Affordable housing project for LGBTQ+ elders coming Michigan city
FERNDALE, MI – An affordable housing project for LGBTQ+ elders is expected to open in southeast Michigan next spring. The Raymond E. Shephard House, 503 E. 9 Mile Road in Ferndale, will be a new four-story affordable housing apartment complex, according to a state news release. The project by Full Circle Communities includes demolishing vacant structures and mitigating pollution from previous uses of the site. In addition, the city is providing tax incentives, which provides the project about $3.5 million in savings over 40 years. The Ferndale Housing Commission has committed to providing eight Section 8 project-based vouchers for the project, which provides rental assistance to low-income households.
mlive.comGrand Rapids Catholic Central earns first season victory with Motor City Roundball Classic win
FERNDALE - Grand Rapids Catholic Central refused to let De La Salle take the lead. The Cougars let the Pilots tie it; De La Salle did that four times in the second half Friday night. But the Cougars never trailed, and they earned their first victory of the season with a 65-55 victory in the 27th annual Motor City Roundball Classic at Ferndale High School. “We have a lot of young guys that are playing a lot of minutes for us and we’re learning,” Catholic Central coach TJ Meerman said. The Pilots had an opportunity to go ahead on a free throw, but they missed it, and from that point forward, it was all Catholic Central.
mlive.comSlow start dooms Grand Rapids Northview in first loss of season
FERNDALE - A slow start was too much for Grand Rapids Northview on Friday night. “The big thing we can take away from tonight is that we have to be ready to compete every night,” Northview coach David Chana said. Trailing 18-2 after a quarter, things didn’t improve much for Northview in the second. Northview missed its first six three-point attempts. Junior EJ Ryans led Northview with 14 points, and Swartz scored 11.
mlive.comKitchen urinals, Lions basketball court, tiger wall highlight Michigan home on market
FERNDALE, MI - You don’t come across functioning urinals in the kitchen of a home very often. It’s just one of the numerous unusual attributes you’ll find at this home, which just hit the market. Located at 3050 Burdette St. in Ferndale in Metro Detroit, this home is listed for $165,000. It has three bedrooms and one bathroom and is just under 1,000 square feet in size. Homes are showcased every Wednesday from across the state.
mlive.comThe Spice Girls are performing a concert this week in Michigan... sort of.
If you thought you’d never have a chance to see the Spice Girls in concert again, well, you might be right, but you do have a chance to experience their look and sound this week in Michigan by one of the top Spice Girls tribute bands in the country. WANNABE: The Spice Girls Tribute Group is on a nationwide tour. You can see their versions of Posh, Baby, Sporty, Ginger and Scary at The Magic Bag in Ferndale on Thursday, November 17. Tickets, which can be purchased here, are $20 for general admission or $50 for VIP meet and greets.
mlive.comMan accused of raping child; police believe there could be more victims
FERNDALE, MI – A 36-year-old man is charged with several counts of sex crimes against one victim, and police believe there could be more, authorities said. Brandon Smith, 36, of Walled Lake, is accused of raping a child under the age of 13, WDIV Local 4 reports. Other charges suggest the victim was older during some of the alleged assaults. Investigators believe there could be more victims. READ MORE:Man charged in fatal shooting outside Michigan manufacturing plantNorthern Michigan man accused of multiple sex crimes against childrenMichigan couple pleads guilty in multiple rapes of 2 teen girlsWoman, 70, dies in rear-end crash in Northern Michigan
mlive.com2022 Woodward Dream Cruise kicks off in Ferndale
FERNDALE – It’s that time of year again, when the roar of small-block V8s and the squeal of tires fills the Woodward Avenue corridor from Detroit to Pontiac. The 27th annual Woodward Dream Cruise kicked off Friday in downtown Ferndale, the city where resident Nelson House first organized the event as a fundraiser to establish a local soccer field for kids. Ferndale Mayor Melanie Piana spoke at the ribbon cutting, highlighting the city’s plan to resurface Woodward Avenue, add protected bike lanes and reduce traffic by one lane in either direction in 2023. Melissa Beyrand, who grew up in Oakland County and was recently crowned as Miss Michigan 2022, also spoke at the event. Mickey York of Cruis’n Media summed up the appeal of the Dream Cruise in a few words.
mlive.comStart your engines and cruise into the weekend
Who’s ready to start their engines? The Woodward Dream Cruise festivities start today and people are showing off their rides all weekend long. “Live In The D’s” April Morton was at 13 Mile and Woodward Avenue to share the details about the beginning of the event.
Bedridden a month with COVID, Michigan musician develops heart issue
Jack thought her health issues were behind her after finally beating the virus. “I actually sat in the parking lot of the gym and looked up ‘Signs of a heart attack,’” Jack said. She didn’t have a heart attack, according to doctors at Beaumont in Royal Oak, even through they say her symptoms were similar. He told me I was cardiac-healthy, but I had inflammation of the heart due to COVID,” added Jack. Symptoms of myocarditis include chest pain, shortness of breath or heart palpitations.
mlive.comThis upscale resale boutique in Ferndale is good for your wallet and the planet
Earth Day is coming up this Friday, and one of the best ways to take care of our planet is to reduce, reuse, and recycle. So why not apply that idea to your wardrobe! We introduce you to Margaux and Max, an upscale resale boutique in downtown Ferndale that is shaking up the shopping experience.
PHOTOS: Grand Rapids Catholic Central heads back to state championship with victory over Ferndale
EAST LANSING – Grand Rapids Catholic Central is headed back to the championship to defend their MHSAA boys division 2 title after defeating Ferndale 82-71. GAME RECAP: Good news follows Grand Rapids Catholic Central in return trip to state finalsCatholic Central will take on Williamston for the MHSAA boys division 2 state championship on Saturday at Breslin Center with tipoff scheduled for 6:45 p.m.Williamston defeated Freeland 65-45 in the other semifinal. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comMichigan State head men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo watches the action between Ferndale and Grand Rapids Catholic Central in the MHSAA boys D2 semifinals at Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan on Friday, March 25, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comFerndale’s Treyvon Lewis (5) attempts a shot against Grand Rapids Catholic Central during the second quarter in the MHSAA boys D2 semifinals at Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan on Friday, March 25, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comA tattoo on the arm of Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s Kaden Brown (4) during the MHSAA boys D2 semifinals at Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan on Friday, March 25, 2022.
mlive.comGood news follows Grand Rapids Catholic Central in return trip to state finals
The path seems eerily similar, a fact Grand Rapids Catholic Central hopes continues for one more day. “Not many teams have won back-to-back finals from the West side of the state,” Catholic Central senior Jack Karasinski said. Catholic Central gets a lot of points off rebounds and turnovers.”Ferndale committed 17 turnovers, leading to 18 Catholic Central points. We make provisions, not excuses.”If Catholic Central wins Saturday, it would join select Grand Rapids company with back-to-back state titles. Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills won back-to-back Class A titles in 1968 and 1969, with Grand Rapids Covenant Christian claiming Class D state titles in 1993 and 1994.
mlive.comSee photos from Kalamazoo Central’s 51-46 upset over Muskegon in boys hoops
GAME RECAP: Defense leads Kalamazoo Central boys hoops to upset over No. Kalamazoo Central junior Hutch Ward (12) reacts after making a shot against Muskegon during the fourth quarter at Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comKalamazoo Central students celebrate a 51-46 victory over Muskegon at Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comKalamazoo Central celebrates a 51-46 victory over Muskegon at Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comClick here to purchase images from Kalamazoo Central’s upset over Muskegon.
mlive.comTop 25 Michigan high school boys basketball rankings for Feb. 23, 2022
In a season when unpredictability reigns supreme in MLive’s top 25 boys basketball rankings, the Detroit Martin Luther King boys basketball team has held onto the No. Meanwhile, Catholic High School League teams continue to jumble around -- something that will likely continue thanks to the CHSL Bishop tournament this week. Detroit Western International (15-4)Division 1The Cowboys had a 10 game win streak snapped against Detroit King in the PSL championship game, falling hard with a 66-38 loss. Grand Blanc (13-5)Division 1Grand Blanc’s 10 game win streak came to an end against Muskegon on Saturday with an 84-79 loss. The Cubs hope to keep riding the momentum when they play Orchard Lake St. Mary’s on Wednesday in the CHSL Bishop tournament semifinals.
mlive.comMetro Detroit area boys high school basketball rankings as of Feb. 22
Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (11-6)Division 1Brother Rice was the victim of its tough schedule last week with back-to-back losses to Ferndale and Detroit Catholic Central. The loss to Catholic Central kicked the Warriors out of the CHSL Bishop tournament bracket. Life does not get any easier for the Pilots as they face a Detroit Catholic Central team on Wednesday that they are 1-1 against this season. The Cubs hope to keep riding the momentum when they play Orchard Lake St. Mary’s on Wednesday in the CHSL Bishop tournament semifinals. Detroit Catholic Central4.
mlive.comFlint-area basketball roundup: Defending state champ Grand Blanc wins 9th straight
Amont’e Allen-Johnson added 19 points for the Bobcats, Tae Boyd scored 12 and Trevon Johnson chipped in 10. Grand Blanc led 16-6 after the first quarter, 32-30 at halftime and 48-44 heading to the fourth. GIRLSGenesee Christian 72, Dryden 30Ava Boike’s season-high 34 points led Genesee Christian, which is 12-4 after winning for the 10th time in 11 games. Fenton 54, Kearsley 26Maddie Slezinski’s 13 points and 10 rebounds led Fenton, which is 10-7 after winning for the sixth time in seven games. Adrie Straib added seven points and 15 rebounds for the Tigers, who got seven points each from Kaleigh Shaker and Tammy Craven.
mlive.comPhotos: Ferndale defeats rival Clarkston in 56-52 nailbiter
FERNDALE – Ferndale kept a narrowing lead over Clarkston Tuesday night to continue their conference win streak. The Eagles, led by star wing player Treyvon Lewis, built an early lead over Clarkston, but Keegan Wasilk’s 27 points helped claw the Wolves back to a single-point deficit with seconds on the clock. Repeated fouls sent the Eagles to the line, where Lewis sank five of six to secure Ferndale’s victory. Ferndale is scheduled to face Muskegon at 5 p.m. Saturday at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, while Clarkston travels to North Farmington Friday night. Check out the gallery above or click the link here to see all our photos.
mlive.comTrey Lewis’ big shot lifts Ferndale basketball in 56-49 win over North Farmington
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Ferndale was in desperate need of a basket to try and turn the tide late in the game. With the win, Ferndale (7-2, 4-0) stands alone at the top of the Oakland Activities Association Red Division early on in conference play while North Farmington (9-2, 3-1) suffered its first loss in OAA Red competition. North Farmington also took a hit down the stretch when senior Aaron Rice fouled out after playing a key role on defense in the game. Despite erasing a double-digit deficit, North Farmington coach Todd Negoshian was not looking for moral victories“They’re just tougher than us,” Negoshian said. After North Farmington tied it up on Hurst’s three pointer, the Raiders did not hit a field goal the rest of the way.
mlive.comCity in Michigan ranked in Top 10 in entire US for first-time home buyers
FERNDALE, MI - A city in Michigan has just been listed as one of the Top 10 cities in the country for first-time home buyers. Ferndale, Michigan comes in at number nine. “First-time buyers here don’t have to sacrifice nightlife to own a home of their own in this funky town,” Realtor.com said about Ferndale in its Top 10 list. “They tend to be reasonably priced, century-old bungalows in walkable neighborhoods.”The 2022 Top 10 markets for first-time home buyers from Realtor.com:1. Maitland, FloridaMORE FROM MLIVE:City in Michigan ranked the No.
mlive.comGrand Blanc pulls out of boys varsity basketball tournament game due to COVID-19 protocols
GRAND BLANC, MI -- Due to COVID-19 protocols, the Grand Blanc Bobcats high school boys basketball team will not be taking place Monday night against Ferndale. Next, Grand Blanc is scheduled to face Grand Rapids Catholic Central at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at the Boys Jam at the Van tournament hosted at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. Related: Metro Detroit high school basketball holiday tournament schedule features Motor City Roundball ClassicThere has been no indication yet if Grand Blanc will be able to participate in Thursday’s game. After the Ferndale Golden Eagles boys basketball team learned two games have been canceled going into the week, the team announced late Sunday evening on Facebook that there will be no practice Monday through Wednesday. Ferndale will reevaluate and see if they can attend the Thursday, Dec. 30 tournament in Grand Rapids, according to the post.
mlive.comTreyvon Lewis and Jason Drake ready to lead experienced Ferndale basketball to the top
Even with nine players returning from last year’s team, Drake is one of just two seniors on the roster this winter for the Eagles, joining senior wing Treyvon Lewis. It just so happens that Drake and Lewis are also the two most talented players on Ferndale’s roster. In the win over Jesuit, Lewis led all scorers with 25 points while Drake finished with 17 points. Ferndale’s Jason Drake Jr. dribbles the ball during the boys basketball game between Ferndale and Jesuit on Friday Dec. 17, 2021 at Ferndale High School. Along with playing in the highly competitive Oakland Activities Association Red Division, Ferndale is the smallest school in its league by a lot.
mlive.comFerndale basketball holds off 2nd half push by Detroit U-D Jesuit for 66-59 win
FERNDALE, Mich. -- It’s not every day a high school basketball team can give up a 17-3 run to Detroit U-D Jesuit and still win the game. From there, the Eagles went 10-for-10 from the free-throw line in the final 1:22 of the game to claim a 66-59 win. “We did a lot better in the second half of the fourth quarter of executing the half court,” Rickman said. Helping Ferndale bounce back from Jesuit’s big third quarter run was senior point guard Jason Drake, who scored seven points in the 11-1 run that gave Ferndale the lead back. That third quarter... That’s the way we’re supposed to play with energy and that enthusiasm, taking care of the basketball like that.
mlive.com10-year-old resident of Michigan group home dies from injuries sustained after stolen car crashed
FERNDALE, MI -- A 10-year-old has died from injuries sustained in a violent crash that occurred after two kids stole a car from a group home in Oakland County. The crash occurred near 8 Mile Road and Flowerdale Street in Ferndale on Nov. 17 after the 10-year-old and an 11-year-old stole the car from Methodist Children’s Home Society in Redford. WDIV-TV in Detroit reported Wednesday that the 10-year-old has died. Our prayers are with the youth and their families,” a statement from the group home released after the crash read. “Two of the youth involved in the accident were temporary residents of Methodist Children’s Home Society’s emergency shelter, a state-licensed facility for foster children who need short-term housing.
mlive.comSix Michigan cities leading the way in LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion, according to nationwide assessment
Six Michigan cities are being recognized by the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization for leading the way in equality and inclusion for the state. Ann Arbor, Detroit, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ferndale and Lansing were designated “All-Stars” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, in partnership with the Equality Federation, in its 10th annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI) released Thursday, Nov. 18.
mlive.comDog, now named ‘Miracle,’ rescued from burning Michigan church
FERNDALE, MI – A dog has a new name and a new lease on life after being recued from a burning church in Oakland County. Firefighters from the Ferndale Fire Department, Madison Heights Fire Department and the Birmingham Fire Department responded to the vacant church in Royal Oak Township at 10 a.m. on Oct. 3. Upon inspection, a Madison Heights firefighter noticed there was a frightened dog among the blaze. The dog, newly named Miracle, managed to wedge through a small opening and escape with minor burns when approached by rescuers. “She just wanted to be loved.”Miracle was treated for her burns at the Oakland County Animal Shelter.
mlive.comGame Day Metro Detroit! See Player of the Week winner, Week 7 area football schedule
Week 7 matchups have arrived and there are plenty of great matchups to keep an eye on around Metro Detroit this week. Before we dive into the Week 7 schedule, we have to honor the winner of the Metro Detroit Player of the Week poll for last week’s performances. Viotto had enough votes to edge Woodhaven running back Devin Henry, who finished in second with 11,610 votes. In Western’s largest offensive output of the season, Viotto quarterback had a big night in a 47-6 win over Ferndale. WEEK 5 METRO DETROIT FOOTBALL SCHEDULEHome team is listed first.
mlive.com