Royal Oak Review

Helen Demark, who has lived in Royal Oak for 65 years, waves to those celebrating her 104th birthday July 7. Pictured sitting is her niece, Susan Beyer, who traveled from Buffalo, New York, for the occasion.

Published July 21, 2020

Royal Oakers unite to ring in neighbor’s 104th birthday

ROYAL OAK — With little family left in the area, neighbors who are part of the Vinsetta East Homeowners Association got together to put on a surprise, socially-distanced parade in front of Helen Demark’s home to celebrate her 104th birthday July 7.

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.

Carmen, a high-ranking female member of the Japanese macaque, or snow monkey, troop at the Detroit Zoo, stands with her new baby, Jun.

Published July 21, 2020

Baby snow monkey, born at Detroit Zoo, doing well

ROYAL OAK — On June 3, a healthy female Japanese macaque, also known as a snow monkey, was born to parents Carmen and Haru at the Detroit Zoo, bringing the troop total to 10.

A screenshot from the July 16 virtual hearing shows, from far left clockwise, Judge Derek Meinecke, Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor John Pietrofesa, the empty 44th District Court courtroom, defense attorney Jo Anne Bigler and defendant Brandon Christopher Newberry.

Published July 21, 2020

Royal Oak double stabbing suspect bound over to Circuit Court

ROYAL OAK — During a July 16 virtual hearing, 44th District Court Judge Derek Meinecke bound over the suspect in a double stabbing, Brandon Christopher Newberry, 22, to the Oakland County Circuit Court.

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.

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.

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 9, 2020

Calls for service significantly down during Fourth of July

CLAWSON/ROYAL OAK — Both Clawson and Royal Oak first responders reported that calls for service significantly decreased during the Fourth of July weekend.

Published July 8, 2020

Storm cell fells trees, cuts power in Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK/CLAWSON — A fast and furious storm hit a portion of Royal Oak July 7.

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.

Jacob Kubicz, 5, bursts from the tent while playing with supervisor and Registered Behavior Tech Kathleen Murphy at the Spark Center for Autism in Farmington Hills.

Published July 7, 2020

WSU, MSU professors author autism toolkit to guide centers amid COVID-19

METRO DETROIT — The novel coronavirus pandemic has, without a doubt, forced many sectors of Michigan’s workforce to adapt and change how they operate.

The pavilion is erected and the foundation of the play structure is in place at Normandy Oaks Park, 4234 Delemere Blvd., near Crooks and Normandy roads.

Published July 7, 2020

Normandy Oaks Park construction resumes

ROYAL OAK — For the last several weeks, construction crews have been back at work at the future site of Normandy Oaks Park, 4234 Delemere Blvd., near Crooks and Normandy roads.

The Clawson City Council plans to narrow down the list of applicants for city clerk at its July 7 meeting, after press time.

Published July 7, 2020

Clawson moves forward with clerk hiring process

CLAWSON — During a special meeting June 29, the Clawson City Council resolved to review the 12 applications for the position of city clerk and narrow down candidates at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting July 7, which took place after press time.