West Bloomfield Beacon

Published February 25, 2020

METRO DETROIT — Let’s turn the calendar back 100 years to Jan. 17, 1920. Jazz music is about to take over and it’s time for Americans to say goodbye to their favorite spirits as drinking publicly becomes illegal. This year marks the 100-year anniversary of when Prohibition began in the U.S.

Published February 24, 2020

Printing errors to blame for returned absentee ballots, SOS says

OAKLAND COUNTY — Michigan’s absentee ballots were recently designed with different colors and features to help voters differentiate the pieces — the envelope the ballot comes in and the envelope meant to hold the ballot on its way back to the local clerk’s office.

Published February 19, 2020

The Friday 5 — Feb. 21-23

Your guide to this weekend's events

Published February 19, 2020

Get inspiration from the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show

METRO DETROIT — Spring is quickly approaching, and if you’re looking to start a few fun projects to spruce up your cottage or lakefront home, you’ll want to head out to the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show.

Published February 19, 2020

Felines, nothing more than felines

METRO DETROIT — A furry face, a sudden pounce, an inexplicable fascination with mundane things — there are as many reasons to love cat videos as there are cats.

Published February 18, 2020

SE Michigan real estate market still sitting pretty, experts say

BIRMINGHAM — Good news: 2020 is looking like another fabulous year for both commercial and residential real estate purchases.

Published February 17, 2020

Coulter: Oakland County drives Michigan economy

OAKLAND COUNTY — Oakland County Executive David Coulter outlined his agenda, “Oakland Together,” during his 2019 State of the County address Feb. 12.

Published February 17, 2020

Oakland County plans to expand public health care services

OAKLAND COUNTY — At 907 square miles, Oakland County isn’t as big as some of our rural neighbors to the north.

Published February 14, 2020

DIA making presentations about upcoming millage renewal vote

METRO DETROIT — The Detroit Institute of Arts is out in the community trying to raise awareness of the millage that has been helping support the museum since 2012.

Published February 14, 2020

Exhibition spotlights the highs and lows of Orchestra Hall’s history

DETROIT — It’s renowned for its remarkable acoustics and as the home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, but Orchestra Hall very nearly met with the wrecking ball in the 1970s.

Dispatch centers, such as the Southeast Regional Emergency Services Authority, pictured, are using the Smart911 system. Smart911 allows users to submit additional information to first responders, who can access the information during emergencies.

Published February 14, 2020

First responders urge residents to subscribe to Smart 911 service

METRO DETROIT — Local first responders are trying to get the word out about Smart911, a new service that allows police and fire departments to access details selected by the caller in the event of an emergency.

Published February 13, 2020

Locals share thoughts on risky exit at Commerce Township Walmart Supercenter

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP — The Walmart Supercenter on North Pontiac Trail in Commerce Township allows for a left turn out of one of its exits, but with no signal to stop traffic, drivers have to identify openings on the heavily trafficked road and then dash across. Alternatively, people can take a right-turn detour through a traffic circle, but for many drivers those features bring their own share of stress.

Published February 13, 2020

Friday 5 Feb. 14-16

Your guide to this weekend's events

Published February 11, 2020

Experts offer tips to stay on top of New Year’s resolutions

METRO DETROIT — January is gone, and we’re now into the nitty-gritty of New Year’s resolutions. While some people may be finding it easy to keep up with their goals this year, others undoubtedly may be feeling the stress of staying the course or may have already fallen off course.

Published February 11, 2020

Friends of the Rouge promote master rain gardener program

METRO DETROIT — Heavier amounts of rainfall in the past few years are making springs in southeast Michigan wetter and have become a rising problem for the region’s waterways and properties.

Published February 11, 2020

Seniors stay on the clock in their golden years

METRO DETROIT — Whether it’s to fatten the wallet, to be social or simply to maintain a sense of accomplishment, many seniors are choosing to stay in the workforce after retirement.

Published February 11, 2020

Readers dish on best, worst and weirdest dates

METRO DETROIT — Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, and with it a tidal wave of nuanced emotion and expectation. While some dismiss Feb. 14 as another Hallmark holiday, others pine for the perfect surprise.

Published February 11, 2020

How to maintain a gardening hobby during the winter

METRO DETROIT — The cold of winter may be gripping Michigan, but that’s no reason that gardening enthusiasts can’t keep up their hobby or get a head start on the spring.

Published February 11, 2020

Oakland Schools to host first Game and Invention Challenge

OAKLAND COUNTY — The Oakland Intermediate School District and the Oakland Schools Education Foundation have developed what they’re calling the “Game and Invention Challenge,” slated to take place in March. County students in grades one through 12 will have the chance to show off their creativity and tech skills to create new games or inventions.