Farmington Press

Published July 21, 2020

Farmington, Hills police remain focused on education, not enforcement for new mask mandate

FARMINGTON/HILLS — A lot of aspects of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan have been questioned, some being argued as unconstitutional, but none so heatedly as mask orders.

Cars make their way through the congested Orchard Lake and 14 Mile roads roundabout, considered to be the third most dangerous intersection in Michigan.

Published July 21, 2020

Orchard Lake, 14 Mile intersection named 3rd most dangerous in state

FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Hills-based auto law firm Michigan Auto Law’s annual 20 most dangerous intersections in Michigan list is out, and for the third consecutive year Orchard Lake and 14 Mile roads, shared by Farmington Hills and West Bloomfield, has ranked in the top five of that list.

Local artist MaryLou Stropoli and Sunflour Bakehaus owners Jeff Pavlik and Becky Burns pose in front of some of Stropoli’s artwork on the counter and one of the murals already on the bakery walls.

Published July 21, 2020

Farmington artists chosen to produce two new murals

FARMINGTON — New murals will be making their way to two Farmington businesses, The Vines Flower & Garden Shop and Sunflour Bakehaus, come August.

Farmington residents Alexander, 8, and Cameron Erickson, 6, play a water-based activity from their Farmington Youth Assistance Family camp in a box set in their backyard.

Published July 21, 2020

Farmington Youth Assistance brings summer camp to doorsteps with new program

FARMINGTON/HILLS — Summer for local kids this year may be a little less exciting than it has been in the past.

Published July 21, 2020

Farmington Hills resident cast in global online dance festival

FARMINGTON HILLS — Seven years ago, in 2013, Farmington Hills resident Marcel Lim, 47, found a flier in downtown Farmington advertising Irish dance classes at the Dancing Feats studio. At the time, he knew little of the dance style, but after his first class, he became hooked.

Published July 21, 2020

Shades of Pink fundraiser moves from zoo to Zoom

METRO DETROIT — The nonprofit Shades of Pink Foundation, which provides temporary financial assistance to breast cancer patients, had three weeks to produce a virtual evening of entertainment, fundraising, celebration and support.

Published July 21, 2020

Candidates vying to become Oakland County executive share their goals

OAKLAND COUNTY — Heading into the Aug. 4 primary, there are four people vying to become the next Oakland County executive. Both the Democratic and Republican primaries are contested, with each race featuring two candidates for voters to choose from. The winners will head to the Nov. 3 election to win a four-year term.

Published July 20, 2020

Supreme Court: Oakland County at fault in foreclosure case

OAKLAND COUNTY — Last week, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled against Oakland County in a case that essentially puts an end to the county selling tax-foreclosed homes at auction for a profit.

Published July 20, 2020

Invasive and native plants get action from county commission

OAKLAND COUNTY — Below the surface of lakes across Oakland County, another pandemic is brewing.

Published July 20, 2020

MHSAA announces plan to start fall sports

METRO DETROIT — The Michigan High School Athletic Association announced July 17 its plan to start fall sports as scheduled.

Farmington Hills custodial staff, in a partnership with Grand Rapids Building Services, disinfect high touch areas at Lanigan Elementary July 16.

Published July 20, 2020

FPS rolls out return to school plan

FARMINGTON/HILLS — Whether students across Michigan return to in-person instruction full-time or part-time, or remain at home learning remotely for the 2020-2021 school year, one thing is certain: The experience is bound to be different than any year prior.

Published July 20, 2020

The fervor for #FreeGrace

BIRMINGHAM/OAKLAND COUNTY — Most of America only knows her as “Grace,” her middle name. But thousands rushed to her defense online, and last week, a caravan was organized to protest the Oakland County Circuit Court’s decision to place the 15-year-old girl in juvenile detention.

The Interstate 275 Highway bike path behind the Woodsprings Suites Hotel, 22000 Haggerty Road, will soon be the site of a new trailhead in Farmington Hills.

Published July 20, 2020

New trailhead coming to I-275 bike path in Farmington Hills

FARMINGTON HILLS — Four years ago, while driving home past the historical David Simmons property, Farmington Hills Special Services Deputy Director Bryan Farmer had an idea. What if the city could build a trailhead on the property and provide access to the trail along the Interstate 275 highway?

Published July 17, 2020

Salvation Army launches ‘Summer in the City’ campaign

METRO DETROIT — With so many people struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salvation Army of Metro Detroit and Toyota have joined to help out those in need. On July 13, the Salvation Army kicked off its Summer in the City fundraising campaign presented by Toyota. The nonprofit organization’s goal is to raise $250,000 for families experiencing financial hardship because of medical issues or lost wages.

Published July 17, 2020

Gleaners summer program adapts to feed despite COVID-19

METRO DETROIT — Social distancing requirements necessitating the avoidance of large groups aren’t ideal for summer food outreaches built around the Meet Up and Eat Up concept. The needs still exist, and in some cases they may be even greater.

Published July 16, 2020

To ticket or not to ticket: Local leaders, police weigh mask mandate

OAKLAND COUNTY — If you’re looking to make or keep friends in 2020, you’d be wise to steer clear of the topic of mask mandates.

Published July 7, 2020

Automation Alley teams up to boost PPE production

METRO DETROIT — “COVID-19 was a wakeup call for the global manufacturing industry,” said Tom Kelly, executive director for Automation Alley, at a June 30 press conference at the facility.

Published July 7, 2020

Museums reopen with new safety protocols due to pandemic

DETROIT — Museums and other cultural institutions in Detroit are starting to reopen, but with COVID-19 still very much a concern, these facilities are taking steps to keep guests and staff safe.

Published July 7, 2020

Pollution down, trash up amid pandemic

METRO DETROIT — Medical experts will tell you that, as of now, it’s hard to say how each patient will react to the COVID-19 virus. But for Mother Nature, the prognosis is good.