Dear Crabby, I'm from the South and I've Heard about Michigan Winters. How do you Winterize a Car? Charmed, I'm Sure, Belle of the South Well Belle, Let me tell you. You are definitely charmed to know me. And even more charmed to have me answer your question. Our winters can be mild or severe, and sometimes both in one week. You need to be ready! You could take your vehicle to a service station and let them check it for you, but they're so busy right now it may take days to … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Is This Weekend’s Snow Storm a Big Deal?
Dear Crabby, I've Heard on the News that this is our First Big Snow Storm of the Season, didn't we have that in November. Is this Weekend's Snow Storm a Big Deal? Sincerely, Normal for January Dear Normal for January, Well there goes the weather reporter again, trying to fool us. Yes, we had nearly a foot of snow in these parts back on November 11. But that was technically still "Fall" and not yet "Winter," so I guess it is this season's first. And, that was way back in 2019 ... … [Read more...]
Skiers and Boarders Take to the Hills
Southeast Michigan Ski Resorts are Open Blessed with a record amount of snowfall last winter, ski and snowboard resorts had wonderful conditions most of the year. Those who braved the polar vortex temperatures raved about the slopes and enjoyed run after run at Mt. Brighton, Pine Knob, Mt. Holly and Alpine Valley. The snow has not been as giving, so far, this season. However, with freezing temperatures and numerous snowmaking machines, the four resorts of southeast Michigan opened before … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, What Happend to Fall?
Dear Crabby, The first day of winter is still six weeks away, what happened to fall? Sincerely, Seasonally Confused Dear Seasonally Confused, Just a couple weeks ago, I was giving advice on how to enjoy fall. I was basing that advice on the premise that fall would be here. Of course, you can still partake in those activities, but it does seem we lost fall somewhere. Perhaps Halloween scared it away. On the other hand, maybe winter paid fall off so winter could come early. The best … [Read more...]
Road Commission seeking part-time snowplow drivers to augment full-time staff
The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) is seeking to hire approximately 40 part-time snowplow drivers to augment its reduced full-time staff for the winter this year. “We have reduced our staff about 35 percent in recent years, and many of the workers we have lost served as snowplow drivers in the winter,” explained Managing Director Dennis Kolar. “The reality is we cannot afford to replace the full-time employees we have lost, but we also cannot provide the level of service our … [Read more...]
Michigan Skiers Now Skiing
By Michael Dwyer Follow this Link to: Read Rochester Media’s Start of Season Ski Report First The Middle of Winter Southeast Michigan skiers and snowboarders are now hitting the slopes, again, at the local resorts. “The early start was nice to have” said Mark Tibbetts, general manager at Mt. Holly in Holly, MI. However, “the extreme weather events we’ve had didn’t help,” Tibbetts said regarding the amount of natural snowfall the area had which the villainous cold and the rain … [Read more...]
Road Commission of Oakland County looking to hire over 40 part-time snowplow drivers
The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) is seeking to hire 42 part-time snowplow drivers to augment its reduced full-time staff for the winter this year. “We have reduced our staff more than 35 percent in the last six years, and many of the workers we have lost served as snowplow drivers in the winter,” explained Managing Director Dennis Kolar. “The reality is we cannot afford to replace the full-time employees we have lost, but we also cannot provide the level of service our customers … [Read more...]
Before Your Winter Vacation
Getting the House Ready Part of planning winter vacations is making sure your home here in Michigan is ready for winter. While most families will be gone only one or two weeks this winter, many retired persons will go for a month or longer. By now residents of Michigan will know if their heat works. If your home uses a forced air furnace, clean or replace the air filter and make sure the air vents are not blocked and air can flow freely. When leaving for vacation, heat should be “on” but … [Read more...]
The End is Near for Skiing and Snowboarding
Winter could be found at the ski resorts! Seems like we waited all year for winter and while there were hints of it here in southeast Michigan, Fall really rolled into Spring. However, because snow making is available at all four ski resorts in our area, skiing and snowboarding were going on most of the season. The temperatures are going up and it feels like Summer is just around the corner. The word “rain” is the “Voldemort” of ski season; it’s the weather condition that shall not be … [Read more...]