Rochester-Rochester Hills Patch

The May 20, 1992 natural gas explosion blew out the storefront windows of P.R. Haig Jewelers (now Haig's of Rochester Fine Jewelry) which was located in the J.W. Smith/Crissman building at 436 Main Street. Many of the businesses along Main Street and University Drive that suffered minor damage from the blast either remained opened for business or reopened within days of the tragic event.

20 Years Ago Today, Gas Explosion Rocked Downtown Rochester

Where were you on May 20, 1992? It was a day of destruction — and death — in our downtown's history. 'That tragic event changed my thinking about what’s truly important in life,' one business owner recalls.

By Tiffany Dziurman Stozicki | 6:00 am

Pictured front row, left to right: Maria Lepore, Elizabeth Genaw, Maryssa Mercer, Emily Hayward, Laura Tack, Sarah Brzyski, Rachel Lohmeier, and Emily Leppek.  Back Row: Vishal Modi, Hrishikesh Kulkarni, Joseph Praski, Leah Brzyski, Farha Hanif, Ryan Freeland, and Wilson Wong.

Congrats, Top Senior Scholars!

For my third test-driving adventure, I tried out a Chevy Suburban. With the help of salesman Kenan Manalp at Matthews-Hargreaves Chevrolet in Royal Oak, I learned to rule the road in this ride.

Patch Drives: Hey, Chevy Suburban, is This Love I'm Feelin'?

| 7 comments

It's Bono of U2. Or is it "Baano of Ewe 2?" That's the official name of the fiberglass sheep on display on East Second Street, the detour route around Downtown Rochester during the construction. The sheep are part of the Ewe Revue 2, which downtown merchants are hoping will bring people downtown to shop and dine during the Main Street Makeover this summer.

Will Ewe Never Mind the Construction and See the Flock Downtown?

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The Rochester Rubber Ducky Race returns today.

Credit Donetta Behen

News

Watch 3,000 Ducks Race Through Municipal Park Today

By Kristin Bull

less than an hour ago

James Becker of Rochester Hills was honored by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday for saving the life of a Rochester Hills mom who collapsed while jogging in January.

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Week in Review: We Tried Smackwater Jack's, Drove a Suburban and Talked to Heroes

By Kristin Bull

Yesterday

Vote now in this week's athlete of the week poll: Athens pitcher Haley Zemmer (left), Seaholm’s Kathy Quigley (center), Andover’s Emerson Misch (left) and Seaholm's Tess Wilberding (not pictured).

Credit Mike Niziolek

Opinion

Andover’s Emerson Misch: May 7-12 Patch Athlete of the Week

By Mike Niziolek

Yesterday

Ginger Kettleson of Rochester tells visitors about Dinosaur Hills' summer programs during last year's Spring on the Farm event.

Credit Tiffany Dziurman Stozicki

News

Play Like a Pioneer: Welcome Spring at Van Hoosen Farm

By Kristin Bull

Yesterday

Abby Miller, a student at the International Academy in Bloomfield Hills, washes windows at her home in Troy. "I swear by Sprayway glass cleaner," she said.

Credit Megan Swoyer

News

12 Tips for Spring Cleaning

By Kristin Bull

Yesterday

Lahser's Reilly Manz hits a long ball in a double header against Avondale on Friday night. He had a monster day at the plate with four hits.

Credit Lahser Baseball

Sports

Friday Highlights: Lahser Baseball Splits Doubleheader Against Avondale

By Mike Niziolek | 2 comments

2 days ago

The supports are all in place on Avon Road.

Credit David Gifford

News

Photo of the Day: Avon Bridge Coming Along

By Kristin Bull | 2 comments

2 days ago

A 2-week-old piglet gets a nudge from a mama sheep during last year's Spring on the Farm event at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm.

Credit Tiffany Dziurman Stozicki

News

10 Things To Keep You Busy This Weekend Around Rochester

By Kristin Bull | 1 comment

2 days ago

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Local Voices

Patch Blogs

Slow Cooker Mango Peach Chicken Leg Quarters

By Hope Comerford | Sunday, May 20

A Busy Mom who LOVES to cook with her Slow Cooker…

An easy, budget-friendly chicken recipe even the pickiest eater will love!

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Book Review on "American Icon"

By Daryl Patrishkoff | Thursday, May 17

How Ford made major cultural changes to survive and thrive in the New Normal. This book review highlights the turnaround process used as they navigated the economic challenges of the day.

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Cruisin' Main Street

By Robert DiTommaso | Thursday, May 17 | 1 comment

Pro Photographer working & living in Rochester, MI

I photographed the PATCH event at Fieldstone Winery and the construction outside.

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Defining Moments: A True Story of War, Family Conflict & Reconciliation

By Bob Dustman | Wednesday, May 16 | 1 comment

“Defining Moments: A True Story of War, Family Conflict & Reconciliation” is a memoir of my father’s fascinating journey through the swamps and jungles of the South Pacific during World II.

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