Royal Oak Couples Share Valentine's Day Secrets

Legal Pad: Why Derek and Mandy Meinecke Love Calling Royal Oak Home

In honor of Valentine's Day, we're taking a look at some of Royal Oak's cutest couples.

Royal Oak has its fair share of lovebirds, so we decided to check in with a few of them before Valentine's Day and ask them to share relationship and date night secrets. Today we take a closer look at what makes Derek and Mandy Meinecke so sweet. How long have you been together?   We met on a blind date the summer following our sophomore year in college. We were married three years later, and have been married for 15 years. What’s the secret to a successful and happy relationship? Communication, trust, and unconditional love. What famous couple do you emulate? Famous only to us, Cliff and Mary Lou Morris (Mandy’s grandparents, 65 years of marriage), Jack and Eileen Pogodzinski (Mandy’s parents, 44 years of marriage) and Corky and Valerie …

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New Royal Oak Judge is a Family Man, Wildcat Fan, Star Wars Aficionado

Friends, colleagues, and well-wishers give the community a glimpse into the life of the 44th District Court's newest judge.

On Thursday night, well-wishers painted a heartwarming and humorous picture of Judge Derek Meinecke, 37, as he was sworn in to serve the 44th District Court.   “The night was tremendous. It was a nice combination of a tribute and roast,” said Meinecke, Royal Oak’s newest public official, on Friday. The judge didn't seem to mind some of the good-natured ribbing he recieved on his special night. "A lot of people left with good feelings," he said. "If any town was going to have an event like last night, it's Royal Oak." Here are a few touching and funny highlights of Meinecke's judicial investiture ceremony held at Royal Oak Middle School. Judge Daniel Sawicki, 44th District Court (retired): "We have someone who is going to take over and do a…

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Public Invited to Investiture of Judge Derek Meinecke

Judge Derek Meinecke, of the 44th District Court, will be sworn in by District Court Judge Daniel Sawicki at Royal Oak Middle School on Jan. 17.

On the Ballot: Who's Running for 44th District Court

Patch is giving voters a look at who's running in the election Tuesday.

Election Day is Tuesday and there's a lot of issues and candidates on the ballot. As you prepare to go to the polls, Patch wants to help you get a final grasp on who's running, and what they stand for. Royal Oak will be voting for a candidate to replace retiring Judge Daniel Sawicki of Royal Oak's 44th District Court. Voters will select two of the three candidates to move forward to the Nov. 6 general election for the seat. RELATED:

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Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Meinecke for Judge

Royal Oak residents say Derek Meinecke displays the same values as Judge Daniel Sawicki.

The following letter was sent to Royal Oak Patch by Tom and Dian Wurdock of Royal Oak: My wife and I have had the opportunity to meet Derek Meinecke and his family on many occasions. I also have known Judge Dan Sawicki for many years and have found him to be an outstanding and fair judge. I believe that Derek shows many of the values that Judge Sawicki has displayed over the years. We are happy to ba associated with Derek and wish him the best in his endeavor to become our next District Judge. Tom and Dian Wurdock

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Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Meinecke for Judge

Royal Oak residents believe Derek Meinecke possesses the calm, thoughtful demeanor valued in a judge.

The following letter was sent to Royal Oak Patch by Gerry and Kathy Boylan of Royal Oak: We're writing to endorse Derek Meinecke for Royal Oak Judge on November 6th.  Derek possesses the qualities we believe will serve Royal Oak very well in this important judicial position.  He is a man of high integrity and intelligence, very experienced in our justice system and a tireless worker.  He possesses excellent judgment and is firm, fair and consistent, all traits we value in a judge. Derek Meinecke represents the best and brightest our fair city of Royal Oak has to offer and we believe in his role as Judge, he will be a valuable part of our already excellent 44th District Court.   We have been very impressed by Derek's campaign.  He has made …

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Letters to the Editor

Letter to Editor: Meinecke has 'Positive Qualities'

Derek Meinecke reminds Royal Oak residents Jay and Patty Dunstan of Judge Keith Leenhouts.

The following letter was sent to Royal Oak Patch by Jay and Patty Dunstan of Royal Oak: Patty and I have been very fortunate to have met many wonderful Royal Oak people in the 39 years of our relationship-the past 32 of those years while married. We've raised our two children through Royal Oak Schools, watched them get married, and then were rewarded with beautiful grandchildren. Along the way we've made lifelong friends of  countless Royal Oak residents. Derek Meinecke is one of those people.  When we crossed paths with Derek a number of years ago he immediately showed us many positive qualities. His interaction with his wife, children, and the community were what struck us the most. He holds the ability to put everyone else first and his…

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