Detroit, MI

On The Dot: Warming Michigan winters and snowmobile tourism

Published

1 year ago

December 3, 2023

On The Dot: Warming Michigan winters and snowmobile tourism

(CBS DETROIT) – “The last three winters at least have been really brutal,” says Jason Galanter, who owns the Frederic Inn.

“It’s warmer days throughout the dead of winter that can ruin the conditions for snowmobilers,” added Scott Meterko, owner of Bright Powersports in Lincoln Park.

Galanter and Meterko are two different sides of the same snowy coin.

Both love to snowmobile and have all their lives, but both also own businesses that are seeing a trend in the wrong direction regarding snowmobiling in the northern mitten.

CBS Detroit

“I remember riding down here. In the lower peninsula, the snow was gnarly. We got 36 inches in two days. But then within five days, we had grass again, like it literally was 55 and rainy,” says Galanter. “So, like, that’s what we’re having. This is huge for ups and downs of temperature, in which we’re getting the snow and losing the snow. So it’s really a bummer.”

Galanter’s Frederic Inn is a well-known stop for anyone riding the trails between Grayling and Gaylord. He’s grown up there and says he can see the difference year to year with how even a slightly milder winter can drastically affect businesses that rely on snowy tourism.

“Snowfall and temperature literally define how our business is during the winter,” he says.

The northern part of the mitten – the northwest snow belts – is a well-known area to visit for those in southern parts of the state if they don’t want to make a day-long trip to the Upper Peninsula. But it all depends on the snow.

“If not, you’re going up the U.P., which is what I have to do, which is like it’s a bummer for us locals, too,” Galanter said. “It’s like I grew up my whole life riding out of the house, riding anywhere I needed. It’s a lot cheaper than loading up the truck, loading up the trailer, adding another two hours from here to Paradise or Munising or even farther up at the top of Copper Harbor.”

And it isn’t just a trip farther north.

While researching this story, CBS News Detroit Ahmad Bajjey called seven different power sports dealers, for example, Rosenau in Dearborn. They directed Bajjey to Meterko, who is the only one still selling snowmobiles.

Meterko says he is seeing a change in the time of year for snowmobiling both as a business owner and a rider.

“So it’s the last decade or so, it’s been a little bit more of a struggle with the weather because what we start to see is we start to see a lot of this mid-winter warm up where, you know, in January and February you get these, you know, upper forties and fifties every day. So, you know, one of those days can entirely wipe out a week or two worth of snow in bass and, you know, setting the trails up,” says Meterko.

He says that while the sport still exists, there’s a worrying change happening that was slow at first and has picked up steam as the winters have warmed up north.

“The demographic itself has changed dramatically,” Meterko said.

He says the demographic of those buying snowmobiles has shifted from those in their 30s to those well into their 50s. He says those riders have the free time or funds to take the long trips farther north where a good snow base exists in the winter.

Yamaha is also seeing this change. The company announced that model year 2025 will be its last in the snowmobiling business internationally.

“There’s no doubt that the winters have gotten warmer over the last several decades. Not a surprise to anybody who’s lived up here for any length of time,” says Jim Keysor, Meteorologist In Charge at Gaylord’s National Weather Service office.

He says that the milder setups cause a lack of required snowpack for snowmobiles later into the winter than we saw 20 years ago.

“And what we’re seeing sort of more of a backloaded winter, I guess, is how I describe it. You know, January, February, March, are better,” says Keysor. “November, December, not as good. So certainly, an economic impact on that side.”

That doesn’t mean there isn’t any snow or even that snowfall is below average.

“Maybe surprising to people, we receive almost the same amount of snow that we’ve received really, looking back the last 50 or 75 years, the amount of snow has not really changed all that much,” says Keysor. “It may feel like it’s changed. What has changed, though, is that we’re melting more in between the snow events. We’re seeing more thaws and more rain events in between. And it feels like we’re sort of on this the seesaw.”

The heavy hits of snowfall are a documented sign of warming conditions. It may also be easier to melt because the physical make-up of the snow is more of that wet and heavy type of snowfall. Difficult to move, but faster to melt. This is something actively being researched.

“It’s interesting you mentioned that we’re actually partnering with the University of Michigan right now on a snow study on exactly that topic. And they’ve got some equipment here in our office, which we’re looking at sort of the density of snow that’s falling, and that’s only a couple of years old,” Keysor said.

Keysor says a big focus is on warmer winters, allowing lake-effect snow to continue to ramp up.

“The lake effect machine actually goes in a very robust fashion. So, a little bit warmer weather, a little warmer winter, does not shut off necessarily. So that is probably one reason why the Great Lakes is one of the only places in the entire country that has actually seen increases or at least steady to an increase in the amount of winter snowfall in almost anywhere in the lower 48,” Keysor said.

Saying the words “climate change” or talking about how there are signs of things changing brings a robust debate. On that part, Keysor gives a little background specifically for northern Michigan.

“This is not this is not a linear thing. And the climate always changes. So let’s just put a fact on the table. … Can we all agree that if I look through history, climate changes, it does,” says Keysor. “And we know that from ice cores samples. We know that from tree rings, we know that from a lot of different things. We know that. That is weather, and it’s why I got into weather, because it’s changing and volatile and extreme. That’s weather. Do I think humans influence it? In all likelihood, to some degree, yes. The bottom line is warmer winter weather is displaying a track record.”

This impacts snowmobile conditions in the northern mitten, leading many who used to frequent Grayling, Gaylord, Frederic, and Kalkaska to head north of the bridge seeking the perfect powder.

“For the better part of a couple of decades, you could count on December through March being your riding season. We’ve essentially lost December. If we lose another month, then that could be an issue,” says Meterko.

“If we have great snow, we are busy. I mean, we’re as busy as the 4th of July weekend. If we don’t get access, you’re going to keep going up north until you find it.”

While Yamaha is the first to get out of snowmobile sales, it’s important to note they were the lowest provider of recognized snowmobile sales. The next on the list is Arctic Cat, which both Galanter and Meterko believe only has a few years left unless it can keep up with the offerings provided by companies like Ski-Doo and Polaris.

Ahmad Bajjey

Ahmad Bajjey is a CBS Detroit meteorologist. Coming to CBS Detroit is a return home after growing up in Dearborn where his family still lives. He has spent the past 9 1/2 years in Flint as a meteorologist and most recently as chief meteorologist for WEYI and WSMH.

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Detroit, MI

How Detroit Lions plan to make up for loss of Alim McNeill, Carlton Davis, David Montgomery

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Press Room

How Detroit Lions plan to make up for loss of Alim McNeill, Carlton Davis, David Montgomery

The physical toll is obvious.

The Detroit Lions have 18 players on injured reserve, with four more headed there in the coming days.

The psychological toll is still coming into focus, though Lions coach Dan Campbell said his locker room won’t flinch at the latest rash of injuries that knocked out defensive starters Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis, running back David Montgomery and special teams standout Khalil Dorsey this week.

“We acknowledge the fact that, man, we’ve lost players, we’ve lost really good players,” Campbell said Monday. “But nobody cares. I mean, nobody cares and nobody’s going to give us a pass or put an asterisk next to your record.

“So what it means is, some guys are going to have an unbelievable opportunity. Because of what has happened, that means, now, man, you’re a guy who’s on the vet squad or you’re a young player or you’re somebody that’s been dying to get an opportunity, you’re about to get it. And so, that’s a pretty cool thing, that’s a pretty inspiring thing, what are you going to do with it?”

Campbell said it’s up to him and his staff to put the Lions’ next wave of replacement starters in position to succeed and design gameplans that play to the team’s strengths.

Already, the Lions have been playing without front-seven starters Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes because of injuries, and before Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills they were riding an 11-game win streak.

Montgomery injured the MCL in his right knee Sunday and is expected to miss the rest of the season. The Lions will fill his void by leaning more heavily on Jahmyr Gibbs at running back, though Campbell said they have to be wary about giving Gibbs too many reps in Montgomery’s absence.

Gibbs leads the Lions with a career-high 1,047 yards rushing on 186 carries. Montgomery has 775 yards on 185 carries. No. 3 running back Craig Reynolds has 12 offensive touches this season.

“We’ve still got to be able to be smart with (Gibbs), but we need him,” Campbell said. “We need him and that’s the trick. So those other guys, Craig’s going to need to help us, which, he’ll be ready. And (Sione) Vaki, potentially, as well.”

At defensive tackle, the Lions will use a committee approach to replace McNeill, who tore the ACL in his right knee Sunday and has been the Lions’ best defensive lineman since Hutchinson broke his leg in mid-October.

Levi Onwuzurike, who has played as both a big defensive end and inside at tackle this season, could play more as interior rusher the rest of the year. DJ Reader is healthy at nose tackle after missing one game with a shoulder injury. Pat O’Connor has played a prominent backup role in recent weeks. And Myles Adams and Brodric Martin could see rotational snaps after being inactive Sunday.

Campbell said the Lions are sorting through myriad options on what to do at cornerback with Davis out indefinitely with a broken jaw.

The rest of the starting secondary – safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, cornerback Terrion Arnold and slot corner Amik Robertson – is healthy with three games to play and some of those players could see a shift in role. Robertson played some outside cornerback for the Las Vegas Raiders last season, though the Lions have preferred to keep him inside. Branch could move to slot in certain packages if the Lions want to get a third safety – Ifeatu Melifonwu, when he comes off injured reserve (as soon as this week), or Brandon Joseph on the field.

And Kindle Vildor and Emmanuel Moseley have experience at outside cornerback, and in Moseley’s case, also in the slot. Vildor finished Sunday’s game at outside cornerback.

“What do we do with Branch? Do we keep him where he’s at? Do we move him?” Campbell said. “We’ve got Amik, does Amik stay inside? Does he go outside? Iffy, start his clock this week? Maybe, potentially. We’ve just got to see, and because of that we’re going to need to practice a little bit to see where some of these guys that haven’t practiced in a while are at.

“So we’ll see. We’ve got options, and we’ll find the best combination of guys and go from there.”

Robertson said Sunday he’s willing to play whatever role the Lions deem necessary down the stretch.

“I’m a football player,” he said. “Wherever they put me at, I’ll play at a high level, play … Lions football, be myself within the scheme. If that’s what we’re going to do than that’s what I’ll do but as of now I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Campbell doesn’t either, though he’ll spend the next few days figuring it out.

“I’ve said it before, we play with three units here and we’ll do what we have to do to win a game, and that’s all that matters,” he said. “That’s all that matters, from here on out, is that you just need to have one more point than the opponent, period.”

Dave Birkett is the author of the new book, “Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline.” Order your copy here. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

Next up: Bears

Matchup: Lions (12-2) at Chicago (4-9 entering Monday).

Kickoff: 1 p.m. Sunday; Soldier Field; Chicago.

TV/radio: Fox; WXYT-FM (97.1).

Spread: Lions by 6½.

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Detroit, MI

Detroit gas station shut down after another shooting allegedly involving a clerk

Published

14 hours ago

December 16, 2024

Press Room

Detroit gas station shut down after another shooting allegedly involving a clerk

DETROIT (WXYZ) — Detroit police shut down a Mobil gas station near McNichols Road and the Lodge Freeway on Monday after a clerk allegedly shot at a suspected shoplifter. A similar incident happened at the gas station in 2023.

“Earlier last week, we had an incident where the clerk left behind the glass for what appears to be suspecting someone of shoplifting, started shooting indiscriminately outside here on the public streets putting this community in danger. That is not OK,” Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes said. “We demand accountability. There is a responsibility for business owners as well as their staff to treat the community with dignity and second of all, firearms and shooting at someone on an open street like this, that is not OK.”

The incident happened on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

The family of 38-year-old Tony Williams says because of the shooting, he was fleeing the clerk and jumped onto the Lodge to escape. He died from his injuries.

“It didn’t have to happen at all,” said Tuan Williams, the brother of the Tony.

The family called for the gas station to be shut down Sunday, chanting “shut it down” inside after holding a vigil.

“We wanted justice to be serve and justice is being served. I’m thankful for that,” Tuan Williams said.

Hayes was joined by council members, members of the Board of Police of Commissioners and community violence intervention partners. They hope the closure of the business sets a tone across the city.

“At this point, we consider this business very dangerous,” Hayes said.

It’s not the first time the gas station has been shut down.

It was shut down in 2023 for operating without a license after a triple shooting that claimed the life of a man and injured two others. A clerk locked the doors and the victims were locked inside as he argued over a theft police say totaled about $3.

“We are committed to making sure that this does not happen again,” Hayes said.

Related video: Court throws out manslaughter charge against clerk in Detroit gas station shooting

Manslaughter charge dropped against Detroit gas station clerk, victim’s mother speaks out

Police say they are looking at video evidence and still investigating the cause of Tony Williams’ death.

“It’s gonna be a major part of this healing process. We’re gonna take it one step at a time, one day at a time, stay strong as possible. I’m thankful justice is being served. One step and we’re going to continue to stand moving forward,” said Tuan Williams.

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Detroit, MI

Lions vs Bills winners and losers: Detroit’s Super Bowl 2025 chances take big hit

Published

22 hours ago

December 16, 2024

Press Room

Lions vs Bills winners and losers: Detroit’s Super Bowl 2025 chances take big hit

Free Press sports writer Dave Birkett highlights the best and worst performances of the Lions’ 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Ford Field.

The Lions (12-2) lost for the first time in exactly three months — when they also lost at home to Tampa Bay, 20-16, in Week 2 on Sept. 15 — and had their franchise-record 11-game win streak snapped. The Lions will have to wait a week to get a second shot at setting the franchise single-season wins record when they visit division rival Chicago Bears in Week 16.

Lions-Bills winners

Bills QB Josh Allen

Allen was phenomenal Sunday, passing for 362 yards and two touchdowns and running for two more scores. He has five rushing and five passing touchdowns with zero turnovers in the Bills’ past two games and made a handful of improbable throws after extending plays with his legs.

With his performance, Allen cemented his place as this year’s probable MVP.

“Josh Allen just doing Josh Allen things, man,” Lions cornerback Amik Robertson said. “I don’t think they got any standout dog rec(eiver). They didn’t do nothing — for me they didn’t do nothing special, we just didn’t play Lions football today, man, but we’re going to be all right”

Lions S Brian Branch

Branch was one of the few bright spots on a defense that gave up its most points since Week 4 of the 2022 season.

The second-year safety had 15 tackles, two for loss, and a pass breakup. He had a TFL on a first-and-10 play in the third quarter that helped force the Bills’ only punt of the game and a pass breakup in the end zone that forced the Bills to settle for a short field goal they missed late in the second quarter.

The Lions defense has been decimated by injury and is hemorrhaging talent in the front seven, but they still have two of the best safeties in football in Branch and Kerby Joseph.

Lions-Bills losers

Lions OL

The Lions have one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL, but couldn’t run the ball a lick Sunday — 48 yards on 15 carries — and that’s part of why they found themselves in a big early hole. They went 0 yards, 1 yard, minus-2 yards on their first three carries and gave up two sacks in their first six pass attempts.

While the failures were a collective effort, Frank Ragnow (two holding penalties) and Graham Glasgow (a face mask) had especially rough days on the interior trying to block Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (one sack, three QB hits).

The Lions still rallied for 42 points, so the line wasn’t all bad. But one of the league’s best groups hasn’t been its sharpest in a few weeks and that’s not what this team needs heading into the home stretch.

Lions’ Super Bowl 2025 chances

The Lions are still one of the best teams in the NFL, but it’s indisputable their Super Bowl 59 chances took another hit (or four) with injuries Sunday.

Already down defensive starters Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone, the Lions lost two more defensive starters to major injury Sunday in Alim McNeill and Carlton Davis, gunner/cornerback Khalil Dorsey to a broken leg and running back David Montgomery to an MCL injury.

As good as they’ve been, the Lions are starting to run out of capable bodies, especially on defense. They could lose all four of the players who got injured Sunday for the remainder of the season, and good teams like the Bills and good quarterbacks like Allen are more than capable of exploiting their holes.

On Sunday, the Lions’ decimated linebacking corps struggled to get off blocks and cover Buffalo’s running backs and tight ends in the pass game. Anzalone should return soon, but it might not be enough to save the league’s most injury-ravaged defense.

Dave Birkett is the author of the new book, “Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline.” Order your copy here. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

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