Basketball Top 23

Basketball Top 23

by | Dec 19, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday December 16th at 9:50 AM

Updated Monday December 18th at 2:20 PM

The records will be updated after each team with a + or a ) plays this weekend.

Here are the rankings for the week.

+ Saturday, ) Sunday

Boys

  1. North Farmington (4-0): Raiders starting to get into form.
  2. Ferndale (3-1): Trenton Ruth has been a difference maker.
  3. Troy (4-1): The loss to Berkley looks to be a distant memory.
  4. Adams (5-0): Highlanders resolve has never left.
  5. Oak Park (2-1): Knights won on a buzzer beater over Michigan Collegiate.
  6. West Bloomfield (2-3): Lakers resolve showed in their win over Livonia Franklin.
  7. Clarkston (3-2): Wolves will be fine despite loss to North Farmington.
  8. Groves (3-3): Welcome back Josh Simpson.
  9. Troy Athens (4-2): What happened against Howell Red Hawks???
  10. Lake Orion (5-2): Dragons balance starting to show.
  11. Royal Oak (5-1): What happened against Livonia Stevenson Ravens???
  12. Pontiac (3-2): Phoenix are fine despite loss to Wayne Memorial.
  13. Oxford (3-3): Wildcats might have found a few Robins.
  14. Berkley (3-3): It was a rough week for the Bears.
  15. Seaholm (3-3): Maples have been an odd team to figure out.
  16. Avondale (2-3): Yellow Jackets have been up and down lately.
  17. Harper Woods (1-3): Despite Julian Young 43 points against Bloomfield Hills, Pioneers still struggling.
  18. Ferndale University (2-3): Eagles are fine despite loss to Pontiac.
  19. Farmington (0-4): Falcons showing a ton of improvement despite record.
  20. Bloomfield Hills (0-4): Blackhawks showing a ton of improvement despite record.
  21. Stoney Creek (0-4): I’m baffled with the Cougars right now.
  22. Rochester (0-5): Falcons played much better despite loss to Dearborn Fordson
  23. Southfield Arts and Tech (1-4): Warriors last four games have been very rough.

 

 

Girls

  1. West Bloomfield (2-0): Lakers looking like they are themselves again.
  2. Lake Orion (2-0): Dragons resiliency really never left.
  3. Royal Oak (3-0): Ravens defense is back in full force.
  4. Clarkston (4-1): Wolves have put together a nice stretch which includes wins over Howell and Novi.
  5. Stoney Creek (2-0): Sarah LaPrarie has been the key for the Cougars.
  6. Oxford (2-2): Allison Hufstedler has been the key for the Wildcats.
  7. Ferndale (3-1): Eagles win over Detroit Cass Tech was a statement but struggled against Dexter.
  8. Rochester (1-2): Falcons guard situation is very concerning.
  9. Seaholm (2-2): Maples will be fine, been very competitive lately.
  10. Berkley (2-2): Bears have been hard to figure out at times.
  11. Adams (2-2): Highlanders got a monster win over Northville after two tough losses.
  12. Southfield Arts and Tech (2-1): Defense is still a concern with the Warriors (Livonia Stevenson.)
  13. Harper Woods (2-1): What happened against Birmingham Detroit Country Day Pioneers???
  14. North Farmington (3-0): It’s still hard to judge the Raiders with their non-conference.
  15. Avondale (2-2): Yellow Jackets will be fine after a very rough outing against Dearborn.
  16. Pontiac (2-2): Phoenix have been very competitive which is a positive sign for Coach Corray Lett.
  17. Groves (1-2): Falcons have been up and down lately.
  18. Bloomfield Hills (0-2): Blackhawks have had a ton of bad luck lately, both losses by a combined seven points.
  19. Troy (1-4): Colts are going through some tough times right now.
  20. Troy Athens (0-3): Red Hawks are going through some tough times right now.
  21. Ferndale University (0-2): Eagles are starting to show some improvement.
  22. Oak Park (0-2): Knights are really struggling right now.
  23. Farmington (0-4): Falcons are going through some tough times right now.
Executive Directive to Expand Voting Opportunities

Executive Directive to Expand Voting Opportunities

by | Dec 19, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 18, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive to Expand Voting Opportunities and Update Michigan’s List of Voter Registration Agencies

Michigan has also reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to designate VA Hospitals in Saginaw and Detroit as voter registration agencies.   

LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2023-6, which will expand access to voting information for Michiganders. The executive directive requires state departments and agencies to adopt a set of “Voting Information Best Practices.” The best practices ensure that Michiganders can easily access voter information on materials produced by all state departments and agencies.

 

Additionally, the executive directive updates the list of designated voter registration agencies throughout the state. This list includes, for the first time, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which has agreed to designation of its Saginaw Medical Center, Detroit Medical Center, and Detroit Regional Office official voter registration agencies who will assist veterans in the process of registering to vote.

“Voting is the lifeblood of our democracy. When more Michiganders vote, our government is more accountable to the people,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am fully committed to protecting the fundamental right to vote, making participation in our democracy more accessible, combatting misinformation, and empowering all eligible voters to make their voices heard. This executive directive will make sure every Michigan vote is cast and counted, especially those who bravely served our nation in uniform.”

 

“From day one, our Administration has used all available resources and authorities to promote and defend the sacred right to vote,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “Nearly three years ago, President Biden marked the 56th anniversary of Bloody Sunday by issuing the Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting, instructing federal agencies to take steps to ensure that more Americans could have their voice heard and vote counted. Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs is meeting that mandate by partnering with Michigan to allow for voter registration at VA facilities in the state. I applaud Governor Whitmer’s continued efforts to make it easier for all Americans to exercise this fundamental right to participate in our democracy. As we call on Congress to protect the right to vote, President Biden and I remain committed to bringing a whole-of-government approach to making voting more accessible for all.”

 

“Veterans and their families have made commitments and sacrifices to ensure the preservation of our democracy,” said Secretary of State Benson. “In turn, our state and our nation must do everything they can to honor that service by making it easy to engage in democracy and make their voices heard. I’m proud Michigan is leading the way by designating VA facilities as voter registration sites. We will actively engage veterans and their families in 2024 and beyond, meeting them where they are with what they need to participate in every election.”

 

“Supporting Veterans includes making sure they can participate in our democratic process by voting,” said Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tanya Bradsher. “Veterans fought for the rights and freedoms that define us all as Americans, and we are proud to be working with the state of Michigan to make sure they can enjoy those rights and freedoms here at home.”

 

Voting Information Best Practices

All departments and agencies must adopt, to the greatest extent possible, each of the following “Voting Information Best Practices”:

  • Place a link to michigan.gov/vote, the Michigan Voter Information Center (MVIC), in the footer or pre-footer area of each department or agency website.
  • Include a link to the MVIC in the footer of emails distributed to the general public.
  • Include a QR code containing a link to the MVIC on printed materials that are distributed to members of the public.
  • Play a message containing information about the MVIC to those who call the office and are placed on hold.
  • Encourage office employees to place in the signature of their office email a link or graphic that links to the MVIC.
  • Place signage containing a QR code linking to the MVIC within public-facing areas of all offices.
  • Encourage and create opportunities for office employees to volunteer as nonpartisan election workers.

 

The executive directive identifies the following state departments and agencies as voter registration agencies:

  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  • Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
  • Michigan Rehabilitation Services of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training
  • Bureau of Services for Blind Persons of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training
  • Wage and Hour Division of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Bureau of Employment Relations
  • Michigan Worker’s Disability Compensation Agency
  • Workforce Development of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training
  • Michigan State Housing Development Authority

 

Finally, to ensure that veterans in Michigan can have their vote cast and counted, the Governor has officially designated the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a voter registration agency, subject to its agreement with the State of Michigan stating that the Saginaw VA Medical Center, the Detroit VA Medical Center, and the Department’s Detroit Regional Office will provide voter registration assistance.   This action formalizes work over the past year between the Michigan Secretary of State and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans vote at VA hospitals.

 

The executive directive can be viewed here.

 

Executive Directive to Boost Voter Registration

In 2022, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2022-04 at the 67th NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner in Detroit instructing all state departments and agencies to identify and assess potential opportunities to help eligible Michiganders register to vote and gain access to reliable information about voting. The directive asked state departments and agencies to look at ways to provide Michiganders with reliable information on voter registration and voting, including displays in public spaces, printed materials, online information, public announcements, and social media posts. It also tasked them with identifying which of their offices could help register voters by distributing vote by mail applications, helping Michiganders complete their voter registration forms, and accepting applications for voter registration. Today’s executive directive is a result of those ongoing efforts.
Three Residents Win Sweepstakes for Small Businesses

Three Residents Win Sweepstakes for Small Businesses

by | Dec 14, 2023 | Regional News

Three Oakland County Residents Win Sweepstakes for Supporting Small Businesses

More than 300 “Local Gems” Highlighted through Contest

Post Date:12/14/2023 11:49 AM
  • Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced the winners of the county’s “Local Gems” Sweepstakes: residents hailing from Farmington, Royal Oak, and White Lake. The small businesses they love are in Farmington, Madison Heights, and Holly.
  • The cash prizes, sponsored by Genisys Credit Union, ranged from $1,000 to $250.
  • The sweepstakes are part of the Department of Economic Development’s annual Small Business Saturday Campaign to help build visibility, foot traffic, and sales for businesses in Oakland County during the holiday shopping season.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter congratulates “Local Gems” Sweepstakes winners

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter congratulates “Local Gems” Sweepstakes winners Rasheda Williams of Royal Oak (left) and Katy Baracco of Farmington (right) Wednesday at the Farmington Brewing Co.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced Wednesday the winners of the county’s “Local Gems” Sweepstakes, a contest designed for residents to promote their favorite small businesses.

The contest, which ran through the month of November, required residents to take selfies in front of their favorite small businesses. More than 300 businesses were submitted. Sponsored by Genisys Credit Union, the resident winners, who were chosen randomly, are:

  • Farmington resident Katy Baracco won $1,000 for her selfie outside Farmington Brewing Co. in Farmington, which hosted the sweepstakes winners’ reception. Baracco is a 54-year-old substitute teacher in Farmington Public Schools and a volunteer at CARES of Farmington Hills which supports families in need.
  • Rasheda Williams, of Royal Oak, earned the $500 prize for her photo submission at Mia’s Bakery and Coffee Shop in Madison Heights. The 44-year-old is the founder and chief empowering officer at Empowered Flower Girl.
  • Danielle Zacharski, a 34-year-old registered nurse from White Lake was selected for the $250 prize for her picture at Monarch Home Design in Holly.

“The ‘Local Gems’ entries tell the story of how vital small businesses are to our communities,” Coulter said. “They contribute to the unique and vibrant nature of our downtowns and are a true engine of our economy in Oakland County.”

What the winners are saying about why they shop small during the holidays:

“We (my husband and I) shop local year-round because we love to support the community we live and work in,” said Baracco, who has been a patron at Farmington Brewing Co. since it opened because she enjoys its atmosphere and community events. “Small businesses keep our community special.”

“As a social entrepreneur myself, I know how much it means to the local economy to have a thriving business sector,” said Williams, who loves the ambiance, artwork, and diverse menu items at Mia’s Bakery and Coffee Shop. “Small businesses are the heart of the community plus you can always find unique gifts for yourself and others.”

“You can’t find certain things online as you could in the store, especially when it comes to antiques like at Monarch in Holly,” said Zacharski, adding that Monarch has unique vendors and a variety of vintage items. “Supporting local small businesses is what gives small towns their charm.”

The sweepstakes, which ran Nov. 1-25, were part of the Oakland County Department of Economic Development’s annual Small Business Saturday Campaign to help build visibility, foot traffic, and sales for small businesses in Oakland County during the holiday shopping season.

“Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 ‘Local Gems’ Sweepstake,” said Jackie Buchanan, president and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “Your dedication to support small businesses ensures a thriving future for our local economies and communities.”

There were 579 submissions in the Local Gems sweepstakes which cited 317 small businesses as “local gems.” The top five businesses receiving the most submissions were:

DNR to invest $4 million in water quality

DNR to invest $4 million in water quality

by | Dec 14, 2023 | Religious

 
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
Dec. 14, 2023

Contact: Joe Genzel (Ducks Unlimited), 309-453-0979 or Tammy Newcomb (DNR), 517-284-5832

DNR to invest $4 million in water quality

Wetland restoration effort with Ducks Unlimited aims to improve drinking water, wildlife habitat in Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay watersheds

Roughly a dozen white trumpeter swans fly in a line over calm blue waters set against low-lying brown reeds and marsh plantsWater quality in the western Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay watersheds is getting a major boost: a $4 million initiative aimed at advancing wetland restoration and reducing harmful algal blooms in the two regions.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Ducks Unlimited are partnering on the project, through the Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay Wetland Conservation Program with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. DU will administer the ARPA and WCP funds and is already looking for local municipalities and private landowners interested in taking action to restore wetlands on their property.

DU will host an informational webinar via Zoom 10-11:30 a.m. EST Friday, Jan. 12, for anyone interested in this opportunity. Sign up for the webinar here. The webinar will also be recorded and shared.

“This grant could not have come at a better time, but the money has to be spent by December 2026 so we need to act fast,” said DU regional biologist Kali Rush. “Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay have lost more than 80% of historical wetlands, which has significantly compromised water quality for residents and wildlife in our state.”

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development also are partnering on this project.

“We can’t do this alone. Partnerships and willing landowners will be key to developing these wetlands and improving water quality and wildlife habitat,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “We are excited to make this resource available to private landowners who want to do their part to improve and protect long-term water quality.”

Why are algal blooms bad?

Many factors affect water quality in Michigan’s inland lakes, ponds and the Great Lakes, but harmful algal blooms have become a frequent and expensive problem to manage. HABs are caused by increased levels of nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) from fertilizer, wastewater and stormwater runoff that then infiltrate our waterways.

Such blooms occur in western Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay every year. HABs can contain toxins that are poisonous to wildlife, pets and people. They cause areas known as “dead zones” that have little or no oxygen, which can result in massive fish die-offs.

Blooms can also close water to swimming, fishing, boating and other water-based recreation, and make drinking water unsafe for human consumption. For instance, a toxic bloom once caused a water supply plant in Toledo, Ohio, to shut down because it was being overwhelmed by the amount of algae. Saginaw Bay runs the same risk with its water supply infrastructure.

How do wetlands help?

“People often think of wetlands only as homes for frogs, turtles, fish, muskrats and ducks, but they also serve a critical function for water quality,” Rush said. “Wetlands are the kidneys of our environment, filtering nutrients before they enter rivers, lakes and streams.”

Healthy wetlands will help reduce excess nutrient levels in the water, which is key. They absorb carbon and nutrients and function much like sponges, absorbing and storing water during heavy rainfall and releasing it during drier seasons.

a black-necked stilt, a leggy bird with black and white coloring and a long, narrow nose, walks in a marshy wetland area

Program background

The $4 million program is part of the DNR’s larger Michigan Legislature-allocated $10 million ARPA grant (in 2021) for wetlands to improve water quality.

The DNR and DU will use the additional $6 million of ARPA funds to support the advancement of several wetland projects that are already underway or in the planning stages, such as those at Crow Island State Game Area in the Saginaw Bay watershed and a water quality-focused wetland project in the Lake Erie watershed. The goal for these wetlands is to reduce phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment entering the waters of Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay.

“This work is going to improve water quality, provide fish and wildlife habitat, and support and enhance Great Lakes tourism and related economic sectors in Michigan,” Bowen said.

For more information about the community-based projects or to sign up for the webinar, email [email protected]. You can also email [email protected] for more information related to this program.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Photo credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

  • Spring migration: Trumpeter swans during a spring migration between Bay Port and Fish Point in the Saginaw Bay.
  • Black-necked stilt: A black-necked stilt explores the wetlands at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, along the western shore of Lake Erie.

 
More than $1.6 million in grants from Children Trust Michigan

More than $1.6 million in grants from Children Trust Michigan

by | Dec 12, 2023 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 12, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: Bob Wheaton, 517-241-2112, WheatonB@michigan.gov

More than $1.6 million in grants from Children Trust Michigan
help prevent child abuse
Organizations based in Flint, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Lansing, Gratiot and Keweenaw receive funding

LANSING, Mich. – The Children Trust Michigan’s Board of Directors has approved $1,602,012 for six Michigan community-based organizations to support local child abuse prevention initiatives.

The Direct Services grants will be funded over a four-year period. Winning grant proposals were selected through a competitive bid process.

“We are strongly committed to keeping kids safe,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. “Children Trust Michigan provides valuable funding to organizations in communities across Michigan so that they can put in place effective child abuse prevention programs. Children Trust Michigan prevention efforts are a key part of MDHHS’s Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda.”

Children Trust Michigan is housed within MDHHS.

“We congratulate the six successful grantees that emerged from an extremely competitive process with many more excellent proposals than we were able to fund,” said Suzanne Greenberg, Children Trust Michigan executive director. “We will work closely with our new grantees to build protective factors for children and families that will make safe, healthy and happy childhoods possible for Michigan’s children.”

The six organizations receiving funding are:

  • Arbor Circle in Grand Rapids, $320,000 for its Nurturing Fathers program with a trusted messenger approach.
  • Bethany Christian Services of Michigan in Grand Rapids, $124,932 for its Be Strong Families Parent Cafés to build fathers as leaders in their community.
  • Family Services & Children’s Aid in Jackson, $210,000 for Parent Cafés and 24/7 Dad programs to build strong families and strong communities.
  • Gratiot County Child Advocacy Association, $307,080 for Parent Cafés and 24/7 Dad programs to connect and engage fathers in the community.
  • InvolvedDad of Flint, $320,00 for InvolvedDad & Nurturing Fathers program, preparing fathers to be leaders in their community, workplace and family.
  • Keweenaw Family Resource Center, $320,000 for the 24/7 Dad, Parent Cafés and playgroups for fathers, which use multiple approaches to engage fathers.

The purpose of Direct Services grants is to fund community‐based child abuse prevention programs and services. The grants support families that experience challenges that could impact positive parenting and optimal child development. Strong emphasis is placed on assuring that funded initiatives are appropriately integrated into broader community plans for serving children and families. 

With the newly funded initiatives, combined with other multi‐year grant commitments and the statewide network of local councils, Children Trust Michigan distributed more than $2.6 million in 2023 in support of child abuse prevention programming across the 83 counties in Michigan.

 

Visit the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund website to learn more.