6/19/25 Rochester Post by C & G Newspapers

FIRE CREW RESCUES DUCKLINGS 3A

connection to

Oakland County home invasions

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — A man linked to a transnational gang suspected in a series of affluent home breakins across Michigan has been sentenced to prison.

On June 16, Chilean national Ignacio Ruiz-Saldias, 29, was sentenced to 10-20 years incarceration for his role in various home invasions across Michigan.

Ruiz-Saldias

Ruiz-Saldias is the first defendant tried in Oakland County with ties to a South American theft ring that Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said targeted eight homes in Oakland Township and Rochester Hills, as well as Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Grosse Pointe and Ada Township, between Feb. 3 and 17.

“I am proud of the teamwork and the effort that brought this case to a close with a conviction,” Bouchard said in a statement. “I hope it sends a clear message to the transnational gangs that there are consequences for criminal behavior in Oakland County.”

JUNE 19, 2025 Vol. 21, No. 14 candgnews.com

Library welcomes new early literacy bookmobile and year-round Sunday service hours

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER HILLS — A new early literacy bookmobile and longer service hours have been added to the Rochester Hills Public Library’s offerings this summer.

The additions, library officials said, were possible thanks to the new library millage approved by voters in August 2024.

eight child care centers and preschools in the library’s service area.

Betsy Raczkowski, the head of the library’s communications and community engagement, said that after 13 years of dedicated service, the bus was long overdue for an upgrade.

“It’s past its useful life,” she noted. “It’s had so many repairs, and we’ve had to have it off the road — and every time we do that, preschoolers, teachers, they are all affected by it not being able to visit. By getting this brand-new bus, we’ll be able to continue service without any interruptions.

See LIBRARY on page 4A See SENTENCING on page 6A

The library’s early literacy bus service began in 2012 with the purchase of a used 2001 Ford ELF with a bequest from the Doris & Charles Edie Estate. It originally visited

Photo provided by the Rochester Hills Public Library

Local dignitaries and library staff cut the ribbon on the new “Big Blue Bus,” which provides early literacy services to the community, June 14.

SECOND FRONT PAGE

Rochester Hills fire crew rescues ducklings trapped in storm drain

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER HILLS — A typical Monday turned into a heartwarming rescue after the Rochester HIlls Fire Department was alerted to a group of ducklings trapped in a storm drain June 9.

Jamie Smith, the community relations director for American House in Rochester Hills, said a resident first noticed a mother duck fly into the center’s secured courtyard — an area surrounded by a fence — to build a nest this spring.

Summer Fest heats up in Shelby Township June 20-21

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Summer is officially here and Shelby Township is celebrating with two days of family fun this weekend.

Presented by the Shelby Township Downtown Development Authority, the township’s second annual Summer Fest will run June 20-21 at the Shelby Township Civic Center Campus, 52700 Van Dyke Ave.

Shelby Township Downtown Development Chair Greg Gagnon said Summer Fest 2025 is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community and shared joy.

“With its diverse activities, live entertainment, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s an excellent opportunity to make cherished memories. Don’t miss the chance to attend and be part of this vibrant community gathering in the Shelby Township Civic Center Campus,” he said in an email.

Community Relations Director Brad Bates and his team created the event last year to help save the township’s Independence Day Celebration and popular fireworks show.

Photos provided by American House of Rochester Hills

American House staff and residents recently delivered a gift basket of treats to the firefighters at Rochester Hills Fire Station 3 to thank them for rescuing ducklings for a storm drain on their property.

The crew flushed out the storm drain, allowing the ducklings to be captured into a special net and lifted out to safety.

Photo provided by Shelby Township

The Independence Day Grand Finale drone show lights up the sky during last year’s Shelby Township Summer Fest. The drone show will take place June 21 this year.

Ducks

from page 3A

Word spread quickly around the center, and residents delighted in watching the ducklings hatch about a month later.

Soon after, there was an unmistakable peeping of ducklings in distress outside, but no one could figure out where the noise was coming from.

It was soon discovered the little ducklings had followed their mother over the storm drain grates, and had fallen through.

In an effort to rescue the ducklings, American House called the Rochester Hills Fire Department for help.

Firefighter and paramedic Mike Littlefield and Lt. Rich Markovitch of Fire Station 3 responded to the call June 9. The rescuers accessed the drain pipe and located the ducklings, who were found swimming together inside. Thanks to their efforts, 10 ducklings were safely removed from the drain and

Library

from page 1A

And, hopefully, we will be able to expand.”

were reunited with their mother nearby.

“We called the Fire Department, and they went down into the drain and flushed them out to save them,” Smith said. “It was amazing.”

To show appreciation for their hard work, American House residents and staff recently presented the fire crew with a gift basket of sweet treats.

“We love whenever we get treats, especially sweet treats,” Donovan Ballerini, a firefighter paramedic for the Rochester Hills Fire Department, said. “Sweet treats always get devoured within minutes, no matter who brings them in.”

The Fire Department, Ballerini said, is called to rescue ducklings from strom drains many times in the spring and summer.

“We get calls maybe one or two times a month,” he said. “On a positive note from this particular duck rescue, now all five of our stations have a brand-new duck net.”

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

Today, the early literacy program visits preschools and child care centers in Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township, providing story times and a mobile book collection for newborns through 5-year-olds. The bus currently visits 17 facilities regularly, and in 2024, it served 26,527 children and teachers.

Local dignitaries and library staff cut the ribbon on the new “Big Blue Bus” June 14. Sporting an in-house design that emphasizes the five practices of early literacy, the custom Winnebago seamlessly takes over the schedule without disrupting service.

Aboard the bus, students can choose their own materials from a specialized collection for checkout, and teachers can select books to temporarily extend their classroom libraries. In the summer, the bus visits the Rochester Community Schools Summer Camp, extending its reach to school-aged kids and allowing the library to provide books and summer reading programs for those students who might not get to the library.

“With a more reliable program, we can expand where there is room and reach out to more preschools in our service area,” Raczkowski added.

Library Director Juliane Morian said the mobile preschool visits have strengthened the community bonds at each center and have given the library insight into how to perfect its service. This summer, be on the lookout for the

bus and enjoy a game of “Eye Spy” as the bookmobile rolls through town, emblazoned with the alphabet, bright colors, and the library’s mascot, Stretch the Giraffe.

“We want to thank our supporters for allowing us to grow,” Morian said in a statement.

This summer, the library is also continuing Sunday hours into the summer months, keeping its doors open 1-6 p.m.

Bob Bonam, president of the Library Board of Trustees, said the library had previously eliminated Sunday hours from June to August as a cost-cutting measure, allowing the library to avoid limiting hours during the week.

“One of the promises made to voters last summer was that the library would add 70 operating hours annually by remaining open throughout the weekends, year-round, if the

additional tax revenue was secured to fund the cost. We are pleased to deliver that promise to our dedicated patrons,” Bonam said in a statement.

Morian said staying open throughout the summer is a goal the library has been working on for years.

“Part of being a public library means being there for patrons, and by adding five hours to every week this summer, we can continue to provide a community space seven days a week,” she said.

The Rochester Hills Public Library’s main branch is located at 500 Olde Towne Road.

For more information, visit www.rhpl. org or call (248) 650-7150.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

Photo provided by American House of Rochester Hills

Firefighters from the Rochester Hills Fire Department enter a storm drain to save 10 trapped ducklings.

Sentencing

from page 1A

Ruiz-Saldias was convicted in April by an Oakland County jury of one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony, and three counts of conspiracy to commit second-degree home invasion, a 15-year felony, for his role in home invasions taking place in February 2023 in Ada Township, Grosse Pointe Farms, Rochester and Rochester Hills.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the highly orchestrated home invasions Saldias participated in typically occurred when the homes were vacant. The gangs used techniques to thwart alarm systems and employed extensive precautions to avoid personal identification on home security camera systems and by forensic analyses of crime scenes. Nessel said losses from similar breakins in recent years fitting this pattern measure in the millions of dollars as money, jewelry, high-value items and safes have been stolen from affected properties.

“Our FORCE Team worked tirelessly in concert with a multi-jurisdictional task force

to investigate and prosecute members of this highly organized criminal operation, which here led to a significant sentence,” Nessel said, referring to the Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement team, in a statement. “I applaud their dedication throughout this case and remain committed to working with our partners to protect Michigan residents, ensuring those who commit such brazen crimes are brought to justice.”

Ruiz-Saldias and four other defendants were arrested in March 2023 in Carmel, Indiana. Through cooperation between law enforcement in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, similarities were discovered in home invasions, and criminal cases were made against the defendants. Two defendants are in custody in Ohio awaiting extradition to Oakland County to face charges in Michigan.

Ruiz-Saldias was charged while in custody at the Hamilton County Jail in Hamilton County, Indiana, where he was convicted on separate home invasion-related charges.

Investigators believe he may also have been involved in home invasions in Wayne and Kent counties.

Bouchard said previously that these

transnational crime groups are made up of individuals from South American countries. He said Oakland County is now on their radar. Bouchard said they are believed to have entered the country in one of two ways, either illegally across the southern border or through the Visa Waiver Program.

He said they purchase fake identification and often overstay their visa and cancel their

return date. They also are known to establish residency in the areas they are targeting. They do this through fraudulent housing applications or Airbnb, he said in a past report.

Ruiz-Saldias’ attorney, Scott Kozak, could not be reached for comment at press time.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

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NEWS & NOTES

Compiled by Mary Beth Almond

Call for artist for Magical Mural Tour

ROCHESTER — Downtown Rochester will once again host the Magical Mural Tour, and they are looking for artists to participate.

The Rochester Downtown Development Authority is accepting applications from artists through Monday, July 7. The event will see 4-by-8foot pop-up murals all around downtown.

The Magical Mural Tour is open to all artists, professional or not, and all ages. All selected murals will be entered into People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice contests, with the winning mural artists each receiving a $250 cash prize. Artists can download the application at https://www. downtownrochestermi.com/magical-mural-tour

“This event has become a community favorite,” Executive Director of the Rochester Downtown Development Authority Kristi Trevarrow said in a statement. “The Magical Mural Tour will give our community one more reason to visit downtown and experience all that downtown has to offer.”

The tour begins Sept.1 and continues through Sept. 30. The Magical Mural Tour is sponsored by the Rochester DDA and Love Local Rochester. For more information, visit www.DowntownRochesterMI.com or call (248) 656-0060.

Our next edition will come to homes June 26. Stay current by visiting candgnews.com.

Celebrating 45 years of Music in the Park

ROCHESTER — The Kiwanis Club of Rochester is bringing Music in the Park to the community for the 45th year. The seven free concerts offer a wide variety of music and an evening of fun for all. Bring your family and friends along with blankets, chairs and picnic baskets, or visit the Kiwanis snack bar for goodies. Everyone is invited to enjoy an evening of music and community in Rochester Municipal Park 7 p.m. Thursdays June 19-July 31. The concert schedule includes: high-energy rock/80’s-90’s dance music from Metamorphic June 19, acoustic Americana and original music by Acoustic Madness June 26, blues power rock from Marshall Luna Blue July 3, Latin jazz band by Sheila Landis Rick Matle Band July 10, the Pretenders tribute band Hynde Sight July 17, jazz vocals and instrumentals from Melody Balos Jazz Sextet July 24, and the Rochester Symphony Orchestra July 31. The members of the Rochester Kiwanis Club thanked Modetz Family Funeral Homes, Dillman & Upton, Rochester Wealth Strategies, Nightingale Co., the Community Foundation Greater Rochester, Serra Rochester Hills and the OPC Social & Activities Center for sponsoring the series.

ROCHESTER’S ANNUAL MAKERS’ MARKET HELD JUNE 21

ROCHESTER — Come shop downtown Rochester’s third annual Makers’ Market on Saturday, June 21.

“The Maker’s Market will be a great way for shoppers to immerse themselves in the creativity of the community. From small businesses, creators, and artists there’s a lot to offer,” Rochester Downtown Development Authority Events Coordinator Jenna O’Dell said in a statement. “With over 45 artisan vendors you’ll find an incredible selection of handmade products.”

The Makers’ Market is sponsored by Genisys Credit Union, and the event will take place 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 21 on West Fourth Street in downtown Rochester. Offerings will include candles, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, paper goods, porch signs and more.

The first 300 shoppers that visit the DDA booth at the front of the market will receive a free Makers’ Market tote bag. There will also be musical performances by Sarah Karras Music 10 a.m.-noon, Lady J 12:30-2:30 p.m. and local musician Bill Russell 3-5 p.m. For more information, visit DowntownRochesterMI.com.

CRIME WATCH

School resource officer investigates assault and battery at high school

ROCHESTER HILLS — The school resource deputy of Rochester High School responded to an assault and battery in the hallway between two students at 1:40 p.m. May 27. When the school resource officer arrived, the suspect, a 14-year-old male from Rochester Hills, was agitated and noncompliant. He was attempting to walk back to the victim, a 15-year-old female from Rochester Hills, and re-engage. The school resource officer handcuffed the suspect.

The Rochester Fire Department responded to check the victim, who received minor injuries to the head from the assault. The victim’s mother arrived at the school and took the victim home for the day. The suspect’s mother arrived at the school, and he was released to her, pending further investigation of the incident. The suspect was advised to remain out of school until notified by school administration.

Subject with warrant arrested in park

ROCHESTER — An officer on foot patrol saw a subject sitting in the Rochester Municipal Park after the posted closed hours at approximately 9:20 p.m. June 3.

The officer made contact with the subject, who had an active warrant. The subject was taken into custody and was held at the Police Department until they could be taken to court in the morning.

Man arrested after road rage incident

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to a Live 911 call near John R and Auburn Road on a report of a road rage incident at 1:47 a.m. May 25. The caller said the driver of a black Ford pickup was attempting to ram into her vehicle. Deputies checked the area and located the responsible vehicle at Weverton and Auburn Road. Deputies also located the caller at Reuther Middle School.

The caller, a 23-year-old woman from Rochester Hills, stated that the other driver had tailgated, “brake checked and attempted to collide” into her vehicle. Fearing for her safety, the woman said she fled and waited in a driveway until the other driver, a 24-yearold man from Warren, left the area. The man waited, found the woman and continued taunting her until deputies arrived, police said.

The man said the woman tailgated and flashed her bright lights at him.

The woman completed a witness statement and provided a recorded video of the incident. The man said he had a firearm and a valid concealed pistol license, which were found in his vehicle. The man was arrested and transported to the Oakland County Jail. The recovered firearm was transported and stored.

Woman crashes into utility pole

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to West Auburn Road, near Simpson Drive, on a report that a vehicle had struck a utility pole at 2:29 a.m. May 30.

Upon arrival, deputies found a white Honda with extensive front-end damage.

Paramedics from the Rochester Hills Fire Department arrived and evaluated the driver, a 26-year-old woman from Macomb, who was found to have minor injuries and refused transport to the hospital. DTE Energy arrived to repair the damaged utility pole. An investigation revealed that the driver was intoxicated.

The driver was transported to the hospital for a blood draw and medical clearance. The driver was released at the hospital due to the need for further testing.

Man prohibited from RCS property after being ‘belligerent’ inside school

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to a school in the 1300 block of Mahaffy Avenue on a report of an irate parent in the building at 4:05 p.m. May 30.

Dispatchers advised that the person responsible, a 52-year-old man from Rochester, was not on scene.

Reporter: Mary Beth Almond | (586) 498-1060 | malmond@candgnews.com

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School staff stated the parent had gone through the front entrance and was irate that his daughter’s shirt was possibly stolen. The father, according to reports, was “belligerent and used profanities” while in the school.

On June 2, the school resource officer conducted a follow-up investigation. The father had entered through front doors that were not secured due to school dismissal. Multiple staff members were interviewed and advised that the father used profanity and was irate during the incident. The man admitted to being frustrated. When he exited the building, he pushed the front door aggressively and kicked a U.S. Postal Service tote that was on the ground of the vestibule.

The father was given a verbal no trespassing warning and was advised that he was prohibited from being on Rochester Community Schools property. He was advised that violating the verbal warning would result in criminal trespassing. The school was advised and will be sending out a letter to the man advising him of the stipulations of the no-trespassing.

— Mary Beth Almond

| klowe@candgnews.com

| (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com

Obits: (586) 498-1099 Automotive Advertising: Jeannine Bender | (586) 246-8114 | jbender@candgnews.com Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Brewster Road rehabilitation project begins

ROCHESTER HILLS — The first phase of the Brewster Road rehabilitation project began June 12 between Tienken and Dutton roads. Traffic is restricted to one-way only in the northbound direction. The Brewster Road water main project is also mobilizing, and pipe installation has begun.

RCS reminds gun owners to practice secure storage during gun violence awareness month

ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS/OAKLAND TOWNSHIP —

June is gun violence awareness month. As summer break begins, Rochester Community Schools encourages all families to help keep kids safe by securely storing any firearms in the home. Secure storage — locking guns, unloading them, and storing ammunition separately — can prevent tragedy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firearm injuries were the leading cause of death in 2022 among children and teens ages 1-19.

To learn more about preventing firearm injury and death, visit the CDC website, www.cdc.gov. Information about Michigan’s secure storage law is available online through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, www/michigan.gov.

— Mary Beth Almond

CALENDAR

JUNE 19

Rochester Garden Walk: Visit private gardens in greater Rochester area, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., buy ticket and get guide with map at Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, museum also offering native plant sale hosted by Rochester Garden Club from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., “fleatique” market from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., native plant garden program with East Michigan Native Plants from 10:30-11 a.m., and all-day tours, rochestergardenclub.org, (248) 656-4663

JUNE 19-22

‘Shear Madness’: Comedy-whodunit about murder at hair salon that changes with each performance, 8 p.m. June 19-20, 2 and 8 p.m. June 21, and 2 p.m. June 22, Meadow Brook Theatre (room 207 in Wilson Hall on campus of Oakland University), 378 Meadow Brook Road in Rochester, (248) 377-3300, mbtheatre.com

JUNE 20

Summer Soirée - Caribbean Calypso: Benefit for Meals on Wheels, includes music by The Island Guys, themed dinner by Kruse and Muer Restaurants, dancing, and silent auction featuring trip to Saint Martin, Detroit Red Wings tickets, fine jewelry and more, 6:3010 p.m., OPC Social & Activity Center, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester, (248) 659-1029, opccenter.org

JUNE 22

Pickleball tournament fundraiser: Presented by Sky Foundation (funds early detection research for pancreatic cancer), all skill levels welcome, 9 a.m.-noon, outdoor courts at Life Time Rochester Hills, 200 W. Avon Road in Rochester Hills, (248) 385-5143, classy. org/event/2025-pickleball-tournament/e683963

JUNE 24

Pedal the Past: Take bike ride to different points

of interest, tours leave at 6 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., meet at Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, open to RHPL cardholders only, register at calendar.rhpl.org or (248) 656-2900

JUNE 25

Festival of the Hills: Entertainment at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 10:05 p.m., Borden Park, 1400 E. Hamlin Road in Rochster Hills, rainout date July 9, www. rochesterhills.org/foth

JUNE 26

Pollinator Picnic: Build bee bath and pollinator garden, also puzzles, scavenger hunt, temporary tattoos and honey bread, bring lunch to eat during opening presentation, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, rochesterhills.org/musprograms

ONGOING

Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until Oct. 25, new temporary location at East Parking Platform, 415 East St. in Rochester, downtownrochestermi.com/farmers-market

Dutton Farm Market: Purchase of produce, plants, art and bath and body products from Dutton Farm participants supports nonprofit’s mission to empower and support adults with disabilities, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays through September, 2290 Dutton Road in Rochester, facebook.com/duttonfarm

Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve activities: Story & STEAM(ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every second and fourth Fridays of month) and Nature Tales Classic (story, snack and craft, ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every third Thursdays of month), 333 N. Hill Circle in Rochester, dinosaurhill.org

Live music: Hear Dispatch with John Butler (with band) with special guests G. Love & Special Sauce and Donavon Frankenreiter June 26, the music

of John Williams performed by Detroit Symphony Orchestra July 6, Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms with special guest Spin Doctors July 11, Buddy Guy with special guests Taj Farrant and Mathias July 19, Lord Huron with special guests S.G. Goodman and Jackamo Aug. 9, Alabama Shakes with special guest Sam Evian Sept. 5, and Lee Brice with special guests Jackson Dean and Lewis Brice Sept. 19, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre (on campus of Oakland University), 3554 Walton Blvd. in Rochester Hills, see times at 313presents.com

• Hear Mobile Dueling Pianos June 19, jazz vocalist Olivia Van Goor July 10, multi-instrumentalist Dave Bennett July 24 and jazz, soul and pop musician Ben Sharkey Aug. 7, all 7-9:30 p.m., Meadow Brook Hall (on campus of Oakland University), 350 Estate Drive in Rochester, (248) 364-6200, meadowbrookhall.org

• Hear rock artists R+D Band June 21 and UC3 acoustic trio June 27, both 5-8 p.m., Festival Park, north of Walton Boulevard and east of Adams Road in Rochester Hills, also Killer Flamingos at 7:30 p.m. June 21, lot behind Talbots, 310 N. Adams Road in Rochester Hills, thevorh.com/events

• Vertical Concert series includes Parallel Fifth June 19, Midwest Dueling Pianos July 17 and Your Generation In Concert Aug. 7, all 7-9 p.m., watch from lawn or terraces of Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University Drive in Rochester, (248) 652-2600, royalparkhotelmi.com/ special-events.htm

• Includes Hynde Sight (The Pretenders tribute) June 20, Dueling Pianos June 27, Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones tribute) July 11 and Atomic Radio July 12, all 8 p.m., The Roxy, 401 Walton Blvd. in Rochester Hills, (248) 453-5285, theroxyrochester.com/events

• 7-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Irish Tavern, 51 N. Broadway in Lake Orion, itlakeorion.com, (248) 845-4476

Summer Fest

from page 3A

“Unfortunately, but fortunately, we had development in the lot where we used to light off the fireworks, so we couldn’t do fireworks anywhere in the township anymore — we didn’t have the open space. So the supervisor and the DDA asked community relations to think about how we could save that Independence Day Celebration, which had become a big part of our summer calendar,” Bates said.

The solution was to combine two former events — the Summer Kick-Off and the Independence Day Celebration — into a two-day event, adding a patriotic drone show in lieu of fireworks.

Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis said he had no idea how the event Bates’ team created would turn out last year.

“They exceeded our expectations and I know they are going to make it even better this year,” Stathakis said in a statement.

During Summer Fest’s inaugural year, the event drew between 7,500 and 10,000 people. Even more are expected to join in the festivities this year.

“It was a surreal event to see everything come together last year,” Bates said. “People loved it and we had fantastic feedback after year one of combining those two signature events into one Summer Fest.”

This year’s event will kick off Friday, June 20, with entertainment and activities for all ages from 4 to 11 p.m. — including a DJ, touch-a-truck, strolling princesses and superheroes, face painting, magicians and a petting zoo. New this year, festivalgoers can enjoy a Swiftie Dance Party at 5 p.m. June 20, where fans of all ages can trade friendship bracelets and get their hair braided with tinsel and glitter before starring in music videos broadcast on the township’s 24-foot video walls while they sing and dance along to their favorite Taylor Swift songs. After the dance party, children can join “The Treehouse” for a live taping of special segments like science demonstrations from the Michigan Science Center and animal encounters from the Reptarium, followed by a live performance by Detroit cover band Parallel Fifth at 8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, June 21, the excitement will continue from 6 to 10 p.m. as the township will celebrate America with a patriotic spectacle featuring a live performance by the Macomb Symphony Orchestra. That day, families can enjoy the kids zone, presented by the Friends of the Shelby Township Library, with a rock-climbing wall, toddler bounce house, a 60-foot obstacle course, a 24-foot inflatable slide, backyard games and more. There will be face painting, a petting zoo and DJ entertainment from 4 to 7 p.m.

Starting at 7 p.m. June 21, the celebration of America will begin with the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife & Drum Corps presenting the colors before the Macomb Symphony Orchestra takes the stage. The night will conclude with the Independence Day Grand Finale drone show from Firefly Drone Shows during the symphony’s finale.

“The finale on June 21 should be a standout moment with the Macomb Symphony Orchestra’s performance followed by the breathtaking drone show. The combination of music and visual spectacle is likely to leave a lasting impression and is a definite crowd-pleaser,” Gagnon added.

Township Trustee Lucia Di Cicco, who also serves on the DDA, said Shelby Township is home to a lot of veterans and active-duty families, loves America, and loves to show it off.

“If you come out to the show on June 21 and you see the drum and fife corps, the symphony, the red, white, and blue drones, and all of the flags being waved, you can’t help but get caught up in the celebration of our great nation,” she said in a prepared statement.

Also new to the event this year is the “Sensory Space” in the historic Hope Chapel — a space for those with sensory sensitivities to relax and enjoy the festivities in a setting free from loud noises, bright lights and crowded areas. Offered in partnership with Oakland University’s Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services, commonly known as OUCARES, the sensory room will be open both days of Summer Fest.

There will also be a craft beer tent and food truck rally courtesy of Connect Macomb, both days.

Visitors are encouraged to park at one of the three shuttle locations and take a bus to the event. Shuttle locations include: parking at the Zebra Holdings at 50074 Mound Road, Shelby Junior High at 51700 Van Dyke Ave. or at Beacon Tree Elementary School at 55885 Schoenherr Road. Shuttles will run from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. June 20 and 5:30 to 11 p.m. June 21. Handicapped parking is available at the 41A District Court building, and golf carts will take guests to and from the event area.

For more information, visit shelbytwp.org/summer or call the township at (586) 7315100.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

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AUCTION

AROUND MICHIGAN

Fight arises in line for Ferris wheel

BIRMINGHAM — On June 1, at approximately 5:55 p.m., a fair employee approached an officer on foot patrol, reporting that an assault had just occurred in the line for the Ferris wheel at Henrietta and Merrill streets at the Birmingham Village Fair.

The officer located the individuals on Henrietta, walking toward Townsend Street. After an investigation, police determined that a verbal argument had started over one of the people cutting in line.

The argument escalated, and one person punched another multiple times. The suspect, a 19-year-old woman from Commerce Township, was arrested and charged with assault and battery.

Teenage girls arrested for fight, sending victim to hospital

BIRMINGHAM — On May 30, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Birmingham officers on foot patrol observed a commotion and people running toward the corner of South Old Woodward and East Merrill.

Officers ran to the scene and found four teenage females involved in a physical altercation, one of whom was lying on the ground and bleeding from her face.

Officers conducted an investigation, including the review of witness cellphone videos.

Police determined the females were acquaintances, and one of the suspects had been actively trying to start a fight with one of the others.

Officers arrested the three female aggressors: an 18-year-old from Southfield, a 17-year-old from Sterling Heights, and an 18-year-old from West Bloomfield.

The 18-year-old victim from Detroit was taken to the hospital for evaluation of minor injuries. Charges were sought for assault and battery, and disorderly conduct through the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.

Teen boys arrested after altercation

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 8:35 p.m. on May 30, a Birmingham officer was on foot patrol on Henrietta Street, between Martina and East Merrill, when he witnessed a physical altercation between four teenage males.

He separated the individuals and began conducting an investigation, but two of them ran southbound into the neighborhoods.

A perimeter was established, and the males were located in a backyard in the 500 block of Pierce Street. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the two individuals who ran were the aggressors in the altercation and had pushed and pulled the upper bodies, shirts and necklaces of the victims during a heated argument.

The suspects, a 17-year-old male from Pontiac and a 16-year-old male from Farmington Hills, were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Woman dies after crashing car into ditch

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Bloomfield Township police responded to southbound I-75, near Squirrel Road, for a fatal crash at approximately 9 p.m. June 2.

The victim, a 20-year-old woman from Livonia, was traveling southbound on I-75 when she lost control and ran off the roadway to the right, into a ditch. Police said the victim was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected when the vehicle rolled over multiple times. The passenger, a 21-year-old male resident of Inkster, was wearing his seat belt and was not ejected.

Both were transported to the hospital. The driver was pronounced dead, and the passenger was released with minor injuries. Drugs and/or alcohol appear to be a factor, police said. Investigators are waiting for toxicology results.

Members of the South Oakland County Crash Investigation Team responded to the scene to investigate the crash. Police were investigating.

Yeti cooler stolen from store

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department took a report for second-degree retail fraud from Dicks Sporting Goods, 2105 S. Telegraph Road, May 29. The manager stated a female suspect went into the store and stole a blue Yeti cooler valued at $275. The suspect was last seen getting into a black BMW in the parking lot. Police were investigating.

Tip jar theft

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 8 p.m. May 24, an unknown person stole a small amount of money from the tip jar at Panera Bread, 30955 Woodward Ave.

Police investigate break-ins at car dealerships

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to Fox Chevrolet located in the 700 block of S. Rochester Road for a possible breaking and entering that occurred over the weekend at 6:20 a.m. May 19. The service director stated that an unknown suspect threw a patio block through a glass window. Four suspects then entered the business, and one suspect attempted to steal a Chevrolet Blazer that was in one of the bays. After being inside the business for approximately 20 seconds, all four suspects fled, and nothing was taken.

Surveillance video was being reviewed to narrow down the time of the theft. Physical evidence was located by the broken window and was submitted into property to be analyzed for DNA evidence. The suspects left in a stolen Kia Forte that was observed prior to the incident.

The day prior, a broken window was discovered

Nothing was taken.

Man arrested for passing stolen checks

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were actively seeking to arrest a subject who had been passing stolen checks to local businesses in Rochester Hills. As a result of the investigation, the subject was identified but had not been arrested. The subject also had a felony warrant for his arrest for a breaking and entering offense, which had been confirmed by the Birmingham Police Department.

Deputies observed the subject, 43, of Rochester Hills, walking into the Salvation Army, 823 E. Auburn Road, carrying a backpack and duffel bag. Deputies set up a perimeter around the store and entered the building using both the north and south doors. The subject was located inside the store and was apprehended. Deputies searched the subject and in his backpack found additional stolen checks and stolen credit cards. The subject was arrested and lodged at the Oakland County Jail.

Teen found driving with suspended license, passenger caught with gun

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were patrolling the Walmart parking lot, 2500 S. Adams Road, when they observed a vehicle illegally parked in a handicapped space at 6:20 p.m. May 22. Upon seeing the deputy, the driver of the vehicle drove from the lot and parked in the parking lot of an adjacent business. Based on the observed violation and suspicious behavior, the deputy contacted the occupants.

An investigation revealed the driver, a 19-year-old man from Pontiac, had a suspended license. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded pistol with no serial number.

The passenger, an 18-year-old from Pontiac, admitted the pistol was his. The vehicle was impounded. The driver was issued an appearance ticket for driving while license suspended. The passenger was arrested and lodged at the Oakland County Jail for carrying a concealed weapon.

Man scammed by fraudulent arrest warrant claims

TROY — A 34-year-old man from Mountain Drive reported, on May 27 at 6:16 p.m., that he received a phone call from an unknown person who claimed there was a warrant out for his arrest due to missing federal jury duty.

The scammer said the matter could be resolved by purchasing Bitcoin and sending it to them via a kiosk. The man borrowed money from a family member and sent $5,000 to the suspect in bitcoin.

Scammer pressures woman to give up personal information

TROY — On May 22 at 12:21 p.m., a 97-year-old victim from Somerset Boulevard reported that she received a phone call from a man claiming to be with the government’s investigation sector.

The man told her he needed to obtain some of her personal information to prevent her from being scammed. The woman was hesitant to provide the information, and the male told her the government would come to her house and arrest her if she didn’t cooperate.

The woman provided her personal information and account information to the scammer.

Woman reports product promotion dispute

TROY — A woman from Drexel Drive reported, on May 29, that she was contacted on TikTok by a company offering her $300 to promote their product.

They also said they would send her $1,500 to send to a vendor for jewelry.

She never received the money and the company was demanding she send back the $1,500, claiming that the payment went through to her account.

Owner attempts to stop vehicle theft

SOUTHFIELD — At approximately 6:36 p.m. May 31, a person saw his 2016 Chevrolet Camaro being stolen from the 26000 block of Berg Road.

The man attempted to stop the suspect and a fight over the vehicle took place. During the altercation, the suspect was stabbed. The suspect fled and was located by officers and arrested. The vehicle was recovered.

Stolen truck found engulfed in flames SOUTHFIELD — On May 29, a Southfield man’s truck and trailer were stolen from the 28000 block of Northwestern Highway while workers were loading the vehicle. The man was able to track the vehicle to an address in Detroit, where it was found engulfed in flames and being extinguished by the Detroit Fire Department. The trailer was located a few blocks away with all equipment missing.

Food, soap, baby wipes stolen during armed robbery

SOUTHFIELD — A business in the 28000 block of Telegraph Road was robbed at 6:22 p.m. May 26. Three suspects committed retail fraud at the business. A male suspect threatened to shoot the loss prevention officer when confronted. The suspects fled, but were stopped by officers. The suspects were arrested and a handgun and the stolen items were recovered.