News Digest – Week of Aug. 19, 2024

by orionontv | Aug 19, 2024 | Recreation

News Digest – Week of Aug. 19, 2024

A forest canopy illuminaed by a spotlight of sun.

Don’t miss out on your chance to give input on forest management practices at upcoming events.

Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other 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. Least sandpiper photo courtesy Elizabeth Boehm/Audubon Photography Awards.

Forest management open houses in Cadillac, Sault Ste. Marie, Gwinn and more

Though forest management activities like timber harvesting, tree planting, prescribed burning and others are ongoing in sections of the state forest, the Department of Natural Resources is planning for 2026. If you’d like to learn about those plans, the forest management open houses, compartment reviews and public comment periods happening now through mid-October are a great place to start.

It takes a lot of preparation to determine the right mix of actions to keep our state forests healthy and thriving, and public input on these plans is an important part of the process. Here are the remaining opportunities to attend open houses (to learn about proposed plans and share feedback) and compartment reviews (where final decisions are made):

Cadillac FMU

Open house Tuesday, Aug. 20, 3-6 p.m. at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac. Compartment review Tuesday, Sept. 10. Contact: Dave Fisher, 231-745-4651, ext. 2317459064.

Sault Ste. Marie FMU

Open house Thursday, Aug. 29, 3-7 p.m. at the DNR Customer Service Center in Sault Ste. Marie. Compartment review Tuesday, Oct. 1. Contact: Josh Brinks, 906-635-6161, ext. 2.

Shingleton FMU

Open house Thursday, Sept. 12, 3-7 p.m. at the DNR field office in Shingleton. Compartment review Tuesday, Oct. 8. Contact: Bob Burnham, 906-420-1645.

Gwinn FMU

Open house Thursday, Sept. 19, 3-6 p.m. at the Sands Township Office in Gwinn. Compartment review Thursday, Oct. 10. Contact: Mike Brodeur, 906-346-9201, ext. 103.

Newberry FMU

Open house Thursday, Oct. 3, 3-7 p.m. at the DNR field office in Newberry. Compartment review Tuesday, Oct. 22. Contact: Keith Magnusson, 906-293-3293, ext. 4740.

Visit the DNR’s forestry input webpage to learn more about the meeting schedule, how we take care of state forests and where you can get involved in the process.

Questions? Email [email protected].

Fall into fun at Portage Marsh birding tour

A least sandpiper walks along the shoreline.

On the shores of Lake Michigan near Escanaba, Portage Marsh Wildlife Management Area is an Audubon Important Bird Area and one of Michigan’s premier Wetland Wonders. Join the DNR and partners from Common Coast Research and Conservation for a guided birding tour of Portage Marsh Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. – noon.

The tour will begin at the wildlife management area, at the dead end of Portage Point 11.4 Lane, in Escanaba. DNR experts will lead the tour along the 1-mile loop trail, which includes 0.6 miles of unpaved trails along a historic dike system, and a 0.4-mile beach walk along Lake Michigan. The event is free, no RSVP required, and all ages are encouraged to attend.

Portable restrooms, picnic tables and trash receptacles will be available. Please bring your own binoculars or a scope if you have them. Some binoculars will be available to borrow.

We highly encourage participants download one or more of the following smartphone apps: eBird, iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID, Audubon Bird Guide. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes, as we will be walking along unpaved trails with uneven ground. Please be aware that the trail system is not fully accessible according to Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

This birding tour is presented in partnership with MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR. MI Birds aims to deepen all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.

Questions? Contact Joseph Sage at 906-789-8205.

Dice, dragons and the great outdoors: Learn about hunting and fishing through tabletop games

A collection of dice and a DNR-branded fishing bobber.

The DNR’s Escanaba Pocket Park may be small in size, but it’s big on creative outdoor activities and programs. Located within the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds, the park is open throughout the summer with free admission. Visitors can enjoy catch-and-release fishing in the pond stocked with bluegill, as well as archery and pellet gun ranges, a fire tower, wildflower gardens and an indoor classroom space.

On Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m., park interpreter Jalen Sims will introduce park visitors to something a little different: a game of Dungeons & Dragons that focuses on an epic hunting adventure.

“The idea came as I thought about ways to get different audiences into the park. I like playing D&D, so I thought this would be a great way to connect hunting and fishing into the tabletop game,” said Sims.

Whether you’re an experienced D&D player or new to the game, visitors are invited to join for an afternoon of cooperative role-playing, storytelling and fun. By taking on unique personas and banding together, the players will explore a fantasy world and complete a challenging and creative quest.

“The game is designed to immerse the group in a world where they will have to take part in hunting, fishing, tracking, identifying plants, foraging and practicing survival skills,” Sims said. “Then the goal is to remind them that they can do all of this in their own lives in a natural world that can be every bit as intriguing and fantastical as the D&D realm.”

This unique offering is just one example of the type of programming the DNR’s explorer guides offer. With offerings ranging from mushroom identification to astronomy and even Yooperlight hunting – the search for seemingly normal, gray rocks that are rich with fluorescent sodalite and glow orange and yellow under UV light – there is a free, educational program for everyone at over two dozen state parks.

For more information and weekly schedules for the 25 explorer guide parks, visit Michigan.gov/NaturePrograms.

Questions about the DNR’s explorer guide program? Contact Shaun McKeon at 989-370-0789.

From axes to anvils: Discover the rich history of Hartwick Pines

A blacksmith hammers a red-hot rod at an outdoor forge.

As you stroll through the 9,762 acres of Hartwick Pines State Park, you’re normally greeted by the chirps of songbirds and creaks of old-growth pines slowly swaying in the wind, but during Black Iron Day (Aug. 24-25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), visitors will hear the dull clang of metal against metal and the hum of a steam-powered sawmill and experience the tangy scent of coal smoke.

The Friends of Harwick Pines State Park has hosted the event for over 40 years, welcoming blacksmiths and metal artisans from across the state for live demonstrations of their craft. Visitors will also be able to see the park’s 1914 steam engine in action, view a working sawmill and tour the park’s historical logging museum. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entrance to the park, but the event is free for the public, and pieces from the artisans will also be available for purchase.

“The logging industry shaped our population, our economy and our landscape in huge ways, and it is really important tell the stories of the people who did that work and to showcase that aspect of Michigan’s past,” said Hillary Pine, DNR historical interpreter. “It’s exciting to see the past come to life through the sights, smells and sounds of this event and to highlight the skills of these artisans.”

Home to a year-round visitor center with a gift shop, miles of hiking trails and a modern campground and some of the only remaining old-growth pine forests in the state, Hartwick Pines is conveniently located near Grayling along the I-75 corridor, making it ideal as a quick stop on the way to the Upper Peninsula or as the prime destination for a weekend getaway.

“Our state parks are home to many natural and cultural resources that show a very important part of Michigan’s past,” Pine said. “We encourage everyone to come out and learn more about them.”

In addition to Black Iron Days, the park offers a wide range of programming for the public, focusing on everything from maple syrup making to lantern-lit snowshoe hikes. Events like this and more can be found at Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar.

Questions about programs at Hartwick Pines? Contact Craig Kasmer, Hartwick Pines park interpreter, at 989-348-2537.

Photo ambassador snapshot: Forging forward

A hiker and their dog trek along a forested ridge. See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Sarahbeth Ramsey, for the Michigan DNR, at Ludington State Park in Mason County.)

THINGS TO DO

Cooler weather is coming, and with it, some excellent camping conditions! Find a campground, reserve your spot and make a lifelong memory.

BUY & APPLY

Don’t miss Science on Tap: Timber Talk Wednesday, Aug, 28, at Saugatuck Brewing Co. in Douglas. Learn how mass timber is helping revolutionize sustainable building.

Secretary Benson statement on allegations of voter fraud

by orionontv | Aug 16, 2024 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 15, 2024
Contact: Cheri Hardmon
[email protected]

Secretary Benson statement on allegations of voter fraud in Macomb County Primary Election

Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson issued the following statement regarding allegations that four Macomb County voters illegally cast two ballots in the August Primary:

“I’m grateful to the Macomb County clerk for his partnership in ensuring that voter fraud is rare and that when it happens, we catch it and prosecute it to the fullest extent of the law. Thanks to our partnership and commitment to security, he followed the protocols we have in place, and I have now referred the matter to the Michigan Attorney General for further investigation and potential criminal charges.”

Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

by orionontv | Aug 16, 2024 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 15, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments to the Commission on Services to the Aging, Michigan Wheat Committee, State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors, Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists, Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, and the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees.

Today’s appointees represent Michigan’s young professionals, communities of color, seniors, and more. The appointees announced this week build on Governor Whitmer’s work to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Sixty percent of appointees are women or people of color, and the Whitmer cabinet is the most diverse in Michigan history.

Commission on Services to the Aging

Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, is currently retired and volunteers with the Michigan American Association of Retired Persons where she is a member of the state and Grand Rapids leadership teams. She has previously worked as a senior account manager at TDS Metrocom, a client development coordinator at US Xchange, and as an inside sales representative at Newark Electronics. Joy Murphy is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring July 28, 2027.

Sandra “Tene” M. Ramsey, of Detroit, is an appointee of Wayne County Executive Warren C Evans with the Wayne County Inter-Governmental & External Affairs Department. She also serves as the director of the City of Detroit Senior Citizens Department and a former board member for the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. She holds a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from the Center for Humanistic Studies Graduate School, and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Wayne State University. Sandra “Tene” M. Ramsey is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring July 28, 2027.

Dennis Smith, of Marquette, is the president of Dennis H. Smith Consulting and the former president and CEO of the Upper Peninsula Health Plan. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University. Dennis Smith is reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring July 28, 2027.

Shirley Tuggle, of Battle Creek, is a retired registered nurse. She has previously been an adjunct professor at Kellogg Community College, a quality assurance director at PACE, a quality assurance director at Select Specialty Hospital, and a nurse consultant at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She holds a Bachelor of Science in healthcare from Western Michigan University and a Master of Science in nursing from Grand Valley State University. Shirley Tuggle is reappointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring July 28, 2027.

Arjan Kallou, of Troy, is a program operations director at United Community Family Services. She holds an associate’s degree in health care technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Health Service Administration from Baker College. Arjan Kallou is reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring July 28, 2027.

The Commission on Services to the Aging advises the Governor and Legislature on coordination and administration of state programs, changes in federal and state programs, and the nature and magnitude of aging priorities. The Commission also reviews and approves grants made by OSA and participates in development of the state plan and budget as required by the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Wheat Committee

James Doyle, of Grand Rapids, is the executive vice president of the King Milling Company. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Michigan State University. James Doyle is reappointed to represent District 9 growers for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring May 31, 2027.

Jason Dunning, of Fremont, is the district sales manager for Dairyland Seed Company-Corteva Agriscience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University. Jason Dunning is reappointed to represent District 1 growers for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring May 31, 2027.

Lyn Uphaus, of Manchester, is the owner of Uphaus Farms. He holds an associate’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University. Lyn Uphaus is reappointed to represent District 4 growers for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring May 31, 2027.

The Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee seeks to promote the production and consumption of wheat grown in Michigan and assists in the agricultural research and development of wheat products.

These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

State Land Bank Authority Board of Directors

Helen Lehman, of Ada, is the executive director of the New Development Corporation. She serves as a member of the Policy Committee and Neighborhoods and Communities Coalition for the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. She also serves as founder and board vice chair of Catherine’s Care Center in Grand Rapids. Lehman has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from Aquinas College. Helen Lehman is reappointed to represent a resident of the state for a term commencing Augst 15, 2024, and expiring July 31, 2028.

The State Land Bank Authority works to create a positive economic impact on Michigan communities by recycling land to productive use. They work in a coordinated manner to foster the development of property to promote and support land bank operations at the county and local levels.

This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate

Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists

Dr. Barry Lesnick, of West Bloomfield, is an optometrist at the Belleville Vision Center. Dr. Lesnick earned a Doctor of Optometry at the Illinois College of Optometry and holds a controlled substance license and a license in optometry. Dr. Barry Lesnick is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2025. Dr. Barry Lesnick succeeds David Oh whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to promulgate rules for licensing occupational therapists and ascertaining minimal entry level competency of occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the Board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery

Delores Mitchell, of Lansing, is retired. She most recently worked as telemarketer at Labor Law Poster Service. Delores Mitchell earned a diploma in fashion design and interior design at the Institute of Merchandising and Design. Delores Mitchell is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2025. Mitchell succeeds Mathew Hauser whose term has expired.

The Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery regulates the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery in the State of Michigan; provided for the examination, licensing and registration of osteopathic physicians and surgeons; and provided for the discipline of offenders against the Act. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This responsibility is implemented by the Board by ascertaining minimal entry level competency of health practitioners and verifying continuing medical education during licensure. The Board also has the obligation to take disciplinary action against licensees who have adversely affected the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Library of Michigan Board of Trustees

Dr. Mia Murphy, of Lansing, is a chief policy officer at Michigan Association of State Universities. She has previously been a senior analyst in the State of Michigan Budget Office and a chairperson of the Associated Students of Michigan State University. She earned a PhD in higher, adult, and lifelong education from Michigan State University, a master’s in international relations from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Michigan State University. Dr. Mia Murphy is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026. Dr. Murphy succeeds Brian Larkin, whose term has expired.

Melissa Lambert, of Allen Park, is school library media specialist at Allen Park High School. Lambert received a Bachelor of Arts in history, geography, social studies, secondary education from Michigan State University, and a Master of library and information science from Dominican University. Melissa Lambert is appointed to represent K-12 school librarians for a term commencing August 15, 2024, and expiring October 1, 2026. Lambert succeeds Nancy Hmayed whose term has expired.

The Library of Michigan Board of Trustees makes recommendations to the Michigan Department of Education regarding the Library’s services, budget, and proposed governing rules. The Board of Trustees also makes recommendations regarding the employment of other administrative and general assistants and employees of the Library as are necessary for the care and management of the Library, including the Law Library Branch of the Library.

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Football Uniform Grades-2024

by orionontv | Aug 15, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Football Uniform Grades-2024

Written Friday August 9th at 4:45 PM

Here are the football uniform grades after media day.

Red

Clarkston (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Wolves are making changes to their uniforms this season. The Michigan helmet stays which is the classic Clarkston look. The jerseys will be really interesting to watch come week one. GRADE INC.

Lake Orion (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Dragons went old school with the football uniforms last season. The all green and all white with the green V-Neck look is classic Lake Orion. There are no stripes or no LO V-neck collar, just a simple classic look with names on the back. The only down side is the road uniforms say DRAGONS as well and not LAKE ORION. The pants have the classic stripes on the sides with the Dragons logo and the green helmet makes it a perfect uniform. Finally a jersey that Coach Chris Bell got right and it’s me approved. GRADE A.

Adams (Uniform Provider-Adidas): The Highlanders have a yellow helmet with the Adams A on one side and the player number on the other side. There was talk about putting the script Adams on them which I questioned why they would do that. The home yellow is okay but not great, it is an upgrade over the brown jerseys and white pants look and or the brown and yellow look. The road whites are different with the brown and yellow stripes on the elbows. I’m not a fan of these jerseys. GRADE C.

West Bloomfield (Uniform Provider-Home/Road/Alt-Nike, Third jersey-Russell Athletic): The Lakers haven’t changed much with their uniforms. The white pants are classic along with the green and white uniforms. The all white look looks like the clone troopers from the Star Wars series. The all black uniforms look solid as well. The military uniforms also look great as well. The helmet needs a paint job. Green helmet would be much better and smoother. GRADE A-

Oxford (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Wildcats have a classic simple uniform whether it’s the home blue or road white uniforms. They went with a yellow helmet which is different from past tradition when they wore blue helmets. The new design with the small wildcat with the OHS on top of the sides along with the white stripe doesn’t look right, look too LSU like. The simple plain uniform looks very nice especially with yellow or blue pants. Oxford should NEVER wear white pants under any circumstance. White pants have been bad luck in the past. GRADE B.

White

Harper Woods (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Pioneers have an interesting uniform combination. They have three helmets and a very good uniform design. I like the black and maroon helmet much better than their white helmets. The uniform top looks great whether if it’s maroon, black, or white jerseys and pants. The black or maroon helmets make the uniform look very strong but the white helmet,well not so much. GRADE B.

Southfield Arts and Tech (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Warriors finally got out of the Adidas looks and went to Nike last season. The all blue uniforms with red helmet looked very good along with the all white with red helmet as well but I’m not a fan of the Warriors name on the back of the road uniforms. They also have a red uniform with white pants which looked good. They look so much better in the Nike uniforms and also red helmets which has the Warriors logo on both sides which is great. White is not a good look for the helmet. Great uniform and pants. GRADE A-.

Groves (Uniform Provider-Nike, Alternate-Zenith): The Falcons have a great home uniform but a subpar road uniform. The green helmet is great with the old classic Atlanta Falcons bird on both sides of the helmet. The home green, gold, and black look is a great look for the Falcons. The road white uniforms look odd especially the lettering in gold. It’s not like two years ago with that look, now that was a great look, the current look not so much. The alternate uniforms look good, the yellow jerseys look solid with the Falcons wings on the top of the jerseys. The greens look fine, the white needs a ton of work. GRADE C.

Rochester (Uniform Provider-Under Armor): The Falcons went back to tradition and no gimmicks. Rochester has an all blue uniform with a blue helmet and a road white look with a blue helmet. They have an alternate black look for a game if it’s a big one. I like that they finally figured out the uniform design and not go all Oregon like they did a few years ago which was the definition of fashion disaster. GRADE A.

Stoney Creek (Uniform Provider- Zenith): The Cougars released a new uniform combination this season. They went with the all navy blue helmet and the navy blue pants. I like the design of the uniform but the look needs some work. The gold doesn’t pan out as I thought it would. I don’t like the SC collar on the jersey. I think the Stoney Creek name is too small and the numbers are too big. The back of the jersey says COUGARS which is something I’m not too fond off. Overall it’s good look but some of the fonts need work. GRADE C.

Blue

North Farmington (Uniform Provider-Adidas): The Raiders are going with three jerseys. The Adidas logo scares me but Coach Jon Herstein loved the new look especially the black with the brown trim and the same with the white with brown trim. They finally got out of the white helmets. The all white look with the gold helmet would look great along with the all black and golds as well. Great look, not a fan of the provider. GRADE B.

Seaholm (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Maples went back to Maple helmets and went with an all Maple look at home and all white on the road. I think its okay but it’s not like the uniforms from three years ago. I wished the Maple helmet were with the old uniforms of the past. It’s an okay look but the jerseys are too plain but if they bring back the opposite elbows then yippee. GRADE B.

Troy (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Colts finally got Nike uniforms and they look as sharp as ever. The home black has the COLTS name while the road white has TROY. I wish they would put name plates on the back of the road uniforms but they got the all black and the all white look finally nailed down. GRADE A.

Troy Athens (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Red Hawks classic uniform design I really like with the gold helmet, red jersey, and gold pants. It’s the traditional look and the ATHENS crest looks sharp. The all white on the road looks very strong as well. I would like for Coach Tom Cook to at least put a Red Hawk on the helmet and not an A. They took the name plates off which was very sad. I like the Nike uniforms they wear. GRADE A.

Oak Park (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Knights changed uniforms last season. I really like the home red uniforms with the name OAK PARK on the crest with white pants with the Knights logo and the Jumpman photo. The all white look looked good until they went to white helmets. To make it worse there has been games they wore red pants. Overall I like the uniform design but NO WHITE HELMETS. GRADE B-.

Bloomfield Hills (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Blackhawks went back to black helmets which made the most sense and brought a black uniform with purple lettering. I like this uniform a lot even though their purple jerseys from the past were better. The white uniforms look too plain. The home black looks good, the white needs to bring back the opposite elbows. GRADE B.

Farmington (Uniform Provider-Nike): This is not the best design when it comes to uniforms. I don’t like the helmet being white but the Falcon wings make up for it. The all blue look looks very good but the helmet doesn’t click. If there is a team that could go back to a classic look like they did with the Penn State look then Farmington might have a great shot to do so. GRADE B.

Gold

Berkley (Uniform Provider-Nike): Berkley went back to the old tradition but something a bit different. They will have maroon helmets with the same design which is fine but they are bringing back the blue uniforms which looks great and white pants on both home and road. Overall I’m going to miss the all maroon look but the old school and the all white on the road looks great anyway. GRADE A.

Royal Oak (Uniform Provider-Zenith): The Ravens kept their uniforms from last season. The home black jerseys have the Ravens name in white with blue numbering. The elbows are much better with the blue, white, blue stripes. The road ones are the same design. They have a black helmet to go with it. I forgot the provider but they look fine. GRADE A.

Ferndale (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Eagles kept the same look with the all brown look. They still have an all yellow look and an all white look as well. The helmet is dark brown which I really like a lot. This is a great uniform that can make the colors work to their advantage. GRADE A.

Pontiac (Uniform Provider-Home/Third jerseys Russell Athletic, Road-Nike): The Phoenix have a solid color scheme. Pontiac has purple uniforms with black pants at home. They wore a new black uniform with purple wings on them. The road is white with all white uniforms with the purple helmet. I really like the purple even though Pontiac has two different uniform providers, I’ll live with it. GRADE A.

Avondale (Uniform Provider-Nike): The Yellow Jackets changed their home uniforms. I really like their home purple uniforms with the yellow pants. It is very classic. I am not a fan of their road uniforms. The changed the road uniforms by going to Nike. The all black third jerseys look very good as well for the Yellow Jackets which has became a permanent look. Finally a clean look. GRADE A

Volleyball Preview

by orionontv | Aug 15, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Volleyball Preview

Written Wednesday August 14th at 10:35 AM

These are the early projections for volleyball heading into the 2024 season.

Volleyball District Preview

https://saginawbay4650.blogspot.com/2024/06/volleyball-districts-are-out-2024.html

AROUND THE OAA TOP TEN TEAMS.

1. Clarkston

2. Adams

3. Lake Orion

4. Bloomfield Hills

5. Stoney Creek

6. Troy

7. Rochester

8. Troy Athens

9. Oxford

10. Groves

RED

Clarkston- The Wolves are loaded with proven talent. They have that experience getting to the Final Four under Coach Alison Smith. The key for Clarkston this season is not to get complacent, if they do then trouble could loom. The Wolves have had a lot of proven success but can they sustain is the key going forward.

Adams- The Highlanders were around 500 last season with a very young team. Expectations are high this season. They are a veteran heavy team and have a new coach in Nancy McKowen taking over the program. McKowen has been around Oakland County and brings a boatload of experience with her. She will look to keep the tradition alive at Adams. The Highlanders are a sleeper to watch in the State.

Lake Orion- The Dragons have been very competitive for years under Coach Tony Scavarda and they should be again this season. Lake Orion has the proven talent to make some noise in what should be a very tough division and they have a tough district as well. The Dragons could be a sleeper if they stay healthy.

Bloomfield Hills- The Blackhawks have had a ton of success as of late under Coach Jacob Paige. Bloomfield Hills expects to be in the mix in the Red this season with the proven talent he had coming back. The Blackhawks could also be a team that has a deep postseason run if things go right this season.

Stoney Creek- It was un Cougar like for Stoney Creek to struggle like they did last season but Coach Ross Talbot’s program has always been defined with what they do in the postseason. The Cougars should be better this season with program strength in the pipeline. Last season was a year to forget for Stoney Creek fans but this season they should be much better.

Troy- The Colts were up and down last season but they did have some big wins in the Red when they knocked off Lake Orion last season. Troy was your perfect Jekyll and Hyde team as mentioned this is something Coach Tom Viglant wants to get corrected heading into the season. The Colts are a mystery team to figure out so it will be very interesting to see what happens.

Rochester- The Falcons were an up and down team last season under legendary Coach William Gibbs. Rochester has had a strong summer and they have experienced what life in the Red brings. The Falcons should be a team to watch this season because of the experience and they could be a sleeper if things go right.

West Bloomfield- The Lakers were around 500 last season. They had a rough start but picked it up in the middle of the season but struggled a bit during the final stretches last season. Coach Elizabeth Ferguson should have her hands full moving up to the Red but some of the players West Bloomfield has has experienced what life in the Red is so that should help heading into a new division this season.

Seaholm- The Maples had a very challenging transition period under Coach Derrick Williams last season. Now it’s Williams second year and he’ll look to get Seaholm back on track this season. It will be very interesting to see how the Maples do this season with life in the Red.

WHITE

Troy Athens- The Red Hawks will look to take the next step heading into this season. Troy Athens should be a team that could make some noise in the White and maybe in the postseason this season. It has been a process for Coach Mary Kate Zinn with the Red Hawks but this could be the year that championship hardware might be in their future, we’ll see what happens.

Oxford- It was a season to forget last season for the Wildcats being under 500 having a new coach and playing in the always tough Red. Looking for a fresh start in a new division, Coach Noelle Zebb will look to have a bounce back season. Oxford should be in the thick of the White this season with the experienced learned from the rough goes last season. The Wildcats should be a player in this White this season.

Groves- The Falcons had a tough season record wise but to their defense they did play a very tough schedule. Coach Madison Clouse will look to get Groves back on track after a really rough year last season. The Falcons are a potential dark horse candidate in the White this season.

North Farmington- The Raiders were a team that was around 500 last season. They had some good wins and some really tough losses. North Farmington has been up and down as of late for Coach Michael Love and will look to have a bounce back season. The Raiders should be in the conversation as a possible darkhorse in the White.

Avondale- The Yellow Jackets had an off season last season. Coach Andrew Steff will look to get Avondale back on track. They should have some experience coming back which always helps. Consistency will be key for the Yellow Jackets heading into this season.

Berkley- It was a really rough season for the Bears adjusting to a new coach in Dakota Stanchuk last season. The Bears had a lot of young players after getting to the State Quarterfinals two years ago. Berkley should be much improved under Stanchuk but can it turn into results remains to be season

Royal Oak- The Ravens really struggled last season for Coach Ciara Schultz. Royal Oak was really young and they lost a ton of close games last season. They should be better after having a really rough season. The Ravens could be a team to watch.

Farmington- It was a struggle for the Falcons last season. Farmington has a new coach in Dan Englehardt taking over the program. The Falcons will be young this season and there has to be a transition period that has to happen during the season. Farmington will be going through that period.

BLUE

Ferndale- The Eagles have always been a consistent power and will be again this season. Ferndale has a new coach as Andrea Phillips takes over the program. The Eagles will have athletes and should be in the conversation. There will be a transition period and it has to happen during the season.

Ferndale University- It was a really odd year for the Eagles and Coach Kenton Maki. The Eagles were not consistent which showed in their record last season. Ferndale University is expected to make a big jump this season. The Eagles could be a team to watch.

Southfield Arts and Tech- The Warriors will have a new coach taking over the program in Rachel Watson. Watson will be tasked to send Southfield Arts and Tech to the next level this season. The Warriors have had proven athletes so it will be very interesting to see how the transition period goes for Southfield Arts and Tech this season.

Harper Woods- It was a rough year for the Pioneers who struggled late in the year last season. Harper Woods should be improved despite the struggles. If the Pioneers get some consistency after last season’s rough patch then Coach Lydia Doty-Faulk can turn things around and better results will come for Harper Woods.

Oak Park- The Knights were a Jekyll and Hyde team last season. Oak Park started off strong but struggled mid season and then got hot to close the season. Consistency will be the key for Coach Daimienne Goodlow if the Knights want to be competitive this season.

Pontiac- The Phoenix were an up and down team last season. Pontiac will look to have a better season and they have a new coach taking over at Pontiac. There will be a transition period but it will have to happen during the season.

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