Troy City Council approves budget for 2025-26 fiscal year
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
TROY — The Troy City Council unanimously approved the city’s budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which focuses on infrastructure, public health, public safety and amenities.
“This budget is balanced and meets all the requirements set forth by the state of Michigan and this city,” Troy Chief Financial Officer Rob Maleszyk said.
Previously, the budget was discussed during a special study meeting on April 14 and, after further consideration, was presented to the city council during their meeting on May 5 for adoption.
“I was very humbled by your actions and the amount of home-
HELP URGENTLY NEEDED AS SITUATION IN HAITI WORSENS
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT —
A mission group to Haiti that includes churches in Sterling Heights, Southfield and more is sounding the alarm on the plight of the country — the poorest in the Western Hemisphere — as gangs have captured the town of Mirebalais, once a safe haven.
A letter by Kesner Gracia, an Episcopalian priest in Haiti, described the scene in April.
“Haiti has become a veritable human slaughterhouse,” he wrote. “In Mirebalais, the streets are littered with corpses. … Unspeakable scenes of terror unfold before our very eyes.”
Haiti Outreach Mission, a Troy-based nonprofit, has been wiring funds to partners in Haiti since it’s no longer safe to travel there. Projects include medical and dental clinics, a lab and pharmacy, water purifiers, and funding for food, shelter and supplies.
People can help by donating
See HAITI on page 15A
Dr. Dominque Monde-Matthews, founder of Haiti Outreach Mission, treats a young patient during a trip to the country in 2012. Many families have been displaced following recent events there.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Troy focused on public safety, like its police department, in its budget for the 202526 fiscal year.
Photo by Valerie McNeece
MHSAA to add boys volleyball in 2026
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The Michigan High School Athletic Association is on track to reach its target of adding boys volleyball by the spring of 2026.
Last year, the MHSAA announced that it would be adding boys volleyball to its official sports listing at some point in the future, with a target date of 2026. One year removed from the MHSAA meeting where the council voted on the matter, the sport continues to grow and the association is on pace to have everything ready by next spring.
“I think there was a feeling at that meeting that it had to happen now. There was no putting it off,” MHSAA Director of Communications Geoff Kimmerly said about the sport’s addition. “The growth was too significant. … I think boys volleyball will slide very easily into our lineup.”
In terms of growth, the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association started the boys branch in 2018 with just four teams. Last year, according to Kimmerly, the league had 1,160 athletes participate.
“And I’m assuming that’s probably grown again this year, to be honest, just because of the trajectory of that sport,” Kimmerly said. “I think it will probably continue to grow going forward.”
Aside from the growth in numbers, there will also be growth in competitiveness. The addition of boys volleyball in the MHSAA allows for more opportunities for students and more serious and structured competition.
“Early on in this we have some athletes who are doing boys volleyball as a second
See VOLLEYBALL on page 22A
Troy receives high rankings for livability
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
TROY — The city of Troy has received high praise for its quality of life and habitability for residents from both livability.com and the U.S. News & World Report.
Troy was included on the livability.com ‘Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S.’ list for 2025. According to the website, “Livability commissions data on thousands of U.S. cities. And then we sort through that data so you don’t have to. We partnered with Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS) to curate our Top 100 Best Places To Live in the U.S. based on nearly 100 data points and an algorithm that takes into account measures of a city’s economy, housing and cost of living, amenities, transportation, environment, safety, education and health.”
Troy received a 829 for Quality of Life LivScore with high accolades for health, safety and education.
“The blend of our quality of public amenities and services, and our quality of life, an award-winning Troy School District and private sector often elevates Troy to a level that gets national recognition,” Mayor Ethan Baker said during the State of the City Address on May 7.
Troy was also ranked number 10 for the U.S. News & World Report’s ‘2025-2026 Best Places to Live’ out of 250 selected cities.
“Troy has held strong to its reputation as one of the best places to live, work, learn, play and raise a family because of our excellent quality of life, which is a result of hard
Photo provided by Carolyn Groendyk
The Grand Rapids South Christian High School boys volleyball team sets up a play in the 2024 state tournament. South Christian ended its season as the Division 2 runner-up. See LIVABILITY on page 16A
Troy residents honored for nursing excellence
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
TROY — Two Troy residents were honored during Oakland University’s 37th annual Nightingale Awards for Nursing Excellence on May 7.
The Oakland University School of Nursing hosts this celebration each year during National Nurses Week. This year, the event took place on Oakland University’s main campus in Rochester Hills.
According to oakland.edu/nursing/nightingale, “the Oakland University Nightingale Awards for Nursing Excellence has applauded the constant advancement of nursing through the work of outstanding professionals. For three decades, this has been a night to acknowledge and strengthen the Michigan nursing community.”
Michaelene West won a Nightingale Award in the Post-Acute Care & Specialty Nursing category. West has been a nurse for around nine years and currently works in orthopedics at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak.
“Being recognized for this award is a reminder of the Nightingale pledge I made when becoming a nurse,” West stated in an email. “We devote our profession to the well-being of others and advocating for their care. …I’ve stayed devoted to the unit because I truly love what I do. I pride myself knowing I give quality, compassionate care to each patient. Whether I’m caring for patients at the bedside or charge nurse for the day overseeing the unit, the greatest reward is seeing the influence your actions make in the lives of others. The Nightingale award is an honorable achievement that will be my encouragement to continue providing extraordinary care.”
Tiffany Morelli, who works at Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital as a clinical nurse in the emergency department, was selected for Excellence in Staff Nurse Practice Runner-Up. She has worked there for over 12 years and has helped develop programming within the hospital that helps those suffering from substance use disorder (SUD), which has expanded to 10 Corewell Health East sites. Morelli has developed policies, participated in securing grants, spoken on many platforms regarding SUD, developed new processes, developed referral programs with community partners, sits on several boards within the community and collaborates with numerous community organizations to help patients.
“I’m blessed to be acknowledged for this award and the work that we all have done as a team,” Morelli said in an email.
Each Nightingale Award winner received a check for $1,000, a solid bronze statue of Florence Nightingale and a Nightingale pin. Runners-up received a commemorative plaque. Honorees were nominated by their peers, supervisors and patients in recognition of their superior nursing expertise.
For more information, visit oakland.edu.
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:
jbender@candgnews.com
| (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
West Morelli
Compiled by Sarah Wright
Preparations for Opa! Fest 2025 underway
TROY — On May 12, volunteers came to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy to prepare pastries for the church’s upcoming Opa! Fest in June.
Volunteers came to 760 W. Wattles Road at 9:30 a.m., with many community members coming out to help prepare galaktoboureko, a Greek pastry with custard wrapped into dough. Volunteers were also encouraged to help make spanakopita, tiropita, karithopita, koulourakia, kourabiedes, diples paximadia, melomakarona and brownies, both in and outside of planned baking events for Opa! Fest.
St. Nicholas puts on Opa! Fest annually as a way to celebrate Greek culture and history. This year, the event will be going on June 20-21 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and June 22 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Attendees may expect a wide variety of Greek meal options and drinks, folk dancing, cooking demonstrations, an iron chef contest, live performance from Enigma Detroit, marketplace shopping, tours of the church and other cultural events.
Admission is $3 per person or $10 per family, with children under 12 being free, or a donation of three canned food goods. The canned food donations, as well as proceeds, will be going toward Gleaners Food Bank.
For more information, visit stnicholastroy.org/ parish_resources/opa!_fest/index.php.
Smith Middle School competes in Quiz Bowl
National Championship Tournament
Troy Public Library to host free Summer Library Program kick-off event
TROY — Smith Middle School joined 159 of the top middle school quiz bowl teams at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago in Rosemont, Illinois for the 2025 Middle School National Championship Tournament on the weekend May 10.
Quiz bowl is a competitive, academic, interscholastic activity for teams of four students, where the teams use buzzers to answer
TROY — Community members are invited to join Troy Public Library (TPL) on June 6 for their free Summer Library Program kick-off event.
The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. in the space between the library and Troy City Hall, depending on the weather. No registration is required.
A variety of activity stations including a bounce house, carousel acres petting zoo, outdoor games and reptiles provided by Reptarium, among other activities will be available for children, teens and adults.
“In its 4th year, our Summer Library Program Kick-off has become an event families look forward to each year,” TPL Head of Youth Services, Keegan Sulecki said in a press release, “It just makes sense to make sure we are providing a little something for everyone.”
Participants who complete at least six activities will earn a chance to win one of three $50 gift cards and winners will be announced June 9.
Also, attendees can purchase from food trucks like Food Dude, Circle T or Detroit Metro Ice Cream.
In terms of Summer Library Programs, sponsored by the Friends of the Troy Public Library, children will have multiple options for reading and listening among other activities. From June 6-Aug. 2, participants in the program can log their reading and complete activities for small prizes and to earn a chance to win one of the grand prize options. Those interested may register for the Summer Library Program at troypl.org/ SLP beginning June 1 though logged reading will not
questions about science, math, history, literature, mythology, geography, social science, current events, sports and popular culture.
Smith Middle School was one of seven Michigan teams competing at the national championship. The team consisted of Jacob Binu, Kaitlyn Li, Advay Pradhan, Joey Smith, Matthew Zachariah and their coach Brian Hughes. The 2025 Middle School National
count toward the challenge until June 6.
Kids can also work to achieve Activity Badges for themes like STEM, an Unplugged Badge to encourage kids to do things away from screens and a Wonder Outside Badge to encourage kids to get more physical play outside.
“Summer Library Program is a great opportunity for kids to keep learning and exploring over the summer, using their own interests to guide them. If they need inspiration, they can look at some of the activities in our Activity Badges on Beanstack,” Sulecki said in a press release.
Adults and teens have options to participate in the Summer Library Program. There are options to earn prizes through raffles by reading/listening to books or magazines; downloading and streaming films; TV shows and music; or attending library programs. Programs like Jurassic Park Escape Room, Silent Book Club Meetings and the Science of Making Ice Cream among others. Adults who participate will earn chances to win one of four fabulous prize baskets: Booked for Summer, Books & Blooms, Day at the Beach and Date Night In.
“There is something for everyone in these baskets, and the prizes have never been better,” Adult Information Librarian Cassandra Suh said in a press release.
For more information, visit troypl.org.
Championship Tournament’s field featured 160 teams from 27 states and South Korea.
Smith (MI) finished in 73rd place, with a 4-4 record in the preliminary rounds. The tournament champion was a team from Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
“There were some tense moments. Smith defeated Coral-Sandy Ridge from Henderson, Nevada by the narrow margin of 255-230
during round 5,” a press release from Hughes said. “Smith (MI) spent three games on the brink of elimination. They defeated Creekland Cherokee from Canton, Georgia and Longfellow B from Falls Church, Virginia before falling to Next Generation A from Champaign, Illinois, ending their shot at the playoffs.”
For more information, visit smith.troy. k12.mi.us.
Photo provided
Seven Troy students receive honors during Michigan History Day competition
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
TROY — Seven students from Troy Public Schools were among the 158 who received top honors at Michigan History Day’s State Finals competition on April 19.
The contest is an educational program associated with the Historical Society of Michigan. The society focuses on publications, conferences, education, awards and recognition programming, as well as support for local history organizations to preserve and promote Michigan’s history. Students have the opportunity to work with an annual theme and research a local, national or international historical topic. Students then present their original research in one of five categories: performances, exhibits, papers, websites and documentaries.
The 2025 theme was “Rights and Responsibilities in History.” This year, 450 Michigan elementary, middle and high school students took part in the Michigan History Day State Finals contest at Central Michigan University.
In addition to the recognition given to the top finishers in each of the different
categories, 45 students received monetary prizes and recognition for a variety of special awards.
From Boulan Park Middle School, Abel Wilson and Marko Tomic received National Alternate in the Junior Group Website cat-
egory as well as the Adler Award for Best Entry in Women’s History for their entry “The Damsels of Design: Pioneers for Women in the Automotive Industry.”
“Being able to represent Boulan Park and Troy at the NHD (National History Day) competition this year was a fantastic experience and an honor for both of us,” Tomic and Wilson said in an email. “We have learned so much through this program, and both felt that the topic of rights and See HISTORY on page 17A
Summer Sale GOING ON
Photo provided by Erika Berger and Michelle Slaviero
This photo shows some of the students who competed in the Historical Society of Michigan’s Michigan History Day State Finals contest on April 19 at Central Michigan University.
TROY NATURE SOCIETY ELECTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
TROY — Kathryn Ahlbrand and Sandra Burgess were elected to serve a 3-year term on the Troy Nature Society’s (TNS) Board of Directors during its annual membership meeting, which fell on April 24 this year.
Troy Nature Society is a nonprofit organization that manages the programs and activities of the Stage Nature Center, which is located at 6685 Coolidge Highway. The nature center provides opportunities for attendees to learn about nature and wildlife through the various programs and events it provides. Some examples include play areas, animal and insect preservation areas, gardens and hiking trails.
Ahlbrand is an associate attorney with Varnum, LLP. She has a background in tax and financial matters, with experience in both accounting and law firm environments. She serves on a council for the State Bar of Michigan. Ahlbrand has worked with many types of entities during her practice, including nonprofits.
According to a press release from the Troy Nature Society, she grew up in Bloomfield Hills and remembers her school field trips to the nature center with great fondness. Her family loves to spend the weekend out walking at the Stage Nature Center.
“I think when you’re young, you form lasting memories on field trips,” Ahlbrand said. “I want to be a part of preserving that experience.”
Burgess is the proprietor of Burgess Strategic Marketing. The firm offers strategic planning, marketing consulting and editorial services. She founded the firm, then called Burgess Editorial Services, in 1986. Ten years later, it expanded into Burgess Strategic Marketing
C & G Newspapers staffers recognized with 17 journalism awards
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Seven C & G Newspapers staffers received 17 awards from the Society of Professional JournalistsDetroit Chapter’s Excellence in Journalism awards and the Michigan Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.
Nearly 300 awardees were announced by SPJ Detroit at its Excellence in Journalism banquet at the San Marino Club in Troy May 14. The C & G journalists won their awards in the Print Class C division.
Maria Allard, a staff writer for the Eastsider, the Sterling Heights Sentry and the Warren Weekly, won first place in the feature reporting category of the Excellence in Journalism awards for “Behind the Wheel: Camping trails from the dusty roads of the Southwest to the Atlantic City Boardwalk.” Judges commented, “What a pleasure to read. The crazily exact details up high kept me reading to see where they came from. After that, a childhood worth of great stories.” Allard also took home second place in the general reporting category for the story, “Fallen GIs remembered an ocean away.”
“I was so happy to hear that I received two awards from SPJ for stories I loved writing and hoped our readers enjoyed,” Allard said. “I also want to congratulate my coworkers who earned awards. I know how hard we all work here at C & G Newspapers, and it’s nice when others notice that.”
Mike Koury, staff writer for the Woodward Talk, took first place in the consumer/watchdog reporting category for the article,“Ferndale bar lives to see another
day.” Judges said, “Good reporting on the potential loss of a community business with interesting insight on the transfers of liquor licenses.” Koury also won first place in the open reporting category for “Ferndale voters reject Headlee millage restoration,” with judges commenting, “Solid coverage on an important local taxing issue.”
Koury said it’s “always nice to be recognized.”
“I’m flattered by both awards from SPJ Detroit and I appreciate the continued support and readership from everyone that reads the Woodward Talk,” he said.
Andy Kozlowski, staff writer for the MadisonPark News and Eastsider, won first place in the general reporting category of the Excellence in Journalism awards for the story, “City Hall conference room named after Lindell Ross.” Judges said, “What could have been a routine story about the honoring of a former city council member is transformed into thorough background reporting that sets the stage for the councilman’s reflections on the times.”
Kozlowski said he enjoyed meeting this former councilman from Madison Heights and learning about “how he served the people there by protecting parks and public health.”
Photo by David Meier
C & G Newspapers Staff Writers Maria Allard, Charity Meier, K. Michelle Moran and Dean Vaglia pose with their awards during the Society of Professional Journalists-Detroit Chapter’s Excellence in Journalism awards banquet at the San Marino Club in Troy May 14.
Koury
Kozlowski
Ochss
Melvindale man allegedly plotted mass shooting at TACOM
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
WARREN — A former Michigan Army National Guard member from Melvindale is accused of planning a mass shooting, which was set for May 13, at the U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command in Warren.
Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, 19, planned to carry out the attack for the terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), according to a May 14 press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
“ISIS is a brutal terrorist organization which seeks to kill Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. in the release.
“Helping ISIS or any other terrorist organization prepare or carry out acts of violence is not only a reprehensible crime — it is a threat to our entire nation and way of life. Our office will not tolerate such crimes or threats, and we will use the full weight of the law against anyone who engages in terrorism.”
Said is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist
organization and distributing information related to a destructive device. Each charge carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, according to the release.
The arrest came from the efforts of two undercover FBI agents who Said attempted to recruit for the attack. The court filing details the prep work for the alleged attack planned for May 13.
“…Said provided assistance to the attack plan he originally devised — one that he believed would result in the death of many American citizens — including operational reconnaissance and surveillance of TACOM, including through the use of an aerial drone; providing ammunition and magazines Said understood would be used during the attack, including ‘armor piercing’ ammunition; training regarding the use of a firearm and construction of Molotov cocktails that Said understood would be used during the course of the attack; and planning, guidance and military expertise with respect to execution of the attack,” the court filing states.
Said was caught planning for the attack, according to the court filing. The undercover agents and Said went to a preselected location near TACOM on May 13, dressed in
black clothing, to launch a drone that would provide advance surveillance before the attack.
“The FBI in Michigan is unwavering in our mission to safeguard the American people, particularly our brave service members who risk their lives to defend this nation,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, special agent in charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “In strong partnership with the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will relentlessly identify, disrupt, and bring to justice anyone who attempts to carry out violent attacks against the United States and its territories.”
Said joined the National Guard in 2022, according to the court filing. He did his basic training at Fort Moore in Georgia and, after completion, reported to the Michigan Army National Guard Taylor Armory. He was discharged around December of last year.
“The arrest of this former Soldier is a sobering reminder of the importance of our counterintelligence efforts to identify and disrupt those who would seek to harm our nation,” Brig. Gen. Rhett R. Cox, the com-
The criminal complaint sworn to in federal court on May 13 includes this screenshot image, which investigators said shows Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, 19, in front of an ISIS flag. See TACOM on page 22A
Photo provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office
Communities protest county rate spike for assessing services
and nearly 92% the third year. An optional “smoothing method” raises the rates more gradually, averaging 26% the first year and 140% the third year.
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI AND GENA JOHNSON akozlowski@candgnews.com gjohnson@candgnews.com
ORCHARD LAKE — Communities that contract with Oakland County for assessing services are raising concerns — and in some cases, changing vendors — after a narrowly divided Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted to raise rates.
There are 19 cities and 13 townships that contract with the Oakland County Equalization Division for assessing services, which determine taxable values. The county charges communities on a per-parcel basis. The contracts are for a three-year period, beginning July 1.
The increase affects each community, averaging an increase of 75% the first year
Orchard Lake is among the communities less affected. The increase there is 7.75% the first year, without smoothing, and nearly 18% the third year. It’s a modest increase compared to other municipalities that had double- and triple-digit increases.
Orchard Lake City Manager Gerry McCallum explained why his community saw less of an increase.
“The city is fortunate, in a way,” McCallum said. “We have (already) been paying a larger amount than other communities for assessing services.”
He explained this is because of the large homes, sprawling properties and substantial structures in Orchard Lake. In addition, the assessing service also handles the city’s tax tribunal cases.
See ASSESSING on page 12A
Screen capture from May 1 meeting of Oakland County Board of Commissioners
During the county board meeting May 1, Oakland County Commissioner Michael Spisz, R-District 5, criticizes the board majority’s decision to raise rates on communities contracting with the county for assessing. The final vote was 10-9. Spisz voted against the rate increase.
Budget
work that this council put forth on that 376-page document as it is truly our guiding principle for the year,” Maleszyk said.
The budget shows a total of $196.8 million between all funds, with $77,978,331 for the general fund. Here’s a breakdown of the general fund for different areas of the city:
• The general government category funding totals $12,749,370
• Public safety funding totals $45,657,708 with $34,986,190 for police, $7,674,514 for fire and $2,997,004 for building inspection
• Public works came in at $2,677,666 with $1,988,976 for streets/drains and $688,690 for transportation
• The total funding for community development is $5,401,381
• Recreation and culture totals $11,481,078 with $4,277,500 for parks, $6,614,838 for recreation, $225,300 for the nature center and $363,440 for the museum/historic village
• The operating transfers out category totals $11,128
“Our budget’s foundation was threefold, three strategies,” Maleszyk said. “Number 1: preserve public health, safety, and
welfare. Number 2: focus on core facilities and infrastructure, including major and local streets. And thirdly, provide world class, quality of life amenities. We believe these strategies are accomplished while maintaining one of the lowest millage rates in the state at 9.7919 mills.
. . .The low millage rate is possible by our continued growth in taxable value of over 5% this year, with an overall value of $6.9 billion dollars.”
The capital project fund has a total of $20,196,382 for revenues, transfers and appropriations, with a tax rate of 1.1352 mills and expenditures listed at $20,196,382.
The refuse fund has a total of $7,249,570 for expenditures as well as revenues, transfers and appropriations. Its proposed tax rate is 1.0900 mills.
The library fund shows the total of expenditures, revenues, transfers and appropriations listed at $7,041,440. It has a proposed tax rate of 1.0667 mills.
Other budgets items listed include:
• Major road fund with $8,243,640 for revenues, transfer and appropriations as well as expenditures
• Local road fund expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations listed at $5,526,046
• Transit center category is set at
See BUDGET on page 23A
Assessing
from page 10A
“When (other communities) see a double-digit increase of assessing services … it’s kind of hard to digest, especially when most of our budgets are in place,” McCallum said. “If they had phased it in a little softer, it would have been more acceptable to the communities, and easier for them to absorb.”
According to McCallum, it’s not only the contract for assessing services with Oakland County Equalization that has seen an increase, but others as well, including contracts with the Sheriff’s Department and Marine Patrol.
“We’re not only being hit in one department, but in multiple departments,” McCallum said.
That being noted, the city manager said Orchard Lake currently has no plans of changing vendors for assessing services.
“Oakland County Equalization has done a great job for us in the past,” he said.
Elsewhere in the county
Another example is in the city of Hazel Park. Here, the Year 1 increase without smoothing would be an eye-watering 112%, rising to nearly 133% the third year. In neighboring Madison Heights, the rate increase would be 74% the first year, rising to roughly 90% the third year.
Hazel Park was billed roughly $124,400 for assessment services in 2024; with the increase, the same bill in the new budget would be over $263,700. For Madison Heights, the 2024 bill of nearly $229,800 would be just shy of $400,000.
Officials there were outraged by what
they saw as an inexplicable increase, one with little warning.
“This huge increase doesn’t make any damn sense,” said Ed Klobucher, city manager of Hazel Park. “We understand that in an inflationary environment, there may need to be reasonable increases, but this is an absurd increase with no notice, no heads up, no alternatives. It’s a really poor way to do business with local units of government that have been faithful customers (of the county) for years.”
Oakland County Commissioner David Woodard, D-District 1, chairs the county board. He explained the rationale for the increase at a meeting of the Madison Heights City Council April 28.
“The cost of providing this service is roughly $6.5 million. The amount of revenue that’s been coming in from these contracts after a complete overview is, I believe, less than $4 million,” Woodward said. “So, there’s a massive deficit there.”
He noted the cost increase would help cover many “indirect costs” associated with assessment work, such as HR support to process dedicated staff for each project, the space and equipment required to do that, associated printing and postage costs, and more.
“We are not in the business of making a profit,” he said. “We’re in the business of fiscal responsibility, making sure we’re covering the cost.”
Shortly after the county’s decision, some cities began exploring other options. At its City Council meeting May 12, Madison Heights switched to a new vendor: Assessment Administration Services LLC.
The new firm offered Madison Heights
See ASSESSING on page 19A
CLARKSTON, MICHIGAN
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The entrance to the offices of the Oakland County Equalization Division, in Pontiac. The county’s rates for assessing services is set to increase more than 100% for some communities during the next three years, prompting local officials to explore other options.
Awards
page 8A
“His life story made for great material,” he added.
Kozlowski also earned second place in the community/local news reporting category for the story “Animal rescue in crisis after its Facebook account is closed.”
“The Animal Welfare Society of Southeastern Michigan was at risk of closing after Facebook shut down its network,” Kozlowski said. “Thankfully, a data analyst saw my story and worked with Facebook to get it restored.”
Charity Meier, staff writer for the Farmington Press and the Novi Note, earned first place in the health reporting category for “Novi police officer’s wife spreading awareness after breast cancer diagnosis,” in the Excellence in Journalism awards. Judges commented, “What made this story compelling was the human element. The second paragraph would make a better lead, but overall the voices of the patient, her husband, doctors and the use of data came together to shine light on a less common form of breast cancer. Katie’s and Adam’s courage in telling their story could help others. The writer did a good job of letting them speak.”
“I am thrilled to have been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for my coverage of a rare form of breast cancer, which is common among women during childbearing years. I commend Katie McGee for having the courage to share her story with me, as she underwent treatment, to bring awareness to the disease and help other at-risk women,” Meier said.
K. Michelle Moran, staff writer for the Grosse Pointe Times, walked away with seven awards between the two contests. She won two awards in the feature story category of the Better Newspaper Contest — first place for “Exhibition celebrates work of acclaimed longtime artist and art educator,” and third place for “Music producer from Grosse Pointe makes sound decisions as an artist.” She also took first in the government/education news category for “Teachers, administrators leaving Grosse Pointe schools as contract talks remain unresolved.”
In the Excellence in Journalism awards, Moran took home second and third place in the education reporting category for the stories, “Language teacher brings the world to her students” and “CEO dishes about school food services during visit to North.” Moran also took second place in the feature reporting category for the story,“‘I’m just like every other kid,’ As regional youth ambassador, Grosse Pointe Woods boy raises awareness after own diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes,”
and third place in the breaking/spot news category for the story, “Gearheads make district history scoring silver medals at international competition.”
“We work so hard on these stories, so it’s always rewarding to be recognized by our peers,” Moran said.
Alyssa Ochss, staff writer for the FraserClinton Township Chronicle, Mount ClemensClinton-Harrison Journal and the St. Clair Shores Sentinel, took home second place in the breaking/spot news category of the Excellence in Journalism awards for the story “Priests move to close St. Germaine despite fundraising,” and fourth place in the community/local news reporting category for “St. Clair Shores leaders respond to double voting allegations.”
Ochss said she’s “happy and honored” to receive the awards.
“I worked hard on the two pieces I turned in and I’m glad they were recognized,” she said.
Dean Vaglia, staff writer for the FraserClinton Township Chronicle, the Macomb Township Chronicle and Mount ClemensClinton-Harrison Journal, won second place in the environment reporting category for “Animals of Metro Detroit.”
“Winning an environmental reporting award for my series on animals surprised me at first, but these stories have inspired more calls, emails and letters from readers than any of my other articles, both with C & G and at other publications. Deer, coyotes and birds in the sky capture the curiosity of Michiganders young and old. By using my position to explore these animals and their place within metro Detroit’s ecosystems, readers are able to have their curiosities satisfied, their worlds expanded and be a better neighbor with the many creatures that also call the region their home,” Vaglia said.
“In a year that began with an explosion and ended with an election, 2024 has been taxing for myself and the C & G newsroom as a whole. Being recognized by the SPJ for my work is a high honor, and I thank the judges for their selections and my peers for pushing me to perform my best,” he added.
The Society of Professional Journalists — originally established on April 17, 1909, as Sigma Delta Chi — is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and promoting high standards of ethical behavior.
The Michigan Press Association was founded in 1868 and promotes the power of print and the public’s right to know.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
from page 1A
to HOM, which also urges churches to help.
Five local churches are already involved: St. Blase Catholic Church in Sterling Heights; St. David’s Episcopal Church in Southfield; Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Northville; St. Clare of Assisi Episcopal Church in Ann Arbor; and Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Detroit. A sixth is outside of Michigan: St. Bernard Catholic Church in Billings, Montana.
Dr. Dominique Monde-Matthews, HOM’s founder, said the people of Mirebalais have left their homes.
“The priests know where the camps are and they’re bringing them supplies. They’re also trying to continue schooling so the little ones have some normalcy,” she said. “By helping them stay alive, we hope they can return home someday.”
Another world
John Messina, a parishioner at St. Blase in Sterling Heights, has gone to Haiti with various groups 28 times.
“I remember the first trip in 2000,” he said. “It was like walking into a heatwave — just overwhelming.”
The town of Mirebalais is perched on a
plateau in the mountains near the capital of Port-au-Prince, home to an estimated 200,000. Driving there is perilous, with blind switchbacks along sheer cliffs.
Aid workers say that once in town, outsiders are hit with the stench of sweat and garbage mixed with burning charcoal — the primary means of cooking in a place with no power.
Tightly packed houses line the winding streets. The homes are made of cement block with metal roofs. Light flows through small windows with no screens. There are no furnaces or air conditioning.
There is no municipal water supply, either. Potable water is sold in 5-gallon jugs or smaller. A Haiti Outreach Mission store helps filter and disinfect the water.
Even before the gangs grew in strength, electricity was unreliable, created by hydropower strained by low levels in the river. HOM has tried to offset this with solar panels at the clinics and priest residences.
Yet despite the challenges, the Haitians endured.
‘They were still giving’
Aid workers describe the people of Mirebalais as warm and welcoming. Their faith keeps them strong, with many walking miles to church in their bare feet so their shoes won’t be dirty when they arrive.
Messina recalled driving with a priest to a
church in the mountains — actually a blue tarp strung over some trees above an altar — and having to park on the road with rocks behind each wheel so it wouldn’t slide back downhill. He noticed a group of young adults following them.
“We found out they just wanted to make sure we got there safely,” Messina said. “After Mass, they clung to us and didn’t want us to leave. One gentleman went out and he brought a bushel of coconuts. He was apologetic about the condition of the roads and opened a coconut for each of us. He said, ‘This is a refreshment for you on your way back down the mountain.’ They don’t have enough food for themselves, but they were still giving to us.”
In Mirebalais, laundry is done in the river with lye soap, laid across bushes to dry, and then smoothed with a metal iron filled with charcoal. Much of their time is dedicated to hygiene.
“We usually have rice, but one day they included drumsticks. And I saw a cleaning lady take one that we’d already eaten, and she started chewing on the gristle,” he said. “That was the first time I realized hunger.”
‘Difficult to walk away’
Monde-Matthews is a Haitian native who still has family there. She and her husband, Roger Matthews, founded HOM in 1998 after their honeymoon in her home-
land. Backed by six U.S. churches, the group also works with two in Mirebalais: St. Pierre Episcopal Church and St. Louis Catholic Church.
HOM helped St. Pierre convert a building into a clinic staffed by a doctor, dentist, nurse and others. A lab was added later. When the clinic’s generator needed repairs, HOM replaced it. HOM also sent a compressor for the dental clinic and paid for provisions to feed kids. When mission trips were still possible, the group would also bring fluoride and medicine.
HOM also supports schools such as Monsignor Remi Augustin School — originally an orphanage built with money from St. Blase. The water purifiers nearby were funded by HOM and maintained by St. Louis.
Recently, HOM paid for solar panels at the St. Pierre clinic and St. Louis rectory. The panels are more reliable than the power company and cheaper than diesel.
But there’s much to be done, Messina said.
“The people line up outside the clinic the day before we arrive and wait all through the night. And the sad thing is when we leave, the line is just as long,” Messina said. “It’s difficult to walk away. I don’t know anyone who’s gone who wouldn’t be willing to go back.”
See HAITI on page 16A
Haiti
from page 15A
‘The biggest thing we give them is hope’ Now, much of the city is abandoned. HOM estimates there are about 10,000 people displaced nearby.
“When the gangs started taking over Port-au-Prince, the refugees wound up in Mirebalais, and we helped them. Now, the tables have turned, and the people of Mirebalais are refugees. And one wonders if the gangs will march farther and get them again,” said Monde-Matthews. “It’s so sad.”
In his letter, Gracia, the Episcopalian priest in Mirebalais, said that “misery, for its part, is intensifying.”
Livability
from page 3A
work, planning, sacrifice and strong leadership,” Mayor Baker said in a press release.
“Now the entire country will know what we have known all along. We are so very proud of this recognition from U.S. News & World Report. Troy will continue to be an involved community planning for the future and welcome everyone to come find out just what makes Troy one of the best!”
U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting and analysis and consumer advice on USNews.com each month. This year’s Best Places to Live list expanded to evaluate more than 850 of the country’s top cities based on how well they meet consumers’ living expectations with measures including value, job market, desirability and quality of life. These rankings were based on the information gathered from a public sur-
“Bellies are empty. Children are crying from hunger. Parents, who left without taking anything with them, are powerless to hear their children’s cries,” he wrote.
He urged Americans to give what time and money they can.
“Every gesture counts,” Gracia said. “Solidarity can save a life.”
Messina agreed.
“The biggest thing we give them is hope,” he said.
Donations to HOM are tax deductible. To donate, click the “Donate” button at haitioutreachmission.org, or write a check to “Haiti Outreach Mission,” 5700 Crooks Road, Suite 100, Troy, MI 48098. To learn more, call (248) 385-7411 or visit haitioutreachmission. org.
vey of thousands of individuals throughout the U.S. as well as data from U.S. News’ internal resources, Applied Geographic Solutions and U.S. government agencies including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Census Bureau, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“Choosing a place to live is a lifechanging decision for many people,” Erika Giovanetti, a consumer lending analyst with U.S. News & World Report, said in a press release. “The 2025-2026 Best Places to Live rankings expanded this year to identify cities of all sizes that are most likely to meet the wants and needs of those considering where to call home next.”
For more information, visit livability. com or usnews.com.
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
CALENDAR
MAY 29
Learn about ‘Panic of 1837’: Discussion of political cartoon depicting economic collapse that spring, part of monthly Thursday Teas program, 2 p.m., Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, register at (248) 524-3570 or www.troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/ teas-at-two
JUNE 3
Free Summer Kick-Off Open House: Bring own picnic dinner or purchase on site, hear live music by 19th century brass band Dodworth Saxhorn Band, visit vendor booths to learn about upcoming activities in city, and tour all 11 buildings at Troy Historic Village,
History
from page 6A
responsibilities helped highlight influential figures in history. Our topic of Harley Earl and the Damsels of Design really jumped out to us because our individual was local and made a big impact on the automotive industry.”
Also from Boulan Park Middle School, Sonakshee Phukan received National Finalist in the Junior Individual Documentary category for their “It’s the Quaker in You That Counts: The Founding of the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania” entry and Krushna Dhawale received Best Entry in Naval or Maritime History in the Junior Individual Exhibit for their entry, “Elizebeth Friedman: A Pioneer Cryptanalyst with Rights and Responsibilities.”
“I’m big on education and taking the responsibility to stand up with AND along others,” Phukan said in an email. “I picked this project topic because it resonates with today’s society, teaching people to view education as not a privilege for a specific gender, race, or class, but as something everyone should be born into. This prevents problems, fights, and teaches others to advocate for their rights by taking it upon themselves.”
Erika Berger and I are so proud of our competitors,” Michelle Slaviero, a history teacher at Boulan Park Middle School, said in an email. “The Boulan Park 8th graders that create Michigan History Day/National History Day projects think deeply about topics they are passionate about and produce websites, performances, papers, documentaries, and exhibits that reflect their passions and interests. Including the Michigan History Day/National History Day framework into our curriculum empowers students to create historical, thematic, persuasive thesis statements. They use research and analytical skills to locate primary sources that prove their thesis and that also relate to the yearly theme, in this case, ‘Rights and Responsibili-
5-8 p.m., 60 W. Wattles Road, (248) 524-3570, www. troyhistoricvillage.org
JUNE 7
Day of Service: Help prepare caring bags for those in need or homeless, 9:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, troy.interfaith@ gmail.com
JUNE 19-22
‘Curtains School Edition’: Musical about a muscial in which leading lady dies on stage during opening night in 1959, comedy adapted from original Broadway production for Teen Actors of Ridgedale, 7 p.m. June 19-21 and 3 p.m. June 22, Ridgedale Players, 205 W. Long Lake Road in Troy, (248) 988-7049, www. ridgedaleplayers.com
ties in History.’ NHD is the true work of historians, and every student grows as a result of completing these projects.”
Troy High School students, Sarah Lee, JingYi Ma, and Jack Xu, received National Finalist in the Senior Group Website category for their project, “Sovereignty on Trial: Worcester v. Georgia.”
Other award winners in the 2025 competition include students from Ann Arbor, Bay City, Beverly Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Brownstown Township, Canton, Dearborn Heights, Fraser, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Woods, Hamtramck, Houghton, Kalamazoo, Marquette, Monroe, Newport, Pickford, Saginaw, Sault Ste. Marie, South Haven, Traverse City, Westland, Whitehall and Woodhaven.
“The judges were very impressed by the variety of topics researched by students this year,” Claire Herhold, Michigan History Day state co-coordinator, said in a press release.
“The 2025 theme, ‘Rights and Responsibilities,’ inspired many students to investigate the ways that communities across the globe have been tied to one another and how those consequences echo through time.”
The Historical Society of Michigan recognized three special teachers at the award ceremony. Brenton Fitzpatrick of Bothwell Middle School in Marquette and Christopher Hemler of University Liggett School (Grosse Pointe Woods) were nominated for the National History Day Teacher of the Year award. Also recognized was Jan Klco of Whitehall for her 40 years of service to the Michigan History Day program as a student coach, a district program coordinator, a state program coordinator and a mentor to many teachers and sponsors.
The 70 finalists in the junior and senior divisions will now move on to the National History Day competition, which will take place in College Park, Maryland. The winners of the national contest will be announced on June 12.
For more information, visit www. hsmichigan.org.
Unlock Your Home’s Potential
It is the perfect time to transform your home while protecting your financial future. With a Home Equity Loan tap into your home’s value without touching your existing mortgage rate. Ready for that renovation, student loan payoff, or dream backyard? We’re here to help you make it happen.
Assessing
four times the in-office hours provided by Oakland County, at a cost less than the budget originally planned for fiscal year 2026: $229,980 for the year, with a 4% increase each following year, compared to the county’s anticipated cost of nearly $408,600 without smoothing.
Prior to that, at the April 28 council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss expressed his concerns about the county’s proposal.
“Imagine that you’re paying rent or mortgage on your house at $1,200, which would be a great rate in Madison Heights. Then you get a call two months before the increase that it’s going up to (about) $2,128. … That’s the problem we’re living in here.
“When we’re planning five years in advance and we’re doing all the work we can to provide the best services we can for residents while keeping taxes as low as possible, being hit with this increase at the last minute is just not OK,” he said. “I bet if you polled the residents in this room, they would be wondering where all the increase in this is going to go, if it’s not going to help citizens like us.”
Melissa Marsh, the city manager of Madison Heights, said the city didn’t receive adequate notice.
“You (Woodward) keep alluding to this March memo, which I did receive; I read it at least 10 times since I got this notification. Nowhere in there does it talk about a significant increase,” Marsh said. “Our budget is pretty well set, and I don’t have any flexible money to spend this. I don’t have a fund balance equal to what Oakland County has. I mean, Oakland County has a fund balance of over $200 million, or 45%. We struggle to pay for our policing services here, and had to eliminate four positions and at least $1 million in capital.”
A divided county board
Representing the cities of Madison Heights, Hazel Park and Troy is Oakland County Commissioner Ann Erickson Gault, D-District 3. She voted in favor of the increase. Gault said it wasn’t an easy decision, but she felt it was needed due to rising operational costs.
“I am keenly aware of the financial challenges that our cities face, and I will always try to find a solution that will not burden our communities,” Gault said via email. “That being said, the current assessing rates are unsustainable, and everyone agreed that the rates had to be increased to cover the county’s costs.
“Even with the new rate (of about $30
per parcel the first year), Oakland County assessing services remain less expensive than the average municipal self-managed cost of $33 per parcel,” she continued. “Troy, which I also represent, has its own internal assessing department. Based on its 2024 data, it costs Troy at least $35 per parcel to assess their properties.”
A split Board of Commissioners approved the rate increase at its meeting May 1. The room was tense as the measure passed by a vote of 10-9.
The “yes” votes were David Woodward, D-District 1; Ann Erickson Gault, D-District 3; Penny Luebs, D-District 2; Gwen Markham, D-District 15; Angela Powell, DDistrict 9; Marcia Gershenson, D-District 11; William Miller, D-District 16; Yolanda Smith Charles, D-District 17; Brendan Johnson, D-District 4; and Linnie Taylor, D-District 18.
Voting against the increase were Michael Spisz, R-District 5; Michael Gingell, R-District 6; Karen Joliat, R-District 8; Kristen Nelson, D-District 10; Christine Long, R-District 12; Robert Hoffman, R-District 7; Philip Weipert, R-District 13; Charlie Cavell, D-District 19; and Robert Smiley, R-District 14.
In all, 32 communities are affected: Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Clawson, Commerce Township, Farmington, Ferndale, Groveland Township, Hazel Park, Holly Township, Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Lathrup Village, Lyon Township, Madison Heights, Milford Township, Novi Township, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac, Oakland Township, Orchard Lake, Orion Township, Oxford Township, Rochester, Rose Township, Royal Oak Township, South Lyon, Southfield Township, Springfield Township, Walled Lake and Wixom.
Immediately before the vote May 1, two commissioners spoke out in protest.
Cavell said he didn’t understand the urgency in raising rates.
“There is time to talk it out,” he said. “We’re not in a massive crisis where we need money tomorrow.”
Spisz said the extra money will vanish into what he called the “black hole” of the county’s fund balance “and just sit there in the bank.”
“I cannot believe the amount of effort going into screwing our communities. This is nothing but a freaking money grab,” Spisz said. “I hear ya, we want to get those numbers there. But tell me the last time this county has been hurting for money in the last 25, 30 years? We have yet to have a year where we’ve been in the red.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046. Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
CRIME WATCH
Victim loses around $5K after receiving alerts from multiple accounts
TROY — On May 15 at 1:58 p.m., a man from Warbler Court reported that an unknown person gained access to his Gmail account and used it to transfer/attempt to transfer funds from his online accounts.
He received an attempted withdrawal notification from his Coinbase account and was able to lock the account. When he checked his binance.us account, he discovered all of his funds were missing. The man also discovered funds missing from his Bitrue and Bitmart accounts.
The total loss is approximately $5,500.
Officers apprehend suspect for identity theft
TROY — Officers were dispatched to the Detroit Marriott Troy hotel, at 200 W. Big Beaver Road, for a fraud incident involving a guest currently staying there on May 11 at 8:02 a.m.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the hotel manager who said a guest had checked into the hotel the previous day using a fraudulent credit card. The hotel realized the card was fraudulent when the guest called asking to extend his stay using the card on file. When they re-ran the card, it was flagged as lost or stolen and was declined.
Officers went to the room and spoke with the guest, a 27-year-old man from Ecorse, who was told to exit the room because he was trespassing. Officers asked to see his ID and he said it was in the car, though officers observed a wallet in his pocket and asked to see it. Inside, officers located the man’s ID as well as a fake driver’s license with a name different than his and six credit/ debit cards that did not belong to him.
The male was arrested for identity theft and transported to the Troy Police Lock-up facility for processing.
Officers apprehend suspects for charges related to retail fraud and drug possession
TROY — Plainclothes officers were conducting surveillance on two retail fraud suspects on May 14 at 5:37 p.m. at the Home Depot at 1177 Coolidge Highway.
See CRIME on page 21A
CITY OF TROY
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 20 - CITY OF TROY ORDINANCE
The City of Troy ordains:
Section 1. Short Title
This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the 65th amendment to Chapter 20, Water and Sewer Rates, of the City of Troy Code of Ordinances.
Section 2. Amendment
Sections 5.01 and 5.02 shall be amended as follows:
5.01 Water Rates Charges for water service to each premises within the City connected with the water supply system, for each quarterly (3 month) period, shall be $57.50 per 1,000 cubic feet. Minimum quarterly bills shall be $46.58.
Private fre service lines shall be billed at a rate equal to four (4) times the minimum water bill.
Charges for water service to premises outside the City shall be 150% of those for water service within the City.
5.02 Sewer Rates
A. Charges for sewage disposal, operation and maintenance service shall be levied upon all premises having any sewer connection with the public sewers.
Those premises using metered water shall pay $37.10 dollars per 1,000 cubic foot of water consumption for sewage disposal and maintenance charges.
Where there is no water meter the sewage disposal and maintenance charges shall be $185.50.
Water lines used solely for fre protection shall be exempt from sewage disposal and maintenance charges.
B. 1. Rates and charges established are based upon methodology which complies with applicable EPA regulations.
2. Users of the system must be individually notifed annually of costs for operation, maintenance, replacement and debt service.
C. A ready to serve charge shall be levied on each quarterly bill in the amount of $30.05 dollars less any amount for current consumption up to the maximum of the ready to serve charge.
Section 3. Repeal
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in confict herewith are hereby repealed only to the extent necessary to give this ordinance full force and effect.
Section 4. Savings
All proceedings pending, and all rights and liabilities existing, acquired or incurred, at the time this Ordinance takes effect, are hereby saved. Such proceedings may be consummated under and according to the ordinance in force at the time such proceedings were commenced. This ordinance shall not be construed to alter, affect, or abate any pending prosecution, or prevent prosecution hereafter instituted under any ordinance specifcally or impliedly repealed or amended by this ordinance adopting this penal regulation, for offenses committed prior to the effective date of this ordinance; and new prosecutions may be instituted and all prosecutions pending at the effective date of this ordinance may be continued, for offenses committed prior to the effective date of this ordinance, under and in accordance with the provisions of any ordinance in force at the time of the commission of such offense.
Section 5. Severability Clause
Should any word, phrase, sentence, paragraph or section of this Ordinance be held invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provision of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 6. Effective Date
This Ordinance shall become effective July 1, 2025 or upon publication, whichever shall later occur.
This Ordinance is enacted by the Council of the City of Troy, Oakland County, Michigan, at a Regular Meeting of the City Council held at City Hall, 500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, MI, on the Fifth day of May, 2025.
Ethan Baker, Mayor
M. Aileen Dickson, City Clerk, MiPMC3
Crime
page 20A
The suspects’ vehicle, a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, was observed entering the Home Depot parking lot. Officers contacted the store’s loss prevention, who were able to relay updates to officers from the store’s CCTV system. Loss prevention officers advised police that a man was leaving the store without paying for a DeWalt lawn mower and was heading for the jeep. A woman helped him load the stolen lawn mower into the vehicle.
Officers approached the jeep and took both suspects into custody. When searching the woman’s purse officers found crack cocaine, which was later confirmed by a positive test.
Both suspects were transported to the Troy Police Lock-up facility. The man, a 63-yearold Detroit resident, was charged with first degree retail fraud. The woman, a 49 year-old Lathrup Village resident, was charged with first degree retail fraud and possession of a controlled substance of less than 25 grams.
Multiple controlled substances found during traffic stop
TROY — Officers initiated a traffic stop on the driver of a 2011 Lincoln MKS for illegal window tint around E. Maple Road and Research Drive on May 17 at 10:51 a.m.
Upon speaking with the driver, a 68-year-old male from Madison Heights, officers discovered he had a revoked driver’s license and multiple warrants for his arrest. Officers observed a crack pipe near the center console of the vehicle. When asked, the driver admitted there was heroin in the vehicle.
Officers searched the vehicle and located 0.4 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 0.6 grams of suspected heroin, a crack pipe and a folding knife with suspected drug residue on it.
The driver was transported to the Troy Police Lock-up facility for processing. He was released pending charges to receive medical treatment.
— Sarah Wright
M. Aileen Dickson, MMC, MiPMC 3 City Clerk
PUBLISHED: May 29, 2025
POSTED: May 14, 2025
Published: Troy Times 05/29/2025
TROY SCHOOL DISTRICT
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
The Troy School District will hold a public hearing on its proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year at a special meeting of the Board of Education to be held at Troy School District Services Building, 4420 Livernois Road, Troy 48098, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Copies of the proposed budget will be available for public inspection at the Administration Building, 4400 Livernois, Troy, Michigan 48098, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 13, 2025, through Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING.
Emina Alic Secretary, Board of
Education
Published: Troy Times 05/29/2025
NOTICE
Troy Police Unclaimed Auto Auction
The following vehicles have been deemed abandoned / unclaimed by their owners. They will be offered for sale at a Public Auction on June 6th, 2025 at 10:00am. The auction will be held at A & M Towing, 2075 Austin Dr, Troy MI. Owners may redeem their vehicles until 9:00 am on the day of the auction by paying all charges against the vehicle at A & M Towing. All vehicles are sold “as is” and must be removed within 24 hours. Any questions should be directed to the Troy Police Department Impound Management Team at 248-524-3469.
Please note that we are unable to answer questions regarding the condition of specifc vehicles prior to the auction and we cannot respond to such inquiries.
YEARMAKE MODEL COLORVIN
1999FORD F150 WHI1FTRX17W7XNC12118
2008CHRYSLERTOWN & COUNTRYBLU2A4GP54L97R305034
2011FORD F150 BLU1FTFW1R66BFC76205
2016FORD FOCUS BLK1FADP3F24GL378604
2001VILTECHTL BLKT5193512646041901
2010AUDI A5 WHIWAUJFAFH7AN010192
2017JEEP COMPASSGRN3C4NJDCB3HT616801
2015VW PASSAT BLU1VWAT7A38FC010308
2021CHEVROLETEQUINOX BLK2GNAXKEV1M6151806
2010HYUNDAISONATA WHI5NPET4AC8AH640118
2014MERCEDESML BLK4JGDA5JB3EA299573
2008HONDACIVIC MAR1HGFA16878L042512
2011CHEVROLETMALIBU TAN 1G1ZD5E1XBF202119
2020CHEVROLETTRAVERSEWHI1GNEVGKW5LJ284457
2006PONTIACG6 GRY 1G2ZF55B564181082
2017CHEVROLETSUBURBANBLK1GNSKHKC6HR162884
2014CHEVROLETCRUZE RED1G1PC5SB8E7294322
2005ACURATSX BLKJH4CL96815C010899
2007LINCOLNNAVIGATORBLK5LMFU28507LJ25415
2005CHRYSLERSEBRING RED1C3EL46X35N581579
2007HONDAACCORD BLK1HGCM56787A107841
2006CHEVROLETEQUINOX GRY 2CNDL73F066001162
2001DODGEDAKOTA BLK1B7GG2AX21S193999
2013FORD FOCUS WHI1FADP3F29DL122986
2009DODGEJOURNEY WHI3D4GG57V19T172890
2007PONTIACGRAND PRIX TAN 2G2WP552471113384
2007CHRYSLERSEBRING SIL1C3LC46K07N678625
2009SATURNAURA BLU1G8ZS57B79F162184
1999TOYOTACOROLLA TAN 2T1BR12E0XC201930
2015JEEP COMPASSBLK1C4NJDEBXFD291631
2009CHEVROLETIMPALA WHI2G1WT57K591100546
2013FORD ESCAPE BLK1FMCU0F70DUC91678
2007FORD FREESTYLEBLK1FMDK03137GA09661
2006CHEVROLETCOBALT RED1G1AK15FX67713188
2008SATURNAURA WHI1G8ZS57N98F294422
2011FORD FUSION GRY 3FAHP0HA2BR256371
2012CHEVROLETIMPALA SIL2G1WB5E39C1236863
2014NISSANSENTRA SIL3N1AB7AP4EL620365
2005CHRYSLERTOWN & CTRYSIL1C4GP45R45B370419
2017CADILLACXTS WHI1GYKNDRS8HZ205556
2012GMC YUKON BLK1GKS2MEF8CR177388
2009PONTIACG3 BLKKL2TD66E39B660058
2014NISSANALTIMA RED1N4AL3AP3EC299679
2014BUICK LACROSSERED1G4GB5G38EF163484
2016JEEP CHEROKEE GRY 1C4PJMCB5GW210150
2014CADILLACSRX GRY 3GYFNBE34ES630768
2010FORD ESCAPE TAN 1FMCU0D78AKC71527
2019CHEVROLETMALIBU WHI1G1ZC5ST1KF171240
2003FORD CROWN VIC RED2FAFP74W03X152823
2013JAGUARXF BLKSAJWA0E76D8S85034
2001JEEP WRANGLERBLK1J4FA49S01P319954
2011SUBARUOUTBACKBRO4S4BRBKC6B3390262
2017FORD ESCAPE SIL1FMCU0F7XHUE89822
1986CHEVROLETCAVALIER BRO1G1JC69P3GJ280010
2003TOYOTACAMRY SIL4T1BE32K13U780402
2004LEXUSES330 GRNJTHBA30G345041511
2009CHEVROLETUPLANDERBRO1GNDU33129D107849
2012CARRY ONTL BLK4YMUL0815CG033929
2014DODGEJOURNEY BLK3C4PDCGG2ET277637
PUBLISHED: May 29, 2025
POSTED: May 20, 2025
Published: Troy Times 05/29/2025
M. Aileen Dickson, MMC, MiPMC 3 City Clerk
TACOM
from page 9A
manding general of Army Counterintelligence Command, said in the release. “I commend the tireless work of our special agents and FBI partners who worked together to investigate and apprehend this individual. We
Nature
from page 7A
will continue to collaborate with our partners to prevent similar incidents in the future. We urge all Soldiers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to their chain of command, as the safety and security of our Army and our nation depends on our collective efforts to prevent insider threats.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
Services. It’s based in Troy, a city she has resided in for more than 50 years. Her background includes work in marketing, public relations, corporate communications and journalism.
“Stage Nature Center has so much to offer,” Burgess said. “Their programming is quite diverse.”
Current members on the TNS Board Officers include President Scott Hunter, Vice President Donovan Miller and Treasurer Cathy McNamara. The TNS Board of Directors includes Nicole Betzler, Theresa Brooks, Matthew Burrell, Grace Goetting Gross, Marilyn Opdyke, Fran Stage and Student Board Representative Srinidhi Nagadi.
For more information, visit troynaturesociety.org.
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
Volleyball
from page 3A
sport. … I think that will be something that will become a primary sport in the spring,” Kimmerly said. “Those will be more of onesport spring athletes.”
The focus has always been on doing what’s best for the kids. Even with just four teams at the boys league’s inception, the MIVCA trio of Jason Heerema, Aaron Smaka and Brad Poel have always just wanted to provide opportunities.
“We do this for the kids. We’re here to serve the kids,” Heerema said. “There are boys across the state that are having experiences and creating friendships … that will benefit them for the rest of their life.”
A league that didn’t even exist in 2017 now has around 70 teams statewide and has added double-digit teams every year since 2021.
Girls volleyball has been a huge sport for decades now and the MHSAA structure with the girls will be an inspiration for the future of boys volleyball. The goal all along was to get the boys that same type of league.
“When we started it, I always wanted it to be a MHSAA sport,” Heerema said. “So, that’s how we structured it. That’s how we grew it and developed the rules. We always had the goal of being a MHSAA sport.”
The group of people who brought the sport to a point where it can be a recognized sport in the state and can make this handoff happen should not go unnoticed. Coaches,
parents, officials and more all over the state have dedicated countless hours to getting the boys volleyball program to this point.
“Virtually everybody in this process is a volunteer,” Heerema said. “It’s been strictly a volunteer process from start to finish. … (The students) wouldn’t have this opportunity unless all of these people stepped into this process and volunteered their time and their heart.”
This was an easy decision for everyone involved. The sport has grown so much that the infrastructure put in place when the league was just a handful of teams might not have been able to handle the continued growth as is.
“To say that it’s busy doing this … would be an understatement,” Heerema said. “I will be grateful when the MHSAA takes it over, because I know it will be run very, very well.”
The MHSAA taking the reins of the sport will end a nearly decade-long journey for Heerema, Smaka and Poel. They started something that has flourished and now get to hand it off to someone else to make it grow even more.
“I think when I get to pause and reflect it will be humbling to be a part of something that’s a pretty wonderful historical event, starting a sport and bringing it to fruition with a couple of wonderful friends (Aaron Smaka and Brad Poel),” Heerema said.
For more information on the boys volleyball league, visit mivca.net or mhsaa.com.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
Budget
$161,658 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
• Drug forfeiture fund at $628,221 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
• Community Development Block Grant fund expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations listed at $186,848
• The cemetery fund is listed at $1,335 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
• The Sanctuary Lake Golf Course fund listed at $3,258,239 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
• The Sylvan Glen Golf Course fund at $1,585,042 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
• The sanitary sewer fund is set at $20,867,867 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
• The water fund is listed at $23,450,572 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
• Building operations listed at $1,822,250 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
• Fleet maintenance fund at $8,220,660 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
• Information technology listed at $2,797,500 for revenues, transfer, and appropriations and expenditures
• Unemployment insurance fund at $3,952 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
• Worker’s compensation fund at $873,600 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
• Compensated absences fund listed at $5,800,000 for expenditures, revenues, transfer and appropriations
“On the expenditure side, we continue to monitor our expenditures with strict accounting principles to ensure we are good
stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars,” Maleszyk said.
During the meeting, city council members further discussed the attributes of the 2025-26 budget.
“For me, what this budget meant to me was it really hit home ‘yes, we are in a great financial position as a city but we have constraints’ and really for the first time it became so clear to me, as we analyzed it as a council, where those constraints exist . . .,” Council member Rebecca ChamberlainCreanga said.
“We do have one of the lowest millage rates in probably the entire state and definitely the lowest millage rates in . . . Oakland County,” Council member Hirak Chanda said. “With that, we are doing a lot of good things. Our priorities, as always, (have) been public safety. I believe, in this budget, we increased police funding by 5.8%, fire by 8.5%, which is also accounting for EMS which we expect to spend more money on that to improve our response time.”
“Obviously, it’s been talked about that our city’s priorities and our resident’s priorities are always public safety, infrastructure, parks and recreation,” Mayor Ethan Baker said. “I mean those are the core things we’re responsible for providing as a city government and this budget, like our previous budgets, puts the focus there and that’s always first standard . . . A little bit of conversation was had tonight about the future and the capital needs, and we’ll continue to have those conversations.
This budget, while very healthy from an operational standpoint, if given a close eye you’ll see there’s not a lot of wiggle room for big capital projects. In fact, there’s no wiggle room for big capital projects. We take on capital projects that are absolutely necessary in the moment in our annual budget but without additional funds, some of the bigger projects aren’t going to happen.”
For more information, visit troymi.gov.
Call staff writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
BUSINESS CLIP
Amour Women Work Community celebrates ribbon-cutting on May 8
The Amour Women Work Community is not just a coworking space. It is a luxurious, safe place to dream, connect and thrive.
Founder Canetha Amour-Porter, who celebrated a ribbon-cutting in Troy on May 8, believes that success deserves a stage. Recognizing the transformative power of knowledge and opportunity, Amour-Porter established Amour Women, an organization that serves as a platform for female founders to access vital resources, guidance and support.
Amour Women is located at 2600 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 500 in Troy. Go to workcommunity.amourwomen.com or call (248) 810-2800 for more information.
The Art of Dermatology hosts ribbon-cutting on May 15
The Art of Dermatology held a ribbon-cutting in Troy on May 15. The practice is the premier choice for comprehensive dermatology, surgical and aesthetic services in Michigan.
Owners Vikram and Chethana Gottam and their team are dedicated to offering exceptional care for the diagnosis, treatment and enhancement of your overall skin health. The practice maintains the highest standards of patient care by integrating the latest medical techniques and technology alongside continuing education for the staff.
The Art of Dermatology is located at 189 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite 100, in Troy. Go to theartofderm.com or call (248) 581-0333 for more information.
Mimi’s Nails & Spa celebrates ribbon-cutting in Troy
Mimi’s Nails & Spa owner Jennifer Nguyen hosted a ribbon-cutting in Troy on May 16. Nguyen said she is so excited to open her first salon in Troy after working in the cosmetology field for many years.
She moved to Michigan from Da Nang, Vietnam, when she was 20 to attend Oakland University. While attending school, she worked at a nail salon in Auburn Hills. Mimi’s Nails & Spa is her first sole-ownership project. The shop offers natural nail care using all-natural creams, soaps, scrubs and polish. Services include manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing.
Mimi’s Nails & Spa is located at 287 E. Big Beaver Road in Troy. Call (248) 574-4772 or visit mimisnailstroy.com for more information.
BUSINESS CLIP
BUSINESS CLIP
Homes For Sale
HOMESFORRENT Manyareasandstyles tochoosefrom.Buy withverylittledownand paymentscheaperthan rent!Callforfreelist! HarveyatLeeRealty 586-771-3800 License#6502401322
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Permanent full-time Utility Worker position, $48,484 - $64,230 annually (40 Hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required, and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance, possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record. Pre-employment background investigation and substance abuse testing is required. Interested, applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Monday, June 9, 2025. The Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer, applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download employment application please refer to www.clintontownship.com, click on employment.
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Permanent part-time Park Maintenance Personnel position, $18.37 - $22.92 hourly (32 hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination(s) is required, and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance, as well as possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record. Pre-employment background investigation and substance abuse testing is required. Interested, applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Monday, June 9, 2025. The Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer, applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download employment application please refer to www.clintontownship.com, click on employment.
0298-2522
Systems Engineer Manager (job code 3453) to work in Troy, MI. Opportunity to work from home. Send resume to NSIcareers@nsgr-na.com, N.S. International Ltd., 600 Wilshire Dr., Troy, MI 48084. Must ref job code (3453). 0230-2522
ProjMgr/SW Dev Engr in Test/SW Dvlpr/Data Engr/Validation Engr/App Analyst/Tableau Dvlpr/Tech Prog Mgr
Proj.Mgr. needed to plan, initiate, implement & manage IT projects. SW Dev Engr in Test needed to dvlp & exec. SW tests. SW Dvlpr needed to analyze user needs & dvlp SW solns. Data Engr needed to gather & analyze bus. req. Validation Engineer needed to design or plan protocols for equipment or processes App. Analyst needed to analyze user needs & dvlp SW solns. Tableau Dvlpr needed to produce financial & market intelligence. Tech Program Mgr needed to drive tactical & strategic decisions Work loc. for all positions will include Troy, MI & also at various unanticipated loc. throughout the U.S. which may require relocation. Mail resumes to Populus Group LLC, Attn: Justin Hill, 3001 West Big Beaver Road, Ste. 400, Troy, MI 48084. 0109-2522
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Police stop parachuting trespassers
SOUTHFIELD — Five subjects entered an apartment complex located in the 16000 block of North Park Drive to access the roof on April 24 at 12:57 a.m. The subjects were base jumpers attempting to parachute off the roof of the building. Southfield police officers were able to stop the jumpers, and each of them was issued a ticket for unlawful entry.
Deputies investigate student sending alleged threatening picture
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies received information via OK2Say that a student from the Rochester Community Schools was sending pictures of herself holding a pistol to another student’s head at 2:05 a.m. April 22. The caller was able to provide the students’ information.
Deputies located the student’s residence and conducted a welfare check. Deputies spoke with the student, a 16-year-old from Rochester Hills, and her grandmother. The student said the incident was a prank and the pistol was a facsimile weapon. No one was harmed or injured. The facsimile firearm, the student said, was the property of her girlfriend’s friend, who took the photograph. The student’s grandmother ensured no firearms were present in their residence and that they do not own any firearms.
Deputies were able to identify and locate the second female student involved, an 18-year-old from Rochester Hills. Deputies spoke with the student and her parents. She also said the incident was a prank, the firearm was a facsimile, and no one was harmed. She also provided her boyfriend’s information and location, and deputies were able to verify the firearm was indeed a facsimile and the incident was a prank.
Victim loses over $80K due to scam phone call
TROY — A man from Spring Brook Drive reported, on April 24 at 8:18 p.m., that he lost $85,000 from a scam.
He received a message on his cellphone stating that a request to reset his Coinbase password had been initiated and, if he did not make the request, to call the number provided. He called and was instructed to transfer his funds from his Coinbase wallet to another wallet, which he was told was also operated by Coinbase. After completing the transfer he lost all his funds, totaling $85,000, and quickly realized it was a scam.
Vehicle stolen in West Bloomfield found in Eastpointe WEST BLOOMFIELD — A 42-year-old West Bloomfield woman reported to township police that
her vehicle was being