Woodward Talk

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 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.

Adelaide Wilson and the cast of “The Addams Family” rehearse a number March 1, two weeks before the musical is set to bow at Ferndale High School.

Published March 5, 2019

Ferndale High production of ‘Addams Family’ musical to take stage

FERNDALE — A very peculiar family will be brought to life by Ferndale High School students in the school’s upcoming spring musical.

Ferndale High School’s production of “The Addams Family” will take place on six days later in March. The musical will bow at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, followed by performances at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 17.

Published March 5, 2019

Ferndale Public Schools to seek waiver for days missed due to weather

FERNDALE/BERKLEY — School districts across Michigan have had their fair share of school closings this year, and that’s left local districts worrying about possible repercussions.

Baker College is hoping to build a college campus and mixed-use parking deck in Ferndale, which residents have reservations about. Concept art for the project already has changed, according to the college.

Published March 5, 2019

Ferndale residents voice concerns about proposed Baker College campus

FERNDALE — A project to build a downtown Ferndale Baker College campus has left residents feeling concerned about the possible development.

Attendees of a seminar at the Berkley Public Library were given a Narcan “Save a Life” kit and taught how to use the opioid overdose-fighting drug.

Published March 5, 2019

Berkley library holds Narcan training seminar to fight opioid overdoses

BERKLEY — The United States has been going through an opioid epidemic for quite some time, with thousands dying every year from prescribed or illegal narcotics.

Starting in November 2017, the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities and the Tri-Community Coalition have been holding training seminars for civilians to learn to look for symptoms of an opioid overdose and use a Narcan nasal spray to save people’s lives.

One of these seminars was held at the Berkley Public Library Feb. 28.

Published March 4, 2019

U.S. welcomes 50 new citizens in naturalization ceremony

MACOMB COUNTY — On March 1, the United States officially welcomed 50 new citizens from 24 countries across five continents.

A privacy fence can help keep a dog from getting lost, and a dog’s collar should have a tag with contact information on it.

Published February 28, 2019

Take steps to protect your furry friend from getting lost

METRO DETROIT — Something pet owners never want to experience is a moment of fear and regret while seeing that their little furry friend has taken an unplanned trip out of the house or yard.

Published February 28, 2019

Let workshops lead the way for springtime gardening

METRO DETROIT — Shelby Township resident Ivy Schwartz’s calling is in her name.

Published February 28, 2019

Fish Fry Fridays

A local guide to metro Detroit Friday fish fry dinners

Published February 27, 2019

The Friday 5 — March 1-3

Your guide to this weekend's events

From left: Susan Thomas and her longtime employees Karen Ashmore and Verna Haak stand in front of Susan’s Special Needs, which will close Feb. 28 after 20 years in Pleasant Ridge.

Published February 26, 2019

Pleasant Ridge cancer specialty shop to close after 20 years

PLEASANT RIDGE — A Pleasant Ridge retail shop that specializes in providing women with help through chemotherapy, radiation, menopause, hair loss and more recently announced that it is shutting down.

After 20 years of business, Susan’s Special Needs at 24052 Woodward Ave. will have its final day Feb. 28.

Published February 26, 2019

Pleasant Ridge might opt out of marijuana businesses for time being

PLEASANT RIDGE — The city of Pleasant Ridge has been discussing whether to allow recreational marijuana businesses in town.

Published February 26, 2019

Berkley looking to create new guidelines for downtown development

BERKLEY — At its last meeting Feb. 4, the Berkley City Council received a presentation on the city’s in-development design overlay district.

As described by Downtown Development Authority Director Vivian Carmody, a design overlay district and its guidelines are used to review projects that are coming up in the DDA district.

Police were alerted to illegal butane hash oil production after a Berkley garage exploded Nov. 20 in the 2700 block of Phillips Avenue, near Catalpa Drive and Greenfield Road.

Published February 26, 2019

Berkley couple charged in connection with garage explosion

BERKLEY — A husband and wife have been charged in connection with an illegal butane hash oil production that blew up a garage last November.

During a Feb. 20 presentation, Baker College and TMP Architecture presented concept designs and floor plans for a new downtown campus in Ferndale. The concept design is not final.

Published February 26, 2019

Baker College presents first concepts of downtown Ferndale campus

FERNDALE — At its Feb. 20 meeting, the Ferndale Planning Commission and residents had their first look at concept plans from Baker College to develop a college campus in the city.