Farmington Schools Leaving OAA

Farmington Schools Leaving OAA

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Farmington Schools Leaving OAA.

Written Friday March 14th at 2:45 PM

Updated Friday March 14th at 3:50 PM

The OAA will again have 23 schools in 2026-2027.

According to Brandon Folsom of Hometown life, the Farmington schools (North Farmington and Farmington) will depart the OAA and join the Lakes Valley Conference in all sports effective in the fall of 2026-2027.

The Farmington schools will get a chance to renew some old rivalries with the Livonia schools (Livonia Churchill, Livonia Stevenson, Livonia Franklin) who are also joining the Lakes Valley Conference in 2026-2027 along with the South Lyon (South Lyon, South Lyon East), Walled Lake (Walled Lake Northern, Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Western), and Huron Valley schools (Milford, Lakeland.)

“The decision was made with careful consideration as we believe the Lakes Valley Conference provides a better geographic and competitive fit for our schools. The opportunity to compete to compete against like sized schools and reduce travel demands for our families were key factors in the transition. Joining the LVC aligns us with schools of similar size, ensuring a more competitive and balanced playing field for our student athletes. With member districts having multiple high schools and student populations around the same size we will be facing similar opponents with similar resources and talent pools” said Farmington District Athletic Director Allyssa Robinson to Folsom.

The Lakes Valley Conference made a statement announcing the Farmington schools into the Lakes Valley. “The Lakes Valley Conference is proud to announce that Farmington Public Schools and Livonia Public Schools will be joining the conference in the fall of 2026. This exciting expansion marks a significant step forward in the LVC’s commitment of enhancing competitive excellence in Arts, Athletics, and Academics along with fostering community engagement across the region.” The conference said in a statement.

The Farmington schools came into the OAA from the Western Lakes Activities Association where the league merged with the Kensington Valley Conference in 2002. There were three schools at the time in Farmington but Harrison closed in 2018 leaving the Farmington schools at two schools in Farmington and North Farmington.

The Farmington schools had strong appearances in all sports in the OAA from baseball, football, girls basketball, softball, track, and boys basketball in their 23 years in the league.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude to the Oakland Activities Association for many great years of competition, collaboration, and shared experiences. We have valued being part of this outstanding league and appreciate the leadership, sportsmanship, and tradition that defines the OAA. Although we are leaving the OAA we look forward to seeing them across the fields, gyms, and pools in our non conference schedule for years to come” Robinson concluded.

Robinson made mention that there is a possibility that the Farmington schools could see the OAA in the non league after leaving the league in 2026-2027.

The sports that this move will impact the most will be boys basketball, girls swimming, boys swimming, baseball, and softball.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

 

Here is the story from Folsom confirming the move.

https://www.hometownlife.com/story/sports/2025/03/14/farmington-public-schools-will-also-join-the-lakes-valley-conference/82376765007/

Lakes Valley Conference Statement

https://x.com/amicovich/status/1900621501096681511/photo/1

My podcast

Farmington Schools Leaving OAA

Girls Basketball State Semifinals Preview

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball State Semifinals Preview.

Written Wednesday March 19th at 7:52 AM

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Belleville- Friday Noon.

The Lakers are back at a really familiar place, East Lansing, Michigan.

West Bloomfield is back at Michigan State after a convincing 57-35 win over Utica Ford II in the State Quarterfinals holding the Falcons to a season low 35 points. The Lakers will have a rematch with Belleville on Friday afternoon at the Breslin Center. The Tigers won the first meeting 84-49 at Belleville in the OAA/KLAA Challenge on December 12th.

Sheridan Beal who is the team’s only returning starter had 17 points, Breanna Gamble-Jones had 11 points, and Breasia Gamble-Jones also had 11 points for West Bloomfield against Utica Ford II.

The Lakers were 1-4 playing a brutal non conference schedule not mentioning the Red as well but they have gone 18-4 since then.

West Bloomfield fans are really familiar with Belleville seeing them in Football many times.

The Tigers have a ton of proven experience and are well coached under Coach Jason Wilkins. Belleville features Sydney Savoury who is the sister of Orchard Lake St. Marys guard Jayden Savoury. Savoury basically saved the Tigers in their 59-54 win over DeWitt in the State Quarterfinals scoring 29 points. Belleville has others besides Savoury that can do some damage.

Belleville was in the Final Four falling 54-45 to Grand Blanc last season. The Tigers are 26-1 with their only loss being 57-52 to Wayne Memorial on February 1st.

This will be a really interesting matchup to say the least.

Michigan Sets New Record for Food, Ag and Forestry Exports

Michigan Sets New Record for Food, Ag and Forestry Exports

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Agriculture

bob new header
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

Program contact: Trevor Keyes, 517-237-1701

Michigan Sets New Record for Food, Ag and Forestry Exports

To mark National Agriculture Trade Day, MDARD shares exports reached nearly $3B last year

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring announced today that the state’s ag-related exports set a new record in 2024, reaching $2.9 billion. The new benchmark was released to mark National Agriculture Trade Day and represents a more than $282 million increase from 2023.

“Michigan farmers, food, and forestry workers are the best in the world,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Our $2.9 billion in ag-related exports last year demonstrate that Michigan is the best place to grow and harvest products like sugar beets, soybeans, dairy, and wood. I’m committed to supporting local communities across Michigan, with investments to support farmers, build agricultural diversity, and grow economic opportunity and rural prosperity. Let’s keep getting it done.”

“From urban farms in Detroit to the cherry orchards Up North, there’s something for everyone here in Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “The $2.9 billion in agricultural exports Michigan produced last year is a sign of our economic momentum, growing rural prosperity, and dominance as the most agriculturally diverse state with access to 20% of the world’s fresh water. Every Michigander in every corner of our state should be able to be their best selves and reach their full potential, and Governor Whitmer and I are committed to supporting local communities. Let’s keep standing tall for Michigan food, farmers, and forests.”

“This record-breaking success for our agriculture, food and forestry companies proves Michigan ag brings high-quality products to the table that are in high demand domestically and internationally,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “With so much uncertainty caused by new tariffs, these record numbers serve as an example of the economic prosperity we can foster with the right support and a level playing field. We’re proud to support Michigan farmers and producers as they expand their markets.”

Michigan is the most agriculturally diverse state with regular access to water, resulting in a wide range of exported products. From bulk corn to snack products, dried fruit and dairy products, the goods produced in Michigan vary greatly. The demand for high-quality Michigan products continues to grow in local, domestic and international markets.

Overall, processed food products represented the highest total value of Michigan’s food, agriculture, and forest products in 2024 at $636 million. The other top categories are sugar beet, soybean, soybean residue, brewing waste and animal feed at $393 million, dairy products at $303 million, pasta, bread and other starches at $285 million, and wood and articles of wood at $252 million.

The top five export markets for Michigan’s ag-related products in 2024 were Canada at $1.25 billion, Mexico at $452 million, South Korea at $174 million, Japan at $154 million, and China at $150 million.

International Marketing Ag Export Numbers GraphicMDARD’s International Marketing Program works to assist Michigan food, agriculture, and forestry businesses in developing domestic and international market opportunities. These opportunities include trade shows, buyers missions, trade missions, market research, and more. Events such as the 2025 Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission: Columbus Stop or the Focused Trade Mission to Canada for Retail and Food Service can help companies by setting them up with one-on-one meetings with interested, vetted buyers helping companies to expand their markets.

Visit Food Export’s event page for a full list of the International Marketing Program’s events and visit our website to learn more about how the International Marketing Program helps businesses in Michigan.
Talking Michigan Transportation: Road building 101

Talking Michigan Transportation: Road building 101

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Transportation

 
MDOT header (SOM branding)Talking Michigan Transportation (TMT) banner with the Mackinac Bridge.

Road building 101

Jason Gutting joins the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast this week to talk about his role as director of MDOT’s Bureau of Field Services.

Construction work on M-46 in Sandusky, Sanilac County.As talks heat up between Michigan lawmakers and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over various road funding proposals, the discussion again turns to paving standards and practices.

Gutting talks about standards and specifications for paving materials and how MDOT engineers confer with counterparts from across the country; innovations in road building, winter maintenance and operations; and ongoing challenges because of inflation and supply chain pressures since the pandemic began.

Jason Gutting portraitGutting was previously the administrator of the Construction Field Services (CFS) division. He also worked in Operations and was the construction contracts engineer for CFS as well as the construction engineer and an assistant construction engineer at the MDOT Lansing Transportation Service Center (TSC).

Other references in the podcast:

Gov. Whitmer’s Rebuilding Michigan program www.Michigan.gov/MDOT/Projects-Studies/Rebuilding-Michigan-Projects

MDOT winter road maintenance  www.Michigan.gov/MDOT/Travel/Safety/Road-Users/Winter-Safety

Listen now at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1374205.

Stay connected by subscribing to Talking Michigan Transportation e-mail updates. 
Saugatuck Brewing Company and DNR to protect lake sturgeon

Saugatuck Brewing Company and DNR to protect lake sturgeon

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Recreation
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
March 19, 2025
Contact: Spencer Wheelock, 616-776-3511

Saugatuck Brewing Company and DNR partner to protect lake sturgeon

Lake Street Light campaign launching after successful Rainbow Rodeo IPA initiative, which raised $10,000 for habitat restoration across Michigan

Saugatuck Brewing Company is reaffirming its commitment to supporting conservation and habitat restoration efforts across the state by once again partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Set to launch in April 2025, the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program is a collaboration between SBC and the DNR designed to raise awareness and support the conservation of Michigan’s lake sturgeon population. A portion of proceeds from every Lake Street Light sold will be donated to DNR efforts aimed at restoring the lake sturgeon’s habitat and boosting its population.

The new light lager, Lake Street Light, is a crisp, refreshing brew with only 96 calories and 4% ABV, inspired by the beauty of Michigan’s lakes and waterways.

“Lake Street Light is more than just a beer—it’s a nod to Michigan’s wild heart,” said Sara Van Splinter, Director of Marketing at Saugatuck Brewing Company. “These shores, our ‘Lake Street,’ are home to countless species, and we’re proud to help protect one of them: the lake sturgeon, living fossils that have swum since the time of dinosaurs. This partnership with the Michigan DNR allows us to give back to the waters we love while sharing the story of these remarkable creatures.”

Lake sturgeon are critical to Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems, but their population has declined due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. The program’s proceeds will directly support the DNR’s sturgeon conservation projects.

“To say that lake sturgeon are a major part of Michigan’s aquatic history doesn’t quite do them justice,” said Patrick Ertel, with the Habitat Management Unit of the DNR’s Fisheries Division. “These fish have been around for more than 100 million years, which may be hard to even comprehend. In terms of more recent generations, there are individual sturgeon in our waters today that are older than anyone reading about this partnership. We’re excited to partner with Saugatuck Brewing Company to highlight this incredibly persistent fish and the fact that some lake sturgeon currently in Michigan waters have been there since before the invention of the automobile. Think about that!”

SBC is planning to extend the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program to neighboring Great Lakes states, collaborating with other DNR agencies on lake sturgeon conservation and habitat restoration efforts across the region.

This announcement comes on the heels of a successful partnership between Saugatuck Brewing Company and the Michigan DNR through the Rainbow Rodeo IPA Program. From May through October 2024, the initiative raised $10,000 to support habitat restoration projects focused on Michigan’s trout population.

“Working alongside the Michigan DNR was an incredible experience and a true team effort,” said John Miller, CEO of Saugatuck Brewing Company. “Together, we raised not only funds but also awareness about the importance of protecting Michigan’s natural habitats.”

Saugatuck Brewing Company also highlighted this important initiative through its sponsorship of the West Michigan Whitecaps Bung Hammers game, spreading the message to baseball fans across West Michigan.

Both the Lake Street Light x Lake Sturgeon Program and the Rainbow Rodeo IPA Program are part of Saugatuck Brewing Company’s vision to promote sustainable practices and engage the community in preserving Michigan’s natural resources. For the latest news and announcements on Saugatuck Brewing Company’s 2025 programs, follow the brewery online at saugatuckbrewing.com or on Facebook or Instagram.

About Saugatuck Brewing Company: Saugatuck Brewing Company, established in 2005, is an independently owned craft brewery situated next to Saugatuck along the shores of Lake Michigan. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the brewery takes pride in crafting unique and flavorful beers that capture both tradition and the spirit of the region. Saugatuck Brewing Company’s footprint covers 13 states and 7 foreign countries with plans for continued growth. Follow their journey online at saugatuckbrewing.com or on Facebook or Instagram.

About the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. The department strives to protect resources, ensure sustainable recreation use and enjoyment, enable strong natural resources-based economies, improve and build strong relationships and partnerships, and foster effective business practices and good governance. For more information and updates, visit Michigan.gov/DNR or follow on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

Check presentation: A 2024 DNR/Saugatuck Brewing Company partnership raised $10,000 to support fishing habitat restoration. Shown here are Scott Whitcomb, director, DNR Office of Public Lands; John Miller, CEO of Saugatuck Brewing Company; Patrick Mohney, senior lands program manager, DNR Office of Public Lands; and Scott Bowen, director, Michigan Department of Natural Resources.