Macomb Township Chronicle

Published July 8, 2015

Exercising with your pooch can be fun — if you play it safe

METRO DETROIT — You know that itch you’ve had to get outside and burn off some of that extra energy? Well, guess what? Your pooch feels the same way.

Plenty of people have gotten into the habit of not just walking their dogs around the block, but including them in their own exercise regimen. Just like people, pets can definitely benefit from a good workout.

Published July 8, 2015

Local volunteers recognized by county board

MACOMB COUNTY — More than 60 volunteers from throughout Macomb County were honored by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners on June 25.

In order to be recognized, volunteers were required to donate at least 150 hours toward organizations throughout the county and region.

“As we all know, volunteers are the heart of our community. Contrary to many aspects of our lives, volunteers do not have to do anything. Instead, they offer their time, their talent and their resources because they want to help others,” board Chair David Flynn said during the event.

Published July 7, 2015

Local family honored to host members of Congress

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — For a decade, the Michigan Farm Bureau held its Dinner on the Farm event with U.S. Rep. Candice Miller in different locations throughout the 10th District, which Miller represents.

It had been held once previously in Macomb County, but it had never taken place in a greenhouse.

That changed on June 30, when Larry and Donna DeCock, the owners of Planters Paradise Floral Gardens in Macomb Township, hosted the 11th annual Dinner on the Farm inside one of several greenhouses on their 25-acre property.

Published July 7, 2015

U.S. reps discuss issues at 11th Dinner on the Farm

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — The Michigan Farm Bureau brought its 11th annual Dinner on the Farm event to Macomb Township on June 30.

Each year, county farm bureaus within Michigan’s 10th Congressional District rotate hosting the event, which annually features U.S. Rep. Candice Miller.

It was the second time Macomb County has hosted the event, which provides an opportunity for farm bureau members to interact with their elected leaders in government.

Published July 7, 2015

Noise pollution is a health issue

METRO DETROIT — Noise pollution could be a contributing factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and hypertension, but regulations are limited to what local municipalities have set up and can enforce.

Richard Neitzel, assistant professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan, said that while most people would think of hearing loss as the first, and possibly only, health impact from noise pollution, there have been a number of studies linking it to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.

Published July 6, 2015

Help your car stand the heat

When temperatures climb into the 90s and triple digits, prepared drivers with properly maintained cars are less likely to lose their cool.

According to Al Laity, service director at Rochester Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge, auto owners should make sure that they or a qualified mechanic check several car components in order to keep the vehicle humming through the summer.

First of all, to prevent the car engine from overheating, make sure the cooling system is in good shape. Check the condition of the engine’s belts and hoses.

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Published July 2, 2015

Stay safe, healthy during summer weather

METRO DETROIT — Ah, the lazy days of summer.

That means afternoon dips in a pool, camping trips, outdoor activities and bonfires to close out the night.

But with the onset of summer, it’s important to remember the various ailments that can arise from a day of fun in the sun. Local doctors have several tips for children, adults and senior citizens to help them stay safe and healthy.

Published July 2, 2015

‘In the end, we were an army’

METRO DETROIT — In a landmark decision June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry — a successful outcome for one of the largest civil rights movements in recent history.

The ruling will reverse laws in 13 states that still ban same-sex marriage, Michigan included. Same-sex couples will now be able to marry in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia.

Published July 1, 2015

Ride on with caution

METRO DETROIT — Whether people are renting inflatable bouncers for parties or are among the more than 40 million carnival and amusement park-goers, real dangers are mixed in with the fun.

Published July 1, 2015

Local volunteers recognized by county board

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — More than 60 volunteers from throughout Macomb County were honored by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners on June 25.

In order to be recognized, volunteers were required to donate at least 150 hours toward numerous organizations throughout the county and region.

Published June 30, 2015

Increase energy efficiency to save money this summer

With summer heating up, local experts offered advice to save money on energy bills by maximizing efficiency in the home.

“There’s a lot of very simple measures to be more energy-efficient that don’t have to cost a lot of money,” Consumers Energy spokeswoman Deb Dodd said. “You don’t necessarily have to buy new windows or (energy-efficient appliances).”

One measure, Dodd said, is a programmable thermostat, which can reduce air conditioning costs while a home is unoccupied.

Published June 30, 2015

A pain in the neck … and head, and eyes

The fellow in the cubicle next to you has been coming in each morning with red, tired eyes. He’s rubbing his throbbing temples throughout the day and always has a stash of Ibuprofen on hand.

There’s a good chance your cube pal isn’t an all-night partier, but rather, a daily sufferer of seasonal allergies. And he’s not alone. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, as many as 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children in the United States are affected by nasal allergies.

Published June 30, 2015

Ascension Lutheran finds a new home in township

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — For the past eight years, Ascension Lutheran Church has been without a permanent building to call home.

It has held services in a suite inside the former Foam Factory building on Hall Road and Groesbeck, but that all changed on June 28.

Ascension Lutheran, which has 71 people in its congregation, held its first service and dedication at its new building located on 23 Mile, east of North Avenue.

Published June 30, 2015

Car chase ends with teen driving into Clinton River

CLINTON TOWNSHIP— A 16-year old Macomb Township male was arrested by Macomb County sheriff's deputies after a car chase that ended in the Clinton River.

Published June 29, 2015

Know your limits when it comes to speed

The urge to hurry can put a driver at risk of a speeding ticket or even a traffic accident. But even if a speed limit seems like an inconvenience, there is often a carefully considered reason behind the numbers, according to road and safety experts.

According to a document from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning called “Establishing Realistic Speed Limits,” speed limits are designed to keep all drivers as safe as possible while staying within realistic boundaries of “reasonable and proper” public driving habits.

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Published June 27, 2015

Teen academies foster student learning

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Although their eyes were stinging a bit and the smell wasn’t the most appealing, Rochelle Niemiec and Justin Updyke got the job done.

The pair chopped up a tray full of onions on the morning of June 23 as they prepared a delicious lunch from scratch alongside their classmates in the culinary/pastry arts summer teen academy at Macomb Community College’s Center Campus.

Every summer, the school offers a number of week-long academies in different fields to give local teenagers the opportunity to explore various careers.

Published June 26, 2015

Lake Erie toxic algal bloom may be smaller than last year’s

According to researchers, the annual bloom of harmful algae on Lake Erie is on track to be on par with the 2009-10 blooms, though still smaller than last year’s bloom that saw the shutdown of the Toledo water system.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its preliminary report June 15 on what it expects from Erie’s bloom this year, with a more accurate one coming in early July.

Published June 24, 2015

Guard against Lyme disease this summer

METRO DETROIT — Tick bites can have long-lasting consequences.

A specific species of the bloodsucking arachnid, the blacklegged tick — also known as the deer tick — can spread Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can cause issues for months or years after the initial bite.

Published June 24, 2015

Demand for new construction, higher interest rates could make housing market tougher for sellers

METRO DETROIT — The housing market in metro Detroit is still flooded with buyers and sellers, but things may get a little more difficult for sellers as interest rates have started trending upward and more buyers are looking to get into new builds.

Keller Williams real estate agent John Kurczak, based in Sterling Heights, said that just as things have changed in the types of homes that buyers are looking at, so too has the way that homes are sold.

Published June 24, 2015

Prevent foodborne illness at your summertime picnic

METRO DETROIT — Hot, humid days spent sizzling under the summer sun are one of the few antidotes to a long Michigan winter.

Soaking up the heat is fine, of course, as long as it’s not your food that’s doing the sweating.

The Oakland County Health Division recently released a list of food safety reminders as residents get ready to head out for summer picnics. Tony Drautz, environmental health administrator for the division, said they like to give cooks a brush-up on the basics this time of year, when meals tend to migrate outdoors.