WJR Mid-Morning On-Air Host Frank Beckmann Retires After 48 Years

Rochester Hills resident and veteran on-air host, Frank Beckmann, announces his retirement after a 48-year radio career with News Talk 760 WJR. Frank Beckmann, a news talk and sports broadcasting legend, has hosted “The Frank Beckmann Show” on WJR weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon for the last 18 years. His last show will air on Friday, March 26, 2021. Named “Best Midday Personality” by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Beckmann has been cited as Michigan’s top sportscaster for his … [Read more...]

Diary of a Retiree Robert A. Lytle: Christmas Came Early This Year

Diary of a Retiree – Saturday, December 5, 2020 – Christmas Comes Early This Year Bob Lytle in his home library Up at 7:30, I made our usual eggs and toast, and sat down with the iPad. The Detroit News front page has a Neal Rubin article about the Straits of Mackinac’s Round Island Lighthouse and its small but dedicated group of preservationists. With the Great Lakes having record high water levels and the likelihood of unusually damaging ice and high winds, this could easily be the … [Read more...]

Remembering Dr. Roger Byrd

Obituary for Dr. Roger Clarence Byrd Dr. Roger Clarence Byrd, 79, peacefully passed away at his home in Rochester Hills on October 22, 2020. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Mary Jo [Francis] Byrd, his beloved children, Scott Martin Byrd, Michael John Byrd [Michele], David Roger Byrd [Johanna] and Julie Anne Byrd [Emily D’Agostini], his cherished grandchildren Hannah Elizabeth, Emily Christine, Edith Helen, Charlotte Rose, David Phillipe Roger, and Benjamin Roger. … [Read more...]

Michigan Author’s Debut Novel Receives Rave Reviews

Grandma’s Sock Drawer by Sue Agauas Grandma’s gone. Now Sukey races against time to unravel the mysteries of a puzzling inheritance – a sock drawer – from a grandmother she was forbidden to know. A note and a key to Grandma’s “most precious treasure” sends Sukey on wild adventures with unexpected twists and turns. Will Sukey learn the truth about her grandmother, unlock the questions that will lead to peace, and connect her fragmented family? And, can she find the answers before an estate … [Read more...]

Diary of a Retiree Robert A. Lytle: Fourth of July

Diary of a Retiree Robert A. Lytle July 4, 2020 - Lake Orion, Michigan - Sunny, again, and in the 90s In the lake most of the day—cleaning boats and raking muck from the shore—too  hot to do anything else. While scrubbing the boat pontoons I looked out toward the island and saw a herd of geese, 9 actually, swimming with purpose toward the point. I was sure they were about to land and further despoil the area. They have totally fouled the entire shore to the point that a parent would never allow … [Read more...]

Protests Come to Rochester

While big cities are the usual ground for protests, Rochester and Rochester Hills have a handful of protests popping up. In light of recent events surrounding the death of George Floyd, area students have organized - and continue to organize - local peaceful protests. Unlike some of the big city protests that have turned into riots, prompting states to use the National Guard and for curfews to be put into place, the local walks have remained peaceful. On Thursday, June 4, two … [Read more...]

Michigan Schools Invited to Submit Footage of Special Events to View on Xfinity On Demand

Comcast announced it has launched “School Year 2020” on Xfinity On Demand to help schools commemorate the 2019-2020 academic year’s special moments. Students and families across Michigan can enjoy school year events on demand they may have otherwise missed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Michigan K-12 schools, as well as colleges and universities, are invited to submit footage of graduations, athletic recognition, and other events to include in the local on demand folder. Video submissions will … [Read more...]

Missing Rochester Hills Blue and Gold Macaw Parrot

Harley went missing on May 29, 2020, near Adams and Tienken Roads. He was last seen at Stoney Creek Metropark. He will call out in the evening and them quiet down by sunset. UPDATE: Harley has been reunited with its owners. Check out the Lost and Found Birds in Michigan Facebook Page for more about Harley and other missing birds. … [Read more...]

Diary of a Retiree Robert A. Lytle

Diary of a Retiree Robert A. Lytle March, 2020 - Boca Raton, Florida - Sunny, breezy and 80s Up at 8:30. Candy made French toast and I printed the crossword. Opened the e-Detroit News. It’s all about the corona virus. Of course, there is no sports news. A few years ago as I was writing Mr. Blair’s Labyrinth, I read all about the Great Depression. What I’m reading now has many similarities. Except for the first’s cause, the stock market crash, the effects of the virus panic are eerily … [Read more...]

Remembering Ray Nicholson

Raymond Johns Nicholson, of Oakland Township, Michigan, passed away and began eternal life on Saturday, November 30, 2019, at the age of 85. Ray was greeted by loved ones who predeceased him; his parents Thomas and Irene; brothers Thomas and William; son Raymond, Jr.; and daughter-in-love Mary. He was proud to be from New Jersey, where he was born on July 27, 1934, in North Arlington. Surviving to enjoy beautiful memories of Ray are his high school sweetheart and loving wife of sixty-five … [Read more...]