Ethan Mercer, Michigan News & Public Affairs Writer at Farmington Voice
Ethan Mercer
30 storiesEditor
Michigan News & Public Affairs Writer
Ethan Mercer is the owner, publisher and editor of Farmington Voice and also writes about Michigan news and public affairs, including state government, public policy, infrastructure, education and the automotive economy. His reporting explains how decisions in Lansing and Washington affect Michigan communities, households and businesses.
30 latest articles by Ethan Mercer
Four Candidates Seek Two Farmington School Board Seats
Cheryl Blau is among four candidates seeking two six-year seats on the Farmington Public Schools Board, which serves Farmington, Farmington Hills and part of West Bloomfield Township.
Feature Access Is Unavailable in the Visitor's Country
Visitors in some countries are seeing a location-restriction notice on the Observer and Eccentric Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies website. The message gives support instructions, but the cause, timeline and wider scope remain unverified.
Detroit Free Press homepage maps Michigan's news agenda
The Detroit Free Press homepage brings together separate reports on Michigan sports, environmental permits, automotive facilities, food costs, celebrities and fall events. Farmington-area readers should treat it as a statewide news index, not a single local update.
GreenPath Pays Tribute to Founder Albert O. Horner
GreenPath Financial Wellness is honoring founder Albert O. Horner and the counseling work that still helps people facing debt and financial stress. Publicly available records reviewed for this article do not independently confirm the reported details of his death.
Milford man awaits federal sentencing for directing child exploitation overseas
A Milford man has admitted in federal court to paying for the sexual abuse of children abroad. He faces up to 30 years in prison, with sentencing set for January in Detroit.
Key high school football matchups set to shape Oakland County races
Week 5 brings crucial games for Oakland County high school football teams. Clarkston, Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Ferndale, and others face showdowns that could shake up division standings.
Michigan Faces Twenty Year Water and Sewer Upgrade Funding Gap
A new report says Michigan needs to spend $85 billion on water and sewer systems over the next two decades. Recent main breaks and aging pipes show the urgent need for a statewide funding plan.
Michigan high school girls golf rankings: Northville, Bath, and more lead the fall season
The Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association has released its latest girls golf rankings for the week of September 22, showing which teams are out front in all four divisions as the season heats up.
Key Michigan high school football matchups set for September 21
Week 5 brings big conference games and rivalries to Michigan high school football. Undefeated teams and top programs will face off across the state on Friday night.
Jeffersontown welcomes national council leaders for economic growth tour
City officials in Jeffersontown, Kentucky opened their doors to Suburban Municipalities Council leaders, giving them a close look at local economic growth, public safety, and community programs during a national leadership event.
Planet Oil Change Centers plans Farmington Hills shop for 2027, but city records show no official approval yet
Planet Oil Change Centers says it will open a new shop at 22412 Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills in spring 2027. But so far, there's no sign of city permits or official approval for the project.
UHY brings Corpus Christi's largest CPA firm into its Texas network
UHY has bought Adamson & Company, the top independent CPA firm in Corpus Christi, Texas. This move pushes UHY's reach past Houston and brings over 2,000 professionals together under one national brand.
Metro Detroit Luxury Market Pulse launches to track high end housing trends
Realtor Mo Thweny is rolling out a new report to give buyers and sellers a close look at luxury home sales and buyer activity in West Bloomfield, Novi, Birmingham, Northville, and other top Metro Detroit communities starting September 2026.
Farmington Hills resident admits guilt in federal child exploitation case
A 23-year-old man from Farmington Hills has pleaded guilty in federal court to making and possessing child sexual abuse material and joining a violent extremist group. Sentencing is set for January 2027 as the investigation continues.
Farmington Hills officer acquitted in off duty sexual assault case
A Farmington Hills police officer has been found not guilty of all charges after being accused of off duty sexual assault involving a police cadet in Wixom. The verdict opens the door for his possible return to the department.
Detroit Tigers ballpark to be renamed Fifth Third Park after major bank merger
Comerica Park will get a new name-Fifth Third Park-after the Detroit Tigers and Fifth Third Bancorp struck a deal following a $10.9 billion merger. The change comes with new investment in Detroit and Michigan communities.
Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum set to reopen soon in West Bloomfield
After two years away, Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum is almost ready to welcome visitors again. The museum will open in a bigger space at Orchard Mall in West Bloomfield Township within weeks, according to its owner.
Providence faces teacher shortage as city looks for answers
Providence is trying to fix a teacher shortage in its public schools. One teacher's story shows the real problems and possible fixes as the city works to build up its education workforce.
Memorial service for Linda Larson to be held at Woodside Bible Church
A memorial for Linda Lillian Larson is set for October 10 at Woodside Bible Church in Lake Orion. Larson, known for her work in the community and her advocacy, died September 2 in Ortonville.
Detroit Hundred Club Honors Police and Firefighters at Annual Dinner
The Hundred Club of Detroit recognized local police officers and firefighters for acts of bravery during its 72nd annual dinner at the Detroit Athletic Club, highlighting the ongoing commitment of first responders to community safety.
Detroit Adult Day Care Operator Charged in $4.75M Medicare Fraud Case
A Detroit adult day care administrator faces federal charges after allegedly orchestrating a $4.75 million Medicare fraud scheme involving false psychotherapy claims at a center owned by his wife.
Express Waste Dumpsters expands rental services to Farmington Hills
Express Waste Dumpsters now offers Farmington Hills residents and businesses more options for dumpster rentals, with several container sizes and same-day delivery available.
Farmington Hills Mercy volleyball team extends undefeated season
Farmington Hills Mercy volleyball remains unbeaten after a four-set win at Orchard Lake St. Mary's, with senior Kate Kalczynski leading a roster stacked with height and experience as the team eyes another state title run
Five Below agrees to $179,500 settlement over pricing violations in Michigan
Five Below will pay $179,500 to Michigan after state investigators found repeated overcharging and missing price tags at stores in Southeast Michigan. The retailer must now implement stricter pricing controls and undergo independent audits.
Savannah Bananas Pack Comerica Park as Fans Flock to Banana Ball
Nearly 200,000 fans entered a ticket lottery for the Savannah Bananas' sold-out shows at Detroit's Comerica Park, drawn by the team's mix of baseball and live entertainment.
Farmington Public Schools Sees Progress With New Reading and Math Programs
Farmington Public Schools in Michigan reports better student performance after introducing Wit and Wisdom for reading and Illustrative Math for K-12. The district is also expanding student wellness support for the new school year.
Farmington Hills crews clear debris after Labor Day storm knocks out power
Farmington Hills saw less damage than much of Oakland County after the September 3 storm, but city crews have spent days clearing downed trees and branches from roads while residents continue cleanup and wait for power to be restored.
Farmington Hills Mourns Theresa Milczarski at Age 92
Theresa Milczarski, a longtime Farmington Hills resident and devoted family matriarch, died March 30 at age 92. Her funeral mass is scheduled for April 9 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.
Farmington Community Library Starts Major Renovation at 12 Mile Branch
The Farmington Community Library's Farmington Hills branch has begun a multi-year renovation to expand study rooms and add new outdoor spaces. Temporary closures and reduced hours are in effect through early October as construction begins.
Farmington Hills Mourns John Mintline, Longtime K-Mart Employee
John Mintline, known for his years at the Farmington Hills K-Mart, died at 82 on March 10. Family, friends, and community members will gather for cemetery prayers on March 16 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.
