by Becky Andrus | Mar 1, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.
Sunday, February 28, 2021
Top Games This Week.
Written Sunday February 28th at 5:40 PM
Here are the top 15 games this week not in any particular order but these are some games that needs to be must to keep a close eye on.
Boys Top 15 Games this week.
Week of March 1st-March 7th
Ferndale at Orchard Lake St. Marys (Saturday): Jason Drake returns to his old stopping grounds to play his former team.
North Farmington at Oak Park (Tuesday): Knights riding off an emotional win on Friday. The Raiders are coming off a tough loss.
Clarkston at North Farmington (Thursday): Could this be the Raiders best chance to beat Clarkston???
Southfield Arts and Tech at Groves (Thursday): Expect another tense drama in this one.
Lake Orion at Berkley (Tuesday): This has Blue title implications in this game.
Oxford at Lake Orion (Thursday): Wildcats look to keep the Dragons in the same division with them.
Seaholm at Oxford (Tuesday): If the Maples are healthy then Wildcats beware.
Troy at Groves (Saturday): Groves has always been an upset trap. The Colts better beware.
Stoney Creek at Bloomfield Hills (Tuesday): Battle of three point specialists in Bloomfield Hills.
Troy Athens at Oxford (Friday): Do the Wildcats have an answer for Michael Justice???
Pontiac at Rochester (Saturday): This should be the first real test for the Phoenix.
Stoney Creek at Adams (Thursday): This is shaping up to be a very good game.
Groves at Adams (Tuesday): This is shaping up to be a trap game for the Highlanders.
West Bloomfield at Clarkston (Tuesday): This might be the Lakers best chance to beat Clarkston.
Lake Orion at Lapeer (Friday): Dragons were embarrassed last season at Lapeer.
Girls Top 15 Games this week.
Week of March 1st-March 7th
North Farmington at Adams (Monday): Last game went overtime between these two teams. Are we in for an encore???
Oxford at Berkley (Monday): This is a classic trap game for the Wildcats.
Lake Orion at Troy Athens (Monday): This is a classic trap game for the Dragons.
Clarkston at Troy (Monday): I’m wondering where the Colts mindset is at after Saturday’s loss to Berkley.
Clarkston at West Bloomfield (Wednesday): Can the Wolves avenge their only loss in the Swamp???
Oxford at Lake Orion (Wednesday): If both teams win on Monday then the Blue is on the line.
Farmington at Adams (Wednesday): Another make or break game for the Falcons.
Lake Orion at Midland (Friday): A huge MPR game looms in Mid-Michigan between two very strong programs.
Stoney Creek at Rochester (Saturday): What a game for the Falcons to come back from COVID protocol.
Royal Oak at Groves (Monday): Ravens should have this one circled after the Falcons shocked Royal Oak earlier in the season.
Southfield Arts and Tech at Seaholm (Friday): Could this be the chance for the Warriors to get their first win???
Berkley at Royal Oak (Friday): The Bears stunned Royal Oak last season but now it’s Berkley that makes the short trip to meet the Ravens.
Seaholm at Troy Athens (Wednesday): Maples have played a tough non-league schedule and it gets tougher with a trip to play the Red Hawks.
Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy at West Bloomfield (Saturday): Lakers have another tough team brewing on the weekend.
Lapeer at Oxford (Thursday): Wildcats should be motivated after losing to the Lightning last season.
by Becky Andrus | Mar 1, 2021 | Regional News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2021
Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Kicks off March by Declaring the Month as March is Reading Month
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring the month of March as Reading Month in Michigan. Throughout the month, schools, children, and adults alike use this time to promote the importance of reading.
“Every year the country uses this month to promote reading and imagination. I am proud to declare March as Reading Month in Michigan and I encourage everyone to find time to read,” said Governor Whitmer. “This month, we should recommit ourselves to encouraging children and young adults to read diverse literary works early and often so they can see themselves and others in what they read.”
The governor is committed to ensuring students and schools have the resources they need to learn and teach safely. That is why, in January, Governor Whitmer proposed her MI COVID Recovery Plan that invests $1.7 billion directly to our schools. She also proposed her FY2022 executive budget recommendation that makes the largest investment in K-12 schools in Michigan history.
A report from MSU and the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) showed that 97% of school districts have met the governor’s goal to get students back to in-person learning by today, March 1st.
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by Becky Andrus | Mar 1, 2021 | Recreation
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News Digest – Week of March 1, 2021
Are you ready? Michigan’s 2021 fishing season starts April 1!
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| Some of this week’s stories may reflect the impact of COVID-19 and how the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has adapted to meet customers’ needs and protect public health and safety. We will continue to share news and information about the best ways to enjoy our state’s natural and cultural resources.
Follow our COVID-19 response page for FAQs and updates on access to facilities and programs. For public health guidelines and news, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
Here’s a look at some of this week’s stories from the DNR:
See news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.
 Want to see more stunning pictures like this, taken by Michigan state parks photo ambassador Aaron Burden at Proud Lake Recreation Area in Oakland County? Visit Instagram.com/MiStateParks to explore photos and learn more about the photo ambassadors! For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182.
 While anglers prepare their gear and equipment for spring fishing, there’s another key thing to remember: a 2021 fishing license! The new license sales begin today for the season kicking off April 1. Michigan’s annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 the following year. Purchase licenses online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
License options include:
- Annual all-species resident: $26.
- Annual all-species nonresident: $76.
- Annual all-species senior: $11 (65 and older or legally blind, Michigan residents only).
- Annual all-species youth: $2 (voluntary license for residents or nonresidents under the age of 17).
- Daily all-species resident or nonresident: $10/day (you set the date/time for license to start).
Michigan law requires people 17 or older to purchase a fishing license before fishing in public waters. Those under 17 may fish without a license but must observe all fishing rules and regulations.
New this year: Anglers 16 or younger can purchase a voluntary youth all-species license. Any adult actively assisting a youth angler must have a fishing license.
New to fishing? Check out our how-to videos for safety and fishing tips at Michigan.gov/HowToFish.
For more information on licenses and regulation changes, check out the Michigan Fishing Guide – available at license retailers or online at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests. The 2021 guide will be available online April 1 and will be valid through March 31, 2022. The online version of the current guide is always up to date and available to download. |
 Finding an unusual bug or bump on a backyard tree can be mystifying — is that caterpillar destined to grow into a pollinating butterfly, or is it a sign that an invasive pest is trying to eat up forests and landscaping?
Forest health experts, including the Michigan DNR Forest Health Team, fielded record numbers of such questions in 2020 as people observed nature in their backyards, trails and gardens.
“Gypsy moth topped the list of calls this year in the Lower Peninsula,” said DNR forest health specialist James Wieferich. In the Upper Peninsula, spruce budworm was the biggest concern for locals.
Details about forest health challenges like these pests and predictions for the future are included in the 2020 Michigan Forest Health Highlights report.
Updates share the effects of rising waters on coastal forests and detail efforts to slow the spread of a tiny tree killer, the hemlock woolly adelgid. They also provide data about a continuing outbreak of voracious gypsy moths present in numbers not seen in years. |
 The report describes quarantines enacted to prevent the introduction of the mountain pine beetle and balsam woolly adelgid, two insects that, if established, could threaten our state’s conifer trees. It also shares university research on oak wilt disease treatments and efforts to grow beech bark disease-resistant trees.
Since the DNR’s beginnings as the Department of Conservation in 1921, the health of forests has been a priority, starting with wildfire prevention and tree planting and expanding into work to reduce the effects of damaging insects and diseases. Today, community engagement is key in catching issues before they grow from localized infestations to large-scale outbreaks.
“Community members are often the first people to notice when a new pest or disease appears, and early detection is critical in getting infestations under control,” said Sue Tangora, DNR Forest Health Program manager.
Want to learn more? Visit Michigan.gov/ForestHealth or contact James Wieferich at 517-284-5866. |
 As spring approaches, black bears will soon wake from their long winter sleep and start the search for their first nourishing meal of the year. To avoid potential conflicts with bears, it’s a good idea to take down bird feeders and remove other food sources that may attract wildlife.
While black bears primarily are found in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula, they occasionally are spotted in southern counties, too. After leaving their dens, bears look for leafy green vegetation to replenish their bodies after months of hibernation. Given the chance, though, these opportunistic feeders will take advantage of available food sources such as calorie-rich bird seed, garbage cans and pet foods.
“Many of us have enjoyed watching birds visit feeders during the winter months, especially while working from home and sheltering in place,” said Hannah Schauer, communications and education coordinator in the DNR Wildlife Division. “But as wildlife become more active in the spring, bird seed can attract more than just birds to your yard.”
No matter what, it’s important to keep wildlife visitors at a distance for the safety of the animals and people. Help your community avoid bear conflicts by removing your bird feeders now, securing trash cans in enclosed areas and taking in pet foods that may be outside.
To learn more about being Bear SMART this spring, visit Michigan.gov/Wildlife or contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.
Media contact: Rachel Leightner at 517-243-5813. |
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 Stay informed, stay safe: Mask up Michigan, DNR COVID-19 response |
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by Becky Andrus | Mar 1, 2021 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Extends Michigan’s Liquor License Renewals from April 30 to July 30
LANSING — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced a three-month extension for liquor licensees to renew their 2021 licenses. The annual license renewal expiration date will be extended from April 30 to July 30 this year to assist licensees who have been impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing additional time to renew their licenses. The governor’s action will be implemented by administrative order issued by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). The license renewal extension will benefit approximately 19,000 licensees.
“Our bar and restaurant owners have made incredible sacrifices during this pandemic and they should not have the additional stress about renewing their liquor license by April 30 this year,” said Whitmer. “We want to ease the burden by extending the customary deadline so they can focus on getting back to business. My administration has also secured crucial support for these businesses through a bipartisan supplemental budget that I signed to provide greater financial relief for small business owners in our hospitality industry.”
Licensees are strongly encouraged to renew their license online to ensure timely processing of their renewal application and avoid any potential delays with mailing their renewed license. Licensees do not have to wait to renew their license. Licensees may renew their license(s) when it originally expires or at any time before the extended due date of July 30.
“This extension will allow staff from the MLCC Licensing Division to work with those licensees who need the extra time to renew,” said Orlene Hawks, director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) where the MLCC is housed. “Those who still wish to renew immediately will have the opportunity to do so, but this new deadline will also give our licensees the flexibility to wait a few months to renew their license.”
Licensees are encouraged to visit the MLCC website often for updated information at www.michigan.gov/lcc. The MLCC Licensing Division appreciates licensees’ timely renewal and is working to ensure that this year’s renewal goes smoothly.
“The Commission is pleased to implement Governor Whitmer’s action. This extension is a big step toward getting our bar and restaurant owners back to a new normal as quickly as possible,” said MLCC Chair Pat Gagliardi. “Licensees in the hospitality industry across the state won’t have to worry about losing their license over the summer months, which typically is a busy time for them.”
Licensees are reminded that failure to renew and receive an updated license may result in violations and/or automatic termination of the license.
For more information on the coronavirus / COVID-19 state of emergency, please visit the State of Michigan’s coronavirus website at: www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.
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by Becky Andrus | Mar 1, 2021 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer on FDA Authorization of Safe, Effective Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the United States Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 Vaccine:
“This scientific breakthrough is terrific news for our families, frontline workers, and small businesses who are eager to get vaccinated and continue our steady return to normalcy. We now have a total of three safe, effective vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.
“As supply continues increasing because of the efforts of the Biden administration, I am confident that we can reach our goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders 16 and up at a rate of 50,000 shots per day, a metric we have been meeting in recent weeks. Our vaccine rollout will continue to focus on our most vulnerable, promote equity, and prioritize our essential workers and older at-risk Michiganders. The addition of this one-and-done vaccine will help us get shots in arms quicker.
“I also want to call on the Michigan Legislature to pass the MI COVID Recovery Plan so we can use the over $5 billion allocated to us in a bipartisan bill to speed up our vaccination efforts and expand testing, tracing, and lab capacity. Every day, week, and month that goes by, we get closer to putting this virus behind us, but I want to remind everyone that we must not let our guard down. It will take time to widely distribute the three vaccines, and we must all continue to do our part by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing our hands frequently.”
Michigan has administered more than two million vaccines, moving the state closer to Governor Whitmer’s goal of equitably vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and older as soon as possible. As part of these efforts, Michigan is working to administer 50,000 shots per day through Governor Whitmer’s MI COVID Recovery Plan, partnering with private organizations and nontraditional venues to create more opportunities for Michigan residents to receive a vaccine.
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