by orionontv | May 15, 2024 | Recreation
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News Digest – Week of May 13, 2024
Check out the newest episode of the award-winning ‘Wildtalk’ podcast covering indigo buntings, red foxes and more.
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| 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.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the coinciding week as National Police Week (May 12-18 this year).
The DNR honors and remembers 17 fallen conservation officers and their families. These officers gave their lives as the result of complications or injuries sustained while serving their communities.
Recognized for the first time this year is Sgt. Paul Durham, who died in 1972 while on patrol.
“The DNR honors 17 fallen conservation officers and their families,” said Lt. Jeremy Payne. “National Peace Officers Memorial Day is a reminder of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our natural resources and communities.”
Officers place State of Michigan flags during a small ceremony at the gravesite of each of the known fallen COs; the flags remain through the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Additionally, a fallen officers memorial was dedicated in 2022 as a place to permanently recognize each of the DNR’s officers. Watch this short video about the memorial dedication.
Previously referred to as game wardens, Michigan DNR conservation officers have a physically and mentally demanding careers that require a huge commitment from both the officers and their families.
Since 1887, advanced technology, equipment and training have contributed to the evolving responsibilities of conservation officers, who are now integral law enforcement partners aiding in search and rescue efforts and community safety and education.
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A series of open houses and meetings known as “compartment reviews” begins Thursday, May 16, and runs through fall as the DNR Forest Resources Division seeks input from the public on management activities scheduled for 2026.
Management activities in the state forest – which covers nearly 4 million acres in the northern Lower and Upper peninsulas – include such things as cutting and thinning trees, prescribed burning and planting new trees.
There are multiple ways to participate and make sure your voice is heard: Email your thoughts during a 30-day period prior to each open house, attend an open house, and attend compartment review meetings where final decisions are made.
The open houses start May 16 for the Crystal Falls and Baraga management units and run through the fall. Management units are Atlanta, Baraga, Cadillac, Crystal Falls, Escanaba, Gaylord, Gladwin, Grayling, Gwinn, Newberry, Pigeon River, Roscommon, Sault Ste. Marie, Shingleton and Traverse Cit.
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Moving firewood when you camp, hunt or head out for a weekend getaway means you risk carrying tree-killing insects and diseases to new places. Invasive pests can crawl out, infesting trees and carrying diseases that can forever change the landscape of the places you love.
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, there are 140 pests and diseases that can be moved with firewood. Some, like oak wilt, hemlock woolly adelgid and spotted lanternfly are already present in Michigan, while others such as Asian longhorned beetle are infesting nearby states.
“On their own, these insects and diseases can’t travel very far, but they can travel hundreds of miles on firewood,” said Joanne Foreman, Invasive Species Program communications coordinator with the DNR. “Trees cut for firewood often died due to insects or disease. Why risk carrying oak wilt to your cabin or beech bark disease to your favorite camping spot?”
Keep the fire burning
You can still have a roaring campfire or a cozy night in front of the fireplace – just make sure to burn safely:
- Wood that looks clean and healthy can still have tiny insect eggs or microscopic fungi spores that can start a new and deadly infestation. Always leave your backyard firewood at home, even if you think it looks fine.
- Buy firewood near where you will burn it – a good rule of thumb is only using wood that was cut within 50 miles of where you’ll have your fire.
- Use FirewoodScout.org to find a firewood vendor near your destination. With over 350 Michigan listings, you can comparison shop before you arrive.
- Certified, heat-treated firewood is safe to move long distances. Look for a federal stamp or seal on the package and keep the firewood in the original packaging if entering a campground that requires heat-treated wood.
- Aged or seasoned wood is still not safe. Just because it is dry doesn’t mean it’s clean. A recent study showed insects continued to emerge from firewood even three years after it had been cut.
- If you buy firewood and don’t burn it all, don’t bring it home or to your next destination.
- Tell your friends not to bring wood with them – everyone needs to know they should not move firewood. You are the first line of defense against a new infestation.
Know before you go
Firewood policies vary greatly among national parks, national forests, private campgrounds and other lands in Michigan. Call ahead or visit DontMoveFirewood.org for more information.
In state parks, the DNR requests visitors purchase certified, heat-treated firewood sold in the parks or at some local stores and roadside stands.
Information on invasive tree pests and diseases of concern in Michigan can be found at Michigan.gov/Invasives.
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The newest episode of the DNR Wildlife Division’s “Wildtalk” podcast is now available. The May show flits into focus with a discussion of the color-shifting indigo bunting, and burrows in on red foxes – and why you might soon catch a flash of that telltale coat.
DNR wildlife field operations manager Bill Scullon stops by to chat about efforts for wildlife above the bridge in the Upper Peninsula, and DNR wildlife biologist Pete Kailing also drops in with an overview of hunting and trapping opportunities available this month.
Award winner
Beyond the deep dive into Michigan’s wondrous wildlife, here’s another good reason to listen in: Government Social Media named “Wildtalk” as best podcast in its 2024 Golden Post Awards!
From the GSM website:
“The judges of this category chose Michigan DNR’s Wildtalk podcast as the winning entry because they put so much thought into their entry, showcasing the overall quality of the show and their commitment to their podcasting efforts overall. Their goals stood out as a beacon of excellence and they highlighted the steps they took to ensure the show is as inclusive and accessible as possible, beyond just providing transcripts.
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 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 Aubry Healy, for the Michigan DNR, at Ludington State Park in Mason County.)
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Mild spring days are a great time to get out on the trail by foot or bike. Find trail tips, maps and more on our hiking and biking page.
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by orionontv | May 14, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
ORION TOWNSHIP – On Thursday, May 9, 2024, Orion Township Parks and Recreation, along with Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, pot on their second annual Motherhood Matters Health and Safety seminar at the Orion Center.
The event included raffles, speakers and nearly 20 different vendors that offered information. Speakers came to the Orion Center to deliver information about kids’ safety while driving, as well as information about Breastfeeding.
Joe Johnson of ONTV spoke to Tiffany Kennedy, the Community Health Coordinator of Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital about the event.
“We have our ‘Motherhood Matters’ – all the nurses are here, doctors are here and lovely vendors with lots of good gifts for the mamas and the families,” Kennedy said.
Resources from Ascension Providence Rochester came to the Orion Center to support Moms and Moms-to-be for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12.
“We have our lactation consultant from Ascension Rochester, we have some of our midwifes here as well, we have our primary care doctors, our trauma department – so lots of different people here from Ascension,” Kennedy said.
Fun activities and tips for household needs like picking up laundry or other items off the ground while pregnant, this was achieved in-part by the Great Lakes Athletic Club Team.
“We’re so grateful for our community partners, they did a wonderful job – lots of giveaways, lots of love and dedication to the community. It’s nice to see them all come together today,” Kennedy said.
Ascension Providence Hospital is at the Orion Center every Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
For more information, visit ascension.org/classes or visit greatlakesathleticclub.com
Photo by Joe Johnson
Photo by Joe Johnson
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by orionontv | May 14, 2024 | Community Event, Feature Writers
LAKE ORION, Mich. – On Thursday, May 9, 2024, members of the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, Orion Township Board of Trustees and the Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority, all gathered along with friends, family and fellow business owners to commemorate the grand opening of Boutique Chic.
Formerly “Simply Marcella,” Boutique Chic is a women’s clothing store that officially opened its doors on May 1, 2024. The store owner, Annalise Costantino, found out in January of this year that Simply Marcella would be vacant.
Photo by Joe Johnson
“[Marcella] informed me that she would be changing over back in January is when I first found out. The change-over didn’t begin until April 1, that is when the transition period began, and my lease didn’t begin until May 1. So, this has been home now,” Costantino said.
Boutique Chic prides itself on its women-focused mission, serving the community through female solidarity and direct support.
“My store primarily focuses on women-owned businesses, designs and organizations that give back to their communities and globally. I try to feature women-owned artistry, you’ll see that throughout the boutique,” Costantino said.
Boutique Chic’s current spotlight: “Ring True” – it is jewelry made by survivors of human trafficking.
“This is a way for them to earn an income, as well as helping the healing process,” Costantino said.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The DDA, as well as the O Area Chamber of Commerce, have been doing ribbon cuttings for newly-opened businesses for quite a while, and they have been vital in helping Boutique Chic.
“They have been vital in the changeover, everyone has been so welcoming, the DDA, they pushed and pushed. I was having trouble with my sign getting up on time and Matt [Pfeiffer] went to bat for me – he made it happen,” Costantino said. “All of the businesses have been so welcoming to me… The Chamber has given me so many different networking options and abilities and it’s been fabulous.”
Costantino, a Lake Orion native, was super grateful for this opportunity to not only operate her business in her hometown, but to her supporters, including her family.
“I work less than a mile from home – it’s wonderful,” Costantino said.
You can find Boutique Chic at 120 S. Broadway in downtown Lake Orion. For more information, you can call (248) 814-7400, or visit shopboutiquechic.com.
by orionontv | May 14, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday May 12th at 10:20 AM
Here are the girls soccer district preview
District 5 at Davison
Lapeer vs. LAKE ORION
CLARKSTON vs. Grand Blanc
Flushing vs. Davison
Lapeer/LAKE ORION vs. OXFORD
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district, any team can win this district. Oxford and Clarkston have battled for the two seeds all season with the Wildcats getting the top seed in the district after the Wolves 3-2 loss to Lake Orion in Petoskey. The Dragons are the wildcard, they have had tough losses to Davison, Oxford, and Clarkston, there’s a real possibility they could see these three teams again. Grand Blanc has been a soccer power and has a very interesting matchup against Clarkston. This district could be as tough as any in the State with a ton of very good teams.
PROJECTION: This is anyone’s district to take, I think four teams have a great chance to win this district. I see Lake Orion going on a revenge tour. I think the Dragons have learned from their blown leads against Davison, Clarkston, and Oxford and going into Petoskey and finishing unbeaten has given them some confidence heading into the postseason. Grand Blanc could beat Clarkston and make a run themselves. I see Lake Orion making some noise and shocking people in this district. PICK: LAKE ORION.
District 8 at Waterford Mott
FARMINGTON vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
FARMINGTON/WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
NORTH FARMINGTON/SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs. Waterford Mott
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district with two division champs and a Red power. Southfield Arts and Tech won the Gold while Bloomfield Hills is a Red power, and West Bloomfield won the Blue. Farmington and North Farmington both struggled and Waterford Mott was up and down in the Lakes Valley Conference. There are a ton of storylines to watch in this district on Scott Lake Road in Waterford.
PROJECTION: Bloomfield Hills should have no problem in this district. I think West Bloomfield could give some trouble but the Blackhawks are battle tested and this district will see why. PICK: BLOOMFIELD HILLS.
District 14 at Seaholm
ROYAL OAK vs. FERNDALE
TROY ATHENS vs. SEAHOLM
GROVES vs. BERKLEY
ROYAL OAK/FERNDALE vs. TROY
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting district in Birmingham. I think there three teams that could win this district and make a deep postseason run in the State tournament. Troy Athens and Troy have both been state ranked all season. The Colts won the Red this season but barely. Troy Athens and Troy tied at 1-1 in a rain shorten game a few weeks ago. Berkley could be a sleeper to watch and could give anyone in this district some trouble. Ferndale and Royal Oak could be a very interesting game between the two rivals. Groves has been up and down this season.
PROJECTION: I think this could be the Battle of Troy Part Two but Berkley could spoil things and they are more than capable of upsetting Troy Athens. I think this is Red Hawks/Colts part two and whoever wins will have a deep postseason run. Troy Athens is more experienced and have been there but Troy has the best player in this district but experience matters in a tournament like this. PICK: TROY ATHENS.
District 15 at Rochester
Utica Ford II vs. Utica
Utica Eisenhower vs. Romeo
STONEY CREEK vs. ROCHESTER
Utica Ford II/Utica vs. ADAMS
EARLY THOUGHTS: This district has proven to be one of the most toughest districts in the State for girls soccer. Stoney Creek knocked off top ranked Rochester in the district finals on their way to win the Division One State crown last season. Stoney Creek and Rochester is going to be a very interesting quarterfinal matchup with that winner likely seeing Utica Eisenhower in the district semifinals. Adams got the best draw of the group getting a bye to the district semifinals. Utica Eisenhower will also be a tough out for anyone but they have Romeo first who has been improving
PROJECTION: Anyone can win this district as mentioned and whoever wins this district has a deep run in the State tournament in them. I think Adams has the best chance to get to the district finals. The bottom half of the bracket is brutal with Stoney Creek/Rochester with the winner likely getting Utica Eisenhower. This might be the Eagles best chance to win this district but the Falcons have a lot to prove even though they have not had the best of seasons. PICK: UTICA EISENHOWER.
District 31 at Avondale
Birmingham Marian vs. Detroit Renaissance
Warren Fitzgerald vs. AVONDALE
Farmington Hills Mercy vs. OAK PARK
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Lamphere
EARLY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting district. Birmingham Marian looks to be the favorite in this district for a ton of reasons. Madison Heights Lamphere might have the best chance to make some noise in this district. There really isn’t any darkhorse teams that could make some noise besides the Mustangs and the Rams.
PROJECTION: I see Birmingham Marian winning this district easily over Madison Heights Lamphere. PICK: BIRMINGHAM MARIAN.
by orionontv | May 14, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Saturday May 11th at 7:45 PM
Here are the preview for the girls lacrosse regionals.
Regional 3 at Bloomfield Hills
Grosse Pointe North vs. Grosse Pointe South
Chippewa Valley/Macomb Dakota vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
Utica United vs. M1 UNITED
Grosse Pointe North/Grosse Pointe South vs. TROY
BIRMINGHAM vs. TROY ATHENS
Chippewa Valley/WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Utica United/M1 UNITED vs. ROCHESTER
EARLY THOUGHTS: This could be a very interesting regional. Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills look to be the favorite but keep an eye on Troy. Troy has beaten Birmingham this season. Rochester is a darkhorse as well and could also make some noise as well. Tough regional but have to go with the home team.
Regional 4 at Grand Blanc
Lansing Holt vs. Holly/Brandon
Waterford vs. CLARKSTON
Fenton/Linden/Lake Fenton/Goodrich vs. Howell
Midland United vs. OXFORD
Lansing Holt/Holly-Brandon vs. Hartland
Waterford/CLARKSTON vs. Grand Blanc
Fenton-Linden-Lake Fenton-Goodrich/Howell vs. LAKE ORION
Midland United/OXFORD vs. Huron Valley
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting regional. Lake Orion could see Oxford in a rematch if things go right after last season’s stunning upset. Hartland looks to be the favorite to come out of this regional and for good reason.
Regional 6 at Farmington
FARMINGTON vs. Dexter
Dearborn Divine Child vs. Wixom St. Catherine Sienna Academy
Temperance Bedford vs. Saline
FARMINGTON/Dexter vs. Farmington Hills Mercy
Ann Arbor Skyline vs. Tecumseh
Dearborn Divine Child/Wixom St. Catherine vs. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard
Temperance Bedford/Saline vs. NORTH FARMINGTON
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting regional between Dearborn Divine Child, Wixom St. Catherine Sienna, and Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard. I think either one of these three will have a shot to win this regional.
Regional 7 at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
Grosse Pointe University Liggett vs. Cranbrook Kingswood
Sacred Heart Academy/Bishop Foley/Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes vs. Warren Regina
Utica Ford II/Sterling Heights Stevenson vs. ADAMS
Grosse Pointe University Liggett/Cranbrook Kingswood vs. Detroit Country Day
AVONDALE vs. STONEY CREEK
Sacred Heart Academy-Bishop Foley-Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes/Warren Regina vs. Birmingham Marian
Utica Ford-Sterling Heights Stevenson/ADAMS vs. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
EARLY THOUGHTS: This should be a very interesting. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood, Grosse Pointe University Liggett, Warren Regina, Birmingham Marian, Birmingham Detroit Country Day, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, and Stoney Creek all have shots to win this regional. This should be very similar to what happened last season.
