Grosse Pointe Times

Published February 19, 2021

Macomb County businesses sue state officials for damages over closures

MACOMB COUNTY — Samuel Backos said his restaurant, Ernie’s, has been “devastated” by state-ordered closures officials said were put in place to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said local restaurant, bar and banquet properties have been left “virtually worthless” and that their employees have suffered through “a very depressing time.”

Published February 19, 2021

Boat dealerships ‘slammed’ with interested buyers

METRO DETROIT — From a low of leaving a show after just a day to a high of months of great sales, the boating industry has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic better than other industries, likely because its product is designed to be used in the relative safety of outdoors.

Published February 18, 2021

Science Center offers free admission days thanks to local businesses

DETROIT — The Michigan Science Center is welcoming in more people than ever with its free admission days.

Published February 18, 2021

USPBL standout signs Major League Baseball contract

METRO DETROIT — Whether it be whiffle ball in the backyard, tee ball for the city team or playing video games on the TV, baseball has been a constant in Dugan Darnell’s life for as long as he can remember.

Published February 16, 2021

Troy police investigate homicide outside Belle Tire store

TROY — Troy police are investigating a homicide discovered during the early morning Feb. 15 at the front entrance of Belle Tire, 4966 Rochester Road.

Published February 14, 2021

Demolition moratorium extended in Grosse Pointe City’s Estate-Residential district

GROSSE POINTE CITY — As work continues to study the possible historical significance of some structures in Grosse Pointe City, a moratorium to block demolition of homes or the construction of new homes in certain areas has been extended.

Published February 13, 2021

Grosse Pointe City audit shows rise in taxable value of more than 5%

GROSSE POINTE CITY — Despite challenges from COVID-19, Grosse Pointe City’s finances and its financial records remain on solid ground. That’s according to the team of Plante Moran auditors who delivered their review of the City’s 2019-20 financial books during a Dec. 14 Grosse Pointe City Council meeting over Zoom.

Published February 12, 2021

Cities start to approve mutual aid training agreement

GROSSE POINTES/HARPER WOODS — Grosse Pointe City’s new public safety building — which opened Aug. 29 — features new training areas and equipment, including a fire training tower and the VirTra computerized simulator where officers can work on de-escalation and other skills.

Published February 11, 2021

Pierce student shares her gift of song

GROSSE POINTE PARK — The legacy of Oscar Hammerstein — the librettist and lyricist of Broadway favorites “The Sound Of Music,” “Carousel,” “South Pacific” and more — is living on through a new international contest.

Published February 10, 2021

OU announces $2,500 scholarship for Michigan frontline workers

ROCHESTER HILLS — Oakland University is offering financial assistance to those working the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published February 10, 2021

Ewald Library Branch renovations completed

GROSSE POINTE PARK — After being closed for six months for renovations, the Ewald Branch of the Grosse Pointe Public Library is open for curbside service.

Published February 10, 2021

COVID-19 spikes demand for in-home senior services

METRO DETROIT — Sterling Heights resident Roxanne Hayes has an 86-year-old father who lives with her and her husband.

Published February 9, 2021

Dreaming about — and planning for — next spring’s yard and garden

METRO DETROIT — Families once were busy running from school to dance class to basketball practice, and from family parties to hanging out with friends all weekend, but the past months have made for a change of pace that’s affecting how residents feel about the importance of their yard to their peace of mind.

Published February 9, 2021

City buildings reopen to the public

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Last November, Grosse Pointe Woods city officials closed all city buildings to the public for a second time because of the increasingly high numbers of COVID-19 cases being reported.

Published February 9, 2021

International crime ring suspected in Grosse Pointe home invasions

GROSSE POINTE PARK/SHORES — An international crime ring said to be responsible for break-ins around the country is believed to have been involved in home invasions in Grosse Pointe Park and Grosse Pointe Shores the evening of Feb. 1.

Published February 9, 2021

Patrons slowly warming up to return of indoor dining

GROSSE POINTES/DETROIT — Of all of the businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants and bars in Michigan have taken one of the biggest hits.

Published February 9, 2021

For many, COVID reveals existing ADD/ADHD

BIRMINGHAM — How are you doing, handling all of this time at home? If working or learning virtually has you a little down, unmotivated, maybe a bit forgetful and anxious, you’re far from alone. The pandemic has caused a lot of people to feel that way.

Published February 9, 2021

Baker College campus coming to downtown Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK — The excavation and construction of a seven-story, 86,000-square-foot, $51 million Baker College campus is underway in downtown Royal Oak at 420 S. Lafayette Ave., north of Fifth Street.

Published February 8, 2021

Ford House study could lead to a raft of natural shoreline improvements

GROSSE POINTE SHORES/ST. CLAIR SHORES — A feasibility study this spring at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House could lead to a more natural restoration of the shoreline.