Troy Times

Published March 10, 2015

Ex-boyfriend charged in shooting death of woman

A 24-year-old Clinton Township man has been charged in the shooting death of Jamila Monet Vigler-Cage, 21, from Auburn Hills, found dead in a car in the parking lot where she worked at One Source Talent in Troy at around 6:15 p.m. March 7.

Mullen was arraigned on first-degree homicide and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony in 52-4 District Court March 10. He appeared in court without an attorney and requested a court-appointed attorney. Judge Maureen McGinnis entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. No bond was set.

Published March 9, 2015

Learn the ‘hole’ story about potholes

Even if you haven’t felt that sinking feeling on the road yet, two county road agencies say you can expect to drive over some potholes soon.

According to Road Commission for Oakland County spokesman Craig Bryson, potholes form when rain or melting snow gets inside road cracks. As temperatures dip, that moisture freezes and expands, creating a cavity under the road. When the frozen water thaws, the road’s structural integrity is compromised, causing the affected portion to collapse into a pothole when a vehicle rolls over it, he said.

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Published March 6, 2015

A close shave for cancer research

METRO DETROIT — A few years ago, when Jason Davidson’s hair was completely shaved off during the St. Baldrick’s Foundation cancer fundraiser, a young girl battling the illness came up to him and said “thank you.”

Touched by her words, “It was hard to come up with a response,” Davidson said.

Published March 6, 2015

Museum to host program on WWII paratrooper training

METRO DETROIT — Do you have what it takes to be a World War II paratrooper?

Wait, back up. Let’s not even get into the fighting they encountered. That’s a separate issue, one you’re certainly not prepared for.

The same goes for their basic training. Suffice it to say it was grueling, agonizing and spread over weeks. It wasn’t for the faint of heart, mind, body or spirit.

Published March 4, 2015

Creating a picture-perfect childhood

One of the best parts of parenthood, for many, is that for a few precious years the refrigerator will never be lacking in color.

Artwork created by little ones is not only a point of pride for caregivers and educators — it’s also an important part of a child’s early learning and development.

Pam Rush, owner of The Learning Experience daycare and preschool center in Shelby Township, has been integrating art into the curriculum for 25 years.

Published March 4, 2015

Regular maintenance key to restoring patio, deck after winter

Right now, there are likely several inches of snow piled up on at least a portion of your deck or patio.

But what will you find when it melts?

Flaking paint chips and nail pops on your wooden deck, moss and weeds starting to grow between brick pavers, or worse.

Published March 4, 2015

Troy property assessments continue upward trend

Mike O’Neill has lived in the same home in the Square Lake and Rochester area for the past 40 years. He describes the homes in his neighborhood as “unique to each other.”

He was surprised to open his home assessment last week and learn that his home was assessed for over 25 percent more than last year.

“I’ve made no improvements,” he said.

O’Neill said that two homes near him recently sold — one for what he feels was way above market value and one that sold for below what he felt was market value.

Published March 4, 2015

Get sappy at the nature center

Although all the available maple trees at the Lloyd Stage Nature Center are officially tapped out, you can see how sap becomes syrup during Maple Syrup Time — Past & Present being held on the first three Saturdays in March.

Published March 4, 2015

Community mourns ‘Godfather’ of Troy

Pallotta

Published March 3, 2015

Clinton River watershed to benefit from $20 million EPA grant

METRO DETROIT — In an effort to help get the Clinton River watershed off the Great Lakes Area of Concern list, the Environmental Protection Agency has pledged $20 million to fund 11 projects throughout the watershed over the next three years.

“This is a big deal for the watershed,” said Jennifer Tewkesbury, of the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes.

Published March 2, 2015

Environmental groups collect mercury

OAKLAND COUNTY — Residents and small businesses in Michigan can once again take advantage of a free, mail-in mercury collection program through Sept. 30.

Published March 2, 2015

Road Commission offers free discussions on Prop. 1

OAKLAND COUNTY — Road Commission for Oakland County officials will give educational presentations about the upcoming May 5 ballot initiative that would increase the state’s sales tax and provide additional funding to fix roads throughout the state.

The educational presentations will be free to any group or organization in Oakland County.

Published March 2, 2015

Warm or cold, cars require care when traveling

While millions of Michiganders shiver through the winter, other people have temporarily fled for warmer climates down south.

But auto experts say those who choose to travel to more affable temperatures by car should pay attention to the challenges that both colder and warmer weather may bring to the road and to the vehicle.

According to AAA Michigan Public Affairs Director Susan Hiltz, Michigan has quite a few “snowbirds” who dwell in the southern states during the winter months.

Published February 27, 2015

Food standards change in school districts

METRO DETROIT — By now, schools should be putting the final topping on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new nutritional standards in the national school lunch and breakfast programs.

Published February 26, 2015

Little pets, big love

You know, not all beloved pets let out a woof or a purr.

Some of the very best friends have scales, tails or even eight legs. The world of small pets is vast, and it can also be pretty darn convenient for on-the-go animal owners who don’t have tons of time to devote to a little pal.

Mike Palmer, owner of Premier Pet Supply in Beverly Hills, said there can be lots of benefits to owning a smaller animal like a hamster, a gerbil or — believe it or not — a rat.

Published February 25, 2015

Making the dream happen

NOVI — Coming in on the heels of the Detroit Boat Show, the eighth annual Cottage and Lakefront Living Show taking place this week in Novi will reinforce the belief of many Michiganders that the state’s spring and summer months are the best in the country.

The Great Lakes State offers almost unending choices of outdoor recreational activities during the warmer months — though ice fishing during the winter also has a huge following — and that especially holds true for those who live or own a cottage on one of those great bodies of water.

Published February 25, 2015

Troy artist makes museum magic

Longtime resident Ron Maki’s wife, Kaye, is used to seeing her husband’s paintings in various stages of creation throughout their home and often wonders when they will “move out of there,” Maki said.

His paintings have been moving on at a brisk pace lately.

“I’ve been selling quite a few paintings,” he said recently.

Published February 25, 2015

Talk at library examines beat poetry

Liebler

Published February 25, 2015

Historical exhibit will focus on what made Michigan

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called for civil rights supporters to meet in Selma, Alabama, in March 1965 for a peaceful march, Detroit homemaker Viola Liuzzo didn’t hesitate.

The white activist felt so strongly about the Civil Rights Movement that she left her five children and husband, got in her Oldsmobile, and made the trip to demonstrate for the rights of black Americans.

It ultimately cost Liuzzo her life when she was gunned down by members of the Ku Klux Klan.

Published February 24, 2015

Frozen February puts cold-weather car tips to test

As temperatures recently fell below zero across metro Detroit, the arctic air has taken a toll on some vehicles too, according to AAA.

AAA Michigan Public Affairs Director Susan Hiltz said her association has seen an increase in service calls during a particularly cold night and morning following the Valentine’s Day weekend and culminating on Presidents’ Day, the Monday afterward.

“We had a 154 percent increase in the morning for service calls compared to the same time period last week,” Hiltz said.

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