Berkley Gets $180,000 Grant for Splash Pad and More (City of Berkley, Jan. 7, 2019) The City of Berkley is set to receive a federal grant in the amount of $180,000 to develop a splash pad area and other amenities at Oxford/Merchants Park. The department is ready to begin the next phase of this exciting…
New Law Reduces Number of Days for Fireworks Lansing, MI – The number of days one can set off fireworks in Michigan has been reduced from 30 to about a dozen since Public Acts 633, 634, and 635 were signed into law at the end of 2018. Bills were introduced by Rep. Jim Lilly (R-Park…
New Data Shows Education Levels, Income, & More by City (Kurt Metzger, Dec. 23, 2018) Oakland County, MI- Newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau clearly demonstrate the wide social and economic diversity that exists across communities in Oakland County. Utilizing data collected by the American Community Survey over the 2013-2017 period, I have…
“Christmas Carol” Book Collector Shares Rare Editions in Berkley Library Display (Lara Mossa, Dec. 13, 2018) Berkley, MI – The Berkley Public Library is celebrating the 175th anniversary of “A Christmas Carol” with a special display of 30 different books, DVDs and albums. Eric A. Murrell, 56, a lifelong Berkley resident, has been collecting versions…
Oakland County Creates Interactive Holiday Light Map (Oakland County Blog, Dec. 13, 2018) Celebrate the season with a tour of holiday light displays in and around Oakland County! Show off your decorated property or visit one of the many holiday light displays using the 2nd annual Oakland County Holiday Lights Map. Use the map below to…
Berkley Public Safety Offering Six Week Citizens Police Academy (City of Berkley, Dec. 12, 2018) Berkley, MI -The Berkley Public Safety Department is offering a 6-week Citizens Police Academy for Berkley residents and business owners. Classes will be held every Wednesday, from February 6 – March 20, 2019, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at…
Former Chief Shares Why Youth Assistance Matters as Org. Celebrates 65 years (Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 2, 2018) Oakland County, MI – Recently-retired Auburn Hills Police Chief Doreen Olko has seen firsthand what happens when kids are exposed to violence, poverty, or neglect. Often when young people find themselves in trouble with the law, it…
Berkley Delays Decision on Marijuana Related Businesses (City of Berkley, Nov. 30, 2018) Berkley, MI – The City Council and city administrators received a number of inquiries regarding how a proposed ordinance for marihuana establishments might be implemented in the City of Berkley. Council members felt more time was needed to understand state policies and…
Introducing: Reporter Food Index, City by City (Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 29, 2018) Oakland County, MI – Oakland County Times has been on a mission to try as many restaurants throughout our great county as possible. These “Reporter Food” columns have evolved over time to become one of our most popular ongoing features. Scroll…
Lack of Affordable Housing Impacts throughout Oakland County (Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 27, 2018) Troy, MI- As rental prices continue to increase throughout Oakland County, so too are the problems associated with homelessness and housing instability. A panel of leaders from various organizations met Nov. 14 in Troy to look at the scope of…
On Giving Tuesday, Remember Local Journalism (Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 27, 2018) Giving Tuesday is a time to consider what causes matter to you. Oakland County Times is a place for many of the things that matter to our readers. If you believe in the power of independent journalism to keep citizens informed about what’s…
Stuff to Know When it Snows (C. Proxmire, Nov. 26, 2018) Oakland County, MI – Did you wake up to find your neighborhood covered over with a layer of sparkly white frozen precipitation and a Facebook feed full of various warnings, advisories, and complaints? Though it can be disconcerting, don’t worry. It’s called snow,…
Win $5,000 Oakland County “Small Business Saturday” Shop Local Contest (Oakland County, Nov. 22, orig. Nov. 17, 2018) Oakland County, MI- One holiday shopper can win $5,000 just by making a purchase at any independent retailer or service provider in Oakland County during “Small Business Saturday” Nov. 24. Shoppers who buy goods or services…
Month of Merriment Begins in Berkley with Small Business Saturday (Downtown Berkley, Nov. 22, 2018, orig. Nov. 19, 2018) BERKLEY, MI. – The Berkley Downtown Development Authority (DDA) heralds the holidays with a month-long celebration filled with events and activities the whole family can enjoy during MerriMonth. Beginning Nov. 24 and continuing through Dec.…
County Commission Leadership Selected, Dave Woodward to Serve as Chair (Oakland County Board of Commissioners, Nov. 19, 2018) Pontiac, MI- The Board of Commissioners’ Democratic Caucus met last week to determine leadership positions for the 2019-2020 term, when they will become the Democratic Majority Caucus for the first time since the 1970s. Next year,…
Voter Turnout by City/Twp in Oakland County 2018 Election (Kurt Metzger, Crystal Proxmire, Nov. 7, 2018) Oakland County, MI- Oakland County voters came out yesterday in record numbers for a Midterm Election. The overall turnout percentage of 64.2 percent of all registered voters, compares to 48.0 percent in 2014 and 51.4 percent in 2010. Turnout…
County Commission Goes Blue for First Time in Decades (Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 7, 2018) Pontiac, MI – For the first time in decades the Oakland County Commission has more Democrats serving than Republicans. The newly elected Commissioners will take their seats on Jan. 1, and a new Chair will be appointed. There will be…
2018 Election Results and Sticker Selfies (Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 6, 2018) Election results are coming in! This page will be updated as information becomes available. Scroll down to see our collage of “I voted” sticker selfies. And visit Oakland County Clerk election results page for the most up to date info. The winners of…
Video Interviews in State Senate Dist. 13 Race (Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 3, 2018) Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Berkley, Clawson, Royal Oak, Rochester Hills, Rochester, Troy, MI – In the race for State Senate in the 13th District the candidates are Republican incumbent Marty Knollenberg, and Democrat Mallory McMorrow. Election Day is Nov. 6, 2018. Watch…
Planning Begins for County’s 200th Birthday. Here’s How to Get Involved. Bloomfield , MI – The invitation is open for those who want to help Oakland County celebrate it’s 200th birthday in 2020. Historical societies and commissions, neighborhood groups, downtown organizations, local officials and administrators, school districts, and anyone with an interest in tying…