The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is warning the public not to come in contact with dead or sick birds, especially since there has been an uptick in wild fowl deaths from bird flu over the past two months.

The DNR has noted the increase in deaths primarily in Canada geese, trumpeter swans and scavenging birds.

The DNR said the bird flu warning is especially important for wild fowl hunters.

“While waterfowl hunters are much more likely to encounter wild birds, it’s important for all Michiganders to understand the health risks that bird flu can pose to wildlife, humans and domestic animals,” said Mitch Marcus, DNR wildlife health supervisor.

“The challenge with (wild) waterfowl is that they can be carriers but not appear sick,”  he said.

The DNR does not have numbers to demonstrate the increase in bird flu deaths in wild waterfowl since December.

Bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, is a contagious disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in birds and mammals.

The virus can be spread through droppings or any interaction between farm-raised poultry and wild birds. It’s also easily tracked onto a farm on someone’s clothing or by vehicle.

Humans can contract the disease from infected animals or materials, but it doesn’t usually cause serious illness in people.

If you see six or more dead waterfowl, gulls or shorebirds, report it at https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Home?utm_campaign=hpai%20warning%20waterfowl%20hunters&utm_medium=pr&utm_source=govdelivery. You can also call a DNR office, and may locate one in your area at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/contact/wildlife/wildlife-field-offices?utm_campaign=hpai+warning+waterfowl+hunters&utm_medium=pr&utm_source=govdelivery.

If you have close contact with sick or dead birds, or surfaces contaminated by them, monitor for these bird flu symptoms for 10 days after exposure:

– Fever with temperature over 100 degrees or chills (fever may not be present)

– Sore throat.

– Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

– Eye tearing, redness or irritation

– Runny or stuffy nose

– Muscle or body aches.

PRECAUTIONS FOR HUNTERS

Not all species that are affected by the current uptick in bird flu may be hunted. The state places numerous restrictions on other species. For more information, visit https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/regulations/waterfowl/when-and-where-to-hunt.

Hunters should take the following precautions to avoid contracting or spreading bird flu:

– Cook all meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees to kill any viruses.

– Process wild birds in the field. Remains from processed birds should be buried on-site or double-bagged and disposed of with household trash.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth while handling wild birds.

– Wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling and cleaning wild birds.

– Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleanser, even if hands are not visibly soiled.

– Thoroughly clean and disinfect all knives, equipment and surfaces that come into contact with wild birds.

– Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling or cleaning wild birds.

Waterfowl hunters who care for domestic animals should take these steps:

– Keep domestic animals away from wild birds and dead birds.

– Keep domestic animals away from hunting apparel and footwear that has come into contact with wild birds or their mucus, saliva or feces.

– Cooking waterfowl meat to 165 degrees before feeding it to other animals.

– Shower after the hunt and before tending to domestic animals.

– Wash hands immediately before and after caring for animals.

– Don’t share equipment or other supplies between premises.

Earlier this month, six domestic birds at a farm at Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford Township died; Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officials tested them and found bird flu. MDARD euthanized the entire flock of about 100 chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese.

MDARD said bird flu is always fatal to poultry and can move quickly through a flock.

Since the current outbreak began three years ago, 15 Michigan counties have reported bird flu cases in domestic poultry or cattle or both.

Raw milk is the only food product linked to illnesses so far. Health experts recommend pasteurized milk.

Health officials haven’t yet found evidence of the disease spreading from person to person.

Nationally, about five dozen people have become ill with bird flu. Nearly all of them worked around sick animals. A Louisiana man became the first death from bird flu last month Officials said he was over age 65, had contact with infected poultry and had underlying health conditions.

For more information on HPAI in domestic animals, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/animals/diseases/avian.

Associated Press contributed to this report.

Motorists travelling on Interstate-75 in northern Oakland County may want to give themselves a little extra time.

I-75 will be closed in both directions at Evans Road, between Baldwin Road and Grange Hall Road in Holly Township, for multiple 15-minute intervals on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25-26.

The closures will allow a utility company to place cables across the freeway.

The closures will occur from 8-10 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Detours will be:

– Northbound I-75 to Grange Hall to northbound Dixie Hwy to northbound 75

– Southbound I-75 to Dixie Hwy/Saginaw to southbound Dixie to westbound Grange Hall to southbound I-75.

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Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum has cleared the last hurdle to finding a new home.

The West Bloomfield Township Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-0 Tuesday, Jan. 21, to approve two variances from zoning rules to allow the beloved arcade and memorabilia collection to open in the Orchard Mall.

Marvin’s plans to move into the site of a former drugstore in the mall at the northeast corner of West Maple and Orchard Lake roads.

Marvin’s closed last month, as its previous location in a strip mall on Orchard Lake near 14 Mile in Farmington Hills will be torn down to make way for a new shopping center. It will house several tenants, including a scaled-down Meijer store.

The arcade needed a variance to operate its coin-operated business closer than 100 feet to a residential lot line at its rear in the new location.

It also needed a variance to allow access through a front door rather than an entrance common to other businesses in Orchard Mall.

Arcade owner Jeremy Yagoda posted on Facebook before the meeting that he considered the two items “a small road bump” on his way to moving to the new location. He expects to open in early summer.

Township Planner Treesa John told the ZBA that the arcade would be 80 feet from a residential lot line, 20 feet shy of the requirement. But Yagoda plans to use the back 20 feet of the business for storage, so the coin-operated machines will still be 100 feet from residences.

Yagoda’s attorney, Jeff Leib, said that renovating the space in the 50-year-old mall so that variances would not be necessary would pose an undue burden on the arcade.

Several West Bloomfield residents spoke in favor of Marvin’s. Miriam Leary said she is a longtime fan of the arcade and has never noted any noise from outside of the building.

“I just want to speak for all the kids who just love that place,” said township resident Karen Amick.

ZBA Chairman David Barash said the township received more than 200 emails, calls and letters in support of Marvin’s.

ZBA member Kathy Hagopian said Marvin’s will draw people to Orchard Mall and to the township.

“It’s a win-win for all of us,” she said.

Yagoda said last month that the Orchard Mall location, next to Planet Fitness, will have about 14,000 square feet, more than double its current size of 5,300 square feet.

It will have private rooms to accommodate birthday parties and other gatherings.

At least 50,000 people signed an online petition last year to save the arcade and memorabilia collection. At that time, Marvin’s announced on Facebook that it could close because its home in the strip mall would be torn down. The city later approved the building owner’s demolition and reconstruction plan.

The late Marvin Yagoda, Jeremy’s father, founded the arcade about 45 years ago.in the former Tally Hall food court in Farmington Hills. It moved to the Orchard Lake-14 Mile location in the early 1990s.

Professional ice carvers will be creating cut-outs of four Detroit Lions players at this year’s Frost Fest in downtown Rochester, as enthusiasm for the team continues to grow.

The jerseys of Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery will be “headless,” creating a photo op for festival visitors.

“It’ll look like you’re wearing their jersey. Your head goes where their head would be,” said Jenna O’Dell, events coordinator for the Rochester Downtown Development Authority, which organizes the festival with the Principal Shopping District.

Carving of the Lions players begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan 17, on E. 3rd Street, across from the Lions Club warming tent and close to the Home Bakery at 300 S. Main St.

The carving will continue until about 9 p.m. or until the carvers are finished.

During the carving, Lions fans will be able to give the team well wishes that will be drilled into the sculptures. The four Lions will be on display until Sunday night.

O’Dell said festival organizers wanted to build on the momentum generated by a life-size cake depicting St. Brown’s headstand after he scored a touchdown earlier this season.

The cake on display in the front window of Home Bakery has generated national interest.

“The cake gained a lot of traction nationwide,” O’Dell said. “We’re drumming up more support for the Lions.”

This year’s festival has a “Frozen in Time” theme, with sculptures depicting items from the past, such as iPods, vintage cameras, eight-track tapes, typewriters and more.

Forty businesses have sponsored sculptures that will be on display in front of their establishments. For a map of the locations, go to http://www.downtownrochestermi.com/ice-sculpture-map.

The festival features live music, games and other attractions. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Friday and 3-9 p.m. Saturday.

Visitors can also enjoy the Big Bright Light Show, which has been extended until Feb. 9.

For more information, visit https://www.downtownrochestermi.com/frost-festival.

The newly retired police chief will fill a vacancy on the West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees.

The board voted 6-0 Monday, Jan. 13, to select Michael Patton to serve as trustee.

“It was a unique opportunity to benefit from the 40 years of knowledge, experience and dedication of our newly retired police chief,” township Clerk Debbie Binder said.

Binder said before the meeting that five to 10 people had contacted the board to express interest in the seat.

When Supervisor Steve Kaplan resigned last month, the board selected Trustee Jonathan Warshay to serve as supervisor, creating the vacancy on the board.

Treasurer Teri Weingarden said all of the candidates who expressed interest were involved in township boards or commissions or with community groups.

Patton began his career with the West Bloomfield Police Department in 1985, becoming chief in 2010. He retired Friday. Former Deputy Chief Dale Young was sworn in as chief the same day.

The person who had flu-like symptoms after coming into contact with fowl infected with bird flu at a public park in Waterford Township has tested negative.

Oakland County Health Division officials said last week that 11 employees or volunteers at the farm at Hess-Hathaway Park had direct contact with the infected flock. The number of exposed people has risen to 12. Only one had flu-like symptoms; that person was not seriously ill, said county spokesman Bill Bullan.

The people exposed to the bird flu will be monitored for 10 days, which began Thursday, Jan. 9.

About 100 chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys at the farm were euthanized after several tested positive for bird flu.

Township Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta said a park official arrived Wednesday morning, Jan. 8, to find three fowl dead and three more that were ill and later died.

The official contacted the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, which sent investigators to the farm. They took the affected animals to Michigan State University for testing. The state humanely euthanized the entire flock..

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health experts say the risk for humans of serious illness from bird flu is low.

The risk of contracting bird flu from the Hess-Hathaway flock is greatest for those who had direct contact with the fowl, said Christie Clement-Halladay, chief of Oakland County’s Communicable Disease Unit.

Bartolotta said the public stayed behind a fence in the farm’s fowl area, but the animals could approach visitors at the fence.

He said the farm has few visitors in the winter.

Clement-Halladay said anyone who visited the farm recently and has flu-like symptoms should see a health care provider, who can perform a flu test.

The farm’s fowl area is closed for 120 days, Bartolotta said. The rest of the farm, which includes pigs, goats and other livestock, is open to the public, as state officials advised the township that the other animals were at little risk of contracting bird flu.

Other amenities at the park at 825 S. Williams Lake Road are open.

Bird flu is most often spread by wild birds coming into contact with domesticated birds or cattle. Infected wild birds often do not appear sick.

Fifteen Michigan counties have reported bird flu cases in birds or cattle or both since 2022. Two Michigan farm workers who came in contact with infected cattle contracted bird flu last year; neither was seriously ill.

As of Jan. 6, there have been 67 confirmed human cases of H5N1, bird flu, in the United States since 2022.

A Louisiana man died earlier this month of bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza. He was the first person in the United States to die from the disease, according to the CDC.

Health officials have said the person was older than 65, had underlying medical problems and had been in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. They also said a genetic analysis suggested the bird flu virus had mutated inside the patient, which could have led to the more severe illness, according to the Associated Press.

There have been no cases of person-to-person transmission, the CDC said.

Bird flu symptoms in people may include:

– Eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis)

– Mild fever

– Cough

– Sore throat

– Runny or stuffy nose

– Muscle or body aches

– Headaches

– Fatigue

– Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Less common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.

County officials offer the following to limit the risk of infection:

– Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and animals.

– Use personal protective equipment if contact is necessary.

– Don’t touch services contaminated by bird droppings or bodily fluids.

– Avoid consuming raw milk or raw milk products.

If bird flu is suspected in a domestic flock, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after hours). Report unusual deaths among wild birds by contacting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at 517-336-5030.

The Royal Oak school board has elected new officers for 2025..

The board leadership for the next year:

– President: Tim Ciechorski

– VicePresident: Erika Alexander

– Secretary: Deborah Anderson

– Treasurer: Michelle Cook

– Trustee: Maryanne VanHaitsma

– Trustee: Matt Wickey

– Trustee: Lauren Jasinski

“The Board of Education plays a critical role in shaping the future of our schools and ensuring our district remains a safe, supportive, and innovative environment for all students,” said Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, superintendent of Royal Oak Schools. “We look forward to working together to achieve our shared vision.”

The Farmington Hills City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, Jan. 13, on a request by Sheetz to open a 24-hour gas station, convenience store and drive-through restaurant at 12 Mile and Middlebelt roads.

The council meets at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Road.

The Planning Commission voted 4-1 in November to recommend approval of the proposal.

Opponents packed the commission meeting, raising concerns about the possibility of increased crime and traffic or driving other area gas stations out of business.

The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and other business groups also expressed opposition, fearing over-saturation of gas stations in the area.

Sheetz is proposing six pumps, creating 12 fueling stations and a 6,100-square-foot convenience store and restaurant. It would occupy the site of the former Ginopolis restaurant, which closed five years ago.

OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE WORKS 

The commission voted unanimously last month to approve Sheetz’ site plan for a location on Grand River Avenue at Middlebelt Road. It would also operate 24 hours but its restaurant would not have a drive-through lane. The company plans to demolish a vacant auto repair shop and build a new facility.

Sheetz does not need the council’s approval for the Grand River-Middlebelt proposal. The company may need a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for a proposed dumpster location.

The Grand River-Middlebelt proposal did not draw widespread opposition from the community.

Just outside of Farmington Hills, Sheetz is also proposing a location at the southeast corner of Eight Mile and Newburgh roads in Livonia.

The Livonia City Council is expected to vote this month on whether to approve a zoning change to allow the store, which would be on the site of a closed Rite Aid store.

A Sheetz spokesman said at a previous meeting that all of its locations are open 24 hours.

The Sheetz family owns all locations; they do not have franchisees.

Sheetz opened its first Michigan location in late August near Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus.

The company plans to open 50-60 stores in the Detroit area in the next five to six years, including approved sites in Fraser, Warren, Ypsilanti, Eastpointe, Taylor and Macomb and Chesterfield townships.

Sheetz officials have said each store will employ 30 to 35 workers, the majority of them full-time. The company touted competitive pay, benefits packages for all employees, quarterly bonuses, paid time off and more.

Sheetz ranked second in the latest Best Workplaces in Retail in America by Fortune and in the top 10 of the “Companies that Care” list from People magazine.

The company, based in Pennsylvania, operates more than 700 stores in several states.

The Detroit News contributed to this report.

Berkley has been recognized for its efforts to promote entrepreneurial growth and economic development.

Researchers at the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Office of Engagement and Impact, recognized Berkley as a five-star community in its annual eCities study.

“Berkley’s staff members pride themselves on excellent customer service and a willingness to work with existing and potential businesses to find solutions that help them achieve their goals,” the city said in a release.

“The city’s robust Downtown Development Authority supports businesses with grants for façade improvements and to expand its successful mural program. This commitment to supporting a diverse business community has helped create a vibrant city where residents can find everything they need close to home.”

The eCities study analyzed publicly available data from 277 communities from 54 counties in Michigan. Researchers focused on five-year changes in property values, community assets and tax rates, which can demonstrate the growth, investments, and cost of doing business within the community.

Over the five-year period of 2019-2023, these communities increased their capital assets, such as new buildings, roads, bike paths and library renovations, by an average of 3.7% per year.

Although accounting for less than 20 percent of the state’s cities and townships, the 277 communities analyzed are home to 71% of Michigan’s population and 87% of the state’s commercial property.

Communities that have seen the strongest growth in business development over the past five years, while controlling the costs of doing business, received five- and four-star honors.

Almost 100 communities statewide received the five-star designation.

Christmas gifts, decorations and other holiday-related items often come in large cardboard boxes.

Recognizing there is more cardboard discarded this time of year, the city of Troy is providing recycling dumpsters at several locations through the end of January.

Dumpsters will be located in the parking lots at these locations:

– Boulan Park, 3671 Crooks Road

– Firefighters Park, 1800 W. Square Lake Road

– Raintree Park, 3775 John R Road

– Department of Public Works, 4693 Rochester Road (available year round).

Break down cardboard boxes as best as possible and only dispose of cardboard; no trash or other materials are accepted.

Troy residents may also place cardboard in their curbside recycling receptacles.

Call the Department of Public Works at 248-524-3392 with any questions or visit troymi.gov/refuse.

Residents of 12 south Oakland County member communities may also recycle cardboard and other materials at SOCRRA, 995 Coolidge Highway in Troy. Appointments are required; go to socrra.org/.

Member cities are Berkley, Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Clawson, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak and Troy.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, household garbage in the United States can increase by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Two national retailers, Big Lots and Party City, are closing all of their stores, creating liquidation sales at locations in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Big Lots, a discount store, has 32 locations in Michigan.

Here are the Detroit-area locations:

MACOMB

50630 Gratiot, Chesterfield Township.

35603 S. Gratiot, Clinton Township

16100 E. 10 Mile, Eastpointe

7651 23 Mile, Shelby Township

33100 Schoenherr, Sterling Heights

OAKLAND

30120 Grand River Ave., Farmington Hills

300 N. Telegraph, Pontiac

29712 Southfield Road, Southfield

5640 Dixie Highway, Waterford

WAYNE

5600 Mercury Drive, Dearborn

14333 Eureka Road, Southgate

30000 Plymouth Road, Livonia

35507 Ford Road, Westland

For more information, visit https://biglots.com.

Meanwhile, Party City recently posted on its website that it had been “operating in an immensely challenging environment with inflationary pressures on both costs and consumer spending.”

The party supply store has the following Detroit-area locations.

MACOMB

32469 Gratiot, Roseville

12220 Hall Road, Sterling Heights

OAKLAND

30750 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills

32351 John R, Madison Heights

43741 Oaks Drive, Novi

29800 Southfield Road, Southfield

1316 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills

4846 Baldwin Road, Lake Orion

WAYNE

23195 Outer Drive, Allen Park

13477 Middlebelt Road, Livonia

35655 Warren Road, Westland

23269 Eureka Road, Taylor

For more information, go to https://www.partycity.com.

Sheetz has proposed a second location in Farmington Hills.

At a meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19, the gas station/convenience store/restaurant chain will ask the Planning Commission to approve a site plan for a location at 29403/29455 Grand River Ave. at Middlebelt Road.

The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Road.

Sheetz is proposing to demolish a vacant auto repair shop and build a new facility.

Last month, the commission voted 4-1 to recommend approval of a Sheetz store at 12 Mile and Middlebelt roads, on the site of the former Ginopolis restaurant. The City Council will have the final say, and will likely consider the proposal at a meeting in January.

Sheetz plans drive-through food service at the 12 Mile-Middlebelt location, but not at the Grand River store.

Opponents packed the last meeting, addressing the commission about the potential of increased traffic, crime and loitering, as Sheetz will be open 24 hours.

A Sheetz spokesman said at a previous meeting that all of its locations are open 24 hours.

Other opponents cited the possibility of forcing at least one of the two other gas stations at the 12 Mile-Middlebelt intersection out of business. Representatives of several business organizations said they feared an over-saturation of gas stations in the area.

Sheetz opened its first Michigan location in late August near Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus.

The company plans to open 50-60 stores in the Detroit area in the next five to six years.

Sheetz officials have said each store will employ about 35 people; most will be full time and eligible for a wide range of benefits,

The Sheetz family owns all locations; they do not have franchisees.

Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee recently presented the Good Samaritan Award to 10-year-old Eris Carter, recognizing her bravery and quick thinking that prevented a potentially catastrophic fire at her home earlier this year.

On Jan. 1, while using her iPad around 7 p.m., Eris smelled smoke in their Spring Haven condo.

Without hesitation, she woke her mother, Lauryne Wheeler. Upon further investigation, they heard the downstairs smoke detectors sounding, although no visible signs of fire were initially present.

They called 911 and evacuated the condo. Then they noticed the neighboring condo was engulfed in flames.

The attached series of seven condos posed a significant fire hazard, but thanks to Eris’ swift actions, she not only alerted her mother, but also ensured the timely evacuation and notification of the fire department.

Her awareness and prompt response were instrumental in preventing the fire from spreading further, sparing six units from damage and potentially saving many lives.

The neighboring condo sustained $200,000 in damages.

Menifee presented the award at a recent City Council meeting.

Eris is a fifth-grader at Thompson International Academy in Southfield.

A Michigan State Police trooper sustained minor injuries and two others jumped a median wall on I-75 to avoid being struck as they responded to a crash in Royal Oak early Thursday, Dec. 12.

As troopers were investigating a multi-car crash on southbound I-75 near the 11 Mile Road ramp just after midnight, they parked their vehicles on the left shoulder and left lane with emergency lights flashing.

Two troopers were on the left shoulder speaking with the drivers involved in the crash and one trooper was in a patrol car writing the report, according to a release from MSP.

The driver of a tractor-trailer attempted to pass slowing and exiting traffic in the left lane. The driver of the semi saw the patrol cars blocking the lanes and applied both the tractor’s and trailer’s brakes. The driver lost control of the vehicle, steering toward the left shoulder, the release said.

The semi struck a patrol car, sending it over 100 yards into the rear of the occupied patrol car.

The semi continued on the left shoulder toward the two troopers who were standing on the shoulder. The troopers avoided the semi by jumping the median wall.

The semi continued, striking an unoccupied vehicle from the previous crash.

The trooper who was in the vehicle that was struck was transported to a local hospital. The trooper was treated for minor injuries and released. No one else was hurt.

The semi driver was arrested for reckless driving. The freeway was closed for both crash investigations and has since reopened.

Snow began falling in metro Detroit late Wednesday night, continuing into Thursday morning.

“This incident had everything we have been talking about this last month,” said State Police First Lt. Mike Shaw. “First, a crash caused by risky driving behavior. Second, a driver going too fast, failing to move over for emergency vehicles and striking the patrol cars and people on the scene.

“Finally, responding troopers had to remove pedestrians from the freeway ramps who were trying to take photos for their favorite social media platform. We are continuing to ask drivers to slow down, move over, drive safe and please do not walk on the freeway.”