Sheetz, a 24-hour gas station, convenience store and restaurant, will ask the Farmington Hills Planning Commission on Thursday night, Nov. 21, to recommend approval of their plan to locate on the site of a vacant restaurant at 12 Mile and Middlebelt roads.

But a residents’ group has formed to oppose the development and plans to protest at Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Road, at 7 p.m., before the meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.

Concerned Citizens Against Sheetz says violent crime, noise, increased traffic and environmental issues have plagued Sheetz establishments in other states.

Sheetz will be open after almost all other establishments have closed and the restaurant will have a drive-through window. That will make it a target for crime, or at the very least, customers loitering and making noise late at night, said Lloyd Banks, spokesman for the group.

Sheetz proposes to locate on the site of the former Ginopolis restaurant, which closed five years ago. Banks said it’s too close to several subdivisions for a 24-hour operation.

“It needs to be another restaurant,” he said.

At previous hearings, sizable groups of residents have spoken in support of Sheetz, saying the development is better than a vacant building that is starting to fall into disrepair. Proponents also say Sheetz is a good employer and serves high-quality food. Banks said he doubts those people live near the proposed site.

When Sheetz appeared before the commission in June, it proposed six pumps, creating 12 fueling stations; and a 6,100-square-foot convenience store and restaurant.

Nick Ruffner, public affairs manager for Sheetz, defended the company’s crime prevention efforts.

“Sheetz serves as a community hub where families gather for a meal, friends meet up before the big football game and local residents meet to conduct safe online marketplace exchanges,” he said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, all retailers – not just convenience store operators – are occasionally subjected to criminal acts. At Sheetz, the safety and security of our employees and customers – both inside and outside our stores – is our highest priority. Sheetz’s advanced security systems cover nearly every area of our stores and parking lot. We also have a first-class, advanced security operations center that is connected to our stores in real time and staffed 24/7 to help address any issues that arise at our store locations. These safeguards at our stores allow our employees to notify police as soon as an emergency situation develops.” he said in a statement.

If the Planning Commission OKs the proposal, it goes to the City Council for final approval.

Sheetz opened in Romulus in late August, its first location in Michigan. The company plans to open 50-60 stores in the Detroit area within the next five to six years, he said.

To date, Sheetz has announced the locations for eight other planned Detroit locations:
23 Mile Road east of I-94, Chesterfield Township

— 8200 Telegraph Road, Taylor

— 20623 Eureka Road, Taylor

— 45011 Garfield Road, Macomb

— 31925 Van Dyke Ave., Warren

— 19001 E. Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe

— 2103 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti

— Southwest corner of 14 Mile and Utica roads in Fraser

Each store will employ about 35 people; most will be full time, Ruffner said.

Assaults against health care workers, in the form of physical violence, threats or other forms of abuse, have been on the rise for more than a decade, experts say.

Nationally, 40% of health care workers say they have experienced workplace violence in the past two years, and 85% of emergency department physicians say the violence has increased over the past year.

In 2020, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services surveyed registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who worked in a variety of settings. Overall, 40% reported they had experienced some form of violence over the past year;  with 45% of those working in a hospital experiencing incidents. For those working in a behavioral health or psychiatric facility, the number rose to 57%.

Of those who reported they had experienced some form of assault, at least 70% said there had been physical violence.

In some cases, patients’ friends or family are responsible for the incidents. But patients themselves commit the majority of the offenses, according to the MDHHS study.

No one has taken a long look at why these assaults are occurring and how to reduce their frequency, said Stacey Frankovich, director of the new Healthcare Violence Reduction Center at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield.

Lawrence Tech, which initiated a nursing school and other health-related courses of study in recent years, is well positioned to research the issue, Frankovich said.

LTU has partnered with the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and hospitals around the state.

Funded by grants from several entities, the center’s representatives have shadowed health care workers to discover how and why the assaults occur.

By mid-year 2025, the center expects to finish compiling data and can begin to make recommendations to decision makers at hospitals and other facilities.

“We want to really see the frontlines,” Frankovich said. “The true picture isn’t being painted here.”

Incidents are underreported because many health care workers think assaults are part of the job, Frankovich said, contributing to burnout and recruitment challenges.

Frankovich was most recently director of the MedHealth life sciences initiative of TechTown, Wayne State University’s technology-focused business accelerator. Earlier, she worked for Oakland University’s Macomb-OU Incubator and was director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Macomb Community College.

Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, believes a lack of prosecution may be part of the assault problem. Increased penalties would also discourage these attacks, he said.

“We haven’t signaled to the public that it is not OK,” he said.

Violence in health care settings is “part of a broader societal problem,” he said.

“It occurs in small rural hospitals in the UP to big medical centers and everything in between,” he said.

Legislation in both the U.S. House and Senate, known as the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act, would give health care workers federal protections from workplace violence, similar to the current protections for airport and aircraft employees, Peters said.

The MHA sent a letter to all of Michigan’s Congressional delegates in support of the SAVE Act.

Both bills are pending in their respective judiciary committees.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation last year that increases the fines against those who assault health professionals or medical volunteers.

House Bill 4520, sponsored by state Rep. Mike Mueller, R-Linden, increases fines against those who assault these employees or volunteers without a weapon.

House Bill 4521, sponsored by state Rep. Kelly Breen, D-Novi, increases fines against those who assault health professionals or medical volunteers on the job with a weapon. Both bills also require health facilities to post signs describing the enhanced fines.

All employees in health care settings are at risk, even those with non-medical duties, such as those who process paperwork. But nurses bear the brunt of it, Peters said.

“There are more of them. They are front and center with patients,” he said.

“They bear it all with such grace,” Frankovich said.

Employees in emergency departments also bear the brunt, according to Frankovich, because of the high number of patients with either behavioral health or substance use issues.

Also, they’re dealing with crises that range from criminal matters to homelessness, she said.

The MDHHS study indicated that most health care facilities offer training on how to de-escalate a tense situation, how and when to call for help, how to protect personal safety and more.

Corewell Health, formerly Beaumont, and McLaren Health Oakland declined to comment on how they train their employees or what steps they take to prevent assaults.

Henry Ford Health said in a statement that, “De-escalation training starts at time of hire and team members get re-training on a yearly basis. We also have safety talks that go out throughout the year to remind employees of situational awareness and safety tips related to personal safety.”

Registered nurses at Corewell Health’s eight hospitals in the Detroit area and an office in Southfield have voted overwhelmingly to unionize.

The nurses voted 4,958 yes (62.6%) to 2,957 no (37.3%) for union representation through Nurses for Nurses, a committee of  Michigan Teamsters Joint Council 43, according to a release from the National Labor Relations Board.

The nurses voted over three days, ending Thursday, Nov. 14. The ballots were counted on Friday.

“The employer must begin bargaining in good faith with the union. Parties have five business days to file objections to the election. If no objections are filed, the result will be certified,” the release said.

Almost 10,000 nurses were eligible to vote and 7,915 votes were counted. There were 418 challenged ballots that won’t be counted; they didn’t affect the outcome of the election, the release said. Seven ballots were declared void..

The NLRB said the nurses’ petition to unionize is one of the largest in recent history, based on the number of potential members affected.

Corewell nurses at hospitals in Troy, Royal Oak, Farmington Hills, Taylor, Trenton, Dearborn, Grosse Pointe and Wayne are affected, as well as those at the Southfield office.

Eligible voters included full-time and regular part-time registered nurses, including casual, contingent, flex and charge nurses, according to the NLRB.

Kevin Moore, president of Joint Council 43, which represents all Teamsters in Michigan,  expressed confidence last month that the nurses would vote overwhelmingly to join the union.

“It’s about rights, dignity and proper pay,” he said at the time. “They’re exhausted. They can’t even take lunch or breaks. They’re eating on the run.”

He said nurse-to-patient ratios vary in Corewell hospitals, but some nurses are caring for 30 patients or more at a time.

“These are highly trained people. The doctor or surgeon may do your operation, but it’s the nurses who get you back on your feet,” Moore said.

Corewell, formerly Beaumont Health, said in a statement last month, “We respect our team members’ rights to explore joining a union, however, we believe our ability to provide high quality care to our patients and maintain a positive work environment is best achieved through a direct working relationship with our nurses.”

Clawson voters overwhelmingly approved a $64.5 million bond in the election on Tuesday Nov. 5, that will fund infrastructure improvements.

Almost 64% of ballots cast on the bond issue were affirmative, for a total of 4,478 yes votes to 2,543 no votes.

According to the ballot language, the general obligation bonds will be used “for the purpose of paying all or part of the costs to acquire, construct, reconstruct and improve infrastructure for the city.”

That includes:

– Road and street improvements

– Water main replacements and improvements

– Sanitary sewer improvements

– Storm sewer improvements.

The ballot language says the estimated millage to be levied in 2025 is 3.50 mills ($3.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds is 5.26 mills ($5.26 per $1,000 of taxable value).

Two Oakland County organizations are partnering to offer an online community conversation about the effects of trauma and substance use disorder in first responders.

The event will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13. You can watch and participate on the Farmington SAFE (Suicide Awareness for Everyone) Facebook page, https://tinyurl.com/SAFELiveStream.

Farmington SAFE is partnering with CARES (Community. Action. Resources. Empowerment. Services) of Farmington Hills, an organization that runs a food pantry and provides other services.

The event is designed for police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, physicians, nurses, veterans and others who may face high-stress situations like violence, disasters and car crashes.

“To cope with the emotional toll, some may turn to substance use as a form of self-medication. This can result in a cycle of dependency and ultimately worsen mental health over time, affecting both personal lives and professional performance. Addressing mental health and providing supportive resources are essential to help first responders manage trauma and avoid harmful coping mechanisms,” according to a release from Farmington SAFE.

“In my decade as a paramedic, I experienced the suicide of one of my peers, saw the damage done to relationships, and know at least three people who died of substance issues – all caused by job-related stress,” said Ken Massey, chairman of the boards for Farmington SAFE and CARES of Farmington Hills.

Presentations will begin at 6 p.m., with a question and answer period following via phone and text.

Commander Shane Wash of the Farmington Public Safety Department will host the discussion.

Frank Rubino, a psychologist and former police officer who specializes in law enforcement trauma and substance use disorder, will give the keynote presentation.

Dr. Robyn Floyd, behavioral health integrated program director, Veterans Health Administration, will also speak.

With a theme of “Let’s Talk About It,” Farmington SAFE brings together community members, leaders and mental health experts to remove the stigma surrounding depression and provide a connection to available resources.

The public is welcome to attend the group’s meetings at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Road.

For more information, visit https://farmingtonsafe.com/ or call 734-834-3156.

The owner of a personal training studio in Franklin envisioned that the barn and farmhouse nearby would make a perfect small cafe where the community could gather for events like wine tastings.

Entrepreneurs who envision developments like this usually have to go through a number of steps to gain approval from their municipality.

But they don’t often have to ask voters.

In Franklin, the village charter requires voter approval for all new liquor licenses.

Fortunately for Lisa MacDonald, nearly 86% of those who voted on the question in Tuesday’s election liked her idea.

Voters approved her request for a Class C liquor license by a margin of 1,837 yes o 301 no.

She hopes to open the Gray Dog Cafe at 32644 Franklin Road by mid-year 2025.

The Village Council approved her request for a liquor license in July. But she still had to convince the voters.

She conducted a small campaign that consisted of holding an open house with free refreshments where she distributed campaign cards. She had 20 lawn signs printed and did one direct mailing.

“It’s a small community. Everyone’s well connected,” she said.

The cafe will serve patisserie items for breakfast and “small plate” food for the rest of day, offering appetizers, charcuterie boards and similar fare.

A Class C license gives MacDonald the opportunity to serve beer, wine and liquor. She envisions it will be mostly wine.

“Our vision is to cultivate a thriving, interconnected community where wellness, nourishment, and nature flourish harmoniously,” her campaign flyer said.

“Nestled in the heart of our charming village, we aspire to provide a sanctuary where people can enhance their physical health, savor nutritious and delicious foods, and connect deeply with the natural environment through our fitness studio, cafe, and community garden.”

Weekend work on I-696 in Oakland County will bring a freeway closure and a ramp closure.

Eastbound I-696 will close at southbound M-10 in Southfield from 6-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, or Sunday, Nov. 10, if delayed by weather, according to a release from the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Traffic will be detoured via southbound M-10 back to eastbound I-696.

The closure will allow crews to complete pavement joint sealing work.

Also, the northbound I-275 ramp to eastbound I-696 in Farmington Hills will be closed for pavement joint sealing work from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Traffic will be detoured via eastbound M-5, westbound M-5 (via the Michigan left just east of Telegraph Road (US-24), and northbound Telegraph to eastbound I-696.

The I-696 reconstruction project between I-275 and Lahser Road is expected to wrap up for the year by early December.

The multi-year project is essentially done. Crews will return in spring and summer 2025 for punch list work, pavement markings and landscape work.

A four-legged assistant charged with providing companionship and mental health support has joined the Troy Fire Department.

The Golden Retriever comes to Troy through a nonprofit called Thin Line Service Dogs, dedicated to providing service animals to first responders and veterans at no cost.

The dog assists firefighters with mental health needs and will also be used to comfort victims at house fires, car crashes and other calls. He will also go to city events to interact with the community, said Lt. Keith Young.

As his training progresses, other duties could be added,  Young said.

“There are roughly 60-80 commands he could do,” he said.

Except for a few management-level personnel, volunteer firefighters serve the Troy Fire Department.

The nonprofit names its service animals after a fallen first responder or veteran, and is finalizing a name for the dog assigned to Troy.

“This collaboration underscores Troy Fire Department’s commitment to the complete well-being of its personnel and other community heroes,” the department said in a release.

“Together with TLSD, the department hopes to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that first responders and the community have access to the resources they need to thrive.”

The dog lives with Young and goes to work with him Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. He is available outside of those hours to respond to incidents in the city, Young said.

Motorists can expect intermittent ramp closures in both directions of I-96 between Kent Lake Road and I-275 on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2.

The intermittent closures will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

The closures, which will last for about an hour at each ramp, will allow crews to make pavement markings as part of a multi-year reconstruction of I-96 in western Oakland County.

Weather affects all work and may results in delays or cancellations.

The construction project, which is nearing completion, also includes the creation of flex lanes in each direction of the freeway between Kent Lake Road and I-275.

A flex lane uses a highway’s shoulder as a traveling lane during heavy traffic periods in the morning and afternoon. The flex lanes will go into effect early next year.

The Royal Oak City Commission voted unanimously on Monday, Oct. 28, to approve an employment contract with Joseph Gacioch to serve as the next city manager.

The commission chose Gacioch, currently serving as city manager in Ferndale, over one other candidate who was interviewed Oct. 12.

Gacioch will begin his new role as top administrator on Jan. 6. He will be responsible for managing Royal Oak’s day-to-day operations, implementing policies set by the commission, and collaborating with residents, businesses and stakeholders.

Gacioch holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration, according to a release from Royal Oak.

He has 20 years of experience in municipal management and will bring expertise in strategic planning, public finance, parking system administration, priority-based budgeting, employee engagement and crisis communications, the release said.

He is involved in several professional and civic organizations, including the Michigan Municipal Executives, where he serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Additionally, he is a credentialed manager under the International City/County Management Association.

“A longtime advocate for sustainability and community engagement, Gacioch led the development of Ferndale’s first climate action plan and has established himself as a skilled coach in employee engagement improvement,” the release said.

Two interim city managers have served the city since last December, when former City Manager Paul Brake resigned.

Two other Oakland County cities – Berkley and Troy –  have recently hired or are in the process of hiring new city managers.

Westbound I-696 will have just one lane open from Evergreen Road to I-275 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

However, after 5 p.m., there will be two lanes open in each direction.

The lane restrictions will allow crews to prepare to move traffic from the shared lanes to the normal east and west configuration. Currently, both directions share the eastbound side.

If the weather doesn’t permit the work on Saturday, it will be moved to Sunday.

MDOT says these ramps will reopen by early November:

– Northbound US-24/Telegraph Road to northbound M-10

– Evergreen Road to westbound I-696

– Franklin Road to westbound I-696

– Northbound Orchard Lake Road ramp to westbound I-696

Eastbound I-696 will remain in its current configuration from I-275 to Evergreen Road as crews complete median barrier wall work and begin removing temporary barriers.

All of the work is part of the $275 million Restore the Reuther project, a multi-year reconstruction of I-696 from I-275 to east of Telegraph Road.

By late November, westbound I-696 is expected to have all lanes open from Lahser Road to I-275. Eastbound I-696 is expected to have all lanes reopened by December as the project wraps up.

Landscaping and other work that will not affect motorists will occur next spring.