METRO DETROIT — On Oct. 4, the American Red Cross issued a news release stating there is a national blood shortage, and donors are urgently needed.

STERLING HEIGHTS — Butterflies could soon spread their wings with more space meant for them if a concept to expand the Sterling Relief Drain’s butterfly flyway takes off.

STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor presented a vision of a more technological future while sharing plans for “linking today and tomorrow together” during his Sept. 22 State of the City Address.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — When your loved ones have dementia, it can be challenging finding safe and meaningful things to do with them. But for about a year now, the Clinton-Macomb Public Library has provided a safe place for seniors with dementia and their caretakers to get out and socialize.

MOUNT CLEMENS — In a brief meeting on Monday, Oct. 2, the Mount Clemens City Commission approved the purchase of a residence in the northeast corner of the township.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — In the words of Clinton-Macomb Public Library Director Larry Neal, where did the time go? The multi-township library’s main building at Romeo Plank and Canal roads turns 20 years old this October.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Macomb Community College is expanding its nursing program through a partnership with University of Detroit Mercy.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The topic of elections was high on the minds of Clinton Township trustees in early October, especially with the Board of Trustees voting to buy new election software and equipment at its Oct. 2 meeting.

HAZEL PARK — A new health care facility is planned for Hazel Park, one that will specialize in services for the LGBTQ+ community.

MADISON HEIGHTS — An October tradition gets a new name this year: The Trail of Treats.

MADISON HEIGHTS — A local woman is thanking the stranger who rushed to her husband’s aid after the 81-year-old man got in a car accident that left him hospitalized with a brain injury from which he’s still recovering.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights City Council is reviewing proposed amendments to the code of ordinances that would allow for more marijuana businesses to possibly open in town.

OAKLAND COUNTY — The county’s affluent neighborhoods have been targeted in what is called a transnational crime ring. Organized and trained thieves have been targeting certain areas of the United States and breaking into homes in search of cash, jewelry, high-end clothing, purses and products.

LAKE ORION — Lake Orion is here to stay, and they demonstrated it once more in one of the more complete showings on both sides of the ball you’ll see in a football game.

EASTPOINTE — The Eastpointe Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Matthew Krent. He hasn’t been seen since Sept. 26, when he was dropped off at Eastland Motel.

NOVI — Detective Shawn Penzak, 49, of Canton, was named the 2023 Novi Police Officer of the Year in May, and he said that he wants the public to see officers as people first, rather than as symbols of authority.

NOVI — The student council at Novi High School voted to honor some of the district’s unsung heroes in this year’s homecoming parade, which took place Sept. 29.

NOVI — A Novi High School student is one of only 27 in the world to obtain all possible points on the AP Seminar exam.

ROCHESTER — The Older Persons’ Commission in Rochester is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its founding this year with a new name and rebranding to mark the occasion.

ROCHESTER — This fall, the community is invited to head to downtown Rochester to enjoy a variety of different artforms.