Sterling Heights Sentry

Published December 4, 2020

Thanksgiving supplies arranged for resident with COVID

STERLING HEIGHTS — As with many metro Detroit families this year, Michigan state Rep. Nate Shannon scaled back his Thanksgiving traditions due to COVID-19. But the circumstances also led to a chance to serve someone outside his immediate family.

Published December 4, 2020

Utica Community Schools push back in-person learning until January

SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA/STERLING HEIGHTS — On Nov. 19, Utica Community Schools decided to extend virtual learning until at least Jan. 19 as coronavirus cases have continued to rise throughout the district and community.

Published December 4, 2020

Nature Center becomes habitat for public art

STERLING HEIGHTS — The weather grows colder, but three critters recently found a new home at the Sterling Heights Nature Center. Fortunately, they’re made out of scrap metal and steel.

Published December 4, 2020

Mayor responds to residents’ water, sewer bill complaints

STERLING HEIGHTS — Despite some recent complaints about water and sewer bills, Sterling Heights water customers are not likely to gain access to a second meter anytime soon, according to Mayor Michael Taylor.

Published December 4, 2020

Police share seasonal shopping safety tips

STERLING HEIGHTS — Local police departments are making a list of safety tips to keep residents’ holiday seasons jolly, without folly.

Published December 3, 2020

Fire marshals offer Christmas safety prevention tips

MACOMB COUNTY — Christmas is fast approaching, encouraging four Macomb County fire marshals to collaborate and provide the public with useful fire safety tips.

Published December 3, 2020

Selfridge, Sterling Heights not selected for Space Command headquarters

MACOMB COUNTY — Until recently, Macomb County’s hometown air base was in the running for U.S. Space Command headquarters.

Published December 1, 2020

Shots fired in Sterling condo complex

STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Police Department is looking for a suspect who reportedly fired at a car outside a condominium complex Nov. 28.

A Suburban Collection Farmington Hills Nissan employee makes a donation to the Drive Away Hunger campaign.

Published November 20, 2020

Drive Away Hunger campaign hopes to donate 1 million meals

METRO DETROIT — Food is a basic need, but for some families, it’s become their biggest challenge.

State rolls out COVID-19 exposure notification app

Published November 19, 2020

Michigan rolls out COVID-19 exposure notification app

LANSING — MI COVID Alert is a new statewide COVID-19 exposure notification app that lets users know whether they might recently have been exposed to COVID-19. It uses randomly generated phone codes and low energy Bluetooth technology instead of GPS location to protect privacy.

Published November 19, 2020

Educators react to new COVID-19 state mandates

WARREN/CENTER LINE/STERLING HEIGHTS — In-person learning, both hybrid and daily, for local school districts has ceased temporarily since the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a new emergency COVID-19 order effective Nov. 18.

Published November 18, 2020

‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ at home with your favorite holiday music

METRO DETROIT — This holiday season will be different for many because of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a “Blue Christmas.”

Published November 18, 2020

Veterans group celebrates Veterans Day remotely

METRO DETROIT — Recognizing Veterans Day Nov. 11 was a challenge for most people given the COVID-19 quarantine, but the Metro Detroit Veterans Coalition forged ahead with a virtual alternative to its annual parade.

Published November 18, 2020

City officials praise Ryska for clerk work

STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights City Clerk Melanie Ryska might not have been on the ballot Nov. 3, but the City Council declared her a winner the day after Election Day for all of her hard work managing things.

Published November 18, 2020

Businesses brace for an odder, more online 2020 shopping season

STERLING HEIGHTS — ’Tis the season for social distancing, yet many businesses are reportedly bracing themselves for a busy holiday shopping season, even when more of that will be conducted online.

Published November 18, 2020

‘A Sterling Christmas,’ other city activities canceled

STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights’ official holiday traditions will be mostly on hold this year, as local and state officials grapple with increases in COVID-19 cases.

Published November 18, 2020

It’s beginning to look — kinda — like Christmas

METRO DETROIT — COVID-19 has taken a lot of celebrations away from us this season. Will it take out the season of giving, too? Not if retailers have a say in the matter.

Published November 18, 2020

Macomb County Health Dept. supportive of state’s three-week restrictions

MACOMB COUNTY — On Nov. 15, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a new emergency order enacting a three-week “pause” of indoor gatherings and other social activities to try to curb increasing positive COVID-19 cases statewide.

Published November 17, 2020

Macomb County led nation in census response rate

MACOMB COUNTY — When it comes to the 2020 U.S. Census, Macomb County is setting records.

Published November 17, 2020

Watch out for water lettuce on the waterways

MACOMB COUNTY — It’s a plant that might look pretty in a contained pond or water feature in a yard, but not spreading freely over the surface of the Clinton River.