Troy Times

Published February 20, 2021

METRO DETROIT — From a low of leaving a show after just a day to a high of months of great sales, the boating industry has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic better than other industries, likely because its product is designed to be used in the relative safety of outdoors.

William Breeding, of Eastpointe, pictured, is trying to get the word out about a Salvation Army program that helped him get back on his feet.

Published February 19, 2021

Eastpointe man aided by Salvation Army program

EASTPOINTE/WARREN — Eastpointe resident Willian Breeding was homeless, out of a job and unsure what to do about his future. A Salvation Army program changed all of that.

Published February 19, 2021

Wojno bill seeks to restore unemployment benefits to 26 weeks

LANSING — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s veto of a $220 million deposit into the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund raised questions for some about recent bipartisan legislation that would temporarily extend unemployment benefits for new filers.

Published February 19, 2021

Macomb County businesses sue state officials for damages over closures

MACOMB COUNTY — Samuel Backos said his restaurant, Ernie’s, has been “devastated” by state-ordered closures officials said were put in place to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said local restaurant, bar and banquet properties have been left “virtually worthless” and that their employees have suffered through “a very depressing time.”

Published February 19, 2021

Boat dealerships ‘slammed’ with interested buyers

Published February 18, 2021

Local church hosts necessities drive for charities

TROY — While some people have bounced back from the financial woes of a pandemic that continues to impact the country economically, the need for food and other basic items at local charities persists right here at home.

Published February 18, 2021

Science Center offers free admission days thanks to local businesses

DETROIT — The Michigan Science Center is welcoming in more people than ever with its free admission days.

Published February 18, 2021

USPBL standout signs Major League Baseball contract

METRO DETROIT — Whether it be whiffle ball in the backyard, tee ball for the city team or playing video games on the TV, baseball has been a constant in Dugan Darnell’s life for as long as he can remember.

Published February 16, 2021

Troy police investigate homicide outside Belle Tire store

TROY — Troy police are investigating a homicide discovered during the early morning Feb. 15 at the front entrance of Belle Tire, 4966 Rochester Road.

Published February 16, 2021

Troy police investigate homicide outside Belle Tire store

TROY — Troy police are investigating a homicide discovered during the early morning Feb. 15 at the front entrance of Belle Tire, 4966 Rochester Road.

Published February 12, 2021

Man in custody following multiple local drugstore robberies

OAKLAND COUNTY — A Flint man has been charged following a string of robberies at pharmacies across Oakland and Genesee counties.

Troy city officials have approved a settlement for a class-action lawsuit related to the 2014 and 2017 floods. A police boat cruises through the floodwaters on Interstate 75 near the Interstate 696 overpass on Aug. 12, 2014.

Published February 12, 2021

Troy approves settlements related to 2014, 2017 floods

TROY — Troy officials have approved a settlement in a class-action lawsuit brought against the city, Oakland County’s George W. Kuhn Drainage District, and nine other municipalities related to the 2014 and 2017 floods.

Published February 12, 2021

3 Troy schools receive State School of Character award

TROY — Athens High School and Troy Union and Bemis elementary schools were recognized with State School of Character awards from Character.org.

Published February 10, 2021

OU announces $2,500 scholarship for Michigan frontline workers

ROCHESTER HILLS — Oakland University is offering financial assistance to those working the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outgoing Royal Oak Public Library Director Emily Dumas, right, and interim Library Director Adrienne Breznau, left, stand inside the library, which is still closed but offering contactless pickup, Feb. 3. Dumas will become the director of the Troy Public Library Feb. 22.

Published February 10, 2021

Royal Oak library director leaving to lead Troy Public Library

ROYAL OAK/TROY — When Royal Oak Public Library Director Emily Dumas, who has filled the role for the past two years, saw an opening to lead the Troy Public Library, she jumped on it.

Fourth grade Barnard Elementary School student Aditya Yogesh is the grand prize winner of the 2021 Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office’s Kids’ Clean Water Calendar Contest.

Published February 10, 2021

Troy student wins Water Resources Commission calendar contest

TROY — A local Troy student’s artwork has been featured on the front cover of the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office’s 2021 Clean Water Calendar.

Published February 10, 2021

COVID-19 spikes demand for in-home senior services

METRO DETROIT — Sterling Heights resident Roxanne Hayes has an 86-year-old father who lives with her and her husband.

Powerhouse Gym, 2585 Livernois Road, was cited for breaking COVID-19 business guidelines and was charged a $700 fine by a state agency. The owner said it was a misunderstanding, and all protocols are currently in place.

Published February 9, 2021

Troy gym fined $700 for COVID-19 safety violations

TROY — A local fitness center has been fined $700 by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration for allegedly breaking three COVID-19 workplace safety guidelines.

Published February 9, 2021

‘Play at the Village’ explores history of toys, games

TROY — As a kid, most of us owned a favorite toy, or maybe it was a favorite game played with family. Maybe your favorite toy evolved as you grew, from Lincoln Logs to Legos, Beanie Babies to Barbies.

Published February 9, 2021

Dreaming about — and planning for — next spring’s yard and garden

METRO DETROIT — Families once were busy running from school to dance class to basketball practice, and from family parties to hanging out with friends all weekend, but the past months have made for a change of pace that’s affecting how residents feel about the importance of their yard to their peace of mind.