News & Notes - 12/21/23 Troy Times

Boulan Park robotics team earns prestigious Inspire award at regional qualifiers
Known as the “Midnight Creators,” or FTC Team No. 16607, the Boulan Park Middle School robotics team earned the first-place Motivate Award at the Goodrich FTC regional qualifier competition and progressed to the Northwest States Championship.

There, on Dec. 9, they earned the prestigious Inspire Award, which is bestowed upon the team that serves as an inspiration to others and embodies gracious professionalism both on and off the playing field.

“The team of nine, representing Boulan Park Middle School and the Troy School District, displayed exceptional energy and resilience throughout every competition,” stated the coach in an email. “Their journey showcased significant learning potential as they engaged with STEM communities and teams worldwide, delivered presentations to the judges, and, above all, relished a rewarding experience.”

The Northwest States championship will take place Friday, Dec. 15, to Sunday, Dec. 17, at Parker Middle School in Howell.

The Boulan Park Middle School team includes seventh graders Arnav Singuru, Riyana Saravanan, and Saveri Rajan, as well as sixth graders Rayhaan Jafri, Ananya Patil, Reyansh Arjun, Colton Lockard, Tashya Veluru, and Hamza Omerovic.

 

Detroit photographer to host book signing at Somerset Collection
The Detroit Shoppe at Somerset Collection will host a book signing 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23, with Detroit-based photographer Cyrus Tetteh for his latest book “Only in Detroit.”

The book features a visual journey exploring some of the Motor City’s most iconic moments and celebrated figures from 2017 to 2022. This includes shots of the funeral of Motown Legend Aretha Franklin, billionaire Mike Bloomberg during his 2018 visit to Detroit, the Supremes’ Mary Wilson at the Brewster Projects where she grew up, and President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ visits to Detroit.

Tetteh said his goal is to demonstrate that Detroit is not defined solely by its challenges but by its resilience, creativity and triumphs.

The Detroit Shoppe is a nonprofit store that showcases the people, places and products of Detroit. Tetteh’s book, “Only in Detroit,” will be offered for sale during the signing.

Somerset Collection is located at 2800 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy. The Detroit Shopped is located in Somerset Collection North, Level 3.

 

Plane makes emergency landing behind Troy Rec Center
A small plane that took off from the Troy Airport had to make an emergency landing in the baseball field behind the Troy Recreation Center Dec. 10.

No one was injured, and the plane made a stable landing in the field. The field was unoccupied at the time of the incident.

“It’s not our jurisdiction. The (Federal Aviation Administration) handles matters like this,” said Capt. Josh Jones of the Troy Police Department. “There was some sort of mechanical issue. … There was no crash. There were no injuries. The FAA was contacted. They came out and did an investigation, and they came out and removed (the plane) on Monday (Dec. 11).”

The FAA replied to requests for comment with an email.

“The pilot of a single-engine Aviat A-1 Husky made an emergency landing on a vacant baseball field due to a reported engine issue around 1 p.m. local time Sunday, Dec. 10 in Troy, Michigan,” FAA representative Elizabeth Isham Cory wrote. “Two people were on board.”

 

Attorney general warns residents to watch out for duct cleaning scams
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a warning to Michigan residents Dec. 12 to be aware of home air duct cleaning companies that are perpetuating scams or using deceptive practices in Michigan.

Some fraudulent companies will launch pop-up ads on social media groups and neighborhood platforms suggesting someone in their neighborhood has used its services. But this is sometimes a lie to “hook” unsuspecting homeowners. Deceitful air duct cleaning companies, referred to as “blow-and-go” establishments, lure consumers in with rock bottom prices, then add on unnecessary services, like costly repairs or mold removal, which cost a great deal more than the initially quoted price.

Some of these companies, if they complete the work, do an inferior job or leave the consumer worse off than before, with dirt and contaminants blown from their HVAC systems onto drapes, carpets and furniture.

Tips from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association regarding red flags to watch out for on social media posts include providing no company name, since legitimate businesses will want to showcase the company and its services; they cannot be found in a Google search and do not provide information, such as an office location or phone number; they have a relatively new social media account whose name does not match the user name in the URL; and they have a social media account that is locked so that no posts, followers or pictures can be seen.

Michigan consumers who suspect they are the victim of illegal or predatory business practices are encouraged to contact the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at (517) 335-7599.