon readers will decide on:
• A county parks tax renewal of the current 0.35-mill levy set to expire in 2029 with a new tax rate of 0.65 mills — Go to candgnews.com and search “Oakland County Parks millage.”
• A proposal to extend a 4-mill Keego Harbor police millage past 2026 to 2034 — See an upcoming issue of the Beacon
• A measure to replace Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ operating millage with a proposal to levy up to 3.6297 mills on principal homes and up to 18 mills on other property — See an upcoming issue of the Beacon
Upgrades to both of the library’s buildings, which are approximately 25 years old, were on Kravetz’s mind.
“It wasn’t a hard decision at all,” she said. “I was very much in favor of doing it when we’re doing it, and I think that the public will support it.”
West Bloomfield resident Nancy Croitori has already expressed her support.
“I agree that it should be included in the November election so that they can save money and not have to do it in 2025,” Croitori said. “I do believe that they need money to make improvements – they are older buildings. I love going to the Westacres Library; I’m there at least every other week. … I support whatever they need to do to keep it up to speed for improved programming.”
Croitori understands what supporting
19A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
A library millage could help to pay for improvements at both public library buildings in West Bloomfield.
Road safety
page 8A
Milligan said that the average annual cost of crashes near intersections in Oakland County is $445,299,720. She said that they believe this technology will save residents money and also save lives.
“The problem is safety,” she said. “There’s 40,000 people who lose their lives in traffic crashes every year, and hundreds of thousands whose lives are changed forever by injuries that they experience. On this chart over here, we talk about the cost of crashes in Oakland County alone. Each year in Oakland County, the cost of crashes is almost half a billion dollars, and that’s just to cover the economic costs like the property damage or medical bills. It doesn’t take into account any of the emotional suffering that comes as a whole result of a car crash,” she said. “We can save lives. It’s really important that people experience it, understand what it could do, and be open to it, because it’s always hard to embrace change, but it’s important.”
According to Bryson, if funding is secured, the next phase of the project would include the expansion into other areas of Oakland County.
Bryson explained that the connected
vehicle technology aligns with what the Road Commission is all about.
“We have long been on the cutting edge of traffic technology here in Oakland County,” he said. “We were the first road agency in the nation to use a smart traffic signal system, where the signal detects the traffic at
the intersection, and computer algorithms determine the best traffic signal timing to most efficiently move that traffic. We’re still one of the largest systems of that kind in the nation and really in the world. We remain on the cutting edge in that we have been a test bed for all kinds of connected vehicles
nology simulator at Lawrence Technological University.
and smart vehicle smart infrastructure technology.”
For more information on P3Mobility, visit p3mobility.com.
To learn more about the Road Commission for Oakland County, visit www. rcocweb.org.
FOOTBALL
Photo by Erin Sanchez
STEM
museum piece in it now,” Marmul said.
Through the robotics program, with the new advanced equipment, kids will be able to be certified in manufacturing.
“They can get certified in this, and then for a summer job they can make a lot more money than they can at Burger King, working on these machines, and there’s a lot more positions and it’s a little bit more fun,” said Joe Lemieux, CC robotics coach. “If they want to continue and become machinists, they can go and get their certification as a journeyman or something like that, or if they go into chemical engineering or electrical engineering, they know how to build the parts they’re designing and that’s key. A lot of engineers have never actually worked in a shop, and then they design something that doesn’t work.”
The STEM center also has a state-ofthe-art rooftop observatory. The telescopes can be patched into the immersion theater for students to see a live view. Besides the aforementioned Celestron, there are four additional telescopes available including one that allows the students to look at the sun. The observatory has the capability of pro-
gramming the telescopes so that something going on after hours can be recorded to be seen later. The school also has a partnership with NASA to share data.
“Because the architecture is so precise, it is actually considered its own building within the building,” said Marmul.
Marmul said the school is working on branching out into the community to share the gifts it has received from its donors. Along with allowing kids from other schools to use the competition field, they are looking into having star parties for kids with the observatory and immersion theater. The school has a greenhouse room and has partnered with Gleaners Community Food Bank to grow seedlings for Gleaners to utilize.
“We always try to be good partners, but when we have a facility like this, where we are able to kind of activate in different ways than we have been able to before, I mean there’s only so many ways you can use a gym, but when you have a screen, when you have a robotics area, when you have different tools that are unique and maybe not as readily available, we want to make sure that we are sharing those gifts,” Marmul said. “So that’s exciting.”
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
the millage entails.
“If (it) means increased taxes, then so be it,” she said.
Russ said the two millages combined make up 91.47% of the library’s total revenue. She said 3% comes from contracts with Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor and Sylvan Lake for services provided to residents of those communities, with revenue also coming from state aid.
Russ said that the library’s total budget is $6,960,390, with the budget for personnel being over $3 million. The budget for personnel makes up just under 50% of the operating budget, according to Russ.
The capital budget, which includes collections, amounts to $1,483,432.
Professional contractual services, which includes money for things such as grasscutting, auditors and attorneys, amounts to $524,845.
Repairs and maintenance amounts to $596,521, with utilities coming in at $236,575, according to Russ.
“It’s a big operation,” Russ said. “It’s important to keep in mind that it’s two facilities. It’s not just the one library. We’re running two buildings and staffing two buildings and maintaining two buildings. There’s utilities in two buildings.”
Replacing aging building components, updating technology, renovating meeting rooms, improving outdoor spaces and expanding the library’s digital collection are included among the various ways money would be used if the proposal passes, according to Russ.
If the proposal fails at the polls, the cur-
rent millage rate would remain in effect until 2026.
“If it passes, that millage goes away and is replaced by this one that we’re asking for,” Russ said. “If it fails, it does give us some time to figure out what to do. This millage does represent not quite half of our funding, so we would have to figure something out. … We probably would have to go for a special election in 2025 because we would have to do what we could do to replace that funding source before it expires in 2026.”
In regard to the timing of placing a proposal on ballots that would increase residents’ taxes, Russ said, “We want to be respectful of the conditions with inflation.”
“We took a look at the numbers and we did a ton of number-crunching, because what we wanted to do was arrive at a millage rate that would give the library what it needed in order to do what we need to do, but not go over the top,” she said. “We are using some of our library fund balance to offset the cost of some of these capital repairs. … We always want to be fiscally responsible.”
According to Russ, several public information meetings have been scheduled.
An open house at the Main Branch is scheduled for noon-4 p.m. Sept. 21, with a millage information meeting scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in the library’s meeting room. The West Bloomfield Township Public Library is located at 4600 Walnut Lake Road.
Residents can also learn more information about the millage by visiting wblib.org/ about/millage/.
The phone number for the Main Branch is (248) 682-2120.
Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SEPT. 12
Hear ‘Boogie Woogie Kid’: Pianist/singer Matthew Ball performs music from “Great American Songbook,” 7-8 p.m., Commerce Township Community Library, 180 E. Commerce Road, registration required, (248) 669-8108, commercetwp.com/library
SEPT. 17
Detroit Symphony Orchestra: 7 p.m., also instrument tryouts, crafts, and dance and movement workshops before concert, The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, dso.org
SEPT. 19
Family Caregiver Expo: Guest speakers, sharing of personal stories, consultations with therapists, exhibitor tables and more, 1-4:30 p.m., Jewish Family Service, 6555 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, free but registration required, jfsdetroit.org/expo
SEPT. 21
Julie Run to End Hunger: Includes 5K run/walk and 1-mile run (both 9 a.m. starts), Oakland Community College - Highland Lakes Campus, 7350 Cooley Lake Road in Waterford, proceeds benefit Open Door Outreach Center, runsignup.com/julieruntoendhunger
SEPT. 22
Talkin’ Broadway discusses ‘Cabaret’: Monthly group also featuring performances, 2-4 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public LibraryMain Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, wblib.org
SEPT. 24
Seeking Dead People: Genealogist discusses history of cemeteries and stone choices, types of available burial records, and tips for accessing obituaries, death certificates and more, 7 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120, wblib.org
SEPT. 26
Women of Vision fundraiser: Hosted by National Council of Jewish Women, Michigan, features Boston Marathon survivor and inspirational speaker Rebekah Gregory, awardees include skinnytees founder
VIEW MORE! Visit candgnews.com/ calendar or use this QR code
Linda Schlesinger-Wagner and nonprofit Bookstock, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. with lunch, door prizes and 50-50 to follow, plus boutiques 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Adat Shalom Synagogue, 29901 Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills, ncjwmi.org
SEPT. 27-28
Camp Out: Set up tents at 3 p.m., activities such as crafts, fishing and toasting s’mores starts at 4:30 p.m., guided hike in morning, and checkout at 10:30 a.m., Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 451-1917, lazoury@wbparks.org, wbparks.org/ event/camp-out
SEPT. 27-29
Michigan Women’s Expo: Hundreds of exhibits and vendors covering health and wellness, beauty and skin care, clothing and accessories, home décor, self-defense and safety training, travel, cooking and baking, Michigan authors and books, senior care resources, and much more, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 27-28 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 29, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, kohlerexpo.com/michigan-womens-expo
SEPT. 29
Music @ Main: Hear folk musician Matt Watroba, 2 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120, wblib.org
ONGOING
‘The Book Club Play’: Performance by The Inspired Acting Company, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Sept. 20-Oct. 4, 1124 E. West Maple Drive in Walled Lake, (248) 863-9953, inspiredacting.org
Farmers markets: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays through October, Ambrose Public Safety Campus, 1499 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake, walledlake.us
• 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through end of December, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford, (248) 858-5495, ocmarket@oakgov.com, oakgov.com
• 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through early November, Riley Park, 33113 Grand River Ave. in Farmington, facebook.com/FarmingtonMarket
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.
Game nights: For Sylan Lake residents only, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, (248) 682-1440, sylvanlake.org/community_center
• 5-6:30 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of month, Commerce Township Community Library, 180 E. Commerce Road, (248) 6698108, commercetwp.com/library
Veterans peer support group: For men, hosted by Oakland Community Health Network, 5:30-7 p.m. every third Tuesday of month through November, CNS Healthcare, 279 Summit Drive in Waterford, RSVP to (248) 294-0063
Enchanted: Immersive and illuminated forest walks, 1-mile tours take approximately one hour to complete and start around dusk with final entries around 10:15 p.m., held Thursdays-Sundays Sept. 20-Nov. 3 (except Halloween) with special event programming on select nights, Glenlore Trails, 3860 Newtown Road in Commerce Township, glenloretrails.com
Live music: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Fork n’ Pint, 4000 Cass-Elizabeth Road in Waterford, (248) 791-3256, forknpintcasslake.com
‘The Best Laid Plans’: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Sept. 20-Oct. 5, Farmington Players Barn, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, boxoffice@farmingtonplayers.org, (248) 553-2955, farmingtonplayers.org
Michigan Renaissance Festival: Themed weekends are 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
Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/ support-groups
ADHD meetings: Hosted by CHADD of Eastern Oakland County, for adults and parents, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Zoom, see schedule on chadd. net/chapter-events/527
questions, email calendar@candgnews.com
Medication goes missing
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Aug. 13, a resident told police that after a gathering at their home with more than 40 people they noticed that several medications were missing.
No suspects were identified.
PayPal scam shows fake phone number on internet search
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Aug. 13, an officer was dispatched to the 5400 block of Fairway Court to take a fraud report.
The resident reported having received a potentially fraudulent email about a PayPal charge.
The resident searched for a customer service number and reportedly called a fraudulent one by mistake.
The unknown suspect or suspects allegedly conned the resident out of thousands of dollars by stating that there was a problem with the resident’s computer.
Motorcyclist reportedly hits 130 mph before arrest
ROYAL OAK — A motorcyclist was arrested in Royal Oak Aug. 8 after allegedly speeding at more than 130 mph on Interstate 94 and 100 mph on Interstate 75.
The Michigan State Police had tried to stop the motorcyclist and reportedly tracked the motorcyclist from the sky in a helicopter and took a video of the whole incident. The incident began on I-94 in Dearborn near the Wyoming Avenue exit and ended when the driver pulled into downtown Royal Oak and Royal Oak police were able to pull him over.
Customer damages inside of Mobil gas station
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 13, a customer became irate and damaged multiple shelving units at the Mobil gas station on Woodward Avenue.
Apartment resident finds door lock tampered with TROY — A resident on John R Road reported that on Aug. 2, around 5:45 p.m., his lock was messed with when he briefly left his apartment to take out the trash.
When he returned, he discovered an unknown suspect had squeezed superglue into the deadbolt lock of his door, rendering it inoperable.
Sewer drain cover stolen from park
TROY
A city employee reported that, between Aug. 3
10 p.m. and Aug. 4 at 7:30 a.m., an unknown suspect
of Brinston Park, located at 2250 Brinston St.
Books stolen from municipal campus
SOUTHFIELD — Between 10:30 p.m. Aug. 9 and 3:19 p.m. Aug. 10, miscellaneous books were taken from a rolling cart left unattended in the city complex at 26000 Evergreen Road.
Resident observes break-in while out of town
SOUTHFIELD — While a resident was out of town, she saw a break-in at her home.
At 2:20 a.m. on Aug. 10, the victim reported seeing through her security cameras an unknown individual enter the back door of her home in the 17000 block of Roseland Boulevard.
Man scammed while trying to buy speaker
NOVI — A man was scammed out of $377 after he attempted to buy a Bose Bluetooth speaker from someone online Aug. 17. The man sent the seller the money via Cash App and was told that the speaker would be coming from Grand Rapids. However, he never received it and the seller blocked him online. At the suggestion of police, the man contacted his bank, but he was told he could not be reimbursed, according to the report. He reportedly did not want to pursue a court case and told police he was just going to take it as a “lesson learned.”
Vape pens stolen during Dream Cruise
BIRMINGHAM — Police were dispatched at around 10 a.m. Aug. 17 to a parking lot in the 34600 block of Woodward Avenue that had been rented by a tobacco shop for a special event during the Woodward Dream Cruise.
The event manager reported that multiple vape pens and possibly other items were stolen from a display table by at least one person who jumped the fence overnight.
Two hired security guards reportedly discovered the unknown people in the event area near the display table. An investigation was ongoing.
Suspects wait for police to leave, steal clothing
BIRMINGHAM — An officer was dispatched to a clothing store in the 100 block of South Old Woodward around 7 p.m. Aug. 13 for a retail fraud. The store manager reported that two females in their mid-20s had entered the store while police were there investigating a theft that had happened 30 minutes earlier. The suspects walked around the store until officers left, and then they began creating piles of merchandise. One suspect left the store, and moments later, the other suspect ran out the door with a pile of clothes valued
vehicle recklessly drove away, heading north on Old Woodward. An investigation was ongoing.
Drunken man crashes car trying to flee from police
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — A 31-year-old man from Bloomfield Township was arrested after reportedly crashing his car fleeing from police while driving drunk with no license.
Bloomfield Township police were dispatched to a possible drunk driver in a white Toyota Tacoma heading north on Telegraph, from Lone Pine Road, at approximately 12:50 a.m. Aug. 17.
Officers saw the car on Telegraph, near Square Lake road, and attempted to stop the vehicle, which was reportedly crossing over all lanes of traffic and traveling at speeds over 100 mph. As the suspect neared Humphrey Avenue, police said, his vehicle struck a curb, drove over the center median into the southbound lanes, drove into a ditch, and then crashed into a tree. The suspect, who exited the vehicle, was ordered to the ground by officers, but reportedly took off running. He was taken into custody shortly after and reportedly smelled of intoxicants. He had a small baggie of pills on him that police suspect to be oxycodone.
A breath sample taken at the Bloomfield Township Police Department reportedly showed a 0.153% blood alcohol content.
The driver was arraigned at the 52-1 District Court and was charged with second-degree fleeing and eluding, resisting and obstructing, operating while intoxicated and driving without a license. He was issued an $8,000 bond.
Three men arrested after stealing clothes
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department was dispatched to Dick’s Sporting Goods, 2105 S. Telegraph Road, for a retail fraud in progress at approximately 3:30 p.m. Aug. 17.
Information was provided that two men had entered the store, stolen several items of clothing, and left without paying. Officers arrived at the scene and were flagged down by several witnesses, who informed them that the suspects had fled southbound on Telegraph in a black Nissan with heavy front-end damage.
Additional officers located the vehicle traveling south on Telegraph Road, near Maple Road, and initiated a traffic stop. Three male passengers were identified, and 55 articles of stolen clothing, totaling $2,755, were recovered from inside the vehicle. All three individuals were taken into custody for retail fraud. The report was forwarded to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Parking spot disagreement leads to assault charges
FARMINGTON — On Aug. 8 at approximately 8:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 32000 block of Grand River Avenue for a report of an assault and battery.
When officers arrived, the suspect, a 56-year-old man, had fled the scene, but witnesses were able to copy down the license plate of the suspect vehicle.
A 27-year-old man reported that he and the suspect had had a disagreement about a parking spot. The suspect then assaulted him and fled, according to the police report.
Officers were able to locate the suspect from the license plate, and he was arrested and cited for assault and battery.
Juveniles apprehended
HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, police were dispatched to the area of East Harry Avenue and Merrill Avenue at around 1 a.m. Aug. 16 to investigate a report about three male subjects walking in the street wearing masks.
When police arrived, the three subjects started running. Police were able to apprehend two of them — both were 14-year-old juveniles from Hamtramck and Detroit. There were no reported thefts, and the two juveniles were turned over to their parents. Also on Aug. 16, at 2:30 p.m., a resident in the 1700 block of East Harry reported that sometime between 6 p.m. Aug. 15 and 7 a.m. Aug. 16, someone entered his unlocked vehicle and stole a 9 mm handgun, along with some cash. The vehicle had been parked in front of the victim’s home.
Around 2:30 p.m. the next day, Aug. 17, a postal worker walking his route observed a gun on the front lawn of a home on East Jarvis. The gun was loaded with ammunition and next to its holster. The postal worker called the police. The gun was verified as the one that had been reported stolen.
The case was being investigated to determine the identity of the third juvenile who ran from police and whether any of the subjects were involved with the theft of the gun.
Customer caught stealing from store ROCHESTER — An officer was dispatched to a local business for retail fraud that had occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. Aug. 10. The business reported an item had been stolen by a customer who concealed it on their person. The officer made contact