OAKLAND COUNTY — Bloomfield Hills resident Pecky D. Lewis Jr., who died at his home July 10 at the age of 94, left his mark on Oakland County through his long service on the county’s Parks and Recreation Commission, as a longtime business owner and as the mayor of Royal Oak in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

HAZEL PARK — An ice-skating rink that Hazel Park officials say has long been a strain on the city’s finances has been sold to a private business.

MADISON HEIGHTS — It was the penultimate day of a journey spanning nearly 1,800 miles, walking on foot from Florida to Michigan, but U.S. Army veteran Jack Huffman didn’t seem tired at all.

News & Notes from the 7/12/23 Madison-Park News

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Police Department has a new leader. Brent LeMerise, formerly the deputy police chief, was sworn in as the police chief on June 29, taking over for Corey Haines, the previous chief who retired after 31 years with the department.

HAZEL PARK — Hazel Park Neighborhood Enrichment recently disbanded, but still has funds to spend. Now, those remaining monies are going to be split between three recipients.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The rain clouds dispersed and the sun shined on Monroe Park June 26 as residents crowded under the pavilion there. Together, they raised cups of orange juice in a toast to the pavilion’s new namesake, Robert Gettings.

HAZEL PARK — A Hazel Park man has been charged with felony assault after police said he admitted to strangling his girlfriend, who survived but is bruised. Police are also reminding the public that help is available to anyone who believes they’re in an abusive relationship.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Civic Center Park has a shiny new playscape, made possible with a $70,000 grant, and it’s just the latest in a series of carefully considered purchases for the parks.

News & Notes from the 6/28/23 Madison-Park News

MADISON HEIGHTS — Cheryl Rottmann, the city clerk of Madison Heights, will now take on a dual role as the deputy city manager. The appointment follows the retirement of the previous deputy, Corey Haines, who was also the police chief.

MADISON HEIGHTS/ROYAL OAK — Road construction on Interstate 75 and its northbound service drive has led to more drivers cutting through the neighborhood north of Lincoln Avenue and south of 11 Mile Road, as they try to reach John R and 11 Mile roads.

MADISON HEIGHTS/HAZEL PARK — A new state law goes into effect June 30 that will make it illegal to use a cellphone with your hands while operating a vehicle, and local police agencies are ready to enforce it.

News & Notes from the 6/21/23 Madison-Park News

ROYAL OAK/MADISON HEIGHTS — Road construction on Interstate 75 and its northbound service drive has led to more drivers cutting through the neighborhood north of Lincoln Avenue and south of 11 Mile Road, as they try to reach John R and 11 Mile roads. This has led to more traffic violations in the area, from speeding to running stop signs.

OAKLAND COUNTY — Oakland Community College is continuing its partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts through the DIA’s Inside|Out program.

MADISON HEIGHTS — This November, Madison Heights residents will vote on five proposals for amendments to the city charter.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Fresh off a successful carnival, officials with the Madison District Public Schools say that community-oriented events will remain a focus for them, with plans already in place for the district’s first Madison Open Air Market, scheduled for next month.

OAKLAND COUNTY — Last November, local residents approved the Oakland County Public Transportation Millage, which authorized the county to levy a millage for the purpose of funding transportation services throughout Oakland County.

MADISON HEIGHTS — A barrage of fireworks will cap off an evening of music, food and fun at this year’s Pre-Fourth of July Festival in the Park — one of the most popular events in the city of Madison Heights.