West Bloomfield Beacon

West Bloomfield School District Adult Education students are pictured at a local Dairy Queen. Dawn Hanford, who is the adult education coordinator for the WBSD said, “Last year, we had over 38 nations represented.”

Published August 20, 2020

Adult education program helps newcomers to the country adjust to their new life

WEST BLOOMFIELD — For those who want to take their appreciation for life to a higher level, a good place to start may be to speak with adult education teachers and students.

Published August 20, 2020

Sylvan Lake resident has book of photos published during pandemic

SYLVAN LAKE — Earlier this year, Sylvan Lake resident Zach Oshinsky had some pretty big plans.

West Bloomfield Township intends to eliminate the need for a service currently provided by Comcast by building its own fiber network.

Published August 20, 2020

West Bloomfield prepares to take ownership of fiber network

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Between now and October, some West Bloomfield residents may notice some digging going on near their homes.

Published August 20, 2020

Orchard Lake officials reflect on the loss of former city clerk

ORCHARD LAKE — Some people may not expect to hear words like “friendly,” “caring” and “personable” used to describe government officials.

Published August 20, 2020

West Bloomfield resident awarded $1,500 scholarship

WEST BLOOMFIELD — When Bob Mellen joined the West Bloomfield Optimist Club in the 1980s, little did he know at the time that the club would eventually go on to create a scholarship to remember his “dedication to youth within our community.”

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 6, 2020

West Bloomfield plans for half days in person, half online for K-8, online only 9-12

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The roadmap for what the upcoming school year will look like has begun to become clearer for West Bloomfield School District parents and students.

Published August 6, 2020

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital sees decrease in number of COVID-19 patients

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Despite an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases reported in Michigan, the news has been better at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.

Published August 6, 2020

Parks and Recreation millage approved by West Bloomfield voters

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Local voters showed strong support for West Bloomfield parks, approving the renewal of an existing parks and recreation millage ballot proposal by a wide margin in the Aug. 4 primary election.

Published August 6, 2020

West Bloomfield Township Public Library enters another phase of services

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Those who enjoy browsing inside their local library have reason to cheer: The West Bloomfield Township Public Library opened to the public July 15.

Published August 6, 2020

Coulter, Kowall prevail in Oakland County executive primary

OAKLAND COUNTY — The Oakland County executive candidates have been set for the Nov. 3 general election.

Published August 6, 2020

West Bloomfield bicycle riders raise funds for Make-A-Wish Michigan

WEST BLOOMFIELD — In 2012, life took an unexpected detour for West Bloomfield resident Mark Canvasser.

Published August 5, 2020

Gregory, Bouchard to face off for sheriff in November

OAKLAND COUNTY — Democrat Vincent Gregory will face incumbent Republican Michael Bouchard for the Oakland County Sheriff seat in November.

Published August 5, 2020

Local gym has remained open despite executive order, visits from police

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Multiple Powerhouse Gym locations have opted to remain open, including the one on Haggerty Road in West Bloomfield.

Becky Skates, of Royal Oak, dropped off many bags of plastic for recycling at the SOCRRA Recycling Drop-Off Center after making an appointment July 24.

Published July 28, 2020

SOCRRA re-opens recycling drop-off center, by appointment only

METRO DETROIT — For the past four months, eco-conscious consumers have been stockpiling their paper, cardboard, glass and plastic containers while SOCRRA’s Recycling Drop-Off Center was closed due to COVID-19.

Published July 28, 2020

Beat the summer heat

METRO DETROIT — Seemingly endless weeks of hot, steamy weather along with a few intense storms have dramatically increased the use of air conditioning, and at times, cut power altogether this summer.