Renew for the Zoo Offering Free Animal Themed Signs to Promote Detroit Zoo Millage (Renew for the Zoo, July 20, 2016) ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Penguins, frogs and tigers are staking out their territory on lawns across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to encourage support of the Detroit Zoo millage renewal. The signs read, “Renew…
2016 Candidate Interviews & Ballot Issues (Frequently Updated) The oc115 believes in giving all political candidates a voice and a chance for readers to meet the people who want to represent them. So here is a series of video interviews. Not all races are listed, only those where we have an interview or story. “*”…
Guest Column: The Value of Street Trees (Robert J. Gibbs, AICP, ASLA, July 15, 2016) Trees are an indispensable component of good neighborhoods. When the right species are planted in the right place and cared for properly, many benefits are realized. Street trees soften hardscapes, buffer pedestrians from moving vehicles, and create “outdoor rooms” that…
Celebrity Softball Helps Raise Money for Boys and Girls Clubs (Crystal A. Proxmire, July 11, 2016) Ferndale, MI – Abraham Lincoln taking a selfie. Boxing legend Thomas “the Hitman Herns” sitting in the bullpen of the neighborhood park watching local TV anchors playing softball with 1968 Detroit Tiger Ike Blessit and Royal Oak Mayor Jim…
Fernando Gonzales’ Killer Sentenced for Second Degree Murder, Arson and Auto Theft (C. Proxmire, July 9, 2016) Madison Heights, MI – 19-year-old Christopher King was recently sentenced to 30-60 years in prison for the strangulation death, arson and theft of vehicle in the Oct. 31, 2015 murder of 59-year-old Ferndano Gonzales, according to The Oakland…
2016 Candidate Interview David J. Harrell for County Commission 20th District (video) (Crystal A. Proxmire, July 8, 2016) Troy, MI – Republican David J. Harrell is running for County Commissioner for the 20th District, which is Madison Heights, Pleasant Ridge and parts of Royal Oak and Troy. In the Aug. 2 primary he is up against…
2016 Candidate Interview County Commissioner Gary R. McGillivray 20th District (video) (Crystal A. Proxmire, July 8, 2016) Madison Heights, MI – Democrat Gary R. McGillivray is seeking re-election as County Commissioner for the 20th District, which is Madison Heights, Pleasant Ridge and parts of Royal Oak and Troy. He is the only Democrat running. On…
FOIA Turns 50. Here is Why That Matters. (Crystal A. Proxmire, July 4, 2016) Washington DC – The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is the law that requires the Federal Government to operate with transparency and to disclose information that is requested by the public (including the media). There are exemptions to what information can…
Police Chief’s Recommendations for Avoiding Traffic (Auburn Hills Police Chief Doreen Olko, July 2, 2016) We are all looking forward to a fun holiday weekend, I know I am. One concern we share with you is about traffic. Last weekend we heard from folks who got caught up in traffic northbound on I-75 north of…
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish (Guest blog, Nkenge Burkhead, Prevention Education Specialist, HAVEN, July 1, 2016) People often ask, “How did you get involved in this work?” This is a question advocates working to end domestic and sexual violence have been asked countlessly. Their answers are often filled with personal experiences. Many advocates identify as both survivor…
Summer Food Program for Kids Locations (SE Michigan United Way, June 21, 2016) Meet Up and Eat Up – Summer Meet Up and Eat Up is a collaborative movement to ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals 3 times a day, 365 days a year. For kids who rely on free and reduced…
2016 Candidate Interview Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner (video) (Crystal A. Proxmire, June 10, 2016) Huntington Woods, MI – Democratic Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner is seeking re-election on the Nov. 8, 2016 ballot. He was first elected to the position in 2012. Republican John P. McCulloch is running against him. Meisner talked about…
2016 Candidate Interview: Randy LeVasseur for State Rep. 26th District (video) (Crystal A. Proxmire, June 10, 2016) Royal Oak, MI – Republican Randy LeVasseur is running for State Representative for the 26th District which is Madison Heights and Royal Oak. He is running against Democrat Jim Ellison who is the current Mayor of Royal Oak.…
2016 Candidate Interview: Robert Buxbaum for Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner (video) (Crystal A. Proxmire, June 9, 2016) Oak Park, MI – In the County-wide race for Water Resources Commissioner (formerly titled Drain Commissioner), the Democratic Incumbent Jim Nash faces Republican challenger Robert Buxbaum on the Nov. 8, 2016 ballot. “I’m an engineer and I…
2016 Candidate Interview: Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash (video) (Crystal A. Proxmire, June 9, 2016) Farmington Hills, MI – In the County-wide race for Water Resources Commissioner (formerly titled Drain Commissioner), the Democratic Incumbent Jim Nash faces Republican challenger Robert Buxbaum on the Nov. 8, 2016 ballot. Nash was elected to the position…
1.2 Mill Proposal to go on Nov. 8 Ballot for “Rapid, Reliable, Regional” Transit (Crystal A. Proxmire, June 1, 2016) Southfield, MI – The RTA unveiled their Regional Master Transit Plan on Tuesday, including information on a proposed 1.2 mill tax to fund it. Voters in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne and Washtenaw Counties will have their…
Madison Heights Memorial Day Parade Pictures 2016 (Crystal A. Proxmire, May 28, 2016) Madison Heights, MI – The annual Madison Heights Memorial Day Parade took place Saturday with a procession moving north on John R. from 12 Mile to 13 Mile and ending at City Hall. For pictures from last year see https://oaklandcounty115.com/2015/05/23/madison-heights-memorial-day-parade-pics-2015/ For info…
Suicide Prevention Efforts Grow Across Oakland County, Training Available (Crystal A. Proxmire, May 27, 2016) Troy, MI – Southfield Police Officer Mark Zacks used to have trouble asking the question “Do you think about hurting yourself?” or “Have you thought about suicide?” With 28 years on the force including 15 on the special entry and…
2016 Candidate Interview: Lisa Brown Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds (video) (Crystal A. Proxmire, May 26, 2016) West Bloomfield, MI – Former State Representative and current Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown is seeking re-election. Brown faces challenger Michael D. Smith in the Aug. 2, 2016 primary. The winner of that race will face…
2016 Candidate Interview: Bill Bullard for Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds (video) (Crystal A. Proxmire, May 26, 2016) Highland Twp, MI – Longtime Republican politician Bill Bullard is running for Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds, a position that he had been appointed to for 2010-2012 before losing the position to Democrat…