Madison - Park News

Published August 25, 2020

Parks see increase in visitors, wrestle to keep people safe during COVID-19

METRO DETROIT — Whether to seek refuge from quarantine, joblessness or the inability to travel, Michiganders have flocked to parks to keep themselves healthy, both physically and mentally.

Published August 25, 2020

Taking aim at teen driver safety

METRO DETROIT — The 100 days that fill the gap between Memorial Day and Labor Day may be known as some of the most fun for teens, who spend their summer breaks travelling from one destination to the next, but for public safety experts, those 100 days signify something much different.

Published August 25, 2020

Behind the Wheel: Ford models are a family affair

WARREN — "She’s got her elbow on my car,” Warren resident Bob Gaines teased when his daughter, Dawn Gaines, momentarily leaned on her dad’s 1968 Ford Galaxie 500.

Published August 25, 2020

Conservationist says restoring nature starts at home

METRO DETROIT — Addressing global damage to nature seems overwhelming, but author and researcher Doug Tallamy says that even small changes in your yard can make a difference.

Published August 24, 2020

Oakland County seeks to renew, increase millage for parks

OAKLAND COUNTY — Earlier this month, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted to add a 0.35-mill proposal to the Nov. 3 ballot to fund the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department, since the current millage is set to expire next year.

Published August 21, 2020

Michigan State Fair goes virtual this year

METRO DETROIT — The Michigan State Fair is usually an end-of-summer tradition packed with carnival rides, live entertainment, exhibits and much more. This year’s fair, presented by Ram Trucks, is still on.

Published August 20, 2020

Officials see progress on Madison school district’s turnaround

MADISON HEIGHTS — Officials with the Madison District Public Schools, or MDPS, are feeling more optimistic about the district’s finances, as the school district came in under budget for the previous school year by around $400,000. Now they’re cautiously approaching the next school year.

Published August 20, 2020

Gettings returns to Madison Heights City Council

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights City Council finally has a full seven members, now that Bob Gettings has returned to the fold.

Published August 20, 2020

Madison Heights City Council appoints new mayor

MADISON HEIGHTS — A divided City Council has chosen the next mayor of Madison Heights, and for the first time in more than 40 years, the mayor is a woman.

Published August 20, 2020

Madison Heights forms Human Relations and Equity Commission

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights City Council has approved a new board that will help city officials better understand and meet the needs of the many diverse groups within the city.

Published August 20, 2020

Third recreational marijuana shop now open in Hazel Park

HAZEL PARK — City officials in Hazel Park say that the town’s burgeoning marijuana industry is coming together smoothly. Its latest installment, Skymint, opened its doors recently.

Published August 20, 2020

Madison Heights Police help dismantle sex trafficking operation

MADISON HEIGHTS — Police have arrested a man they believe was running a sex trafficking and prostitution operation in Madison Heights and other cities.

Published August 20, 2020

Grafstein reflects on new role as mayor of Madison Heights

MADISON HEIGHTS — Meet the new mayor of Madison Heights. Previously the mayor pro tem, Roslyn Grafstein has now been appointed to the partial term vacated by Brian Hartwell when he became judge of Hazel Park 43rd District Court.

Published August 11, 2020

Agriculture experts: Don’t plant unsolicited mystery seeds

METRO DETROIT — While some of the unlabeled seeds have reportedly now been identified as common plants including cabbage, mustard, lavender, rosemary, sage and various flowers, agriculture experts have issued clear guidance about what to do and what not to do if any mystery seeds arrive in your mailbox.

Published August 11, 2020

MoGo sees positives, negatives in expansion during pandemic

OAKLAND COUNTY — Last year it was announced that MoGo, the bike sharing service in Detroit, would be expanding to the cities of Ferndale, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak and Oak Park.

Published August 10, 2020

State opioid overdose rates increase during pandemic

METRO DETROIT — Stress and isolation are being identified as triggers as statistics show substantial increases in opioid overdoses since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published August 7, 2020

Girl Scouts implement new STEM-focused badges and activities

METRO DETROIT — The Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan are encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering and math in their Scouts through new programs and the addition of 24 new badges.

Published August 7, 2020

Area Agency on Aging offers online program for caregivers

METRO DETROIT — The Area Agency on Aging 1-B is taking its caregiver class, the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program, and hosting it online so those caring for a sick loved one can still learn despite the pandemic.

Published August 7, 2020

Madison Heights bans conversion therapy for minors

MADISON HEIGHTS — Health care providers in Madison Heights that engage in programs attempting to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity — sometimes referred to as “conversion therapy” — will now be subject to imprisonment and fines.

Published August 7, 2020

Madison Heights Community Coalition concerned about pandemic’s toll on youth

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Community Coalition, or MHCC, believes that if kids are surrounded by good influences, they’re more likely to succeed.