by Becky Andrus | Dec 13, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
This is a blog that is devoted to the OAA. We cover 23 schools from Oakland County to Wayne County. From Oxford to Harper Woods. This blog will give insight and projections around the OAA.
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Boys Basketball Top 23.
Written by Sammy Taormina
Sunday December 12th at 1:00 AM
Here is my top 23 for the week. Records are up to date right now.
- Clarkston (2-0): Zach Austin, Nathan Steinman, and Keegan Waslik have become scoring machines as of late for the Wolves.
- Ferndale (0-1): Eagles were very competitive despite falling in double overtime to Warren DeLaSalle.
- North Farmington (2-0): Ryan Hurst has been a difference maker for the Raiders.
- Adams (1-0): Gunner Walters is back and making his name known for the Highlanders.
- Oak Park (1-0): Knights still worry me a little bit.
- Rochester (2-0): We’ll know a lot about the Falcons on Tuesday.
- Bloomfield Hills (2-0): Blackhawks using their balance to win games.
- Berkley (2-0): Bears sent a statement by beating Troy.
- West Bloomfield (1-0): The Lakers might be better than first thought.
- Lake Orion (1-1): Dragons need to find secondary scoring and fast.
- Oxford (0-0): Wildcats deserve pass for everything that they have endured.
- Troy (1-1): Colts got some momentum after winning over Troy Athens on Friday.
- Troy Athens (1-1): Red Hawks need to address interior concerns going forward.
- Groves (1-1): Falcons had a really tough loss to West Bloomfield. They should be fine.
- Stoney Creek (0-1): Ah what happened against Utica, Cougars????
- Harper Woods (0-1): New coach, new system, new league. It will take some time for the Pionners to adjust.
- Southfield Arts and Tech (1-1): Warriors had a uneasy game with Livonia Franklin after a rough one with Detroit Cass Tech.
- Seaholm (1-1): Maples had a split week with a win over Royal Oak and a loss to Bloomfield Hills.
- Royal Oak (1-1): Dylan Hoffman is the key to the Ravens success.
- Ferndale University (0-3): Eagles have been very competitive in their three losses.
- Avondale (0-2): Yellow Jackets really struggling right now.
- Farmington (0-2): Falcons really struggling right now.
- Pontiac (0-0): Phoenix not playing until January really concerns me.
by Becky Andrus | Dec 9, 2021 | Regional News
Oakland County Health Division Relocates Oxford Middle School Pediatric Dose Clinic to Orion Center
Pontiac, Michigan – After consulting with Oxford Schools and the Oxford community, Oakland County Health Division is relocating its COVID-19 pediatric dose vaccine clinic on Friday, December 10 from Oxford Middle School to just down the road at the Orion Center,1355 Joslyn Rd. in Orion Township. Appointment slots, mostly for second pediatric doses, are full but the clinic will accept walk-ins.
Health Division has notified residents who scheduled appointments for Friday about the new location and has offered them the option of additional locations in the coming days.
Meanwhile, new COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Oakland County. There were nearly 11,800 new confirmed and probable cases from November 22 – December 5, 55 percent of whom were ages 39 years old and younger. The seven-day case average was 859 new cases per day in Oakland County as of December. 7. The seven-day percent positivity for COVID-19 tests shot up to 16.60 percent from 15.04 percent the week before.
Most new cases in Michigan continue to be among individuals who are not fully vaccinated. They comprised 85.8 percent of cases, 87.0 percent of hospitalizations, and 86.4 percent of deaths from January 15-November 19, according to the MI COVID Response Data and Modeling Update. There are about 321,000 Oakland County residents ages 5 years old and up who remain unvaccinated.
The Delta variant continues to drive many cases in Michigan. As of the time of the publication of this press release, no one had detected the Omicron variant in Oakland County. The Health Division reminds residents that the best way to prevent new variants is to get the COVID-19 vaccine, mask up, and socially distance from others. Oakland County Health Division continues to closely monitor developments in the Omicron variant.
Oakland County Health Division continues to offer pediatric, first, second, third, and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments remain available and strongly encouraged at OaklandCountyVaccine.com or by contacting the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533.
The following is an update on COVID-19 vaccine coverage for Oakland County residents, according to the State of Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard as of December 8, 2021, which includes the number of pediatric doses administered in the county:
Total eligible residents 5 – 11 years old (pediatric dose): 98,739
- Number of residents 5 – 11 years old who have received first dose: 27,810
- Number of residents 5 – 11 years old who have completed vaccination: 10,331
- Vaccine coverage for residents 5 – 11 years old: 28.2 percent
Total eligible residents 12 years old and older: 1,091,389
- Number of residents 12 and older who have received first dose: 841,335
- Number of residents 12 and older who have completed vaccination: 773,974
- Vaccine coverage for residents 12 and older: 77.1 percent
Total eligible residents 16 years old and older: 1,029,737
- Number of residents 16 and older who have received first dose: 804,474
- Number of residents 16 and older who have completed vaccination: 740,138
- Vaccine coverage for residents 16 and older: 78.1 percent
Total eligible senior residents 65 years old and older: 217,676
- Number of senior residents who have received first dose: 200,162
- Number of senior residents who have completed vaccination: 185,233
- Vaccine coverage for senior residents: 92.0 percent
Total primary series doses administered within Oakland County: 1,591,766
Total third and booster doses administered in Oakland County: 260,596
by Becky Andrus | Dec 9, 2021 | Health and Wellness
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 9, 2021
CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDHHS offers mental health resources to combat winter blues this holiday season
LANSING, Mich. – As Michigan enters a second holiday season during the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) officials are offering tips and resources to help Michiganders cope with winter, or seasonal, blues that are common at this time of year.
“The shorter, darker days of winter can be difficult for many people,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “This season often deepens anxiety, depression and feelings of grief or isolation – especially after everything we’ve experienced these past two years. It is always okay to ask for help, and our department has resources available.”
Dr. Debra Pinals, MDHHS medical director for behavioral health and forensic programs, observed residents are feeling the emotional strain of prolonged pandemic distress.
“People are struggling with the exhaustion of how long we have been dealing with this pandemic, and they’re worried about what will happen in the future,” Pinals said. “We generally see an uptick in depression and grief during the winter months, and COVID-19 certainly isn’t helping. The winter blues is a spectrum of mental health conditions. It can range from simply feeling out of sorts or lonely to full-blown clinical depression with suicidal thoughts. We need to remind ourselves that self-care is critical and to give ourselves permission to take time for ourselves. Suicidal thoughts should not be ignored. People who do reach out for help are generally grateful for the support in getting through a difficult time.”
MDHHS offers the following tips for those suffering from winter blues:
- Stay active, even if it is doing small things each day.
- Eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep.
- Keep a schedule and try to get fresh air every day.
- Try to find a small pleasure for yourself within each day.
- Avoid using too much alcohol and avoid drugs.
- Create a buddy system to have someone you can call when you feel down.
- Set boundaries on how you want to spend your time in a way that works for you. Be respectful of others who may want things from you, but remember to take care of yourself.
- Seek professional help if you need it.
For a free, confidential conversation with a trained Stay Well crisis counselor, dial 888-535-6136 and press “8” at the prompt. The phone line is open 24/7 for any Michigan resident.
Visit Michigan.gov/StayWell to locate the nearest community mental health services program office, register for a virtual support group or access helpful brochures and recorded webinars.
Residents in Oakland County and the Upper Peninsula can get free, 24/7 behavioral health crisis triage, support, resource information and referral to local services through the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL). Call or text 844-44-MICAL (844-446-4225). Chat is also available through Michigan.gov/MiCAL.
Michigan residents with serious mental illness or substance use challenges wishing to speak with someone who understands these issues can call the Michigan Warmline at 888-PEER-753 (888-733-7753). The service is available from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.
If you or a loved one is concerned about suicide, call 800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org. |
by Becky Andrus | Dec 8, 2021 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Signs Legislation to Cut Taxes for Veterans, Lower Costs for Michigan Small Business Owners
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 25 and House Bill 4921 which would improve the lives of Michiganders by expanding income tax deductions to disabled veterans and easing requirements for medical and recreational marijuana facilities.
Senate Bill 25 will allow disabled veterans to deduct taxable income attributed to cancellation or forgiveness of a student loan pursuant to the U.S. Department of Education’s Total and Permanent Disability Discharge Program. Under this bill, disabled veterans can deduct income attributed to the forgiveness of a student loan for the 2016 to 2019 tax years and going forward beginning in 2025.
“Our nation’s disabled veterans have served our country with honor and dignity, and this bill helps alleviate some of their financial burdens,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am proud to sign Senate Bill 25 to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families and help make their lives easier.”
“Senate Bill 25 is a great step towards recognizing the sacrifices and service of Michigan’s disabled veterans,” said VFW Michigan State Commander Kevin Conklin. “The VFW Department of Michigan applauds Governor Whitmer and Senator Tom Barrett’s efforts to make Michigan the best state in the Nation for veterans and their families, and we look forward to future legislation that helps us accomplish this goal together.”
Senate Bill 25 was sponsored by Sen. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, and a copy can be found here.
House Bill 4921 amends the Michigan Medical Marijuana Licensing Act to allow medical marijuana growers to submit financial statements of their operations to the Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) and the municipality in which they operate every three years. Under current law, these statements must be submitted each state fiscal year.
“I am committed to making it easier for Michigan business owners to deal with state government,” said Governor Whitmer. “This bill will streamline the financial reporting process for medical marijuana businesses in our state by allowing them to submit financial records to MRA and their local municipalities every three years instead of each fiscal year, cutting red tape for marijuana businesses.”
“This will create a simpler and more efficient financial reporting process for business owners that operate in both the medical and recreational markets,” said Rep. Roger Hauck, R-Union Twp. “I’m pleased we were able to work together to create a win-win scenario for the industry and the state.”
House Bill 4921 was sponsored by Rep. Roger Hauck, R-Union Twp., and a copy can be found here.
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by Becky Andrus | Dec 8, 2021 | Transportation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT
December 8, 2021 James Lake
906-250-0993
[email protected]
‘Tis the season: Practice safe snow removal
Fast facts:
– Piling or depositing snow that obstructs vision is a violation of Michigan’s Vehicle Code.
– Piling snow at the ends of driveways along highway shoulders and pushing snow across roads can create hazardous conditions.
– Keeping sidewalks clear is important to help people walk safely and access public transit.
LANSING, Mich. - Snow is beginning to pile up in parts of the state, and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reminding residents living along state highways to be careful and follow the law as they plow or shovel snow.
Two primary concerns are when residents and businesses pile snow at the ends of driveways along the highway shoulder, and when snow is pushed across the road, leaving snow or slush on the road surface.
Michigan Vehicle Code 257.677a prohibits “the obstruction of safety vision by removal or deposit of snow, ice, or slush.” This includes the end of driveways, where banked snow can reduce visibility for vehicles trying to enter the roadway.
“Piling snow at the end of a driveway may be convenient, but makes it difficult for drivers to make sure it’s safe to pull out onto the highway, and tough for drivers to see other vehicles waiting to pull out,” said State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba. “Our crews work to keep the shoulders clear and knock down snowbanks at intersections for motorist safety, and residents and business owners need to do the same at their driveways.”
Trails of snow left on the pavement while plowing across the road also can cause problems. As temperatures change, slushy snow can become packed and icy, or refreeze in ridges of ice across the road.
“Careless plowing creates an added hazard to unsuspecting motorists and plow drivers,” Ajegba said.
It also is important to remember that many local ordinances require residents and businesses to keep sidewalks clear of snow. This is important for pedestrians and those waiting for public transit.
“Winter can be a difficult time to get around for those on foot, so please make the extra effort to clear your sidewalks and help everyone stay mobile and safe,” Ajegba said.
