STERLING HEIGHTS — More than a dozen high school graduates and college students have some extra funds to help them on their college or vocational journeys thanks to the organized efforts of the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation.

STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights’ property values measure up when comparing the state equalized values of top Michigan cities, according to city officials.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On the road to becoming an Eagle Scout, members of the Boy Scouts of America give back to their communities. For Harrison Township Scout Milan Edwards, giving back came in the form of helping seniors.

MOUNT CLEMENS — The Mount Clemens City Commission took a step in expanding the city’s recreation offerings at its June 19 meeting, giving the green light to apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spark Grant.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Civic Center Park has a shiny new playscape, made possible with a $70,000 grant, and it’s just the latest in a series of carefully considered purchases for the parks.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Cheryl Rottmann, the city clerk of Madison Heights, will now take on a dual role as the deputy city manager. The appointment follows the retirement of the previous deputy, Corey Haines, who was also the police chief.

MADISON HEIGHTS/HAZEL PARK — A new state law goes into effect June 30 that will make it illegal to use a cellphone with your hands while operating a vehicle, and local police agencies are ready to enforce it.

MADISON HEIGHTS/ROYAL OAK — Road construction on Interstate 75 and its northbound service drive has led to more drivers cutting through the neighborhood north of Lincoln Avenue and south of 11 Mile Road, as they try to reach John R and 11 Mile roads.

EASTPOINTE — The departure of Eastpointe’s director of public safety isn’t the only change the department is seeing to its leadership.

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — An Oakland Township woman who fled to Thailand following a fatal hit-and-run crash on New Year’s Day has pleaded no contest, according to court records.

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — The public can enjoy the sounds of jazz, country and classical music in two township parks this summer.

ROCHESTER — Community members of all ages showed up in droves to rally behind a grassroots effort to build Rochester’s first outdoor skate park.

ROCHESTER — Rochester is one of three cities in the state to join the Dementia Friendly America program, committing to support people living with dementia and their care partners.

ROCHESTER HILLS — The community’s first inclusive and accessible playground has some new play features for all ages and abilities to enjoy this summer at Innovation Hills Park.

CLAWSON/HUNTINGTON WOODS — Local cities will be throwing their annual Fourth of July celebrations in the lead up to, and on, the national holiday.

FERNDALE — The Ferndale City Council gave its approval for a special land use for a coffee shop to take over the home of a former Subway.

BERKLEY — The city of Berkley’s Pride Block Party will be making its return to the downtown this weekend.

NOVI — It was a historic showing for Novi High School’s doubles flights at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 State Finals at Hope College June 3.

NOVI — The Novi Police Department has been able to increase its speed and efficiency in cases where time is of the essence over the last year, thanks to Lt. Keith Wuotinen and his idea to implement drones.

NOVI — State Rep. Kelly Breen, D-Novi, is working alongside Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, a Republican, to weed out the wrongful use of the animal tranquilizer xylazine, which is sometimes called “tranq.”