Coronavirus

West Bloomfield-area businesses raring to reopen

WEST BLOOMFIELD — In every community around Michigan, even three months after the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state, most commerce was at a standstill, school desks sat empty, barstools grew cold, store shelves lay bare.

Published June 4, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Outdoor pools, playgrounds reopen post-shutdown

OAKLAND COUNTY — It was a late and wonky start, but the COVID-19 pandemic has finally eased enough to allow for summer to begin.

Published June 4, 2020

West Bloomfield Police Department has made changes due to pandemic

WEST BLOOMFIELD — After months of COVID-19 anxiety throughout the state, there was a bright spot June 1, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the Safer at Home order had been rescinded.

Schools begin plans to partially reopen in fall

Published June 4, 2020

Schools begin plans to partially reopen in fall

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered all schools closed to students March 16. Since March 17, anxious parents have waited for any kind of update as to when their kids can get back into the classroom.

Ryan Glashauser, a firefighter-paramedic with the West Bloomfield Fire Department, disinfects the patient compartment of a WBFD ambulance using an electrostatic gun to evenly apply the solution.

Published June 4, 2020

West Bloomfield fire chief reviews tactics, trends during pandemic

WEST BLOOMFIELD — For firefighters and paramedics, the pandemic has meant altering their approach both in the field and back at the base.

Officials review new COVID-19 procedures

Published June 4, 2020

Officials review new COVID-19 procedures

WEST BLOOMFIELD/ORCHARD LAKE — While society is transitioning out of its pandemic-induced stasis, there remains the possibility of a second surge in COVID-19 cases —so officials remain vigilant.

Road projects unscathed during virus shutdown

Published June 4, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Road projects unscathed during virus shutdown

METRO DETROIT — In a world turned upside-down by isolation and political unrest, there is one thing Michiganders can always count on: road construction.

Published June 4, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Oakland County builds ‘reopen kits’ for small businesses

OAKLAND COUNTY — On the west side of South Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township, two unmarked buildings — one dark brown, the other white — sat seemingly vacant even prior to the COVID-19 crisis.

Published May 26, 2020

Birmingham retailers eager to reopen

BIRMINGHAM — In every community around Michigan, even three months after the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in the state, most commerce is at a standstill, school desks sit empty, barstools grow cold, store shelves lie bare.

The playground at Booth Park in downtown Birmingham sits quiet because of the state’s emergency order that prohibits the use of public recreation facilities.

Published May 26, 2020

As quarantine restrictions ease, so do police with enforcement

BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD — We’ve all heard the unnerving anecdotes: officers breaking up basketball games at the park, pulling over bikers out for a ride, ticketing shaggy patrons going for a rogue haircut.

Published May 26, 2020

C&G Newspapers

As the rate of COVID-19 cases falls, testing becomes easier and more vital

OAKLAND COUNTY — Last week, the Oakland County Health Division announced it would expand its drive-thru testing services for all Oakland County residents, symptomatic or not.

Published May 26, 2020

Virtual babysitting, food and book drives — students get creative to give back

BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD — Even a global pandemic the likes of which most generations today have never seen — one that has pumped the brakes on final exams, proms and graduation ceremonies — can’t stop Birmingham Public Schools and Bloomfield Hills Schools students from using their talents to help the community.

Published May 26, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Some good, some sad news from Oakland Parks

OAKLAND COUNTY — The state’s stay-at-home order directed residents to do just that: stay home. But there are some exceptions to that rule, and Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department officials said they hope to help county families ease their stir-craziness with some safe fun in the open air.

Published May 26, 2020

Schools in Birmingham, West Bloomfield begin plans to partially reopen in fall

BIRMINGHAM/WEST BLOOMFIELD — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered all schools closed to students March 16. Since March 17, anxious parents have waited for any kind of update as to when their kids can get back into the classroom.

Coronavirus changes life for local businesses

Published May 26, 2020

Coronavirus changes life for local businesses

ST. CLAIR SHORES — As a city with more small businesses than big-box stores, St. Clair Shores seems to be a microcosm of Mainstreet, USA.

Published May 26, 2020

St. Clair Shores schools honor the class of 2020

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Prom and other end-of-the-year festivities went by the wayside as COVID-19 shut down schools, but local districts are working hard to make graduation something to remember.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit announced that it would be permanently closing the Lakeshore Family YMCA, 23401 E. Jefferson Ave., as of May 15.

Published May 26, 2020

COVID-19 leads to closure of Lakeshore Family YMCA

ST. CLAIR SHORES — As of mid-May, the YMCA announced that it would be permanently closing the Lakeshore Family YMCA, 23401 E. Jefferson Ave., as well as the Livonia Family YMCA.

MyDeal Graphics Inc. is selling shirts with a symbol of unity printed on them to benefit Macomb County Meals on Wheels.

Published May 26, 2020