MTA Shares Assessment and Property Tax Basics (Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 4, 2019) Okemos, MI – Shila Kinder is passionate about her job as Assessor for Mecosta County, a profession that requires understanding complex tax laws, organizing large amounts of data, and gracefully discussing tax bills with residents who may disagree with her work. That…
Reporter Food: Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes at Village Cafe (Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 2, 2019) Troy, MI – In my quest to try as many restaurants in Oakland County as I can, I had breakfast with a friend at the Village Cafe at 3672 Rochester Road in Troy a few weeks ago. The special of…
Survivors of Violence Need Not Leave Beloved Pets Behind (Lara Mossa, Feb. 2, 2019) PONTIAC, MI – It was 2001. Dr. Tracy Thompson knew she had to do something. Thompson had only the clothes on her back and a hastily-packed suitcase when she left her husband. He had tried to hold her against her will…
Keller, the Blind Rescue Cat, and Companion Helen Hope for Loving Home (Cheryl Weiss, Jan. 20, 2019) Madison Heights, MI- Keller was with his buddy, Helen, under a dresser on a hot August afternoon when the rescuers came. They were the last of many cats in the last room that Madison Heights Animal Control officers…
Resources for Those in Need 2019 Oakland County, MI – Here is a list of resources for shelter, food, medical care and more. This list will be updated if other resources are found. If you know of any please email editor@oc115.com. Shelter Welcome Inn—Covenant Presbyterian Church 21575 W Ten Mile Rd, Southfield 48075 (248) 677-8757.…
Creating Homes for Outdoor Cats (Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 19, 2019, adapted from orig. Oct. 28, 2018) Ferndale, MI – It costs about $20 and an hour of being crafty to help save the lives of feral and community cats, and Kimberly Wallace of the Ferndale Cat Shelter is helping people learn how. Though most…
Oakland County Elite 40 Under 40 Announced Waterford, Michigan – Beginning Friday at noon, the public can cast an online vote to choose the winner of the Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 under 40 Class of 2019. About 250 applications and nominations were reviewed by a panel of judges, looking for the top 40 young…
Reporter Food: Lobster Ravioli at Wixom Station (Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 18, 2019) Wixom, MI – I didn’t know what to expect when I went to Wixom Station, only that it was “the place” to try in that part of the county, and that it had a train theme. I love trains! So I don’t…
Madison High School Courtyard Goats Give Lessons in Garbage-Eating, Giving Birth (Lara Mossa, Jan. 12, 2019) MADISON HEIGHTS – The white short-haired goat came to the window and nibbled on the banana peel. George Barndollar stroked her furry head while he fed her. This is not an unusual sight for students at Madison High School.…
Reporter Food: Thai Grains Salad at Beverly Hills Grill (Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 12, 2019) Beverly Hills, MI- It was a delight to have lunch with reporter Jack Lessenberry and his wife Elizabeth at the lovely Beverly Hills Grill recently. Being able to talk about journalism with other journalists is just about the next most…
Crystal Proxmire is on a quest to try every restaurant in Oakland County.
Oakland County Commissioners Sworn In, Democratic Majority Begins (Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 9, 2019) Pontiac, MI- “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” The quote from Margaret Mead graced the back of the program for the Inaugural Ceremony for the…
Police help Rescue Four Roosters in Ferndale (Crystal A Proxmire, Jan. 8, 2019) Ferndale, MI – When Darren Carranza Escalera saw a pair of neighbors chasing chickens across Ten Mile Road near Hilton Tuesday afternoon, he knew he had to help. The trio chased four Barred Rock roosters away from the busy I-696 freeway and…
Reporter Food: Charmoula Chicken Sandwich at Fly Trap (Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 5, 2019) Ferndale, MI – Time to catch up with some Ferndale restaurants in our quest to try as many restaurants in Oakland County as possible. One of my last meals of 2018 was visit to Fly Trap at 22950 Woodward. A friend…
Explore: Lakeshore Park in Novi (Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 4, 2019) Novi, MI- Even in dreary winter weather, parks like Lakeshore Park in Novi have plenty to delight the senses. Located at 301 S. Lake Street, Lakeshore Park boasts two kids’ play areas as well as trails for hiking and mountain bikes. The trails lead…
Reporter Food: Breakfast Tacos at Scramblers in Farmington Hills (Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 2, 2019) Farmington Hills, Canton, Roseville, MI- Scramblers is an amazing place for breakfast/brunch, with such high quality food and family-style feel that it’s hard to believe they are a franchise. In Metro Detroit there are three locations – Canton, Farmington Hills,…
Reporter Food: Belle Iron Grille in Gaylord (Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 30, 2018) Gaylord, MI- Earlier this month, restaurant Dean Bach announced that he put two Ferndale restaurants – Dino’s Lounge and M-Brew – up for sale in order to follow his up north dreams. Those dreams included opening Belle Iron Grille at 4029 Old US…
Explore: American Commerce Centre Nature Preserve in Southfield (Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 28, 2018) Southfield, MI – A privately-owned public space set aside for natural preservation in the midst of a commerce park was a delightful find on my quest to explore Oakland County. American Commerce Centre Nature Preserve at 26495 American Drive in Southfield…
Reporter Food: Filet at Kruse and Muer (Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 28, 2018) Royal Oak, MI – A recent birthday dinner gave me a chance to try out Kruse and Muer restaurant at 28028 Woodward Ave in Royal Oak. The restaurant is known for their fabulous seafood, in which both my friends indulged. I opted…
Holly Township Board to Vote on Revising Chicken Ordinance (Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 26, 2018) Holly Township, MI- The Holly Township Board of Trustees is expected to vote on removing lot restrictions from the ordinance regulating Class III farm animals, including ducks, chickens, and rabbits. Currently residents with lots that are less than 2.5 acres…