Week Six Thoughts

Week Six Thoughts

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Week Six Thoughts.

Written Saturday October 4th at 7:50 AM

Here are my thoughts on each team after week six.

Waterford Kettering: The Captains had it rough with Walled Lake Western which was to be expected falling 56-8 on Friday night. The defense needs to be shored up heading into the offseason along with certain questions Kettering will face in what could be another turnover within the program before they enter the OAA.

Waterford Mott: The Corsairs seen their Lakes Valley Conference title hopes take a big hit falling 21-20 to South Lyon on Friday night. Mott had a 14-0 lead at one point but the Lions bounced back and stunned the Corsairs keeping their hopes alive in the Lakes Valley Conference. The focus for the Corsairs should be is get to the postseason.

Pontiac: The Phoenix have been making progress in what is a very difficult season falling 31-6 to Ferndale on Friday night. Pontiac has made a lot of progress despite the record but there is still a ways to go for Coach Wendall Jefferson if they want to turn things around.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets are really struggling to adjust to Coach Jim Carlisle’s system. It was shocking when they fell 35-6 to Royal Oak on Friday night. Avondale is a mess right now on both sides of the football. There is going to be a lot of questions for Carlisle heading into the offseason.

Berkley: The Bears got a measure of revenge heading into Jackson and stunning Jackson Northwest 37-30 on Friday night. Berkley got a measure of revenge against the Mounties after what happened to them at Hurley Field last season. This is a big win for Coach Casey Humes and the Bears. Things could be changing really quickly.

Royal Oak: The Ravens are the ultimate Scooby Doo team and it showed in a stunning 35-6 win over Avondale. Royal Oak was on all night against a Yellow Jackets defense that has really struggled all season long. The Ravens have seem to be making progress which is a good sign for Coach Colin Campbell.

Ferndale: The Eagles won the Gold with an impressive 31-6 win over Pontiac on Friday night. Now the test begins for Coach Donovan Jackson and Ferndale as they have the Wayne County gauntlet that is looming. Win two of these next three games and the postseason could be a possibility.

Troy: The Colts are in a rough spot after a 42-0 loss to Farmington on Friday night. The defense which has been the story allowing 107 points in the last three games albeit was against Clarkston, Farmington, and Oak Park. If the defense is allowing points in bunches that’s not a good sign going forward. This is something Coach Chris Frasier and Troy needs to fix.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks needed a win and got it in a 35-21 win over Bloomfield Hills on Friday night. The defense played better against Bloomfield Hills which needs to be the normal if Coach Tom Cook wants to turn things around and quick. It will be very interesting to see what happens with Troy Athens going forward.

Bloomfield Hills: The Black Hawks had a rough time with Troy Athens falling 35-21 on Friday night. Bloomfield Hills has made some progress but there is still a long way to go for Coach Scott Merchant and the Black Hawks.

Farmington: The Falcons went off for 42 points in a 42-0 win over Troy on Friday night. Farmington is a completely different team after what happened against Holly in week two. We’ll know a lot about Coach Jason Albrecht’s team when they head to Clarkston in two weeks.

North Farmington: The Raiders have seemed to turn things around with a huge 28-20 win over Seaholm. Elijah Cobb has played well for North Farmington and seems to be the quarterback of the future for Coach Jon Herstein. Terrance James has been solid on both sides of the football as well. The Raiders are in a good spot right now.

Seaholm: The Maples have lost two straight which is very concerning after a 28-20 loss to North Farmington on Friday night. Seaholm’s defense has to be a concern going forward after getting exposed by Farmington last week and now North Farmington. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for Coach Jim DeWald which has Adams and Groves looming.

Oak Park: The Knights had a really tough loss to Pontiac Notre Dame Prep falling 20-19 on Friday night. Oak Park has been playing well lately but they still have some games where they have been inconsistent. It will be very interesting to see what Coach Greg Carter’s Knights do to finish out the season.

Southfield Arts and Tech: The Warriors have had a rough season falling 43-22 to Groves on Friday night however they are making progress. 22 points against a good program is progress for Coach Keith McKenzie. If the Warriors keep making progress then they could finish the season strong and look ahead to next season.

Groves: The Falcons got a big win on Friday night against Southfield Arts and Tech winning 43-22 in Beverly Hills. Groves has been up and down which is a sign of a young team. It will be very interesting to see what the Falcons will look like going forward and if they can make the postseason in a tough Division Two.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars took a very tough 26-20 overtime loss to Adams on Friday night. It was a back and fourth game between the two teams but Stoney Creek couldn’t get the stop they needed. It is possible that these two teams could meet again in the postseason. Despite the loss the Cougars are fine going forward.

Rochester: The Falcons have not been the same team since upsetting Lake Orion 23-21 three weeks ago falling 41-7 to Harper Woods on Friday night. Rochester has been outscored 117-14 in the last three weeks. The Falcons used a lot of energy in their upset of the Dragons but they have not been able to figure it out which is not a good sign for Coach Eric Vernon and the Falcons.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers showed their dominance against Rochester winning 41-7 on Friday night. Harper Woods has been very consistent all season which has showed in why they have been winning games. It should be very interesting to see what the Pioneers do heading into the postseason.

Adams: The Highlanders had to survive Stoney Creek winning 26-20 on Friday night in overtime. Adams got big plays from quarterback Brady Lindstrom and also Ryland Watters was huge as well. The Highlanders defense played well despite allowing 20 points. It is possible they could see Stoney Creek again in the postseason

Clarkston: The Wolves were ready from the get go on Friday night against Lake Orion winning 42-21 on their homecoming night. Clarkston stormed out early scoring 21 first quarter points and never looked back. The experience of the Wolves has shown all season. It will be interesting to see what happens for Coach Justin Pintar’s team going forward.

West Bloomfield: What happened to the Lakers very strong defense in their stunning 34-33 loss to Oxford on Friday night??? West Bloomfield had been allowing under ten points coming into this game but allowing 34 points which has star lineman Jeremiah Benson and Will Espy in the secondary is inexcusable. Espy had two touchdowns and Jamal Shakespear added another touchdown. If your Coach Zack Hilbers you got to figure things out and quick if you want to turn things around.

Oxford: The Wildcats system and belief in each other was a big difference in a 34-33 upset win over West Bloomfield on Friday night. Jack Hendrix found Brady Hasselbring in the endzone with 26 seconds left which sealed the win on homecoming night. Seth Tabert had three touchdowns while Oxford found a running back in Chris Pullman who added a touchdown. This win likely got the Wildcats to the postseason

Lake Orion: The Dragons have been going through a storm which hasn’t gone through yet in a 42-21 loss to Clarkston on Friday night. Anderson Adams looks to be the quarterback of the future rushing and scoring a touchdown. Lake Orion needs to address the defense heading into the offseason after allowing their second straight 40 point game. The Dragons need to finish the season strong and reevaluate a lot of things this offseason.

Coulter Unveils Sweeping Ethics Reform for Oakland County

Coulter Unveils Sweeping Ethics Reform for Oakland County

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Regional News

Coulter Unveils Sweeping Ethics Reform for Oakland County

Post Date:10/03/2025 11:57 AM

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter announced a sweeping new ethics and conflict of interest reform package for Oakland County elected officials and senior appointed employees. The proposal goes further than the state law by closing loopholes, eliminating spousal exemptions and establishing an Ethics Ombudsperson.

“We are living through extraordinary challenges in our nation and our state. Washington is shut down, Lansing barely avoided one, and the American people overwhelmingly believe government is too divided to solve problems,” Coulter said.

“Oakland County is better than this. I will not allow recent political discord and lack of transparency to undermine the trust our residents place in us and the progress we are making. We have too much important work to do. Just last month we approved a historic budget unanimously — proof that we can rise above partisanship. Now I am calling for that same unity so that we may cast questions aside and put in place commonsense transparency and ethics reforms.”

Coulter’s proposal uses Michigan’s “Public Officers Financial Disclosure Act” (P.A. 281 of 2023) as its base. He proposes the following requirements that go beyond what is required under P.A. 281 for Oakland County to include:

  • Spouse/domestic partner reporting
  • Household adult dependent reporting
  • Assets/interests held by certain trusts related to a person required to report
  • Requirement to amend financial disclosure midyear with any new outside income source greater than $10,000

Under Coulter’s proposal, disclosure forms would be maintained online by the Oakland County Clerk and accessible for all residents.

Coulter is also calling for the appointment of an independent ombudsperson to receive ethics-related referrals from the public and internal government sources.

“Ethics and transparency are not about playing ‘gotcha’—they are about building trust with the public,” Coulter said. “An independent ombudsperson will guarantee ethical concerns are handled fairly, above politics and beyond personalities.”

Coulter directed his staff to immediately finalize language with the Board of Commissioners so that they may introduce a resolution at their next board meeting and vote on it by the end of the year.

“Let me be very clear: this reform must happen,” Coulter said. “Oakland County leads by example, and we will continue to lead by showing that government can be open, accountable, and beyond question.”

October is Michigan Agritourism Month

October is Michigan Agritourism Month

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: Oct. 6, 2025

MDARD media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

October is Michigan Agritourism Month

Celebrate with a visit to a Michigan cider mill, pumpkin patch, corn maze and more

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed October as Michigan Agritourism Month – the perfect time for family-friendly fun at any of the hundreds of agritourism farms and orchards across Michigan. The month-long celebration recognizes the economic and social benefits of agritourism to our state’s farms and communities and provides an opportunity to celebrate Michigan’s thriving food and agriculture industry.

“Agritourism connects Michigan families to locally grown food and beverages while enabling farmers to diversify and build resiliency into their businesses,” said Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring. “MDARD is proud to support Michigan agritourism operators that strengthen our food and agriculture industry, boost agricultural education and improve quality of life for Michiganders.”

Agritourism supports Michigan’s nearly $126 billion food and agriculture industry and $54.8 billion tourism industry. It offers farmers the opportunity to diversify their businesses, which can help them stay viable during adverse weather conditions and market fluctuations.

Michigan’s agritourism destinations include:

Many Michigan farms offer agritourism opportunities year-round, but Agritourism Month is celebrated in October at the peak of harvest and during a time when people traditionally visit farms, pumpkin patches and cider mills. Michigan Agritourism Month is a special time to acknowledge and experience the vast, integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers and retailers who produce a safe and nutritious food supply, as well as provide fun and unique farm experiences.

Throughout the month of October, MDARD will feature examples of Michigan agritourism businesses on its social media channels. Follow along to experience Michigan agritourism at its best.

Visit www.MichiganFarmFun.com for a directory of Michigan agritourism businesses. The directory is searchable by business name, product, and region.  

View the Michigan Agritourism Month proclamation.
Firefighters working to contain wildfire near Houghton Lake

Firefighters working to contain wildfire near Houghton Lake

by | Oct 7, 2025 | Recreation

 
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DNR News
Oct. 6, 2025
Contact: Jeff Vasher, 989-745-2942

Firefighters working to contain wildfire near Houghton Lake; public urged to use caution amid extreme fire danger

Aerial view of 2025 Roscommon County fireWith fire danger extremely high across much of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula today, firefighters are working near Houghton Lake in Roscommon County to contain a wildfire burning since Sunday afternoon, Oct. 5, near the Roscommon State Forest Area.

The fire was reported early Sunday afternoon east of Old U.S. Highway 27, near the Clare–Roscommon county line. The cause remains under investigation.

The fire is estimated to be at approximately 85 acres in a marshy area of mixed pine and hardwood forest, where dry fuels and gusty winds have challenged firefighting efforts.

“Crews have been working through difficult terrain to contain the fire,” said Jeff Vasher, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Lower Peninsula resource protection manager. “High winds have made suppression challenging, but firefighters are holding the lines and continuing to reinforce containment.”

Resources on scene include DNR firefighters, local fire departments, bulldozers, fire engines and drone aircraft support being used for aerial mapping and situational awareness. The DNR urges the public to avoid the area while crews continue suppression operations.

Across northern Michigan, fire danger remains high to very high, driven by warm temperatures, low humidity and extremely dry vegetation. Open burning is not advised, and residents are asked to use extreme caution with any outdoor heat or spark sources.

“We are currently experiencing severe drought conditions across the mid-to-lower peninsula,” added Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist. “While there is some chance of rain tonight and tomorrow, expected rainfall amounts will not be enough to ease the drought or reduce the overall fire danger.”

Burn permits were suspended Friday, Oct. 3, to help prevent additional wildfires under these increasingly dry conditions. The DNR strongly urges residents to refrain from any outdoor burning until conditions improve.

For updates, fire safety information, and prevention tips, visit Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

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

  • Aerial view: Photo of the smoke from the 2025 Roscommon County wildfire.
It’s Firewood Month: Do you know what’s in your wood?

It’s Firewood Month: Do you know what’s in your wood?

by | Oct 2, 2025 | Recreation

 
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News Release
Oct. 2, 2025
Contact: Susie Iott, 517-420-0473 or Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

It’s Firewood Month: Do you know what’s in your wood?

Most people don’t spend much time thinking about firewood. If it’s split and dry, it’s good to go, right?

Well, maybe not. In recognition of Firewood Month, Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is taking a few minutes to unpack some firewood facts to help you make safe firewood choices to protect Michigan’s trees and forests.

Heating a home or enjoying a cozy evening by the fire is a great way to repurpose dead trees, but we often don’t think about what killed them.

Invasive insects like emerald ash borer or fungi like oak wilt can kill even healthy trees.

Other trees succumb to environmental conditions like drought, overcrowding or storm damage. Once a tree is weakened, it can become home to a host of insects and fungi that often remain in the wood even after it has been cut.

That means dead wood is often alive with harmful insects and diseases that can be transported to new locations on or in firewood.

What’s in my wood?

A crosscut of a tree trunk shows pale beetle larva on its back with coiled tentacles, dark eyes and dark mouth parts is nestled in a cavity.Wood borers

“Wood borer” is a general term for beetles that lay eggs on or in the bark of trees. When eggs hatch, these insects spend their larval stages tunneling into and feeding on wood, destroying tissues that move sap and water through the tree.

Many wood borers are native and seek out weakened trees. Others, such as invasive emerald ash borer and the Asian longhorned beetle (found in nearby states), infest healthy trees and cause their decline and death.

Wood borer eggs and larvae can remain in wood after trees die. Because they often are under bark or within the wood itself, they can go unnoticed until they emerge as adults. A Michigan study of 1,045 firewood pieces transported by the public indicated 23% contained live borers and an additional 41% showed evidence of previous borer infestation.
Hemlock woolly adelgid ovisacs on branch with magnified insetAdelgids

Adelgids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on coniferous plants like pines or firs using piercing/sucking mouthparts. Agencies and partners in Michigan’s Invasive Species Program are working hard to prevent the spread of hemlock woolly adelgid in west Michigan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is managing balsam woolly adelgid in areas of Clare, Missaukee and Oceana counties.

Adelgids are hard to see with the naked eye and are usually detected by the small, white, cottony tufts they spin to protect their eggs. Over time, hemlock and balsam woolly adelgids can kill their host trees by depleting sap and preventing its circulation.

Fungal diseases

Whether native or invasive, many types of fungi can cause tree death. Fungal diseases move around via spores or other structures and are spread in a variety of ways. Both invasive oak wilt and Dutch elm disease fungal spores can be spread by beetles. When trees die of fungal disease, the fungus can remain alive even if the wood is cut. Moving infected wood can spread tree diseases to areas far beyond a beetle’s range.

A gray, putty-like spotted lanternfly egg mass (center) above a fuzzy, tan spongy moth egg mass on a tree trunk.Egg masses

For many Michiganders, spongy moths (formerly gypsy moths) and their munching caterpillars are all too familiar. While female moths can’t fly, they easily spread across the state by depositing egg masses on vehicles, outdoor equipment and firewood, which are then moved around by people.

With invasive spotted lanternfly now present in areas of southeast Michigan, the same scenario is likely to play out again unless we all take the time to look for and remove egg masses from belongings and adopt safe firewood practices.

Here’s the takeaway: Don’t take it away!

Wood that looks clean and healthy can harbor tiny insects, 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.

How to keep the fire burning

You can still have a roaring campfire or a cozy night in front of the fireplace if you just know how to burn safely.

A shrink-wrapped bundle of firewood with a paper label beneath the plastic. The label bears the USDA shield indicated it is certified wood.

  • Aged or seasoned wood is not safe to move. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

We’ve got a lot to protect

More than half of our state is forested – with an estimated 14 billion trees! Trees are part of every landscape we enjoy, from fall forest colors to river corridors to shady sidewalks and parks. Making safe firewood choices helps to protect the diversity and health of Michigan’s forest resources.

Learn more about protecting trees from invasive species at DontMoveFirewood.org.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; the Department of Natural Resources; and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

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

  • ALB larva: An Asian longhorned beetle pupa burrowed deep into the heartwood of a host tree. Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bugwood.org.
  • Magnification: Tiny hemlock woolly adelgids form round, white ovisacs are found on the undersides of hemlock branches near the base of the needles. Photo courtesy of Lorraine Graney, Bartlett Tree Experts, Bugwood.org.
  • Egg masses: A gray, putty-like spotted lanternfly egg mass (center) just above a tan, fuzzy spongy moth egg mass on a tree trunk. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org.
  • Certified firewood: A certification stamp and the name and address of the firewood supplier should be visible on any certified firewood label. Photo courtesy of USACE.
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