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Spring

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Last Blast of Winter Looks to Hit Shelby Township and Utica Friday

A wintry mix is predicted starting Friday afternoon and continuing into the evening.

In the battle of spring vs. winter this week in Shelby Township and Utica, winter looks poised to take the lead. Forecasters from the National Weather Service are calling for a chance rain, possibly mixed with snow starting after 3 p.m. Friday and turning to all snow after 8 p.m.  Around an inch of snow could accumulate by late Friday night. Here's a look at the forecast beyond Friday: Wednesday, March 20, is the first day of spring. 

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Waiting with (Frosty) Bated Breath for Groundhog Day

With snow flurries and freezing temps expected through next week in Shelby Township and Utica, the prospect of Punxsutawney Phil, or Michigan's own Woody, predicting six more weeks of winter on Feb. 2 is especially daunting.

Groundhog Day is on Saturday, Feb. 2 this year, and the recent Arctic temperatures are giving the day a bit more resonance than usual. According to the myth, if a groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; if he does not, spring is right around the corner. Last year, Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter while Woody, Michigan's Official Groundhog, called for an early spring. Groundhog Day and other similar legends are based on the beliefs of Europeans, but the true origins of the holiday are lost in time. The day originated from the Germans, Scots and early Christian Europeans. It is celebrated every year on Feb. 2. On this day, a groundhog comes out of its burrow and checks for his …

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Want Cider? Yates to Open Friday for 10 Days of Spring Apple Joy

Last fall's bumper crop has led the cider mill to a bonus spring pressing — for the first time in 20 years.

If you thought last summer and fall were delightful, you weren't the only one. Michigan apples thrived during those seasons leading to a "bumper crop." Now cider and donut fans are getting a special spring treat at Yates Cider Mill. "We're so excited to have a special spring pressing," Yates owner Katie Titus said. "Last year was the perfect season with no frost or hail damage. For the first time in a long time we have the apples for a spring press." Yates Cider Mill will be open Friday until April 22. Fresh cider and donuts will be made at the mill daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Ice Cream Shoppe will also open for the season on Friday. Ice cream hours are Sunday-Thursday 1-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Titus estimated it'…

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Freeze Warning Tonight Follows Snowflakes

Temperatures are expected to dip into the 20s, threatening sensitive spring plants.

You weren't seeing things when you saw snow blowing around Tuesday afternoon and now there's another freeze warning in effect from midnight to 8 a.m. Wednesday. The National Weather Service says temperatures will fall through the early morning, reaching low temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s by sunrise. That means damage is possible to sensitive vegetation, including newly budded plants and trees. So haul those houseplants back inside and think about covering up your more sensitive flowers and plants. And cross your fingers for good luck – it can't hurt.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

It's Spring! But Expect Today's Temps to Feel More Like Summer

Take advantage of today's high temperatures by visiting one of the area's now-open golf courses or parks, and keep an eye on the skies to set your compass for the season.

Let's face it. Mother Nature is having a weird year. In Shelby Township, Utica and throughout much of Southeast Michigan, winter was less-than-impressive with little snowfall and relatively mild temperatures. Today is the first day of spring, but the National Weather Service predicts it will feel more like summer, with a high near 80 degrees and mostly sunny skies after the morning fog clears. Although the weather aspect is most noticeable, there is more to the first day of spring than warmer temperatures. Also known as the vernal equinox, it is on this day that the sun rises exactly due east and sets exactly due west as it crosses the celestial equator going northward, according to Almanac.com. As a result of this movement of the sun in …

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Patch Contest: Win Gift Card to Hepburn's Crepes and Coffee

Enter Shelby-Utica Patch's contest for a chance to win.

Join Shelby-Utica's April contest and you may win a $50 gift certificate to Hepburn's Crepes and Coffee in Shelby Township.  To participate: Tell us in three words what you think makes Shelby Township and Utica special. Your descriptions must be in the article's comments section below. The contest closes at 12 a.m. May 1. A winner will be randomly selected. Official rules: Click here for complete Official Rules.

Marge F

9:02 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2011

I've been living in Shelby Twp for over 50 years! I love it here. I felt so far from home when I first moved from the big "D", but enjoyed all the neighbors, businesses, and enjoyed the wonderful growth of the township. That's why I think Shelby Township and Utica are: PICTURESQUE NEIGHBORLY PROSPEROUS Thank You, Marge   more ›

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Set Your Clocks for Daylight Saving Time!

The time change, effective 2 a.m. Sunday, means darker morning commutes, potential sleep disruptions and, of course, that spring is coming.

Daylight Saving Time begins early Sunday, bringing darker mornings and lighter evenings as warmer months approach. Before going to bed Saturday night, advance your clocks an hour for spring forward, which officially begins at 2 a.m. Sunday. And, expect some sun to mark the occasion. Warmer Weather Partly sunny skies and temperatures reaching the mid-30s are in the region's forecast for Sunday followed by mostly sunny skies and similar temps Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Although rain and snow may fall Tuesday night and Wednesday, warmer weather is on the way with a high near 39 degrees Tuesday and 48 degrees Wednesday, the service projects. Darker Commutes Meanwhile, the Michigan Department of Transportation cautions …

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