[{"_1":2,"_134":-5,"_135":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,74,86,98,110,122],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6531809,"mediaKeyId","3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8","parentId",3449706,"title","Oakland County honors outstanding older adults from across the county","audioSeconds",1476,"startMs",398000,"endMs",1874000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8&start=398&end=1874","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8/thumbnail_398000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6531809/Oakland-County/Michigan/Oakland-County-honors-outstanding-older-adults-from-across-the-county","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6531809-a7ba8a822f9afeccf26f9da5c84a1d6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1769891772&Signature=aywcdICf5N7Scl1iVTT7d5rDZbj250pe3fVrykxNky~tzW3iECTdE7QphbqpYT~qc~Kl~VmffhK5O6Fc5ZR~j0trkM6i0gFOCJ2U0r~IonasDTOR6mRTIkscBFNC-NnOZMPTPli6WGMXGLGCvO4mWw12WGF2gJ05dltByBhMGiD5scrLs4Tmz-MtKe8XseaVNCFwJZKkB9pZiza6vGVEBHN-c269ggeazilcEJ8SRLQ1N-D2Y7L5Ljq5ARErOYCWHOFkNQA~J2d8UtrcYSeGtuaUJrdU-szqmQCVwdiImGJI~XtnnPtcz9ReCe27gLQ8QcPPvjtyUS4IpV81bEMzYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oakland County","date","2025-05-22T20:51:41Z","article","Oakland County commissioners used their May 20 meeting to present the board's Outstanding Older Adult awards in recognition of Older Americans Month.

Commissioners introduced and honored the following recipients during the program: Ruth Ann Jordan; Christopher (Chris) Peel; Pam Carmichael; Len Pagora; Loretta Van Pelt; Anthony (WAC) Pizza; Zakiya Hollyfield; Mark Kelly (recognized in absentia); Tina Caudle and Ken Muha (joint honorees). Commissioners described each recipient's community service, volunteer work and leadership roles in their local organizations.

Examples cited in presentations included Jordan's decades of service in family court and fundraising for scholarships; Peel's service on the county senior advisory council and Meals on Wheels volunteering; Carmichael's historic-preservation leadership in Bloomfield Township; and Anthony \"WAC\" Pizza's volunteer work at the Oakland County Farmers Market and community engagement.

Ending: The board invited honorees and commissioners for a group photograph and closed the recognition program before moving on to proclamations and presentations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Meeting 05-22-25","oneSentenceSummary","The board recognized a group of older adults for service to their communities as part of Older Americans Month; commissioners introduced each honoree and presented awards.","taxTitle","Oakland County, Michigan","taxId",2835,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":76,"_40":77,"_42":78,"_44":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6531814,"Board proclaims National Gun Violence Awareness Day; Moms Demand Action highlights buybacks and safe-storage laws",329,2519000,2848000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8&start=2519&end=2848","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8/thumbnail_2519000.jpg","/articles/6531814/Oakland-County/Michigan/Board-proclaims-National-Gun-Violence-Awareness-Day-Moms-Demand-Action-highlights-buybacks-and-safe-storage-laws","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6531814-22536704c5e92ac018ab0b8aed15a1e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1769891772&Signature=n30GnQ1uOwNzWKFXQ6N7K4FzWx7~cWJXr-ugrAlCd3zdZ~9z0Rlh3dslFNZdyfvq2eOWpAuqBZPRMnWAw1qghPduvrD7bphPCbkjgtGO2he2Rq7nSwfP0bZusBLLpNO3hCGqiL23tBxq94z-ZU8ZSWKvHtmkatqWbeaXGLe27AB-oEJwoB9XT-BIq1H90vBH7kOWzBT8hzIIelZTazHVLV4IuTDBeQ~BG8L0n5PmX9xj94bum43eqUB9MW0Ti14EwIKFzFR4UviGJiEsmw5bnTOsOlA4Pq2PliE8eoPnow5a2vDPM4RFNs7Zy8GKh0ia27nC6qseNFSaqaoFBKkgmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oakland County commissioners proclaimed Friday, June 6, 2025, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and presented the proclamation to representatives of Moms Demand Action (South Oakland County chapter).

Diana Darland of Moms Demand Action described local gun-buyback efforts and safe-storage advocacy. \"We have taken off over 700 guns off the streets, including 4 assault weapons,\" she said, citing local weekend buybacks organized with community partners. Darland also outlined recent Michigan legislative changes she credited to advocacy efforts, saying volunteers had supported laws enacted in 2023 and additional provisions signed in December 2024 related to Medicaid reimbursement for community violence intervention services and secure-firearm-storage notifications in schools.

The proclamation text cited national and local firearm-injury statistics and urged responsible firearm storage and community action to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths. Commissioners joined Darland and other advocates for a photo and encouraged community awareness activities tied to \"Wear Orange\" day.

Ending: Advocates emphasized safe-storage practices and cross-partisan cooperation on common-sense prevention measures while noting ongoing advocacy to reduce gun violence locally and statewide.","Oakland County commissioners proclaimed the first Friday in June 2025 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and heard remarks from Moms Demand Action about local gun buybacks and recent state laws promoting secure storage.",{"_32":87,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":88,"_40":89,"_42":90,"_44":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6531819,"Oakland County proclaims May Mental Health Awareness Month; Oakland Community Health Network highlights services",282,2110000,2392000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8&start=2110&end=2392","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8/thumbnail_2110000.jpg","/articles/6531819/Oakland-County/Michigan/Oakland-County-proclaims-May-Mental-Health-Awareness-Month-Oakland-Community-Health-Network-highlights-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6531819-5b6c0e2168dd953b5384d67d60cb1661/orig.mp4?Expires=1769891772&Signature=RGBUfC8SgFqDqoUxFM5pOcQ08l8NJy6VyPWc3b1YSNXv7JQuQsjoIqMt4w7USriUV9RUZzKsTsmXaDy6iwxmyGLOvhon-uNK6AGNDYtFY-4IClNUwwMvNGTgN-JUFJK7x9bEGF~Yet10VaAdgE58qcA9CA2eusYOwzHPwvY814uQglsDgLfySvu7mAJPP3JDw6MnSwq37B9k0lPgzBBvz19cjMlldZeqPq7R50HIkTZ4CXAEQOfdclaI6lfNViE3wQlXQ4CKTT7HlBcGNnIxq-O3~6iFSaJyrrwzm0sYx59BmIil9-2Qvu8NPpxJ78CDbRed8x2ISMJgjUZx2SlVPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oakland County commissioners proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month during their May 20 meeting and presented the proclamation to representatives of the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN).

\"We serve over 30,000 people a year, and the number continues to grow,\" said Dana Lazenby of OCHN after receiving the proclamation. Lazenby introduced members of her team, including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Bill Posio and Deputy Chief of Strategic Initiatives Francis Carley, and highlighted the role of coordinated services and a provider network.

The proclamation text cited national prevalence statistics included in Mental Health America materials and urged expanded access to integrated physical and behavioral health care, improved crisis services and support for vulnerable populations. The board presented the proclamation and posed for photographs with OCHN staff and board appointee John Young.

Ending: Commissioners and OCHN leaders emphasized continued partnership to expand access to mental-health services across the county.","The board proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month and presented the proclamation to the Oakland Community Health Network, which said it serves more than 30,000 people annually through a provider network of about 400 providers.",{"_32":99,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":100,"_40":101,"_42":102,"_44":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6531823,"Oakland County historical commission advances \"Network to Freedom\" nomination for Oak Hill Cemetery, reports large records-scanning effort",769,3006000,3775000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8&start=3006&end=3775","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8/thumbnail_3006000.jpg","/articles/6531823/Oakland-County/Michigan/Oakland-County-historical-commission-advances-Network-to-Freedom-nomination-for-Oak-Hill-Cemetery-reports-large-records-scanning-effort","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6531823-fa23027c86c9c9f03b386ddf155e557c/orig.mp4?Expires=1769891772&Signature=IWRV0faKisDruSCI3PQ5zBoqdoWrCKbc10xRYrMT3WLPbDidmdn6xoPxdM3mt3z~KWyOcmhVR5lIcHmmq2pPkoZwP~hJMMuNLOy0yL8XS~P0hq5pHEZkbYk7Db42Kq~sHnTRSnttCF~NI9w-pv5zaKhPfBNI3QU-60iS6vY6blz5O-BjwBfjCwuGS5J84CRo-e5W4N2qaP41YJk4xYeADcYKRvchVlKIqF8xlZc2tAHi-bLVR-g402~eYPiKSXXCiNpymcaIA~ROcv6d8sL9lrtuLiaVnRKhcPpbkVfDpH7Ny7Ea3k-Yh0j1mlAQehcdDwHLiGi8M10h5FWAx721lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oakland County Historical Commission asked the Board of Commissioners to note its work advancing a \"Network to Freedom\" nomination for Oak Hill Cemetery in Pontiac and described a large records-scanning project intended to document burials of formerly enslaved people.

\"We started the process in 2024,\" said Dave Decker, chair of the Oakland County Historical Commission. Decker said volunteers and commission members have scanned cemetery ledgers, maps and burial cards to create a public archive and to gather evidence for the application. The commission reported it has scanned roughly 64,000 records to date and said the county purchased a laptop and scanners to support the work.

Decker described the research as both archival preservation and community history work. He said the commission expects to complete the Network to Freedom application process in January 2026 if timelines hold. The commission also reported an initial identification of about 20 people buried at Oak Hill who were formerly enslaved, with additional possible cases under review.

Volunteers named in the presentation included Katie Neal (primary scanner), Barb Fry and county historian Carol Egbo; Ron Campbell was introduced as the commission's newest member. The commission described broader partner work such as the History Coalition, the Oakland County Cemetery Coalition, and digital-archive efforts to preserve and repatriate county-historical materials.

Decker asked commissioners for help connecting the commission's work with local historical organizations and county departments. The commission said the scanning project serves both the Network to Freedom nomination and a planned public-facing archive to support genealogical and historical research.

Ending: The commission opened for questions from commissioners and asked the board to help publicize and support preservation efforts where appropriate.","The Oakland County Historical Commission described ongoing research and a large-scale records-scanning effort in support of a Network to Freedom nomination for Oak Hill Cemetery. The commission said it has scanned tens of thousands of burial records and identified numerous formerly enslaved people buried there.",{"_32":111,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":112,"_40":113,"_42":114,"_44":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6531828,"Residents, union members press for transparency over proposed move of executive offices to downtown Pontiac",530,4820000,5350000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8&start=4820&end=5350","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8/thumbnail_4820000.jpg","/articles/6531828/Oakland-County/Michigan/Residents-union-members-press-for-transparency-over-proposed-move-of-executive-offices-to-downtown-Pontiac","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6531828-03f55a7846e2ee9c42f5bd295380479e/orig.mp4?Expires=1769891772&Signature=Zq8frFWuZ5x1mo7vtRZ9NwTfCfEC3NrwjclPP4Kf~XP~gNhEMLWiby8spNgOSljvyaLCYQeMYoW7zPYoWBsA~deCohaHHQ14EnhIoWhOv~K-xLyZaKh~-YJKU9m-X3MmrCwWcaGvx8OM1PM8BQwB4mI0YTDdqCDUjyypuVvSaIIdOK~6xqW5CA6yQdrCcLN1zGAb5UsRGQmhrL3hh4TMGqVwnMoiXXpdyh8a8itT3q1T4pSshuC0lkQBd01dngW9VjmYbwmd6lwH8EfrN4aGW5H3ht4bvU2H7FsmaZz-PBR6yUeBLdBYG8BUXfyXjbXocVRNM~AVvPJG4N851UnTTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents and a union representative used the meeting's public-comment period to press the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for more transparency about plans to relocate county executive offices to downtown Pontiac and to question the project's cost and priorities.

\"Three hundred million dollars plus a bond for a hundred and seventy-five million more for new county offices in Pontiac. Wow. That's a lot of money,\" said Sherilyn Everly of Holly, referencing the financing described in public discussion and identifying the item number on the agenda (item 15). Everly said she distrusted committing large county resources to a single project while local infrastructure needs—such as the Holly Mill Pond Dam—remain underfunded.

April Brandon, president of the Village of Holly and a mental health counselor, told commissioners she and her community had experienced a smaller-scale example of a controversial municipal facility purchase and questioned whether the Pontiac project represents good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. \"If you plan to continue funneling money into a grand castle for administration, I hope you're able to provide extravagant results with the money you have already spent,\" Brandon said.

A member of the utility workers union (UWUA) who identified herself as Robin spoke on behalf of union and community concerns about transparency and priorities, saying residents deserve to know where taxpayer dollars are going and urging that investments prioritize education, housing and workforce development.

Other speakers from the public included John Love and Carl Klug, both long-time county residents, who said the county should prioritize basic community needs and be cautious about large downtown development spending. Klug told the board he opposed the proposed move and argued government spending of the scale discussed would crowd out private-sector investment.

None of the public speakers reported a formal board action on the item during the meeting; their remarks were part of the public-comment record. Several speakers referred to item 15 on the agenda (financing for new county executive offices in Pontiac) and to prior spending figures cited in public remarks. The board did not take a final vote on the project during the portion of the meeting recorded in the transcript provided.

Ending: Commissioners acknowledged the public comments. The meeting later recessed for a caucus and indicated the item would be revisited at a subsequent session.","Multiple residents and a union representative addressed the board during public comment to oppose or question the financing and transparency of a proposed relocation of county executive offices to downtown Pontiac and a related bond request.",{"_32":123,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":124,"_40":125,"_42":126,"_44":127,"_46":128,"_48":129,"_50":130,"_52":131,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":132,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":133,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6531833,"Board adopts consent agenda; public-health grant and other measures pass",1470,5562000,7032000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8&start=5562&end=7032","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3449706-f7760993aec45e76ad882cb9e2e0c9d8/thumbnail_5562000.jpg","/articles/6531833/Oakland-County/Michigan/Board-adopts-consent-agenda-public-health-grant-and-other-measures-pass","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6531833-ccfb5b5ef5b387c193cba5d38e0d0145/orig.mp4?Expires=1769891772&Signature=JFgiNjQe29D763QdDtOu93rjM1485jrmNJXviIbr~ZDEPERucqG8y1M7Wh1-O6t2vXj01Ze7TJHP7jS9U5oK3hDZyIqknup1V85J1Nis2XMUUbKkim2XR3ac3Lanw5pNnPdfTA5Nnda5q9b8nfgDFdcioWpkJGPuoyRtke4KUbgc5vcON6e0kcvvyUArHgwtCEtywg6saG0sGfKDwrCbToTgzbGnmLjplWoHLDi7rhLdfj6CZqbfE7~MX7jPQZ7cbkqXfcv9R4uzyz~jDfpIjOIIII1WYJvE3ExAR9N5eWQ8hF7rwQMsKmmAj~6765ae2z9tkRz1VPOkp0pGMZdXdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oakland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda and several routine items during its May 20 meeting, and the board approved a county application for a state auto-theft prevention grant after a recorded roll-call vote.

The board voted 16-0 to adopt the consent agenda and earlier approved the minutes of its May 1 meeting and the evening's agenda by unanimous voice votes. Later, the board approved a resolution to submit a fiscal-year 2026 grant application to the Michigan Auto Theft Prevention Authority; the clerk recorded a roll-call tally of 15 yeas and 1 nay on that item, and the resolution was adopted.

The clerk also reported receipt of three communications from the board chair notifying commissioners of: (1) a chair-authorized grant-submission in excess of $50,000 (see related article), (2) appointments to the Community Development Citizens Advisory Council, and (3) appointments to the review of equalization and assessment levels study group. The board moved to receive those communications and the record shows the communications were received unanimously.

Votes at a glance
- Minutes of May 1 meeting — Approved (unanimous; motion moved by Commissioner Powell, seconded by Commissioner Lutz).
- Agenda for May 20 meeting — Approved (unanimous; motion moved by Commissioner Luebz, seconded by Commissioner Long).
- Consent agenda — Adopted, 16-0 (clerk recorded 16 yays, 0 nays).
- Resolution to apply for Michigan Auto Theft Prevention Authority FY2026 grant — Adopted, 15-1 (clerk recorded 15 yays, 1 nay).
- Receipt of chair communications (notifications of grant submission and appointments) — Received (unanimous).

No additional ordinance adoptions or land-use votes were recorded on the portion of the transcript provided.","The Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved routine items including the consent agenda and a grant application to Michigan's Auto Theft Prevention Authority. The board also received communications and approved minutes and the meeting agenda.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oakland County honors outstanding older adults from across the county

Board proclaims National Gun Violence Awareness Day; Moms Demand Action highlights buybacks and safe-storage laws

Oakland County proclaims May Mental Health Awareness Month; Oakland Community Health Network highlights services

Oakland County historical commission advances "Network to Freedom" nomination for Oak Hill Cemetery, reports large records-scanning effort

Residents, union members press for transparency over proposed move of executive offices to downtown Pontiac

Board adopts consent agenda; public-health grant and other measures pass