Volkswagen returns to CES 2016 with two ground-breaking, zero-emissions vehicles: the BUDD-e concept and the e-Golf Touch. BUDD-e is a concept vehicle that will take CES attendees on a quick time-hop to the year 2019. In contrast, the e-Golf Touch, with its next-generation infotainment system, shows that technologies showcased at CES 2015 are close to production.

ION Audio has announced the introduction of three new water-resistant outdoor speakers, all with wireless Bluetooth streaming capability. Recognizing an ever-growing demand for wireless outdoor entertainment solutions, these three new ION speakers give customers the ability to choose their speaker’s size and loudness capability to perfectly match their requirements, with the added bonus of being IPX4 water-resistant. That means whether a quick spring shower pops up or someone wants to use their speaker near children splashing in a pool, any of these new ION speakers is ideal.

The Block Rocker Splash boasts an impressive 8-inch 2-way speaker system powered by a 100-watt dynamic power amplifier. Its rechargeable battery lasts for 100 hours, so the fun keeps going without missing a beat. It streams music wirelessly from any Bluetooth device and also has a built-in AM/FM radio, plus it comes with a microphone and cable so users can be the MC at their own event or even have Karaoke parties in the rain!

Do you own a drone? If so, there are important restrictions in federal law that you should know.

Unmanned aircraft systems, popularly called drones, have become increasingly popular and less expensive in recent years. However, many people may not be aware that they are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, which also controls private and commercial aircraft. FAA regulations restrict drone use within areas where they may interfere with other air traffic, such as an FAA rules also prohibit drone use over most federal land, such as national forests and parks.

A drone can annoy visitors to these public places, typically seeking peace and quiet. A drone may disturb, or even harass, wildlife. Drones may also interfere with other aerial activity such as wildfire detection and suppression. There have been several incidents in recent years in which firefighters have had to suspend the use of aircraft in fighting wildfires because of the presence of private drones.

Recent FAA regulations require the registration of drones above a certain weight or face civil and criminal penalties. The Huron-Manistee National Forests encourage the public to be aware of these regulations and the responsibility involved in flying a drone by visiting their website at: https://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/faqs/

-- Press release courtesy of Huron-Manistee National Forests

AT&T has boosted its mobile Internet coverage in Franklin by installing a new antenna system that will give customers stronger connections throughout the community. 

The network upgrade, called an Outdoor Distributed Antenna System (oDAS), consists of strategically placed antennas that distribute AT&T’s wireless network coverage to more than 4,500 people in a four square mile boundary of Franklin: Lone Pine Road to the north, Telegraph Road on the east, 13 Mile Road to the south and Inkster Road on the west. It can provide better, more consistent wireless coverage to customers, so they don’t have to worry about their service getting stuck in a traffic jam of other people’s calls, texts and posts.