SOUTHFIELD — “It was a total surprise, and I was shocked,” Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee said of his International Association of Fire Chiefs Great Lakes Division 2023 Chief of the Year award.

LATHRUP VILLAGE — In partnership with the city of Lathrup Village, the Lathrup Village Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Oakland County, Lathrup Village City Hall and Municipal Park are getting a much-needed makeover thanks to a grant from the Revitalization and Placemaking program.

SOUTHFIELD — On Aug. 7, Southfield announced its enrollment in DTE Energy’s MIGreenPower program, one of the largest renewable energy programs in the United States, with over 1,300 businesses and 90,000 residential customers.

TROY — A pharmacist, a doctor and a pharmacy technician have been charged for their alleged roles in a health care fraud scheme of more than $7 million.

DETROIT — Topics such as loss, regrets, injustice and hope are all fruitful inspiration for works of art — even more so for those who have been imprisoned.

HUNTINGTON WOODS/TROY — A group of local musicians are taking their personal passions for fiddle and Celtic music public with a performance to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

METRO DETROIT — When the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law on March 11, 2021, the federal government agreed to distribute $195.3 billion to state governments and the District of Columbia to give local communities aid in recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TROY — School is starting back up again, and while this is a good thing for many families, the ever-present threat of school shootings and other violent incidents can loom over parents’ minds.

ROYAL OAK — Due to a cancer diagnosis earlier this year, Royal Oak City Commissioner Patricia Paruch announced she will be stepping away from the commission and entering hospice care.

METRO DETROIT — There’s a dwindling pool of substitute teachers, a crisis officials say is compounded by a serious lack of public and private educators nationwide.

METRO DETROIT — Tom McDonald has been around cars his entire life.

WARREN — Warren’s Birthday Bash will be celebrated Aug. 24 to Aug. 26 at City Square on Van Dyke Avenue, north of 12 Mile Road, with live entertainment, fireworks, carnival rides, food trucks, a beer tent and more.

MACOMB COUNTY — Here are previews for all teams in the C & G Newspapers coverage area.

MACOMB COUNTY — Here are previews for all teams in the C & G Newspapers coverage area.

OAKLAND COUNTY — Here are previews for all teams in the C & G Newspapers coverage area in western Oakland County.

OAKLAND COUNTY — Here are previews for all teams in the C & G Newspapers coverage area in eastern Oakland County.

ROCHESTER HILLS — A 42-year-old man from Metamora will spend time in jail after reportedly choking the driver of a moving car in Rochester Hills.

ROCHESTER HILLS — A 29-year-old man was killed and two Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies were injured in a late night crash on M-59.

ROCHESTER HILLS — Leader Dogs for the Blind is looking to the community to host a breeding dog in their home, a volunteer opportunity that the nonprofit says is now more accessible for a variety of lifestyles.

NOVI — The Novi Taco Fest will return to the Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk, 44275 W. 12 Mile Road, Aug. 25-27.