DNR News: Swim buoys at state parks are removed

DNR News: Swim buoys at state parks are removed

by | Sep 20, 2024 | Recreation

DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
Sept. 20, 2024
Contact: Pat Whalen, [email protected], or Scott Pratt, 517-897-0219

As swim buoys at state parks are removed, swim area designation expires

swim buoys with a bird sitting on topAs the weather cools and the days shorten, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources begins the process of removing swim buoys from many state park beaches.

Swim buoys help mark the boundaries of a swim area, which are established to help identify locations with shallower water (less than 5 feet) and lower risks of dangerous currents and waves. DNR staff inspects these areas approximately every two weeks and adjusts them as needed to maximize safety.

Once buoys are removed, the area is no longer considered a swim area. While the beach remains open to the public, swimming is not recommended.

Due to high winds, waves and rapidly changing water temperatures during the off-season, buoys typically are installed before the Memorial Day holiday weekend and are removed after Labor Day. On-shore rescue equipment, the flag system (Great Lakes only) and safety signage will remain along those sections of shoreline through at least Oct. 1.

“Swim buoys and beach flag warning systems start to be removed after Labor Day weekend due to changing weather patterns in September,” said Pat Whalen, Plainwell District supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “High winds, waves and unpredictable water temperatures can make it difficult for staff to perform the necessary inspections and remove the buoys within the usual 14-day time frame.”

Whalen also said that visitors should exercise caution when entering the water, as they would at any other nondesignated swim area.

A few other cautions:

  • There are several hazards, such as strong longshore currents, rip currents and submerged objects, that can exist in the water all year long.
  • There are no beach guards at state parks, so never swim alone, always keep close watch over children and bring U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially for new and inexperienced swimmers.
  • Water currents near piers, breakwalls and outlets of rivers can be extremely hazardous.
  • Weather patterns, especially in the fall months, can change quickly. Check local weather reports and lake conditions and learn about different Great Lakes currents and how to escape them.
  • As Great Lakes water temperatures drop, monitor swimmers for cold-water exposure, which can result in hypothermia. Water temperatures can change radically in 24 hours.

Visit Michigan.gov/BeachSafety for tips and information on safely visiting the Great Lakes, including state-designated swim beach locations, the beach flag warning system, Great Lakes currents (and how to escape them) and more.

For more information, contact the DNR’s Pat Whalen at 269-838-1196 or [email protected].

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download.
$100,000 available for community tree planting projects

$100,000 available for community tree planting projects

by | Sep 20, 2024 | Recreation

DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
Sept. 20, 2024

Media contacts: Kerry Gray (DNR), 734-691-1806; Joelle Kruczek (DTE Energy), 586-805-0146; or Melinda Jones (ReLeaf Michigan), 734-718-2702

$100,000 available for community tree planting projects; apply by Oct. 25

People plant a tree as part of the DTE Foundation's tree grant program. Interested in using trees to make your community more beautiful, climate-friendly and pleasant for people and wildlife? The DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting Grant program can help!

Proposals for community-based tree planting projects are now being accepted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the 2024-25 DTE Energy Foundation Tree Planting grant program.

The program provides financial and technical assistance to communities throughout the state that are served by DTE Electric and/or Gas. This support helps partners with planting projects that engage residents, help moderate the effects of climate change, beautify communities and add benefits from trees planted along streets, parks and schools and away from utility lines.

Beginning in 1996, the grant program was initiated through a partnership between the DTE Energy Foundation and the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program to improve communities and the environment through tree planting. With the addition of the statewide nonprofit partner ReLeaf Michigan, the program also offers project coordination and technical and educational assistance to applicants and grantees to help ensure a legacy of successful tree plantings.

“A priority for the DTE Energy Foundation is preserving Michigan’s beauty and wildlife, which is dependent on maintaining our trees and forests,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “Preservation is made possible through the great works of our partners like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and ReLeaf Michigan. Both have made a substantial and long-lasting impact on our natural resources.”

  • A total of $100,000 is available this year. Applicants may seek individual grants of up to $4,000 with a 1-to-1 matching requirement.
  • Applications are due Oct. 25.
  • Grant awards will be announced in December, and projects must be completed by Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.

Learn more about urban and community forestry and tree planting grants at Michigan.gov/UCF.

The DTE Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its electric and natural gas utilities, which serve 2.3 million electric customers in Southeast Michigan and 1.3 million natural gas customers in Michigan. In 2023, the DTE Energy Foundation provided more than $16 million in grant support to nearly 300 nonprofits where the company has a business presence with a focus on driving positive, meaningful change in key areas like jobs, equity, human needs and the environment. As one of Michigan’s leading corporate citizens, DTE aspires not only to be the best in the world, but the best for the world, serving as a force for growth and prosperity in the communities across Michigan. Visit DTEFoundation.com to learn more.
The Top 22 Boys Soccer Rankings

The Top 22 Boys Soccer Rankings

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

The Top 22 Boys Soccer Rankings.

Written Tuesday September 17th at 11:45 PM

These are the Boys Soccer Rankings.

  1. Troy Athens- Despite loss to Troy, the Red Hawks continue to be the standard bearer of the OAA.
  2. Troy- One league loss won’t hurt the Colts.
  3. Adams- Big win over Troy keeps Highlanders with the Troy schools.
  4. Oxford- Wildcats have three ties in league play.
  5. Berkley- Bears still proving that small schools can compete against bigger schools in the Red.
  6. Seaholm- Maples playing very well against the Red.
  7. Lake Orion- Dragons doing well in the White.
  8. Clarkston- Wolves struggling in the Red which is surprising.
  9. Royal Oak- Despite loss to Bloomfield Hills, Ravens focus should be on districts.
  10. Groves- Falcons trying to bounce after two tough league losses.
  11. Rochester- Falcons still scary despite being last in the Red.
  12. West Bloomfield- Lakers currently second in the White right now.
  13. Stoney Creek- Cougars getting act together out of league.
  14. Bloomfield Hills- Blackhawks still a scary team, win over Royal Oak is big.
  15. North Farmington- Tough schedule helping the Raiders.
  16. Farmington- Falcons lead the Blue right now.
  17. Avondale- Yellow Jackets struggling in the White.
  18. Pontiac- Phoenix second in Blue says something, tie with North Farmington helps.
  19. Ferndale- Eagles holding their own in the Blue.
  20. Southfield Arts and Tech- Warriors continue to compete in the Blue.
  21. Oak Park- Other than Harper Woods, Knights struggling against others.
  22. Harper Woods- Pioneers really struggling right now.
The Top 22 Boys Soccer Rankings

Week Four Picks

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Four Picks

Written Wednesday September 18th at 8:08 AM

Here are the pickers and the picks for week four.

SANDY DUNES: Sammy Taormina, host of OAA Now, blogger and host of Between Taorminas, and Last Three Brain Cells on Orion Neighborhood Television.

TIM: Tim English, writer, and blogger-Lake Orion 1996 Alumni.

COTTER: Sean Cotter, Walled Lake Western video coordinator, and North Farmington boys basketball scouter.

KEITH: Keith Dunlap, writer works as a free lance writer for the MHSAA.

SCOTT: Scott Burnstein, writer for MIPrepZone and State Champs.

SANDY DUNES: 27-16

TIM: 29-14

COTTER: 34-9

KEITH: 30-13

SCOTT: 29-14

WEATHER FORECAST: Showers, thunderstorms possible most likely before kickoff otherwise cloudy, lows 62-65 degrees.

 

Here are the picks.

 

  1. Clarkston at 1. Adams: The Highlanders know how to win close games which has shown in their record. Adams has wins over Romeo, West Bloomfield, and Rochester with the all three game being really tight as mentioned. A lot has to do with their potent veer offense. The Wolves have won their last two games by a combined 71-15 ever since the Belleville game two weeks ago. Clarkston won 28-7 over Adams last season but the Wolves have not fared well at Rochester in the past. This should be a really interesting game.

SANDY DUNES: ADAMS 17, CLARKSTON 14.

TIM: CLARKSTON 35, ADAMS 28.

COTTER: ADAMS 24, CLARKSTON 21.

KEITH: CLARKSTON 20, ADAMS 17.

SCOTT: CLARKSTON 33, ADAMS 26.

 

  1. Lake Orion at 5. Oxford: The Dragons and Wildcats are no strangers to one another. Lake Orion won twice over Oxford last season but this season there are more plots and twists heading into this game. The Dragons will be without quarterback TR Hill who has a shoulder injury but quarterback Brody Thompson has really stepped up scoring three touchdowns in their 32-0 win over Troy last week. The Wildcats have played a really tough schedule and are a really dangerous team behind their quarterback Jack Hendrix and running back/linebacker Luke Johnson. Oxford had a tough 23-15 loss to Clarkston last week but they shocked Harper Woods 38-0 two weeks ago. Whoever wins the battle in the trenches will win this game.

SANDY DUNES: LAKE ORION 31, OXFORD 21.

TIM: LAKE ORION 35, OXFORD 31.

COTTER: LAKE ORION 21, OXFORD 14.

KEITH: LAKE ORION 28, OXFORD 21.

SCOTT: LAKE ORION 25, OXFORD 24.

  1. Groves at 9. Rochester: The Falcons have been on a roll to start the season with wins over Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit, West Bloomfield, and Stoney Creek by a combined 97-33. They won 42-7 over Rochester last season in Beverly Hills. The Falcons are coming off an impressive 33-14 win over Southfield Arts and Tech and has really improved despite the 28-0 loss to Adams. This might have trap game for Groves written all over it.

SANDY DUNES: GROVES 31, ROCHESTER 28.

TIM: GROVES 42, ROCHESTER 28.

COTTER: GROVES 35, ROCHESTER 7.

KEITH: GROVES 31, ROCHESTER 21.

SCOTT: GROVES 29, ROCHESTER 12.

 

  1. Seaholm at Oak Park: This might be the biggest game for both teams but especially the Knights. Oak Park has really turned things around since their 17-6 loss to Farmington. The Knights fell 42-22 to Seaholm last season in the Maple Forest. The Maples have not lost a beat outscoring Troy Athens, Avondale, and Bloomfield Hills by a combined 100-7 in the last three weeks. This will be Seaholm’s biggest test to date in Knight Valley.

SANDY DUNES: SEAHOLM 28, OAK PARK 24.

TIM: SEAHOLM 42, OAK PARK 21.

COTTER: SEAHOLM 28, OAK PARK 6.

KEITH: SEAHOLM 28, OAK PARK 23.

SCOTT: SEAHOLM 27, OAK PARK 25.

 

Southfield Arts and Tech at 7. West Bloomfield: These are two rivals that know each other really well and it’s West Bloomfield’s homecoming this week. The Lakers have not been themselves as of late to their defense they played two really good teams in Adams and Groves on the road. West Bloomfield will head a little closer to campus when they play Southfield Arts and Tech. The Warriors have not been the same team since their 46-0 win over Flint Beecher. They have been outscored by Clarkston and Rochester by a combined 81-14 since that game. Also West Bloomfield is motivated after losing to Southfield Arts and Tech 40-35 in the Division One State semifinals last season but this is a different Warriors team. It could get really ugly in the Swamp this week.

SANDY DUNES: WEST BLOOMFIELD 63, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 0.

TIM: WEST BLOOMFIELD 9 TRILLION, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 0.

COTTER: WEST BLOOMFIELD 49, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 6.

KEITH: WEST BLOOMFIELD 34, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 17.

SCOTT: WEST BLOOMFIELD 36, SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH 28.

 

Berkley at 8. Ferndale: Bears coach Casey Humes got his first win of the season and Berkley snapped a 14 game losing streak after a 41-6 win over Pontiac last week. This week it’s going to be a little more challenging to get win number two. The Bears have not fared well against their neighbors to the south getting outscored 81-19 which included a 61-8 blowout at Hurley Field to the Eagles last season. Ferndale has turned things around since losing 27-18 to Madison Heights Lamphere three weeks ago outscoring both North Farmington and Royal Oak by a combined 55-12 in the last two weeks. It looks like Coach Eric Royal has this team turned around which is a good sign going forward.

SANDY DUNES: FERNDALE 28, BERKLEY 7.

TIM: FERNDALE 28, BERKLEY 7.

COTTER: FERNDALE 35, BERKLEY 7.

KEITH: FERNDALE 24, BERKLEY 6.

SCOTT: FERNDALE 33, BERKLEY 21.

 

Troy Athens at 10. Farmington: The Red Hawks just can’t seem to catch a break this season but things have been better in the last two weeks since the 40-0 loss to Seaholm in week one. Troy Athens has played much better despite the results. The Red Hawks will be tested by a Falcons team that is coming off a really difficult 20-7 loss to arch rival North Farmington last week. The defense has been really good for Farmington despite the loss last week. Troy Athens has been a really hard team to figure out as of late.

SANDY DUNES: FARMINGTON 28, TROY ATHENS 14.

TIM: FARMINGTON 35, TROY ATHENS 0.

COTTER: FARMINGTON 21, TROY ATHENS 7.

KEITH: TROY ATHENS 24, FARMINGTON 21.

SCOTT: FARMINGTON 22, TROY ATHENS 19.

 

Stoney Creek at Harper Woods: These are two teams that are having it really rough for different reasons. The Cougars are going through a tough transition period which has to happen during the season. They have lost their last two games to Lake Orion and Groves by a combined 76-19. The Pioneers have had things much worse. Harper Woods has been outscored by Novi Detroit Catholic Central and Oxford by a combined 83-12 in the last two weeks. Also the Pioneers might be without Nate Rocheleau who got hurt against Novi Detroit Catholic Central last week. Harper Woods won 34-21 at Stoney Creek last season but these are two teams that are going through a rough patch right now.

SANDY DUNES: HARPER WOODS 31, STONEY CREEK 14.

TIM: HARPER WOODS 28, STONEY CREEK 21.

COTTER: HARPER WOODS 36, STONEY CREEK 13.

KEITH: HARPER WOODS 25, STONEY CREEK 17.

SCOTT: STONEY CREEK 40, HARPER WOODS 28.

 

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep at Troy: This is the second major test for the Colts in two weeks. Troy had outscored Bloomfield Hills and Pontiac by a combined 70-7 but they fell 32-0 to Lake Orion last week. They have a huge game at Don Hill Stadium when Pontiac Notre Dame Prep comes a calling. The Irish have been really impressive in the last three weeks outscoring Detroit Central, Jackson Lumen Christi, and Grand Rapids Catholic Central by a combined 119-38 including a stunning 42-0 win over Grand Rapids Catholic Central last week. This is going to be a really difficult matchup for Troy especially with Pontiac Notre Dame Prep being the top team in Division Five and if they can’t overcome what happened to them last week.

SANDY DUNES: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP 35, TROY 14.

TIM: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP 42, TROY 7.

COTTER: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP 28, TROY 0.

KEITH: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME PREP 21, TROY 20.

SCOTT: PONTIAC NOTRE DAME 35, TROY 25.

 

North Farmington at Bloomfield Hills: This is a rematch of a 50-49 Blackhawks victory over the Raiders which cost them a trip to the postseason last season. These are two teams that have had a ton of rough patches. North Farmington is coming off an emotional 20-7 win at Ron Holland Field over Farmington last week behind their rushing attack of Duke Blanch and quarterback Terrance James. Bloomfield Hills has been really bad allowing 114 points in the last three weeks. The Raiders are motivated to get back at the Blackhawks after what happened last season when it was Bloomfield Hills that took them out of the postseason but they better be careful about a let down and it could happen here.

SANDY DUNES: NORTH FARMINGTON 27, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.

TIM: NORTH FARMINGTON 56, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 0.

COTTER: NORTH FARMINGTON 26, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 7.

KEITH: NORTH FARMINGTON 17, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 14.

SCOTT: NORTH FARMINGTON 30, BLOOMFIELD HILLS 20.

 

Avondale at Pontiac: It has been a rough two weeks for the Phoenix. Pontiac won 40-0 over Detroit Fredrick Douglass three weeks ago but has been outscored 76-6 since that game including a 41-6 loss to Berkley. The Yellow Jackets got back on track after two tough losses with a 34-13 win over Macomb Lutheran North last week. This should be a really interesting matchup between these two teams.

SANDY DUNES: AVONDALE 51, PONTIAC 12.

TIM: AVONDALE 63, PONTIAC 14.

COTTER: AVONDALE 49, PONTIAC 6.

KEITH: AVONDALE 34, PONTIAC 8.

SCOTT: AVONDALE 34, PONTIAC 15.

 

Royal Oak at Livonia Clarenceville: This is the first meeting between the Ravens and the Trojans. Royal Oak has really struggled especially in the last two weeks getting outscored 54-7 which included a 35-0 loss to Ferndale last week. Livonia Clarenceville has not been the same since the Melvindale game when they won 14-0. They have been outscored 91-28 since that game which also included a 42-22 loss to Southgate Anderson last week. These are two programs that are really struggling right now that needs to turn things around and fast.

SANDY DUNES: LIVONIA CLARENCEVILLE 28, ROYAL OAK 7.

TIM: LIVONIA CLARENCEVILLE 42, ROYAL OAK 7.

COTTER: LIVONIA CLARENCEVILLE 21, ROYAL OAK 14.

KEITH: ROYAL OAK 21, LIVONIA CLARENCEVILLE 17.

SCOTT: ROYAL OAK 23, LIVONIA CLARENCEVILLE 20.

 

My Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsbH1LrTFZ4

The Top 22 Boys Soccer Rankings

Week Three Thoughts

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Three Thoughts

Written Saturday September 14th at 12:35 AM

West Bloomfield: The Lakers are in a rough patch after falling 21-14 to Adams on Friday night. West Bloomfield has lost two in a row which is very concerning for Coach Zach Hilbers. The Lakers have allowed 50 points in the last two weeks which is very unusual. They have Southfield Arts and Tech looming next week.

Lake Orion: The Dragons got their third win of the season winning over Troy 32-0 but it came at a cost. Lake Orion lost quarterback TR Hill to a shoulder injury. It is unknown when Hill will come back. Backup quarterback Brody Thompson had three rushing touchdowns. The key for the Dragons is to keep composed when things go hard. They have Oxford looming next week.

Clarkston: The Wolves introduced new home blue uniforms which really has me up at arms. They had a really tough game with Oxford on Friday night and scored 13 points in the fourth quarter to win 23-15. Clarkston has been an odd team to figure out but they are 2-1 and that’s the bottom line. This is a team that relies a ton on the Bowman twins. The Wolves have Adams looming next week.

Adams: The Highlanders earned a big 21-14 win over West Bloomfield on Friday night. Ryland Watters and Matteo Humbert had big games for Adams. Watters had the winning touchdown with 33 seconds left in the game and had another score early in the third quarter. Humbert added a touchdown as well. The defense was very good as well despite allowing a kickoff return for a touchdown. The Highlanders have Clarkston looming next week.

Oxford: The Wildcats had a tough 23-15 loss to Clarkston on Friday night. Oxford has proven they can compete with the Red. They have arch rival Lake Orion coming to Wildcat Stadium on Friday night.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers are really struggling all be it, it was against Novi Detroit Catholic Central where they fell 45-12 on Friday night. Harper Woods lost quarterback Nate Rocheleau to an ankle injury and was replaced by Dakota Guerrant. The Pioneers have been outscored 83-12 in the last two weeks which is not winning football. Coach Rob Oden’s team needs to bounce back in the worst way possible. They have Stoney Creek looming next week.

Groves: The Falcons had no issue with Stoney Creek winning 34-6 on Friday night. Groves has been very good lately. They have Rochester looming next week.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars had it rough with Groves falling 34-6 on Friday night. As mentioned Stoney Creek is going through a transition period and it has to happen during the season. The Cougars has Harper Woods looming next week.

Rochester: The Falcons looked really impressive against Southfield Arts and Tech winning 33-14 on Friday night. Matt Dykie is going to be a star for Rochester. He had a touchdown pass and looked really comfortable in the offense. The Falcons have a tough matchup with Groves looming next week.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors are in a lot of trouble after falling 33-14 to Rochester on Friday night. Southfield Arts and Tech struggled with Jack Lower all night and trailed 26-0 at the half. It won’t get any easier for the Warriors as West Bloomfield comes to town next week.

Farmington: The Falcons had a really tough 20-7 loss to North Farmington on Friday night. Farmington struggled offensively but they were without quarterback Julian Johnson who got hurt in the Holly game. The Falcons will be fine going forward. They have Troy Athens looming next week.

North Farmington: The Raiders earned a huge 20-7 win over arch rival Farmington at Ron Holland Field and brought the Farmington Cup to 14 Mile and Farmington Road on Friday night. Terrance James and Duke Blanch played well for North Farmington. This win might have saved North Farmington’s season. They have Bloomfield Hills looming next week.

Oak Park: The Knights are starting to put things together after winning 24-16 over Troy Athens on Friday night after trailing 16-0 in the game. Coach Greg Carter has really bounced back since the 17-6 loss to Farmington two weeks ago. The Knights have a big one with Seaholm in Knight Valley next week.

Troy: The Colts really impressed me despite the 32-0 loss to Lake Orion on Friday night. I thought quarterback Noah Oury looked really good despite not scoring. Troy will be fine going forward but they have a tough matchup with Pontiac Notre Dame Prep looming next week.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks can’t seem to catch a break falling 24-16 to Oak Park on Friday night. They blew a 16-0 lead in that game. Troy Athens has been competitive but haven’t been able to put it together. They have Farmington looming next week.

Seaholm: The Maples are rolling right now behind the veer offense. They beat Bloomfield Hills 37-0 on Friday night. Seaholm has a major test awaiting them with Oak Park looming next week.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks are really struggling in the worst way possible. They have been outscored 117-7 in three games including a 37-0 loss to Seaholm. Bloomfield Hills has North Farmington looming next week.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets bounced back after two tough losses winning 34-13 over Macomb Lutheran North on Friday night. Avondale got big games from their top players. This could save the Yellow Jackets season. They have Pontiac looming next week.

Ferndale: The Eagles had no issues with Royal Oak on Friday night winning 35-0. Ferndale looks like they have written the ship and could be in contention for the Gold crown. Ferndale has Berkley looming next week.

Berkley: The Bears snapped a 14 game losing streak on their new field with an impressive 41-6 win over Pontiac on Friday night. Berkley needed this night and it was the first win for Coach Casey Humes as coach of the Bears. They have Ferndale looming next week.

Royal Oak: The Ravens are really struggling right now. Royal Oak fell 35-0 to Ferndale on Friday night on their home field. Something is seriously a miss with this program. Coach Collin Campbell has a really tough stretch coming up with three games on the road starting with Livonia Clarenceville next week.

Pontiac: The Phoenix had a rough night at Hurley Field falling 41-6 to Berkley on Friday night. Pontiac has been outscored 76-6 in the last two weeks since winning 40-0 over Detroit Fredrick Douglass. Coach Wendall Jefferson’s team will be fine despite the struggles especially defensively. They have a tough matchup looming with Avondale next week.