Welcome Back: Here's What You Missed Over the Holidays

Welcome back, Berkley and Huntington Woods! Whether you were out of town or simply logged off to enjoy the holidays with friends and family, we're happy to fill you in on what you missed on Berkley Patch over the holidays.

Winter weather returns

The first official day of winter was just three days before Christmas, but true Michigan winter weather didn't show up until yesterday, when blew into the state. 

The National Weather Service predicts frigid temperatures today in Berkley and Huntington Woods, with a high and low of 18 degrees. Wind chill values could be as low as zero, with winds gusting up to 22 miles an hour, the agency warns.

So, don't forget to bundle up before you head out!

Fuel Report: Gas Prices Creep Up

According to AAA, , up from $3.32 a week ago and $3.13 a year ago.

New Laws Go Into Effect in Michigan

Residents, workers and employers are affected by laws that took effect in late December or will do so now that calendars have flipped to 2012. Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation in 2011 regulating home foreclosures, charter schools, student bullying, teachers' unions and other areas.

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Dispose of Your Christmas Tree

The presents are opened, the wrapping paper put away and the needle-dropping tree remains as a reminder of another Christmas past – so what do you do with it? Luckily, the cities of Berkley and Huntington Woods make it easy for residents to dispose of their trees after the holiday by putting them out at the curb, where they are treated as chipping. .

Patch announces local 'Deck the House' winner

Berkley Patch announced Friday that Marla Rocklin Jansen's menorah light display is Berkley Patch's . Though Jansen's entry ultimately didn't make it to the final pool of 24 entries, her holiday display still helped add a little holiday cheer this season. Don't forget to vote for the national winner here.

Catch a College Bowl Game

Another College Bowl season is under way and in Berkley.

Congratulations to the Michigan State University Spartans, who beat Georgia 33-30 in a triple overtime battle Monday in the 26th annual Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa!

And, good luck to No. 13 University of Michigan (10-2, 6-2 Big 10), which faces 17th-ranked Virginia Tech (11-2, 7-2 ACC) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl today at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Have a happy New Year!

As we jump into a new year, why not take a second to look back at 2011? Here are several stories wrapping up last year's events:

Use us (but don't abuse us)

Berkley Patch is working to become an even better community news website in the new year, but we need your help! Let us know what you like about Patch and what we can do to improve, and don't forget to check out  and our How to Use Patch topic page.