by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday September 30th at 5:10 PM
West Bloomfield (4-2): The Lakers have some serious concerns on defense and the stats prove it. They have allowed over 30 points in three of the last four weeks including a 44-36 loss to Clarkston on Friday night and were down 37-14 at one point in the fourth quarter. Rick Nance had a really rough game but the defense as mentioned has some serious concerns. They have allowed 166 points this season (27.6 ppg) which is un Laker like. Bryce Rowe did not play and Kari Jackson and Montelle Johnson are out for the season with ACL and MCL injuries. They have Oxford looming next week.
Lake Orion (6-0): The Dragons defense was just incredible in their 35-0 win over Adams on Friday night. They had six sacks, two interceptions, and a fumble return for a touchdown. Lake Orion was solid offensively as well with Raymond Payne’s two scores, Billy Roberson and Tristian Hill each had a score as well. The Dragons are rolling right now. They have a big one looming with Clarkston for the Red next week.
Clarkston (4-2): The Wolves were very impressive especially offensively in their 44-36 win over West Bloomfield on Friday night. Clarkston had a 37-14 lead in the fourth quarter. The game really wasn’t as close as the score indicated. Griffin Bowman had three rushing touchdowns while Brody Kosin had two touchdown catches while Desman Stephens had a touchdown pass, an interception, and a touchdown score in the game. Lukas Bowman was also very good as well. The defense was solid all night including a big fourth down stop at the two yard line. The Bowman twins have been very good as had Brady Collins along with Stephens and Kosin as well. Clarkston has Lake Orion looming for the Red next week.
Adams (3-3): The Highlanders had a rough night in their 35-0 loss to Lake Orion on Friday night. Adams was dominated everywhere in the game. I know they are a very young team but Coach Tony Patritto has to be very disappointed with the performance. The postseason could be very interesting to watch for the Highlanders with what’s ahead. They have Stoney Creek looming next week.
Oxford (2-4): The Wildcats needed a big win like this and they got it by winning 38-28 over Stoney Creek. This could be the turning point that Coach Zach Line talked about during the preview show and the podcast. Oxford still has a shot to get into the postseason with their very tough schedule. Jack Hendrix and Luke Johnson were huge for the Wildcats in the game. Johnson had two touchdowns including a 50 yard rushing score while Hendrix had three passing scores including a 51 yard catch by Liam O’Neil, a 47 yard catch by Dean Rice, and a one yard catch by Ian Jones. They have West Bloomfield looming next week.
Stoney Creek (1-5): The Cougars postseason hopes took a huge hit with a 38-28 loss to Oxford on Friday night. Stoney Creek was leading most of the game but let Oxford come back and seal the win. Jayden McCarthy had all four rushing touchdowns on the night. The Cougars have a tough stretch ahead of them. They have Adams looming next week.
Southfield Arts and Tech (6-0): The Warriors rolled in their 40-0 win over Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. Southfield Arts and Tech rested their starters in the second half for the second week in a row. It’s also great to keep them healthy as they get ready for the final stretch. They have Rochester looming next week.
Harper Woods (3-3): The Pioneers had a very tough loss to Groves on Friday night falling 20-12. Harper Woods will be fine in the postseason with three losses to three really good teams. They have Farmington looming next week.
Groves (4-2): The Falcons went into Wayne County and beat Harper Woods 20-12 on Friday night. Chris Little had a big night. He caught an interception and threw for a touchdown in the game. Groves is rolling right now. They have Bloomfield Hills looming next week.
Farmington (2-4): The Falcons have really struggled since Cam Pettaway went down. They fell 33-7 to Rochester on Friday night. Farmington has been outscored 79-7 in the last two weeks and it won’t get any easier. They have Harper Woods looming next week.
Bloomfield Hills (0-6): The Blackhawks have had a rough two weeks. They fell 40-0 to Southfield Arts and Tech on Friday night. Bloomfield Hills has been outscored 89-0 in the last two weeks. They have a tough one looming with Groves next week.
Rochester (2-4): The Falcons earned a surprising 33-7 win on their homecoming over Farmington on Friday night at Rochester Stadium. Jack Lower had a solid game for Rochester. The defense was also solid all night for Rochester. They have a tough one with Southfield Arts and Tech looming next week.
Seaholm (5-1): The Maples spread the wealth in their domination of Troy on Friday night. Seaholm has outscored the Colts 94-6 in their last two meetings including a 42-6 blowout. The Maples have scored 198 points in the last four weeks which is really impressive and have allowed 20 points in three weeks. The Kinnie boys are the Kinnie Boys along with Kyle Robbins and Jack Lewis. They had a great night all around and have all been playing really well down the stretch. The Maples have a big one with Avondale looming next week.
North Farmington (3-3): The Raiders have started to turn things around which is a great sign for them in their 9-6 win over Oak Park on Friday night. Duke Blanch had a three yard touchdown run but he got hurt in the game. The defense shut down a good Knights offense all night. They also got a field goal as well. The Raiders sit in a great spot right now. They have Pontiac looming next week.
Oak Park (2-4): The Knights had another tough loss falling 9-6 to North Farmington on Friday night. They lost their last two games by a combined eight points. The defense was solid all night for Oak Park but the offense including Artelle Guyton who had a 15 yard rushing touchdown also struggled and that’s a credit to the Raiders defense and their coaching staff. The Knights have Ferndale looming next week.
Troy (3-3): The Colts could be in some trouble after a 42-6 loss to Seaholm on Friday night. The schedule has clearly hurt them and it’s showing in their losses. Troy has scored 12 points in two games and allowed 94 points in the last three weeks which were all losses (31.3 ppg) in that stretch. The schedule looks very manageable going forward for the Colts with Berkley looming next week.
Troy Athens (2-4): The Red Hawks bounced back after two really tough weeks with a 35-15 win over Pontiac on Saturday afternoon. Troy Athens took advantage in the middle quarters and built a 28-7 lead at one point to get the win. They have Royal Oak looming next week.
Ferndale (3-3): The Eagles are starting to put it together after winning 61-8 over Berkley at Hurley Field. Ferndale has scored 94 points in the last two weeks. Cullen Hock had five touchdowns in the game. He has started to turn things around. They have Oak Park looming next week.
Avondale (6-0): The Yellow Jackets had no problem with Royal Oak winning 42-0 on Friday night. Avondale has been dominant in the division and they are well on their way to clinching the crown. They have a big one looming with Seaholm next week.
Berkley (0-6): The Bears were blown out 61-8 by Ferndale at Hurley Field on their homecoming Friday night. That is five losses at Hurley Field which is unheard off for Berkley. They have Troy looming next week.
Royal Oak (2-4): The Ravens had a ton of trouble with Avondale on Friday night falling 42-0. Royal Oak really struggled moving the football against a very good Avondale defense. They have Troy Athens looming next week.
Pontiac (3-3): The Phoenix had a rough homecoming on Saturday afternoon falling to Troy Athens 35-15. Pontiac had a tough time with mistakes against the Red Hawks. They have another tough matchup with North Farmington looming next week.
by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday September 30th at 5:10 PM
AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN-Week Six
- Lake Orion
- Southfield Arts and Tech
- Clarkston
- Avondale
- Seaholm
- West Bloomfield
- Groves
- North Farmington
- Harper Woods
- Adams
TROY ATHENS 35, PONTIAC 15.
FERNDALE 61, BERKLEY 8.
AVONDALE 42, ROYAL OAK 0.
NORTH FARMINGTON 9, OAK PARK 6.
SEAHOLM 42, TROY 6.
GROVES 20, HARPER WOODS 12.
ROCHESTER 33, FARMINGTON 7.
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 40, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.
OXFORD 38, STONEY CREEK 28.
CLARKSTON 44, WEST BLOOMFIELD 36.
LAKE ORION 35, ADAMS 0.
BEST WIN: Seaholm: The Maples have been very impressive as of late. They have scored 194 points in the last four weeks including a 42-6 win over Troy on Friday night. The Kinnie brothers, Kyle Robbins, and Jacob Vance were very good against the Colts. Seaholm has some big games coming up which should help them especially with the postseason looming in a few weeks.
TOUGH LOSS: Stoney Creek: The Cougars postseason hopes took a hit after Stoney Creek fell 38-28 at home on Friday night. The Cougars need to win out to make the postseason most likely. Oxford is in the same boat as well. Jayden McCarthy had four rushing touchdowns in the game. Stoney Creek has a tougher challenge ahead of them if they want to make the postseason.
TEAM THAT NEEDS A HUG: Oak Park: The Knights have had a ton of bad luck in the last two weeks. Oak Park has lost their last two games by a combined eight points including a 9-6 loss to North Farmington on Friday night. The Knights defense was solid all night but the offense had their struggles. Postseason hopes could be very interesting to watch going forward for Oak Park.
VALENTI RANT: West Bloomfield: The Lakers defense is a big concern heading into the final three weeks. They have allowed 30 points or more in three of the four weeks including a 44-36 loss to Clarkston on Friday night. They are without their linebackers in Kari Jackson and Montelle Johnson as they are out for the season with ACL and MCL injuries respectably. Bryce Rowe did not play against Clarkston. West Bloomfield needs to address their defense in the worst way if they want to have a deep postseason run.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME: Troy: The Colts have really struggled in the last three weeks. The defense has allowed 101 points in that stretch. The non conference schedule has really hurt Troy especially with the three losses. The schedule looks manageable but the postseason could be a question mark.
by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Health and Wellness, Uncategorized
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 2, 2023
CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MiDDC joins national effort to observe Disability Employment Awareness Month in October
LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC), part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an awareness campaign that takes place each October.
The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate the public about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of all workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Advancing Access and Equity.”
Throughout October, MiDDC will be engaging in a variety of activities to educate the public on disability employment issues and its commitment to an accessible and equitable work culture. MiDDC will also coordinate with the Self-Advocates of Michigan (SAM) organization to raise awareness of how employees with disabilities contribute to their communities.
“MiDDC is proud to take part in this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Dr. Yasmina Bouraoui, MiDDC executive director. “This month is a celebration of the contributions of employees with disabilities, and also an opportunity to showcase how inclusion and diversity in our workforce create a stronger society that amplifies the true potential in every individual.”
Activities during Disability Employment Awareness Month include:
- Employment Success Stories: Interviews with people with disabilities on how their experiences with competitive, integrated employment positively impacted their lives.
- Take Your Legislator to Work: MiDDC is partnering with SAM to share firsthand employment experiences of people with disabilities. SAM members who participate in Take Your Legislator to Work will host their state legislators at their workplace to show how they contribute to their community.
- Community Outreach: MiDDC will launch a digital awareness campaign to engage the community and promote how employment positively impacts the lives of people with disabilities. Tools and resources for employers and employees to foster a disability-inclusive workplace will be shared on its Facebook page and website. The public is invited to participate and follow on Facebook using the hashtag #NDEAM2023.
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages during October and throughout the year by visiting Michigan.gov/DDCouncil. |
by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Environmental
News Release
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Oct. 2, 2023
Contact: Bill Keiper, 517-342-4087, or Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814
Aquatic plant found in two West Michigan ponds
Hydrilla, considered one of the world’s most invasive aquatic plants, has been detected for the first time in Michigan. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy confirmed two small populations of the plant in adjacent private ponds on residential properties in Berrien Springs in Southwest Michigan.
 The small patches of hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) were discovered during routine monitoring following treatment for another invasive plant, parrot feather, which was found in the pond in 2020. Both species are prohibited in Michigan, meaning it is unlawful to sell, possess or import them into the state, and both are on Michigan’s invasive species watch list due to their potential environmental threat.
Hydrilla has several ways of reproducing, allowing it to spread rapidly, outcompete native plants and quickly form dense single-species infestations. Root tubers, turions (buds) and even small plant fragments can develop into new plants, making it very easy for hydrilla to disperse through water or attach to ornamental plants sold for water gardens. |
“It’s not clear how either plant made its way to this pond, but seeds or fragments of the invasive plants may have been attached to ornamental plants installed in past years,” said Bill Keiper, EGLE aquatic biologist. “Sediment core samples of the pond and genetic analysis of the plant material are planned to help determine how long the hydrilla has been here and where in the U.S. it might have originated.”
EGLE’s immediate response actions include surveying connected ponds, a receiving stream, and the St. Joseph River to ensure the full hydrilla population extent is known. Herbicide treatments are underway in the infested ponds, targeting hydrilla plants to prevent further tuber production this season. A response plan will focus on preventing the spread of hydrilla beyond its current location, with the long-term goal of eradication.
Why be concerned?
 Hydrilla was introduced into Florida in the 1950s and has spread across the southeast. A separate strain was first detected in Delaware in 1976 and has since made its way through the Atlantic states and several Great Lakes states.
Hydrilla can thrive in both low- and high-quality waters and has been found in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, wetlands, ponds and streams. Plants are generally rooted in sediment in water depths up to 25 feet and remain submerged, with long, leaved stems floating near the surface. Because it outcompetes native plants, it can quickly fill a lake or pond, choking off recreational access.
Though hydrilla can be treated with herbicide, it is difficult to eradicate because tubers and turions can persist in the sediment for years, and plants can reproduce from even small fragments. |
You can help
Early detection of hydrilla provides a better opportunity for successful control and eradication. Michigan’s Invasive Species Program relies on reports from the public to help in early detection and response efforts.
Identify hydrilla
 Look for long, slender stems floating near the water surface. Check for these characteristics:
- Pointed, bright green leaves about 5/8 inch long with small teeth on the edges.
- Leaves growing around the stem, generally in whorls of five, but they can range from four to eight.
- Tiny, floating white flowers visible in late summer to fall.
- Small, white to yellowish, potato-like tubers attached to the roots.
Be aware of look-alikes
Note that hydrilla’s long stems may look like common native and invasive aquatic plants in Michigan. Differences are found in the number of leaves per whorl and the smooth versus serrated leaf edges.
- Native elodea (Elodea canadensis and Elodea nuttalli) has three (rarely four) leaves per whorl.
- Mare’s tail (Hippuris vulgaris) has six to 12 leaves per whorl.
- Brazilian elodea (invasive) leaves are smooth, not toothed at the edges.
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Report suspected hydrilla
Any suspicious aquatic plants should be reported as soon as possible to [email protected]. Include close-up photos and provide the location of the detection in your report.
More information on identifying and reporting invasive aquatic plants can be found at Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources.
/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.
Hydrilla plants: Invasive hydrilla is considered one of the world’s most invasive aquatic plants. Photo courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.
Hydrilla infestation: Hydrilla stems float at the water’s surface. Heavy infestations can block access to waterways. Photo courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.
Hydrilla graphic: Hydrilla is characterized by serrated leaves, generally in whorls of five, surrounding long stems. Illustration by Bruce Kerr./
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by orionontv | Oct 2, 2023 | Regional News
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 29, 2023 |
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AG Nessel Joins Coalition of 11 States Urging Congress Not to Defund the Inflation Reduction Act
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Multistate Letter Urges Appropriations Leadership to Protect Funding for the Implementation of Historic Climate Legislation
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LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 11 states in calling on Congress to protect the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) from harmful budget cuts.
“The Inflation Reduction Act will provide the necessary funding to help states respond to climate-related events and convert to cleaner energy sources,” Nessel said. “Any cuts to monies authorized by this legislation could jeopardize the efforts to support expanding opportunities for clean energy jobs and entrepreneurship in local communities. I stand firmly with my colleagues in asking Congress to maintain robust funding for this legislation.”
In August 2022, President Biden signed into law the IRA, the nation’s largest-ever investment in addressing climate change. The IRA directs hundreds of billions of dollars nationwide toward climate solutions, providing significant incentives for clean energy, energy efficiency, and more.
The letter asks Congress to reject cuts proposed by House leadership that threaten the IRA’s ability to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create good, green jobs. Proposed cuts could rescind over $20 billion authorized by the IRA.
The multistate coalition opposes cuts to programs that would, among other things:
- Help rural small businesses and agricultural producers convert to renewable energy and make energy cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable for Americans living in rural areas;
- Spur economic opportunity in disadvantaged communities while also reducing pollution, and encouraging clean energy technology; and
- Help low- to moderate-income families transition to cleaner homes and appliances.
Proposed cuts to various federal agencies’ budgets, including the Council on Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection Agency, Treasury, and the Department of Labor, could also hinder the effective roll-out of these and other programs under the IRA.
Funding to implement the IRA is important to ensure that the progress made on climate goals benefits—and does not further burden—disadvantaged and low-wealth communities.
On the anniversary of the IRA, the White House announced that in its first year, over 170,000 clean energy jobs have already been created nationwide, and that the law is estimated to create 1.5 million jobs over the first decade of its implementation.
The letter was led by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and joined by AG Nessel and the attorneys general of Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
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