Royal Oak Review

Published December 11, 2019

Readers share their favorite holiday mishap tales

METRO DETROIT — Behind every social media snapshot of glittering trees, wonderstruck kiddos on Santa’s lap and families toasting over a bountiful dinner is someone who is haggard and weary and probably cursing a little bit after working hard to make the magic happen.

Published December 11, 2019

Minimal holiday decorating can still make a major impact

METRO DETROIT — A towering, ornament-laden Christmas tree, lights strung with care over the entire front of the house, and a yard filled with festive decorations are great, but not everyone has the time or energy to deck the halls with tinsel, garland and endless boughs of holly.

Published December 11, 2019

Bridging the miles with technology

METRO DETROIT — It would be unusual for a day to pass without Brendan Ross, of St. Clair Shores, or his wife texting one or another of their children or grandchildren, who live out of state.

Published December 10, 2019

Clawson Middle School gives back, student bonds grow stronger

CLAWSON — On Nov. 26, students in all three grades at Clawson Middle School took advantage of their half day before Thanksgiving break to spend some time working together to help others in the community and build a sense of belonging.

Published December 10, 2019

Sullivan Park getting new play equipment

ROYAL OAK — Thanks to approximately $550,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding, four Royal Oak parks will soon see improvements.

Defendant Christopher Keen sits in the courtroom of the 52-4 District Court prior to being bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court March 14. A jury found him guilty of five counts of criminal sexual conduct Nov. 19. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 8.

Published December 10, 2019

Jury finds former Clawson dance studio owner guilty of criminal sexual conduct

CLAWSON — On Nov. 19, a jury found Christopher David Keen, the former owner of Kaleidoscope Studio for the Performing Arts in Clawson, guilty of four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Published December 10, 2019

Police share tips to protect homes, presents during holidays

OAKLAND COUNTY — The end of the year can bring a lot of joy. Some are getting excited about ordering presents for Christmas, and others are planning trips to escape the cold weather. In both cases, police warn residents to take special care of their homes and personal items.

Published December 6, 2019

Police say alcohol involved in carjacking at gas station

ROYAL OAK — At approximately 9:20 p.m. Dec. 5, Royal Oak police responded to a 911 call about a carjacking outside a Mobil gas station at 31001 Woodward Ave., just north of 13 Mile Road.

Published December 5, 2019

The Friday 5 — Dec. 6-8

Your guide to this weekend's events

Published December 4, 2019

Royal Oak Planning Commission recommends marijuana facilities in 2 zones

ROYAL OAK — On Nov. 12, the Royal Oak Planning Commission voted to send a recommendation to the Royal Oak City Commission to allow marijuana facilities for medical and recreational purposes in two zones: general industrial and general business.

Published December 4, 2019

Window peeper reported in Royal Oak, Birmingham

ROYAL OAK/BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 8:55 p.m. Nov. 20, a Royal Oak woman called police to report an unknown man looking into her neighbor’s window in the 400 block of Gardenia Avenue, east of North Main Street.

Published December 4, 2019

Give more than gifts this season with customized presents

METRO DETROIT — Hey, gift cards are great. But sometimes, a holiday gift needs to have a more distinctive touch. A personalized item can sometimes say what plastic can’t: You’re unlike anyone else.

Published December 4, 2019

Winterize homes before the blizzards hit

METRO DETROIT — Snowfall and cold temperatures have hit southeast Michigan relatively early this year, but those looking to protect their homes for the upcoming winter season still have time.

Published December 3, 2019

Police apprehend man who allegedly wanted to die in shootout with officers

ROYAL OAK — After more than a two-hour standoff, police were able to disable a 41-year-old man who allegedly had called 911 and indicated that he had a gun and wanted to kill himself in a shootout with police, and he was transported to Beaumont Hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Published November 27, 2019

The Friday 5 — Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Your guide to this weekend's events

Published November 25, 2019

Small retailers are a big deal to Oakland shoppers

OAKLAND COUNTY — Lisa Gentile lives in the heart of downtown Birmingham. Without a doubt, she said, one of her favorite things about the neighborhood is that she can step out her door and walk to her favorite local haunts.

Published November 22, 2019

Partying in a winter wonderland

METRO DETROIT — This is Michigan. Snow is to be expected. Of course you know that. But what you might not know is how much fun it can be to forget the flakes and keep entertaining guests outdoors into the winter months.

Published November 22, 2019

There’s no place like home for holiday movies

METRO DETROIT — As Christmas lights twinkle, curling up on the couch with a cup of warm cocoa while watching a favorite Christmas movie is how many people get into the holiday spirit.

Published November 22, 2019

Clawson school board OKs invitation to Troy for annexation

CLAWSON — On Nov. 18, the Clawson Board of Education unanimously approved three resolutions put forth by Clawson Public Schools Superintendent Tim Wilson regarding the future of the district.