Bloomfield Hills new Varsity Football Coach

by orionontv | Feb 19, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Bloomfield Hills has their new Varsity Football Coach.

Written Monday February 17th at 9:05 PM

Bloomfield Hills has their new varsity football coach.

The Blackhawks have named Scott Merchant as their new varsity football coach. He takes over for Dan Loria who stepped down this past offseason.

Two very accurate sources confirmed to me the news.

Merchant was at Chippewa Valley from 2007-2023 before going to Lawrence Tech for a season. Merchant stepped down on Monday from Lawrence Tech and returned to High School football accepting the Blackhawks job. What attracted Merchant to the job according to sources was that his son was in the Bloomfield Hills program and that he wanted to coach his son.

Merchant is a game changer for a program that is in need of a reboot. He brings a ton of proven experience to a program that needs it. The Blackhawks were 5-22 in their last three seasons with no postseason appearances.

Loria was at Bloomfield Hills Lahser before they merged with Bloomfield Hills Andover to become Bloomfield Hills in 2013. Loria went 42-67 with four postseason appearances in his 11 years with the program.

Merchant will have a ton of challenges ahead of him. He will have to build the program which starts with program strength. Bloomfield Hills has not fielded a freshman program on a consistent basis. With Merchant expect the Blackhawks to have three programs.

The Blackhawks are in the Blue and will be with Seaholm, North Farmington, Farmington, Oak Park, Troy Athens, and Troy this season. Bloomfield Hills could be a possible sleeper in the division with Merchant coaching the program.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

OAA Basketball Top 23

by orionontv | Feb 19, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

OAA Basketball Top 23.

Written Saturday Februray 15th at 10:25 AM

Boys

1. Groves 15-5: Falcons locked into the two seed, on a collision course with Birmingham Brother Rice.

2. Avondale 14-7: Holding Clarkston to 33 points is impressive, always hard to beat a team three times.

3. Oxford 19-1: Wildcats are on a collision course with Grand Blanc.

4. Farmington 15-5: Falcons could see arch rival North Farmington in the future.

5. Clarkston 14-6: Wolves are in deep trouble heading into the postseason.

6. Lake Orion 13-7: Dragons got the best draw with the Waterford schools looming.

7. Rochester 16-5: Falcons have home court and locked into the top seed.

8. Royal Oak 12-7: Ravens look poised to take the top seed but beware of Berkley.

9. Troy 10-11: Colts looking at rematch with arch rival Troy Athens.

10. North Farmington 11-9: Raiders fortunate to get the two seed.

11. Ferndale 8-13: Eagles staring at Detroit Pershing before Warren Lincoln.

12. Adams 6-14: Could the Highlanders get the two seed with all the struggles they had.

13. Bloomfield Hills 11-9: Blackhawks/Maples rematch should be really interesting.

14. West Bloomfield 5-14: Lakers on a collision course with Walled Lake Central, if they win it’s Orchard Lake St. Marys.

15. Stoney Creek 9-10: Cougars are in a very delicate situation with the two seed in the balance.

16. Troy Athens 6-14: Red Hawks/Colts part three, neutral site could be really interesting.

17. Pontiac 11-8: Phoenix have to go through Birmingham Detroit Country Day and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep at some point this postseason.

18. Ferndale University 9-10: Eagles looking at Hazel Park before Warren Lincoln looms.

19. Oak Park 5-9: Knights looking at Southfield Arts and Tech if they win Birmingham Brother Rice looms.

20. Southfield Arts and Tech 6-14: Warriors looking at Oak Park if they win Birmingham Brother Rice looms.

21. Seaholm 2-17: Maples could make amends in the postseason.

22. Berkley 4-15: Bears have a tough stretch looming.

23. Harper Woods 3-13: Pioneers looking at Eastpointe before seeing Center Line if they win.

Girls

1. Clarkston 13-6: Wolves depth being displayed as we speak.

2. Rochester 15-3: Alice Max has really carried the Falcons to the White crown.

3. Avondale 15-3: Amaria Daniel has been playing really good basketball lately.

4. Stoney Creek 12-5: Cougars need to put Clarkston loss behind them and move on.

5. West Bloomfield 11-7: Lakers bouncing back after a tough one to Stoney Creek.

6. Lake Orion 11-9: Dragons need a break after a rough week.

7. Oxford 6-13: Wildcats playing hard despite record.

8. Southfield Arts and Tech 11-7: Warriors have not been consistent lately.

9. Berkley 12-7: Bears looking forward to the postseason.

10. Ferndale 6-12: Eagles balance is the key if they want to make a run.

11. Seaholm 11-8: Maples are 2-6 since their loss to Rochester on January 23rd, not good.

12. Bloomfield Hills 7-9: Brianna Young has been playing well lately.

13. Groves 5-12: Harlem Simpson is the real deal enough said.

14. Royal Oak 8-9: Ravens are a Jekyll and Hyde right now.

15. Troy 6-11: Colts have been a Jekyll and Hyde lately.

16. Harper Woods 7-7: Pioneers starting to bounce back after rough start.

17. Adams 7-10: Highlanders injuries starting to catch up on them.

18. Troy Athens 7-11: Red Hawks have been competitive.

19. Farmington 7-11: Falcons well on their way to win the Gold.

20. North Farmington 5-12: 20 point win over Hazel Park is a start.

21. Pontiac 8-5: Phoenix getting ready for the postseason.

22. Ferndale University 7-7: It wasn’t a good week for the Eagles.

23. Oak Park 0-11: 18 points in two games is not a good sign.

Top January Consumer Alerts

by orionontv | Feb 17, 2025 | Regional News

Consumer Alerts

Here are the top January Consumer Alerts you should be aware of:

Free Credit Reports: What Consumers Should Know
Your credit report is a financial snapshot used by lenders, employers, and service providers. Regularly check reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for accuracy and signs of identity theft. Understand the difference between credit reports and scores to better manage your financial health.

Travel Club Memberships
Beware of “free vacation” offers that require attending a high-pressure travel club sales pitch. Memberships often come with hidden fees, limited availability, and unfulfilled promises. Michigan law provides some protections, including a three-day cancellation period. Always read contracts carefully, verify discounts, and research companies before committing to any offer.

Health Club Memberships – Lose Weight, Not Money
Before joining a fitness center, carefully review contracts to avoid misleading sales tactics, unexpected fees, and cancellation issues. Be cautious of “free” trials, long-term commitments, and financially unstable gyms. Always get promises in writing, verify policies, and research the business. Stay informed to protect your wallet and membership rights.

Online Ticket Purchasing
When buying tickets online, watch out for frauds, counterfeit sales, and hidden costs. Use safe payment methods, buy only from reliable websites, and confirm the legitimacy of your tickets. Steer clear of dubious transactions and request refunds from the merchant or your bank if the event is canceled.

QR Code Hijacking
QR codes are convenient but can be exploited by scammers in “quishing” scams. Fraudulent codes can steal personal data, install malware, or hijack accounts. Avoid scanning unknown or codes that appear to have been tampered with. Verify URLs and use secure QR scanner apps.

Disaster Relief and Charity Scams
Disaster scammers exploit tragedies by posing as fake charities to steal donations and personal data. To donate safely, give to well-known organizations, avoid social media ads and high-pressure tactics, and never pay by wire transfer or gift card. Always verify charities, donate through official websites, and request receipts.

Phishing Scams
Phishing is a cyberattack where scammers pose as trusted sources to steal data or money. Tactics include fake emails, texts, and websites. Warning signs include urgency, poor grammar, and suspicious links. Never click unknown links or share personal info.

Text Message Scams: Smishing
Smishing is a scam where fraudsters send fake texts posing as trusted companies to steal personal info or install malware. Common scams include fake delivery notices and bank fraud alerts. Never click unknown links or share sensitive data.

Auto Extended Warranties
Auto extended warranties are not real warranties—they are service contracts that cost extra and may have limited coverage. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to sell them. Always research before buying, read the contract carefully, and check for complaints.

Card Skimming and Shimming
Skimming and shimming are scams that steal debit and credit card data from ATMs and payment terminals. Skimmers capture magnetic strip data, while shimmers steal chip information. Protect yourself: use cash, check your statements, avoid stand-alone ATMs, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent unauthorized access.

After the Disaster Scams
After disasters, scammers exploit victims through imposter scams, price gouging, fake contractors, FEMA fraud, and flood-damaged vehicle sales. Protect yourself by verifying identities, researching contractors and charities, checking vehicle history, and reporting fraud. Remain cautious and informed to avoid being scammed during emergencies.

Prescription Drugs – How to Safely Save Money
To save money on prescription drugs, use discount programs, compare costs, and look for trustworthy online pharmacies. Pharmacies are required under Michigan law to provide prices upon request. Manufacturer coupons and discount cards have limitations, so use them with caution. Always do your homework to make sure you’re buying medications safely and affordably.

AG Warns Consumers of Missed Jury Duty Scam

by orionontv | Feb 11, 2025 | Regional News

Michigan Department of Attorney General Press Release banner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 11, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Warns Consumers of Missed Jury Duty Scam

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reissuing her consumer alert about scammers impersonating government entities as residents continue to report a missed jury duty scam across the state, most recently in West Michigan. In this scam, fraudsters claiming to represent the Kent County Sheriff’s Department call unsuspecting residents, falsely stating that they have failed to appear for jury duty and must immediately post bond.

Attorney General Nessel reminds residents that delinquent jurors are never contacted by phone to pay fines for missed jury duty. Official notifications are sent by mail with specific instructions on what to do next.

“Scammers use fear and intimidation as tactics to steal your hard-earned money,” Nessel said. “A government agency will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be with a government agency and suspect it’s a scam, hang up and verify the agency’s contact information.”

If you are concerned that you are being targeted by a government imposter, you can protect yourself by doing your own internet research. Looking up the phone number for the government agency allows you to call and inquire without relying upon information provided by the scammer.

Residents can also simply do an internet search for the phone number they are being asked to call. This may help determine whether it actually belongs to a government agency or if it is one being used in scams. Attorney General Nessel wants all Michigan residents to be on the alert so they can avoid being scam victims.

For more details, view the Government Imposter Scams alert.

AG Launches Crime Victim Rights Webpage

by orionontv | Feb 7, 2025 | Regional News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 6, 2025

Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer

AG Nessel Launches Crime Victim Rights Webpage

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel recently launched a webpage aimed at educating crime victims of their rights and guiding them through the legal process after a crime is reported. The webpage, as the Attorney General explains in a video, serves as a comprehensive resource, providing critical information to those affected by a crime.

“Ensuring crime victims have access to the support and information they need is one of my main goals as Michigan’s Attorney General,” Nessel said. “The Crime Victim Rights webpage will serve as a vital tool in empowering victims to report crimes, connecting them with resources, and guiding them through the legal process.”

The Crime Victim Rights webpage includes:

A list of victims’ rights;
Statewide victim support services and resources within the Department of Attorney General;
Information on crime victim compensation;
Guidance on victim advocates services; and
An overview of the legal process for felony and misdemeanor cases.

The Crime Victim Rights webpage can be found on the Department of Attorney General’s website.

Oakland County to Host VTM Michigan 2025

by orionontv | Feb 5, 2025 | Regional News

Post Date:02/05/2025 9:05 AM

This international business to business (B2B) forum, organized by Oakland County, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and advanced business events (abe), will explore cutting-edge topics such as transport electrification and batteries, hydrogen and sustainable propulsion, connectivity and cybersecurity, autonomous driving, urban infrastructure and more.
Attendees will encounter a full program of expert-led technical presentations, pre-arranged B2B meetings to connect buyers, suppliers and innovators, exhibitions of cutting-edge technologies and solutions, and participants from around the globe.
To register, go to michiganvehiclemeetings.com.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and advanced business events (abe), is proud to announce the second edition of the Vehicle & Transportation Technology Innovation Meetings (VTM Michigan), taking place April 23-24 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Mich.

This international business to business (B2B) forum will bring together leaders from the automotive and mobility sectors for two days of plenary conferences, B2B meetings, exhibitions and networking opportunities. The event will explore cutting-edge topics such as transport electrification and batteries, hydrogen and sustainable propulsion, connectivity and cybersecurity, autonomous driving, urban infrastructure and more.

“Oakland County and Michigan are leaders in mobility innovation, and VTM Michigan is a unique opportunity to showcase our successes on the world stage,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “With a history of automotive excellence and a thriving ecosystem of advanced technologies, we’re excited to welcome companies and innovators from across the globe to the heart of Southeast Michigan.”

Learn more about VTM Michigan during a free upcoming webinar presented by the MEDC at 9-9:30 a.m. Feb. 12. Advanced registration is required at medc.cventevents.com/event/VTM/summary.

To register for VTM Michigan 2025, click on michiganvehiclemeetings.com.

VTM Michigan 2025 builds on the success of the inaugural event in 2023, which brought together more than 320 attendees, 110 companies and delegations from more than 10 countries. The 2025 edition promises an expanded event, offering attendees opportunities to connect with suppliers, manufacturers and technology leaders driving the future of mobility.

“Whether you’re a startup, a tier supplier or a major OEM, VTM Michigan provides an invaluable opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, discover new solutions, and drive the future of transportation,” said Dom Holmes, director of Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development.

Attendees will encounter:

Technical Presentations: A full program of expert-led sessions on key challenges and advancements in mobility.
B2B Matchmaking: Pre-arranged meetings to connect buyers, suppliers and innovators.
Exhibitions: A showcase of cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
Global Representation: Participants from countries including Austria, Germany, South Korea, Sweden, the UK, the USA and many more.

Michigan remains at the forefront of the mobility industry, with 26 OEMs headquartered or operating technology centers in the state and a $304 billion annual contribution to its economy. The state is also home to the largest concentration of mechanical, industrial and tool-and-die engineers in the nation, making it an epicenter for innovation and collaboration.

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