Enter the “Local Gems” Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win $1,000, $500 or $250

Woman holds a sign that says, "I heart shopping small and local."

Oakland County launched the “Local Gems” Sweepstakes, which gives residents a way to promote their favorite small businesses in the county and win some cash for the holidays.

From Nov. 1 through Nov. 25, shoppers can submit a selfie from small businesses’ brick-and-mortar locations, including its exterior, signage or interior. Created by Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development with financial sponsorship from  Genisys Credit Union,  participants have the chance to win $1,000, $500 or $250.

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2023 NoHaz Collection Days

Oakland County’s NoHaz Collection team is here to help residents safely dispose of household hazardous materials ranging from pesticides, paints, air fresheners, propane cylinders, cleaning solutions, prescription medicines, and more. Though these items have made our lives easier, they can also be toxic to our health and environment when we use and dispose of them in our regular trash. Unlike industrial hazardous wastes, household hazardous wastes are not regulated.

Because so many items contain hazardous components, most people can identify a few products in their homes that are hazardous. Do you have items in mind that you want to properly dispose of? No commercial, contractor, business or institutional waste will be accepted. All liquids must be in sealed 5-gallon or smaller containers. Do you have items that you’re unsure about? View lists of accepted and non-accepted materials in the FAQ section of Advantage Oakland’s NoHaz web page or call the NoHaz Hotline at 248-858-5656.

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2023 Black History Month Events in Oakland County

black history month graphic

February is Black History Month! To learn more about Black history and culture, or gain awareness of the past, check out our list of events being held including musical and dance performances, interactive workshops, and more throughout the month of February in and around Oakland County.

This originally began as Negro History Week in 1926. In 1976, following the Civil Rights movement, the weekly observance transformed into a month-long celebration. Since then, every U.S. president has issued a proclamation honoring the spirit of Black History Month.

Listen to Oakland County Executive David Coulter share his thoughts on Black History Month in the video below.

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Radon Test Kits Half Off During the Month of January

In honor of January being National Radon Action Month, Oakland County encourages residents to take action and test their homes for radon by offering radon test kits half-price ($5) all month.

What is radon you ask? Radon is a naturally occurring invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that is usually harmless outdoors. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.

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