METRO DETROIT — College dorms are starting to fill up with students for the fall semester. For many, it will be their first time living away from home, and the limited space of their dorm room can be a puzzle.

NOVI — At the request of Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash, the Novi City Council approved two resolutions to authorize the conversion of the city’s existing county drain facilities, known as the Huron Rouge Sewage Disposal System, into a new intercounty drain district, the Rouge Valley Sanitary Inter-County Drain.

NOVI — The Michigan State Fair at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., has beefed up its security measures this year in the aftermath of the 2024 shooting that occurred in a nearby parking lot. 

NOVI — The fourth annual Novi Taco Fest will take over the parking lot at Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk between the Power House Gym and Chuck E. Cheese Aug. 22-24.

NOVI — To help ensure that children and teens in the community start the school year off right, members of the Novi Public Safety Department, in partnership with Novi Youth Assistance, took 15 students shopping at the Kohl’s department store in Novi Aug. 8. 

NOVI — For the third year running, Novi High School seniors kicked off their final year of school by claiming and painting their parking spots Aug.11. 

METRO DETROIT — Here's a look at five things to do during the weekend of Aug. 21-24.

SOUTHFIELD — Southfield Public Schools hosted a back-to-school fair on Aug. 14 to inform the community about the updates and changes being made to the district. 

TROY — The Troy City Council unanimously approved a $250,000 grant agreement with Oakland County Parks Aug. 11, part of plans for an inclusive play area at Boulan Park.

TROY — The Troy Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit has made two arrests in connection with an ongoing auto theft investigation. The arrests were made with the help of the Macomb County Auto Theft Unit.

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — Oakland Township voters passed two library millages Aug. 5.

GROSSE POINTE CITY — 2024 saw the retirements of two valued veterans of the Grosse Pointe City Public Safety Department — Sgt. Michael Almeranti and Lt. Alan Gwyn — but fortunately, some of the department’s newer members are stepping up to fill their shoes.

GROSSE POINTE CITY — A project to resurface Fisher Road from Jefferson to Maumee avenues this summer is now also going to include sidewalk replacement on the Grosse Pointe City side of the street.

GROSSE POINTES/HARPER WOODS — Could joining a book club or a community organization make for happier, healthier Americans and a happier America?

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — An alert motorist who called 911 immediately enabled Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety Department officers to save the life of a woman who had driven into Lake St. Clair.

FERNDALE — Ferndale’s hopes to improve its Harding Park inline skating rink will have to wait until next year.

OAKLAND COUNTY — The ballots for mayoral and city council races have been set for the November election.

TROY — Community members enjoyed a wealth of rides at the Troy Traffic Jam car show Aug. 3, held at the corner of Big Beaver and Livernois roads.

TROY — Members of the Troy community and officials from the University of Michigan celebrated a groundbreaking Aug. 6 for a new health care center. 

TROY — At its meeting Aug. 11, the Troy City Council unanimously approved a request to rezone an 8.22-acre site around Corporate Drive, changing it from an office district to a community business district and a multifamily district.