The beach at a popular state park has been closed for swimming since early August and will remain so for Labor Day weekend.

The beach at Seven Lakes State Park in Holly Township closed Aug. 5 because of elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.

In Waterford Township, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area’s beach reopened Wednesday, Aug. 27; it had been closed for almost a month because of E. coli readings.

Other smaller beaches across the county, many of them privately owned, have also been closed this summer. In addition to Seven Lakes, there were four beaches on the Oakland County Health Division’s list as of Friday.

To view the list, visit https://www.oakgov.com/home/showpublisheddocument/11972/638901678527381433.

Every summer, the Health Division routinely tests 100 public and private beaches, but that monitoring does not identify a source of E. coli contamination.

If levels are too high, a sign is posted and the beach is closed. It is then retested every weekday until an acceptable reading is reached and the beach reopens, said Mark Hansell, chief of Environmental Health Special Programs for the Oakland County Health Division.

Closed beaches prohibit swimming; they are generally open for walking and other activities.

Seven Lakes beach users posted on the park’s Facebook page that a large group of Canada geese that inhabit the area – and their droppings – are likely responsible for the closing.

The park’s administrative staff posted that they do the best they can to remove droppings from the beach.

But the Health Division doesn’t know the source of the E. coli contamination at Seven Lakes, Hansell said. Specialized testing showed it did not come from human waste, which can occur if there is a leak or other problem in a sewer or septic system.

“The Oakland County Health Division Lab does keep samples frozen for more analysis in partnership with other labs in the state that can run different genetic markers – goose, canine, ruminants, etc.,” he said in an email.

“Results from this process last year were primarily related to canine sources.  But we do not know, and we may never know, the source from this season,” he said.

Last year, the county conducted a special study, in cooperation with several other entities, of beaches most troubled by E. coli contamination. They took 20 samples from nine lakes to determine the sources.

In 12 samples taken from seven lakes, dog waste was responsible. In the other eight samples, the source was undetectable. Geese and all warm-blooded animals carry E. coli in their guts; any wildlife could have been the source, Hansell said.

Dogs do not have to be on a beach to cause elevated E. coli readings. Waste left on lawns can wash into bodies of water, Hansell said.

The sample was small, as Oakland County has dozens of lakes with frequent closings every summer, he said.

Most E.coli strains cause no symptoms or only mild illness, but a few are responsible for serious health problems, Hansell said.

Monitored beaches have to meet the one-day standard of 300 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water and the 30-day average of 130 colonies per 100 milliliters. The county’s list indicates whether each beach failed the one-day test or the 30-day test or both.

New I-75 ramp closings coming soon in northern Oakland County

Teen arrested for allegedly spray painting graffiti on Waterford gas station

More security, cameras in place as State Fair returns to Novi

Crews will close an exit and entrance ramp on southbound I-75 in northern Oakland County at 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, as part of the ongoing $160 million project to resurface the expressway in both directions between M-15 and the Oakland/Genesee county line.

Weather permitting, Exit 91 to M-15 and the southbound M-15 entrance ramp to southbound I-75 will close Tuesday. They will remain closed until late fall, according to a release from the Michigan Department of Transportation.

During the ramp closures, traffic will take Exit 89 on southbound I-75 to southbound Sashabaw Road, then westbound Waldon Road to M-15.

Both directions of I-75 are reduced to two lanes between Baldwin Road and Clarkston Road.

These exit ramps are closed until late fall:

– Southbound I-75 Exit 98 to East Holly Road

– Southbound I-75 Exit 93 to US-24 (Dixie Highway).

These entrance ramps are closed until late fall:

– East Holly Road to northbound I-75

– Northbound Dixie Highway/Saginaw Road (Grand Blanc Township) to northbound I-75

– Grange Hall Road to southbound I-75

– East Holly Road to southbound I-75

– Southbound US-24 (Dixie Highway) to southbound I-75

– Northbound US-24 (Dixie Highway) to southbound I-75.

Clarkston avenges Belleville loss in rematch of last season’s opener

Commuters and shoppers hoping for reopening of Joslyn-Brown roads have to wait

More than 200 bands and musical acts will perform over Labor Day weekend at the 28th Arts, Beats & Eats in downtown Royal Oak.

A juried fine art show will feature more than 120 artists in a variety of mediums.

Visitors can choose cuisine from at least 50 restaurants and food trucks.

It starts Friday, Aug. 29, and runs through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday. The art fair closes earlier each day.

Headliners this year include rapper Vanilla Ice; rock bands Sugar Ray, Hoobastank and Highly Suspect; country singers Randy Houser and Joe Nichols; hard rock group Rival Sons and alternative rock band Neon Trees.

The event will also include ‘60s and ‘70s nostalgia, with Fleetwood Mac tribute band Rumours, and Tommy DeCarlo, former lead singer of Boston. Tribute acts will also play the music of David Bowie and the Eagles.

New this year is Hitsville NEXT Revue, produced by the Motown Museum in Detroit. It will feature emerging artists from the museum’s Hitsville NEXT programs, performing Motown hits reimagined by a new generation.

Also new, a singing competition, the Star Maker Showdown, will award a $5,000 first place prize, with a total $10,000 given away in cash and prizes.

The event gives local bands an audience this year; nearly 40% of the performers are new to the festival.

As always, the festival will feature international singers and dancers and a family fun area. The family fare this year includes an expanded lineup of award-winning artists and interactive entertainment from the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The Michigan Lottery and Flagstar Bank replaced Soaring Eagle Casino as title sponsors in mid-July.

Admission is free before 5 p.m. on Friday and $12 after 5 p.m. Every other day, admission is $10 before 3 p.m. and $12 after 3 p.m. Cash and credit card transactions are accepted at gate entrances.

You can also order tickets online at www.artsbeatseats.com for $11.81 per day, which includes a service fee of $1.81. Organizers say ordering online is the most convenient way to get tickets.

A number of parking options are available in area structures and lots. They range in price from $15-25. For $10, you can park at Royal Oak High School, 1500 Lexington Blvd., and take a shuttle to Second and Washington Street. The shuttle will run from 10:30 a.m.-midnight daily.

Bike and bus options are also available. For more information, visit https://artsbeatseats.com/parking-transportation.

Parking is not permitted in surrounding neighborhoods. Within a one-half to one-mile radius from the festival, parking is by permit only. Police will issue $50 fines and also have the option to tow.

All city parking meters will be inoperable due to traffic concerns and to prevent visitors from circling the downtown area looking for parking spaces.

In 2024, the festival attracted more than 310,000 people and generated over $335,000 for local charities. Since the event began in 1998, more than $7.7 million has been raised for charities.

Tribute planned for the late Brady McAtamney at Arts, Beats & Eats

Oakland County area orchards and cider mills open for the season

Brady McAtamney “dreamed” of starting a band called the Beef Machine.

McAtamney, sports coordinator at the Macomb Daily, died June 23 at age 28. Organizers of the annual Arts, Beats & Eats festival in Royal Oak are making sure his dream doesn’t go unrealized.

The first band on the lineup for Friday, Aug. 29, “playing” at 4 p.m. on the Jim Beam National Stage, will be the Beef Machine.

“He’s going to have the best laugh from above that he’s had,” said Jon Witz, producer of  Arts, Beats & Eats.

Organizers plan to hold a moment of silence and put McAtamney’s photo up on a large screen. Witz said he will engage the crowd in a “Beef Machine” chant. McAtamney’s family will be in attendance.

McAtamney didn’t play any instruments or have a background in music.

“It was just a joke over many years,” Witz said. “Knowing Brady, he could very well have made it happen though.”

McAtamney worked as a bartender at the festival for five years, even making the trip to Royal Oak every year when he worked at a newspaper in Tennessee.

McAtamney and Witz’ son were good friends growing up.

“He was at our house all the time for many years,” Witz said. “This is a tribute to a family friend and employee who left us too soon.”

McAtamney, a Troy native, worked at the Macomb Daily for just 18 months, but in that short time, earned respect from coaches and a following among readers, said Matthew Mowery, regional sports editor for MediaNews Group, which owns the Macomb newspaper, The Oakland Press and others in Michigan.

Brady McAtamney, sports coordinator for Macomb Daily, dies at age 28

Nine years after Racheal Hrydziuszko first asked the Beverly Hills Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance to keep her backyard chickens, the village is rewriting its ordinances concerning animals.

ZBA members were puzzled, believing she didn’t need to ask for a variance, Hrydziuszko said.

Frustrated by the lack of clarity on the issue, Hrydziuszko ran for a seat on the Village Council and began serving in 2018.

Later, Hrydziuszko said, there was a change in enforcement philosophy in the village administration, and she and her husband, Damon, received a violation notice. The Hrydziuszkos filed an appeal in Oakland County Circuit Court.

At the time, a village ordinance specifically allowed 11 animals, such as cats, dogs, gerbils, hamsters and others that are “similar” and “commonly kept as pets.”  The ordinance did not prohibit chickens or other animals.

Judge Kwame Rowe declared the ordinance “unconstitutionally vague” last year; the ruling allowed the Hrydziuszkos to keep their half dozen hens in a garage on their nearly half-acre property.

The judge’s ruling prompted the ordinance overhaul, said Village Manager Warren Rothe.

Hrydziuszko serves on a committee that is reviewing the village’s chicken rules, looking at specifics such as the minimum acreage needed to keep chickens.

The debate has attracted pro- and anti-chicken forces to recent council meetings, with both sides claiming the majority of residents support their view.

While still being tweaked, the council will likely continue its review of two rewritten ordinances at its Sept. 2 meeting.

Several anti-chicken handbills have appeared on doorsteps; pro-chicken residents say the flyers contain misleading information. For example, one flyer claimed the Village Council could allow “your neighbors to keep chickens only a few steps from your back door.”

Backyard chicken proponents say their birds produce eggs that are healthier than those available in stores. They say that keeping poultry provides an educational experience for their children. And they say chickens are good pets.

“They’re fun. They’re very gregarious. They have personalities.” Hrydziuszko said. “It’s just a different kind of pet.”

Many Beverly Hills residents say they don’t want to own chickens, but don’t want the government preventing their neighbors from keeping them.

Opponents say the birds and their droppings could create odors and could attract rodents. Chickens belong on a farm, detractors say.

“I’m going to get a few pigs. Why not? Maybe a small herd of cattle as well. If you want to have a farm, move to the country,” one opponent said on a Beverly Hills Facebook page.

As backyard chickens have grown in popularity, other Oakland County cities, like Southfield, have revised rules that advocates say would prohibit most people from keeping the birds. Additional Oakland County cities are researching changes to their rules.

Based on community Facebook posts, it seems almost everyone in Beverly Hills agrees on one thing: The chicken debate has ruffled feathers for too long. There are other things to worry about, like cars speeding in residential areas, senior citizens who need help with lawn upkeep, maintenance of parks and more, commenters have written.

Hrydziuszko agrees.

“It’s time to put this to rest,” she said.

The situation has ruffled even more feathers as Facebook commenters say Hrydziuszko should recuse herself from the chicken debate, claiming conflict of interest since her court case prompted the ordinance rewrite.

She disagrees, saying the Village Charter describes a conflict of interest as being financially vested in an issue. For example, a council member recused himself from a vote on buying patrol cars for the Public Safety Department from Ford Motor Co. because he worked for Ford.

“I have no financial interest in this,” she said, adding that the village attorney has not advised her to recuse herself.

“That is his job, to let us know when we should recuse ourselves,” she said.

To complicate the village’s chicken debate, two bills pending in the state Legislature would supersede local ordinances and allow residents to keep hens as long as they meet certain generally accepted agricultural and management practices.

State Rep. James DeSana, R-Carleton, introduced House Bills 4049 and 4050 in January. They would eliminate the need for special land use approvals from local governments as long as the poultry is kept on a property that is at least a quarter of an acre and the number of hens is limited to five per quarter acre or 25 hens, whichever is less. Property zoned as farmland falls under separate guidelines.

The bills have been in the House Agriculture Committee since February.

Backyard chicken proponents say most municipalities already have general ordinances that would allow them to address poultry that created an odor or became a nuisance in some other way.

Oakland Co. judge declares community’s ordinance against chickens ‘unconstitutionally vague’

Oakland County communities rethinking backyard chicken rules

Starting at 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, numerous street closings will be in effect in Pontiac for Roadkill Nights, a legal drag racing event.

The event is moving back to Woodward Avenue in downtown Pontiac this year from the M1 Concourse.

These closing will be in effect from 5 a.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Sunday:

– Woodward Avenue from Huron Street to South Saginaw Street

– Whittemore Street from South Woodward Avenue to Saginaw Street

– One lane on the west side of South Saginaw Street will be closed from Whittemore to the north/south split.

Two-way traffic will still be available to the three businesses in this area.

Southbound Woodward Avenue will be closed at West Pike Street, Orchard Lake Road, Wessen Street, Judson Street and South Saginaw Street.

These closings will be in effect from 4 a.m. Saturday through 9 a.m. Sunday:

East/west streets

– Clinton Street from Woodward to Wayne Street

– Lawrence Street from Woodward to East Alley

– Pike Street from  Woodward to East Alley

– Water Street from South Saginaw to Perry.

North/south streets

– Wayne Street from Huron to West Pike

– Saginaw Street  from Huron to Water Street

– East Alley from East Pike to Water Street.

Roadkill Nights is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Tickets start at $25 ($20 for Pontiac residents). Spectator shuttle buses begin running at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at United Wholesale Mortgage. Racing begins at 11 a.m. The shuttle bus stops running at 9:30 p.m.

For more information or to order tickets, visit https://www.hotrod.com/roadkillnights.

Vanilla Ice, Sugar Ray, Hoobastank among headliners at 2025 Arts, Beats & Eats

Woodward Dream Cruise revs up with activities in Oakland County

An enthusiastic crowd of supporters sang and danced to “Ice Ice Baby” as organizers announced that rapper Vanilla Ice would be one of the headliners at the 2025 Arts, Beats & Eats festival in downtown Royal Oak.

“We continually aim to expand and introduce innovative offerings to ensure the hundreds of thousands who attend have a fresh, exciting experience every year,” said Jon Witz, producer of Arts, Beats & Eats.

Other big names playing this year include rock bands Sugar Ray, Hoobastank and Highly Suspect; country singers Randy Houser and Joe Nichols; hard rock group Rival Sons and alternative rock band Neon Trees.

The event will also include ‘60s and ‘70s nostalgia with Fleetwood Mac tribute band Rumours, and Tommy DeCarlo, former lead singer of Boston. Tribute acts will also play the music of David Bowie and the Eagles.

New this year is Hitsville NEXT Revue, produced by the Motown Museum in Detroit. It will feature emerging artists from the museum’s Hitsville NEXT programs, performing Motown hits reimagined by a new generation.

Also new, a singing competition, the Star Maker Showdown, will award a $5,000 first place prize, with a total $10,000 given away in cash and prizes.

The event gives local bands an audience; this year, nearly 40% of the performers are new to the festival.

Witz and other organizers announced the lineup at the Royal Oak Taphouse on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

The Michigan Lottery replaced Soaring Eagle Casino as title sponsor less than a month ago, with an agreement lasting through 2027. That is also the duration of the current contract with Royal Oak.

The festival was the idea of the late former Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. Witz initially set up shop in Pontiac in 1998. It moved to Royal Oak in 2010.

As always, the festival will feature international singers and dancers and a family fun area. The family fare this year includes an expanded lineup of award-winning artists and interactive entertainment from the Detroit Institute of Arts.

“I think we should call it Arts, Beats, Eats and Families,” Mayor Michael Fournier said.

More than 50 restaurants, food trucks and other cuisine experts will provide a variety of fare. New this year is local celebrity chef Jared Bobkin, known for his appearances as a contestant on two seasons of the reality show “Hell’s Kitchen.”

Bobkin will debut his new culinary venture The Dump Truck, a food truck centered around handmade dumplings and other comfort foods.

Artists from across the country will showcase their work in nearly 120 juried booths. They work in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, digital art, drawing/pastels, fabric/fiber/leather, glass, graphics/printmaking, jewelry, metal, mixed media 2D and 3D, painting, photography, sculpture and wood. The artists will compete for more than $7,000 in cash prizes.

Festival hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Aug. 31; and 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1. Tickets will be sold for $7 in advance. Admission is free before 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29 and $12 after 5 p.m. Every other day, admission is $10 before 3 p.m. and $12 after 3 p.m. Cash and credit card transactions will be accepted at gate entrances.

In 2024, the four-day festival attracted more than 310,000 people and generated over $335,000 for local charities. Since the event began in 1998, more than $7.7 million has been raised for charities.

For more information, visit www.artsbeatseats.com or call 248-541-7550.

Michigan Lottery takes over as Arts, Beats and Eats title sponsor

Birmingham adding inclusive playground equipment at parks

Madison Heights man faces criminal charge after gun discharges in car

A Hazel Park man has been charged in connection with a quadruple shooting in Detroit in which two people died.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Jaylen Lee Robinson, 30, in the fatal shootings of Martin Clay, 32, of Davison, and Maria Jenkins, 34, of Highland Park, and the nonfatal shootings of two Detroit women, ages 28 and 39.

Worthy said in a release that Detroit police officers were dispatched to a gas station in the 3300 block of Puritan Street, east of Dexter Avenue, for a reported shooting at about 4 a.m. Monday, July 28.

Officers observed Clay on the floor of the gas station with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso and buttocks area. Jenkins and the two other women had gunshot wounds to the torso.

Clay was dead at the scene. Jenkins died a short time later at a hospital.

A verbal altercation between Robinson and Clay escalated to a physical fight, and Robinson fired a handgun multiple times, the release said.

Robinson is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of assault with intent to murder, four counts of felony firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

At his arraignment Friday in 36th District Court in Detroit, he was remanded to the Wayne County Jail.

He faces a probable cause conference Aug. 12 and a preliminary exam Aug. 19 before Judge Shawn Jacque.

Maintenance worker killed in Royal Oak shooting not involved in dispute, police say

Police allege high-end merchandise at Oak Park stores is counterfeit

Michigan State Police detectives seized high-end merchandise from at least six Oak Park stores, alleging the items are counterfeit.

MSP said in a release that its detectives recently executed a search warrant on the stores in the Greenfield Plaza, 21700 Greenfield Road, between Eight Mile and Nine Mile roads.

MSP alleged the sellers knew the name-brand items were fake. An investigation is continuing.

The release said MSP received a tip about the allegedly counterfeit items.

“Undercover detectives were able to identify and purchase the counterfeit items,” the release said.

“Often, these counterfeit items contain harmful chemicals that can endanger (your) health,” said First Lt. Mike Shaw. “The saying of (if) it seems too good to be true normally is true. Make sure the items you purchase are legit; your health may depend on it.”

Not all businesses in the Greenfield Plaza are impacted, the release said.

Maintenance worker killed in Royal Oak shooting not involved in dispute, police say

Woodward Dream Cruise revs up with activities in Oakland County

A maintenance worker killed in a shooting at the Devon Park Apartments in Royal Oak was not involved in a dispute between two tenants that led to shots being fired, police said.

Officers responded to the complex on Crooks Road between 13 Mile and Normandy roads at about noon Thursday, July 31, on a report of shots fired in the parking lot.

Officers and firefighters performed life-saving measures on the maintenance worker, Police Chief Michael Moore said in a briefing with the news media Thursday. The maintenance worker died a short time later. Police did not release his name.

Police apprehended a suspect at the scene, Moore said.

He said the suspect, who lives at Devon Park, and another tenant were involved in a dispute before the suspect produced a pistol and fired several shots.

“I do believe there was a history there,” Moore said. He did not release details on the nature of the dispute.

Lt. Rich Millard confirmed Friday that the maintenance worker was not involved in the dispute.

Millard said the suspect, who remains in custody, will likely be arraigned over the weekend.

Royal Oak police investigating fatal shooting

Woodward Dream Cruise revs up with activities in Oakland County

Most Birmingham voters will have a new polling location or precinct number for the next election on Nov. 4.

The city has consolidated nine precincts into five. The city said in a release that the reduction will increase efficiency and reduce costs.

The City Commission unanimously approved the consolidation in June. Voters will receive identification cards confirming their new precinct and polling location assignments by mail this summer. The information is also available immediately online at mi.gov/vote by clicking the “Am I registered?” option.

The City Clerk’s Office encourages voters to become familiar with their new voting information before the city’s next election on Nov. 4. Birmingham, a city of about 21,000 residents, does not have a primary election this year.

“The new precinct boundaries were drawn to be as compact and contiguous as practical, using major roads as borders while staying within the legal limits of no more than 4,999 active voters per precinct,” the release said.

Voters can see a map of the new precincts and polling places at bhamgov.org/votinglocations, at the clerk’s office in city hall, and on postcards mailed to each Birmingham household later this month, as well as in the city’s monthly email newsletter and upcoming fall print newsletter.

Five of the previous polling place locations remain the same: Baldwin Public Library, Derby Middle School, NEXT/Midvale School, Pierce School and Fire Station No. 1 on Adams Road.

Holy Name Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church and the Birmingham Ice Arena will no longer serve as polling places.

In-person voters on Election Day should experience no difference in wait times at polling places because the majority of Birmingham voters now cast ballots by mail or during early voting.

In Birmingham’s November 2024 election, about 35% of votes were cast in person on Election Day, compared to 48 percent in November 2022, before early in-person voting was an option, and 66 percent in November 2018, before the implementation of no-excuse-necessary absentee ballots.

At least six other Oakland County municipalities have also reduced and reorganized precincts recently in response to steady declines in in-person Election Day voting.

The new voter identification cards will also clarify that all Birmingham voters were recently reassigned to state Senate District 7, a change due to state-level redistricting. Previously, the city was part of state Senate District 8.

Voters with questions can contact the City Clerk’s Office at (248) 530-1880 or elections@bhamgov.org, or visit the clerk’s counter on the first floor of City Hall at 151 Martin St., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cops: Man facing drunk driving, other criminal charges; had child in car with him

Annual Orchard Lake Fine Art Show returns to West Bloomfield this weekend

A 19-year-old Detroit man died in a three-vehicle crash on I-96 near the Oakland County-Livingston County border Wednesday, July 23.

Michigan State Police troopers responded to the crash on westbound I-96 at Kensington Road in Brighton Township at about 9:30 a.m.

A preliminary investigation and witness statements show the Detroit teen was driving a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu at speeds estimated at over 100 mph, MSP said in a release.

The Malibu was traveling in the right lane and swerved into the middle lane, striking another vehicle. Both vehicles lost control and struck a third vehicle, causing the Malibu to overturn and strike a construction trailer.

The driver of the Malibu was pronounced dead on scene. One other driver suffered minor injuries.

The investigation is ongoing; police believe speed was a factor in the crash. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor.

Westbound I-96 at Kensington Road was closed for several hours but has reopened.

The Livingston and Oakland county sheriff’s offices, multiple fire departments and EMS agencies assisted troopers.

Fresh off court victory to reopen downtown streets, Northville group targets street dining

Large groups of teens congregating in Farmington Hills; some vandalism, theft reported

Farmington Hills crash kills Oakland County road worker, injures two others

Ex-Tiger after death of wife: ‘Hug your family … tell them you love them’

Splurge now, save later? 4 things to buy before prices rise

Three sessions of a free online seminar about the dangers of vaping are available this summer.

The Oakland County Health Division is offering the training on:

– July 22 from noon-1 p.m.;

– Aug. 5 from 10-11 a.m.;

– Aug. 19 from 6-7 p.m.

Vape 101 is recommended for parents, guardians, community members, organizations and middle school, high school and college students.

The seminars will cover:

– How e-cigarettes operate and identify commonly used products;

– The health consequences, safety and other concerns;

– Why youth are using these products;

– Vaping prevention resources.

Registration is available at https://bit.ly/3UfbdyB until the day before each session. A link will be sent the day before the event.

Free produce available at 2 Oakland County farmers market events

Summer workouts: Teens taking advantage of free membership

An audience of nearly 200 people at a town hall meeting in Troy was asked if someone they knew would be affected by Medicaid cuts in President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

Nearly all raised their hands.

Four state legislators who represent parts of Oakland County hosted the meeting at the Troy Community Center on Monday, July 7. They and their audience expressed uncertainty and outrage about the bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate by narrow margins last week. Trump signed it on July 4.

State senators Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, and Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, and state representatives Sharon MacDonell, D-Troy, and Natalie Price, D-Berkley, hosted the meeting.

Irma Hoops of Oxford came to the meeting out of concern for a 65-year-old friend on Medicaid who is “near suicidal” over the changes, she said.

“I just can’t help but fear there are going to be more people affected,” she said. “This is going to impact all of us.”

She is particularly concerned for veterans. “We owe them the respect to try to stand up to this,” she said.

Supporters of the sweeping tax and spending legislation say the changes to Medicaid, food aid and other programs will encourage personal responsibility and stop those who are scamming the system.

Critics say it will put the lives of those who are already vulnerable at risk.

The bill slashes more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps, according to a release from MacDonell.

It also creates an estimated $2 billion hole in Michigan’s budget; the state administers Medicaid and the food stamp program. The cuts threaten the food and health security of over 2 million Michiganders and would force the state to either slash services or raise taxes to make up the difference, the release said.

Chang said the state will not be able to “backfill” the cuts, and legislators are doing the best they can to minimize the impact on Michiganders.

McMorrow encouraged those with concerns to contact their state legislators – especially if they are Republicans, who support the One Big Beautiful Bill.

U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, R-7th District, which includes part of western Oakland County, said in a release that he supported the bill because it “delivers on promises made to hardworking families and businesses in Michigan.”

He said it prevents a 22% tax hike on the average taxpayer by making 2017 tax cuts permanent, saving middle-class Americans who earn between $30,000 and $80,000 as much as 15%.

Additionally, it provides the largest border security investment in American history, including funding to build 701 miles of wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, equip border agents with new surveillance technology and hire more agents.

Barrett said the legislation “preserves Medicaid for the people the program is designed to serve: expectant mothers, children, people with disabilities and the elderly.”

He said it requires healthy, able-bodied adults on Medicaid to return to the workforce or do volunteer work. The bill also denies coverage for undocumented immigrants, duplicative or deceased enrollees and other ineligible people, he said.

Trump signs his tax and spending cut bill at the White House July 4 picnic

Midway through 2025, Oakland County’s homicides down nearly 13% over this time last year

What Trump’s big tax law could mean for the youngest Americans

Kroger Co. is asking Royal Oak to approve a rezoning to allow a new store down the street from a controversial Sheetz gas station, convenience store and restaurant.

The Planning Commission will consider the request at a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, in the commission chambers at City Hall, 203 S. Troy St.

Kroger plans a nearly 103,000-square-foot store and gas station on the site of the shuttered Comau manufacturing facility, 2800 W. 14 Mile Road. The site is at the northeast corner of 14 Mile and Coolidge Highway.

Last month, the City Commission approved the Sheetz proposal amid vigorous opposition from residents concerned about traffic at the T-shaped intersection of 14 Mile and Coolidge.

Sheetz plans to locate at 3200 W. 14 Mile, on the site of the former MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions. At the city’s request, Sheetz will pay to redesign a traffic light at the intersection to address traffic concerns.

Kroger requests a rezoning from a general industrial to general business classification, according to city documents. In addition to the rezoning, the Planning Commission will also review the grocery giant’s site plan.

The Cincinnati-based Kroger plans to demolish the existing manufacturing facility. The grocery store would be at the north or rear of the property and the gas station at the southwest corner.

If the Planning Commission recommends approval, the city will conduct a traffic study before the proposal goes to the City Commission for final consideration.

Kroger operates about 30 stores in Oakland County, including one in Royal Oak, one in Birmingham and four in Troy.

UPDATED: Sheetz station approved for Royal Oak site

Pinky’s Rooftop in Royal Oak closes, latest restaurant in that location to fail

The American Red Cross recently honored three Farmington Hills lifeguards who helped save the life of a co-worker who collapsed at work last year.

Fana Rombou, Amy Gunn-Gill and Vanessa Hersey-Tartt received the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders at a ceremony held Thursday, June 26, at The Hawk, the city’s recreation and arts center.

When their co-worker showed signs of cardiac arrest, the lifeguards used CPR and an AED to help her regain consciousness before paramedics arrived, according to a release from the city.

The award, which includes a citation and lapel pin, is bestowed on professional responders like lifeguards, police, firefighters and health care workers.

The lifeguards came to the aid of Janet Dabish, a senior transportation dispatcher for the city, who collapsed at the city-run Costick Activities Center.

Dabish was at her desk last September, enjoying a few minutes of solitude, when she lost consciousness. Her colleagues in transportation services called 911 and went to get help from the lifeguards.

Rombou, who was nearby, rushed over to help. She helped move Dabish from her chair to the floor. Rombou found a pulse and noticed Dabish was extremely warm.

The co-worker who called 911 placed the phone next to Rombou, who then began performing

CPR using chest compressions and rescue breaths under the direction of the 911 dispatcher.

Her teammates, Gunn-Gill and Hersey-Tartt, then arrived with an AED. Dabish was shocked once, then Rombou and a Farmington Hills police officer who had arrived on scene rotated performing CPR.

Rombou and the police officer continued to perform CPR and gave Dabish a second shock from the AED. Dabish then regained consciousness and Farmington Hills paramedics transported her to a hospital.

“Fana, Amy and Vanessa, your lifesaving action exemplifies the mission of the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Thank you for your willingness to help Janet, who was in distress,” said Kelly King, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross Michigan Region.

Rombou said every second counts in an emergency.

“This experience reminded me that in a crisis, being calm, prepared, and responsive can truly make the difference between life and loss. As a lifeguard and lifeguard instructor, I know the difference we make doesn’t stop at the water’s edge,” she said.

Dabish, who had a defibrillator and pacemaker implanted as a result of the incident and is doing well, praised the three lifeguards for their heroic actions. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them,” she said.

The Red Cross has been creating courses and training people in first aid and CPR for more than 100 years. For more information, visit redcross.org/TakeAClass.

‘American’ foods are changing, but July 4 still revolves around the grill

Tesla vehicles removed from Farmington Hills parking lot after court order

An Oakland County neurologist is accused of trading medical care for sex with at least one trafficking victim.

Prosecutor Karen McDonald has charged Dr. Gireesh Velugubanti, a 49-year-old Royal Oak man, with human trafficking and drug charges.

An ongoing investigation by the county’s Human Trafficking Task Force identified Velugubanti as a possible customer of an alleged trafficking ring at the Sonesta Simply Suites hotel in the area of I-696 and Lahser Road in Southfield.

McDonald’s office has charged three other people – Antoine Fulgiam, Chanel Rackard, and Sherri Gress, in connection with the alleged ring at the hotel.

Text messages between Velugubanti and Fulgiam allegedly show the doctor arranging commercial sex with trafficking victims and purchasing drugs, according to a release from McDonald.

Text messages reveal that Velugubanti was unhappy with one of the trafficked sex workers and apparently asked Fulgiam to warn her that her “free medical care” may come to an end.

“Purchasing sex with trafficked women isn’t a victimless crime. It is abuse,” McDonald said. “This defendant and men like him, often living comfortable lives, prey on victims who have been denied personal agency or freedom by traffickers. Sex trafficking only exists because so-called ‘customers’ create an economic incentive. They will be held accountable.

“This defendant’s alleged behavior is especially shocking,” McDonald said. “According to police investigations, he effectively ransomed health care in order to exploit one or more victims. The first rule of the medical profession is to ‘do no harm.’ There are few things a doctor can do more harmful than to allegedly expect sex as a condition for care.”

Velugubanti is charged with Human Trafficking Enterprise Resulting In Injury/Commercial Sexual Activity, a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine, and Conspiracy To Deliver A Controlled Substance Less Than 50 Grams, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine.

He will be arraigned in the 46th District Court in Southfield.

Velugubanti is a practicing neurologist. McDonald’s office is not aware of any affiliations with area hospital systems, the release said.

Prosecutors are working with law enforcement to learn if any patients were impacted or need to be informed.

Southfield woman 1st hotel worker to be charged with trafficking

Man charged with forcing woman to perform sex acts in Southfield hotel, held on $3 million bond

The Farmington Hills City Council is holding a special study session on Monday, June 23, on the future of the Costick Activities Center.

The council will hear recommendations from The Sports Facilities Companies, a building management firm, at the meeting at 5 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre at The Hawk, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road.

The public will have an opportunity to comment. The council will not make any decisions at this meeting.

The city doesn’t have a senior center, but offers programs for older adults at Costick, 28600 W. 11 Mile.

The city also converted the former Harrison High School into The Hawk, a recreation and performing arts center for all ages.

Monday’s council meeting is part of the city’s study on whether it needs a new recreation center focused on adults ages 55 and up.

The city surveyed older adults on their recreation needs earlier this year.

Ellen Schnackel, director of the city’s Special Services Department, said if a new center is built, the city would assess Costick’s future.

She said the cost of a new center and potential funding sources are under study.

Those who want to give the council input but can’t attend the meeting may comment at fhgov.com/costickinput.

You can also watch the meeting live at https://www.youtube.com/c/FarmingtonHillsMichigan.

Lightning may have caused house fire, officials say

Farmington Hills to open cooling center for hot weather relief

A house fire in Farmington Hills may have been caused by a lightning strike, officials say.

The fire broke out at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, immediately following a lightning strike, in a two-story house in the area of 14 Mile and Drake roads, according to Fire Marshal Jason Baloga.

The occupants of the home told the Farmington Hills Fire Department they believed lightning hit the house; the blaze is under investigation.

Firefighters were extinguishing the fire in the attic when the roof began to collapse. They exited the building and crews used a ladder truck to regain control. Firefighters then re-entered the building to fully extinguish the fire.

The house was heavily damaged by heat, flames, smoke and water. The city has marked it as an unsafe structure, Baloga said. No one was injured.

He advised anyone affected by a house fire to go outside and call 911 from a designated meeting spot, as these residents did.

Farmington Hills to open cooling center as hot weather approaches

Halsted Road closed for reconstruction in Farmington Hills