1/28/26 Royal Oak Review

Royal Oak’s ex-city manager to receive $151K in severance

SEARCH FOR NEW CITY MANAGER BEGINS IN ROYAL OAK

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — City Manager Joe Gacioch’s separation agreement has officially been approved by the Royal Oak City Commission as of Jan. 12.

The agreement ends Gacicoh’s employment, leaving him with $135,950.22 in severance, according to the separation agreement document.

The payment is to go toward Gacioch in the form of a one-time lump sum payment equal to nine months of his base salary, amounting to $151,487.39.

“This lump sum payment shall be made at the second regular pay oc-

City Commission approves first reading for PUD at 111 N. Alexander BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN

tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak City Commission approved the first reading for a planned unit development at 111 N. Alexander Ave., north of 11 Mile Road.

The owner of 111 N. Alexander Ave. has requested that the property be rezoned from one-family residential to planned unit development to construct two new buildings.

Support group helps those struggling with ovarian cancer

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — Ovarian cancer is a silent killer and affects nearly 21,000 women each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

In Royal Oak, a special support group has been helping those affected by this disease for 29 years. The group is called the One to One ovarian cancer support group. One to One meets monthly at Gilda’s Club, 3517 Rochester Road in Royal Oak.

The cancer can appear in many different ways, starting in the ovaries, fallopian tubes or peritoneum. Common symptoms can include bloating, difficulty eating or feeling full, pelvic or abdominal pain, and or urinary symptoms, according to lead group facilitator Marilyn Brozovic.

Brozovic is a two-time breast cancer survivor and a 28-year survivor of ovarian cancer stage IIIC.

The group was founded in March of 1997 at Beaumont Hospital follow-

See GROUP on page 13A

STAGECRAFTERS TO INVESTIGATE ‘MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS’

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” is coming to the Baldwin Theatre Feb. 13 through March 1.

The story takes place on the Orient Express train, when just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. During the night there is a murder, causing the train to be filled with fear that anybody could have done it.

FAR LEFT: Bob Marselle portrays Agatha Christie’s famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot. NEAR

Monsieur

“is a dedicated professional, a great handler of the clients, the wealthy clients who travel the train,” says actor Kerry Milliron, who portrays the character.

ABOVE: A participant last year shoots a bow and arrow at a target. The experience this year will offer golf, basketball, archery, curling and more.

BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com

PONTIAC — Online registration will open Feb. 1 for Oakland County’s Adaptive Recreation Experience.

The event itself will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. March 27 at UWM Sports Complex in Pontiac and is free for participants, but registration is required.

The experience is sponsored by Strive Recreational Therapy in cooperation with partners Oakland County Parks and UWM Sports Complex and will provide individuals who have a disability the opportunity to play games like basketball, golf, archery, bocce, curling and more.

Last year was the first year of the Adaptive Recreation Experience. According to the event’s supervisor, Sandy Dorey, the 2025 experience had over 30 vendors and more than 300 total participants.

The event also helps spread the word about what is available for those with a disability.

Registration will open on Feb. 1 at oakgov.com. For more information, send an email to OCPrecreation@oakgov.com.

Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.

NEWS & NOTES

Community input night in Clawson

CLAWSON — Clawson Parks, Recreation and Senior Services is asking the public to attend a community input night to help shape the future of Clawson spaces from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Hunter Community Senior Center, 509 Fisher Court in Clawson.

Clawson Parks, Recreation and Senior Services is working with the Smith Group on a vision and feasibility study to help improve the parks and facilities.

The evening is for community members to share their thoughts on the community center and the city parks master plan.

“This is an opportunity for residents to learn more about the essential facilities, programs, and services offered through the Clawson Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Department,” said Lisa Ball, assistant director of Clawson Parks, Recreation and Senior Services and parks.

During the night, the public can meet with the team dedicated to the projects, tour the Hunter Community Senior Center, and share direct feedback on possible park enhancements and the Hunter Community Senior Center.

“Feedback from residents about Clawson City Park and the Hunter Community Senior Center is essential,” Ball said. “The community input night is about providing a space for constructive dialogue among residents and other stakeholders to discuss the future of our services and facilities.”

Ball said that the city of Clawson wants residents to attend and share their thoughts, good or bad, as it will help officials to figure out the way to move forward with the improvements.

For more information, visit cityofclawson.com.

Citizens Police Academy students graduate

ROYAL OAK — After seven weeks, the 2025 Royal Oak Citizens Police Academy came to a close Jan 15.

The academy ended with a final Q&A with Police Chief Michael Moore, according to a Royal Oak Police Department Facebook post.

“To our graduates: thank you for spending the last seven weeks with us. We’ve truly enjoyed the camaraderie and the opportunity to show you the heart of the Royal Oak Police Department. Thank you for your commitment to our city,” the post says.

Royal Oak Schools kindergarten information night

ROYAL OAK — Royal Oak Schools will be hosting kindergarten information night at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at each of the six elementary schools in Royal Oak.

Incoming kindergarten parents can meet the teachers and principal and ask them questions.

The schools are located at the following addresses: Addams Elementary, 2222 W. Webster Road; Keller Elementary, 1505 North Campbell Road; Northwood Elementary, 926 W. 12 Mile Road; Oakland Elementary, 2415 E. Brockton Ave.; Oak Ridge Elementary, 506 E. 13 Mile Road; and Upton Elementary, 4400 Mandalay Ave.

If a child will be enrolling as a nonresident, parents are welcome to attend any elementary school’s kindergarten information night, according to royaloakschools.org.

Kindergarten enrollment will begin on Feb. 2. All children who are 5 years of age on or before Sept. 1 are eligible to enroll for the coming school year.

For more information, visit royaloakschools.org.

ROYAL OAK SCHOOLS PUBLIC HEARING ON SEX ED CLASSES

ROYAL OAK — From 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 28, the Royal Oak Schools will hold a public hearing to allow community members to review and comment on the proposed changes to the 10th grade sexual health curriculum and the high school special education level III sexual health curriculum.

The meetings will take place at the Royal Oak Schools District Administration Offices, 800 DeVillen Ave. in Royal Oak.

St. Paul kindergarten roundup night

ROYAL OAK — St. Paul Lutheran Church and School will host a kindergarten roundup and open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 3.

The evening is to welcome kindergarten families while also opening doors to those who would like to tour the school and learn more about its ministry.

Guests can visit classrooms, meet the staff and more, according to a press release.

For more information visit stpaulroyaloak.org.

We know every turn, every block, and the neighborhoods that make metro Detroit feel like home. As the new year begins, Shields Real Estate Group is here to guide you; answering questions, protecting your interests, and making every step feel clear and comfortable. Let’s talk about what’s next. We’d love to help.

ARMY UNVEILS ROUSH-BUILT TANK PROTOTYPE AT AUTO SHOW

BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com

DETROIT — Automobiles built by top suppliers weren’t the only things on display at the Detroit Auto Show.

In a media event held Jan. 15, the U.S. Army unveiled the M1E3 Abrams battle tank, a prototype of what the Army is calling its next generation of tanks.

The tank features a hybrid diesel drivetrain and a remote-controlled turret created with the ability to be outfitted with a slew of different weaponry, including anti-drone weapons. It is also outfitted with an autoloader for its main 120 mm cannon, which allows all crewmen to remain inside the vehicle as well as reduces the number of crew in the tank from four to three.

“(Autoloaders) have been around for a long time. It’s not new. You just want to make sure they’re reliable,” U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Troy Denomy said. “Bringing in an autoloader allows us to take the humans out of the turret, which allows us to make the turret smaller and vehicle more survivable.”

According to U.S. Army Col. Ryan Howell, while many aspects of the tank will

MORE ONLINE

Find more Detroit Auto Show stories and a photo gallery at candgnews.com

remain unchanged — such as the armor and location of the weapons — the tank will be built around a digital backbone that will allow systems to be integrated faster as challenges and threats change.

Howell said the tank is based on lessons learned from other conflicts and is designed for a generation of soldiers who haven’t even been recruited yet.

“The advances around optics, and how the crew interacts with it, and then the young generation, what are the tools that they need, because we’re not building the tank for myself. … We’re building it for a younger generation that hasn’t even necessarily been recruited,” he said.

Denomy said the crew compartment of the tank will look like a race car.

The prototype, which was created by Warren-based Roush Defense, is one of four planned to be produced and put into the hands of soldiers, Howell said.

“The tank behind us is the first prototype to get that soldier feedback,” he said.

“The challenge that we have going forward is there’s not really any good models, and there’s no other way to do theory and modeling of how do these three tank crew members, with interoperable screens and gaming controls, fight this tank on a battlefield.”

Howell said the reduced cost of manufacturing the tank — which is expected to be less than it costs to manufacture the current

See TANK on page 15A

CRIME WATCH

Backpack stolen

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 1 and 4 p.m. Jan. 10, an unknown person stole a backpack from the complainant’s unlocked vehicle on Woodland Avenue.

Tools taken from car

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 9:50 a.m. and 11:07 a.m. Jan. 12, an unknown person stole various tools from the complainant’s unlocked vehicle on South Edison Avenue near Fourth Street.

Jacket stolen

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 7 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Jan. 13, an unknown person stole the complainant’s jacket from the employee locker room at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road.

Two cases of beer stolen

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 2:30 a.m. Jan. 10, an unknown person stole two cases of beer from the 7-Eleven at 1702 W. 13 Mile Road.

Seafood theft

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 7 p.m. Jan. 8, an unknown person stole various seafood products from the Holiday Market at 1203 S. Main St. — Taylor Christensen

SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING

Multiple choice: EDUCATION

WOPTIONS ABOUND FOR FAMILIES

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

hen it comes to educating your children, there are a multitude of options to consider before choosing the right fit.

The key, experts say, is finding a suitable learning environment for your child — whether it be at a traditional public, charter, private, home, virtual or other school.

Schools of Choice

According to a Bridge Michigan analysis of the state’s latest enrollment data, one in four Michigan K-12 students attend school at a charter or in a Schools of Choice district.

Michigan’s Schools of Choice provisions in Section 105 and 105c of the State School Aid Act allow local school districts to enroll nonresident students and count them in membership without having to obtain approval from the district of residence.

While a few dozen public school districts in the state — including Rochester Community Schools and Grosse Pointe — do not accept most students from other districts, the majority of Michigan’s 532 public school districts welcome choice.

The Troy School District, for example, offers a limited School of Choice program, allowing students from specific areas to enroll, with priority for siblings of current Schools of Choice students.

See SCHOOLS on page 12A

CALENDAR

JAN. 29 & 31

‘Residential Genealogy: Beyond the Walls’: Exhibit shows documents that could help people learn about own home and past owners, 1-4 p.m., Royal Oak Historical Society and Museum, 1411 Webster Road, royaloakhistoricalsociety.org

FEB. 7

Royal Oak Woman’s Club meeting: Social time from 9:30-10 a.m., general meeting from 10-10:45 a.m., and presentation by chef Julie Selonke about Oakland Community College’s Culinary Studies Institute and more from 10:45-11:30 a.m., ROWC clubhouse, 404 S. Pleasant St., rowc.org/events

FEB. 11

Comedy for a Cause: Benefit for The Salvation Army’s Bed & Bread program, features comedian Paul Mecurio, also includes light meal, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.), Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 310 S. Troy St. in Royal Oak, comedycastle.com, event serves as kickoff to The Salvation Army’s 39th annual Bed & Bread Club Radiothon Feb. 26–27 on 760 (WJR-AM), www. sametrodetroit.org/events zz

FEB. 13

‘Dividing a District’: Learn how 20th century suburban housing development led to first federal school segregation case in northern United States,

presentation by contemporary Detroit historian and Ferndale Area District Library Head of Access Services Melissa More, 7 p.m., Royal Oak Historical Society and Museum, 1411 Webster Road, register at www. royaloakhistoricalsociety.org

FEB. 14

Winter sowing workshop: Learn to prepare seeds now for planting later, bring own gallon translucent jugs and seeds, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Mahany/Meininger Senior Community Center, 3500 Marais Ave. in Royal Oak, presented by Royal Oak Garden Club, register at royaloakgardenclubmi.org

FEB. 15

Presidents Day at the Museum: Includes visit from George Washington, tricorn hat craft, cherry treats, using a feather quill, free Revolutionary War activitiy books, prizes and more, 2-4 p.m., Royal Oak Historical Society and Museum, 1411 Webster Road, www. royaloakhistoricalsociety.org

FEB. 17

Royal Oak Musicale concert: Hear flutist Kathy Oliphant and ensemble, 1 p.m., First Congregational Church of Royal Oak, 1314 Northwood Blvd., free but donations appreciated, royaloakmusicale.com

FEB. 21

Forest walk: Led by Royal Oak Nature Society, 2 p.m., Tenhave Woods in Royal Oak, park at Marais/Lexington lot and walk 300 feet east to entrance, romi. gov/411/nature-walks

Schools

“Troy is really known for its strong academics, enrichment, athletics, and performing arts and has always been in the top three in the state for many things. Because of that reputation, that helps Troy immensely,” said Kendra Montante, director of communications and strategic initiatives for the Troy School District. “We also have a very diverse community, which is amazing, so that is a draw as well.”

Schools of Choice, Montante explained, helps maintain district enrollment while providing educational opportunities, with specific seat numbers announced annually.

“Over the years, School of Choice programs have changed based on things like enrollment needs, so for the last eight or nine years, we have not done a significant amount of Schools of Choice. We have done a little bit of it because our goal was to right size the district a little bit and determine where we were at with our student population and our schools. That’s not uncommon. Many districts do that.”

More recently, as many districts across the state face declining student enrollment,

Montante said the Troy School District polled families and received feedback supporting further opening up its Schools of Choice program rather than potentially closing schools with lower student enrollment.

“For the 2026-27 school year, we opened it up a little bit more for grades kindergarten, first grade, sixth, seventh and eighth grade,” Montante said.

The Montessori method

A popular educational approach that differs from traditional public and private schools’ teacher-led, age-segregated, curriculum-focused option is the Montessori method.

Tanya Dallo, who owns Country Hills Montessori in Farmington Hills, said the Montessori method — established by Dr. Maria Montessori in the 1890s — is based on the philosophy that students learn best by self-directed activities and observing the world around them.

Country Hills Montessori, which serves children ages 14 months to 9 years in mixedage classes, offers a more individual approach to education, Dallo says, with different selfdirected experiences for every child.

“A Montessori education is designed to develop the full child, so it’s not just the academics, we focus on their social and emo-

tional growth, too, to set them up to be lifelong learners,” she said.

To foster independence, children can choose the subjects they want to study, depending on their interests — things like art, music, foreign language, gardening, science, math, geography, and reading skills — and they are encouraged to reason, cooperate, negotiate and understand along the way.

Dallo, who has been providing Montessori education for 32 years, says the method works.

“I’ve seen kids graduate, go through med school to become doctors, we have lawyers, we have a student who is a sheriff,” she said. “It’s so rewarding and it’s wonderful to see.”

GATE programs an option for some

The Avondale School District launched its GATE, or Gifted And Talented Education program during the 2017-2018 school year, enrolling approximately 31 students in two multiage third and fourth grade classrooms at Woodland Elementary School.

At that time, Superintendent James Schwarz said the idea was that it would be a self-contained magnet program to service truly gifted students, being that there was not one in this area — a public school that services students to that end, in a program

specific for that ability.

In 2019, the program more than doubled — with 74 students enrolled in four multiage classrooms: two second-and thirdgrade split classes, and two fourth-and fifthgrade split classes.

To meet the increasing demand for enrollment, the GATE program moved into a dedicated building, the Avondale Meadows Learning Center in Rochester Hills, with students in second through eighth grades eligible to be part of the program. Today, the school has grown to serve over 400 students.

Upon reaching eighth grade, Schwarz said GATE students then go to high school, where they can differentiate into a wide variety of honors choices, Advanced Placement, dual enrollment and early college. GATE students can complete their high school requirements in half the time, which allows them to take AP or dual enrollment courses.

The GATE program is open to students in second through eighth grades within the Avondale School District and those outside the district through Schools of Choice, as space allows. Applications for students within the district are typically due in the fall, and Schools of Choice applications are typically due in February.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

ing an anonymous donation, according to an informational packet provided by Brozovic.

“Our goal is to support and help people during their journey, whether they are a new diagnosis, recurrence or dealing with remission and they are scared to go back into recurrence,” Brozovic said. “It’s all about supporting each other.”

Every other month the group tries to have an educational speaker attend to share information and insight into ovarian cancer.

At 4 p.m. Feb. 12, the group will be hosting Dr. Maureen Anderson, corporate medical director of integrative medicine at Corewell Health. This will take place at Gilda’s Club.

“She is going to talk about the difference between functional innovative medicine versus conventional medicine,” Brozovic said. “It’s going to be an informal meeting where she can educate us and the group can have an open dialogue and meet and greet with her.”

Patty Kurpinski, a 17-year ovarian and endometrial cancer survivor, serves as the group’s patient advocate by keeping current in new drugs and clinical trials.

Kurpinski said that the group provides a safe space for those struggling with the disease, and it is even more personable given all the leaders of the group have survived ovarian cancer.

“Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer, silent disease, because the symptoms can be very vague,” Kurpinski said. “Unlike a lot of cancers, there is also a very high recurrence rate in ovarian cancer, so it has a very unique psychological as well as emotional aspect associated with the disease.”

Kurpinski said that the group is a place for women to share their feelings and fears

with people who have gone through the same experience.

“We (the group) are unique in a way that we are all survivors as well, so we have kind of walked the path already and we can hold their hands through what we already know they are going through before they go through it,” she said.

Kurpinski said her first meeting was 18 years ago, and she walked into the meeting very scared, but she was able to find a sense of community within the group.

“I was dealing with a lot of side effects, there were a lot of appointments, a lot of scheduling, a lot of testing going on, and through Marilyn and the other long-term members calling me, assuring me that I was going to be able to get through the treatments, they gave me practical advice on how to get through the side effects, and I was able to get through it, and I realized there is life after cancer,” she said.

The group does a variety of fun events that bring the group closer together, including an annual retreat.

Members of the group are also a part of Survivors Teaching Students, a national program sponsored by the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance and offered at more than 400 medical schools, according to the informational packet.

One to One members volunteer their time in the program to share their ovarian cancer journey with the students. Twentytwo presentations have been given at 10 schools reaching 745 students, according to the packet.

Anybody is welcome to join the group, and more information can be found at onetooneovariancancersupportgroup.com. The group provides both in-person and online meeting options.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

Development

The matter was discussed during the Jan. 12 City Commission meeting, where it was approved by the commissioners in a 5-2 vote. Woody Gontina and Paul Bastian voted no.

The owner is proposing to build a two-story 21.5-foot detached single-family dwelling at the front of the property, and a three-story 30-foot building containing two dwellings above ground-level parking toward the rear end of the property.

This project has been in the works since Jan. 13, 2025, when the first reading was held at the City Commission meeting that day. A motion to postpone the item was adopted. In December of 2025, there was also a public hearing held at a Planning Commission meeting.

According to Joseph Murphy, director of planning, the petitioner has several different approval processes available in order to try to achieve or request what they are seeking to do.

“Those four processes include to seek the necessary variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals; to seek what we call a traditional rezoning of the property to something like multiple family; a conditional rezoning; and the last item that they have chosen, which is planned unit development,” Murphy said.

Dennis Cowan, attorney at Dennis Cowan PC, spoke representing the owner of the lot.

“This is a very unique lot. It’s at the end of the block of budding commercials, it’s bordered on two sides by commercial, not one, which is typical of properties in this location,” Cowan said. “Its southern border includes a commercial parking lot and dumpster, and also the house on the property has always been oriented towards 11 Mile since it was built in 1937.”

Cowan said that the petitioner and himself believe that the property would coexist nicely with the neighboring buildings and businesses.

“We did meet with our neighbors back in December of 2024 at the Village Grill, and we had good support,” he said. “There were people that came to the Planning Commission meeting and spoke for and against it, but most importantly

the gentleman who lived right across the street who had just built a brand-new home directly across from this lot, came out on a cold December night to say he supported it.”

Cowan also said that it is a thoughtful proposal, and a small response to the larger issue in the 2025 master plan that was passed in May of 2025.

“Which is looking at more housing options in our community, especially for folks who are working people,” he said.

Woody Gontina, a member of the City Commission, does not approve of the proposal.

“I’m struggling with the project a little bit from a PUD perspective, and I appreciate Mr. Murphy sort of laid out the path, because this was the path that was chosen, and by choosing that path, it does establish a higher bar,” he said. “Part of that bar is that there needs to be a recognizable and material benefit to the residents of the project and to the community where such benefit would otherwise be unfeasible or unlikely to be achieved without application of the PUD.”

Gontina said that the benefits mentioned by the petitioner, which are providing housing options, reducing en-

ergy use, natural means of water management, and native climate-tolerant landscaping, are not necessarily unfeasible given its current use.

Mayor Michael Fournier said that he thinks the property of 111 N. Alexander is a unique property that makes for a good location for the proposal.

“My support of this project came down to a few factors. One, I didn’t get hung up on the PUD part of it. … I felt that a unique parcel demands a unique approach,” he said. “I really think this is one of the situations where we have said we need housing in the city, we have said that along our commercial corridors we need to look at opportunities to bring in density and to bring in appropriate housing.”

The project still needs to come back before the commission for a second reading after the development contract with the city and owner is ready, according to City Commissioner Brandon Kolo, which usually takes around a month.

Kolo predicted that construction would begin in the springtime. For more information, visit romi.gov.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

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The passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer, in case he or she decides to strike again.

Kerry Milliron plays Monsieur Bouc, a key character in the story. Bouc is the well-known, gregarious Belgian director of the Orient Express and an old friend of Poirot who helps Poirot with the investigation.

“He (Bouc) is a dedicated professional, a great handler of the clients, the wealthy clients who travel the train,” Milliron said. “He talks about the beauty of the train, the magnificence of the paneling and the plates. It’s like he’s talking about himself. … He’s friends with Poirot; they have known each other for some time. So, when they meet and get to work together on this, he is thrilled that this unprecedented thing that happened on his train at least happened when Poirot was there.”

Milliron said he was thrilled to play any role in the play, as each character is so interesting in their own quirky way.

“In fact, one of the things that the book says is, one of the passengers on the train says this to Poirot, he says, ‘Oh, they are all characters, my friend,’” he said.

Milliron hopes that when the audience comes to see the show, people are captivated by the characters.

“I want the night to go fast, and for them to wish they could spend another couple hours with these fascinating, crazy characters,” he said.

Director Leta Chrisman said that the story is a classic, and the way that the cast and production team pulls the show together is seamless.

“I have an incredibly talented cast, and we have had a lot of fun,” Chrisman said. “These characters are insane. So, being able to build this group of people together, it’s very much an ensemble show, which is my personal favorite, because everybody is an integral piece of the story.”

The show has a lot of interesting storylines, according to Chrisman, and it’s hard to tell the story without spoiling key plot points.

“It’s called the ‘Murder on the Orient Express,’ so obviously we get a murder. I’m not going to say anything more, but there’s a muder that happened,” she said. “But watching Poirot do his full

Tank

from page 6A

models — will help to drive down the cost of sustaining the tanks as well.

Using the diesel-hybrid drivetrain system will reduce the cost of fuel, as well as the weight of the tank, he said.

Alex Miller, chief technical officer for the U.S. Army, said it took less than a year for the prototype to be built.

“I cannot stress enough that this tank that is here, drove in here. This was not towed. … This is a real tank,” he said. “This is going to go to safety and gunnery. You’re going to put this in the hands of soldiers. They’re going to fight this tank. We did it in a year. So, rather than the 15-year development cycle and maybe somebody sees it within their career, this team actually did the thing.”

detective thing and question people and examine evidence and eventually solve the crime with this ridiculous cast of characters, it’s a really compelling story.”

Chrisman said that the set of the show is an exciting aspect of the whole production. She said they made sure to create a set that captures the essence of being on a train.

“Instead of big, wide-open spaces where everybody can roam around, we’re really kind of creating that sense of we are in a train car, and all of these people are kind of in a very tight, confined space,” she said. “Part of the fun for us and the creation process was working with some of these amazing builders that we have that work with Stagecrafters, and just seeing if we can make a train, and can we make it feel like a train without losing the ability for theatricality.”

Tickets on Thursdays cost $25 with a $3 per ticket fee. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the tickets cost $35 plus a $3 ticket fee.

For tickets and more information, visit stagecrafters.org. Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

Miller said the tank represents the Army’s drive to put robots in front of soldiers.

“This is your Army actually putting steady conditions so that we can make sure that America’s next first battle, as unfortunate as it will be when it gets here, and it will come, that we are putting robots in front of soldiers, that we are trading blood for steel,” he said.

According to a press release from the Army, initial operational capability of the tank is expected in the early 2030s.

The Detroit Auto Show was open to the public Jan. 17-25 at Huntington Place.

Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.

Severance

curring in Jan. 2026 with deductions for any payment made to him after Dec. 8, 2025 which is the amount of $15,537.17,” the document states. “The lump sum payment after deductions will be $135,950.22 payable to Gacioch.”

Gacioch’s separation from the city was announced on Dec. 9 through a statement released by the city of Royal Oak.

Gacioch served as city manager for nearly a year, and prior to his employment with Royal Oak, he served as the city manager of Ferndale for about five years and had worked for Ferndale since 2012.

An interim leadership team was unanimously approved at the Dec. 8 City Commission meeting, including City Attorney Niccolas Grochowski as the interim city manager, and Police Chief Michael Moore serving as the interim deputy city manager alongside deputy city manager Susan Barkman.

At the Jan. 12 meeting, Grochowski’s position as interim was confirmed.

“I am confident in the commission’s decision to move in a different direction,”

BUSINESS CLIPS

Green Lantern Pizza opens new location

Mayor Michael Fournier said via email. “We have amazing staff that have stepped up and we haven’t missed a beat.”

The reasoning for Gacioch to leave is still not being made public, according to Fournier.

“Personnel decisions are always difficult to discuss publicly. The public voted for and placed trust in the commission to keep Royal Oak safe and vibrant and to make tough decisions like who should be a city manager,” Fournier said via email.

City Commissioner Brandon Kolo said that the severance agreement is a normal thing that can happen within a city government.

“A severance is something that many city managers get in this job. It’s a unique position, and there is only one per municipality, and it takes managers a while to find their next position,” Kolo said. “So, part of the industry is that almost every city manager contract has a separation agreement with a severance built into it.”

Looking forward, the city is on the search for a new city manager. On Jan. 12, the commission approved an executive

Attention all pizza lovers, Green Lantern Pizza in St. Clair Shores is now officially open for business. The new location is about a half mile north of 12 Mile Road off Harper Road. This is the local pizza chain’s 17th location that offers a full carryout menu for pickup or easy, fast delivery. Playing off the flagship original location in Madison Heights, Green Lantern Pizza is known for its mouth-watering, thick-cut, grease-filled pepperonis; cheesy lantern bread; and original famous Italian sub. Call (586) 238-3800 or place an order online at greenlanternpizza.com and experience the “King of Pepperoni” yourself.

BUSINESS CLIP

Wellness Family Dentistry opens in Royal Oak

Wellness Family Dentistry is a new, locally owned dental practice serving the Royal Oak community. Founded by Dr. Tasneem Karassi, the practice provides comprehensive dental care for both adults and children in a modern, welcoming environment. Wellness Family Dentistry takes a holistic, whole-body approach to oral health, recognizing the connection between dental health and overall wellness. Services include preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, as well as Invisalign, TMJ pain management, and sleep apnea treatment, with an emphasis on patient education, biocompatible materials and minimally invasive care. Wellness Family Dentistry is located at 1041 S. Main St., Fl. 1, in Royal Oak. Call (248) 744-4066 for more information.

search for a city manager with Vettraino Consulting LLC.

The total professional services of Vettraino Consulting LLC will cost $29,500, according to the proposal document.

“The proposal is designed to support a stable, transparent, and well-aligned process that not only identifies strong candidates, but also promotes long-term success once a City Manager is selected,” the proposal document states.

Vettraino Consulting will be conducting an assessment to understand the city’s organizational culture, governance dynamics, expectations and operational needs, the document states.

“The assessment will help clarify priorities and inform the recruitment process to ensure a strong match between the city and prospective candidates,” it states.

Fournier said he is hopeful and confident in the search process.

“Plans are still being formulated and I feel very optimistic that we will find the right fit in our next City Manager,” he said via email.

Kolo said that Vettraino is an experienced company that has helped surrounding communities find the same kind of leadership.

“Jaymes Vettraino (of Vettraino Consulting, LLC) is a former city manager of Rochester, and a longtime consultant, and he professionally helps people with placement,” Kolo said. “He does this all around the state. Most recently he helped the mayor of Pontiac staff up all of their new positions with the changeover in administration there.”

Kolo said that the commission is feeling secure at the moment, with the help that it got from people already established in the community, like Grochowski.

“Royal Oak has a deep bench of great employees, and we have some dedicated people who have stepped up to really fill in any gap that we have,” he said. “So, it’s a seamless transition. … I think that’s important so that residents won’t feel it, they won’t see a change. Staff will continue to have what they need to provide for our residents, so we continue to move forward, and look forward to finding the next leader to work with us to accomplish all of the goals we have.”

The search for the next city manager is slated to take around 12 weeks, according to Kolo.

For more information, visit romi.gov. Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

In Loving Memory of

Jan Myrtle Lichtle

Jan Myrtle Lichtle rose to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 4th, 2025 at the age of 98. She has been reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Robert Leslie Lichtle. Jan is survived by her daughters Joan Billings and Dawn (Kevin) Morris, her grandson Jonathan Nicholas, her sister Leona (Teodore) Spoelman, and many nieces and nephews and their families. Tere will be a private memorial, to be announced at a future date.

Jan received her Bachelor’s Degree from Oakland University (1972) and her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Houston (1982). She taught elementary school for two decades, primarily in Houston, Texas. She loved music and being active, especially playing tennis, sewing, painting, and playing bridge.

Jan’s faith in God, along with her fervent patriotism, supported her in rising from the privations of her youth to live a rich and remarkable life.

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