West Bloomfield Beacon

Published July 16, 2020

COVID-19 takes financial toll on Henry Ford WB Hospital

WEST BLOOMFIELD — When some think about the kind of businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, they may focus on places such as restaurants and movie theaters.

Published July 16, 2020

WB resident makes documentary about COVID-19

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” could aptly apply to West Bloomfield resident Torin Caplan.

In a time of only virtual meetings, Civic Center TV helps residents tune in to government affairs

Published July 16, 2020

Bringing public meetings to the public

KEEGO HARBOR/ORCHARD LAKE/SYLVAN LAKE/WEST BLOOMFIELD — The COVID-19 pandemic has affected community members in a variety of ways.

Published July 16, 2020

WB supervisor discusses potential financial effects of pandemic

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The township has enjoyed some robust times over the years, but Supervisor Steven Kaplan recently acknowledged that, like so many other communities, “we’ve been affected” by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published July 16, 2020

West Bloomfield police talk training, education, customer focus

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Since the death of George Floyd, a black resident in Minnesota who lost his life after a white police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes, law enforcement agencies have been facing an outcry against police brutality.

Published July 13, 2020

West Bloomfield School District launches online only option

A new era of education is set to begin for some West Bloomfield School District students Aug. 26. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the district devised a plan that allows students to receive a 100% online education.

Published July 7, 2020

Automation Alley teams up to boost PPE production

METRO DETROIT — “COVID-19 was a wakeup call for the global manufacturing industry,” said Tom Kelly, executive director for Automation Alley, at a June 30 press conference at the facility.

Published July 7, 2020

Museums reopen with new safety protocols due to pandemic

DETROIT — Museums and other cultural institutions in Detroit are starting to reopen, but with COVID-19 still very much a concern, these facilities are taking steps to keep guests and staff safe.

Published July 7, 2020

Pollution down, trash up amid pandemic

METRO DETROIT — Medical experts will tell you that, as of now, it’s hard to say how each patient will react to the COVID-19 virus. But for Mother Nature, the prognosis is good.

Jacob Kubicz, 5, bursts from the tent while playing with supervisor and Registered Behavior Tech Kathleen Murphy at the Spark Center for Autism in Farmington Hills.

Published July 7, 2020

WSU, MSU professors author autism toolkit to guide centers amid COVID-19

METRO DETROIT — The novel coronavirus pandemic has, without a doubt, forced many sectors of Michigan’s workforce to adapt and change how they operate.

Published July 6, 2020

All local libraries offering curbside pickup for residents

OAKLAND COUNTY — Libraries have slowly begun to open amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but it might be a while longer before they are open to the public.

Published July 6, 2020

City halls work on reopening to public

OAKLAND COUNTY — Local municipalities currently are trying to figure out how to reopen their cities, and that includes their main offices at all four city halls.

Published July 6, 2020

Henry Ford Health System resumes normal surgeries and procedures

METRO DETROIT — A tumultuous period for local and national hospitals, such as Henry Ford Health System, has been learned from and is being used to advance in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published July 6, 2020

Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission applicant pool cut from thousands to 200

LANSING — On June 24, a random drawing of 200 semifinalists took place to narrow down the field of Michiganders who would like to serve on the state’s first Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Published July 2, 2020

Baby chimpanzee hand-reared by Detroit Zoo staff makes debut

ROYAL OAK — On June 25, 5-month-old chimpanzee Zane made his public debut at the Detroit Zoo’s 4-acre Great Apes of Harambee habitat, never far from his adoptive mom, Trixi, 50.

Published July 2, 2020

Local credit union helps to feed children

METRO DETROIT — Lunch is on us. That was how members of Community Choice Credit Union continued its tradition of helping local school children.

Published July 1, 2020

Pediatrician group wants to see students return to school

METRO DETROIT — One group of professionals is hoping students will head back to school in the fall, despite the COVID-19 outbreak.

‘Like Little League for mountain biking’

Published July 1, 2020

Cycling association offers kids a chance to compete on a mountain bike

WEST BLOOMFIELD — West Bloomfield resident Sean Warren is the president and executive director of the Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association, which he referred to as “like Little League for mountain biking in Michigan.”

Published July 1, 2020

WB resident has signs printed to promote peace and equality

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Like so many around the country, West Bloomfield resident Martie Lynch was dismayed by the death of George Floyd, a black resident in Minnesota who died after a white police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes.