Inside the OAA Top 22 and Top 20 Basketball Rankings

Inside the OAA Top 22 and Top 20 Basketball Rankings

by | Feb 22, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Inside the OAA

Covering all 22 OAA teams with insight and thoughts on each team from Northern Oakland County to Southern Oakland County.

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Inside the OAA Top 22 and Top 20 Basketball Rankings.

Written Sunday February 21st at 1:20 AM

Boys Top 22.

  1. North Farmington (4-0) – Raiders seem to be putting everything together at the right time.
  2. Ferndale (4-1) – Jason Drake and Traveon Lewis might be the best back court in the OAA.
  3. Clarkston (5-1) – Wolves still have some issues to fix.
  4. Troy (2-0) – Colts are in COVID protocol.
  5. Stoney Creek (3-1) – Cougars have had some battles lately.
  6. Troy Athens (3-1) – Red Hawks leaning on senior experience thus far.
  7. Southfield Arts and Tech (1-1) – Warriors are still a mystery team.
  8. Adams (4-2) – It wasn’t a good week for the Highlanders but beating Rochester was huge for their confidence.
  9. Berkley (3-2) – Arshad Walker has been the catalyst for the Bears.
  10. Pontiac (2-0) – Phoenix seems to be breaking out a bit.
  11. Rochester (2-3) – Falcons have been playing better lately.
  12. Bloomfield Hills (3-2) – Blackhawks are starting to figure some things out since their loss to Groves.
  13. Oak Park (1-3) – Knights have been up and down lately.
  14. West Bloomfield (0-5) – Lakers have played a tough schedule to their defense.
  15. Groves (1-3) – Falcons played better against Clarkston but still that overtime loss hurts.
  16. Lake Orion (3-2) – Dragons have the defense but the offense is missing in action.
  17. Oxford (2-3) – Wildcats can’t rely on Mason Mulholland to bail them out every night.
  18. Farmington (2-3) – When the Falcons play outside the Red they are pretty good.
  19. Seaholm (1-4) – Maples have been a hit or miss team lately.
  20. Avondale (2-2) – Yellow Jackets have won two straight since losing to Lake Orion.
  21. Royal Oak (0-3) – Ravens having a hard time putting together wins.
  22. Ferndale University (0-4) – Rising Eagles are struggling right now.

 

Girls Top 20.

  1. West Bloomfield (5-0) – Lakers really have no true weaknesses.
  2. Clarkston (4-1) – Wolves have been really good lately but the team ahead of them is better right now.
  3. Stoney Creek (5-0) – Mia Carson has played well at the point guard spot which is why the Cougars are where they are at.
  4. Farmington (5-1) – Falcons are buzzing with confidence right now.
  5. Troy (3-2) – If the Colts can get Alyssa Matuza and Charlotte Sobotka going to help Kendal Zeiter then the Colts could do some wonders.
  6. Groves (4-2) – Navaeh Otis has been playing really well and is getting better each week for the Falcons.
  7. Adams (3-1) – Maddie Doelinga has been the key for the Highlanders.
  8. Royal Oak (2-2) – Will the real Ravens please stand up???
  9. Rochester (3-2) – Falcons have been a very interesting team lately despite having some COVID issues.
  10. Lake Orion (2-4) – Dragons have played a brutal schedule. They are improving despite only scoring 40 points twice this season.
  11. Oxford (2-2) -Miranda Wymeniko has really filled in nicely for the Wildcats.
  12. Troy Athens (2-2, 3-2) – The Red Hawks will be as good as Gillian Ciak takes them.
  13. Seaholm (1-3) – Maples have been a mystery team.
  14. Berkley (1-3, 2-3) – How did the Bears blow an 11 point lead on Thursday night in Oxford???
  15. North Farmington (1-3) – Raiders can’t seem to close out games.
  16. Southfield Arts and Tech (0-3) – Warriors are putting up numbers but they are allowing more as well.
  17. Oak Park (1-0) – Knights haven’t played in a week.
  18. Ferndale University (1-1) –  Rising Eagles haven’t played in a week.
  19. Bloomfield Hills (0-4) – Emelia Johnston has become a bright spot for the Blackhawks.
  20. Avondale (0-2, 0-4) – Yellow Jackets are not the same team that they were last season.
$6 Million Small Business Survival Grants Help 1,350 Businesses

$6 Million Small Business Survival Grants Help 1,350 Businesses

by | Feb 22, 2021 | Regional News

Coulter: $6 Million Small Business Survival Grants Help 1,350 Businesses Disproportionately Impacted By COVID-19

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County has allocated about $6.1 million in grants to nearly 1,350 small businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Priority went to businesses which had not received previous funding from the county. The state of Michigan is funding the grants through its $55 million Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program.

“Despite hope for our future as we administer the COVID vaccine to our residents, our small businesses continue to face a number of challenges to keep their doors open and employees working in the midst of this pandemic,” County Executive David Coulter said. “These grants are a bridge until Congress approves President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID stimulus plan, which I urge Michigan’s senators and representatives to support.”

Grant allocations range from $1,825 to $7,500. Small businesses may use the grants for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses related to reopening a business incurred between November 18, 2020 and April 30, 2021. The 1,395 awardees include restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries, catering, breweries, distilleries, wineries, tea shops, banquet facilities, boutiques, bookstores, hardware, gyms, studios, pool facilities, and ice skating rinks, among others. The county began to notify recipients last week.

“With business down 60 percent, this grant is another form of support and has aided our effort to stay afloat and to help provide jobs to our Oakland County residents,” said Paul Andoni, co-owner of Shields Pizza Restaurants, which operates two locations in Oakland County. “I would like to express my appreciation to Oakland County in receiving this grant to help support restaurants.”

In addition to demonstrating an income loss due to health orders, eligibility requirements included a company size between 1-100 employees as a for-profit or non-profit company. To view a list of recipients, click here.

Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little Virtual 5K

by | Feb 22, 2021 | Recreation

Centennial banner

– DNR News –
a small group of masked women and men stand with planted trees and a Happy Little Trees Ahead green sign at Higgins Lake State Park

“I like trees that don’t just look like future telephone poles. They’ve got character. Some of them, they’re like people. Some of them have a few flaws in them, some of them are a little heavier, some are a little skinnier, something like so, and some of them maybe have a little tilt in their world, and that’s okay.”

– Bob Ross, “The Joy of Painting” series 26, episode 1, “In the Stillness of Morning.”

Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little Virtual 5K registration closes March 1

Public invited to ‘run (or walk) for the trees’ at Michigan state parks; participants can complete their 5K anywhere outdoors

It started in 2019, during the Michigan state parks centennial, as a way to encourage volunteers to help plant trees at state park locations hard hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. Two years later, the partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc. is going strong, now with hundreds of volunteers, thousands of 5K race participants and lots of hope on the horizon for the future of “happy little trees” throughout Michigan.

Those who want to be a part of the 2021 Happy Little 5K (April 22-30) need to act fast; registration closes March 1. Last year’s 5K welcomed 20,000 racers. Nearly 75% of them hailed from Michigan, but all 50 states were represented. In response to interest from folks outside the U.S., this year’s 5K has gone international; so far, registrations already include participants from Australia, England and Mexico!

A woman wearing white sunglasses and Happy Little Trees T-shirt smiles and holds up her medal during 2020 race“The Happy Little 5K and the connection to Bob Ross’ love of nature and positivity have helped shine a big spotlight on the importance of tree planting and protection efforts that support the ecology and natural areas at Michigan state parks,” said DNR Parks and Recreation Chief Ron Olson. “No matter how or where you choose to complete this ‘run for the trees,’ your participation in this virtual race will make a real difference.”

Participant details, race swag

Earth Day and Arbor Day bookend this state parks-supporting race. Participants can complete their 5K at state parks or anywhere outdoors anytime between April 22-30. The cost is $34 per person, and every participant gets a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal featuring a reproduction of a real Bob Ross painting. The finisher’s medal is inspired by the painting Ross did during “The Joy of Painting” series 26, episode 1, “In the Stillness of Morning.”

2021 Happy Little Trees medalThis year, the DNR is offering a special registration rate for groups of 10 or more. For details, email Michelle O’Kelly at OKellyM1@Michigan.gov.

All proceeds for this year’s event will support tree-planting and forest protection efforts (such as invasive plant and forest pest management and early detection surveys) in state parks and recreation areas, including locations affected by tree pests and diseases like emerald ash borer and oak wilt.

Although outdoor exercise offers a great opportunity to remain socially distanced, current public health and safety guidelines must still be followed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. As always, keep at least 6 feet between yourself and people from other households. Better yet, make it a (home) run and start your race by heading out your front door!

Inspiration for the partnership

the green Happy Little Trees Ahead sign featuring tree outlines and the likeness of Bob RossPeople around the world are familiar with the work and personality of Bob Ross, the American painter, art instructor and television host who in the ’80s and ’90s shared his love for painting and the environment with millions of viewers on the PBS show, “The Joy of Painting.” Ross was known for demonstrating seemingly simple brushstrokes that brought gorgeous landscapes – full of happy little trees – to life on the canvas.

During the Michigan state parks centennial in 2019, the DNR Parks and Recreation Division pitched a partnership idea to Bob Ross Inc. to help raise awareness of forest protection efforts to help expand the division’s stewardship efforts. The program is now known as Happy Little Trees.

“It is rare we get to be part of a program that so beautifully exemplifies the Bob Ross legacy and his appreciation for nature as the Happy Little Trees planting program with the Michigan DNR,” said Sarah Strohl, Bob Ross Inc. executive assistant. “It has been such an absolute privilege and a joy and something that Bob would have greatly approved of.”

How the program works

Through a partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections, seeds are placed in the care of inmates in one of the department’s correctional education programs where inmates learn horticultural practices and help raise new trees for replanting. Collection of local native seeds is key to growing trees, shrubs, grasses and plant products for use in state parks within the same geographical region to provide the best opportunity to survive and to emulate local plant communities.

Two men and a woman wearing Happy Little T-shirts pose with a tree they are planting at Belle Isle in DetroitThe program has produced more than 100,000 native plants, shrubs and trees since its start in 2004. With support from the Bob Ross partnership, more than 2,100 trees have been planted in 20 state parks across Michigan. The U.S. Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Chateau Grand Traverse also have provided significant support for the program. Visitors to state parks where trees have been planted will see bright green “Happy Little Trees Ahead” signs to note the program’s important contributions.

Learn more about the Happy Little 5K and the tree-planting program at Michigan.gov/DNRHappyLittleTrees. And don’t forget, registration for this year’s race closes March 1!

/Note to editors: Media contact: Michelle O’Kelly, 517-881-5884. Accompanying photos are available below for download. All photos courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources unless stated otherwise. Caption information follows./
DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

Executive Order to Ensure Adequate Propane Distribution

by | Feb 22, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2021

Contact: Press@michigan.gov

 

Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Order to Ensure Adequate Propane Distribution in Michigan

 

LANSING, Mich. – Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order declaring a state of energy emergency in Michigan to ensure adequate propane distribution over the coming days.  over the coming days.

 

As many states have been experiencing consistent extreme cold temperatures, the demand for energy has increased significantly, which has put a strain on the nation’s energy infrastructure. Michigan has experienced an abnormally high demand for propane from in-state and regional consumers, causing longer lines at propane distribution centers. In an effort to reduce this strain and ensure a consistent flow of energy, the executive order temporarily suspends restrictions on commercial driver hours to allow the immediate delivery of energy to homes and businesses.

 

“With a cold wave gripping the country, our top priority right now is ensuring that Michigan families and businesses have the home heating fuel we need to stay warm,” said Governor Whitmer. “While I am confident that our state has the energy supply we need to get through these cold winter days, we aren’t taking any chances after what happened in Texas this week. All of Michigan’s neighboring states, and the majority of states in the nation, are under some form of federal or state energy emergency declaration. With today’s order, Michigan will allow expanded flexibility for drivers to ensure the supply of home heating fuel can be delivered across the state without delay or interruption.”

 

Executive Order 2021-3 takes effect immediately on Saturday, February 20, and remains in effect through Sunday, February 28. The order exempts motor carriers and drivers transporting propane and heating oil from compliance with maximum weekly driving and on-duty limits. Any provision of a state statute, order, or rule pertaining to the hours-of-service is suspended. This exemption and suspension apply to all highways in Michigan, including the national system of interstate and defense highways.

 

Following the polar vortex in 2019, Governor Whitmer directed the Michigan Public Service Commission to conduct a Statewide Energy Assessment. The assessment, which was released in September of 2019, outlined a number of steps the commission and its staff have since taken to ensure that Michigan’s systems for supplying and distributing energy to homes and businesses become more resilient and able to withstand weather extremes, aging infrastructure and other challenges ahead.

 

To view the full executive order, click the link below:

 
Whitmer and President Biden Visit Pfizer Facility

Whitmer and President Biden Visit Pfizer Facility

by | Feb 22, 2021 | Regional News

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Banner - headshot with bridge graphic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                              

February 19, 2021

Media Contact: Press@Michigan.gov                                                               

 

RELEASE: Governor Whitmer and President Biden Visited Pfizer Facility, Toured Michigan’s Successful Vaccine Operation

 

President Biden followed through on his promise to visit Michigan and thank the hard-working Michiganders producing the COVID-19 vaccine

 

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined President Joe Biden to tour the Pfizer global manufacturing campus in Kalamazoo, marking Michigan as one of President Biden’s first official visits while in office.

 

“President Biden has worked diligently to support Michigan’s vaccine operation since he took office four weeks ago, and today he followed through on his promise to visit our state and personally thank the hard-working Michiganders who are supplying the vaccine to the country,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The number of shots going into arms has increased dramatically since President Biden took office, and the president and I will not stop working until this pandemic is over once and for all. It’s heartening to know that Michigan has such a strong ally in the White House as we continue to curb this virus, equitably distribute vaccines, and work to return to life as normal.”

The manufacturing facility shipped the first doses of its safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine in December. President Biden used this visit as an opportunity to thank the vaccine manufacturers who are hard at work to help our country end this pandemic. Governor Whitmer first visited the plant earlier this month, and during this trip and last she underscored the administration’s efforts to distribute the vaccine quickly, efficiently and equitably to residents across the state.

 

Since December, the state of Michigan has administered over 1,780,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, with the number of vaccines administered already surpassing the number of total recorded cases in the state. In an effort to eliminate COVID-19, the state has developed a comprehensive vaccination strategy centered around vaccinating at least 70 percent of Michiganders age 16 and older as soon as possible. The state plans to administer 50,000 vaccinations per day and is working closely with the Biden administration to ensure there is adequate vaccine supply to do so.

 

Today’s visit to Pfizer’s global manufacturing site in Kalamazoo comes after the Biden administration has increased the supply of vaccines going to Michigan by 20% over the previous weeks and entered into agreements to purchase an additional 200 million vaccine doses.