Welcome Back Szerlag

No, it's not a new TV sitcom. Former Troy City Manager John Szerlag is back in Troy.  In fact, at the March 30th Troy City Council meeting, Szerlag was appointed Troy's Acting City Manager.

John left Troy to assume the job as city manager of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Earlier this year, Szerlag resigned the position in Sunny Isles Beach.

For more information on John's resignation in Sunny Isles Beach, go to...
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/aventura/story/873696.html

5K 4 TTA

Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
5K Run/Walk

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Bloomer Park
345 John R. (north of Avon)
Rochester Hills, MI 48307

9:00am (check-in begins at 8:15am)

$15.00 Student
$25.00 Adult
$60.00 Family
Price includes T-shirt and refreshments - Must register by 4/4/09 to receive T-shirt

Join Teens Taking Action (TTA) members, friends and family as we run or walk the 5K trail through Bloomer Park. TTA, a high school youth leadership group, works year round to prevent substance abuse and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Proceeds from this event will benefit future prevention programs.

Refreshments and Awards (best times, male and female) will take place after the race.

Questions? Call 248-823-5088 or email us at nmorrison2@troy.k12.mi.us

Troy Police Crime Report 3/30/09

Lt. Chuck Pappas
248-524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET

These summaries are meant to provide general highlights of items of interest and do not necessarily reflect every incident responded to. Investigations of a nature or at a juncture where publicity may impair the outcome of a case are not generally listed.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Is Uncle Sam Running GM and Chrysler?

Just remember these words from the late President Gerald Ford, "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have."

How about this?  It's easier to force General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner to resign than it is to fire a Federal employee! See the information below from the St. Petersburg Times.

"Very few federal employees -- in the hundreds, not the thousands -- are ever fired on the basis of poor performance," said Paul Light, a professor of public service at New York University. That's out of a federal workforce of 1.86 million, he said. "If you want to fire an employee, you're taking on a task that is very intense and difficult, and biased in favor of protecting employees, and it can take a year or more to complete," Light said. Don Kettl, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, agreed that it's too hard to fire poor performers and that few experts who study the issue would disagree.

Here's a news release from the Michigan GOP below.

The Three Year Lectionary

The Divine Service in a Lutheran church is rich in the proclamation of Law and Gospel in all aspects of the service.  It starts with the hymn, continues with the confession of sins and the absolution and moves to the Service of Word (the Introit, hymn of praise, collect, readings (Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel), the Creed (Apostles' or Nicene) and the sermon.    Then we move to the Service of the Sacrament which includes the offering and the Lord's Supper.

Brian Pannebecker...On The Right

Check out this new blog by Brian Pannebecker at...
http://www.pannebecker.blogspot.com/

Brian says...

I am going to devote this blog to providing a blue collar-conservative's "take" on the issues impacting metro-Detroit and Michigan. I want to comment from the perspective of a parent, an auto worker, and a conservative observer of society in general. I hope to employ some humor, wit and occasional cynicism to make my argument. While I am a conservative, I'm not an ideologue, and look forward to commenting on current events and the "issues of the day" with an open mind.

Troy City Council Regular Meeting Agenda — 3/30/09

Links to individual agenda items can be found at…
http://www.troymi.gov/Council/Meetings/CurrentAgenda.aspx

The complete agenda can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
Current Agenda

Who Represents Troy in Federal, State and County Government

Audre Zembrzuski asked for a listing of Federal and State elected officials. Actually, there's a list on the Troy City web page.

Go to... http://www.troymi.gov/VisitorsGuide/WhoRepresentsYou.asp

Governmentally Installed Central Banks

Economist Israel Kirzner writing on Ludwig von Mises in his 2001 book on the late Austrian economist:

Mises is most emphatic in laying at the door of governmentally installed central banks the ultimate responsibility for the distortions (and eventually the depressions) which arise out of the expansion of fiduciary media. He refers, in particular, to the practice of considering it the duty of central banks of issue "to shield the banks which expanded circulation credit from the consequences of their conduct," in order to soften the economic hardships experienced during the crisis. Mises was caustic in his condemnation of such public policy attitudes. The "practice of intervening for the benefit of banks, rendered insolvent by the crisis, and of the customers of these banks, has resulted in suspending the market forces which could serve to prevent a return of the expansion. If the banks emerge from the crisis unscathed . . . what remains to restrain them from embarking once more on an attempt to reduce artificially the interest rate on loans and expand circulation credit . . .?"

In "Human Action," Mises developed the thesis that, in the absence of central bank control over the banking system, competition between private banks in the market would tend to limit credit expansion (and thus remove the source of the business cycle aberrations). "Government interference" in the banking sector is therefore held ultimately responsible for credit expansion.

HT: Wall Street Journal at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123802177637141783.html

What's the Mission of the University of Detroit Mercy?

The University of Detroit Mercy, a Catholic university in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, exists to provide excellent student-centered undergraduate and graduate education in an urban context. A UDM education seeks to integrate the intellectual, spiritual, ethical and social development of our students.

However, look at this email that I recently received...

You are Invited!
Please join us for an Informal Educational Opportunity
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Signs and Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
March 30th 2009
Briggs #210
7:00 pm
Presented by
Registered Nurses from Henry Ford Hospital
University of Detroit Mercy Nursing Program
Sponsored by Student Health Center, University of Detroit Mercy

I see nothing wrong with teaching college students about sexually-transmitted diseases.  But, will this seminar include a priest who will talk about the Biblical purpose of sex?

Here's another email message from UDM...

Professor of Psychology Libby Balter Blume will be a guest speaker and Professor of Law Julia Belian will act as moderator for the 2009 OUTLaw Symposium on GLBT Legal Issues, March 26 at 1 p.m. at the UDM School of Law. The symposium topic is same-sex adoption and parenting. Other guest speakers will be from the UCLA and University of Michigan Schools of Law.

Isn't the University demonstrating that it's just another typical institution of higher learning? How is it any different from the University of Michigan or Michigan State?

Show a “Latte” Love for the Troy Community Coalition

Stop by Bear Creek Coffee (http://www.bearcreekcoffee.com) on March 31st and they will donate 20% of the event's sales to the Troy Community Coalition. Come in for a coffee, latte, espresso, cappuccino, Mocha, a Hot Tea, a Chai Tea, and/or a baked good from 7 am to 4 pm.

43119 Woodward Avenue Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
In the Kingswood Square Shopping Center
At Woodward and Square Lake Roads

Troy Police Officer Involved in Accident on 3/24/09

From the Troy PD...

Lieutenant Chuck Pappas, Public Information Officer
248-524-3447
Fax 248-524-9023

Officers from the Troy Police Department responded to an injury crash at West Long Lake and Northfield Pkwy. at approximately 7:40 a.m. this morning involving an on-duty Troy Police Officer driving a semi-marked patrol car. The officer was proceeding eastbound on Long Lake when it struck a 2001 Toyota Avalon which was proceeding southbound on Northfield Parkway. The Avalon was being driven by a 48 year old male from Troy. His 11 year old son, also from Troy, is believed to have been seated in the rear driver’s side seat. He was the only other occupant. Initial indications are that he was ejected through the passenger side window upon impact, as he was found on the ground next to the passenger side door of the Avalon. The preliminary investigation indicates that the traffic light for eastbound Long Lake was red at the time of the crash and green for traffic on southbound Northfield Parkway. The Troy Police Officer was on routine patrol and not engaged in any police action. Speed does not appear to be a factor in the crash. Troy Crash Investigators are attempting to determine if the occupants of the Avalon were seat belted at the time of the impact. The occupants of the Avalon were transported to Royal Oak Beaumont where they remain and are being treated for what appear to be non-life threatening injuries. They were on their way to Boulan Park Middle School where the 11 year old is a student. Troy Juvenile Officers responded to the school and advised staff of the incident. The officer involved suffered minor injuries for which he was treated and released at a local medical facility. He is 30 years old and has been an officer with Troy for four and a half years.

The crash remains under investigation by the Troy Police Department.

Will the Savings Crisis Lead to Stagnation?

The article below was written by economist Mark Skousen in 2000. It could have been written within the past year.

In a return to the principles of classical economics, more and more economists agree that thrift is a virtue and should be encouraged. In the textbooks, Harvard's Greg Mankiw promotes the new view toward saving: "Higher saving leads to faster growth."(1) Contrast Mankiw with the anti-saving mentality held by Paul Samuelson and other old Keynesians, who argued that higher saving may result in a recession or worse ("the paradox of thrift").

Read the rest of Skousen's comments at...
http://www.mskousen.com/Books/Articles/stagnation1.html

Troy Police Crime Report 3/23/09

Troy Police Department
500 West Big Beaver Road
Troy, Michigan 48084

Lt. Chuck Pappas
248-524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET

These summaries are meant to provide general highlights of items of interest and do not necessarily reflect every incident responded to. Investigations of a nature or at a juncture where publicity may impair the outcome of a case are not generally listed.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Oakland Politics Blog: Peters Outraged at Obama, Himself, & AIG

According to a post on the Oakland Politics Blog...

Sometimes when a politician seeks to pass the buck, the irony of real responsibility becomes to priceless to overlook. Pasted below is a steaming pile of priceless buck passing. Enter Gary Peters. And every Democratic Congressman, Senator, and the President. They are outraged. Angry. Downright teed off. At themselves.

Read the entire posting at... http://tinyurl.com/cbxh5p

Yard Waste Pick-up will Resume in Troy

From Troy's Community Affairs Department...

Yard waste pick-up will resume in Troy beginning the week of April 6 and continue weekly through December 18. Troy homeowners can place their yard waste out on their regular weekly refuse pickup day.

Soft yard waste (grass clippings, leaves, pencil-sized twigs) may be placed in large brown paper yard waste bags, or in 35-gallon (maximum) trash containers. Containers must have a yard waste sticker placed where it is visible, facing the road. Stickers are available at the City Clerk's Office and Community Affairs Department at City Hall, Community Center, Library and the Department of Public Works office on Rochester Road.

For “non-soft” yard waste such as brush or branches that are less than two inches in diameter and less than three-feet long, residents need to bundle and tie them before placing curbside. Bundles have to weigh less than 60 pounds, and it is suggested that no more than five bundles per week be placed at the curb. Per state regulations, the bundles are considered yard waste, not trash, and will be picked up with the yard waste bags.

Questions can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 248.524.3399 or visit the City of Troy website at www.troymi.gov/refuseandrecycling.

Troy City Council Regular Meeting Agenda — 3/23/09

Links to individual agenda items can be found at…
http://www.troymi.gov/Council/Meetings/CurrentAgenda.aspx

The complete agenda cannot be downloaded. It's been several months since this happened, but when you try to access the complete agenda the message says that the file is damaged.

Troy Golf Courses Open

Even though I saw snow flurries this morning, you can still hit the greens at either Sylvan Glen or Sanctuary Lake Golf Course.  I prefer it to be in the 60s to play golf.

Read more at...
http://www.troymi.gov/calendar/EventDetail.aspx?ID=http://mail/exchange/WebCalendar/Calendar/Golf%20Courses%20Open.EML

How Detroit's Automakers Went from Kings of the Road to Roadkill

The following is adapted from a speech delivered by Joseph B. White at Hillsdale College on January 26, 2009, at a seminar on the topic, "Cars and Trucks, Markets and Governments," co-sponsored by the Center for Constructive Alternatives and the Ludwig von Mises Lecture Series.

I'd like to start by congratulating all of you. You are all now in the auto business, the Sport of Kings—or in our case, presidents and members of Congress. Without your support—and I assume that most of you are fortunate enough to pay taxes—General Motors and Chrysler would very likely be getting measured by the undertakers of the bankruptcy courts. But make no mistake. What has happened to GM is essentially bankruptcy by other means, and that is an extraordinary event in the political and economic history of our country.

Read the entire article at...
http://www.hillsdale.edu/news/imprimis/archive/issue.asp?year=2009&month=02

Troy Police Crime Report 3/20/09

Troy Police Department
500 West Big Beaver Road
Troy, Michigan 48084

Lt. Chuck Pappas – 248-524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Friday, March 20, 2009

Thank You to Troy DPW

Last week, I called the City of Troy's Department of Public Works (DPW) to let them know that there were a couple of large potholes in the street in front of our home. Within 48 hours they were out to fix the holes.

Thank you to the City's DPW!

Troy Police Crime Report 3/19/09

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
March 19, 2009

Troy BZA Postpones Action on Sonic

At last night's Troy Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meeting, there was a proposal to grant six variances to permit the building of a Sonic Restaurant on John R just north of 14 Mile. A motion was adopted to postpone action on the variances until our April meeting. The motion was passed because a majority of the Board members had questions that could not be answered last night.

It was a close 4 to 3 vote on the motion to postpone. We'll see what happens when the issue comes back to the BZA in April.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Hey, I've got nothing against having a "celebratory" beer, but how many people know that today is a celebration of the real St. Patrick?

According to Pastor Paul McCain, "Patrick was a real man used by the Lord used to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God. The real story of Patrick is powerful and moving: taken into slavery by barbarian Irish, he chose to return to evangelize them, and was greatly blessed in the endeavor. His legacy of Christian missionary zeal and devotion to Christ is one that should serve to inspire all who bear the name of Christ."

Read more at... http://tinyurl.com/daqyk4

Is there a "Golden Mean" When It Comes to Government?

I ran across some interesting information when reading my Macroeconomic textbook written by Mark Skousen. Here it is below...

Each year the Fraser Institute publishes their Economic Freedom of the World Index (see www.fraserinstitute.org), which measures five major areas of government activity in more than 100 countries: size of government, legal structure, sound money, trade, and regulation. The most surprising thing about the study, according to its author James Gwartney, a professor of economics at Florida State University, is the importance of legal structure as the key to maximum performance for an economy. “It turns out,” he told me in a recent interview, “that the legal system — the rule of law, security of property rights, an independent judiciary, and an impartial court system — is the most important function of government, and the central element of both economic freedom and a civil society, and is far more statistically significant than the other variables.”

Yes, most conservatives believe that there is too much government. We need to articulate that government does play an important role in maintaining a free and prosperous nation. We also need to emphasize that when government strays too far from its role, it ends up failing to perform those essential duties.

Read Skousen's article at...
http://www.mskousen.com/articles/skousen_sept_05.pdf

Troy Police Crime Report 3/13/09 and 3/16/09

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Friday, March 13, 2009 & Monday, March 16, 2009

Troy Named "Tree City" for the 19th Year

Congratulations to the citizens and the City government of Troy.  We've once again been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor our commitment to community forestry.

Read the entire news release at...
http://www.troymi.gov/CommunityAffairs/PressRelease/TreeCity.htm

Troy Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting Agenda --- 3/17/09

The agenda can be found at...
http://www.troymi.gov/committees/Agendas/Zoning/Zoning20090317.pdf

Troy Church Embraces Political Involvement

Congressman Gary Peters was scheduled to give information on a bill to give families a tax credit of up to $6,000 to offset the cost of child care, preschool and dependent care at a press conference at 10:45 am yesterday on Friday. The press conference was to be held at the Troy Cooperative Preschool, at the First United Methodist Church.

That used to be the church of the famous Pastor Peacock. I thought he was opposed to "mixing" church and state? Maybe the new pastor has a different point of view.

More Catholics Embrace Traditions

Very interesting article in yesterday's Detroit News at...
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090313/LIFESTYLE04/903130400

As more and more Protestants (and some Lutherans) try to make the worship "experience" more hip and contemporary, I think the Roman Catholic Churches mentioned in the article are on to something here. After all, Christ and the Cross are counter-cultural. Can you really communicate that counter-cultural message through a rock concert?

What do you think?

What Magistrates and Subjects Owe Each Other

Gene Edward Veith blogs today about the Table of Duties in Luther’s Small Catechism and the estate that God has established for our life on earth, the civil government:

Concerning Civil Government.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For the power which exists anywhere is ordained of God. Whosoever resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Rom. 13:1-4.

What Subjects Owe to the Magistrates.

Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s. Matt. 22:21. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, etc. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For, for this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom, to whom custom; fear, to whom fear; honor, to whom honor. Rom. 13:1,5ff. I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Tim. 2:1f Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, etc. Titus 3:1. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto governors as unto them that are sent by him, etc. 1 Pet. 2:13f ]

God instituted government on the Earth after the "Fall" to maintain order and to keep us from killing each other.

Read more at...
http://www.geneveith.com/what-magistrates-and-subjects-owe-each-other/_1675/

(Gene Edward Veith is the Provost and Professor of Literature at Patrick Henry College, the Director of the Cranach Institute at Concordia Theological Seminary, a columnist for World Magazine and TableTalk, and the author of 18 books on different facets of Christianity & Culture. )

Troy Police Crime Report 3/12/09

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Thursday, March 12, 2009

Troy Police Say 3/6/09 Incident at Kohl's is a Scam

From Troy Police...

A mass scam email has been distributed that described an incident that was supposed to have happened at the Kohl’s located on Coolidge south of Maple in the city of Troy. The e-mail indicates that a woman was approached by a man asking her to come back to her car to exchange information because he ran into her car with his vehicle. When the lady refused he grabbed her and a struggle ensued. This alleged incident has been verified by the Troy Police department as never happening at this Kohl’s, the Kohl’s at Oakland Mall, or any other location within the city of Troy. We can also confirm that we have not had any reports of such incidents described in this false e-mail in recent history.

Occasionally scam e-mails such as this cause an alarm to our citizens and visitors to our city, but we are always willing to disclose whether the incident described is true or false.

James Carville Wanted Bush to Fail

On the morning of September 11, 2001, James Carville said this about President Bush: "I certainly hope he doesn't succeed."  Granted, Carville said this prior to the terrorists attack on the U.S.  But, I wonder why the media never reported this before?

Read the complete story at...
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/11/carville-wanted-bush-fail/

HT: Kathryn Jean Lopez at NRO

Celebrating 11 Years

11 years ago today Alex became our son.   It was a long journey from Kirov, Russia to Troy, MI!

Then.....Father meeting son!

Now...

Spring Break Troy Style 2009

April 4-11, 2009

Spring Break Troy Style is for Troy students in grades 6-12. It is a Troy Community Event offering many free and discounted fantastic activities and food opportunities “All Day Everyday!” Check out All Day Everyday for fun activities and discounts! For additional information call the Troy Community Coalition at 248-823-5088 or go to: http://www.troymi.gov/SpringBreak

Spring Break Troy Style is sponsored by: Troy Community Coalition, Troy Parks and Recreation, Troy School District, Troy Police Department, Troy Youth Assistance, City of Troy, Troy Families for Safe Homes, Troy Public Library, Community Bowling Centers, Laser Quest, Life Time Fitness, and Faith Lutheran Church.

Contributing Supporters: Troy Lanes, Bowl One, Troy Sports Center, Pro Car Wash, Subway, 7-11, Kalamata Greek Cafi, McDonald's, Coffee with Cream, Skate World, Noodles & Company, Papa Romano's, Green Lantern, TCBY, Big Beaver United Methodist Church, Boys & Girls Club of Troy, and Troy Museum & Historic Village.

2009 UDM "State of the Michigan Economy" Symposium

9 a.m. - noon
Saturday, April 4, 2009

Macomb University Center
44575 Garfield Road, UC-1
Clinton Township, Michigan

Featured speakers include:

Joseph A. Weglarz, senior lecturer at UDM
with "Opening Comments"

David R. Breuhan, vice president and portfolio
manager at Gregory J. Schwartz and Company, Inc.
"Is a Depression Inevitable?”

Manny Lopez, automotive editor, The Detroit News
"Autos and Politics: Making Sense of Madness"

Jamie Muter, president of Muter and Assoc. and adjunct professor at UDM
"Which Way for Real Estate?"

Paul Veryser, president, Valiant Advisors
"Prospects for Manufacturing"

Reservations are mandatory!!
Please RSVP to Donna Gormely at 586-263-6232 or gormeldm@udmercy.edu

This event is sponsored by the University of Detroit Mercy, Department of Economics, Macomb University Center, Clinton Township, Michigan and the UDM Center, Michigan Council on Economic Education.

Spotlight on Troy?

I received an email this morning stating that the most recent "Spotlight on Troy" that I linked to is last week's edition and some of the information is outdated. Apparently some of the City staff that produced the program were "let go" last week.

If the City updates the "Spotlights," I'll start posting these again. Of course, I'll have to use a new image because Andrea (the "star" of Spotlight) was one of those who lost her job with the City.

Spotlight on Troy — 3/9/09

Click anywhere on the image below to view this week’s “Spotlight on Troy.”

Troy Police Crime Report 3/9/09

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Monday, March 09, 2009

Issues Etc -- Newest Video

The newest promotional video for Issues Etc.

Our Shepherd Lutheran School Fine Arts Fair

On Thursday evening, Our Shepherd Lutheran School held its Fine Arts Fair. Alex's display was all about Shinichi Suzuki. More than forty years ago, Suzuki realized the implications of the fact that children the world over learn to speak their native language with ease. He began to apply the basic principles of language acquisition to the learning of music, and called his method the mother-tongue approach.

Troy's Interim City Manager?

I think Councilman Wade Fleming has a great idea when he suggests that retired Police Chief Charles Craft would be a good choice for Troy's interim city manager.

Read the story in the Troy Eccentric at...
http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090305/NEWS22/903050589/1039

Senator Carl Levin Defends Earmark for Tiger Stadium

According to the Detroit Free Press, a $3.8 million earmark to help preserve a bit of old Tiger Stadium in Corktown was a topic of debate on the Senate floor yesterday. The earmark's sponsor, Michigan U.S. Senator Carl Levin, defended the appropriation as a project that will help bring jobs to a city “that desperately needs them.”

Yes, I would love to see a part of Tiger Stadium preserved. However, will the preservation of Tiger Stadium create enough long-term jobs in Detroit to justify this expenditure of $3.8 million in Federal tax dollars?

Layoffs at Troy City Hall Today

I just learned that seven (7) City of Troy jobs were eliminated today. Please keep the affected employees and their families in your prayers.

2/27/09 Chase Bank Robbery Update 2

03/04/09 Chase Bank Robbery Update:

On 2/27/09, at approximately 1730 hours, the Chase Bank located at Long Lake and Rochester was robbed by a B/M who implied he was armed. The suspect fled the area in a vehicle black in color with no visible plate and similar in body style to a Mercury Mountaineer. There is a high probability that the picture below is the SUV that the suspect was actually driving at the time of this robbery.

Troy Community Coalition Meeting and Incredible Kid Recognition

General Membership Meeting Notice
Thursday, March 5, 2009

Incredible Kid Recognition Ceremony
6:30 – 7:30 PM
Troy Community Center
3179 Livernois (North of Big Beaver)
Troy, MI 48098

The monthly Coalition meeting will immediately follow the Incredible Kid Recognition Ceremony at approximately 7:45 PM.

Faith which trusts this Word of God in the water

Every night I say the Lord's Prayer over Alex,  and then remind him of his baptism.   I was pleased to see Dr. Veith's post on baptism this morning.   Time for a little cathecisis for the Lutheran readers and some informing for the non-Lutheran readers.

Dr Veith begins...

"The next part in our blog series on Luther’s Small Catechism deals with Baptism. I have heard it said that Lutherans do not really believe in justification by grace through faith because Baptism is a WORK. I have also heard it said that Lutherans do not really believe in justification by faith because they think that if you are Baptized you don’t need faith. As if Luther were not the great theologian of justification by faith! Anyway, the catechism sets the record straight."

To continue reading go to  Faith which trusts this Word of God in the water

Troy Police Crime Report 3/3/09

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Tuesday, March 03, 2009

2/27/09 Chase Bank Robbery Update

1050 E. Long Lake – Chase Bank – 2/27 at approximately 17:30 hours – Unknown male entered the bank and approached a teller handing him a note and stating “you are being robbed, read the note, and hand over the money.”

The teller put the cash on the counter and the suspect took all of the money, grabbed the note, and walked out of the bank. Another bank employee saw the suspect get into a black Mercury Mountaineer type of vehicle with the license plate missing which was backed into a parking space on the north side of the lot. Taken in this robbery was approximately $ 2560 cash. Investigation is being conducted by Troy Police Detectives. 09-6698

Suspect described as:
Black Male wearing a black baseball cap with a yellow “P”, black jacket, black pants, and tan Timberland boots, 5’10”- 6’, 185-195, 30-35 years of age.

Click on the image below to view all photos.

Spotlight on Troy — 3/2/09

Click anywhere on the image below to view this week’s “Spotlight on Troy.”

Troy Police Crime Report 3/2/09

TROY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Charles T. Craft, Chief of Police
500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084
248-524-3443

Community Services Section
Lt. Chuck Pappas 524-3447

DAILY MEDIA CRIME SHEET
Monday, March 02, 2009

2009 Change in the Troy City Manager

I'm sorry to see Phil Nelson leave Troy after less than 4 years.  I think he brought some good, innovative ideas to City Hall.  However, I'm not sure he ever really felt at home in Troy.  I wish him the best of luck in his new job in Maryland.

If I were still on Council, my recommendation would be to hire Assistant City Manager Brian Murphy as the new City Manager.  He's lived in Troy several years and he knows the challenges associated with the job.