Sterling Heights Sentry

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.

Published August 24, 2020

Complaint moves ahead in federal court

MACOMB COUNTY — A case involving former and current top officials from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office will proceed in federal court.

Published August 21, 2020

Sterling clerk promotes ballot drop boxes ahead of elections

STERLING HEIGHTS — Weeks after the Aug. 4 primary elections, the Sterling Heights clerk’s office is taking inventory of what went well and what it can improve as the Nov. 3 presidential election draws closer.

Published August 21, 2020

Parkway makes way for August reopening

STERLING HEIGHTS — While multiple metro Detroit public school districts plan to only provide remote or virtual education as they start the school year, Parkway Christian School plans to offer an option to fully welcome students into the classroom Aug. 31, barring any backsliding in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s phased back-to-school roadmap.

Published August 21, 2020

Muslims celebrate groundbreaking of Islamic community center

STERLING HEIGHTS — Years after the idea was first proposed, the groundbreaking has finally started at the site of the American Islamic Community Center’s upcoming facility in Sterling Heights.

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

Districts prepare for the new school year

WARREN/CENTER LINE/STERLING HEIGHTS — Educators continue to prepare for the 2020-2021 school year. School officials have been planning all summer long to try to figure out the best return-to-school plans for staff and students amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Published August 20, 2020

Multiple county medical workers fired after complaints arise

MACOMB COUNTY — An investigation into complaints raised by staff at the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office has resulted in terminations. Macomb County Human Resources and Labor Relations Director Andrew McKinnon summarized the nature of the complaints as there being a “toxic” work environment at the medical examiner’s office.

Published August 12, 2020

County links Sterling Heights fuel spill to disabled truck

STERLING HEIGHTS — Macomb County officials are trying to find out who spilled fuel that ended up in the Sterling Relief Drain in Sterling Heights.

Published August 12, 2020

UCS students now to start the school year remotely

STERLING HEIGHTS — Whether they registered for a virtual academy or not, all Utica Community Schools students will start their lessons online and not in a classroom this September due to continued concern over the spread of COVID-19.

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 10, 2020

State opioid overdose rates increase during pandemic

METRO DETROIT — Stress and isolation are being identified as triggers as statistics show substantial increases in opioid overdoses since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published August 7, 2020

Girl Scouts implement new STEM-focused badges and activities

METRO DETROIT — The Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan are encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering and math in their Scouts through new programs and the addition of 24 new badges.

Published August 7, 2020

Area Agency on Aging offers online program for caregivers

METRO DETROIT — The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is taking its caregiver class, the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program, and hosting it online so those caring for a sick loved one can still learn despite the pandemic.

Published August 7, 2020

Farooqi appointed to Sterling Heights Zoning Board of Appeals

STERLING HEIGHTS — Following a previous appointee’s refusal of the seat last month, the Sterling Heights Zoning Board of Appeals now has a new appointee.

Published August 7, 2020

UCS superintendent announces retirement

STERLING HEIGHTS/SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA — Christine Johns’ role as Utica Community Schools superintendent will soon draw to a close, but she will still be working this fall to help the school district return back to the classroom.

Published August 7, 2020

Couple brings plush toys to life through children’s books

STERLING HEIGHTS — After years of dreaming and months of work, a Sterling Heights couple is having their big day as children’s book authors.

Published August 7, 2020

Officers get bias, de-escalation training

STERLING HEIGHTS — In the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests, the Sterling Heights Police Department says it has been following through with its goals to update its policies and procedures.