West Bloomfield Beacon

Published March 19, 2019

METRO DETROIT — Michigan is home to many who take advantage of spring break, enjoy vacations over the summer, or even escape the entire winter season in favor of a warmer climate. While they’re away, their homes are left largely unattended, making them vulnerable to break-ins and other crime. Luckily, law enforcement officials say there are a number of things people can do to protect their homes.

Published March 19, 2019

Drink in the health benefits of nature

METRO DETROIT — Have you ever wondered if your trusty family physician gets miffed by that old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? We’ve got it on good authority that she doesn’t. In fact, your doc would be pleased as punch — a very nutrient-rich punch — to hear that you’re getting in daily servings of apples, berries and, especially, green vegetables.

Published March 18, 2019

State weight restrictions in spotlight of road debate

METRO DETROIT — The Michigan Department of Transportation announced last week that additional restrictions will be tacked on to the state and local road weight restrictions, which took effect Friday, March 15.

Published March 18, 2019

Make managing your health the priority during National Nutrition Month

METRO DETROIT — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging Michiganders to make informed diet choices during March, which is National Nutrition Month.

Coyotes are common in West Bloomfield and throughout the state. Officials want residents to be informed on how to live among them. Pictured, a coyote rests on the winter landscape.

Published March 14, 2019

Coyote sightings reported in West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD — A couple of coyote sightings in various areas of West Bloomfield Township sparked a post on the township website on how to deal with encounters with the canines native to North America.

Household hazardous waste items, including paint and paint products, will be accepted at a township collection event for environmentally friendly disposal and recycling April 13.

Published March 14, 2019

Household hazardous waste event in West Bloomfield to collect recyclable items

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The township will hold its popular biannual Household Hazardous Waste Day 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 13 to collect old and unused items that are unsafe to put in a landfill.

Published March 14, 2019

Jewish Family Service receives funds for Holocaust survivor care

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit recently received a grant from the Jewish Federations of North America’s Center for Advancing Holocaust Survivor Care, according to a press release.

Published March 14, 2019

More measles cases confirmed in Oakland County

METRO DETROIT — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Oakland County Health Division confirmed a total of 38 measles cases April 5. The cases follow an announcement made March 13 by the Oakland County Health Division confirming a case of travel-related measles.

Published March 13, 2019

The Friday 5 — March 15-17

Your guide to this weekend's events

Published March 13, 2019

Giving CBD oil a try

METRO DETROIT — It’s an all-natural product that can reportedly treat chronic pain, ease anxiety and bring sleep to those suffering from insomnia — with few to no side effects or drug interactions. But about half of those who hear about this supposed wonder drug won’t even try it because of its association with marijuana. It’s cannabidiol, better known as CBD oil.

Published March 13, 2019

Raise your gardening game

METRO DETROIT — The garden of your dreams doesn’t have to exist in your mind, or even in the ground in your backyard. Raised-bed gardens, made of wood or other creatively repurposed building materials, offer many advantages to vegetable growers in residential lots and community gardens.

Published March 8, 2019

Remembering Gil Demers

WARREN — Gilbert Demers, the founder, publisher and patriarch of the C & G Newspapers family, passed away peacefully Feb. 25 at his home in Florida. His wife, Charlotte, the “C” to his “G,” and his five children were by his side. He was 89.

Published March 7, 2019

Residents rally in Sylvan Lake against apartment complex at former school

SYLVAN LAKE — A March 5 Sylvan Lake Planning Commission meeting drew a standing-room-only crowd to the Sylvan Lake Community Center, with concerned residents speaking out about a former school property possibly being developed into a three-story apartment complex.

Published March 6, 2019

The Friday 5 — March 8-10

Your guide to this weekend's events

Children relax on the dock at Camp Sancta Maria, where fathers and sons, mothers and daughters can spend a weekend at the camp together.

Published March 6, 2019

All in the family: Summer camp isn’t just for kids

Cabins, swimming in the lake, crafts and outdoor adventures are summertime traditions for some children.

Phragmites grow near the intersection of Tienken and Squirrel roads last September.

Published March 6, 2019

Invasive plants attack home values

Invasive phragmites, water hyacinth, European frogbit and red swamp crayfish — along with the fungus oak wilt and more — can damage landscapes and lower home values.

Published March 5, 2019

Feds announce effort to help states, communities combat PFAS

LANSING — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced in February that it will respond to “extensive public interest” in the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, with a multifaceted action plan.

Published March 5, 2019

As PFAS testing and research continue, will those impacted even know?

OAKLAND COUNTY — Back in June of 2018, the treated drinking water that serves two mobile home parks in northern Oakland County tested positive for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS.

Published March 5, 2019

DTE says it’s clear of Ground to Sky

METRO DETROIT — It was just over four years ago that DTE Energy’s Ground to Sky program was squashed under a mountain of complaints about what residents called reckless clear-cutting of trees in residential neighborhoods.