Council to Set Goals & Objectives for 2013 ~ Feb. 4

“This is a great opportunity for staff and City Council to come together to discuss what our focus should be in 2013”, said City Manager April Lynch. The City will move on to budget workshops in March with a final budget presentation in April. “This is a busy time of year for the City, both the goals and the budget are extremely important for setting the tone for 2013.”

DNR Hunting Incidents & Fatalities for 2012 & Prior

“We continue to emphasize the importance of the hunter orange law, knowing your target and safe firearm handling, and how they all are key factors in having a safe season,” said DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler. “We also continue to encourage mentors to work closely with youth hunters to teach them safe firearm handling skills. One incident this year involved a hunter under the age of 10.”

FernCare’s Resources for Low Income Healthcare

FernCare has updated their list of places where people can get health care and other assistance. Currently the Ferndale-based free health clinic is operating at capacity and is not accepting new clients at this time. However, they are dedicated to providing information to help connect people with the care they need. The list below is shared off of their Resources Page at http://ferncare.org/resources/.

Ferndale Public Library to Begin Using Collection Agency

This new policy was developed with fairness to all library patrons in mind. Materials not returned are not available for others to use or borrow. Also, if materials are not returned, in most cases, money from the library budget is used to replace them. This same money could much better be used to purchase new items for patron use instead of replacing non-returned items.

An Interview with Dennis and Marty Hoeppner (video)

Listen as they recall Ferndale history, including a large fire that took out several businesses at the corner of 9 and Woodward, the birth of the Kulick Community Center, and a write-in campaign that changed the face of politics in the city.

In addition to the history, the Hoeppners shared humorous moments, like when Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson unwittingly boosted the strip club business, how Dennis cornered Marty for their first kiss, and their adventure to the drag show in Las Vegas.

Teachers Can Register for Active Shooter Training through County

Experts from Oakland County Homeland Security Division and the Sheriff’s Office will conduct five training sessions for school personnel on how to react in an active shooter situation in January and February.

“Dec. 14, 2012 is emblazoned on our memories forever,” Patterson said. “Many died in the Newtown, Conn. tragedy. But many others survived because teachers knew just what to do with a shooter in the building.”

Police Report: Woman Threatened in Foodland Parking Lot

At about 10:30 a.m. the victim was loading groceries into her vehicle when she was approached by a black male (approximately 30 years old, clean shaven and well dressed). The suspect came in a maroon colored mini-van (make or model unknown). He asked the lady for directions, went to his van, and retrieved a sign that said he had a gun. He then told the woman not to scream.

Clothing Swap To Benefit JFK PTA ~ Feb. 2

There is a $20 cover charge for those guests and a minimum of 5 fashionable clothing items are needed to enter the swap. All door funds go to JFK’s PTA. Free mini services have been generously donated by local woman-owned businesses including make-up and nail polish changes by Rouge, chair massages by Essential Massage Therapy, henna hand art by Alchemy, hair by Flip. Psychic Readings are provided by Boston Tea Room for a nominal fee. Delicious desserts are provided by Pinwheel Bakery, Treat Dreams (our one male-owned business) and The Purple Kitchen.

Ferndale PD Gives Away Gun Locks for Safety

Some Ferndale residents own guns, and the Ferndale Police would prefer it if those guns were stored safely. That’s why they have partnered with Project Child Safe to provide free gun locks to residents who request them.

The locks have been provided to the department though Project Child Safe at no cost to the department, according to Sgt. Barron Brown. The program began several years ago, but the department has not given away very many, most likely because the public hasn’t been aware of it.

Helaine Zack Swears In…

Zack is now representing Huntington Woods, part of Oak Park, Royal Oak Township, Hazel Park and Ferndale.

Zack said she is looking forward to working within the new communities, including Ferndale. “First, I plan to attend Council or Commission meetings monthly to present what is going on in the County and how certain County programs can help local residents. I will try to attend as many local community events as possible to meet, greet and listen to concerns of residents…