by Becky Andrus | Oct 19, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Monday, October 18, 2021
Bloomfield Hills Football. Are they ready to take the next step????
By Sammy Taormina
Written Monday October 18th at 3:00 PM
2021 has been a great year for some teams and some not so much.
Could argue that Troy has benefited but another who has benefited from this season is Bloomfield Hills.
The Blackhawks football team is 8-0, their soccer team won a league title, their tennis team won a regional title, and had a strong second place showing behind Troy, and their volleyball program is solid.
I have been really hard on their football team because of the strength of schedule.
These next two weeks will define the Blackhawks.
The questions I wonder is are they ready to take the next step especially in football???
Are they ready to go to the White??? Are they ready to compete against other strong competition???
Bloomfield Hills is 8-0 for a reason but the questions remain. Can they compete against programs like West Bloomfield and Novi Detroit Catholic Central, two very strong and consistent programs???
These next two weeks will answer those questions.
It is no secret that I have been critical of Blackhawks football but the reason for that is I want to see them succeed. I believe they can do more and away from the Blue.
Now when Bloomfield Hills went down to the Blue in 2020 is because they struggled against the Red like West Bloomfield, Clarkston, Oxford, Southfield Arts and Tech, and Lake Orion. The hope was that they would turn it around.
It sounds like they have.
The question is, is it long term???
We clearly thought that in 2016 with John Paddock at quarterback and Jack Sape on defense. They would take the next step. Bloomfield Hills won the Blue that season and moved back up to the Red. They had a respectable season in 2017 but really struggled in 2018 and in 2019.
Tanner Slazinski had some bright moments last season and in the last three years at quarterback. His replacement CJ Jackson has done a great job this season. Shane Winter and Jake Sierperski have also been huge as well for the Blackhawks on both sides of the football. The offensive and defensive lines have been solid as well.
The question is can the Blackhawks build up their sub-varsity. Last season they were able to field a freshman program. This season not so much.
These next few weeks will define Bloomfield Hills football. They have the coaching with Dan Loria and the talent. The question is do they want to do it.
A win over Troy will guarantee a move to the White. A loss doesn’t necessary mean that they would also move up to the White. A lot will depend when the OAA realigns.
Are they ready to take the next step that is the question???
These next two weeks we will find out.
by Becky Andrus | Oct 18, 2021 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer & Lt. Governor Gilchrist on Passing of Colin Powell
LANSING, Mich.—Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist released the following statements after the passing of Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Security Advisor, and retired U.S. Army General.
“Colin Powell was a statesman who served his country in uniform and at the highest levels of government for decades,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “As a soldier, he was deployed in the Vietnam War and went on to hold various national security and diplomacy roles under four presidents: Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, and Bush Jr. Secretary Powell embodied values we all strive to live by: fidelity, independence, and humility. My thoughts are with his family and all those who looked up to him as a soldier, a leader, and an American.”
“As a soldier, cabinet secretary, and public servant, Secretary Powell led a lifetime of distinguished service to his country,” said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “He was our first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State. For so many, he was a symbol of the heights to which anyone can rise in America. In the example of his leadership and devotion to public service, he will continue to inspire future generations.”
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 14, 2021 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Organizes New Agency to Improve Services for Older Michiganders
The governor’s executive order promotes collaboration and delivers services more efficiently as state works to empower seniors with the choice to age in their own home
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed EO 2021-14 to establish the Health and Aging Services Administration within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The newly-established agency will provide more coordinated services to Michigan’s growing aging population by combining the former MDHHS Aging and Adult Services Agency and Medical Services Administration under one umbrella within MDHHS. Michigan’s Medicaid Office is also part of the new Health and Aging Services Administration.
“Older Michiganders deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and by dedicating resources at the state level, we can ensure they have the resources they need to have a secure retirement, access to high-quality healthcare, attainable, affordable housing, and more,” said Governor Whitmer. “The Michigan Department of Health and Human Service’s new Health and Aging Services Administration will stay laser-focused on helping aging adults thrive, coordinate effectively across agencies and departments to enact lasting change, and get things done that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
The new Health and Aging Services Administration will retain current staff positions, provides for greater collaboration and makes the delivery of MDHHS programs and services to aging adults simpler and more efficient.
“Long-term care policy will now come from one coordinated area of MDHHS,” said Kate Massey, who has been chosen to be senior deputy director of the new administration and previously served in that same role with Medical Services Administration. “We expect these changes to allow smoother transitions across the continuum of care – including for older adults who prefer to age in place. Services to our aging population are a critically important part of MDHHS’s work.”
Michigan has more than 2 million adults over age 60, nearly 25% of the state’s population. Michiganders 85 and older remains the fastest-growing age group and 37% of Michigan residents are 50 and older.
The change allows for increased coordination between aging services teams in local communities and in-house employees who are responsible for developing policies, as well as improved analysis of processes and results, and expanded capacity across programs and services.
“These changes to our structure will lead to a better plan for aging Michiganders, and they are founded on suggestions from those we serve,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “Although not a redesign of services, this change is important because it will improve upon the delivery of those services and ensure alignment with our values. Our customers who benefit from our adult and aging programs will appreciate a stronger connection with our Medicaid services.”
Long-term support services have been delivered through multiple areas of MDHHS, making coordination challenging. The change will address those challenges by:
- Providing additional capacity to serve the intentions of older adults who prefer to age in place – defined by the CDC as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably.”
- Increasing speed in the delivery of services.
- Aligning with long-term care support and services to community-based services through the federal Older Americans Act; the MI Choice Waiver Program that allows eligible aging adults to receive Medicaid-covered services like those provided by nursing homes but can stay in their own home or another residential setting; and the Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) that provides Medicaid and Medicare funding for frail, elderly people who meet the criteria for long-term care.
- Making the Bureau of Medicaid Long-Term Care Services and Support responsible for programs associated with the Older Michiganians Act overseen by the administrator of the new administration.
- Transferring the Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging and Adult Community Placement program from the former Aging and Adult Services Agency to MDHHS itself.
“Better aligning aging and Medicaid services is a great move forward for Michigan’s seniors, those living with disabilities, and their families,” said Marianne Udow-Phillips, a senior advisor for the University of Michigan’s Center for Health Research and Transformation (CHRT). “This new structure will help achieve MDHHS’s long-standing goal of providing a continuum of care and integration of services. Bringing the resources, vision and leadership of these two organizations together will greatly enhance the work we are doing with MDHHS on their vision and strategy for long-term care.”
Coordination under the new administration allows Michigan to more easily:
- Develop a comprehensive strategy to improve the health and well-being of Michigan’s aging population, aligning with MDHHS goals to make Michigan an age friendly state.
- Work to advance strategic goals and objectives quickly and efficiently.
- Leverage federal, state and private dollars to design interventions and supports that maximize impact.
- Streamline program requirements and develop complementary policies that ease burdens on providers, community organizations and other stakeholders.
“We are pleased that Governor Whitmer and MDHHS are further elevating the needs of older adults in Michigan and providing them with more robust services,” said Paula D. Cunningham, state director of AARP Michigan. “These improvements are especially important as Michigan’s aging population continues to grow and as many older adults want to continue to live in their homes and communities as they age.”
For more information, visit the website for the Health and Aging Services Administration.
To view the full executive order, click the link below:
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 13, 2021 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer Lowers Flags for Identified MIA Korean War Soldier
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout the state of Michigan on Thursday, October 14 to honor the life and service of Army Sgt. William E. Cavender. The flag honors will coincide with his funeral.
“Sergeant Cavender served our country with honor and dignity,” said Governor Whitmer. “After so many years of uncertainty, the return of Sergeant Cavender’s remains will help to provide some closure to his family. I have lowered the flags to honor his life and serve as our state’s appreciation to finally have him home.”
Sgt. Cavender served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a member of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.
He was reported missing in action after his unit was attacked near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea on November 28, 1950. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered. Sgt. William E. Cavender’s remains were identified in May 2020.
Sgt. William E. Cavender will be buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery on Thursday, October 14.
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Sergeant William E. Cavender by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full-staff on Friday, October 15.
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 13, 2021 | Regional News
Governor Whitmer on Reopening Canadian Border
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today issued the following statement on the Michigan-Canada border reopening for vaccinated travelers beginning next month.
“The relationship between Michigan and Canada is one built on trade, travel, and friendship. I am grateful to the government of Canada and our federal partners for coming together to reopen the Michigan-Canada border. I look forward to welcoming our neighbors as they cross the Ambassador Bridge or Detroit-Windsor Tunnel into Detroit, the Blue Water Bridge into Port Huron, or the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge into Sault Ste. Marie.
“By reopening the border, we can build on Michigan’s economic momentum. We had the third-highest GDP growth in the second quarter of 2021 and have a $3.5 billion surplus to invest in our families, communities, and small businesses. I look forward to collaborating with our Canadian friends to emerge from the pandemic and usher in a new era of economic prosperity.”
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by Becky Andrus | Oct 11, 2021 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Monday, October 11, 2021
These Next Two Weeks Will Define Troy Football.
By Sammy Taormina
Written Monday October 11th at 3:30 PM
This might be the biggest two weeks in the long history of Troy Football.
Two years ago the Colts went 0-9 in which they did not score a point for seven weeks.
Now they are 7-0 which is the first time they are here since 1988 heading into the biggest two weeks of their season. A lot of that turn around occurred last season when Troy went into Bloomfield Hills and beat the Blackhawks 29-14 in the pre-district.
They have won eight of nine since that game.
Coach Chris Frasier has done a wonderful job really turning this program around since taking over for longtime Coach Gary Griffith in 2016.
Although there are still some improvements that are needed though. Program strength is certainly one of those areas that needs to be improved upon and quickly.
Troy overcame a huge obstacle last week when they beat their arch rival Troy Athens 21-20 on the road. The Red Hawks have had the Colts number outscoring them 104-0 in the last three years. They even trailed 20-7 in the fourth quarter only to comeback and won that game.
It always helps when you have a star player in the making in Darius Whiteside. Whiteside has been a star on both sides of the football. He is a football, basketball, and track standout as well. Whiteside has made big play after big play at wide receiver and in the defensive secondary.
Nolan and Ethan Block have also been huge contributors as well for Troy. Both of them play multiple positions and have had moments where their impact was so great on both sides of the football.
Max Stromberg has been efficient as a player at quarterback. He has a strong arm and can run the football as need be. Stromberg had the winning rushing score to seal the Colts comeback last week.
The offensive line which is veteran heavy has also played very well as well. They have been the key for the Colts resurgence.
The Troy defense has been stout all season long allowing 39 points total. Now the schedule hasn’t been the strongest but that was the schedule that was given to them.
These next two weeks are going to define the Colts. They will likely be in the postseason but their division title hopes are on the line in these next two weeks with both games on the road.
The first test comes against Berkley at Hurley Field. The Bears come in at 6-1 after beating Livonia Clarenceville 36-33 last week. Berkley has had the Colts number outscoring them 53-14 in the last two years. Berkley has also won three of the last five meetings. They like Troy has a ton of experience with Zach Maurice, Ben Maurice, Jake Domzalski, and others.
Now if Troy gets past Berkley then they would have to go back to the place where they won their first playoff game since 2007 in Bloomfield Hills. The Blackhawks will likely be 8-0 heading into that game. Bloomfield Hills fell 29-14 to these same Colts last season. The Blue title would also be on the line in that game.
Troy still controls their destiny even with a loss to Berkley but it would be much harder if they came into that Bloomfield Hills game at 7-1 instead of 8-0.
These next two weeks will define the Colts season and see what they are truly made of and if they are ready to take that next step.
