HAZEL PARK — A festival aims to prove Hazel Park lives up to its motto as “The Friendly City.”

HAZEL PARK — Last year, a group of teens decided to organize their own version of prom at the Hazel Park District Library. This year, the event returns with a murder mystery theme, and more than 600 dresses provided by a local charity.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The site of the shuttered Electro-Plating Services is advancing toward full remediation. The city of Madison Heights has snapped up the remaining parcels, and officials are talking about its potential for redevelopment as early as next year.

MADISON HEIGHTS — An armed school resource officer will provide an extra level of security at the Lamphere Schools, starting this month.   

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.

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.

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.

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