Two suspects caught on security cameras broke into cash boxes at Sawmill Creek Farms in Macomb County, stealing about $80 and damaging equipment worth $200. The farm has operated on an honor system for 10 years, allowing customers to take hay or straw and leave payment in mounted cash boxes.

"My father-in-law went to go get a bale of hay for the goats and noticed that the boxes were broken into," said Sarah Knust, owner of Sawmill Creek Farms.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report below: Farm thieves caught on camera stealing from honor system cash boxes

Security footage shows a dark blue Dodge pickup truck with a light-colored tailgate arriving Monday morning. Two men exited the vehicle and went directly to the cash boxes mounted on the wall, ignoring the hay completely.

"They knew what they were coming for. They didn't even look at the hay, nothing. They went right to the safe and tried to break into it," Knust said.

Watch surveillance video below: Video shows theft at Sawmill Creek Farms in Macomb County that uses honor system

The farm has relied on customer honesty for 13 years, providing a convenient way for people to purchase hay and straw while generating extra income for the family operation.

"We think about $80 and then we're out two cash boxes that are going to cost $100 apiece to replace," Knust said.

Another farm in Macomb Township was also targeted in what investigators believe may be part of a larger crime spree.

"Unfortunately, two individuals that we are looking for today. Two suspects violated that honor system," said Cmdr. Jason Abro of the Macomb County Sheriff's Office.

Abro believes the suspects are responsible for additional thefts targeting farms that use honor systems.

"We do believe that there is more thefts that possibly did occur and we are asking for any local businesses or farms to contact us," Abro said.

The impact extends beyond the financial loss for small farming operations that serve their communities through trust-based sales.

"We're just... honest people making a living and it kind of hurts when somebody takes that away from you that you feel like you can't trust people anymore," Knust said.

Knust hopes the suspects are caught and held accountable to prevent future crimes.

"I think they need to have something done to them where they don't do it again because I feel like they're just going to keep doing it to other people," Knust said.

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about the thefts or similar crimes to contact them.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Water main breaks have become an almost daily occurrence across metro Detroit's east side communities this winter, with cities reporting dramatically higher numbers compared to previous years.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Aging pipes cause surge in metro Detroit water main breaks

Harper Woods has experienced 14 water main breaks since the beginning of 2026, nearly half of the 38 breaks the city saw in all of 2025. Since January 1st, Roseville has dealt with 40 breaks, while Eastpointe has recorded 25.

The latest break occurred Thursday on Hollywood Street in Harper Woods, leaving residents without running water for several hours. For Ashley Manuel, it marked the second water main issue on her block in less than a week.

"Very inconvenient. Very much so," Manuel said.

The first break happened across the street from her home, creating water quality concerns that worried her 4-year-old daughter.

"My daughter, my four-year-old, the first water main break, she was like, ' The water's coming out yellow, the water's coming out yellow. So every day I'm like, well, did you wash your hands? She's like the water's coming out yellow, and I am like, oh Jesus," Manuel said.

Neighbor Kim Kozakowski believes the frequency of breaks signals a larger problem.

"They should be doing something about it. This is not normal," Kozakowski said. "The infrastructure needs to be, you know, kept up."

Harper Woods City Manager John Szymanski attributes the surge to aging infrastructure combined with prolonged cold temperatures.

"Because of the aging infrastructure and the temperature, and especially the long temperature that we've experienced recently, yes, we are experiencing a lot of water main breaks," Szymanski said.

The city is working proactively to address the problem by using cameras to inspect underground pipes and repair them before they fail.

"We've spent millions of dollars on the infrastructure, and that will save us tens of millions of dollars the next ten years moving forward," Szymanski said.

The problem extends beyond Harper Woods. Crews in Eastpointe raced Wednesday to repair a break that flooded streets, while Roseville workers fixed their 40th break of the year the same day. City managers across the region point to aging infrastructure as the common culprit.

Despite the inconvenience, Manuel expressed appreciation for the repair crews working to restore service.

"Shout out to the crews. I appreciate their service," Manuel said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A woman's body was discovered wrapped in a garbage bag and stuffed into a cardboard box on Detroit's east side Sunday night, leaving neighbors concerned for their safety as police search for a suspect.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Woman's body found wrapped in garbage bag on Detroit's east side

Detroit police officers made the horrifying discovery while patrolling Hershey Street near 7 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. The body was found dumped in the street, according to police.

"This is the first time something like this has ever happened over here," said a resident who lives nearby.

The shocking case has rocked the east side neighborhood. One mother, who asked not to show her face, said the homicide happened just steps from her home, where she lives with her 2-year-old son.

"He's two years old, so you know that would be crazy if he just happened to come outside, you know, walk past it, or seen it, because literally it was left in the street," she said.

Multiple residents expressed the same concerns about the unsettling crime, with a suspect still unaccounted for and neighbors left with unanswered questions.

"I feel like it was left in the street for people to see," another nearby resident said. "Yes, yes, I am concerned for safety."

On Monday, Detroit police were actively circling the street where the body was found as the investigation continues.

Police say they are not releasing much information because the investigation is still in its early stages.

Detroit police are asking anyone with information to contact them.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

An elementary school in Clarkston turned compassion into action Friday, hosting a blood drive to support one of their students a 9-year-old girl whose life depends on blood transfusions every three weeks.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Clarkston school hosts blood drive for student with rare bone marrow disease

Independence Elementary organized the drive for Liv O'Connell, a fourth-grader born with Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a rare bone marrow disease that prevents her body from making red blood cells properly.

"The easiest way to describe it, because most people have not heard of it, is that she does not make red blood cells properly, so she's anemic, and without blood, she would not be able to live," said Megan O'Connell, Liv's mother.

Despite her condition, Liv remains active and positive about her situation.

"It doesn't affect me that much. I mean, it might do something to me, like make me tired, I might not feel great, like my stomach hurts, but like I don't really feel anything, and when I get blood, I am definitely more hyper," Liv said.

To support their classmate, students at Independence Elementary helped make bracelets and signs to decorate the school for Friday's blood drive. The American Red Cross helped organize the event.

"It means a lot to see her laugh and strive through life. She's not really scared of anything. She loves to be here, have fun laughing with her friends," said Ava Duffy, Liv's friend.

According to the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation, the disease affects 25 to 35 children born each year in the United States. Every case is different Liv's brother Miles also has the disease, but doesn't need transfusions.

For Liv, the transfusions are critical to her survival, but they don't slow her down.

"She's thriving. I have no idea how she does everything she does. She's a skier, a cheerleader, a dancer, a gymnast," Megan O'Connell said.

Community members like Matthew Johnson stepped up to donate blood for the cause.

"Anything that I can do to support, you know, Liv and this cause is something I am happy to do," Johnson said.

For Liv, seeing her community rally around her means everything.

"They help me make bracelets, we make thank you cards, and they really help me with support and everything like that," Liv said.

The young student hopes the blood drive will help other children facing similar challenges.

"We're doing this to help kids like me because they need blood to live," Liv said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Detroit homeowners are facing a double-edged sword as property values in the Motor City have surged by $500 million in just one year, according to city officials. While the dramatic increase signals the city's continued recovery, it also means many residents will see higher property tax bills.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Detroit home values surge $500 million in one year, raising property tax concerns

The city examined thousands of home sales over two years to determine new property values, with some neighborhoods experiencing increases of 30% to 40%, according to city officials.

"They've been steadily going up since I moved over here," said Karen Schultz, a Detroit resident who lives in the Rosedale neighborhood.

Schultz purchased her home in 2015 for $137,000, and it's now valued at $280,000. She said she bought at the right time due to rising rental costs.

"For what I mortgaged, I am paying here - I was paying for a 1 bedroom apartment over at Riverplace," Schultz said.

On Friday, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield signed an executive order requiring the assessor's office to adopt national standards for greater transparency in the assessment process.

"While the assessed values of homes has increased. This year, homeowners are protected under the Michigan constitution from large tax increases," Sheffield said.

Many homeowners won't see dramatic tax increases because Michigan's Proposal A limits taxable-value increases to inflation, about 2.7% this year. However, that cap is lifted when a home is sold.

"I look at my tax bill, it was only a 38 dollar increase, so I feel good about that," said George Preston, a Detroit resident.

"This cap helps us alleviate some of those costs that Detroiters are paying currently," said Brodrick Woods, another Detroit resident.

The challenge now is ensuring longtime residents can stay in the neighborhoods they helped rebuild as property values continue to rise.

Homeowners can appeal their assessment by contacting the assessor's office at AsktheAssessor@detroitmi.gov.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Two people are recovering after an early morning fire ripped through an apartment building in Southfield, forcing dozens of residents from their homes.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Southfield apartment fire displaces 27 residents, injures two people

The fire happened at the Oxley Apartment Complex off of 9 Mile and Providence. I spoke with residents who said they woke up to police and firefighters banging on their doors.

Southfield firefighters said several people had to be rescued early Thursday morning after flames tore through multiple units in the apartment complex. It's the third fire in just 48 hours that they've had to battle.

"Glad that everybody is alright. No lives lost. Everything is materialistic, and it can all be replaced," Anthony Powell said.

"We just rushed out. Me and my friends," Dora Pope said.

It was just before 3 o'clock Thursday morning when Southfield firefighters were called out to the four-story apartment complex. When firefighters arrived, smoke could be seen coming from several apartments, and a number of area fire departments had to be called in to assist.

A couple of residents were trapped and had to be rescued by firefighters.

"Our aerial did remove somebody from the fourth floor, and then in other areas of the structure two ground ladder rescues. One on the second floor and one on the third," Chief Joey Thorington said.

Two people were taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation but are expected to recover.

Thorington said this is the third fire they've responded to in just 48 hours.

"Yesterday morning, actually, around two o'clock, we had a rescue house fire. We rescued a patient out of the second story. Yesterday we had the fatal fire, and then today this morning we had the apartment complex fire, so it's been a busy couple of days," Thorington said.

Nearly a dozen units were damaged, displacing 27 people and two dogs. The Red Cross is now working with them to find temporary housing.

"Most of us are affected by smoke damage. It's pretty horrendous," Powell said.

Powell and his children are some of those residents affected. He said firefighters woke them up by banging on his door - they were just a couple of doors away from where the fire started.

"First time they've ever experienced something like this, so when daddy grab their hand, and he is running, you got to run," Powell said.

Loraine Lee is just happy that everyone is okay and was able to make it out safely.

"I am just glad that we got out and it's not as bad as it could have been," Lee said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Detroit residents woke up to a pleasant surprise Monday morning as city crews cleared residential streets following Sunday's snowfall, even though the storm didn't meet the typical 6-inch threshold for full city plowing.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Detroit plowing residential streets after latest snowfall

The city of Detroit expanded its snow removal efforts after several inches of snow blanketed the area, deploying private contractors to clear many residential side streets. Typically, at least 6 inches of snow must fall in a single storm before a full city plow is activated, but with freezing temperatures and continuing snowfall, the city decided it was time to act.

"It's a little bit loose. Part of what we look at is what snow have we had before today. So last night we measured pretty close to 5 inches in Detroit, and because we've had snow over the last couple of weeks and the forecast over the next two weeks is supposed to continue to be cold, we thought this would be a nice service to provide the residents," Sam Krassenstein, Deputy Director of Detroit Public Works, said.

Tradina Waller was clearing her driveway after Sunday's storm and said she was happy to see plow trucks come down her street.

"It's getting better," Waller said.

The city has over 1,800 miles of residential streets to plow and typically only does so when a single snowfall event reaches 6 inches or more. When that threshold is met, the Department of Public Works sends out private contractors to plow neighborhood streets.

Those contractors began clearing Detroit's residential streets early Monday morning. While some side streets on the east side weren't plowed at all, Krassenstein said they're making progress.

"We're about 75 to 80 percent through the residential streets," Krassenstein said.

However, not all residents were satisfied with the snow removal efforts. Dennis Phelps, a cab driver who got stuck at the intersection of Grady and East Willis, said the city needs to plow more often.

"My first time stuck down here on a residential street," Phelps said. "I believe they should come out much, much sooner."

Delano Benson, another Detroit resident, echoed similar concerns about the need for more frequent plowing.

"We need the salt trucks to do the side streets, too," Benson said. "They need more trucks out here."

While some streets had been plowed, residents like Benson wished crews would make a second pass. The city says they're planning to do just that and encourages residents to report any streets that haven't been adequately cleared.

"If they find by tomorrow morning that a street hasn't been touched or not done to a satisfactory condition, they can go online to improve Detroit dot online or on the phone and report that we will investigate that and make sure it's taken care of," Krassenstein said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.