West Bloomfield Beacon

Published February 19, 2021

Macomb County businesses sue state officials for damages over closures

MACOMB COUNTY — Samuel Backos said his restaurant, Ernie’s, has been “devastated” by state-ordered closures officials said were put in place to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said local restaurant, bar and banquet properties have been left “virtually worthless” and that their employees have suffered through “a very depressing time.”

Published February 19, 2021

Boat dealerships ‘slammed’ with interested buyers

METRO DETROIT — From a low of leaving a show after just a day to a high of months of great sales, the boating industry has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic better than other industries, likely because its product is designed to be used in the relative safety of outdoors.

The West Bloomfield Township Board has imposed a moratorium barring any more medical marijuana grow houses in the township through Aug. 7.

Published February 18, 2021

Some marijuana grow houses causing a stink in West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD — With illegal marijuana grow houses raising concerns among some West Bloomfield residents, on Feb. 8 the township board imposed a moratorium against any more medical marijuana grow homes in residential areas by a vote of 6-0.

Published February 18, 2021

Science Center offers free admission days thanks to local businesses

DETROIT — The Michigan Science Center is welcoming in more people than ever with its free admission days.

Published February 18, 2021

USPBL standout signs Major League Baseball contract

METRO DETROIT — Whether it be whiffle ball in the backyard, tee ball for the city team or playing video games on the TV, baseball has been a constant in Dugan Darnell’s life for as long as he can remember.

Published February 16, 2021

Troy police investigate homicide outside Belle Tire store

TROY — Troy police are investigating a homicide discovered during the early morning Feb. 15 at the front entrance of Belle Tire, 4966 Rochester Road.

Published February 12, 2021

Man in custody following multiple local drugstore robberies

OAKLAND COUNTY — A Flint man has been charged following a string of robberies at pharmacies across Oakland and Genesee counties.

Published February 10, 2021

OU announces $2,500 scholarship for Michigan frontline workers

ROCHESTER HILLS — Oakland University is offering financial assistance to those working the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published February 10, 2021

COVID-19 spikes demand for in-home senior services

METRO DETROIT — Sterling Heights resident Roxanne Hayes has an 86-year-old father who lives with her and her husband.

Published February 9, 2021

Dreaming about — and planning for — next spring’s yard and garden

METRO DETROIT — Families once were busy running from school to dance class to basketball practice, and from family parties to hanging out with friends all weekend, but the past months have made for a change of pace that’s affecting how residents feel about the importance of their yard to their peace of mind.

Published February 9, 2021

For many, COVID reveals existing ADD/ADHD

BIRMINGHAM — How are you doing, handling all of this time at home? If working or learning virtually has you a little down, unmotivated, maybe a bit forgetful and anxious, you’re far from alone. The pandemic has caused a lot of people to feel that way.

Published February 9, 2021

Baker College campus coming to downtown Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK — The excavation and construction of a seven-story, 86,000-square-foot, $51 million Baker College campus is underway in downtown Royal Oak at 420 S. Lafayette Ave., north of Fifth Street.

Published February 8, 2021

Walled Lake Schools touts Schools of Choice

WALLED LAKE — Since 1996, parents in Michigan have had more flexibility as to where their children attend school.

Published February 6, 2021

Fish Fry Fridays 2021 - sponsored by Big Boy

A local guide to metro Detroit Friday fish fry dinners in 2021

Published February 6, 2021

Winter Guide features new activities in West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD — For local residents, perhaps one of the best resources for escape and entertainment during COVID-19 has been the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission.

Published February 5, 2021

Two polar bear cubs born at Detroit Zoo doing well

ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoo recently announced that two polar bear cubs born Nov. 17 to mom Suka, 8, and 16-year-old father Nuka are doing well.

Published February 5, 2021

Residents share memories of the Great Blizzard of 1978

METRO DETROIT — Talk about a snow day. Forty-three years ago, the Great Blizzard of 1978 blanketed metro Detroit, the state and other parts of the U.S.

Published February 4, 2021

Nonprofit helps change lives by providing clean water

STERLING HEIGHTS — It has been more than five years since Sterling Heights resident David Lomasney made a decision that changed not only the course of his life, but possibly thousands of others.

The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has begun a campaign to encourage community members to shop and dine locally.

Published February 4, 2021

Lakes Area chamber launches shopping and dining campaign

The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has launched the Love the Lakes Shop and Dine Local Campaign in an effort to support nearby businesses.

Starters is one of several restaurants to receive aid from Oakland County and the city of Southfield.

Published January 30, 2021

Southfield, county to provide aid to struggling restaurants

OAKLAND COUNTY — The bar and restaurant industries have been some of the hardest hit in the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurant owners have had to adjust hours and switch solely to carryout in order to keep business afloat.