DAY THE TOWN ON
JULY 10, 2025 Vol. 21, No. 16
WHEN
UPSCALE GOES ON
SATURDAY • JULY 26 • 9 AM – 5 PM
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS /10A
IMMIGRANTS THRIVE IN BUSINESS, SHARE AMERICAN CULTURE
Historical Society to host rededication of WWII Honor Roll
SALE
DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM
0020-2528
candgnews.com
BELOW: The refreshed WWII Honor Roll and auxiliary panel features new lighting to highlight the monument in the evening. Photo by David Berletich
LEFT: A commemorative stone dedicated to Sgt. Sparks, a distinguished WWII U.S. Marine Corps “Devil Dog,” is now featured beside the WWII Honor Roll, located outside the Rochester Police Department. Photo provided by Hugh Patterson
BY MARY BETH ALMOND
malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER — Families, friends and community members are invited to celebrate the rededication of Rochester’s WWII Honor Roll at 6 p.m. July 16. The monument, located adjacent to the Rochester Police station, near Rochester Municipal Park, has a long history in the community.
The beginning
Deborah Larsen, a former local history and genealogy librarian, said the local chapter of Blue Star Mothers wanted to honor the people from the Rochester area who served in the armed forces during the war and fundraised for the WWII Honor Roll, which was dedicated in 1945 at the intersection that is now University Drive and Walnut Boulevard. See REDEDICATION on page 18A
Rochester Police Department vies for re-accreditation from state PUBLIC FEEDBACK WANTED ON POLICE JULY 15
ROCHESTER — The Rochester Police Department is inviting public comments during a voluntary state assessment next week. The Rochester Police Department
achieved accreditation from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission for the first time in 2022. “It’s a big deal,” said Lt. Keith Harper, who also serves as the department’s accredi-
35 OFF ANY PLUMBING,
$
tation manager. “There’s a lot that goes into it, and everyone has to do their part.” The accreditation is valid for three years, during which the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued
compliance with the standards. On Tuesday, July 15, a team of assessors from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission will return to Rochester to re-examine all aspects of the city’s Police Department — including its policies and procedures, management, personnel, See POLICE on page 6A
POOL HEATER MAINTENANCE $
99
Schedule a Tune-Up TODAY!
COOLING OR HEATING SERVICE WITH THIS COUPON. EXCLUDES ALL OTHER OFFERS.
0097-2514
LIMITED TIME OFFER
valkyrievets.com
0133-2528
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com