We shared a lot of information this summer and want to make sure you didn't miss a thing, so here are some highlights:

Business

Rust Belt Takes on Savory Food with New Slider Bar Brew Jus

Brew Jus features gourmet sliders with homemade beer-based sauces and is located inside the Rust Belt Market.

New Tiki Bar Opens to Warm Reception in Ferndale

The outdoor bar is attached to The Oakland and features craft cocktails in a more casual environment.

Stayin' Fresh in Ferndale: Top Salsa Company Continues to Grow

"I couldn't ask for a more supportive city," says Jack Aronson, co-founder of Garden Fresh Gourmet, which is expecting record sales and working on a new stuffed burger lineup.

New Frozen Yogurt Shop Opens in Ferndale

Easy Like Sundae is located at 172 W. Nine Mile Road and offers 10 flavors of fat-free, soft-serve frozen yogurt.

Photos: Open for Just Two Weeks, Local Kitchen and Bar is Already Heating Up Ferndale

The downtown restaurant marked its grand opening Aug. 4.

Ferndale Espresso Bar Shifts Focus to Specialty Cocktails

Torino on Nine Mile rolls out new hours and a revamped menu.

Who Let the Dogs In? Ferndale Bank Employees Bring Dogs to Work

The "Dog Days of Summer" event at Level One Bank raised funds for the Animal Welfare Society of Southeastern Michigan.

Ferndale Readers' Choice Winners 2012

Who has the best burger in town? How about the best outdoor dining? Here are your picks for Readers' Choice.

AJ's Cafe to Reopen in Highland Park Church

The cafe will open under a new name in the basement of St. Benedict's Church in Highland Park, Huffington Post Detroit reports.

PHOTOS: Inside Found Sound, Ferndale's New Record Store

Have you checked out the new store in downtown Ferndale yet?

Events and community

PHOTOS: Community Celebrates Ferndale Pride 2012

View photos from the weekend of gay pride events.

PHOTOS: New Sculpture Unveiled, Ferndale Celebrates Public Art at Rust Belt

It was a "black tie and sneakers" event as residents explored the city's 11 public art sculptures as part of the ARTWN initiative.

Like It Or Not: Big Red Ram Debate Embraced by City

"This is the point," Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter said of the city's most-talked-about public art sculpture. "How boring would it be if we all had the same opinions and liked the same things?"

PHOTOS: Pig and Whiskey Draws Crowds in Ferndale

Check out photos from the second annual barbecue and whiskey sampling event.

[Have great summer photos to share? Upload them to our community gallery!]

Woodward Dream Cruise a Nightmare for Some

Residents and business owners who are fed up with the event and the activity that precedes it sound off on Facebook.

Recap: Woodward Dream Cruise in Ferndale (With Photos)

We've got the scoop on news, interesting tidbits and people profiles from Saturday.

A Rat Problem in Ferndale? Residents Express Concerns

One family says they've been dealing with rats for three years. Find out what local officials recommend to help combat the problem.

Ferndale Residents Rally for Community Pool on Facebook Page

How would you feel about a community swimming pool in Ferndale?

100-Day Hunger Strike Begins at Ferndale LGBT Center

"The gay community is under attack in this state," said Affirmations Executive Director David Garcia, who took the first 24-hour hunger strike shift.

Community Bids Farewell to Retiring Ferndale Principal Herb Ivory

An event was held to celebrate the educator, who has spent more than 40 years with the district.

Ferndale Public Library Announces Director Transition

Kate Pohjola departed the position of library director as of Aug. 23.

Ferndale DPW Director Byron Photiades Retires

“The city appreciates his 39 years of service,” City Manager April Lynch said in a press release. “Byron had a lot of pride for the City of Ferndale, and you knew it as soon as you hit our borders."

Elections, government

Oakland County Commissioner Helaine Zack Beats Fellow Democrat Incumbent

Craig Covey of Ferndale loses his seat to the Huntington Woods resident; Republican candidate Steven Zimberg, also of Huntington Woods, ran unopposed to represent the new 18th District.

Covey Thanks Supporters, Says He Will Stay Involved in Politics

"For me to not be involved in some sort of advocacy or political work is, for me, unthinkable," said Craig Covey, who was defeated in the August primary by fellow Democrat Helaine Zack to represent the new 18th District of the Oakland County Commission.

Meeting Recap: Ferndale City Council OKs Ban on Texting While Driving

Council members also approved the sale of a city-owned property on Livernois that will be renovated into an art studio/fabrication shop.

Ferndale School Board Candidates Endorsed by CLEAR

The political action committee is supporting Amy Butters, Jim O’Donnell, Raylon Leaks-May and Kevin Deegan-Krause for the Nov. 6 school board election.

Ferndale School Board Candidates Endorsed by Education Group

Citizens for Better Education throws support behind Keith Warnick, Katrina Collins, Jim Pfleger and Bradford Parks.

Police and fire

Laptop Security Device Leads Ferndale Police to Couple with Stolen Property

Three homes in Ferndale were burglarized while the residents were inside, police said.

Rain May Have Prevented Fireworks-Related Blazes, Ferndale Fire Marshal Says

"Had we still been dry I think we would've had multiple fires," Fire Marshal Brian Batten said of July 4. "Nothing stayed in anybody's yard."

Man with Semi-Automatic Rifle Fires Shots Outside Ferndale 7-Eleven

Police said two people were targeted but not injured by a masked man with a semi-automatic rifle.

Ferndale Firefighters Assist With Oak Park Fire [With Video]

No one was hurt in the blaze, which occurred at a manufacturing processing plant on Northend.

Sheriff's Office Seeks Help in Nabbing Fraud Suspects

Reward money is available through Crime Stoppers connected to series of incidents in southern Oakland County and western Wayne County.

Man Flees Police with Baby in Arms After Crash, Chase in Stolen Car

Police have arrested a Detroit man after a chase through parts of Ferndale and Detroit. He fled the scene with a tot in his arms. Police said he was driving a stolen car.

Ferndale Police Officer Struck by Alleged Drunken Driver

The officer suffered minor injuries and has been released from the hospital, according to Ferndale police.

Obituaries

Ferndale Soldier Dies in Afghanistan

Cause of death unknown for Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Leach, 29, who died in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Community Mourns Death of Retired Hazel Park Teacher

Clyde Baker, 62, of Howell, died after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle in Burns Twp.

Community Mourns Loss of Ferndale DPW Crew Leader

Donald Gattes, 49, of Ferndale, died while leaving work. "He was truly a wonderful person," said City Manager April Lynch.

Retired Ferndale Teacher Allan Bancroft Dies at Age 69

Bancroft spent more than 40 years working with Ferndale Public Schools and is remembered as an "innovator" in the district.

Power outages, storms

Update: Power Out for 2,559 DTE Customers in Ferndale

A severe thunderstorm whipped through Ferndale, battering the area with powerful winds and hail and knocking out power to more than 2,500 DTE customers.

Did You See That Hail? Ferndale Residents Share Photos, Video

Check out these user-submitted photos from the severe thunderstorms that hit Ferndale, leaving more than 1,200 DTE customers without power.

Power Outages in Ferndale: Q&A with DTE Rep

DTE representative Scott Simons discusses the recent outages and explains how restoration is prioritized.

Ferndale Power Outages: Q&A Part 2 With DTE Rep

DTE Energy responds to some of the questions commonly asked by local residents concerned about power outages.

Schools

Ferndale Alum Herb Goliday Named New Basketball Coach

Goliday takes over the Eagles varsity basketball team for former coach Tom Staton, who resigned from the position in June.

Ferndale High School Listed as 'Reward' School on State Report Cards

John F. Kennedy School is listed as a 'focus' school, meaning it is among the 10 percent of schools with the widest achievement gaps.

Most Ferndale Schools Show Growth in State's 2012 'Top to Bottom' List

District outlines research-based school improvement plans to 'systematically address student achievement.

Ferndale School Board Sets Sights on Opening of District's Digital Learning Center

The School Board held a regular meeting August 20.

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