Historical Society to host rededication of WWII Honor Roll
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER — Families, friends and community members are invited to celebrate the rededication of Rochester’s WWII Honor Roll at 6 p.m. July 16.
The monument, located adjacent to the Rochester Police station, near Rochester Municipal Park, has a long history in the community.
The beginning
Deborah Larsen, a former local history and genealogy librarian, said the local chapter of Blue Star Mothers wanted to honor the people from the Rochester area who served in the armed forces during the war and fundraised for the WWII Honor Roll, which was dedicated in 1945 at the intersection that is now University Drive and Walnut Boulevard.
See REDEDICATION on page 18A
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER — The Rochester Police Department is inviting public comments during a voluntary state assessment next week.
The Rochester Police Department
Rochester Police Department vies for re-accreditation from state
PUBLIC FEEDBACK WANTED ON POLICE JULY 15
achieved accreditation from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission for the first time in 2022.
compliance with the standards.
The accreditation is valid for three years, during which the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued
“It’s a big deal,” said Lt. Keith Harper, who also serves as the department’s accreditation manager. “There’s a lot that goes into it, and everyone has to do their part.”
On Tuesday, July 15, a team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission will return to Rochester to re-examine all aspects of the city’s Police Department — including its policies and procedures, management, personnel,
See POLICE on page 6A
BELOW: The refreshed WWII Honor Roll and auxiliary panel features new lighting to highlight the monument in the evening.
Photo by David Berletich
LEFT: A commemorative stone dedicated to Sgt. Sparks, a distinguished WWII U.S. Marine Corps “Devil Dog,” is now featured beside the WWII Honor Roll, located outside the Rochester Police Department.
Photo provided by Hugh Patterson
Grieving family gifted a year of mortgage payment assistance
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP/STERLING HEIGHTS — Lisa Durie, of Sterling Heights, thought she was going to a routine meeting with a financial adviser July 1, but instead, she was met with a generous surprise.
The 60-year-old, who became the sole guardian of two of her grandchildren this spring, was presented with a check to help with her monthly mortgage payments for a year.
“I don’t know if I can experience any more emotions,” Durie said as she learned of the news. “It’s just overwhelmingly wonderful.”
Kaizen Financial Inc., of Shelby Township, in partnership with the Gradient Gives Back Foundation, gifted Durie $24,000 toward housing payments to help her family, which has suffered devastating losses the past couple of years.
With $2,000 a month for the next year toward the family’s mortgage — along with extra gift cards for things like groceries, clothing and school supplies — the family is able to have stability and peace of mind.
The financial assistance is a blessing for Lisa, who, up until two years ago, had been living more than four hours north and caring for her own parents when her life changed course.
“I’ve always been a giver, so for me to get something (like this) is humbling,” she said. “It’s a beautiful experience.”
Albert Lalonde, who owns Kaizen Financial Inc., said he’s been involved with the foundation for a few years.
“We’ve had a lot of recipients come through, but what
See GIFT on page 8A
Light it up
TOP: The Festival of the Hills fireworks show lights up the sky June 25 at Borden Park in Rochester Hills. ABOVE: Red, white and blue fireworks wow crowds during the 2025 Festival of the Hills, Oakland County’s largest fireworks show. TOP RIGHT: Children enjoy the foam party pit during the festival, which also featured an outdoor movie, inflatables, a petting zoo, dodgeball, musical performances and more.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Crowds gather to enjoy the musical performances and the fireworks show during the 2025 Festival of the Hills.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
Experts offer advice to protect gardens from hungry deer, rabbits and insects
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Many homeowners take pride in the creation of their gardens and foliage, so protection of that area is key.
Whether it’s small insects or roaming deer, intruders can have a profound effect on a home’s garden and greens.
David Lowenstein, a consumer horticulture educator with Michigan State University’s Macomb County Extension Office, said homeowners should consider modifying the habitat of their garden area to prevent wildlife from finding it.
“Especially for deer, any kind of fencing would be very helpful for keeping them away,” he said. “The other option would be repellents. So, foul smells or products that have hot pepper that would repel deer and/or rabbits. You have to be careful, though, by applying them directly to plants that you might eat, to make sure that if you use them, that it’s acceptable use within them (guidelines for use). Then for rabbits, removing any kind of brushy or weedy areas that are unmanaged
where you see rabbits going, if they have less spaces to hide, that might be a way to reduce the amount of time that they spend on your property when they’re not feeding.”
Lowenstein explained that animals such as deer and rabbits are not picky when it comes to eating plants, as they will feed on a variety of evergreen shrubs like arborvitae, yews and hollies.
He also said they will feed on different kinds of perennials and, particularly for rabbits, they like tender, young plants.
“Early in the season is when there’s the highest risk of damage to your garden,” Lowenstein said. “If you’re just planting something new, that would be the main time to think about putting up small wire cages or some kind of small fencing to keep the rabbits away. Rabbits are less likely to feed on mature plants, whereas deer are the ones that pose a greater risk to both mature and younger plants.”
“Deer are less likely to feed on plants whose foliage is hairy or that has strong odors or that has spines on it,” he continued. “So, things like lamb’s ears, ornamental grasses, catmint, Rus-
See GARDENS on page 9A
Photo by David Wallace
Shutterstock image
ABOVE: “Yew look delicious,” thinks this deer as it approaches a shrub at a home in metro Detroit. BELOW: Gypsy moth caterpillars can cause significant damage to roses, leading to weakened plants.
Police
from page 1A
operations, and support services — to determine if it will retain state accreditation.
In order to achieve accreditation, law enforcement agencies must comply with 128 state standards — which cover areas like recruitment, background investigations, performance evaluations, officer wellness, deadly force, duty to intervene, duty to render aid, early intervention, choke holds, biased-based policing, data collection, transparency, internal affairs complaints, training, subject control and de-escalation, body cavity searches, and body-worn cameras. These standards, Silverthorn said, are intended to build trust with the communities in the jurisdictions served by accredited law enforcement agencies.
Accreditation program manager for the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police retired Officer Matt Silverthorn said the accreditation process is not just about achieving a status, but about creating a continuous process for improvement.
“Accreditation status represents a significant professional achievement,” he said. “Accreditation is a progressive and timeproven way of helping law enforcement agencies calculate and improve their overall performance.”
As part of the final on-site assessment July 15, employees and community members are invited to provide comments about the Rochester Police Department to the state assessment team by phone, email or letter.
Officials said phone comments — which must be made between 9 and 11 a.m. July 15 by calling (248) 609-0611 — will be limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the commission’s standards.
“People can call in and talk about how
the Rochester Police Department is or is not following the standards. It’s specific to the accreditation process, and the assessors will take that into consideration,” said Harper
Email comments about the Rochester Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation can be made through July 15 at police@rochestermi.org or to the accreditation program manager at msilverthorn@michiganpolicechiefs.org. Written comments can also be mailed to the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 3474 Alaiedon Parkway, Suite 600, Okemos, MI, 48864, before July 15.
The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar Michigan law enforcement agencies, who review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.
Of the 573 law enforcement agencies in Michigan, 95 agencies — including the Rochester Police Department — have been accredited.
In a statement, Rochester Police Chief George Rouhib said verification by the team that the Rochester Police Department meets the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission’s “best practice” standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, which he said is “a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.”
A copy of the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission standards is available for inspection at the Rochester Police Department, 400 Sixth St., by calling Lt. Keith Harper at (248) 651-9621.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
Rochester Police Officers
Merlin Taylor and Ryan Hankey hand out sticker police badges to children at Rochester Municipal Park.
Photo provided by the Rochester Police Department
Rochester Kiwanis Club supports Macomb Foster Closet
ROCHESTER — Rochester Kiwanis Club members Edie Rancilio, Eugenia and Roger Bajorek, and friend Sequoyah Hill, a member of Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, deliver donations collected from Kiwanis members and BUCC’s Necessities Drive to the Macomb Foster Closet.
Foster Kids have been a continuing concern of the Kiwanis Club since longtime Kiwanis member Jeanine Daly introduced the club to the group’s needs. Daly passed away recently, and club leaders said she will be greatly missed by the club, her many friends and her devoted husband, Mike Daly, also a longtime Kiwanis member.
Garden Club hosts afternoon of tea and flowers
ROCHESTER — The Rochester Garden Club is hosting “Steeped in Beauty: Teas and Flower Arranging,” an event to fill the senses and please the tastebuds 1-3:30 p.m. July 15 in the calf barn at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm. Speaker Maryanne Munroe, the owner of the Spice and Tea Exchange in downtown Rochester, will explore the varied world of teas.
People can learn brewing techniques while exploring tea varieties such as black, green, herbal, oolong, chai and more. Every participant will receive a vintage teacup to take
OAKLAND COUNTY OFFERS VAPE 101 VIRTUAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
OAKLAND COUNTY — Vape 101 is a free, one-hour educational training about the real dangers of vaping. People can learn more about how e-cigarettes operate and identify commonly used products; health consequences, safety and other concerns; why youth are using these products; and vaping prevention resources. The training is open to parents, community members and organizations, and middle, high school and college students. Training times include: 10-11 a.m. Thursday, July 10; noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, July 22; 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, and 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19. Register at https://bit.ly/3UfbdyB. The training link will be sent out one day before the event. Contact Melanie Stone at stonem@oakgov.com with any questions.
home, along with a rich knowledge of the world of teas. Treats will be served.
The program will include a demonstration of flower arranging. The club’s own Sandy Adams will guide guests through the best way to make creative flower arrangements. The cost of the program is $50, and tickets can be purchased through the Rochester Garden Club website via Eventbrite or through the “contact us” tab. Seating is limited. See the Public Events section at RochesterGardenClub. org for more information and to purchase tickets.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISPOSAL TRAINING PLANNED
OAKLAND COUNTY — In a free online class, an Oakland County Health Division health educator will share how to dispose of medications safely and properly. Participants can learn what local stores in Oakland County accept medications and provide safe medication disposal kiosks. The class is open to adults. Training events will be held noon-1:30 p.m. July 17 and 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 14. Register at https://bit.ly/4kT3Zvz. The training link will be sent out one day before the event. Contact Melanie Stone at stonem@ oakgov.com with any questions.
Oakland University advancement employee honored with 2025 Sharon Wilhelm Excellence Award
ROCHESTER HILLS — Oakland University Constituent Records Coordinator Brian Montgomery said he takes pride in doing the “little things” that help his colleagues do their best work.
A key member of the University Advancement team, Montgomery is responsible for ensuring that donor records – names, addresses, gift agreements, pledge documents, and correspondence files – are accurate and up to date. He also orders supplies, prints gift receipts, and shares his institutional knowledge to help make others’ jobs easier and more productive.
“I don’t mind repetition. Even in my personal life, I’m very structured and routineorientated,” he said in a press release. “I think that’s one reason they like to keep me around, because I love routine – I thrive on it.”
The Sharon Wilhelm Excellence Award is given annually to a clerical-technical employee who officials said “exemplifies the positive, can-do spirit of Sharon L. Wilhelm, who spent her 45-year career providing exceptional service to the OU community.”
Colleagues nominated Montgomery for the award, praising his technical expertise, genial personality, and team-focused approach.
“Brian has been an asset to University Advancement, specifically to the Gift Accounting Department,” Director of Advancement Operations Stephanie Pollock said in a press release. “He has mastered the technical skills necessary to be more efficient in processing data updates and regularly takes on new tasks in order to keep our jobs running smoothly.”
Reflecting on his long career at OU, Montgomery said he feels fortunate to work in such a positive, supportive environment.
“I told (Vice President for University Advancement Mike Westfall) that I wouldn’t have stayed for 27 years if I didn’t enjoy working here, and even though there’s been different waves of colleagues, I don’t think I’ve ever had any disagreements with anybody,” Montgomery said in a press release. “I’ve worked with so many great people, in a great environment. The whole OU experience from day one has been awesome.”
Gift
from page 3A
touched me about this family was their story,” Lalonde said.
In 2023, Lisa’s daughter, Christina Durie, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of appendix cancer, just one day after giving birth to her son, Isaac. Christina has two children — 12-year-old Ava and Isaac, who will turn 2 in September — with her longtime partner Robert Hill. Hill died by suicide in 2023.
Following the loss of Hill, Lisa decided to move to Sterling Heights permanently to support Christina through treatment while helping her care for the children.
With doctors optimistic about remission, the mother-daughter duo decided to combine incomes to purchase a larger home that would fit the entire family, one that included a pool — intended to be a joyful escape for Ava.
But in December, new scans showed the
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
cancer was no longer responding to chemotherapy and had spread. Christina, 33, died in March, after a 19-month battle.
“It’s been a crushing two years. I miss my girl,” Lisa said.
At the age of 60, she never imagined
stepping into a full-time parenting role again, especially in a home that was never meant to be solely her responsibility.
Today, Lisa is doing everything she can to keep life steady for Ava and Isaac. And thanks to the financial assistance, Lisa and her grandchildren can relax for at least the next year.
“Two thousand dollars a month is a big chunk of our monthly expenses,” Lisa said. “That will be such a blessing, and just give me peace of mind.”
“I am so grateful and very thankful. I feel like I just lost a ton of weight (off my shoulders).”
Lalonde said he relates to Lisa’s journey.
“I lost my sister, as well as my mother, to cancer,” Lalonde said. “It’s a big story that all my clients understand and why I do what I do today as a financial planner.”
Lisa’s hope is that the family can at least remain in their home until Ava graduates from high school.
“I know Christina is smiling down right now, and I know she’d be so grateful,” said Lisa.
Albert Lalonde, CEO of Kaizen Financial Inc. in Shelby Township, presents Sterling Heights resident Lisa Durie and her grandchildren, Ava, 12, and Isaac, 1 1/2, with a check for $24,000 to cover mortgage payments in the next year.
Gardens
sian sage, they don’t like feeding on those plants.”
Matt Colonius, co-owner of Piechnik’s Greenhouse & Garden Gate in Oakland Township, said the first thing homeowners should do is identify what kind of pest they’re dealing with, as the biggest mistake they could make is to misidentify what issue they’re dealing with.
Colonius said fencing, netting and chicken wire are good for protection from these animals. For gophers, rabbits and squirrels, homeowners can use castor oil and scent-based repellent such as cayenne.
Issues with deer tend to be the most frequent complaints that Colonius hears from his customers, as deer go after all kinds of plants, flowers and vegetables. He recommended Deer Scram to help repel the mammals.
“It’s not affected by rain,” he said. “It’s like a granule powder and … it gets washed away when it rains. So, the Deer Scram is highly recommended to keep the deer out of the garden.”
In the cases of insects invading the gar-
dens, each year can be different as to what insects arrive, Lowenstein said.
Annually, there will be the same insects such as aphids, sawflies on roses and squash vine borers on squashes, but there also will be less-common insects that peak every few years.
“This year, I’ve been seeing a lot of reports of insect borers in different native plants,” he said. “So, these are either moths or beetles that lay their eggs towards the tip of the plant, and then it causes the tips, including the flower bud, to wilt. So, it doesn’t look like anything is wrong externally, just the plants are wilting. It seems almost like a watering issue. … It really depends on the kind of crop, too. Some insects are specialists. Others, like Japanese beetles, will feed on almost any kind of foliage.”
Lowenstein said a lot of destructive insects have beneficial insects, predators and parasitoid wasps that will attack them. Because of this, he doesn’t recommend using insecticides as the first option for controlling insect pests.
“If you have a garden that has a variety of wildflowers, the same kind of plants that are good for pollinators are also good for a lot of these beneficial insects,” he said. “The other strategies would depend on the
insect pests. For plants, like aphids, they can be sprayed off the plant with a strong force of water. Other types of insect pests, maybe they need row covers to put over the plants to stop them from actually reaching the foliage. Or, as a last case resort, insecticides if the insect pest is causing damage to the point where, if it’s not controlled, it’ll kill the plant completely.”
One suggestion Colonius offered was to use neem oil to protect your garden. Neem oil is used to control black spot mildew, rust, spider mites and aphids. It helps prevent bugs,
but it also helps injured plants and is organic. “Powdery mildew right now is becoming a problem because of high humidity,” he said. “So, what’s nice about neem oil is, it will also get some of the mildew and some of the funguses, but it also controls, like, spider mites. So, that’s the really great thing about neem oil, if you’re treating for insects and you’re a beginner and you don’t want to worry about your pets and the neighbors and yourself.”
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS
IMMIGRANTS THRIVE IN BUSINESS, SHARE AMERICAN CULTURE
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The United States of America is the melting pot of people and cultures: a nation built on the dreams of people who came here from around the world, often to escape persecution.
Three business owners in C & G’s coverage area recently took the time to share their stories of how they found their dream through hard work, determination, and dedication in America.
‘If you apply yourself, you can make it’
Johnette Eggert, owner of Elite Bridal and Donate a Gown USA Int’l in Farmington Hills, came to the U.S. 30 years ago to escape the civil war in her native Liberia.
“I think it was the best decision they made for me,” Eggert said of her parents’ decision to bring her to the U.S.
She said she knows Africa and recalled seeing people get lined up and slaughtered in Liberia. She said people from Africa would be grateful just to be
here in the U.S. and to have the chance to obtain their dreams.
“It’s America, and the whole world fits in America. America is a big enough light. You go to Liberia, and people would give anything in the world to come here. Even if they’re sleeping on the street, they know that they can go to the church and get food. You can go and get a job. If you apply yourself, you can make it,” Eggert said.
She said entrepreneurship runs in her blood. Her parents founded the Richard M. Nixon Academy in 1965, a private school in Liberia for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Eggert said she believes education is the key to success for anyone. She also strives to help provide food to the community by donating to Cares in Farmington Hills.
Through the bridal shop, Eggert said she hopes to help local youth continue their education by providing scholarships. She also wants to support the schools her parents started in Liberia, where a teacher makes $25 and a principal, $75.
Johnette Eggert came to the U.S. from Liberia 30 years ago. She said owning a business was a dream of hers after working as a substitute teacher in Madison Heights and hearing girls say how they wished there was an affordable store where they could shop for highend dresses.
It was her father’s kindness and generosity to
See BUSINESS on page 17A
said she and her husband, Rodrigo, decided to look into franchising their own Biggby Coffee business after the birth of their second child. Since coffee is such an important part of Brazilian culture, they thought it was the perfect type of business to get involved in.
TOP:
BOTTOM: Mariana Steganha
Photos by Charity Meier
FRIDAY, JULY 11TH
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SUNDAY, JULY 13TH FRIDAY, JULY 18TH SATURDAY, JULY 19TH
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12TH SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH
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“All Aboard the Magic of Downtown Rochester- The Roxy Trolley & Parlor House Have Arrived!”
Sip, Ride, and Revel in the Charm of Downtown Rochester’s Newest Vintage Experience.
StretchLab Rochester Hills Celebrates Grand Opening with
cutting on Thursday, July 17 at 4:00 PM, followed by a full weekend of free demo
stretches, raffles, giveaways from local businesses, and exclusive Grand Opening offers.
As part of the celebration, guests can take advantage of a last-chance opportunity to lock in Founders Membership Rates— plus receive $50 off their first month when
signing up during the event.
This marks the fourth location opened by the StretchLab Metro Detroit team in under three years, with successful studios already operating in Grosse Pointe, Shelby Township, and Troy. The Rochester Hills studio will feature a team of 6–8 highly
trained Flexologists, offering customized one-on-one assisted stretching to help improve flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance mobility for all body types and fitness levels.
“We’re proud to be locally owned and operated, and to have roots here as both a woman-owned and first responder-owned business,” the team shared. “This isn’t just about stretching—it’s about helping people move, feel, and live better in every stage of life.”
The event is free and open to the public, with food, raffles, and expert-led demos
Grand Open Promo:
• Free Mobility Assessment and Demo Stretch
• Last Chance Founding Member Rates
• $50 OFF First Month
happening throughout the weekend (by appointment only). Whether you’re new to stretching or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, the StretchLab experience offers something unique for everyone.
To book a free demo stretch or learn more, call or text the Rochester Hills studio, or visit StretchLab online and submit your info. Just search StretchLab Rochester Hills to find details.
FREE DEMO STRETCH
Village of Rochester Hills Transformed Into Outdoor Art Gallery
Fine Art at the Village of Rochester Hills, MI NE corner of Walton and Adams
Saturday, July 26th 10am - 6pm & Sunday, July 27th Noon - 6pm
e charming location of the Village of Rochester Hills shopping center will be transformed into an outdoor art gallery when it hosts the 21st Annual Fine Art at the Village of Rochester Hills on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, 2025.
is outstanding juried art show is curated by the same people who have established the Village Fine Art Gallery located in the Village of Rochester Hills – assuring that this summer event is of the highest caliber.
Over 60 artists from across the United States have been invited to show their work at Fine Art at the Village of Rochester Hills. An outside panel of experts juried the entries and asked artists with the highest scores to participate. Free admission, free parking, free entertainment, free children’s activities. Located on the NW corner of the parking lot, behind Bravo’s rear entrance.
Artwork in every media will be featured including ceramics, glass, painting, drawing, multi – media, sculpture, photography, ber art, wood, jewelry and more. Creative Arts Council, a non-pro t art group, sponsors the juried art festival.
Again this year, there will be plastic Easter Eggs hidden around the art fair. Some eggs will contain $1.00 Bills and others will contain $25.00 & $100.00 Coupons can be used as cash at artist’s booths only.
those less fortunate that ultimately spared his life in Liberia. Eggert’s father, John Woolu, worked for the Liberian government and was on a hit list. However, the hitman who was assigned to assassinate her father recognized him and recalled how he had fed him as a young boy, when his family was homeless. So instead of killing him, he took her parents to the border, where they were able to return to the U.S.
Eggert said the business was a dream of hers after working as a substitute teacher in Madison Heights for many years and hearing girls repeatedly say how they wished there was an affordable store where they could shop for high-end dresses.
“I had a dream and for months and months, I kept thinking about the dream, and I kept thinking about the vision, and what I would hear the students say about how they wished they had a place that was fancy and had a set up that wasn’t like a thrift store, but still be getting a resale item that was high end, and I was like, ‘I can do that.’ And here it is,” she said.
‘The feeling of brightness and happiness was the first feeling I had’
Jenny Wu, who owns three Chinese restaurants, came to the U.S. as a child in 1981 to escape political turmoil in her native China. Her family was labeled as traitors to the country by the Communist Party.
“There was a lot of changes. I noticed the streets were brighter. The streetlights just made it seem like America was really beautiful,” Wu said of her initial impression of America. “Back in the day in China wasn’t like how it is now. They didn’t allow people to have lights or have anything really. The streets were always dark at night. So that alone, just entering into the United States, the feeling of brightness and happiness was the first feeling I had.”
She said initially, a language barrier caused her family to struggle with employment for a while. She said they only came to the U.S. with approximately $30 and two suitcases. Eventually, her mom started one of the restaurants Wu owns with a friend in order to help her godson get a green card.
However, her mom, a pianist, did not really care for the stress of the restaurant business, and her mom’s godson didn’t care for it, either. So Wu, who had gone to school at the University of Michigan for organizational studies, which incorporates business with psychology, ultimately took over the business and expanded it. At one point, she owned four restaurants across metro Detroit: JJ Crab House and Lucky Kitchen, in Ann Arbor; Sapporo Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi, in Livonia; and her largest one, Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse, in Novi. After 13 years in Novi, she closed the restaurant this year but still maintains her other locations.
Wu said she has faced some challenges as an immigrant business owner over the years, especially when there was the SARS epidemic, which originated from Hong Kong.
“SARS was a big challenge for me. A lot of people didn’t want to come eat Chinese food,” said Wu. “Also, back in 1993 when I started it, a lot of people saw Chinese food as really unhealthy. So yeah, there’s always challenges.”
‘This is something that, at one point, my kids can be part of it’
Mariana Steganha co-owns the Biggby Coffee franchise location in Lathrup Village with her husband, Rodrigo.
Originally from Brazil, she came to the U.S. with her husband, who had a temporary work assignment in 2016. She said he was offered a full-time position with his company in the U.S., and ultimately, they ended up staying stateside.
Steganha said that after the birth of her second child, they decided that a traditional 9-5 job was not something that was suitable for her anymore. They decided to look into franchising their own business. Steganha said their neighbor is the area representative for Biggby franchise locations and asked if they were interested in opening one. Since coffee is such an important part of Brazilian culture, they thought it was the perfect type of business to get involved in.
“My husband thought it was a good idea to own a business and long term, we would have more time for our family, too,” Steganha said. “This is something that, at one point, my kids can be part of it.”
They opened the franchise in Novem-
ber 2024. She said she really has enjoyed getting to know the community through the business.
Like Wu, Steganha said that the biggest challenge she had when coming to the country was the language barrier. She said her husband spoke the language well, but she didn’t. She did, however, have a foundational understanding of the written language and was able to learn it by submersion with her first job in the U.S.
“I got to learn how to communicate. I had to face challenges like talking to people over the phone, especially angry customers, with some delayed orders, for example. So you know customer service, so I was the first one to take the heat,” she said. “So that brought me a lot of experience. For me, when I’m here at the cashier talking to peo-
ple, that’s something that I really appreciate because it’s how everything started for me when I started my career path.
“I like that, and people get curious and say, ‘Hey, where are you from? I noticed your accent,’ and we start to get to know each other,” Steganha said.
She said getting to know the community and her staff is her favorite part of owning the coffee shop. She said she has learned a lot from both her customers and her staff.
Wu has been in the restaurant industry for years and said that her Novi customers have continued to frequent her Livonia locations. Eggert and Steganha, who recently opened their businesses, said that they just want people to know they exist.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
BRICK REPAIR
CANDGNEWS.COM
Rededication
from page 1A
In 1951, the Honor Roll was moved to Second and Main to avoid damage from road hazards. But as urban sprawl and damage from cars continued, the Honor Roll was dismantled in 1964 and placed in storage, despite urging from the Blue Star Mothers for city planners to repair it and move it to the city’s civic campus.
In 2001, the Rochester Avon Historical Society campaigned to restore the honor roll and place it back on public display. The community raised $40,000 to research and locate replacement panels of the Carrara glass and arranged for a site near the Rochester Municipal Park. The total cost to move the monument and build forms, bases and sidewalks was $150,000 – which officials said was all donated monetarily or in kind — allowing for the Honor Roll to be rededicated on May 25, 2002.
The stories behind the names
Built by the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co., the original six-sided structure features 16 Carrara glass panels inscribed with 1,104 names of local men and women who served in the armed forces during World War II. Officials said at least 26 of them, those with a gold star affixed to their name, gave their lives in the service of their country and the cause of freedom.
An additional 24 names, identified during the 2001 restoration process, were added to a tribute section located behind the monument.
Community members can learn more about the stories behind the names, which officials said were never researched or written about, until now.
Larsen, the Historical Society’s research committee chair, along with board member Karen Lemon, have partnered up to research the histories of the people listed on the mon-
ument to post on the Historical Society’s website.
At press time, the duo had written brief biographies for approximately 200 people.
Dziurman said the Historical Society feels the monument and the stories behind the names project are a vital part of remembering the sacrifices of Rochester-area military veterans.
“It’s really fascinating, and as you read through them, you’re just in awe of the sacrifices and the service that these men and women gave,” she said. “Some were shot down, some were in really precarious situations, and many received a lot of medals and different things. It’s really inspiring.”
Larsen said the project has been successful thanks to the many residents in Rochester and Rochester Hills who still have ties to those names.
Hugh Patterson — who currently lives in Rochester with his wife, Tina — is one of them. He shared the story of his father, John “Jack” Hugh Patterson and his dog, Sgt. Sparks, with Larsen.
Born in Detroit, on Nov. 12, 1916, John was the son of Hugh and Eleanor Gertrude Patterson, a Rochester Blue Star Mother. John joined the United States Marine Corps
on March 13, 1945, and was assigned as a war dog handler at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In early 1946, John was responsible for the rehabilitation and de-programming of Doberman pinscher Sgt. Sparks, a Marine Raider war dog retiring from military service after several Asia Pacific battles. Prior to his battalion separation on May 18, 1946, John was granted possession of Sgt. Sparks with special approval from the U.S. Marine Corps, and they returned home to Rochester. Sparks remained a resident of Rochester until his death in 1947. Sgt. Sparks received seven service citations for heroic participation in World War II and was given a formal military service and burial on July 6, 1947, at Happy Hunting Grounds Memorial Park in South Lyon, which is now the Michigan War Dog Memorial. John Hugh Patterson died on Sept. 4, 1991, at the age of 74, and was laid to rest at Mount Avon Cemetery.
A separate historical marker to honor Sgt. Sparks will be unveiled in Rochester near the WWII Honor Roll during the rededication ceremony July 16.
“This dog did some pretty dangerous jobs and saved a lot of human lives,” Larsen said of Sgt. Sparks. “He was highly decorated, for a military canine.”
Larsen said 28 women appear on the Honor Roll. Ruth Jubb and Lyla Spelbring are two of them, and their stories are featured on the Historical Society website.
“Women, of course, weren’t drafted, so all 28 of them were volunteers,” she said. “But these two women both became career army officers. Lyla retired at the rank of colonel, and Ruth retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel. They were two of the highest ranking Michigan women in the military in their day, and both of them were right here from Rochester.”
Larsen and Lemon plan to continue to write brief biographies for all the people listed on the Honor Roll, focusing mainly on their service during the war.
People who have a family member listed on the WWII Honor Roll and monument who would like to tell their story can visit www.rochesteravonhistoricalsociety.org and fill out the form.
A new era
Since the last restoration, Historical Society President Tiffany Dziurman said, weather and time have taken their toll on the monument.
“In 2023, it was not looking good and really needed some refreshing,” she said.
So the Rochester-Avon Historical Society applied for and has since received a $5,600 Community Enhancement Grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester to assist with cleaning and repainting the monument. With assistance from the city of Rochester and the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, the Historical Society also expanded the Honor Roll site and added evening lighting, two flag poles, new landscaping, and an exhibit panel to tell passersby about the Honor Roll’s history. The updated monument and space will be celebrated at 6 p.m. July 16.
The Community Foundation grant also provided the society an ongoing fund, which the Historical Society hopes the community will continue to support, to help maintain the Honor Roll for generations to come.
To donate to the WWII Honor Roll and Monument fund, visit www.rochesteravonhistoricalsociety.org or send a check with “WWII Memorial” written in the memo section to: RAHS, P.O. Box 80783, Rochester, MI, 48309.
The WWII Honor Roll, pictured here in 2023, was in need of a refresh.
Photo provided by the Rochester-Avon Historical Society
Michigan Family Physician Diagnosed with Late-Stage Cancer After Experiencing is One Symptom
(South eld, MI) It’s a terrifying reality: a life-threatening illness could be silently developing inside your body, completely undetected by routine check-ups. By the time symptoms appear, especially cancer, the disease is often advanced, limiting treatment options.
LATE DETECTION
is agonizing truth was personally experienced by Dr. Warren Ringold, a respected family physician and the visionary behind Bionicc Body Screening. He shockingly discovered he had stage four cancer with tumors as large as softballs, only after experiencing shortness of breath. His brutal treatments and subsequent brain tumor recurrence ignited a profound mission: there had to be a better way to nd serious conditions before they became critical.
FULL BODY MRI SCANS
Dr. Ringold founded Bionicc Body Screening in 2022, establishing Michigan’s rst MRI full body screening center. His purpose was to empower individuals with groundbreaking insights into their health through advanced body screening
technologies. Today, his son, Ryan, passionately carries on this mission and understands the urgency: “We all know someone who awoke with an unexplained symptom and discovered they had stage four cancer. Once you have symptoms, cancer is usually advanced,” he states. “My father never wanted another person to su er from late detection. He wanted to save lives.”
71% OF TUMORS GROW UNDETECTED
While annual physicals are important, they have critical limitations. Standard screenings only detect about 29% of cancers, leaving a staggering 71% to potentially develop undetected in other areas of your body. Bionicc Body Screening o ers a comprehensive solution. Proactive full-body MRI screenings provide an unparalleled picture of your
internal health, going beyond traditional checkups. State-of-the-art MRI technology can detect tumors as small as a pea, along with aneurysms, stroke risk, and hundreds of other conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. ese comprehensive scans image your head through the pelvis. MRI scans are safe, noninvasive, and emit absolutely no radiation. And, crucially, they are available without a doctor’s referral.
A LIFE SAVED
Mark B. was initially skeptical, but his proactive screening revealed a 3 cm lung mass that tested positive for cancer. He credits the scan for saving his life after three-fourths of his lung was removed. e fee for a full body MRI is an investment in your health and wellbeing, but the true cost of delaying could be far greater. Schedule your scan today.
CRIME WATCH
Teen injured in parking lot knife fight
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to the Wendy’s at 3140 S. Rochester Road on a report of several people fighting in the parking lot at 3:40 p.m. June 14. Deputies learned that the two individuals were fighting over one’s girlfriend. The combatants were fighting in the parking lot, which escalated to one of the subjects producing a purple knife and attempting to stab the other, a 14-year-old male from Rochester Hills, who sustained injuries on his arm and hand before the knife wielder, a 15-year-old male from Pontiac, fled the scene in his vehicle.
Deputies learned through witness statements that the 14-year-old had started the altercation by punching the other teen several times before he produced a knife. The 15-year-old later exited his vehicle with a knife, swinging it wildly back and forth, cutting the victim’s arm and hand. All parties involved refused medical treatment. Detectives are investigating.
Dog bites 1-year-old
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to an apartment in the 2000 block of Yarmuth along with the Rochester Hills Fire Department on a report of a dog bite at 4:24 p.m. June 14.
Deputies were met by the mother, who was holding her 1-year-old son. He had been bitten on his face by the family’s 4-year-old pit mix. According to the mother, her son had been crawling on the floor near the sleeping dog when the dog snapped at him, biting him on the nose and near his left eye.
The Fire Department transported the mother and child to the hospital for further
treatment. A plastic surgeon will be evaluating the child to determine if surgery is needed. The dog was transported to animal control by deputies at the request of the dog owner. It was unknown if the dog’s vaccinations are up to date.
Firefighters rescue man trapped in water tank
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to a medical building in the area of 1400 Walton Boulevard on a report that a worker was trapped inside a water tank and was having trouble breathing at 2:06 p.m. June 15.
Deputies located the worker upside down inside a water tank, unable to move and struggling to breathe. Deputies quickly located a ladder and lifted the man from the water tank by his belt. The victim’s arms were bruised, and his face was blue from lack of oxygen.
The Rochester Hills Fire Department arrived and checked on the victim, a 58-yearold man from West Bloomfield, who refused medical treatment.
Attempted auto theft
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to the 2000 block of Baron Road on a report of larceny from an automobile at 6:25 p.m. June 18.
Deputies learned that at approximately 6:30 a.m. a 23-year-old man from Rochester Hills found his 2020 Dodge Challenger in the driveway with the driver’s side window broken and his “kill switches” ripped out, along with several other buttons. The damage was consistent with an auto theft attempt. The victim went to work and made the report when he got home. Due to the victim moving the vehicle and going through it, nothing evidentiary was obtained. The Auto Theft Unit was notified.
— Mary Beth Almond
Detroit City Football Club continues to redefine Detroit sports
SPORTS
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
DETROIT — Detroit City Football Club has grown from an idea between friends to an established professional sports team in Detroit at a rapid pace.
The club has not only found extreme success on the field, but is impacting the community off the field. DCFC continues to grow, and the team’s story resonates with Detroiters in the best possible way.
“The best thing DCFC has going for it is the people,” DCFC co-owner and Chief Creative Officer Alex Wright said. “It’s folks that are passionate for soccer but also really dedicated to not only growing the game, but making the community a better place.”
One of the many unique traits that DCFC has is the path to becoming a professional team. In most major sports, Detroit teams were a part of the league’s inception, or joined as an established professional team. DCFC began as a summer league team and has worked its way up the American soccer ranks to become professional.
“It’s been less than 15 years since the five of us got together over some beers and kicked in a few thousand dollars and created a men’s summer league team.” Wright said. “It’s really hard to be the fifth pro team in any city … and we don’t take that for granted. It’s the privilege of being the fifth team.”
The success that DCFC has seen is something many other soccer teams in the area have attempted to create over the years. This club has integrated itself into the community in a way that few other teams in the state can match.
“We’ve tapped into the unique things that soccer does that other sports can’t in this community. … The U6 boys and girls that take to the pitch, across our state now, are wearing the exact same jerseys as our professional team does,” Wright said. “That’s an incredible strength of our organization, the fact that you can be a part of the club and never really grow out of it.”
The club is an example of getting back what is put into something. The ownership group has invested heavily into the community, and the community has responded by showing out for DCFC.
“Those of us who founded the club, and those of us who are leaders in the organization, we’re not really up in some ivory tower looking down on the game,” Wright said. “We are the ones on the sidelines. We
were the ones when this first started that were mowing the lawn and selling the tickets. … There’s accountability baked into so much of what we do.”
DCFC is also a beacon of hope in terms of growing the game of soccer in the Detroit area.
“The additional responsibility that we take very seriously is growing the game within our city,” Wright said. “We are consciously doing a ton of work in the Black community and in the Hispanic community to grow the game. … We’re doing everything we can to make sure that we are growing a team that is accessible to everyone and that looks like our community.”
One of the biggest projects to make the game more accessible to everyone is a new stadium for the club that’s expected to be ready by the start of the 2027 season. The pitch will be at the corner of Michigan Avenue and 20th Street, where the former Southwest Detroit Hospital is located.
“The community is buzzing about the thought of a soccer-specific stadium downtown, bridging Corktown and southwest Detroit,” Wright said. “It’s not just folks that love soccer, it’s folks that love Detroit and understand how perfect that location is. … It’s an incredible progression going from a high school field at Cass Tech (to the new stadium).”
DCFC has played at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck since 2016. The club raised money to renovate Keyworth almost a decade ago and has been thrilled with how the sta-
within DCFC are also Detroit sports fans in general.
“We take pride in growing this team in a way that reflects the values of a new generation of Detroiters,” DCFC CEO Sean Mann said. “And doing it in a way that matches the passion and commitment that our community has always had for sports.”
The goal is to inspire the metro Detroit youth to play soccer and in turn get the kids of the area to pass down their love and passion for DCFC in the future.
“The effect of the club’s rise has inspired youth programs across the region and fostered a sense of civic pride that extends beyond the pitch,” Mann said. “We are the only local club where kids can wear the uniform the pros wear; it’s a small thing, but it resonates.”
dium has thrived and grown with the team.
A lot of the executives and higher-ups
What was once an idea between friends is now a club that has men’s, women’s, and youth teams throughout its organization. Detroit City Football Club plays games throughout the summer at Keyworth Stadium, 3201 Roosevelt St, Hamtramck, MI 48212. For more information, visit detci tyfc.com.
STUCK?Feeling
Detroit City Football Club plays a game at night under the lights at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck.
Photo provided by DCFC
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
22A/ ROCHESTER POST • JULY 10, 2025
JULY 11
Concert & Cuisine: Hear Jumping Jack Flash (The Rolling Stones tribute), 6 p.m., Meadow Brook Theatre (room 207 in Wilson Hall on campus of Oakland University), 378 Meadow Brook Road in Rochester, event also includes auction (currently live) to support MBT, (248) 377-3300, ticketmaster.com
JULY 14
New Day Golf Classic: Benefits New Day Foundation for Families (provides financial assistance and emotional support for those impacted by cancer), registration at 10 a.m., grilled lunch from 10:3011:45 a.m., 18-hole scramble with shotgun start at noon, and dinner on terrace with appetizers, carving stations and open bar from 4:30-6:30 p.m., Wyndgate Country Club, 1975 W. Gunn Road in Rochester Hills, foundationforfamilies.org/events
JULY 16
‘Demystifying Charitable Giving:Strategies to Maximize Impact and Minimize Taxes’: Part of Community Foundation of Greater Rochester’s Foundation Forums series, free panel discussion also includes breakfast and coffee, 10-11:30 a.m., Multipurpose Room at Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, registration required, cfound.org/forums
JULY 17-19
Downtown Rochester Sidewalk Sales: 70th year for bargains from local merchants, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 17-18 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 19, located along Main Street and side streets, also make crafts with Paint Creek Center for the Arts, noon-3 p.m., outside Chase Bank, 339 Main St., and pick up free Rochester Explorers Club kit for kids, Downtown Collaboration Studio, 431 Main St., (248) 656-0060, more events at downtownrochestermi.com/whats-happening
JULY 18
Dancin’ in the Street: Event runs 6-10 p.m. with Taste Fest featuring local eateries, plus live music by
Keynote Sisters from 6-6:45 p.m. and Collision Six from 7-10 p.m., West Fourth Street in Rochester, see vendors at downtownrochestermi.com/dancin-in-thestreet
JULY 22
Hear acoustic band Still Running: 6-7:30 p.m., west lawn of Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, bring blanket or chair, open to RHPL carholders, free but registration required, (248) 656-2900, calendar.rhpl.org
JULY 24
Improv for Everyone: Workshop by instructors from Planet Ant Theatre, 6 p.m., Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, free but register starting 9 a.m. day of event, (248) 656-2900, calendar.rhpl.org
JULY 26
Woodhouse 5K for New Day: Presented by Woodhouse Day Spa and benefiting New Day Foundation for Families (provides financial assistance and emotional support for those impacted by cancer), 8 a.m., course starts/ends at Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St., and winds through downtown Rochester, foundationforfamilies.org/events
JULY 27
Italian Happening: Car and bike show, noon-3 p.m., Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St., more on eventbrite.com
JULY 30
Brooklands Block Party: Find music, food trucks, arts and crafts, animals, inflatables, foam party, local business specials, RHising Market (handcrafted products and services from entrepreneurs ages 10-18), and more, 6-9 p.m., Auburn Road Corridor, 1585 E. Auburn Road in Rochester Hills, rochesterhills.org
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Rochester
Community Schools
Rochester Community Schools will be accepting bids for the following: 26.01 TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Bid Due Dates: Bids are due as noted within each bid packet.
Bid documents may be obtained from the Rochester Community Schools Purchasing web page at http://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/pages/356/purchasing and BidNet Direct at https://www.bidnetdirect.com.
Bid Bond: 5% Bid Bond naming Rochester Community Schools as the obligee, or Certifed Check made payable to Rochester Community Schools, required as noted in bid documents. Bid Bonds shall be issued by a company licensed to do business in the State of Michigan.
Disclosure Statements: Each bid proposal must be accompanied by a sworn and notarized statement disclosing any familial relationship that exists between owner or any employee of bidder and any member of Board of Education or Superintendent of Rochester Community Schools. Each bid proposal must also include a signed Iran Economic Sanctions Affdavit. The Board of Education will not accept a bid proposal that does not include this sworn and notarized familial disclosure statement and the Iran Economic Sanctions.
The Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, either in whole or in part; to award contract to other than the low bidder; to waive any irregularities and/or informalities; and in general to make awards in any manner deemed to be in the best interests of the owner.
Signed: Jennifer Fickel, RCS Purchasing Supervisor
Published: Rochester
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
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’s 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
Movies in the Park: Watch “Wild Robot” July 11 at Borden Park, 1400 E. Hamlin Road, “IF” July 25 at Bloomer Park, 345 John R Road, “Despicable Me 4” Aug. 8 at Wabash Park, 100 Wabash Road (must walk due to lack of parking), and “Minecraft” Aug. 22 at Spencer Park, 3701 John Road, all in Rochester Hills, plus popcorn, food trucks, bounce houses and yard games, events run from 7-10 p.m. with movies at 8:30 p.m., rararecreation.org
Movies in the Moonlight: Free screenings of “Wicked” July 19, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” July 26 and “Moana 2” Aug. 2, concessions available from The Little Donut Factory (but can bring own food), also bring chair, 8:30 p.m. (lot opens at 7 p.m.), new lcoation in upper level of East Parking platform, 415 East St. in Rochester, downtownrochestermi.com/movies-in-the-moonlight
Rochester Grangers Vintage Base Ball Club: Live games feature teams using equipment (or lack thereof), uniforms and rules circa 1870s, 6:30 p.m. July 24 and 1 p.m. Aug. 2 and 16, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, rochesterhills.org/musprograms
Rochester Toastmasters: Meets 6:30 p.m. every first and third Thursdays of month, 4890.toastmasters clubs.org
NOTICE
TAXPAYERS – CITY OF ROCHESTER
This notice is given pursuant to MCLA Section 211.51 of State law to all residents of the City of Rochester qualifying under Section 211.51 (2) (a), for deferment of the payment of their summer tax bill.
Those homestead taxpayers who are totally and permanently disabled, blind, paraplegic, quadriplegic, at least 62 years of age (by Dec. 1 of prior year), an eligible serviceman, eligible veteran, eligible widow, and whose TOTAL household income for the prior tax year was $40,000 or less may qualify for the deferment of payment of their summer tax bill.
If you are eligible, ll out the Application for Deferment of Summer Taxes (Michigan Department of Treasury Form 471) and return the completed and signed form, along with a copy of your Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim MI1040CR for tax year 2024, to City of Rochester Treasury, 400 Sixth Street, Rochester, MI 48307. Application must be filed with the City of Rochester Treasury no later than September 15th.
For further information please contact City Hall at 400 Sixth Street, Rochester, MI, 48307, 248-733-3700.
Published: 07/10/2025 Rochester Post
0031-2528
The Trustees of the Rochester Hills Public Library will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Boardroom at the Rochester Hills Public Library on the Library’s budget for the fscal year beginning January 1, 2026. The Rochester Hills Public Library is located at 500 Olde Towne Road, Rochester, MI 48307.
The regular monthly meeting will follow at the conclusion of the public hearing. Proposed budget plan(s) will be available for review at the Library on Friday, August 1, 2025. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.
For more information please contact Juliane Morian, Library Director, Rochester Hills Public Library at 248-650-7122.
NOTE: The library will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon one weeks’ notice to the Library by contacting the following: Outreach Services
Rochester Hills Public Library 500 Olde Towne Road Rochester, MI 48307
248-650-7150, TDD 248-650-7153
Published: 07/10/2025 Rochester Post
Man accused of destroying parking lot gate
BIRMINGHAM — On June 15 at approximately 1 a.m., officers were dispatched to a private parking lot in the 200 block of East Brown Street for a call about a man damaging private property.
The suspect, a 27-year-old Clinton Township man, told police that he destroyed the parking lot gate because he couldn’t get his vehicle out of the lot. He was arrested and charged with disturbing the peace and malicious destruction of property.
Intoxicated driver arrested after parking lot crash
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 7 p.m. on June 8, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of S. Old Woodward Avenue for a private property traffic crash. Officers spoke with the restaurant manager, who stated that a 66-year-old man had backed into another vehicle parked in the lot.
The suspect and the other party involved exchanged information, and the other party left shortly afterward. When officers spoke with the suspect, they observed signs of intoxication. After failing field sobriety tests, the suspect was arrested and cited for operating while intoxicated.
House egged
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 1:20 a.m. June 13, an unknown person threw eggs at the complainant’s house near Vinsetta Boulevard and Crooks Road, causing damage to solar lights.
Car window broken
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m. June 13, an unknown person broke the rear window of the complainant’s vehicle near Lafayette and Sixth Street.
Thief steals lawnmower
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 5:15 p.m. June 17, an unknown person stole a lawnmower from the complainant’s yard near South Blair Avenue.
Suspect leaves scene of 3-car crash
BERKLEY — Police responded to a three-car crash at 5:13 p.m. June 12 in the area of Greenfield Road and Beverly Boulevard.
The report states that police were called to the area for a three-car crash with injuries. Police were told en route that one of the vehicles had left the area.
Police first talked to a 27-year old woman who stated that she was stationary in the left turn lane on
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passenger side of her vehicle. The woman was visibly in pain and taken to the hospital, according to police.
A 71-year-old Bloomfield Hills man told an officer that he had been traveling on Greenfield when the Malibu rear-ended his vehicle.
Southfield police informed Berkley police that the Malibu had initially stopped after the crash, but when a Southfield officer attempted to get information from the driver of the Malibu, she refused. While the officer checked on the other vehicles, the Malibu driver sped off from the scene. Police attempted a pursuit, but it was terminated.
Trailer taken
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to Madison Heights police, an unknown suspect stole a trailer from a business in the 26000 block of Dequindre Road sometime between 5 p.m. June 5 and 9 a.m. June 6.
Police were investigating.
Customers leave without paying
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to Madison Heights police, a restaurant located in the 32000 block of John R Road was defrauded by two unknown women sometime between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. June 5.
The suspects reportedly ate food and then fled the restaurant without paying.
Police were investigating.
Driver operating while intoxicated
FARMINGTON — Around 1:30 a.m. June 1, Farmington Public Safety officers on patrol conducted a welfare check on a vehicle stopped in the right-turn lane of Grand River Avenue east of Halsted Road.
Once in contact with the driver, the officers reportedly discovered an open and half-full bottle of liquor in the rear seat of the vehicle.
The investigation led to the arrest of the 55-yearold female driver for having an open container and operating while intoxicated.
She was held in custody until sober then released.
The case was forwarded to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s office.
Business discovers fake ID
BERKLEY — The Berkley Public Safety Department was called by a local marijuana business for a report of a fake identification being used.
According to the report, police were called at 8:22 p.m. June 13 to Quality Roots, 2395 12 Mile Road. One of the workers told an officer that a person came in and attempted to use a fake identification to
be fake and the suspect left the store soon after.
The fake driver’s license was linked back to a 16year from Bloomfield Hills. Police made contact with the teen’s family in order to set up a meeting.
Vehicle catches fire following 3-car crash
ROCHESTER HILLS — Police responded to a three-car crash at Rochester Road and Avon at 1 p.m. June 16.
An 83-year-old driver of a green Ford hit a stopped vehicle in front of her, which forced that vehicle into a third vehicle. The green Ford caught fire, but police said the driver was out of the car when it started to burn. The 83-year-old driver, a woman from Rochester Hills, was transported to the hospital for evaluation. No other injuries were reported. Police said the 83-year-old driver will have her driver’s license reviewed.
Men arrested after allegedly stealing car, fleeing from police
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were advised that officers from the Auburn Hills Police Department were taking a report of a freshly stolen Jeep Wagoneer from the 800 block of Sheffield in Auburn Hills at 4:30 a.m. June 4. It was reported the vehicle was being remotely tracked by the caller. Deputies were originally advised the stolen vehicle was on Adams, near South Boulevard, entering Rochester Hills. As deputies made their way to the area, information was updated that the vehicle’s last known location was on Square Lake Road, near Crooks Road.
Deputies located the vehicle southbound on Crooks Road, near Tower Drive, in Troy, at which time they attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle refused to stop, accelerated away and fled from deputies through several streets within Troy. The suspects stopped on Coolidge Highway, near Babcock, at which time they fled on foot. The passenger, a 20-year-old man from Detroit, was quickly apprehended. The driver, a 25-year-old man from Detroit, was apprehended a short time later with the assistance of a Bloomfield Township Police K-9 unit. Officers from the Auburn Hills Police Department arrived and took custody of both suspects and the vehicle. Police were expected to seek charges for unlawful driving away of an automobile and fleeing and eluding.
Driver arrested for operating while intoxicated ROCHESTER — Officers were dispatched to the area of University and Great Oaks for a single car accident with airbag deployment at approximately 2
SUV with air bag deployment and damage to the front. The driver refused sobriety evaluations and was medically cleared by the Rochester Fire Department. The driver submitted to a preliminary breath test, which resulted in a blood alcohol content of 0.31%. The driver was placed under arrest and was transported to the Rochester Police Department. The driver was administered a chemical breath test, which resulted in a 0.325% blood alcohol content. The driver was lodged until sober and was released pending a later court date.
Driver caught on the road with suspended license, using cellphone ROCHESTER — An officer on patrol in the area of Main and University saw the driver of the vehicle next to them using their cellphone while driving at approximately 7:30 p.m. June 19. The officer checked the license plate, which revealed the registered owner’s licence was suspended. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who was also the registered owner. The driver was arrested, transported to the Rochester Police Department and released with a citation.
Attempted check fraud TROY — At 2:50 p.m. June 13, officers were dispatched to Comerica Bank, located at 1494 John R Road, to investigate a fraudulent check. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect at Vermont Avenue and Milverton Road. He was identified as a 24-year-old resident of Clarkston.
Officers spoke with bank employees who said that the suspect produced a check for $2,186, claiming it was his first payroll check with the listed company. The employees suspected the check was fraudulent and called Comerica Bank’s fraud department. The fraud department confirmed with the company listed on the check that they did not issue it. The suspect was arrested and transported to the police station for processing.
Breaking and entering TROY — Between June 12 and June 13, a victim from Elaine Street reported that an unknown person entered his residence two days in a row. Nothing was stolen but multiple items were moved around inside his home. Police were investigating.
Resident reports blown-up mailbox TROY — A victim from Harmony Drive reported that an unknown person blew up her mailbox overnight at around 2 a.m. June 13. Police were investigating.
Research & Development Engineer for Rochester Hills, MI to dsgn, dvlp, test & implement core sys s/w for machine vision & robotics apps. Req’s Bachelor’s in C.S., Computer or Electrical Eng’ing or closely-related fld. Must have coursework in Robotics & Optics. Must have 6 months exp. Up to 5% travel w/in U.S. & to Japan req’d. Mail resume to Wendy Lauzano-Hertz, FANUC America Corporation, 3900 West Hamlin Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309. 0353-2528
Global Product Manager, Molex LLC, Rochester Hills, MI: Develop short- and long-term Product Strategy capturing current market growth opportunities. Telecommuting permitted up to 1 day per week. Up to 30% international and domestic travel required. For complete job description, list of requirements, and to apply, email resume to mlxjobs@ kochind.com. Please include job number 174306 in the subject line. 0213-2528
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