After four years guiding LOCS through many challenges and creating opportunities as our superintendent, Ben Kirby is moving on to a new opportunity. We plan to celebrate him with a community open house on May 29 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the LOCS Administration Building (315 N. Lapeer St.)
Join us to wish him well in his new endeavor.
Sincerely,
LOCS Assistant Superintendents Heidi Mercer, Andrea Curtis, Adam Weldon
Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County, in collaboration with SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation), is launching a groundbreaking pilot program aimed at providing free transit for veterans.
The transportation program will offer door-to-door service throughout Oakland County Monday-Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Weekend transit services will vary by provider. The pilot program will run from June 1 to Aug. 31, or until the allocated funds are exhausted. Personal care assistants, widows and widowers of veterans may also ride for free. Veterans need only show their DD214, veterans ID from the Oakland County Clerk’s Office, or veteran designation on their driver’s license to get a ride. To schedule a trip, call 248-419-7984.
“This service is a small way that we can honor the huge sacrifice our veterans have made for all of us,” County Executive Dave Coulter said. “Veterans and their families can access essential services this summer without worrying about the financial cost of transportation.”
Funded by a $500,000 County Veterans Service Fund grant from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, with $28,000 earmarked for the pilot veterans’ transportation program, this initiative is expected to facilitate approximately 7,000 individual round trips.
To ensure comprehensive coverage across the county, SMART may collaborate with other transportation service providers, including NOTA (North Oakland Transportation Authority), WOTA (Western Oakland Transportation Authority), OPC (OPC Social & Activity Center Transportation), and PEX (People’s Express), utilizing a shared ride system. Transfer trips will be seamlessly integrated into the program, with charges being covered by the grant. Recognizing the diverse needs of veterans, the transportation service will also be Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, ensuring accessibility for all individuals.
“We are incredibly proud to launch the veterans pilot program in partnership with Oakland County. This initiative ensures that veterans have the access and support they need,” said Dwight Ferrell, general manager of SMART. “It’s more than just transportation; it’s about empowering our veterans to connect with their communities and lead fuller, more engaged lives.”
Oakland County is home to more than 50,000 veterans. This program represents a tangible expression of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. For information go to oakgov.com/veterans.
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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.
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.
Written Saturday May 11th at 7:35 PM
Here is my projections for the golf regionals.
Region 2 at Midland-Currie Golf Club West.
Midland
CLARKSTON
Lapeer
Bay City Western
Davison
Grand Blanc
Flushing
East Lansing
Grand Ledge
Hartland
Holt
Howell
Midland Dow
Okemos
Saginaw Arthur Hill
Saginaw Heritage
Swartz Creek
Traverse City Central
Traverse City West
EARLY PREVIEW: This should be a very interesting regional. Traverse City Central and Traverse City West should battle it out for the regional crown but watch for Clarkston, Hartland, and Midland Dow. They could make some noise in this regional. Traverse City Central looks to be the favorite because of the proven experience.
Region 3 at Royal Oak (Twin Lakes Golf Club)
ROYAL OAK
BERKLEY
GROVES
SEAHOLM
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
FARMINGTON
NORTH FARMINGTON
WEST BLOOMFIELD
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH
Novi Detroit Catholic Central
Livonia Franklin
Livonia Churchill
Livonia Stevenson
Milford
Novi
Lakeland
Waterford Mott
Walled Lake Central
Walled Lake Northern
EARLY PREVIEW: This is a very interesting regional. It’s hard not to go against Novi Detroit Catholic Central. Novi could give them some trouble although not likely. Bloomfield Hills could as well but this regional looks like this is the Shamrocks to lose.
Region 4 at Troy Athens (Fieldstone Golf Club)
TROY ATHENS
TROY
LAKE ORION
OXFORD
ROCHESTER
ADAMS
STONEY CREEK
Chippewa Valley
Macomb L’Anse Creuse
Romeo
Macomb L’Anse Creuse North
Macomb Dakota
New Baltimore Anchor Bay
Port Huron
Port Huron Northern
Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights Stevenson
Utica
Utica Eisenhower
Utica Ford II
EARLY PREVIEW: This is a very interesting regional. Troy Athens, Lake Orion, and Adams are loaded this season. Troy is the sleeper. This should be a very tight regional with three teams getting to the State Finals, I don’t see any changes thus far.
Region 6 at Wyandotte Roosevelt (Lakes of Taylor)
FERNDALE
Allen Park
Brownstown Woodhaven
Dearborn
Dearborn Edsel Ford
Dearborn Crestwood
Dearborn Fordson
Detroit Cass Tech
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
Detroit Renaissance
Fraser
Gibraltar Carlson
Grosse Pointe North
Grosse Pointe South
St. Clair Shores Lakeview
Taylor
Warren Cousino
Warren DeLaSalle
Warren Mott
Wyandotte Roosevelt
EARLY PREVIEW: This looks to be a very interesting regional. I think seeing the regional, Warren DeLaSalle looks like the favorite but keep an eye on Wyandotte Roosevelt, Brownstown Woodhaven, and the Grosse Pointe Schools. They could make some noise in this regional along with Dearborn Crestwood as well.
