Features

Economic Development

Bringing some Detroit soul food and music to Macomb: Q&A with restaurant owner Maurice Ford

Kate RoffThursday, November 5, 2020

Maurice Ford and his wife, Talisha, had just opened their new restaurant and music venue in Sterling Heights before COVID-19 hit. Now the couple are figuring out how to balance reopening with rehiring.

Economic Development

Industry, government leaders push Sterling Heights' bid for space command

Kate RoffThursday, November 5, 2020

If Sterling Heights' city leaders have their way, Macomb will be home to the new United States Space Command Headquarters. Congress members, county executives, and city officials met this week to push support for the bid.

Community Development

Coffee roaster and cafe opens in downtown Clawson

MJ GalbraithThursday, November 5, 2020

“We bought a small home coffee roaster when we were in our first apartment and set off the fire alarms. We started giving it away to friends, started going to farmers markets. Everything we did was based around coffee,” Trevor Graham says. “We always had the dream of one day owning a coffee shop.”

Arts and Culture

‘Finding joy in chaos’: Artist debuts new exhibition at downtown Farmington art gallery

MJ GalbraithThursday, November 5, 2020

The title of the exhibition, Gifts of Quarantine, reflects Stropoli’s attitude in creating the series over the course of a muted year. The content of the painting themselves juxtapose the dark with the light.

Social distancing in effect at the Farmington Farmers Market

Economic Development

Farmington Farmers Market celebrates one million customers, on track to break attendance record

MJ GalbraithThursday, October 22, 2020

“We were on the fence about doing anything but it’s such a significant milestone. Do we have to yield to everything the pandemic has thrown our way or can we acknowledge this moment?“ asks market manager Walt Gajewski.

Healthy Communities

Sterling Heights launches holiday assistance program as food pantries face COVID-19 strain

Kate RoffThursday, October 22, 2020

Sterling Heights is looking to streamline holiday assistance programs in the city this year, to meet food pantry and family assistance needs in the face of COVID-19 limitations.

Arts and Culture

Michigan arts and cultural organizations receive nearly $10M in grants from state arts organization

MJ GalbraithThursday, October 22, 2020

“During these tough times, it is a strong affirmation that the field is still vibrant, and the value of our programs is not only recognized, but can contribute to ongoing efforts support vibrancy in our communities throughout the state,” says MCACA director Alison Watson.

Technology and Innovation

Women of color in STEM award recognizes Sterling Heights innovator

Kate RoffThursday, October 22, 2020

The annual Women of Color STEM Conference was held virtually this year, but it didn't stop the recognition of movers and shakers in the field. Several Fiat Chrysler Automobile employees were awarded, including Sterling Heights assembly plant's Saretta Wallace.

John Favazza at Jack's Italian Bakery Melvindale. Photo by David Lewinski.

Community Development

Melvindale's eclectic small businesses make most of a small city with big heart

David SandsWednesday, October 21, 2020

Melvindale's slogan, "The Little City With a BIG Heart." It's a small city with a lot going on.

24 hours in metro Detroit: Best and safest cider mills to visit this fall

Ashley ZlatopolskyWednesday, October 21, 2020

There’s nothing like a great visit to a tried-and-true favorite cider mill to make the most out of fall in Michigan.

Arts and Culture

24 hours in metro Detroit: Best and safest cider mills to visit this fall

Ashley ZlatopolskyWednesday, October 21, 2020

There’s nothing like a great visit to a tried-and-true favorite cider mill to make the most out of fall in Michigan.

Arts and Culture

Meet the artist behind Arthur the Raven, a stop-motion animation series in downtown Farmington

MJ GalbraithThursday, October 15, 2020

Meet Leila Mullison, the artist responsible for Arthur the Raven. Mullison’s stop-motion vignettes of Arthur are being featured in Downtown Farmington throughout the month of October as part of the city’s Grand Raven festival.

Kids and Education

LTU receives grant from high-profile video game developer for new tech lab

MJ GalbraithThursday, October 15, 2020

The $50,000 grant will be used to build an Unreal laboratory with high performance computers. There will be dedicated virtual reality and augmented reality access to support core courses, recertification efforts, and summer camps.

Photo courtesy Neumann-Smith Architects.

Transportation

Dearborn approves new multi-modal transportation plan

MJ GalbraithThursday, October 15, 2020

“This multi-modal transportation plan will guide us as we make decisions now and into the future about the best ways for people to navigate through our city, take advantage of economic opportunities, and connect to the region,’’ says Mayor O’Reilly.

Shipt, Macomb, Seniors, Grocery delivery, COVID-19

Healthy Communities

Macomb seniors to receive free grocery delivery membership as flu season looms

Kate RoffThursday, October 15, 2020

Senior citizens throughout Macomb County will soon have access to free grocery delivery membership, in an effort to keep residents safer during COVID-19 restrictions.

The city of Sterling Heights will forgo its usual Sterling Frights event this year to make way for six smaller Halloween-themed events that cater to COVID-19 restrictions.

Arts and Culture

Sterling Heights to host 6 Halloween events, working around COVID-19

Kate RoffThursday, October 15, 2020

It seems a global pandemic won't stop Halloween being celebrated in Sterling Heights. The city's Parks and Recreation team have developed six events to cater to residents for the spooky season, from scavenger hunts at the Nature Center to teen trivia nights and contact-less trick-or-treating drive-thru for senior citizens.

Kids and Education

Leading a school through a pandemic: Q&A with superintendent Robert Monroe

Kate RoffThursday, October 8, 2020

What's it like leading a school through a global pandemic? We speak with new Utica Community Schools superintendent Robert Monroe about his experience in Macomb County.

Arts and Culture

Downtown Farmington hosts Poe-themed Grand Raven festival all month long

MJ GalbraithThursday, October 8, 2020

The first-ever Grand Raven Festival is officially underway. The month-long event provides downtown a spookified atmosphere where one of America’s most famous poets might feel downright comfortable.

Transportation

Michigan-based ride-hailing app launches in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties

MJ GalbraithThursday, October 8, 2020

Although Uber and Lyft are now ubiquitous, the app-based vehicle-for-hire services were once brand new companies, vying for the attention of would-be customers. Now a Dearborn-based startup is ready to start competing with the major players of the rideshare market.