Focus Macomb - June 2026

Hello and welcome to the newest edition of Focus Macomb.

We kicked off the summer attending many amazing events in celebration of advancements in technology, education and community.

Dutton Farm, a non-profit whose mission is to support and empower adults with disabilities, recently held a ribbon-cutting for their new location on Gratiot. We were so happy to be a part of the ceremony and are excited to continue our partnership with the amazing, devoted people behind what makes Dutton Farm special.

We also joined Macomb Community College for several milestone events, including the opening of their new Fire Training Center and the 3rd annual CSI Camp, which featured the Macomb County Examiner's Office and highlighted their contributions to crime scene investigations. Macomb Community College continues to strengthen our region by offering unique and innovative opportunities through strong partnerships and a commitment to workforce development.

A key factor in that success has been the leadership of former President Jim Sawyer, who retired this month, as well as the dedication of the staff. We were honored to join partners, community leaders and friends in a recent sendoff that celebrated his lasting impact on the college, its students and the community.

With multiple advancements happening within our community, including the groundbreaking of the Broughton Road extension in Macomb Township and the continuation of the Selfridge Mission Next project, it's important to also step back and acknowledge our present.

Macomb County is filled with many amazing men and women who have reached 100-years of age. This month alone, we celebrated over seven incredible individuals-Mike Young, Ruth McCoy, Gloria Laverdiere, Geraldine Moceri, Gerri Beaupre, Arthur Ritter, Jessie Edwards and William "Bill" Russell, who have flourished, inspired and endured for over a century. Congratulations to everyone who has reached this landmark achievement! If you or someone you know is 100 years in age or older and would like to be recognized, fill out this registration form and we will follow up with an invitation to the next Centenarian Celebration.

As summer unfolds, don't forget to check out our new fireworks blog for more Independence Day firework shows, and find other fun events on our events webpage.

For updates on important topics and happenings in the County, you can also follow our Macomb Matters Weekly Updates on my social media channels: YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary!

Mark Hackel

Cooling centers in Macomb County

Summer in Macomb County brings sunshine, beach days, festivals, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. But when temperatures climb too high, it's important to know where to go to stay safe and cool.

Residents seeking relief from the heat can access this list of cooling centers throughout Macomb County. The cooling centers are public facilities where people may go for relief during temporary periods of extreme heat. Facilities provide water and restrooms.

Please call ahead before visiting to confirm hours and availability.

More ways to stay safe during extreme heat

High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, and people with medical conditions. Follow these simple tips to stay safe this summer:

Stay cool, hydrated & connected

Protect yourself, family members and others during extreme heat:

• Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly and limit sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks.

• Stay cool: Spend time in air-conditioned spaces like libraries, malls, or cooling centers. Fans alone may not prevent heat illness when temperatures exceed 90°F.

• Stay connected: Check on older adults, children, and neighbors twice daily. Never leave children or pets in parked cars.

Know the signs of heat illness

• Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, cramps, dizziness, headache, nausea, or fatigue. Move to a cool place, drink fluids, and use cool cloths. Seek medical care if symptoms persist.

• Heat stroke (Emergency): Body temperature above 104°F, confusion, hot/dry skin, severe headache, or unconsciousness. Call 911 immediately and begin cooling the person right away.

Sewer odor that has occasionally plagued a Sterling Heights neighborhood for many years will be greatly reduced, if not eliminated, by a new underground infrastructure project announced Thursday by the Macomb County Public Works Office.

The project plan involves the construction of an odor control facility along the south side of 15 Mile Road, west of Schoenherr Road, in the ITC Corridor. It is the fifth and final piece of a puzzle involving a series of construction projects in the last six years to mitigate odorous hydrogen sulfide gas that also is highly corrosive to the concrete pipes that carry the raw sewage from hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses.

"The odor has been a periodic problem for years, before I got into office," Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller said. "Through a series of infrastructure projects, our team has been able to greatly reduce the sewer gas while lining the interior of the large interceptor pipes to protect them from further severe corrosion that can lead to sewer collapse and sinkholes."

The engineering design and construction of the odor control structure will be funded without an increase in rates to residents. The project is made possible through a $2.5 million supplemental appropriation in the state budget, requested by state Rep. Ron Robinson.

"When I got to Lansing, infrastructure was obviously top of mind," Robinson said. "I have been in conversation with dozens of constituents who have been directly affected by these odors. That is why I fought for this appropriation, and I am proud to deliver the relief they have been asking for."

In recent years, odors have spiked occasionally when the large interceptors up to 11 feet in diameter dozens of feet below the surface have been opened or when flow is stored upstream in the pipes to allow contractors to work inside those pipes. The odor was more noticeable during summer months, when residents were more likely to be outside.

"We were very aware of all the complaints, and we've been working to solve this problem. We sincerely appreciate the patience of residents, businesses and passersby who have put up with the nuisance odor during our critical underground infrastructure projects that take years and millions of dollars to complete," said Miller. "Not tackling these projects eventually would lead to collapses that would be much more disruptive and costly to all ratepayers. We simply cannot afford to have another major sinkhole."

The design of the odor control facility is in the preliminary stage and will continue through the end of 2026 as engineers evaluate the levels of hydrogen sulfide, or H2S, in the upstream areas of the Macomb Interceptor Drain Drainage District (MIDDD) composed of 11 of Macomb County's communities. Final design and construction bids are expected in 2027, with construction tentatively planned to start later that year. It will be built at the confluence of two major sanitary sewer interceptors on the south side of 15 Mile in the ITC Corridor: one that serves the 11 communities in the MIDDD; and one that carries the flow from 12 communities in southeast Oakland County. The combined flows are then carried south through the ITC Corridor to the Great Lakes Water Authority's wastewater treatment facility in Detroit.

"Residents have dealt with these conditions for far too long. It was high time for a change and that is what we delivered," Robinson said.

For now, odors have been temporarily reduced by a mobile odor control unit.

Macomb County residents will soon have a unique opportunity to explore and protect their local natural resources as the county has been selected to host the 2026 Michigan Conservation Stewards Program (CSP)-one of only two counties chosen in southeast Michigan.

Offered through a partnership between Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension), Michigan Natural Features Inventory and Michigan Sea Grant, this once-a-year program is open to adults aged 18 and older interested in science-based conservation and hands-on learning.

The eight-week hybrid program begins the week of August 26, 2026, combining online, self-paced lessons with weekly Wednesday evening sessions held at locations across Macomb County, including the Lake St. Clair Fisheries Research Station, Stony Creek Metropark, Anchor Bay Woods Preserve, Ford House and Wolcott Mill Metropark. Participants will also take part in two Saturday field trips and complete a capstone project focused on restoring and conserving Michigan's ecosystems.

"Once again, we're honored that Macomb County has been selected as a host for the 2026 program," said Andrew Cox, director of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services. "The curriculum offers participants a genuine opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of numerous aspects of our local environment through a unique "hands-on" learning experience."

"Macomb County's natural resources and shoreline provide an ideal setting for this program," added Kristi Evans, MSU Extension District 11 North Director. "Participants love the kayaking field day experience."

The deadline to register for the course is Sunday, August 9, 2026. The course fee is $250 per person, with scholarship opportunities available. For additional details about the program such as course syllabus, meetup and field trip locations and registration information, please visit the Conservation Stewards Program website.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.

This summer, Macomb County residents are invited to discover the many health benefits of Tai Chi through a free Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention introductory series offered by MSU Extension at its Clinton Township office. This gentle, beginner-friendly program offers individuals of all ability levels the opportunity to explore a low-impact form of exercise.

Classes will take place on Mondays from noon to 1 p.m., from now through August 24, 2026. Sessions will be held in the MSU Extension Assembly Rooms, located at 21885 Dunham Road in Clinton Township (please use Entrance "E"). There is no cost to attend; however, pre-registration is required.

Tai Chi is a slow, flowing practice that combines mindful movement, deep breathing, and focused attention. Participants may experience improved strength, balance, and posture, along with a reduced risk of falls. The program also supports overall well-being by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and helping to connect mind, body, and spirit.

According to Kristi Evans, MSU Extension District Director for Macomb and Oakland counties, "This program continues to grow in popularity among Macomb County residents. We're excited to expand the program to include our Clinton Township location this summer."

The class is led by instructor Jacqui Rabine, who will provide modifications to accommodate both seated and standing participants. Attendees are encouraged to dress comfortably, wear tennis shoes, and bring water.

To register or learn more, please call 586-469-7614 or email [email protected].

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.