New Year Storylines

New Year Storylines

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

New Year Storylines.

Written Thursday January 1st at 11:14 AM

Happy New Year to OAA Nation, here are some storylines to watch heading into 2026.

The White is the toughest division in Boys Basketball.

The White looks to be the most competitive division in boys basketball. Avondale and Clarkston stand out in the Red. Bloomfield Hills looks to be the favorite in the Blue. The Gold looks to be a mess between Harper Woods, Oak Park, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Waterford Kettering. The White with Waterford Mott, Lake Orion, Stoney Creek, Rochester, Adams, and Oxford looks very interesting. Each team has flaws but also has strengths as well. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the winner of this division has at least five losses.

 

Could this be the year for Ferndale in Division Two???

The Eagles have a Division Two State Championship to their name (2023) in this century but can they get a second remains to be seen in boys basketball. Ferndale has the talent and experience to get back to the Breslin Center. They play a very tough non conference schedule along with being in the Red. The Eagles will have some challengers in their district with Detroit Old Redford Academy and eventually Warren Lincoln and whomever is in the west side of the state. It certainly looks doable for Ferndale.

 

Girls Basketball Outlook.

Groves has taken the league by storm and is firmly in the White title picture. They introduced a new but very familiar college style type of game where they want to go run and gun and up tempo. Coach Jessica Duebla learned this pace in college to which they want to go up tempo and not stop leading to open shots and dribble drive possibilities. The Falcons had two early losses to Farmington Hills Mercy and Livonia Stevenson but has won two straight by putting up 103 and 92 points respectively. Harlem Simpson has become a Miss Basketball candidate and she’s only a junior.  Is Bloomfield Hills for real, they have a high MPR but a very young team. West Bloomfield is starting to look like a State title contender again led by Sheridan Beal and company to make another run in Division One. There are other challengers that could make a run like Clarkston or Stoney Creek but for now the two to watch are the Lakers and the Falcons.

 

Does an OAA team stand out in football???

Football is going to be the most interesting heading into this fall. A lot of the contenders lost a lot of proven players to graduation. Harper Woods could be the most interesting especially at the quarterback spot but they should be a title contender in Division Four. Groves should be in the mix and could be a contender in Division Two. How will both Waterford schools adjust to life in the OAA??? Stoney Creek and Oxford have a lot coming back but can both teams make the next step. West Bloomfield, Clarkston, and Adams lost a lot of talent from last season. There will be new coaches at Avondale and Berkley will have new coaches. Also another team to watch is Lake Orion after having a 1-8 season, what will their outlook be heading into this season. There are a lot of questions in the OAA this fall.

 

Expansion if any???

The OAA has been no stranger to expansion and loss when it comes to adding and subtracting schools. The league brought back Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott from the Lakes Valley Conference this past winter and is going to lose North Farmington and Farmington to the Lakes Valley Conference this fall. This will be something to watch and see what the OAA does when it comes to this area.

 

Early Spring Sports Outlook.

Spring sports are not too far away. Lake Orion, Adams, Rochester, West Bloomfield are teams to watch in baseball. Lake Orion and Stoney Creek looks like they could be the teams to beat in softball. Track should be very interesting in both boys and girls. Birmingham is the team to watch in girls lacrosse. Clarkston looks to be the team to beat in boys lacrosse. Soccer looks to be wide open with Bloomfield Hills, Adams, Rochester, Stoney Creek, Troy Athens, and Troy look like they are the teams to beat. Spring is not too far away as mentioned but this is the early indicators.

 

There will be more storylines to come, stay tuned to OAA Now, the blog, and our website https://aroundtheoaa.weebly.com/ for all the information.

MDHHS statement about changes to childhood vaccine schedule

MDHHS statement about changes to childhood vaccine schedule

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Health and Wellness

 

 

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 6, 2026

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov   

MDHHS issues statement about federal
changes to childhood vaccine schedule 

LANSING, Mich. – Following updates to the U.S. childhood immunization schedule made today by Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill, in his role as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the following statement:

“For decades, vaccines have played a critical role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases and significant reductions in childhood illnesses and fatalities.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian issued a Standing Recommendation advising health care providers and families to follow the child and adolescent immunization schedule produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). We continue to stand by that recommendation.”

The underlying scientific evidence remains unchanged and continues to support the full AAP and AAFP vaccination schedules for children. Families should still be able to access the full range of childhood immunizations as recommended by the AAP and AAFP to protect their children from serious diseases.

All vaccines, including those moved to shared clinical decision-making, remain covered with no out-of-pocket cost by Affordable Care Act-regulated private insurance plans and federal coverage programs such as Medicaid and the Vaccines for Children program, as HHS affirmed in its announcement.

Bagdasarian noted that the changes announced today may create confusion for families and clinicians regarding school vaccine requirements, clinical workflows and the supply and use of combination vaccines.

“MDHHS will continue to provide clear guidance, backed by science to help protect Michigan families,” Bagdasarian said.
DNR Events/Get Involved – January 2026

DNR Events/Get Involved – January 2026

by | Jan 6, 2026 | Recreation

 
DNR banner

DNR Events/Get Involved – January 2026

group of stewardship volunteers by brush pile in winter
Here are a few of the many ways this month to enjoy and learn about Michigan’s outdoors and to get involved in helping the Department of Natural Resources take care of the state’s natural and cultural resources. For a full list of events, see Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar, and for more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

Learn to ice fish from the pros, build your own showshoes

adult teaching child about ice fishing on frozen lakeThe DNR Outdoor Skills Academy offers opportunities to learn how to ice fish with professional anglers and build a pair of snowshoes this winter.

Hard Water School, with virtual instruction Jan. 13 and 20 and an in-person class Jan. 24 at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac’s Mitchell State Park, provides an ice fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. Focusing on techniques for panfish, walleye and pike, pro staffers from Clam Outdoors, HT Enterprises, Vexilar, K-Drill, Fish Bones and more will provide expert instruction on setup, rigging, gear selection, fish location, ice safety, and rules and regulations. Participants will have the opportunity for hands-on learning on the ice, including one-on-one guidance from professionals. Cost is $25, which includes a take-home gift and bait.

During the Snowshoe Building Workshop at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling, Jan. 24-25, instructors will teach participants, step by step, how to lace the modified bear paw-style, wooden-framed snowshoes (10 inches by 36 inches). Tubular nylon will be used for the lacing. The snowshoe kit comes with a set of “Super A” bindings. Cost for the class is $195.

Additional snowshoe-building sessions are available in February and March, and another Hard Water School is scheduled in February. Find more details about these and other classes at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.

Take in fresh air, scenic views during lantern events

child walking on snowy, lantern-lit trailGet out and enjoy Michigan’s winter with lantern-lit hikes at several state parks:

Volunteer at state parks, help protect high-quality natural areas

two volunteers in winter holding tools for invasive species removalSeveral state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays in January. Volunteers are needed to help with removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems in the parks.

Please note that registration is required for all volunteer workdays.

Workdays will take place:

  • 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 10 and Jan. 31, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 10, at Grand Mere State Park (Berrien County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 11, at Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County).
  • 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 11 and Feb. 1, at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Jan. 17 and 31, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 24, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).
  • 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 25, at Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County).

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Find winter adventure on the dunes during Silver Lake fat-tire biking season

fat-tire bikes on sand dunes at Silver LakeCyclists can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes during the fat-tire biking season at Silver Lake State Park in Mears, continuing through March 15. There is no cost or registration.

Michigan also has some of the best fat-tire trails in the country – learn about other riding opportunities around the state on our fat-tire biking webpage.

Learn about owls, fishing pole setup, WWII history, wildlife crime scenes and much more

The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit presents a January full of winter fun and learning. Here are a few highlights:

display set up to look like a waterfowl hunting crime scene

  • Rosie the Riveter and Beyond: How Women Helped Win World War II, Jan. 15. Part of the Active Aging Adventures: Brunch and Learn series for seniors, this informative presentation, accompanied by colorful slides, highlights women’s important contributions to Allied victory in World War II. It includes a display of WWII artifacts such as ration books, propaganda pamphlets and a rivet gun. Preregistration is required. Cost is $8 per person.
  • Fishing Pole Setup, Jan. 25. So you’re hooked on fishing and want to know more? Learn how to assemble your fishing pole so you are ready for your next angling adventure. For ages 8 and older, this workshop will cover fishing knots, bobber selection, tackle setup and pole maintenance. Preregistration is required. Cost is $15 per person.
  • Nature at Night: Owl Prowl, Jan. 29 at Belle Isle Nature Center. Learn all about our local owls during this free, off-site event! We’ll have some indoor activities related to owls, an “owl prowl” walk to listen for resident owls and a toasty bonfire to stay warm. The walk portion of the program is recommended for ages 8 or older.
  • Wildlife Crime Scene Investigation with DNR Conservation Officers, Jan. 31. Try your hand at investigating a wildlife “crime scene” with DNR conservation officers. See if you can spot the hunting violations and provide evidence for your claims. Recommended for ages 12 or older, this is a fun challenge that also gives insight into the work of conservation officers who protect our natural resources. Included with the price of admission.

There also are archery programs, nature education for young kids, birding, yoga and more. See the OAC activity schedule for a full list of events.

Ride the trails during Free Snowmobiling Weekend

three snowmobile riders on trailIgnite (or reignite) your love of winter trail riding with Michigan’s Free Snowmobiling Weekend, Jan. 10-11, when you legally can ride without the requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit. Grab your friends, ride and test out 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized) during this full weekend of free snowmobiling!

No matter where you ride, please remember that speed is the main contributing factor in snowmobile crashes/fatalities. Follow Ride Right safety precautions, including staying on the right side of the trail, and get home safe to your family and friends.

Take part in State Park Madness

It’s park vs. park in this January showdown, and you decide the winner! During the State Park Madness tournament, running Jan. 1-31, 32 parks are competing, with five rounds of voting throughout the month. Fill out your 2026 bracket and find out if your favorite park will advance to the finals.

Help improve duck habitat

Join in a volunteer wood duck box maintenance event at Shiawassee River State Game Area in Saginaw County Jan. 17 and get a volunteer lunch and appreciation gift. It’s part of Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ On the Ground habitat improvement program in partnership with the DNR.
2026 Black Lake sturgeon season opens Feb. 7

2026 Black Lake sturgeon season opens Feb. 7

by | Jan 5, 2026 | Recreation

 
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
Jan. 5, 2026
Contact: Neal Godby, 231-340-2621 or Tim Cwalinski, 231-340-0276

2026 Black Lake sturgeon season opens Feb. 7

After only 17 minutes of fishing, this year’s sturgeon season on Black Lake ended at 8:17 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. The 2026 lake sturgeon fishing season on Black Lake in Cheboygan County, Michigan, will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. All anglers must register online to participate in the fishing season, and those age 17 or older must have a valid Michigan fishing license.

The harvest limit for the 2026 season on Black Lake is six lake sturgeon. Officials will close the season when one of two scenarios occurs:

  • The sixth fish is harvested.
  • Five fish have been harvested at the end of any fishing day.

Fishing hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day of the season. The season will end either at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, or when one of the above scenarios is met, at which point anglers will be notified via text message and on the ice by Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel that they must immediately stop fishing for lake sturgeon.

Anyone who wants to participate must register online by close of business Friday, Feb. 6. Get more registration and season information at Michigan.gov/Sturgeon.
The 2025 Black Lake sturgeon season ended after only 17 minutes of fishing, at 8:17 a.m. Feb. 1.Participating anglers must bring their own bright red flags (1-foot diameter or larger) to hang on their fishing shanties. Season officials emphasize that anglers are required to hang one or more flags in highly visible locations on their shanties so DNR personnel can readily identify which anglers are sturgeon fishing.

Anglers harvesting a lake sturgeon must immediately contact DNR personnel on the ice. Official registration of each harvested fish will take place at a DNR trailer located on or near the ice at the end of Zollner Road in the northwest part of Black Lake. Harvest registration may include an examination of the fish’s internal organs and removal of a piece of fin tissue for DNA analysis or aging.

Lake sturgeon rehabilitation efforts in Black Lake over the last two decades have been a successful collaboration between the DNR, Sturgeon for Tomorrow, tribal agencies, Michigan State University and Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership. This population has increased in the past 20 years due to lake sturgeon rearing and stocking efforts, research and protection of spawning adults, and this trend is expected to continue.

Ice conditions may vary greatly, and anglers should always use extreme caution when ice fishing. The Black Lake sturgeon season start date will not be postponed due to weather or other conditions. The season may be canceled up to 48 hours prior to the start of the season if circumstances pose a significant safety risk to anglers and staff (per Fisheries Order 240). The DNR will post any updated information to the department website and notify anglers via text message and email if any changes occur.

Visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety for tips to stay safe on the ice.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Large sturgeon: The 2026 lake sturgeon fishing season on Black Lake in Cheboygan County, Michigan, will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7.
  • 2025 season: The 2025 Black Lake sturgeon season ended after only 17 minutes of fishing, at 8:17 a.m. Feb. 1.

 
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
MDHHS issues GFO for recovery support services 

MDHHS issues GFO for recovery support services 

by | Jan 5, 2026 | Health and Wellness

MDHHS banner with logo no names

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 5, 2026

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, Sutfinl1@michigan.gov   

MDHHS issues GFO for recovery support services

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued a competitive Grant Funding Opportunity (GFO) to expand recovery support center services or recovery community center services for individuals seeking long-term recovery from substance use disorders.

Eligible applicants must meet the definition of a Recovery Community Organization or a Recovery Community Center as defined in the GFO.

Funding for this GFO was appropriated in the FY2026 budget to assist individuals recovering from substance use disorders, and includes both general fund dollars and opioid settlement funding. Michigan is slated to receive more than $1.8 billion from national opioid settlements by 2040, with half being distributed to the State of Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund and the other half being distributed directly to county, city and township governments.

A total of $3.9 million is available with a maximum award of $150,000. MDHHS anticipates issuing up to 26 awards.

Grant applications for the Recovery Support Services Competitive GFO must be submitted electronically through the EGrAMS program by 3 p.m., Friday, Jan 30. The program period begins March 1, 2026, and ends Sept. 30, 2026.

For more information or to apply, visit the EGrAMS website and select “About EGrAMS” link in the left panel to access the “Competitive Application Instructions” training manual. The complete GFO can be accessed under the ‘Current Grants’ section under the “Specialty Behavioral Health Services” link and selecting the “RSSC-2026” grant program.