Royal Oak Review

William Breeding, of Eastpointe, pictured, is trying to get the word out about a Salvation Army program that helped him get back on his feet.

Published February 19, 2021

Eastpointe man aided by Salvation Army program

EASTPOINTE/WARREN — Eastpointe resident Willian Breeding was homeless, out of a job and unsure what to do about his future. A Salvation Army program changed all of that.

Published February 19, 2021

Wojno bill seeks to restore unemployment benefits to 26 weeks

LANSING — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s veto of a $220 million deposit into the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund raised questions for some about recent bipartisan legislation that would temporarily extend unemployment benefits for new filers.

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 12, 2021

Man in custody following multiple local drugstore robberies

OAKLAND COUNTY — A Flint man has been charged following a string of robberies at pharmacies across Oakland and Genesee counties.

Published February 11, 2021

Royal Oak to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030

ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak City Commission tasked staff in July with inventorying greenhouse gas emissions in the city to establish a baseline, and on Jan. 25, unanimously approved a resolution committing the city to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 while striving to reach net-zero carbon by 2050.

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.

On Jan. 19, the Clawson City Council accepted the resignation of recently hired Clerk Lynn Henry, of Swartz Creek.

Published February 10, 2021

Clawson clerk resigns, city to seek new clerk, financial director

CLAWSON — On Jan. 19, the Clawson City Council accepted the resignation of recently hired Clerk Lynn Henry, of Swartz Creek, and authorized interim City Attorney Renis Nushaj to negotiate a separation agreement between her and the city.

Outgoing Royal Oak Public Library Director Emily Dumas, right, and interim Library Director Adrienne Breznau, left, stand inside the library, which is still closed but offering contactless pickup, Feb. 3. Dumas will become the director of the Troy Public Library Feb. 22.

Published February 10, 2021

Royal Oak library director leaving to lead Troy Public Library

ROYAL OAK/TROY — When Royal Oak Public Library Director Emily Dumas, who has filled the role for the past two years, saw an opening to lead the Troy Public Library, she jumped on it.

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

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

Royal Oak High School grad’s death ruled accidental

ROYAL OAK — A runner discovered the body of Grand Valley State University student and 2020 Royal Oak High School graduate Taylor DeRosa, 18, near the university’s intramural athletic fields the morning of Dec. 12, 2020.

Published February 8, 2021

Indoor dining opens at 25% capacity in Clawson, Royal Oak

CLAWSON/ROYAL OAK — Effective Feb. 1, the state of Michigan allowed restaurants and bars to reopen indoor dining at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 100 people, social distancing requirements, mandatory contact tracing and a 10 p.m. curfew.