NOVI — The city of Novi recently transformed an old storage area of the Novi Civic Center that was affectionately known as the “dungeon” into a state-of-the-art TV and podcast studio.

NOVI — In the Aug. 6 primary election, Novi voters chose or helped to choose which candidates advanced to the general election in November.

FARMINGTON/FARMINGTON HILLS — Paraprofessionals, aka paraeducators, are needed across the Farmington Public School District and the state to provide much-needed support for teachers of students with special needs.

After serving more than five years in a Russian labor colony, Paul Whelan, a retired U.S. Marine and Novi resident, is a free man today.

NOVI — People’s Express, which on July 1 took over in Novi as the provider of curb-to-curb transit services, will be housed at the Novi Civic Center until the end of the year as part of an agreement with the city.

NOVI — The annual Festival of Chariots paraded through the streets of Novi July 21.

NOVI — A new housing development will be erected at the intersection of 12 1/2 Mile Road and Novi Road. Developer E & M Holdings LLC, aka Society Hill, has had the right to build on the property since 1999.

FARMINGTON/FARMINGTON HILLS — The Farmington Public School Board of Education decided it will hire an interim superintendent at a meeting July 26 and is strongly considering Kelly Coffin, who is currently the assistant superintendent of innovation and strategic initiatives, for the position.

NOVI — The annual Police and Fire Youth Leadership Academy for local youth got off to a great start Monday as kids were put through their paces at the Walled Lake Adventure Course, located at the Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center.

NOVI — Connoisseurs of all things different, strange, odd, gross and just plain weird have been coming out in droves to the annual Oddities and Curiosities Expo over the last few years, so much so that the show’s owners found it necessary to make it a two-day exposition in a larger space at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Public Schools Superintendent Christopher Delgado will soon be making decisions for the Oakland Schools Intermediate School District, as its deputy superintendent.

METRO DETROIT — As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, pet owners need to be mindful of their animals’ anxiety. Elaborate fireworks displays, although beautiful to human eyes, for animals, especially dogs, can bring a vast amount of fear and tension.

NOVI — The Novi Adult Transition Center offers opportunities for adults under the age of 26 with special needs to learn life and job skills at various job sites throughout the Novi community, including the Novi Public Library.

NOVI — A heat wave nearly caused the cancellation of the annual Alzheimer’s disease Longest Day Walk June 20 at Rose Senior Living in Novi. However, thanks to the determination of Director of Life Enrichment Monique Furniss and her staff, the event was quickly rebranded to include a variety of indoor activities that gave residents and guests a better understanding of what it is like to have the disease.

NOVI — The Novi community lost one of its most passionate supporters and advocates with the death of former state Sen. Nancy Cassis at age 80 June 11.