Royal Oak Review

Published August 25, 2020

METRO DETROIT — The 100 days that fill the gap between Memorial Day and Labor Day may be known as some of the most fun for teens, who spend their summer breaks travelling from one destination to the next, but for public safety experts, those 100 days signify something much different.

Published August 25, 2020

Behind the Wheel: Ford models are a family affair

WARREN — "She’s got her elbow on my car,” Warren resident Bob Gaines teased when his daughter, Dawn Gaines, momentarily leaned on her dad’s 1968 Ford Galaxie 500.

Published August 25, 2020

Conservationist says restoring nature starts at home

METRO DETROIT — Addressing global damage to nature seems overwhelming, but author and researcher Doug Tallamy says that even small changes in your yard can make a difference.

Artist and graphic designer Tim Gralewski, right, and his daughter, Olivia Gralewski, 11, stand with the Rochester Hills-based artist’s artwork Aug. 12.

Published August 25, 2020

Arts, Beats & Eats announces concert, artist lineups

ROYAL OAK — “The Beats Go On,” a campaign to raise $500,000 for musicians who are suffering financial hardship due to COVID-19, will feature 200 virtual performances across 15 genres Aug. 27-Sept. 3, as well as 17 drive-in concerts in downtown Royal Oak Sept. 4-7.

Published August 25, 2020

Royal Oak Public Library adapts to meet community’s needs

ROYAL OAK — As local libraries evolved to become much more than a place to check out books, COVID-19 forced them to once again evaluate their service models.

Published August 25, 2020

Clawson examines body cameras for police officers

CLAWSON — During the Aug. 18 Clawson City Council meeting, Clawson Police Chief Scott Sarvello introduced a bid for police body cameras for approximately $75,000.

Published August 25, 2020

Clawson voters to see two marijuana items on November ballot

CLAWSON — Three petitions pertaining to recreational marijuana gained enough verified signatures to appear on the agenda for the Aug. 18 Clawson City Council meeting.

Detroit Zoological Society veterinary staff recently healed a female American white pelican’s injured foot with a series of custom-made splints.

Published August 25, 2020

Rescued pelican finds new home at Detroit Zoo

ROYAL OAK — A female American white pelican found in May near the Port of Monroe, Michigan, with injuries to her wings and foot almost did not make it.

Published August 24, 2020

Clawson schools to start remotely, phase in to hybrid learning

CLAWSON — On Aug. 12, the Clawson Board of Education voted 4-3 to begin the school year 100% remotely Aug. 31, with a phased-in plan for all developmental kindergarten through 12th grade academic programs.

Published August 24, 2020

Oakland County seeks to renew, increase millage for parks

OAKLAND COUNTY — Earlier this month, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted to add a 0.35-mill proposal to the Nov. 3 ballot to fund the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department, since the current millage is set to expire next year.

Published August 21, 2020

Michigan State Fair goes virtual this year

METRO DETROIT — The Michigan State Fair is usually an end-of-summer tradition packed with carnival rides, live entertainment, exhibits and much more. This year’s fair, presented by Ram Trucks, is still on.

Published August 21, 2020

Royal Oak Commissioner Kim Gibbs dies after being found unconscious at home

ROYAL OAK — On Thursday, Aug. 20, Royal Oak City Commissioner Kim Gibbs died at Beaumont Hospital after approximately two weeks of being in the intensive care unit. She was 48 years old.

Published August 11, 2020

Agriculture experts: Don’t plant unsolicited mystery seeds

METRO DETROIT — While some of the unlabeled seeds have reportedly now been identified as common plants including cabbage, mustard, lavender, rosemary, sage and various flowers, agriculture experts have issued clear guidance about what to do and what not to do if any mystery seeds arrive in your mailbox.

Published August 11, 2020

Royal Oak Schools to start school year virtually

ROYAL OAK — In approximately one week, Royal Oak Schools officials went from recommending hybrid models of face-to-face and virtual learning to voting to begin the school year 100% remotely.

Published August 11, 2020

New Royal Oak City Hall nears completion, PD on track for fall

ROYAL OAK — On Aug. 5, builders and administrators offered a tour of the new Royal Oak City Hall and new Royal Oak Police Department buildings for city officials.

Published August 11, 2020

Clawson OKs city manager contract with former clerk

CLAWSON — In a 3-2 vote Aug. 5, the Clawson City Council approved a contract with former City Clerk Michael Smith to serve as city manager, with provisions for Smith to also fill the vacant city clerk position.

Royal Oak High School students Nadia Weller, left, and Danya Sahib, right, hold up donations of school supplies that they are collecting to create individual kits for each of the more than 500 kindergartners in the Royal Oak Schools district.

Published August 11, 2020

Teens create ‘Kits 4 Kids’ to help Royal Oak kindergarteners

ROYAL OAK — Two friends who will enter their senior year at Royal Oak High School this fall recently launched a nonprofit endeavor called Kits 4 Kids, in which they are soliciting donations to create a school supply kit for each kindergartner in the Royal Oak Schools district.

Published August 11, 2020

Wild turkey vulture gets assist from the Detroit Zoo

ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoo recently helped a young feathered friend who got separated from his parents and nest at the Rackham Golf Course located next door to the zoo in Huntington Woods.

Published August 11, 2020

Clawson OKs 3 back-to-school options, may go all virtual

CLAWSON — On Aug. 6, the Clawson Board of Education held a special meeting to discuss the district’s plans for returning to school in the fall. The discussion included input from board members, parents and staff.

Published August 11, 2020

Royal Oak finalizes recreational marijuana legislation

ROYAL OAK — On July 27, the Royal Oak City Commission approved the second and final readings of its licensing and zoning ordinances that regulate recreational marijuana in the city. It also established a fee schedule for the limited number of licenses available.