West Bloomfield Beacon

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has granted Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake and Sylvan Lake funding to help with road improvement projects.

Published July 30, 2021

Funds secured for road improvements in Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake and Sylvan Lake

OAKLAND COUNTY — When it comes to road conditions, municipalities across the state can use all the help that they can get, and a few local ones are in line to get some.

Published July 30, 2021

Oakland County’s Adopt-a-Road program returns after COVID cancellation

OAKLAND COUNTY — The Road Commission for Oakland County’s Adopt-a-Road program has returned this year, after a COVID-19-relted hiatus, and is seeking additional volunteers to sign up for its fall cleanup dates, Sept. 25-Oct. 3.

A free robotics technician training program offered at Oakland Community College has helped some local residents find jobs.

Published July 29, 2021

Partnership leads to free robotics training, jobs for Oakland County residents

OAKLAND COUNTY — Since 2017, some local residents have been given what could be described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity via a partnership between Oakland County Michigan Works!, Oakland Community College and the Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan.

Published July 29, 2021

Simple Recycling program returns to Oakland County

OAKLAND COUNTY — One of the more popular programs in southern Oakland County has recently returned after a long pause due to COVID-19.

Published July 28, 2021

A lemonade stand can be a hit with a little planning

METRO DETROIT — Anna Mullen always wanted to have a lemonade stand. This summer, she finally did it.

Published July 28, 2021

Public skate parks carve out huge space in recreation market

METRO DETROIT — When most of us think of the standard amenities at our local municipal park, we see images of basketball courts, walking trails and swing sets. The old favorites.

Published July 28, 2021

Master plan to transform a section of Keego Harbor approved

KEEGO HARBOR — A major step forward has been taken in a potential “re-imagining of Keego Harbor for the next generation.”

Published July 28, 2021

Product developed by Wayne State professor touted to be safer for marine life

METRO DETROIT — After spending weeks and months in the water, the bottom of a boat can become a slimy mess, as algae and other marine organisms coat the hull.

Published July 27, 2021

Berkley, Pleasant Ridge to see contested races in November

OAKLAND COUNTY — The deadline to file for the November election passed at 4 p.m. July 20, and the candidates for local offices who will appear on ballots have been set.

Families around the country are getting a helping hand through the federal government’s child tax credit program.

Published July 23, 2021

Child tax credit payments start going out to families

METRO DETROIT — COVID-19 brought with it a variety of problems for everyone, with parents of young children being some of the most drastically affected.

Published July 23, 2021

Remediation efforts underway in wake of I-75 tanker fire

TROY — A fuel tanker that caught fire and closed down a portion of Interstate 75 between Crooks and Rochester roads the afternoon of July 12 now has local, county and state agencies working to remediate the site, repair the damage and clean up any environmental impacts left behind.

Published July 17, 2021

Berkley to mirror federal law, increase age to purchase tobacco products to 21

OAKLAND COUNTY — In an update to comply with federal law, the city of Berkley is moving to restrict the purchasing of cigarettes and other tobacco products for people under the age of 21.

Individuals living with dementia recently had the opportunity to return to the Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program for the first time in more than a year. Staff member Shirley Crockett, left, and Jackie McKnight helped plant flowers.

Published July 17, 2021

Program for individuals with dementia returns after being closed for over a year

SOUTHFIELD/WEST BLOOMFIELD — Local residents living with dementia were welcomed back to the Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish Community Adult Day Program June 3 after the program was closed for over a year.

West Bloomfield resident Kathleen Ligocki received an honorary degree from Oakland University.

Published July 16, 2021

West Bloomfield resident ‘totally shocked’ by honorary degree after career in clean technologies

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Last year, West Bloomfield resident Kathleen Ligocki received a letter that she said left her “totally shocked.”

Diane Powell, center, poses for a photo with Tyler Bobbit, left, and Krys Phillips, right, both from Detroit. Since 2013, Powell has been working to help find jobs for teens in the area.

Published July 15, 2021

Local groups work to employ teens

OAKLAND COUNTY — In May, Oakland County Michigan Works! launched its Oakland NEXT Summer Young Professionals program. The purpose of the program was to connect teens and young adults ages 16-24 with internships, paid work experiences and other no-cost services to help launch their careers.

Published July 14, 2021

OU approves 4.2% tuition increase for 2021-22 school year

ROCHESTER — Oakland University students will have to reach deeper into their pockets for a college education next year.

Published July 14, 2021

Declining enrollment reported for teaching programs across the state

METRO DETOIT — From the time they were in elementary school, many people over the years have aspired to land a job as a teacher.

Published July 14, 2021

Michigan breweries rebounding after pandemic challenges

METRO DETROIT — As Michigan is bouncing back from the COVID-19 pandemic, its industries are finding their way back to business as usual.

Published July 14, 2021

The dish on downsizing

METRO DETROIT — The choice to downsize comes with a slew of benefits, including decluttering, lower mortgage payments, less maintenance and more money to save or invest.