Southfield Sun

Becky Skates, of Royal Oak, dropped off many bags of plastic for recycling at the SOCRRA Recycling Drop-Off Center after making an appointment July 24.

Published July 28, 2020

SOCRRA re-opens recycling drop-off center, by appointment only

METRO DETROIT — For the past four months, eco-conscious consumers have been stockpiling their paper, cardboard, glass and plastic containers while SOCRRA’s Recycling Drop-Off Center was closed due to COVID-19.

Published July 28, 2020

Beat the summer heat

METRO DETROIT — Seemingly endless weeks of hot, steamy weather along with a few intense storms have dramatically increased the use of air conditioning, and at times, cut power altogether this summer.

Published July 26, 2020

Will Postal Service delays impact primary election?

OAKLAND COUNTY — As Michigan draws closer to its Aug. 4 primary election, which has seen increases in absentee ballot voting, will postal delays end up having an impact on voters ability to submit their ballots on time and have them counted?

Published July 24, 2020

Experts warn seniors to be wary of scammers

METRO DETROIT — Senior citizens are a favorite target for many scammers, and they have plenty to watch out for both from criminals and from unscrupulous businesses who seek to take advantage of them.

Published July 23, 2020

Experts brace for problems as eviction and foreclosure moratorium ends

METRO DETROIT — On April 1, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order was to last until June when it was extended to last until July 15.

Local residents Jonathan Sitko, left, and Brad Berry recently launched an online grocery store.

Published July 23, 2020

Locally grown food is an option close to home

OAKLAND COUNTY — Food preferences for metro Detroit residents can run the gamut, depending on taste and lifestyle.

Published July 22, 2020

Lights, a door and a good connection are key to working from home

METRO DETROIT — Across the United States, about 5 million employees work from home at least half of the time, according to the U.S. Census American Community Survey. That number has likely been pushed higher now — at least temporarily, but in some cases permanently — by a shift in the way companies do business in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Masks must be worn inside Jay Birds Rotisserie and Grill, 24480 10 Mile Road in Southfield.

Published July 21, 2020

Oakland County leaders, police weigh in on 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.

Buses drop off students for the first day of class at Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology during a past school year.

Published July 21, 2020

Pediatrician group, district, governor talk about school plans

METRO DETROIT — One group of professionals is hoping students will head back to school in the fall, despite the COVID-19 outbreak.

Published July 21, 2020

Southfield Parks and Recreation continues programming at a distance

SOUTHFIELD — It may look a little different this year, but summer fun is in full swing in Southfield.

Mayor Kelly Garrett, the Lathrup Village City Council and other city staff listen to comments from residents on the possibility of recreational marijuana facilities in 2019.

Published July 21, 2020

Lathrup City Council in talks to extend marijuana sunset

LATHRUP VILLAGE — With a sunset date fast approaching, the Lathrup Village City Council is in talks to temporarily extend its decision to opt out of marijuana establishments in the city.

Over 40 shots fired in late night shooting, suspect sought

Published July 21, 2020

Crews battle overnight fires, downed wires in Southfield, Lathrup Village

SOUTHFIELD/LATHRUP VILLAGE — The Southfield Fire Department had a busy night as it battled multiple fires and downed wires July 7-8.

Published July 21, 2020

Over 40 shots fired in late night shooting in Southfield, suspect sought

SOUTHFIELD — Police are looking for a suspect in connection with a recent late night shooting.

A community vegetable garden is planned for Municipal Park, 27400 Southfield Road.

Published July 21, 2020

Community vegetable garden planned for empty plot in Lathrup Village

LATHRUP VILLAGE — Whether you’re a gardening guru or a nature novice, the new community garden in Lathrup Village has space for you.

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.

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.