by orionontv | May 20, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday May 19th at 10:45 AM
Here is the softball district preview. This will be updated once we get the District 56 matchups.
District 4 at Lapeer
Lapeer vs. Holly
OXFORD vs. Davison
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This should be a very interesting district. Oxford and Davison will be very interesting as will Lapeer and Holly in the district semifinals. I think the Wildcats experience moves them on over a very good Bronchos team. PICK: OXFORD.
District 22 at Farmington Hills Mercy
Livonia Stevenson vs. FARMINGTON
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs. Farmington Hills Mercy
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: Livonia Stevenson and Farmington Hills Mercy should be a very interesting district finals. The Spartans have a very strong team but so does the Marlins. Home field will be the difference here. PICK: FARMINGTON HILLS MERCY.
District 23 at Warren Mott
FERNDALE vs. Warren Mott
OAK PARK vs. Detroit Renaissance
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams. Warren Mott is a very young team and could get to the district finals. Ferndale is the other team that could make a run. I think Detroit Renaissance wins this district with ease. PICK: DETROIT RENAISSANCE.
District 26 at Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott vs. Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott/Waterford Kettering vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
WEST BLOOMFIELD vs. CLARKSTON
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This is a very interesting district. Clarkston hasn’t been themselves while West Bloomfield has had some moments of good and bad. Bloomfield Hills has also been solid as well. I can’t go against the Wolves in this district even with the changes they made, nope. PICK: CLARKSTON.
District 27 at Seaholm
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. GROVES
SEAHOLM vs. BERKLEY
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This is a very interesting district. Berkley looks to be the favorite in this district with a ton of proven experience. Seaholm played in the Red and has home field. The Maples have been looking really strong recently. Groves has been up and down as has North Farmington. Both the Raiders and the Falcons are more than capable of winning this district as Seaholm. I think the Bears find a way and win this very competitive district. PICK: BERKLEY.
District 28 at Avondale
TROY vs. TROY ATHENS
AVONDALE vs. ROYAL OAK
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: This is a very interesting district. Troy and Troy Athens should be a very interesting district semifinals. I really like what Royal Oak has done. They won a district last season beating Berkley and hopes to continue that same magic. It’s a tougher district this time around but the Ravens get it done for the second time. PICK: ROYAL OAK.
District 29 at Stoney Creek
LAKE ORION vs. ROCHESTER
STONEY CREEK vs. ADAMS
THOUGHTS/PROJECTION: Erin Flynn vs the Dragons looks like it will be inevitable pending if there isn’t any upsets. Stoney Creek is ranked, has one of the State’s best pitchers, and has home field. Lake Orion has been an honorable mention all season. If the Dragons can get to Flynn and force her pitch count to rise that spells trouble for the Cougars. Give me the team that has been there before. PICK: LAKE ORION.
District 56 at Geographic host
HARPER WOODS
Detroit Denby
Detroit Lincoln King
Detroit East English
Detroit Southeastern
Harper Woods Chandler Park
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is not a strong district when looking at the teams. I think Harper Woods wins this district because of the schedule. PICK: HARPER WOODS.
by orionontv | May 20, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
Written Sunday May 19th at 9:05 AM
Here are the baseball districts preview.
District 15 at Novi
Novi vs. Livonia Stevenson
Novi/Livonia Stevenson vs. FARMINGTON
Novi Detroit Catholic Central vs. Northville
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is shaping up to be a very tough district. Novi won the Division One State crown last season while Novi Detroit Catholic Central is a proven powerhouse. Northville has been a very strong program as has Livonia Stevenson and Farmington. This district could go either way with the winner likely having a deep postseason run. I don’t see anyone knocking the Wildcats in this district. PICK: NOVI.
District 21 at Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit
SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH vs. Detroit Renaissance
Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit vs. FERNDALE
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is not a very strong district when looking at the teams. Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit has had a strong season but can’t count Ferndale out despite having to face the Cubs in the district semifinals. Southfield Arts and Tech and Detroit Renaissance has been up and down. I think Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit wins this district with ease. PICK: DETROIT UNIVERSITY-DETROIT JESUIT.
District 22 at Seaholm
BERKLEY vs. TROY
BERKLEY/TROY vs. GROVES
ROYAL OAK vs. SEAHOLM
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is a very interesting and competitive district. There are some really good teams in this district that could make some noise. Berkley, Groves, Troy, and Royal Oak are solid teams but Seaholm has been battle tested. Home field matters in a district like this and having the new facility will help. PICK: SEAHOLM.
District 23 at Bloomfield Hills
NORTH FARMINGTON vs. WEST BLOOMFIELD
Birmingham Brother Rice vs. BLOOMFIELD HILLS
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is a very competitive district. Birmingham Brother Rice just won the Catholic League crown and is the top team in the State. West Bloomfield has been state ranked all season and has a really good pitching staff. Bloomfield Hills and North Farmington could play spoilers. If there is a team that is primed to be upset it’s the Warriors. I think the Lakers get it done behind their strong pitching staff. PICK: WEST BLOOMFIELD.
District 24 at Waterford Kettering
AVONDALE vs. Waterford Kettering
Waterford Mott vs. Orchard Lake St. Marys
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is not a very strong district. I don’t see anyone in this district knocking off Orchard Lake St. Marys. PICK: ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARYS.
District 27 at Utica Ford II
Utica Ford II vs. TROY ATHENS
Utica Ford II/TROY ATHENS vs. Sterling Heights Stevenson
Sterling Heights vs. Utica
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This should be a very competitive district in Utica. Troy Athens has been solid all season. Utica has been very consistent all season. Utica Ford II has home field and has been solid. Utica got the best draw of the teams and the Chieftains should move on. PICK: UTICA.
District 30 at Lake Orion
STONEY CREEK vs. ADAMS
STONEY CREEK/ADAMS vs. LAKE ORION
Utica Eisenhower vs. ROCHESTER
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: Lake Orion has been a very odd team to figure out this season. They lost the season series to Rochester but bounced back against Stoney Creek and Adams. The Dragons also have two wins against Utica Eisenhower. Rochester has proven they can go into Lake Orion and win, they did it twice this season. Utica Eisenhower is also a proven team as well. This is anyone’s district to take but when in doubt go with the home team. PICK: LAKE ORION.
District 31 at Grand Blanc
Fenton vs. CLARKSTON
Fenton/CLARKSTON vs. OXFORD
Grand Blanc vs. Holly
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is a very interesting district. Clarkston and Oxford have both been up and down all season. Grand Blanc has been very good all season. Holly and Fenton have been solid teams as well. The Bobcats have home field in their district which helps. Grand Blanc could be in line to make a deep postseason run. PICK: GRAND BLANC.
District 56 at Grosse Pointe University Liggett
Grosse Pointe University Liggett vs. St. Clair Shores South Lake
Grosse Pointe University Liggett/St. Clair Shores South Lake vs. Harper Woods Chandler Park
Detroit East English vs. HARPER WOODS
THOUGHTS/PREDICTION: This is not a very strong district. Grosse Pointe University Liggett is a proven powerhouse. Harper Woods could make some noise and get to the district finals. I don’t see the Pioneers getting by Grosse Pointe University Liggett. PICK: GROSSE POINTE UNIVERSITY LIGGETT.
by orionontv | May 20, 2024 | School News
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
by orionontv | May 16, 2024 | Regional News
Oakland County and SMART Launch Pilot Program Providing Free Transit for Veterans and Dependents
Post Date:05/16/2024 1:33 PM
- The veterans transportation program will offer transportation services at no charge throughout Oakland County.
- The county is home to more than 50,000 veterans. This initiative is expected to facilitate approximately 7,000 individual round trips.
- The pilot program will run from June 1 to Aug. 31. To schedule a trip, call 248-419-7984. For information go to oakgov.com/veterans.
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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by orionontv | May 16, 2024 | Regional News
| Hi there,
You may have seen U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra was in our district last week discussing important prescription drug provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. Before that press conference, though, we had a few meetings I want to tell you about.
I invited Secretary Becerra to our 7th Congressional District because of your calls, emails and letters surrounding high prescription prices, drug shortages and maternal health disparities. It’s important for federal officials to see firsthand the issues that affect Michiganders in their daily lives.
First, we met with local hospital leaders, so Secretary Becerra could hear directly from them about the issues they’re facing. Our first priority was the ongoing shortage of lifesaving cancer drugs that has forced our hospitals in Michigan to ration care. This crisis has shown once again that maintaining a sufficient supply of pharmaceuticals is critical for not just patients, but for our national security. This issue of supply-chains for critical items has become a bit of an obsession of mine since shortages upended our economy during the pandemic. It’s why I co-founded the bipartisan Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Caucus and have introduced legislation, like the Ensuring Access to Lifesaving Drugs Act, to keep vital medicines on pharmacy shelves.
In our second meeting with Secretary Becerra, we met with advocates and talked about the issue of black maternal health. Today, Black & Native American women are three to four times more likely to die from complications surrounding pregnancy & childbirth than white women. Our meeting allowed Secretary Becerra to learn about the systemic & financial challenges faced by those who’ve been in the trenches on this issue. Thank you to the doctors, midwives, doulas, & public health & nonprofit leaders who provided ways to address this issue at the federal level.
Finally, we held a press conference on the Inflation Reduction Act. This bill sends a really clear signal to the rest of the prescription drug world that the day where you can just charge whatever you want — where there’s no transparency on the price of medication — is an era that’s coming to an end.
I am thankful to all those who helped us have a productive day discussing federal solutions that would help Michiganders.
Rep. Slotkin
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| Hi there,
One of my favorite traditions as a Member of Congress is the annual Congressional Art Competition, and earlier this month we got to announce this year’s winners.
I wanted to share their incredible artwork:
In first place, “In Your Dreams” by Joanna Deng of Okemos High School. Her piece will hang in the U.S. Capitol, and she’ll be invited to an opening ceremony in D.C.
In second place, “Love Remains” by Julia Zastrow of Cheryl Stockwell Preparatory Academy. Julia’s piece will hang in my D.C. office.
In third place, “Divine Ripple” by Morgan Wilcox of Lansing Catholic High School. Morgan’s piece will hang in our Lansing office.
I’m always so blown away by the talent of students in our district, as well as their ability to use their artwork to make a statement.
One highlight from the reception that continues to stick out to me is Julia’s cheering section. Several members of her family made the trip, which made announcing her as our second place winner even more special.
Thank you to everyone who submitted this year — we had 44 incredible pieces and you did not make it easy on our judges!
– Rep. Elissa Slotkin |
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by orionontv | May 14, 2024 | Feature Writers, High School Sports
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.
