Residents Asked to Complete Regional Broadband Survey

Residents Asked to Complete Regional Broadband Survey

by | Jun 2, 2023 | Regional News

All Oakland County Residents Asked to Complete Regional Broadband Survey

Survey will help officials understand needs, develop solutions

Post Date:06/01/2023 11:52 AM

June 1, 2023, OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. – In partnership with Macomb and Wayne, Oakland County has launched a survey to help understand access to broadband, also known as high-speed internet, around the region. The survey will help local officials determine where infrastructure and service must be improved to meet the modern needs of residents. The effort is a result of a pledge county commissioners made during the 2022 Tri-County Summit to collaborate and share resources in order to make a greater impact collectively.

“This project is a top priority for our county, and it demonstrates how our region is working together better than ever,” Oakland County Board Chair David T. Woodward said. “The results from this survey are critical to maximizing our access to resources so we can address barriers.”

It is critical that all residents complete the survey and provide accurate information. Results will identify areas of Michigan that do not have high-speed internet or have poor internet service, plus areas where service is unaffordable.

“Widespread and affordable access to broadband service is more important than ever for our residents, our students and our businesses,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “This survey is the first step toward identifying gaps in service so we can make the necessary investments to ensure equitable access to the internet.”

To identify gaps in internet service and affordability issues, the three counties have partnered with Merit Network, a Michigan-based nonprofit to develop a survey and promotional materials to reach all properties in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. The effort is part of Merit’s Michigan Moonshot initiative, which aims to leverage partnerships to connect everyone in Michigan regardless of geography.

Residents can visit MichiganMoonshot.org/Tri-County-Broadband to complete the brief survey. Paper surveys are available upon request by calling 313-625-0029.

General Motors $100,000 in Grants to local Nonprofits

General Motors $100,000 in Grants to local Nonprofits

by | Jun 2, 2023 | Local News

General Motors Announces $100,000 in Grants to local Nonprofits 

Lake Orion, MI – Today, General Motors Orion Assembly, Pontiac Pre-Production  Operations and Pontiac Stamping announced charitable investments in the community surrounding its manufacturing facilities, providing grants to five nonprofit  organizations totaling $100,000. 

The grants were provided through GM’s Community Impact Grants program, which was  created in 2010 to empower local GM leaders and employees to direct funding toward  nonprofit organizations addressing local issues facing their communities. 

“As part of our mission at GM, we recognize our company’s responsibility to make a  positive social impact” said Jim Quick, Orion Assembly Executive Director. “We’re  proud to support these non-profit organizations that strengthen the communities  where we live and work.” Since 2019, GM has granted more than $13 million to  nonprofits in its facility communities, and $460,000 to Lake Orion and Pontiac,  through the Community Impact Grants program. 

Funding was provided to local nonprofits including: 

  • The Baldwin Center’s After School program provides academic enrichment  activities for youth grades k-12 in Pontiac at little or no charge to families. Jump  Start engages youth grades k-5 in the excitement of STEM activities and how it  relates to everyday activities. The Kidnetic program, for grades 6-12 utilizes a  series of social and emotional development curriculums, which help youth in  critical thinking and problem solving, as a foundation for success in STEM  programs. 
  • Blessings in a Backpack Lake Orion feeds hungry Lake Orion schoolchildren  every weekend during the entire school year, whose families qualify for the  federal Free and Reduced-Price Meal program. Better test scores, improved  reading skills, positive behavior, improved health, and increased attendance  have all been attributed to the success of this program. 
  • International Technology Academy Initiatives Foundation program includes  two (2) Young Engineers Clubs (Elem. & Secondary) and two (2) Gaming &  Artificial Intelligence Club (Elem & Secondary). The YEC will enhance STEM  classroom learning by designing and completing engineering projects in the  areas of computer-aided design, 3D printing, and in areas such as electrification  and rapid manufacturing. G&AI Club will provide secondary students a chance to  design & execute to completion.
  • Center for Success Network’s program provides structured, literacy focused  out-of-school learning programs for elementary-aged students in Pontiac. A  rigorous literacy support program is complemented by inspiring enrichment  events and family support engagements. The center transports students to  after-school program sites, provides them with nutritional meals during each  session, and connects them with a responsive community of staff, mentors, and  enrichment partners. 
  • Reroot Pontiac installed a 2-acre community garden using sustainable  gardening methods. This year produce will be available for residents. The next  steps for the project will be to develop a cultural garden community program.  

These local donations are part of charitable investments in the communities  surrounding GM’s U.S. manufacturing facilities, providing grants to 157 nonprofit  organizations totaling $3 million this year. These grants align with the company’s  overarching philanthropic priorities focused on STEM education, vehicle and road  safety, and community development, as well as targeted investments that enhance the  quality of life in facility communities around the world. 

In 2022, GM provided $60 million to more than 400 nonprofits dedicated to helping  create inclusive solutions to social issues around the world. GM employees  strengthened the impact with 158,000 volunteer hours and more than $5 million in  donations. Learn more at gm.com/commitments/communities. 

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General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric  future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium  battery platform, which powers everything from mass-market to high-performance  vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles  under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information  on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety  and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.

Legislative Leaders Unveil ‘Make it in Michigan’ Strategy

Legislative Leaders Unveil ‘Make it in Michigan’ Strategy

by | Jun 1, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 31, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer & Legislative Leaders Unveil ‘Make it in Michigan’ Strategy to Win Projects, Invest in People, Revitalize Places 

As economic development strategy pays dividends, governor, legislative leaders pitch unified, strategic approach to help more people, businesses, communities “Make it in Michigan” 

 

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer was joined by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, Speaker Joe Tate, Senator Mallory McMorrow, Representative Jason Hoskins, and business and labor leaders to announce Make it in Michigan, a comprehensive economic strategy to keep winning projects, invest in people from pre-K through postsecondary, and revitalize places in every region of the state. As Michigan celebrates 18 months of strong economic development work with over $16 billion of projects and 16,000 jobs secured, the state must keep its foot on the accelerator to lead the future of advanced manufacturing, improve educational outcomes and workforce development, and improve quality of life in every region. Additional elements of the plan will be rolled out in the coming weeks.

 

“Every person, business, and community should be able to ‘make it in Michigan,’” said Governor Whitmer. “To grow our economy and build a brighter future, we must continue competing for projects that bring manufacturing and supply chains home, invest in people so they can pursue their potential, and revitalize places to make them more attractive places to live, work, and invest. This comprehensive strategy will power strong, equitable growth and build on our economic momentum, as we have added 61,000 jobs year over year and driven unemployment down below 4% for only the third period of time since 1970. Let’s keep getting it done.”

 

“Economic development should be as positive for the public as it is for business. With the right framework, we believe that these two things can go hand-in-hand,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “After passing several historic pieces of legislation to increase Michiganders’ rights and economic security, the stage has been set and we’re taking this opportunity to infuse more people-first values into our holistic approach to economic development.”

 

“Michigan’s greatest asset is our people,” said House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “We know that when we invest in our people and local communities, our state thrives. The three pillars of the ‘Make it in Michigan’ strategy—projects, people, and places—are already the driving force behind our legislative and budget priorities. Today’s announcement makes clear our commitment to continue to see Michigan succeed.”

 

“Right now, while some states are focused on divisive policies that exclude people or restrict their fundamental freedoms and rights, Michigan is sending a bold message to the rest of the country: No matter who you are, you are welcome in Michigan,” said Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), Chair of the Senate Committee on Economic and Community Development. “Now we need an economic development strategy to match the moment and ensure every Michigander, here or soon-to-be here, has an opportunity to thrive. We understand that economic development can no longer be viewed in a silo, and that the most successful states are packaging traditional economic development tools with targeted investments in communities, housing, workforce development, education, and wraparound services – leading to greater success in landing transformational projects while simultaneously investing in any state’s greatest asset: their people. Today, Michigan Democrats are united in saying we are open for business, and welcoming everyone to Make It In Michigan.”

 

“People have made it clear that they want to live and work in vibrant communities, they want bustling main streets, and an affordable house to live in while they do it,” Representative Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), Chair of the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business. “We hear you.”

 

Make it in Michigan

A comprehensive strategy to make more in Michigan. From good-paying jobs; a skilled, talented workforce; vibrant places to live, work, and raise a family; and powerful tools to bring manufacturing and supply chains home, Make it in Michigan will continue the state’s momentum to build a brighter future.

 

The strategy aims to:

  • Make Michigan a top state for talent with low unemployment, higher labor force participation, more training and upskilling, and stronger talent attraction.
  • Make Michigan more competitive in key sectors like research & development, advanced manufacturing, and clean tech.–electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductor chips to ensure long-term economic strength.
  • Make Michigan an arsenal of innovation where entrepreneurs and young companies have opportunities and resources to grow and expand
  • Make Michigan a state full of attractive, vibrant communities where people want to live, work, and grow with investments to build more housing, expand access and lower the cost of child care, connect homes and businesses to high-speed internet, redevelop vacant or blighted properties, and bring new life to main streets and downtowns.

 

Projects, People, Places

The three pillars of Make it in Michigan are Projects, People, and Places. Governor Whitmer is focused on competing for and winning Projects to bring manufacturing and supply chains home, investing in People so they can pursue their potential from pre-K through postsecondary and have their personal freedoms protected, and revitalizing Places to make them more attractive places to live, work, and invest.

 

Projects: Bringing Manufacturing Jobs, Advanced Facilities, and Supply Chains Home

In December 2021, Governor Whitmer brought Republicans and Democrats and public and private sector leaders together to establish powerful new bipartisan economic development tools that would help Michigan compete for transformational projects. Since then, the state has won over $16 billion of projects and more than 16,000 good-paying jobs building electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductor chips, and clean energy—all industries of the future.

 

To keep this momentum going, the state must continue its successful economic development strategy and expand the toolkit. Make it in Michigan proposes several new tools to strengthen the state’s ability to bring home investment, jobs, and projects:

 

Make it in Michigan Transformational Brownfields

Site selection is a critical factor when businesses are looking to expand. In Michigan, there are several sites that could be home to new factories but need upgrades to become shovel ready. Transformational Brownfields will help convert brownfields and other abandoned property into productive space ready for business investment.

 

Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund

After passage of the CHIPS and Science Act and Inflation Reduction Act, there are billions in federal resources on the table to power domestic manufacturing, specifically in the semiconductor and clean energy sectors. The Make it in Michigan Advanced Manufacturing and Clean Tech Competitiveness Fund will help bring home more than Michigan’s fair share of federal resources from the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act so we can grow the economy and bring more projects home.

 

Governor Whitmer and the Legislature will partner on and make public several more initiatives to win projects and bring manufacturing and supply chains home, announced in the coming weeks. This includes spurring more research and development in Michigan, lowering costs for businesses so they can hire more Michiganders, and land transformational projects in communities while making linked, parallel investments in local child care, housing, infrastructure, and workforce programs.

 

Whitmer Make it in MI

 

G Make it in Michigan

 

LG Make it in MI

 

Brinks Make it in MI

 

Tate Make it in MI

 
Whitmer Establishes the ‘Growing Michigan Together Council’

Whitmer Establishes the ‘Growing Michigan Together Council’

by | Jun 1, 2023 | Regional News

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 1, 2023

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Establishes the ‘Growing Michigan Together Council’ to Focus on Population Growth, Building a Brighter Future for Michigan

The council will be led by bipartisan co-chairs and develop strategies to make Michigan a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed

 

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer established the Growing Michigan Together Council to develop a statewide strategy aimed at making Michigan a place everyone wants to call home by attracting and retaining talent, improving education throughout the state, upgrading and modernizing our transportation and water infrastructure to meet 21st century needs, and continuing Michigan’s economic momentum. Governor Whitmer announced bipartisan co-chairs Ambassador John Rakolta Jr. and Shirley Stancato who will lead the council in developing policies and goals to grow Michigan’s population.

 

“The best thing about Michigan are the people who call it home and this council will ensure our state is able to attract talent and provide expanding opportunities for families,” said Governor Whitmer. “Over the last few decades, we have seen Michiganders find opportunity elsewhere because jobs and talent have been pushed out of the state. Since taking office, I’ve made it a priority to change that narrative. We’re lowering costs, attracting good-paying jobs, investing in education from pre-school to post-secondary, protecting our natural resources, and expanding fundamental rights. With today’s announcement, we’re continuing our work to grow the state and build a better, stronger Michigan.”

 

“With this council we can ensure Michigan has the tools to make this state a place where families want to live, work, and build their lives,” said Ambassador John Rakolta Jr., co-chair Growing Michigan Together Council. “We’re focused on attracting young talent and building a statewide framework – through education and infrastructure – that will expand opportunity for every resident. I’m excited to work with the council to build on Michigan’s economic momentum.”

 

“I’m thrilled to help lead the Growing Michigan Together Council and build on Governor Whitmer’s work to make Michigan a welcoming state for all,” said Shirley Stancato, co-chair Growing Michigan Together Council. “Creating a formal strategy to ensure Michigan creates jobs, students get the greatest benefits from education starting in pre-K, and upgrading our state’s infrastructure for every community will make Michigan a leader in attracting young talent and growing families.”

 

“Michigan is at a great inflection point. We have an opportunity to continue lead the world in advanced mobility, and other high-tech industries, but our economic growth requires growing our own talent and growing the talent pool,” said Sandy Baruah, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Chamber. “The Chamber is excited to work with Governor Whitmer to grow Michigan’s population and by extension our economy.”

 

“Reversing Michigan’s population trends is essential to the future prosperity of our state. Michigan’s community colleges are excited to work with the Whitmer administration to develop bold ideas focused on growing both Michigan’s talent and our population now and into the future,” said Brandy Johnson, president, Michigan Community College Association. “Michigan’s two-year public and tribal colleges serve as critical infrastructure to reach out collective goals.”

 

“We’re committed to ensuring that every child in Michigan has access to a world-class education,” said Peter Spadafore, executive director, Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity. “We look forward to collaborating with the commission to guarantee that future investments in Michigan’s schools not only strengthen performance outcomes but also champion equity. Access to high-quality public education has the power to attract talent to our state, and we are highly motivated to partner with this commission to position Michigan at the forefront of educational innovation and achievement for generations to come.”

 

“Pure Michigan isn’t just a slogan. Our beautiful peninsulas are literally defined by our waters and are home to abundant natural resources. They’re an outdoor playground unlike any other on the planet and a powerful economic engine.” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director, Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Our future as a magnet destination is going to explode as our leaders prioritize the issues that matter most to Michiganders—from rebuilding our infrastructure and protecting our waters to expanding outdoor recreation and pursuing bold climate action.”

 

“The future of our state depends on securing and creating good-paying jobs that can support working families while addressing the needs of our communities. Over the last few years, we have worked to make Michigan a state that supports workers with major investments that have secured thousands of jobs and legislation making it easier for workers to advocate for needed benefits,” said Steve Claywell, president, Michigan Building Trades Council. “I’m thankful that Governor Whitmer has prioritized working families and has provided a seat at the table for us to continue our work.”

 

“Last election made clear that working people across our state want leaders who will fight for a future where all working families can thrive. By listening to the demands of Michigan workers, Governor Whitmer and state legislators have taken huge steps to restore and expand workers’ rights to create better jobs and stronger communities,” said Ray Sholtz, president, SEIU Michigan. “These are essential steps to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and allowing people to retire with dignity, because poll after poll shows the majority of people support unions and want good union jobs. In fact, 77% of people under 35 approve of organized labor. With the implementation of the Growing Michigan Together Council, we can build on our legislative and political progress to attract and keep talent in our great state.”

 

“It’s critical that Michigan makes investments to support current and future generations. Ensuring every Michigander has a strong foundation with an education system that prepares them to compete in a global economy and improving infrastructure to reliably connect communities will benefit all of us,” said Ahmad Nassar, CEO and creative director, Detroit 75 Kitchen. “This council is a helpful first step in making Michigan a leader in providing the best opportunities for residents and attracting talented people from across the country.”

 

“Growing Michigan means growing its population. Critical to a healthy economy is an ever growing and vibrant pool of talent to support job growth in our region,” said Jose Reyes, executive director, Npower. “Npower is proud to stand with Governor Whitmer as she takes on this momentous challenge.”

 

Growing Michigan Together Council

The Growing Michigan Together Council will advise the governor on specific policies to grow Michigan’s population, including identifying a population goal for 2050. The council will also look at ways to prepare Michigan’s workforce for in-demand jobs and emerging industries by proposing initiatives to improve preK-12 educational outcomes and long-term funding solutions for higher education including financial aid. Additionally, to meet the needs of a growing, thriving population, the council will develop long-term, sustainable transportation and water infrastructure funding solutions.

 

The council will be made up of 28 members, 21 voting and 7 non-voting. In addition to the bipartisan co-chairs, voting members will be made up of two members of the Michigan House of Representatives, two members of the Michigan Senate, and the director of the department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) or their designee from within the department. The governor will also appoint to the council individuals that represent the interests of the private sector, labor, workforce development and talent, infrastructure, non-profit or philanthropy, and education with one appointee being under 25 years old.

 

Non-voting members will include the state budget director, state treasurer, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the chief executive and economic competitiveness officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the executive director of the Office of Global Michigan, or designees from within their respective departments. One individual with a background in economics, and one individual with a background in demography will also be appointed by the governor.

 

 

Whitmer Administration’s Work Expanding Opportunity for Every Michigander

 

Education

  • In the 2024 executive budget recommendation, proposed investments to help more students graduate.
  • Proposed Pre-K for All, saving families $10,000 a year and giving every kid a great start.

 

Attracting and Retaining Talent

  • Added 61,000 jobs year over year and announced nearly 35,000 American jobs in the auto sector.
  • In last 18 months, landed over $16 billion in projects and announced nearly 16,000 auto jobs to advance the future of manufacturing.
  • Partnered with the City of Detroit, Ford, and Google on Michigan Central, a mobility innovation hub to attract and retain skilled talent and high-growth companies in Detroit.
  • Launched the EV Jobs Academy, Mobility Talent Action Team, and MI EV Scholars Program to prepare Michigan’s workforce for electric vehicle sector jobs.

 

Transportation and Water Infrastructure

  • Since 2019, fixed over 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges.
  • Signed four bipartisan budgets, investing $15 billion to rebuild Michigan’s roads.
  • Signed the Building Michigan Together Plan, investing $316 million into roads and bridges, $66 million into pump station generators to keep highways clear during severe storms, $92 million to upgrade regional airports, and $2 billion to remove lead service lines, reduce toxic contaminants, rebuild water infrastructure and more.
  • Launched the MI Clean Water Plan and invested an additional $2 billion to upgrade drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater facilities across the state, supporting 30,000 jobs.

 

Growing MI Together signing

 

G Growing MI

 

LG Growing MI

 

Growing MI together cochair

 

Stancato Growing MI

 
Oakland County Revitalizes Youth Programs

Oakland County Revitalizes Youth Programs

by | May 31, 2023 | Regional News

Oakland County Revitalizes Youth Programs Affected by COVID With $4.8 Million Out of School Grant

Post Date:05/25/2023 1:05 PM
  • Oakland County with United Way for Southeastern Michigan awarded Out of School Time grant funding to support students negatively impacted by COVID-19.
  • The grant was divided among 30 applicants who had paused or reduced their social-emotional and academic enrichment programming due to the pandemic.
  • The Out of School grant is estimated to serve 11,820 children ages 0-18 in community and school settings.

Pontiac, Michigan – Oakland County, in partnership with the United Way For Southeastern Michigan, has awarded a $4.8 million grant to 30 organizations with programs focusing on children and teenagers. The Out of School grant, which will serve more than 11,000 children, supports multipurpose activities such as clubs and afterschool care, specialty programs such as coding, music, and sports, and academics such as reading or math tutoring and summer
learning programs.

“Having healthy residents is one of Oakland County’s strategic goals and that includes behavioral health for our residents. The Out of School grant is part of an unprecedented $24 million investment to improve and expand mental health services to all residents in Oakland County,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said.

At the start of the pandemic, the National Education Association underscored that social-emotional learning is not only vital to students’ academics but to relationship skills and self-awareness as well.

“There is plenty of evidence that our students were especially impacted by the COVID pandemic, experiencing learning delays, and loss of social and emotional support networks. The Out of School grants are expected to serve an estimated 11,000 children, with many of the programs beginning in the coming weeks as school breaks for the summer,” Coulter said.

Joining Coulter at the announcement at Lawrence Technological University (LTU) were Dr. Tarek M. Sobh, president of Lawrence Technological University (LTU); Lisa Kujawa, vice president for enrollment Management and outreach for LTU; and representatives from the YMCA, Holly School District, and Pontiac Parks and Recreation – all organizations conducting summer programming through the Out of School Time grant.

LTU’s grant will fund 100 full scholarships to its summer science, technology, and design camps for students from 10 different communities in Oakland County. Students who live in Hazel Park, Holly Township, Keego Harbor, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Walled Lake, Wixom, or
Royal Oak Township can use the code “Oakland” at checkout for the full scholarship, a value of up to $950. The registration deadline is June 10. For the full list of options, visit https://www.ltu.edu/summer-camps/.

“We look forward to seeing 100 students from these communities to experience college life, make new friends, and learn about the sciences and technologies that interest them the most,” LTU President Tarek M. Sobh said. “And we thank United Way for Southeastern Michigan for making these valuable and rewarding experiences possible for more youth.”

Other recipients include the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit for drop-in programming, summer camps, youth sports, and Girls on the Run; Holly Area Schools for a summer camp for kindergarten students in five northern Oakland County communities; and the City of Pontiac for academic and social emotion learning supports after school. Also, the Ennis Center in Pontiac is offering art therapy classes and Accent Pontiac has a music program for 75 students.

The Out of School grant is also estimated to provide opportunities to more than 5,700 children living in cities with households earning below the Federal Poverty Level or below the ALICE Threshold (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), including Pontiac, Hazel Park, and Southfield.

“We are proud to continue supporting programs for students and families across Oakland County,” said Tonya Adair, chief people, equity, and engagement officer, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. ”These grants will provide much-needed resources to address learning loss and provide critical socialization opportunities for young people. We are grateful for Executive Coulter’s leadership and the collaboration resources to make sure every Oakland County student has quality experiences and every opportunity to succeed, recover, and thrive.”

The Out of School grant is divided into four grant categories. Below is a complete list of grants and their recipients.

Community Level Grant ($250,001-$400,000)

  • City of Pontiac
  • YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
  • Oakland University Center for Autism
  • Detroit Zoological Society

Program Expansion Grant ($100,001-$250,000)

  • Hazel Park Schools
  • Franklin Wright Settlements
  • Cranbrook Educational Community
  • Center for Success Network
  • Lawrence Technological University
  • Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit
  • West Bloomfield School District
  • Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit
  • Ferndale Schools

Operational Support Grant ($30,000-$100,000)

  • Ennis Center
  • Catholic Charities of Southeastern Michigan
  • Midnight Golf Program
  • Boys & Girls Club of Troy
  • Academy of the Sacred Heart
  • On My Own Michigan
  • Accent Pontiac
  • D.R.I.V.E. One
  • The Color of Autism Foundation

Restarting Program Grant ($30,000-$100,000)

  • Connecting Through the Arts & Education DBA Scuola Creativa
  • Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program
  • Friendship Circle
  • Read to a Child, Inc.
  • Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan
  • E-Community Outreach Services
  • Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan
  • Holly Area Schools

 

Baseball District Preview

Baseball District Preview

by | May 31, 2023 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Baseball District Preview.

Written Friday May 26th at 8:05 AM

Here is my insight and thoughts heading into the baseball districts.

District 16 at Livonia Stevenson

FARMINGTON vs. Novi Detroit Catholic Central

FARMINGTON/Novi Detroit Catholic Central vs. NORTH FARMINGTON

Novi vs. Livonia Stevenson

 

EARLY PICKS: This district looks like it could be the Shamrocks vs the Spartans. The Wildcats are the sleeper in this district. I like Novi Detroit Catholic Central to move on.

 

District 20 at Grosse Pointe South

Grosse Pointe South vs. St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Grosse Pointe North vs. HARPER WOODS

 

EARLY PICKS: The battle of Grosse Pointe could be on again between the Blue Devils and the Norsemen. I like Grosse Pointe North to move on.

 

District 22 at Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK vs. Sterling Heights

ROYAL OAK/Sterling Heights vs. BERKLEY

Warren Cousino vs. Warren Mott

 

EARLY PICKS: The Ravens and Bears would be a fun district semifinals, whoever wins that game wins the district. With apologies to the school on Lexington Blvd, the team from Catalpa should move on.

 

District 24 at Birmingham Brother Rice

SEAHOLM vs. SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

GROVES vs. Birmingham Brother Rice

 

EARLY PICKS: This has the makings of a Warriors vs Maples district finals. Too much pitching leads Seaholm to a major upset.

 

District 27 at Romeo

Romeo vs. ROCHESTER

Romeo/ROCHESTER vs. ADAMS

STONEY CREEK vs. Utica Eisenhower

 

EARLY PICKS: This is a very tough district. The Eagles are solid as is the Bulldogs but the Highlanders senior class has another deep run in them.

 

District 28 at Avondale

AVONDALE vs. TROY ATHENS

AVONDALE/TROY ATHENS vs. TROY

BLOOMFIELD HILLS vs. Utica

 

EARLY PICKS: This is a pick me district. There is a lot of good teams in this district. If I had to pick one to win this district, it’s the Blackhawks.

 

District 29 at West Bloomfield

Waterford Mott vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Waterford Mott/Orchard Lake St. Mary’s vs. Waterford Kettering

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. LAKE ORION

 

EARLY PICKS: This is a very tough district. The Eaglets got a great draw while the Dragons and Lakers have to go through each other. Orchard Lake St. Marys is the best team in this district but they have been vulnerable lately. I think Lake Orion or West Bloomfield has a chance to upset them.

 

District 31 at Oxford

Fenton vs. Holly

Fenton/Holly vs. OXFORD

CLARKSTON vs. Grand Blanc

 

EARLY PICKS: Clarkston vs Grand Blanc should be a doozy. Oxford got a great draw. I see a Wildcats vs Bobcats district final with Grand Blanc moving on.