TROY — Ed Ross, a candidate running for the Troy City Council, has prevailed in
his lawsuit against the city of Troy. Ross had challenged the city’s termination of his position as a volunteer firefighter.
“The judge’s ruling confirms what I’ve been saying all along: my termination last
year was wrong, illegal and politically motivated,” Ross said in an email. “The city created a brand-new rule designed specifically to target me for running for office. That rule was unconstitutional, and the judge agreed.”
In May 2024, Ross was informed by the Troy Fire Department that his employment had been terminated. In a letter he received from Troy Fire Chief Peter Hullinger, Ross
TROY FORWARD
PROVEN LEADERSHIP. REAL RESULTS.
Rebecca and David deliver on what matters most — safety,
AND
When it comes to keeping Troy strong, Rebecca and David’s results speak for themselves:
★ Safety First — Hired 10% more sworn police officers over the last five years and approved a $35 million police budget to keep neighborhoods safe.
★ Repaired roads, revitalized parks and supported our fire department — Funded by millions in federal, state and county dollars and secured through strong national and regional partnerships.
★ Thriving Economy — Protected Troy’s status as an economic powerhouse with over 140,000 jobs right here at home.
★ Open, Transparent Leadership — Listened to residents to ensure decisions reflect people’s priorities, not outside agendas.
Rebecca and David aren’t just running for re-election — they’re running on results.
Let’s keep Troy moving forward.
Council takes steps to fix leaky city pool
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
TROY
— During its meeting Sept. 8, the Troy City Council unanimously approved a contract for leak detection services at the Troy Family Aquatic Center, awarding the contract to American Leak Detention of Southeast Michigan.
The Troy Family Aquatic Center originally opened in 1991. It was recently found that the pool was losing significant amounts of water during its open season, which also led to additional chemical loss.
“We’re losing about 20,000 gallons a day, and then also that increases the amount of chlorine acid (and other) things that we use,” said Brian Goul, Troy’s recreation director.
Prior to this summer, one of the drains was repaired. While it reduced the rate of water loss, the pool has continued to leak.
Goul explained that a consultant was needed for special services that could pinpoint the location and nature of the leaks, something the city wasn’t equipped to handle with its staff.
“There’s no way we can check it ourselves,” Goul said. “We actually spoke to many of the pool companies in the area and none of them do it, either. One of them that we work with all the time is the one that recommended this particular company.”
The estimated cost of the contract is $12,225. Council members were also advised to waive the bidding process and award the contract immediately due to the urgent nature of the situation and the limited number of professionals able to perform non-invasive detection.
“It is important that the leak is found before the pool
See POOL on page 26A
Explore Feature Series
Up North Wine
BY GREG TASKER
MABOVE: Pond Hill Farm’s market features canned ciders, wine, jarred goods and more.
TOP: The husband-and-wife team of Derrick Vogel and Izabela Babinska run Folklor Wine & Cider, located south of Charlevoix.
ichigan’s growing wine scene is home to wineries of all different sizes and designs. There’s a Tuscan-style villa perched on a hill on Old Mission Peninsula. A Kentucky-style plantation on the Leelanau Peninsula. Modern industrial-like structures here and there. And, of course, revamped houses and restored barns (even a chicken coop).
But an Airstream trailer may be a first in Michigan. Outside Charlevoix, a restored 1973 Airstream serves as the summer tasting room for Blu Dot Farm and Vineyard. You can walk up to a window — the Airstream has been customized — and order a sampling of up to 10 wines or a glass of your choice.
Grab a chair under an umbrella-topped table, while you sip a glass of Party Girl Sparkling and enjoy views of ripening grapes and a former horse farm next door.
Blu Dot Farm and Vineyard is among the wineries belonging to the Petoskey Wine Region, home to about a dozen small, family-owned wineries growing wine grapes not far from the shores of Lake Michigan.
Fall is an ideal time to visit the Petoskey Wine Region. Most of the wineries are located in rural patches outside small towns and surrounded
Photo by Michael Murphy IV Photography
Photo by Brandon Schadler
See WINE on page 21A
Troy Police arrest suspect in multi-state identity theft scheme
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
TROY — Troy police officers have arrested a suspect in connection with a far-reaching identity theft and financial fraud scheme targeting residents across the metro Detroit area.
David Andrew Williams, 30, of Chicago, was arrested Sept. 21. He has been charged with identity theft, stealing/retaining a financial transaction device without consent, and no operator’s license on person. He was arraigned in 52-4 District Court on Sept. 21. His bond was set at $75,000 or 10% cash or surety. At press time, he did not have an attorney, according to court records.
The investigation started when Troy police were notified that a UPS delivery driver had been approached by a male subject attempting to intercept a package.
Officers from the department’s Directed Patrol Unit responded and conducted surveillance at the address where the package was scheduled for delivery. The intended recipient was contacted, and the package was delivered directly to her by the UPS driver.
A short time later, officers allegedly observed the same man approach the porch in an apparent attempt to steal the package. Police quickly learned that the resident’s debit card had been compromised, and a new replacement card was being sent through the mail in the package that the suspect was reportedly trying to intercept.
After further investigation, it was revealed that multiple victims across the metro Detroit area had received similar fraudulent text messages from spoofed accounts, advising them that their debit cards were compromised.
“Replacement cards were then mailed out, only to be intercepted and stolen by the suspect,” read a statement by the Troy Police Department. “Once in possession of the cards, the suspect would withdraw funds directly from victims’ accounts.”
Several victims, who all reported falling victim to the scheme, were interviewed by Troy police detectives. Through search warrants and digital evidence analysis, investigators were able to connect Williams to multiple victims and confirm his involvement.
“Troy Police commend the swift actions of the Directed Patrol Unit and the tireless efforts of detectives who worked to identify victims and connect evidence across multiple jurisdictions,” the statement read.
“Investigators believe this case is part of a larger multi-state crime trend,” it continued. “Williams has an extensive criminal history that includes prior convictions for identity theft and credit card fraud. He is currently on probation for similar offenses.”
Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
Man dies in high-speed car crash on I-75
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
TROY — Troy police officers were dispatched to the area of southbound Interstate 75, south of Maple Road, around 11:19 p.m. Sept. 15 in response to a fatal single-vehicle crash.
A white BMW was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed when it lost control and drove off the right side of the roadway, plunging into a ditch and striking a tree behind the parking lot at 600 Stephenson Highway.
The driver, a 21-year-old man, was ejected during the crash. Officers initiated CPR on the driver before he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
His passenger, a 19-year-old man, also sustained injuries and was transported to the same hospital for surgery. He is reported to be in stable condition and is expected to recover.
“The South Oakland County Crash Investigation Team (SOCCIT) responded to the scene,” read a statement by the Troy Police Department. “Three lanes of southbound I-75 were closed for several hours during the investigation. The scene was cleared at approximately 3 a.m.”
Preliminary investigation indicates excessive speed was a contributing factor.
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
Williams
Week 6 prep football matchups to watch
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The high school football season has already passed its halfway point in 2025 and conference games are becoming more and more important every week.
This weekend, there are a handful of games that will have a huge impact on conference winners, playoff teams and playoff hopefuls.
Marquee matchup of the week Macomb Dakota at Romeo
7 p.m. Oct. 3
This game is as big as it gets in the regular season. At press time, Dakota and Romeo are in first and second place, respectively, in the Macomb Area Conference Red. This game may determine who wears the division crown, even with three games remaining in the season. Dakota is likely to be undefeated heading into the matchup and with a big win
Cleary University to add 2 new sports in 2026
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
HOWELL — Cleary University is expanding its athletics program to include women’s wrestling and co-ed competitive dance in the 2026-2027 school year, the school announced.
The wrestling team will compete in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference beginning next fall. Women’s wrestling is rapidly growing all over Michigan, and Cleary said it is excited to join the movement.
“With so much momentum building for women’s wrestling across the country, it made sense for Cleary to add this sport,” Cleary Director of Athletics Max Ballinger said in a press release Aug 18. “The growing excitement and interest in this sport made it a logical decision.”
The university has already hired Beth Strom to be the competitive dance team’s head coach.
Photo by Donna Dalziel Seaholm players take the field in a Sept. 5 matchup against Avondale.
See
Legendary Brother Rice head coach Al Fracassa leaves behind everlasting legacy
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Longtime
Brother Rice football coach and teacher Al Fracassa passed away on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 92 years old.
Fracassa was on the sidelines for Brother Rice from 1969 until his retirement in 2013 where he amassed 386 wins. He also coached Royal Oak Shrine in the 1960s prior to taking over at Brother Rice, and his career mark of 430 wins as a head coach is the second most in the history of Michigan high school football.
“He put Brother Rice on the map,” Brother Rice Director of Athletics Jeff Calcaterra said. “For the 50-some years that he’s been a part of this community, he’s mentored, taught and impacted so many men that have come to this school.”
Fracassa’s list of accomplishments on the field might never be seen again. He retired with 21 Catholic High School League titles and 10 state championships, along with producing hundreds of collegiate football players and 13 NFL players.
“Coach took the time to get to know every one of the boys in his program,” Calcaterra said. “Coach spent time and wrote a handwritten letter to every one of his seniors for all the years that he coached. … He just had that gift to make people better.”
The outpouring of love and support from the community is evidence of his impact. Services for Fracassa were held at the Brother Rice campus, and people from all over the country came to town to pay respects and offer support to his family.
“The number of alumni that flew in … we had a ’77 alum fly in from Hawaii to be at his services,” Calcaterra said. “It says everything that you need to know.”
Current Brother Rice head coach Aaron
See FRACASSA on page 27A
Maddy McHugh of Troy married Michael Doney from Iron Mountain on September 13th, 2025 at Mackinac Island.
The couple live in Chicago.
He’s an accounting manager at Coalfre Systems, Inc. and Madeline is a physician assistant in orthpedic surgery at the Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Salt Church presents... “Choosing Life”
Giving women positive choices for protecting life with speaker Lee Ekstrom from Crossroads Care Center
Saturday, October 11 from 10 am to Noon
Light refreshments will be provided. Reservations are strongly suggested
Fracassa
COUNTY CLERK ANNOUNCES EXTRA HOURS AT TROY OFFICE
TROY — The Oakland County Clerk’s Office has announced expanded service hours for appointments at its satellite office in Troy, providing more opportunities for services related to birth, death and marriage records, as well as applications for concealed pistol licenses and more.
The Troy office is in the South Oakland County Office Building at 1151 Crooks Road. Open hours are now 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays.
Appointments are required and can be scheduled online at oakgov.com/clerk under the “Life Events & Services” tab, or by calling (248) 858-0571.
Though customers are not admitted at the Troy location without an appointment, the main Clerk’s Office, located on the ground floor of the Oakland County Courthouse at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac, does take walk-in customers daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.
For information, visit www.oakgov.com/clerk.
Troy EMT honored by Michigan Association of Ambulance Services
LANSING — Samantha Ortwine, an EMT with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan, was one of six of team members recognized during the “Stars of Life” ceremony at the Capitol building in Lansing Sept. 16.
The event, hosted by the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services, celebrated nearly 70 exceptional EMS professionals from across the state who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their communities, as well as outstanding service and skill.
“These honorees embody the very best of emergency medical service, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Superior Ambulance team members who have earned this recognition,” said Kim Godden, vice president of Superior Ambulance, in a statement. “While we celebrate their individual contributions to our communities, the Stars of Life program is a reminder of the vital, lifesaving work all EMS teams do across Michigan, day in and day out.”
Ortwine was recognized for her outstanding patient care.
“Samantha was inspired to become an EMT by a coworker during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement read. “She has a true passion for helping patients and thoroughly enjoys caring for people, which shows in her role as an EMT.”
The other Superior Ambulance employees honored at this year’s ceremony include Tim Adams from the Taylor station, Geoff Aughe from the Allen Park station, Angela Hicks from the Northville and Southfield stations, Justin McCain from the Detroit station, and Arielle Williams from the Warren station.
For more information, visit miambulance.org.
MiABLE brings statewide roadshow to Troy
TROY — On Sept. 24, MiABLE — Michigan’s 529A savings program administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury — brought its statewide roadshow to the Oakland Community Health Network in Troy to spotlight a historic expansion of the program, and to enroll new participants onsite.
MiABLE helps people with disabilities save for education, housing, transportation, health care and other expenses without losing eligibility for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. Despite an estimated 500,000 eligible Michiganders, only about 1% currently have accounts.
The event marked a statewide push to close that gap and highlighted a policy change with MiABLE eligibility that expands eligibility from age 26 to 46, beginning next year. This nearly doubles the number of people who qualify, and includes about 45,000 children with disabilities in the tri-county area. For more information, visit michigan.gov/miable.
Photo provided by Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service of Michigan
Superior Ambulance employees were honored at the Capitol building in Lansing Sept. 16. Standing in the front row, from left, are Geoff Aughe, Arielle Williams and Samantha Ortwine. Standing in the back row, from left, are Tim Adams, Angela Hicks and Justin McCain.
Compiled by Sarah Wright
Detroit Zoo brings on the spooky vibes this October
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoo is preparing for a spooky season full of pumpkins and halloween-themed fun during the Zoo Boo event.
The Zoo Boo, presented by Corewell Health Children’s, has multiple dates throughout the month of October: Oct. 4-5, 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26. Each day the installation is open from 4 to 9:30 p.m. The Zoo Boo takes place only in the front half of the zoo.
During the event, participants will be able to see the “fun-kin” displays — fun elaborate and illuminated displays that set the spooky mood.
Participants can also expect treat stations for trick-or-treating, live strolling performers and interactive entertainment, hands-on learning opportunities, Halloween-themed face painting, themed photo stops, character meet and greets, and a seasonal market experience by Blakes with fresh cider and doughnuts for purchase. Twenty percent of proceeds from the Blakes purchas-
Photo provided by the Detroit Zoological Society
A young boy dressed as a skeleton rides the carousel during a previous Zoo Boo at the Detroit Zoo.
Vegas entertainer puts audience under his spell in ‘Hypnosis Unleashed’
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE/ROYAL OAK — Kevin Lepine is a triple threat.
He’s a comedian, magician and hypnotist who has been entertaining audiences with his “Hypnosis Unleashed” for several years at the Canyon Club inside the Four Queens Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Once a year, the 1993 Eastpointe High School graduate returns to his roots to Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. Lepine will bring laughs and more when he performs “Hypnosis Unleashed” Oct. 12 at the Comedy Castle, located at 310 S. Troy St. in Royal Oak. Showtime is 7 p.m., and the show is for those 18 and older.
Lepine provides an entertaining evening where he takes volunteers from the audience who are willing to be hypnotized on stage and become part of the act. When under hypnosis, Lepine creates different scenarios that promise to make the crowd laugh. For instance, turning someone into a body builder is always a hit.
“The routines are dictated by personalities on stage,” the talented performer said. “You never know what responses you are going to get.”
During one skit, Lepine will turn a volunteer into the Laughter Police, who will try to stop the audience from laughing. He’ll transform macho guys into showgirls, cheerleaders or Britney Spears. Another funny moment in the show is when those on stage think napkins are $100 bills.
See HYPNOSIS on page 13A
AAA TRAVEL SHOW
THURSDAY ■ OCTOBER 16, 2025 ■ 3 PM TO 7
MI • 48083
Photo provided by Kevin Lepine
Kevin Lepine, a 1993 Eastpointe High School graduate, will bring “Hypnosis Unleashed” to Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak Oct. 12. Showtime is 7 p.m., and the show is 18 and older.
CALENDAR
OCT. 3-4
Quilt show: Presented by Oakland County Quilt Guild, features 200 quilts on exhibit, vendor booths and more, 9 a.m.-3 p.m, First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, oaklandcountyquiltguild. com
OCT. 4
Walk for Lupus Metro Detroit: Also silent auction and raffle, refreshments and coffee provided, 10 a.m.-noon., Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St., milupus.org/events/metrodetroitwalk2025
OCT. 7
Troy Women’s Association meeting: Nonprofit dedicated to supporting local causes and enhancing lives of others, 7 p.m., new location at Community of Christ - Troy Oaks, 3830 Crooks Road, continues every first Tuesday of month (except February, July and August), (248) 988-0426, troywomensassociation.org
Fall Fest Gala: Fundraiser for Face Addiction Now (connects individuals and families impacted by substance use with no-cost programs and resources), includes family-style dinner, live entertainment, silent auction, raffles and prizes, open bar (with mocktails for those in recovery) and sweet treats, 5:30-9:30 p.m. (doors at 5 p.m.), Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, faceaddictionnow.org/ events/fallfest2025
OCT. 11
Stone Wall Pumpkin Festival: Includes pumpkin carving, pumpkin bowling, live entertainment, crafts, food, cider and doughnuts, and displays of pumpkins by professionals and scarecrows by local organizations, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., then return for pumpkin lighting, 7-9 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, (248) 656-4663, www. rochesterhills.org/musprograms
OCT. 19
BeWitched & BeDazzled: Includes costume contest and witches promenande, psychic readings, shopping, silent auction, “Boo” raffle baskets, 54 card raffle, lunch and photo booth, benefits Meadow Brook Theatre Guild, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Petruzzello’s, 6950 Rochester Road in Troy, eventbrite.com
OCT. 25
Masquerade at the Museum: Halloween-themed fundraiser includes seasonal snack stations, costume contest, dancing, scavenger hunt and adult drink ticket, also chance to win stay at Royal Park Hotel, 7-11 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, rochesterhills.org/ masquerade
ONGOING
‘Beetlejuice Jr.’: Musical based on Tim Burton’s 1988 comedy-horror film, performed by Junior Actors of Ridgedale, 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Oct. 17-26, Ridgedale Players, 205 W. Long Lake Road in Troy, ridgedaleplayers.com
Widowed Friends events: Breakfasts for men only at 10 a.m. every first and third Thursdays of month, Lukich Family Restaurant, 3900 Rochester Road in Troy, RSVP to Ed at (586) 909-1444, widowedfriends.com
• Lunches at 1:30 p.m. every second Thursday of month, Alibi of Troy, 6700 Rochester Road, RSVP to Louise at (248) 338-6743, widowedfriends.com
Line dancing and contra dancing: Sponsored by Oakland County Traditional Dance Society, line dancing from 7:30-9:30 p.m. every second Saturday of month and contra dancing from 7:30-10 p.m. every fourth Saturday of month, also lessons for beginners at 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, (248) 642-3306, info@octds.org, facebook.com/OCTDS
Heritage Concert Band of Troy practices: For adult musicians, 7 p.m. every first and third Wednesdays of month, Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road,
group also performs during year, troyheritageband@ gmail.com
Monthly book clubs: Find meetups for romance, mystery, learning English, kids/beginners and more, Troy Public Library, 510 W. Big Beaver Road, troypl.org
• Silent Book Club-Troy meets 6:30-8:30 p.m. every second Wednesday of month, bring own books, ebooks and audio books (with headphones), Grand Tavern Troy, 1317 Coolidge Highway, silentbookclubtroy@ gmail.com, silentbook.club/blogs/events/troy-mi
Troy Newcomers: Social group for women, activities include service projects, bowling, euchre, wine tasting, book club, games nights, golf, scrapbooking and more, meets at various times and locations, clubactivities@ troynewcomers.com, troynewcomers.com
Top of Troy Toastmasters: Meets noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Troy Public Library, 510 W. Big Beaver Road, (248) 872-6603
Local car show goes to the dogs
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
Warren resident Paul “Pauly G” Gutkowski is not only a bona fide car buff, but he also has a soft spot for animals.
During the classic car cruise season, he organizes the weekly car shows from 5 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday at Sandbaggers Sports Bar and Grill in Center Line. Jerry and Fran Czapski built Sandbaggers, and son Dave Czapski is the current owner. Gutkowski,
owner of a 1968 Mercury Cougar, also holds fundraisers at other car shows to raise money for the I Heart Dogs Rescue & Animal Haven in Warren. Gutkowski is a member of the Burnouts Detroit car group.
The group, along with the Center Line Festival Foundation, held a charity car show during the Center Line Beer Fest at the city’s Memorial Park Sept. 13, which raised $1,832 for the animal shelter. Money was raised through registration fees, charity raffles and 50/50s. At the Sept. 17 Sandbag-
gers car show, Gutkowski presented a check to Cindy Yankley, events director for the I Heart Dogs Rescue & Animal Haven.
“That can pay a lot of medical bills for our dogs,” Yankley said. “We’re so grateful to Paul because he’s been doing this event for us at the Center Line car show. He has made a really big difference in the lives of a lot of dogs. We’re so grateful to him and to everyone else.”
In addition to the $1,832, the nonprofit animal shelter had a table at the beer fest
car show, which brought in $600 in donations, and one dog was adopted out. I Heart Dogs Rescue & Animal Haven will hold a dog and cat adoption event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at its shelter located at 22415 Groesbeck Highway in Warren. For more information, go to iheartdogs.org or email bark@iheartdogs.org.
Every week at the Sandbaggers car show, Gutkowski and his wife, Michelle Gutkowski, set up a canopy where they sell miniature toy cars and Gutkowski serves as
RIGHT: Gary White, of Warren, bought his 1958 Chevrolet Impala almost five years ago. He said he knew most of the guys at the Sept. 17 Sandbaggers car show in Center Line.
Photos by Maria Allard
See CAR SHOW on page 14A
LEFT: Doug Thompson, of Royal Oak, brought his red 1978 Ford F-700 Hahn pumper fire truck to Sandbaggers Sept. 17. BELOW: Paul “Pauly G” Gutkowski, a member of the Burnouts Detroit Car Group, holds a weekly car show on Wednesday nights at Sandbaggers in Center Line.
Hypnosis
from page 10A
“People will grab them and put them down their shirts. One guy pulled out his wallet and put them in there,” Lepine said. “To be able to perform is one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
Lepine said one of his latest creations is turning those under his spell into martians. Audience members volunteer to be hypnotized for different reasons.
“Some people have been hypnotized before and they love the feeling,” he said. “Some are curious about it.”
Lepine’s wife, Emily, has assisted over the years to make the show a success. You might even spot her on stage during the show.
“We’re always changing things up and writing new material,” Lepine said.
Comedian Joel Fragomeni has known Lepine for about 25 years. He works as a doorman at the Comedy Castle and always catches Lepine’s show. He’ll see it again Oct. 12 because he’ll be working the door.
“I’m looking forward to it. Kevin is a very dynamic performer. He really gets the audience engaged. It’s a lot of audience participation. I don’t think people realize that it’s almost like a rock concert. They’re the performers and Kevin is the frontman,” Fragomeni said. “It’s super fun. People come back and see it every year. It’s different every time. I would recommend that people see it.”
One of Fragomeni’s favorite bits is when Lepine gives a secret code to an audience member whose spouse is on stage.
“That will tip them to do something romantic. The wife will give a sexy dance. It’s very wholesome,” Fragomeni said. “Kevin brings out in people what they didn’t know they had in them. Act like Britney Spears or pretend they play drums in a rock band.”
Lepine began performing costume characters for birthday parties when he was 16. Many comics left an impact on him throughout his lifetime.
“My influences go way back to the days of vaudeville. Groucho Marx, George Burns, Jack Benny,” he said. “‘The Muppets’ were a huge influence on me. Jim Henson is one of my heroes.”
Lepine also appreciates George Carlin and Richard Pryor and “the comedy boom of the ’80s.”
“You’ve got your Belushis and your Chevy Chases, Bobcat Goldthwait,” he said.
Anthony Jeselnik is another favorite.
“He’s dark and twisted,” Lepine said.”I don’t know where the punchline is going to go.”
For Lepine, one of the best aspects of Las Vegas is performing for crowds from all walks of life.
“There’s every demographic,” he said. “High rollers and people on a budget vacation are all sitting together laughing with each other and having fun.”
For more information on Kevin Lepine and “Hypnosis Unleashed,” go to vegashypnosisshow.com. To purchase tickets for the Oct. 12 show at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, go to comedycastle.com.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
This proposal addresses the major issues needing action now. Funding improvements now prevents paying more later!
A YES vote will provide the following:
•Road Repairs
•Fire and Police Safety Equipment
•Replace Functionally Obsolete Library
•Improvements to our Parks & Trails
•Community Center Repairs
Car show
the unofficial disc jockey, playing classic rock music for the crowd.
“I want to thank everyone for coming out again tonight. This lets people know about events in the city,” Gutkowski said. “I grew up with Dave and Sandbaggers.”
Gary White, of Warren, brought his 1958 Chevrolet Impala to the event. White, 73, has owned the white Impala for almost five years. His son knew he wanted an Impala and found one through an online marketplace site.
“I immediately got in touch with the guy. I went the next morning and bought it,” White said. “I drove it home. It was a rough drive home. It needed a lot.”
To give it a smoother ride, White and his son changed the engine, transmission, altered the brakes and more.
“It’s got air conditioning, power steering and power brakes. People see it and think it’s the ‘American Graffiti’ car. I had a blue one when I was about 19. I had it for about two years. All the old cars are fantastic. They’re all fun,” White said. “That’s back when you bought a car for $200. Cars were cheap back then — not anymore.”
G” Gutkowski,
sented
from page 12A stuff. I have so much fun with it. People are drawn to it. They ask so many questions.”
Back in the day, White and his buddies cruised Eight Mile Road, stopping at the Big Boy in Hazel Park. Other times they’d hit Woodward Avenue and would meet up at another of their favorite Big Boy restaurants.
“It was fun,” White said. “We were out looking for girls.”
Doug Thompson, of Royal Oak, brought his red 1978 Ford F-700 Hahn pumper fire truck to Sandbaggers. He’s never been a firefighter, but he enjoys driving the vehicle to restaurants and cruise and car shows. It’s always a conversation piece with strangers.
“I’ve taken it all over the place. It’s just a good riding truck,” Thompson, 72, said. “It’s just like a big red truck with lots of shiny
Reporter: Sarah Wright| (586) 498-1068 | swright@candgnews.com
Thompson often runs into retired and current firefighters.
“The old firefighters, they look at it and it brings back memories,” he said.
That includes viewing the manual controls once used to fight fires.
“The older firefighters taught me how to use them,” Thompson said. “They give me hints. I learn from their experience.”
Thompson purchased the fire truck from the small town of Sedan, Kansas, which he said is known as “Tornado Alley.” He even hung a sign on the side of the truck that reads “Tornado Alley 1978 Ford F700 Hahn Pumper Sedan, KS.”
At the Sept. 17 Sandbaggers car show in Center Line, Warren resident Paul “Pauly
left, pre-
Cindy Yankley, events director for the I Heart Dogs Rescue & Animal Haven, right, with a $1,832 check for the animal shelter. The money was raised during the Center Line Beer Fest at the
CRIME WATCH
Victim receives fraudulent call about arrest
TROY — Around 9:19 p.m. Sept. 13, a woman from Renshaw Drive told police that her brother had been arrested and was being held at the Oakland County Jail, according to a phone call she received from a man claiming he was with an ankle-monitoring service.
The man informed her that she could pay for the ankle monitor and her brother’s release, which the victim agreed to do via Apple Pay. She then realized it was a scam and contacted her credit union to report the charge as fraud.
Man arrested after trying to cash fraudulent check
TROY — Officers were dispatched around 1 p.m. Sept. 13 to the Fifth Third Bank located at 2282 W. Big Beaver Road on a report of a suspect trying to cash a fraudulent check.
Upon arrival, officers located the suspect — a 55-year-old Detroit man — inside the business and detained him.
Drunken driver asleep at wheel
TROY — Around 2:32 a.m. Sept. 13, officers were dispatched to West Big Beaver Road near northbound Interstate 75 for a welfare check on the driver of a 2022 Chevrolet Blazer that had allegedly stopped in the roadway, slumping over the steering wheel.
Upon arrival, officers awoke the driver, a 28-year-old Fenton man. Officers reportedly noted his speech was slurred, and he reeked of alcohol. He was asked to perform several sobriety tests and performed poorly. A preliminary breath test registered 0.091%.
Weapon found during welfare check at Walmart
TROY — Officers were dispatched around 10:48 p.m. Sept. 7 to the parking lot of the Walmart store at 2001 W. Maple Road for a welfare check. The caller was concerned for her cousin who was on a road trip and couldn’t be reached by phone.
Police located the subject, described as a 45-year-old man from Orlando, Fla., and noted he had a handgun in his backpack. The man reportedly did not have a license for the weapon, so he was arrested and
Officers spoke with bank employees, who said they were suspicious of the check and called the issuer, who confirmed that no such check had been authorized.
charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
Suspect enters home without permission
TROY — Around 11:48 p.m. Sept. 7, officers were dispatched to Hempstead Street on reports of a suspicious man seen outside a home making noise and banging on a door.
Upon arrival, officers reportedly saw the man on the front porch, apparently intoxicated. The man was allegedly uncooperative and refused to answer the officers’ questions.
Officers spoke with the homeowner, who stated he was awoken by his two dogs barking. When he stepped out of his bedroom to see what was happening, the homeowner allegedly saw the suspect standing inside his residence, with the dogs barking at him.
The intruder was later identified as a neighbor from down the street. He was arrested and later issued a citation for entering without permission.
Victim scammed on Facebook Marketplace
TROY — On Sept. 16, a 60-year-old woman from Kirts Boulevard told police that she had started using Facebook Marketplace, listing a bed for $125, and that shortly
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afterward, she received an offer from another user for the full amount.
The user said he would pay through Zelle that day and pick up the item the following day. The user asked to communicate by text messages and sent her a message stating he had just sent the money via Zelle.
The victim received what appeared to be an automated message from Zelle, telling her that she needed a Zelle business account to receive the funds. However, the message also stated she would need to receive $500 more from the buyer to be eligible for a business account. The victim spoke with the user, and he agreed to send $625 via Zelle.
She was told that the money was sent, and that she needed to send back the $500, only to realize afterward it was a scam, and no money had ever been sent to her.
Victim reports bank security scam
TROY — An 82-year-old woman from Paragon Street reported Sept. 17 that she was trying to fix her computer when she found a website claiming it could help secure her bank account.
She told police that she contacted the company and spoke to a man who obtained the name of her bank and her email address
See CRIME on page 25A
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Football
page 6A
against Brother Rice under the team’s belt that started off the season.
Games to watch Troy at Farmington
7 p.m. Oct. 3
Troy and Farmington will go to battle in another top game this week. These are two of the best teams in the OAA Blue this season, and this game might even catapult the winner into first place in the division if Seaholm was to lose.
North Farmington at Birmingham Seaholm
7 p.m. Oct. 3
This matchup may end up being the biggest of the weekend when fans look back on the season. Seaholm and North Farmington are both top teams in the Oakland Activities Association Blue, and
it could be the difference between winning the division and losing it. At press time, Seaholm hadn’t lost a game yet during the season.
Hazel Park at Madison Heights Madison 7 p.m. Oct. 3
The MAC-Bronze is a three-horse race between these two teams and Clintondale. This matchup may decide which team will be sitting atop the division at the end of the year, as both teams have done well in conference play up to this point.
Warren Mott at Warren Cousino
7 p.m. Oct. 3
These two teams are in the middle of the pack in the MAC-Blue, and this game could determine which of these teams makes the playoffs. The matchup is also Mott’s homecoming game, so it should be a packed house for one of the bigger games of the season.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
Once I get the right diagnosis for the cause of your heel pain, I will provide you with a tailored treatment plan, which outlines exactly how we can fix your heel pain and keep you free from future foot pain. If you are ready, call me for an appointment to start your journey back to normal life, free from heel pain.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
North Farmington players discuss a play before lining up against Livonia Stevenson on Aug. 28.
PASSION IS AN ESSENTIAL
Magazine – Faces of Detroit 2023 – HOUR Magazine 2008 to Current
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Local retailers weigh in on popular Halloween decorations, costumes
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — With Halloween around the corner, local retailers are sharing tips on how to make your home — and your costume — the best on the block.
Ying Vang, store director of the Madison Heights Meijer on 13 Mile Road, said that while the basic decorations are always popular — things like witches and skeletons — her store has seen an increase in the number of inflatable decorations being sold.
“It’s an easy decoration for outdoors. You plug it in and it’s Halloween,” she said.
Vang also said that things to decorate a front porch, such as lights, are popular.
Dave Douglas, who owns Crypt Keeper’s Halloween Emporium in Center Line, agreed that traditional decorations are still popular and remain a cheaper option.
“Some people aren’t in as big of a hurry to spend $500 on a prop,” he said.
As far as costumes, Vang said a lot of kids are starting to dress up as characters
from older media, such as “The Hungry Caterpillar.”
Douglas said that his store has more than 1,000 costumes. While some faces from horror franchises remain Halloween staples — such as Michael Myers from “Halloween” and Ghostface from the “Scream” movies — his store sees a lot of people coming in and putting their own costumes together.
“We have the largest mask wall in the country, so people like to make their own costumes,” he said. “They’ll buy a robe, they’ll buy gloves, they’ll buy whatever character matches with it.”
Douglas also said he’s seen an increase in people buying “cutesy” costumes this year.
“I have seen more cutesy things this
year than normal, like we’ve been selling a decent amount of inflatable costumes, like the T. rex from “Jurassic Park,” or one that looks like an alien is carrying you,” he said.
Additionally, Douglas said animethemed costumes are popular this year.
“Anime is super big right now because of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ and there’s no costumes out yet,” he said. “That’s the No. 1 thing people are asking for.”
A growing trend, according to Vang, is seeing people buy costumes for their pets.
“It’s really adorable. It’s cute that they are matching the costumes that they’re making,” she said.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
File photo provided by Holly Hayter
This house from last year in Madison Heights displayed a variety of skeletons, some of them wearing outfits.
by farmland turning golden brown. Swaths of woods color the landscape in fiery reds, oranges and yellows.
Adding to seasonal fun are small farm markets and roadside stands loaded this time of year with pumpkins, apples, cider, donuts, and family-friendly activities. Both Pond Hill Farm and Bear Creek Organic Farm are worth checking out.
Petoskey wine country is very different from the Traverse Wine Coast or the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail in the state’s southwestern corner. You’ll find mostly hybrid grapes among the Petoskey-area wineries — grapes like Marquette, Petite Pearl, Frontenac and La Crescent. Some wineries have had success growing more-commonly-known grapes like Chardonnay and Riesling.
As you might have guessed, the weather here is much colder in the winter. The distinctive climate and soil types contribute to the region’s designation as the Tip of the Mitt, a federally designated wine region that stretches from just south of Charlevoix to the Straits of Mackinac and east to Alpena.
Blu Dot Farm and Vineyard is one of the newest wineries. The inspiration to renovate an Airstream into a tasting room came from the owners — Paul and Jennie Silva — wine travels. The couple became enamored of vineyards and winemaking after visiting Napa a few decades ago. Realizing a need for more Michigan wine grapes, they created their own winery.
Their property used to be an old horse training and breeding facility. Many of the original barns, stables and tracks have been restored and are used today. The Airstream is open during the summer season — from May to October. Blu Dot is among the wineries producing Marquette. Developed to withstand brutal winters, Marquette is a longdistance cousin of Pinot Noir and often tastes fruity and earthy.
Several years ago, Walloon Lake Winery’s Marquette won the Best Dry Red in the annual Michigan wine competition. Other notable Marquette producers include Mackinaw Trail Winery, Boyne Valley Vineyards and Crooked Vine Vineyard.
Just south of Petoskey, Mackinaw Trail Winery is the largest winery in the region, offering a variety of red and white wines, craft beer and food. Some 15 acres are dedicated to growing cold-hardy varietals La Crescent and Frontenac Gris.
Mackinaw Trail boasts some of the best representations of Marquette in Michigan. Currently, the winery is pouring its 202 Estate Marquette, barrel aged for 18 months, and described as a “true Up North Wine.
Winermakers here are as passionate about their craft as winemakers anywhere. Chances are, you’ll run into the owner or winemaker (sometimes one and the same) behind the tasting room bar or out in the vineyard.
That was the case at one of the region’s newest wineries: Folklor Wine & Cider, a boutique winery located off the beaten path south of Charlevoix.
The husband-and-wife team of Derrick Vogel and Izabela Babinska were behind the bar at Folklor on the afternoon I visited. Vogel is the winemaker and Babinska is business manager. Both tend the grapes. They describe themselves as “Northern Michigan enthusiasts, lake swimmers and dry Riesling devotees.” Once a u-pick apple and cherry orchard, Folklor Wine & Cider is the couple’s wine dream. They began growing wine grapes here in 2021, planting vineyards on about two acres of the 52-acre farm. More vines were planted the following year.
“We want our wines to reflect the season and the place,” Vogel tells me, noting he is stepping outside some of the boundaries of traditional winemaking. Between the vines, for example, nature is taking its course wth grasses, plants and flowers blanketing the rows. He uses native yeast in fermentation and sprays no herbicides or insecticide on his grapes. “We felt the freedom to let these grapes speak for themselves.”
In the tasting room, you can sample “the season and place” in a variety of Rieslings, as well the red blends and ciders. I especially enjoyed Folklor’s 2023 Lake Swimmer, a blend of Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Franc and a bit of Zweigelt, which is grown on the farm. Lower in alcohol, this red blend was lighter and refreshing, especially on a warm fall day.
The winery’s name is the Polish spelling of folklore (Babinska is a Polish immigrant) and is the name for Polish folk art. The name celebrates more than Polish folk art, the owners say; it’s a connection between wine and storytelling. And that’s part of the experience at Folklor — learning the stories of how this couple came to plant their roots in Northern Michigan, their efforts to grow grapes in a challenging environment and the way they’re making their wine. But I’ll let them share those stories with you when you visit.
Greg Tasker is a Traverse City-based freelance writer.
Sports
from page 6A
Strom spent the last 10 years at Concordia University where she consistently made the NAIA Championship finals and was named the 2025 NAIA Coach of the Year.
The program announced that the dance team will offer scholarship opportunities.
Cleary University now offers 22 sports for students and has begun recruiting for these two new additions. If you have interest in joining the co-ed competitive dance team, email coach Storm at bstrom@cleary.edu.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
Zoo
from page 9A
es will support animal conservation.
Megan Gregg, senior events manager of the Detroit Zoo, said that the Zoo Boo has some additions to the displays this year.
“This year’s Zoo Boo has some exciting new additions, including enhanced entertainment throughout the zoo footprint, new pumpkin displays and fresh fall-themed photo opportunities throughout the zoo,” she said.
Each year, the event attracts thousands of families to the zoo.
“Zoo Boo has become a beloved tradition for families across metro Detroit. It’s a festive way to celebrate Halloween and all things fall that brings the community together in a unique setting,” Gregg said. “Whether it’s families coming year after year or new families discovering it for the first time, there’s a sense of joy and nostalgia that makes it really special.”
The Zoo Boo is sponsored by Corewell Health Children’s, but the event does not raise money for the hospital.
“Corewell Health Children’s is the presenting sponsor of Zoo Boo, and we are
incredibly grateful for their support, which helps make this beloved family tradition possible,” said Sarah Culton, Detroit Zoological Society communications manager. “While Zoo Boo is full of Halloween fun, it’s also a celebration with purpose. Every ticket sold supports the Zoo, our mission and the animals and habitats we strive to protect at home and around the world.”
Zoo Boo continues to cultivate an environment of excitement each year.
“People should be excited about the magical atmosphere we have created this year. From the creatively decorated trickor-treat trails to the live entertainment,” she said. “Whether you’re coming for the costumes, the doughnuts or just the fall fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Tickets for the Zoo Boo range from $21 to $25 and can only be purchased online at detroitzoo.org/events/zoo-boo. All ages 2 and older need a ticket.
There are a few options for add-on activities like a dinner buffet for $23; cider and doughnuts for $8; and an attraction add-on that includes a 15-minute 4D film experience with 3D and special effects or a ride on the carousel for $3-$6.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
Spotlight on business...
For more than 80 years, Riemer Floors has been a trusted name in flooring for metro Detroit homeowners. Now, after an extensive remodel, the company has unveiled its newly refreshed Bloomfield Hills showroom — an elevated destination designed to inspire.
The showroom highlights stunning displays of luxurious carpet and rugs, elegant hardwood flooring, and durable luxury vinyl plank, all carefully curated to help homeowners find the perfect fit for their style and lifestyle. From classic designs to the latest trends, the new space makes it easier than ever to see, touch, and compare a wide range of flooring options.
“Our goal was to create a space where homeowners, interior designers, and trade professionals feel welcome, comfortable, and inspired,” said owner Bryan Tolles. “When you walk through our remodeled showroom, you’ll experience more than just flooring — you’ll discover possibilities for transforming your home.”
The remodel was designed with Bloomfield
Hills and surrounding communities in mind, offering the kind of sophisticated selection that appeals to homeowners who value both beauty and performance. With an extensive variety of materials and styles on display, the showroom allows customers to explore different looks and design possibilities, helping them envision the right fit for their own homes.
Riemer Floors’ experienced team provides personalized guidance to help clients navigate their many options, from selecting materials to ensuring expert installation. Combined with the inspiring new showroom, that support helps turn the often-overwhelming flooring decision into an enjoyable experience.
Homeowners are invited to visit the newly remodeled Bloomfield Hills showroom and explore a flooring destination designed with them in mind.
Riemer Floors is located at 1865 S. Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills. Go to riemerfloors.com for more information.
Photo provided by the Detroit Zoological Society Thousands of families attend the Zoo Boo each year.
Lawsuit
from page 1A
was told his termination was due to a city policy that regulates political activity by city personnel.
Specifically, the policy bars staff from engaging in political activity during work hours, whether paid or unpaid, for any candidate, cause or political organization. The policy also prohibits them from filing as a candidate for elected office in Troy. In Ross’ case, he had filed to run for the Troy City Council in April 2024.
Due to the timing of his termination, Ross was no longer entitled to $4,500 he would have received under a new incentive plan the city had implemented for its voluntary firefighters. He had already been paid nearly $22,900 under a previous plan.
However, Ross contested that he should not have been terminated in May. He pointed to state law MCL 15.401, commonly referred to as the Political Activities Act, which states an employer may require employees to take a leave of absence when the employee complies with candidacy requirements or 60 days before the election, whichever date is closer to the election.
Since he was terminated May 1, when the special election was more than 60 days away in August, Ross believed the city of Troy violated his rights.
In June 2024, Ross filed a complaint of unlawful political activity against the city of Troy with the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules. In petitioning the court, Ross sought reinstatement to his job, with credit granted under the new incentive plan retroactive to the date he was terminated.
Fast-forward to September 2025, and Judge Thomas Halick sided with Ross. He ordered that Ross have his position as a voluntary firefighter reinstated retroactive to May 2024, with full credit towards the city’s incentive plan and trust. The judge also ordered that the city compensate him for attorney fees, which Ross expects to be roughly $65,000.
“I have now been fully reinstated as a Troy firefighter — not as a probationary member, but with my full seniority, service credit and status restored,” Ross said. “That matters not just for me but for every firefighter and every public employee in Michigan, because it affirms that public servants cannot be silenced or punished for participating in democracy.
“The city broke the law, plain and simple,” he continued. “They tried to call us ‘volunteers,’ but the judge recognized the truth: Troy firefighters are employees who train, serve and put our lives on the line.”
The city issued a statement acknowledging the judge’s ruling and Ross’ return.
“The judge’s opinion is being reviewed by the city and options, including but not limited to an appeal, will be presented to the City Council,” said Courtney Flynn, the communications director for the city of Troy, in a statement.
As Ross prepares for the final stretch of his campaign this November, he noted that
he intends to carry the same fight for fairness, accountability and public safety into City Hall.
“I’m proud to be back in gear, proud to serve this city, and proud to stand up for my neighbors when leadership gets it wrong,” Ross said. “I want to thank my fellow firefighters, neighbors, friends, Troy residents, and my attorney Nanette Cortese for believing in me and supporting me through this ordeal. I’m just thankful I had the financial resources and time to fight, because a lot of people may have given up.”
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
CITY OF TROY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST OF VOTING EQUIPMENT FOR THE NOVEMBER 4, 2025 LOCAL GENERAL ELECTION
To the qualifed electors of the City of Troy, Oakland County, State of Michigan:
Notice is hereby given that a Public Accuracy Test for the electronic equipment that will be used in Precincts for the November 4, 2025 Local General Election is scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the City Clerk’s Offce in City Hall, located at 500 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084.
The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the computer programming used to tabulate the votes cast at the election meets the requirements of Michigan election law.
M. Aileen Dickson, MMC, MiPMC 3 City Clerk (248) 524-3316
POSTED: September 17, 2025
PUBLISHED: October 2, 2025
Published: Troy Times 10/02/2025
“I saw you in the Troy Times.”
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025
CITY OF TROY, MICHIGAN
TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF TROY, MICHIGAN:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualifed elector of the City of Troy who is not already registered, may register to vote at the Troy City Clerk’s Offce; the offce of the County Clerk; a Secretary of State branch offce, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at www.mi.gov/vote and mailed to the Troy City Clerk. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at www.expressSOS.com.
The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the Troy City Clerk is Monday, October 20, 2025
After this date, anyone who qualifes as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the Troy City Clerk’s Offce, located at 500 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084 at the following times:
• Regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 31, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Troy electors will be voting to elect candidates for following offces as presented and listed below:
City Council Member (4-Year Term) Vote For Three (3)
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that all electors will be voting on the following proposals as presented and listed below: City of Troy Bond Proposal
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Bloomfeld Hills Schools electors within voting precinct 6 in the City of Troy will be voting on the following proposal presented and listed below:
Bloomfeld Hills Schools
Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage Replacement Proposal
Full text of the proposal(s) may be obtained at the Troy City Clerk’s Offce, 500 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084. Sample ballots are available at www.troymi.gov/elections or on the State of Michigan website at www.mi.gov/vote.
Persons with disabilities needing accommodations should contact the Troy City Clerk’s Offce at (248) 524-3316.
M. Aileen Dickson, MMC, MiPMC 3 Troy City Clerk
POSTED: September 17, 2025
PUBLISHED:
Crime
and sent her an email about a fake security incident, using the bank’s letterhead to make it look official.
The victim was then instructed to call the number on the email. She did as she was told, providing the suspect with personal information. She was then contacted by a person claiming to be from Social Security Administration, at which point she realized it was a scam and called police.
Traffic stop leads to discovery of identity theft
TROY — Around 11:22 p.m. Sept. 19, officers initiated a traffic stop near northbound Interstate 75 and Crooks Road, pulling over the driver of a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee for speeding.
Officers spoke with the driver, a 28-year-old Pontiac man, and reportedly
discovered that he had a suspended driver’s license and a felony warrant for his arrest. The driver was arrested.
During an inventory search of his vehicle, officers allegedly located a stash of gift cards, as well as four fake ID cards with the driver’s picture but different names in his wallet. Two stolen credit cards were also found.
Officers spoke to one of the victims who had their credit card stolen. The victim said he lost his wallet a few months ago, and he had been unaware that his credit card was being used.
The driver was charged with identity theft, committing crimes with a financial transaction device and operating a vehicle with a license that is suspended, revoked or denied.
Fraudulent Amazon notification quickly caught
TROY — On Sept. 19, an 85-year-old woman from Wright Drive said she had been
NOTICE OF ELECTION TROY, MICHIGAN
NOVEMBER 4, 2025 LOCAL GENERAL ELECTION
To the qualifed electors of the City of Troy:
Notice is hereby given that a Local General Election will be held in the City of Troy on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:
1
5
6
8
Catholic Church2442 E. Big Beaver
23, 24 & 25St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church2160 E. Maple
26 & 27Troy Community Center 3179 Livernois
For the purposes of electing a candidate to the following offces: City Council Member (4-Year Term) Vote For Three
contacted by an unknown person claiming there was a suspicious charge on her Amazon account.
The victim called the number provided, and after providing her bank account information, she was told she needed to withdraw money from her account. The victim went to the bank but was only able to withdraw $3,000. The person on the phone advised her to go to a Bitcoin ATM to deposit the money, but the victim was stopped by a bank employee who realized it was a scam.
No funds were lost by the victim.
Drunken driver arrested after crash
TROY — Officers were on patrol 2:05 a.m. Sept. 14 when they reportedly heard a vehicle crash near the northbound Interstate 75 off-ramp and Rochester Road.
The officers observed damage to the guardrail and located a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado in the ditch. The driver, a 43-year-old Shelby Township man, was injured. He was
removed from the vehicle with the help of police officers and paramedics.
While in the ambulance, the driver admitted to officers that he had been drinking prior to the crash. Officers noted his eyes were glassy and his speech was slurred. He was transported to Royal Oak Corewell Hospital where he was treated. A blood draw was also completed by medical staff at the hospital.
Drunken driver involved in three-vehicle crash
TROY — Around 7:44 p.m. Sept. 19, officers were dispatched to the area of Dequindre and East Big Beaver roads for a crash involving three vehicles.
Officers spoke with the at-fault driver, a 27-year-old Clawson man, and noted that his breath reeked of alcohol. He performed poorly on sobriety evaluations and his preliminary breath test clocked 0.254%.
If you know more about these crimes or others, call Troy Police at (248) 524-3477. — Sarah Wright
equipment, police body cameras, and other public safety technology upgrades and equipment, as well as all other work, equipment, and appurtenances necessary or incidental to these improvements?
The estimated millage that will be levied to pay the proposed bonds in the frst year that the levy is authorized is 1.1327 mills ($1.1327 per $1,000 of taxable value of real and tangible personal property in the City of Troy); and the estimated simple average annual millage that will be required to retire the bonds is 1.1329 mills ($1.1329 per $1,000 of taxable value of real and tangible personal property in the City of Troy).
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Bloomfeld Hills Schools electors within voting precinct 6 in the City of Troy will be voting on the following proposal presented and listed below:
Bloomfeld
Hills Schools
Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage Replacement
Proposal
This proposal, if approved by the electors, will replace and extend the authority last approved by the electors in 2023 and which expires with the 2026 levy for the School District to levy a building and site sinking fund millage, the proceeds of which will be used to make improvements and repairs to the School District’s facilities. Pursuant to State law, the expenditure of the building and site sinking fund millage proceeds must be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for teacher, administrator or employee salaries, maintenance or other operating expenses.
As a replacement of existing authority, shall the Bloomfeld Hills Schools, County of Oakland, Michigan, be authorized to levy 1.5 mills ($1.50 per $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of ten (10) years, being the years 2026 to 2035, inclusive, to maintain a sinking fund to be used for the construction or repair of school buildings, school security improvements, the acquisition or upgrading of technology, the acquisition of student transportation vehicles, trucks and vans and parts, supplies and equipment used for the maintenance of these vehicles and for any other purposes permitted by law? This millage if approved and levied would provide estimated revenues to the School District of approximately $7,960,000 in the frst year that it is levied.
Absentee ballots are available for all elections; registered voters may contact the Troy City Clerk to obtain an application for an absent voter ballot. Sample ballots can also be found at www.mi.gov/vote.
Early Voting for the November 4, 2025 Local General Election will be held:
Location: Troy Community Center, Room 304 3179 Livernois, Troy, MI 48083
Dates: Saturday, October 25, 2025 through Sunday, November 2, 2025
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, except Thursday, October 30th, when hours are NOON to 8:00 PM
The City Clerk’s Offce is open 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The City Clerk’s Offce will offer extended offce hours on the following dates/times:
• Regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, October 31, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Clerk’s Offce)
• Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
To comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), voting instructions will be available in audio format and in Braille. Arrangements for obtaining the instructions in these alternative formats can be made by contacting the Troy City Clerk in advance of the election. All polling locations are accessible for voters with disabilities.
Any questions concerning the Local General Election should be directed to the City Clerk’s Offce at 248-524-3316.
for all or a portion of that amount in one or more series payable over not to exceed 20 years from the date of issue of each series for the purpose of defraying the cost of City improvements, including without limitation acquiring, constructing, installing, furnishing and equipping a new public library; acquiring, constructing and installing road improvements in the City; acquiring, constructing, renovating, installing and equipping improvements to parks and recreation facilities in the City, including but not limited to the Troy Community Center, the Troy Farm, additional Troy Recreation parks, trails, athletic courts, and other facilities; and acquiring, constructing and installing equipment for City public safety services, including but not limited to fre apparatus
POSTED: September 17, 2025
PUBLISHED: October 2, 2025
Published: Troy Times 10/02/2025
M. Aileen Dickson, MMC, MiPMC 3 Troy City Clerk (248) 524-3316
0184-2540
The public pool at the Troy Family Aquatic Center has been leaking large amounts of water and chemicals, prompting the Troy City Council to seek specialists that can solve the problem.
Pool
from page 3A
is shut down for the season to ensure a plan can be made for repairing the issues before opening next spring,” read a council report.
The leak detection service will be the first step in addressing the pool’s water loss and other issues at the Aquatic Center.
Ellen Hodorek, a member of the Troy City Council, said this is another example of
the city maintaining its facilities and investing as needed.
“It is an aging asset in the community and one of the capital concerns that occupies the minds of those of us that have been around for a while,” Hodorek said. “There was discussion at one point of should we make the investment — the capital investments — in the facility, and we had a profound, loud, raucous set of feedback from residents: ‘Please, yes — we want this asset.’” For more information, visit troymi.gov.
MARCO ISLAND PARADISE BEACHFRONT CONDO FOR RENT
Experience the best of beachfront living in this beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo on Marco Island. Located directly on the beach, this unit offers beautiful views, luxurious fnishes, and unmatched comfort—perfect for your seasonal getaway.
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Monthly rental available February and March 2026.
St. Isidore’s Baby Pantry
What?
St. Isidore’s Church is making a meaningful impact in the community by providing baby essentials to families in need. Through their generous efforts, they are currently helping over 60 families per month.
How can you help?
Scan The QR code to donate supplies through Amazon. All products will be delivered to St. Isidore’s
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Fracassa
Marshall is in his second year coaching Brother Rice, but he’s been a part of the program for nearly his whole life. Marshall wants to honor Fracassa any way he can, and he wants to make sure the players never forget Fracassa’s impact.
“I had the privilege of being coach’s ball boy in the ’91 season. I was 8 or 9 years old,” Marshall said. “His legacy will live on forever. … His formula I follow today.”
Marshall explained that Fracassa wanted to build up young men in all aspects of their lives, and that if he did that, then football would take care of itself.
Fracassa still attended as many home games as he could right up until his passing. He retired in 2013 but never left the program that he helped build.
“We saw him week one, and he came to the game. It was very special. Me and him hugged each other and told each other that we loved each other, and I was so happy that he was able to join us,” Marshall said. “We want to make him proud.”
Brother Rice has helmet stickers that the team is wearing for the remainder of the season with the legendary coach’s initials and date of his passing on them.
In the first game after Fracassa’s death, Marshall wanted to make sure that everyone on the team understood the magnitude of the moment. There were hundreds of alumni at the game, which was played the same day as the funeral, and Marshall encouraged his players to talk to those who had come to the game.
“The boys, we attended the funeral and were kind of the honor guard,” Marshall said. “I said, ‘Look what you have to live up to. It’s not pressure; it’s responsibility.’... Seeing the great men who came before them that wore those jerseys, that was priceless.”
Fracassa’s final game as the head coach for Brother Rice was the 2013 state championship game, which the team won. His legacy will be felt through the thousands of lives he touched in his more than 50-year career. Marshall stated that the team has dedicated this season to the legendary coach.
“They didn’t talk about the records. There wasn’t much talk about the state championships. It was always talking about what he was as a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, a husband, a mentor, a teacher, a coach,” Calcaterra said. “Those Brother Rice Warriors that wear that helmet understand that why the program is as revered as it is and why the brand is so cherished is because of coach Fracassa.”
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Al Fracassa celebrates with his players after winning the 2013 state championship game at Ford Field. It was the last game he’d ever coach.
AUCTION
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Published: October 1, 2025
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