West Bloomfield Beacon

Published June 18, 2019

METRO DETROIT — Having wonderful, friendly neighbors is always nice, but it’s also good to have a little privacy on your yard. Many communities have homes that are close together, and that can take away the feeling of serenity and tranquility in the property. Plants, such as trees, bushes and flowers, can be used to add not only beauty to a yard, but also some privacy in both the front and backyards.

Published June 18, 2019

Pink hair don’t care

METRO DETROIT — These days, to rock vivid hair color, you don’t have to be an Instagram baddie or a punk rocker. You just need the courage and a little time.

Published June 18, 2019

Bar trivia serves up competition with a twist

METRO DETROIT — At 6:45 p.m. on a sunny, warm Thursday in June, Augie’s Bar and Grill in Madison Heights is close to empty. It’s just too nice outside. But by 6:55 p.m., the dining room is full. Thursday at Augie’s means it’s time for some bar trivia — two hours’ worth of questions read off by a host, while players on teams write down their answers and turn them in for points. Each correct answer is worth a certain number of points, and the highest-scoring team wins.

Published June 17, 2019

West Nile virus found in mosquito in Pontiac

PONTIAC — Oakland County health officials urge protection against mosquitoes after a mosquito in Pontiac tested positive for West Nile virus.

Published June 13, 2019

WLCS announces Eagle Scouts at all three high schools

WALLED LAKE — Each of the high schools in the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools district is celebrating students who have attained the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout.

Artist Natalia Wohletz will present a selection of her linoleum block prints at the Fine Art Fine Wine Fair this weekend in Orchard Lake.

Published June 13, 2019

Fine Art Fine Wine returns to St. Mary’s

ORCHARD LAKE — Next weekend, there will be a little something to tantalize every palate — and palette — during the annual Fine Art Fine Wine Fair at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Preparatory.

Published June 12, 2019

Health officials: Oakland County measles outbreak is over

OAKLAND COUNTY — After wreaking havoc on the metro Detroit area this spring, the Michigan measles outbreak has ended, officials from the Oakland County Health Division announced recently.

Published June 12, 2019

The Friday 5 — June 14-16

Your guide to this weekend's events

Published June 12, 2019

Yoga becomes a new experience outside the studio

METRO DETROIT — If you’re moving soon, don’t even think about asking Tina Iulianelli or Amy Anderson to help haul your stuff. Their cars’ trunks are filled to the brim with yoga mats, blocks and resistance bands.

Published June 12, 2019

It’s a good time for chimney inspections

METRO DETROIT — The sun and warm days are finally upon us. But that doesn’t mean it’s not time to think about winter. According to local chimney care experts and firefighting professionals, now is the time to get your chimney inspected and thoroughly swept in order to be ready to reignite those logs once the temperatures drop again.

Retired Troy nurse Sherry Hoover uses cannabis products to battle cancer — products she said she cannot obtain due to new state rules.

Published June 11, 2019

Troy woman with cancer sues state over marijuana access

TROY — A Troy woman battling stage 4 mastocytosis leukemia has sued the state agency that regulates marijuana over rules that took effect April 1, rules that she said have dried up the supply of pot she needs to continue with her treatment.

Published June 11, 2019

Beloved local bartender honored at Charles H. Wright Museum

DETROIT — To those who knew him, Jerome Adams, of Eastpointe, was the kind of man who was always there with a smile to give and a hand to lend … and if that hand included one of his refreshing cocktails, it was all the better.

The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees recently approved changes to the local fireworks ordinance.

Published June 10, 2019

West Bloomfield officials remind residents about fireworks rules

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Summer is a time of year when fireworks are in heavy use, lighting up the skies in spectacular displays that many find patriotic, but that others find distressing.

Published June 10, 2019

Local women featured in new exhibition

WEST BLOOMFIELD — When Bloomfield Hills sculpture artist Nanci LeBret Einstein finished her latest multimedia installation — a large and intense collaboration with her husband — she said she needed to take a breath.

Runners participate in the third annual Hero 5K color run and 1-mile walk to raise money to prevent child human trafficking at Bloomer Park last June. The event was created by two Macomb County teachers who wanted to raise awareness and funding for child human trafficking.

Published June 10, 2019

Annual Hero 5K to raise awareness for child human trafficking

OAKLAND COUNTY — In December 2015, as Macomb County teachers Laurie Bradshaw and Damien Buckley sat together and talked through the heavy topic of human trafficking, they decided to stop simply talking about it and to take action.

Published June 10, 2019

One Water hits the road to promote improved infrastructure

OAKLAND COUNTY — Each time we pour a glass of water from our tap or run our toothbrush underneath or even fill up the kiddie pool, all we see is something clear and refreshing. But beneath the spigot, Michigan’s water infrastructure is crumbling and the inland lakes we enjoy are being polluted — that’s the part we as consumers don’t often see.

Staff Writer Brian Louwers is visiting Normandy, France for the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Published June 6, 2019

D-Day dispatches from Normandy

Editor’s note: Staff Writer Brian Louwers is in Europe, visiting historic spots and attending ceremonies in France and the Netherlands marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day (June 6, 1944). Below are some dispatches and photos he’s sent in about his experiences:

Published June 5, 2019

The Friday 5 — June 7-9

Your guide to this weekend's events

Published June 5, 2019

Interfaith group to explore henna: temporary, natural body art

METRO DETROIT — Henna is a rich part of Indian culture, and is a staple at weddings. It is also used during religious ceremonies, baby showers, parties and get-togethers.

Published June 5, 2019

D-Day 75 years later

METRO DETROIT — Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force Dwight Eisenhower famously said the task of D-Day would not be an easy one, given the enemy was “well-trained, well-equipped and battle-hardened.”