Metro

Published April 27, 2015

Detroit Zoo crowdfunds to harness energy from poop

ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoological Society is seeking $55,000 through online donations to construct a “biodigester,” a device that would collect the methane from animal waste and turn it into electricity.

The money is part of the final effort needed to construct the digester, Detroit Zoo Chief Operating Officer Gerry Van Acker said. The zoo already has raised $900,000.

Published April 27, 2015

List of intersection accident data released

Several of Michigan’s traffic intersections with the most total accidents or related injuries or deaths in 2014 were found in Oakland and Macomb counties, according to top 10 lists recently compiled by a law firm.

Using data from the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reporting Unit, the Michigan Auto Law firm’s website posted in March that the Michigan intersection with the most accidents last year was South State Road at West Ellsworth Road in Ann Arbor, with 170 accidents.

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Published April 22, 2015

Michigan International Women’s Show celebrates 20 years

NOVI — Men, you might as well look away now.

There will be a lot to see and do during the 20th annual Michigan International Women’s Show from April 30-May 3 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

“It has definitely grown,” Beth Anderson, executive show manager of Southern Shows, said. “It has changed, and we hope that everyone enjoys it as much today as they did 20 years ago when it first started at the Novi Expo Center.”

Published April 21, 2015

Jazz pros, students to celebrate music of past and present at April 30 concert

DETROIT — Local leading jazz musicians will be sharing a famous stage with some aspiring jazz greats of tomorrow when the University Liggett School Jazz Band opens for the Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra on April 30 at the Music Hall Jazz Café.

Published April 20, 2015

Don’t be behind the curve on roundabouts

With the right frame of mind, drivers navigating a roundabout in metro Detroit can turn going in circles into a positive experience, according to road and driving safety representatives.

Construction recently began on an upcoming roundabout at 14 Mile Road at Orchard Lake Road at the border of West Bloomfield and Farmington Hills, according to Craig Bryson, spokesman for the Road Commission for Oakland County. The RCOC expects the project to be finished this autumn.

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Published April 17, 2015

C & G Newspapers staff writer wins prestigious fellowship

C & G Newspapers Staff Writer Kevin Bunch is one of 10 journalists nationwide selected for the University of Rhode Island’s Metcalf Institute for Marine & Environmental Reporting’s 17th annual Science Immersion Workshop for Journalists. Bunch writes about Eastpointe and Roseville for the Eastsider, and he has carved out a niche as C & G Newspapers’ science writer.

Published April 17, 2015

C & G Newspapers staff wins seven awards

Five members of the C & G Newspapers team took home awards at the Society of Professional Journalists Detroit Chapter’s annual Excellence in Journalism competition at the San Marino Club in Troy on April 15. The awards recognized work from 2014.

Published April 15, 2015

As Earth Day nears, experts discuss new trends in camping technology and conservation

METRO DETROIT — Ain’t progress grand? Our phones rarely keep us tethered to the wall anymore. Thanks to email, our messages are as fast as lightning and don’t require a stamp. With MP3 players, we don’t have to wait for the radio disc jockey to play our favorite tune.

With so many changes in our everyday lives, it only makes sense that other activities we’re used to — like camping — would evolve with the times, too.

Published April 15, 2015

Experts discuss new trends in camping technology and conservation

With so many changes in our everyday lives, it only makes sense that other activities we’re used to — like camping — would evolve with the times, too.

Published April 15, 2015

New water heater efficiency standard might drive up price tag and size

METRO DETROIT — Starting April 16, water heater manufacturers must comply with mandatory new standards issued by the U.S. Department of Energy geared toward conserving energy.

The new water heaters will be larger in size, due to increased insulation, and will have more expensive price tags, but they will save more energy.

Published April 15, 2015

Children’s productions take center stage

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Children who enjoy live theater are invited to check out two productions coming to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts this month.

“My Heart in a Suitcase” is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. April 21.

Published April 13, 2015

Turn an auto rental experience into a reward

Whether it’s for planning a long road trip or to have some backup wheels while their main ride is in the shop, securing a rental car will likely become a favorable option for most drivers sooner or later.

However, businesses that loan vehicles to drivers often have their own requirements and guidelines for renting vehicles and taking care of those vehicles.

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Published April 13, 2015

In the spotlight: Motor City Comic Con

NOVI — While some actors might regret being typecast due to a certain role, that is not the case for Robert Englund.

The California native — probably best known for scaring filmgoers as Freddy Krueger in several “A Nightmare on Elm Street” movies — said the frightening character he played actually opened many more doors for him in the U.S., Canada, Israel, Africa and Europe, where he has found steady work.

Published April 8, 2015

Container gardens: A unique horticultural alternative

METRO DETROIT — For people with space challenges and unfavorable soil conditions, container gardens may be a simple, colorful solution.

Mary Gerstenberger, Macomb County Michigan State University Extension consumer horticulture coordinator, and Karen McCuen, president of the Shelby Gardeners Club, agree that whether people are planting vegetables or flowers, the first step is to select the right container.

Published April 8, 2015

Awnings offer shady alternatives

METRO DETROIT — Most people don’t notice awnings until they decide to buy one.

The main reason most homeowners decide to purchase an awning is for shade. Also, they wish to cut the cost of cooling their home and keep the patio cool in the summer, said Lorraine Strachan, office manager for Signature Awning in Livonia, which serves all of metro Detroit.

“The biggest reason is shade,” Strachan said.

Published April 8, 2015

Improv comedy performers revisit their roots with downtown Detroit shows

DETROIT — Go Comedy! Improv Theater is packing up the laughs and taking them down the road.

The Ferndale-based improvisational comedy group will be bringing its award-winning All-Star Showdown to Detroit’s Elizabeth Theater for special performances April 18 and May 16.

Published April 8, 2015

Oakland County urges residents to prepare for severe weather

OAKLAND COUNTY — Waving goodbye to the snow and ice of winter isn’t hard for most people to do come spring, but county officials want residents to know that as the temperatures increase, so do the chances for severe weather.

Last year, there were 112 storm-based warnings issued in southeast Michigan, three of which were recorded tornadoes. County officials said the recent tornado that touched down in Rochester Hills serves as a reminder of how destructive tornadoes can be and why it is vital to have a severe weather plan.

Published April 6, 2015

Driving issues change with the seasons

A greener, warmer Michigan might signal the end of winter driving, but the end of winter advisory alerts doesn’t mean that drivers can let down their guard.

According to AAA Public Affairs Director Susan Hiltz, many people take road trips around this time of year. But she said some vehicles may need to prepare for a transition between local cold winter driving and driving over the next couple of months.

Road trips also require careful attention to surrounding traffic, she said.

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Published April 1, 2015

Home design awards honor excellence

METRO DETROIT — Elegance and simplicity are essential elements of award-winning home design.

“Our clients want quality architectural details,” said John VanBrouck, of Luxe Homes, one of the winners of the Detroit Home Design Awards, held March 24 at The Fillmore Detroit. “They are looking for something that is different, unique and creative with classic styling.”

Published April 1, 2015

Frankenfoods: Are GMOs as scary as people think?

METRO DETROIT — With spring right around the corner, it won’t be long before farmers markets open up, ready to bring shoppers the locally grown produce that may not have all the chemicals that larger grocers might sell.