THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 |
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In today's newsletter, white Christmas possibilities are slim this year, all 16 ways the Lions can end their playoff drought and a Northern Michigan vineyard hosts Wine Wonderland. |
Meet ‘Moto Santa,’ Michigan’s motorcycle riding Jolly Old St. Nick |
Many of us are accustomed to hearing stories of Santa Claus being whisked through the skies with the help of nine mighty reindeer. A Metro Detroit Santa is changing the narrative by switching out the traditional sleigh for a motorcycle decked out with holiday lights. Known as "Moto Santa," Bill Clift of Warren is a semi-retired code enforcement officer, handyman and U.S. Army Veteran. Clift says he became “Moto Santa” during the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020 as a way for kids to safely take photos outdoors with Santa. He's often accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Claus, and two friends that pose as elves. |
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"Moto Santa," a.k.a., Bill Clift, is Michigan's motorcycle riding Santa Claus. (Photo by Ed Pevos | MLive.com) |
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Michigan’s roads this holiday season expected to be among busiest in 20 years |
Hitting the road: An estimated 3.6 million Michiganders are expected to travel 50 miles or more between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1, according to projections by AAA, the auto group club. Saturday, Dec. 23, and Thursday, Dec. 28, are expected to be the most-congested days on the road. More in transit: After receiving $32 million in funding, a new ferry that will transport people and vehicles between Michigan’s mainland and Beaver Island could be ready for passengers by summer 2027, officials said. Car news: Scout Motors, an electric vehicle subsidiary of Volkswagen, picked Michigan to be home for its new $11 million product design and engineering facility. The company plans to resurrect "The Scout", one of the first off-road utility vehicles, as an electric truck. |
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3 people indicted after Lansing 2-year-old dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound |
"Needless death": A grand jury has charged three people in connection with the death of a 2-year-old child who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the parking lot of a Lansing gas station on Oct. 24. A Michigan State Police trooper is recovering after being wounded in a shootout at a Bridgeport Township motel. The civilian suspect, however, was shot and killed by troopers. More in crime: A Bay County man with a lengthy criminal record is facing new charges after he allegedly led police on a chase in a stolen truck, crashing into a police vehicle in the process. |
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White Christmas possibilities? Ha ha. Don't bet much on it |
Maybe next year: If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, it's an unlikely reality. Michigan, the Great Lakes region and Upper Midwest all have between an 80 percent and 90 percent chance of temperatures being warmer than normal. Great outdoors: Roughly 73,000 acres within the Northwoods forest in the western Upper Peninsula will become part of the state’s forestry program after grant funding from a national nonprofit. Recognition: The North Country National Scenic Trail has become one of the country’s newest national parks, according to an announcement by the National Park Service. |
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All 16 ways the Lions can end their playoff drought as soon as this weekend |
The NFC North won’t be decided for another couple weeks, but the Detroit Lions could officially punch their ticket to the postseason as soon as this weekend if they beat Denver. Here are all the ways the Lions can advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Giving season: Christmas came a little early for 150 Flint kids at Voices for Children on Tuesday, Dec. 12. Funded by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores and his wife, Holly, Voices for Children and the Pistons hosted a Christmas event and gift distribution at the Flint headquarters. Speaking of football: College football bowl season is in full swing. If you can't make it to the games in person, follow MLive's guide to find the best ways to stream every game. |
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Northern Michigan vineyard to host Wine Wonderland with s’mores, hot chocolate bar |
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Let's make this Thursday your best one yet. Catch the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. Have a good day! — Cara Hackett |
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Subscribe today to get exclusive insights and bonus content from Detroit Lions writers Kyle Meinke, Benjamin Raven and Kory Woods. Dungeon of Doom is your home for entertaining and informative analysis and discussion of the Lions. Get your 14-day free trial and then keep the conversation going for only $4.99 per month. |
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