Macomb County, MI

08/27/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/27/2026 19:36

Focus Macomb - August 2026

Message from Mark

Hello and welcome to the newest edition of Focus Macomb.

Summer is winding down and fall is on the horizon. School days, holidays and autumn festivities are just around the corner. But before we turn the page to a new season, let's reflect back on the busy month of August, where our team had the opportunity to attend or host many events across the community.

For instance, the Macomb County Sheriff's Office hosted the 2026 National Night Out event at Freedom Hill, where residents and public safety professionals alike showed up and showed out for a night of family-friendly fun.

Then there was The Great Lakes Policy Conference, which brought together business leaders, environmental experts, industry innovators and economic development professionals to discuss the wonderful freshwater resource that is our Great Lakes and the opportunities it presents to our region.

On August 17, we marked the groundbreaking on the William P. Rosso Highway extension for the Selfridge Air National Guard Base. As the base continues to grow, we're working tirelessly with our local businesses, communities and state and federal government partners to welcome the next generation of aircraft. As you know, Macomb County is the epicenter of the defense industry in Michigan and not only because we host advanced military installations like Selfridge and U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command (TACOM). Many defense manufacturers have also made Macomb their home, with some recently expanding, as well. We were happy to attend General Dynamics Land Systems' unveiling of their $35M facility expansion at the business' Sterling Heights headquarters, as well as the 50thanniversary of Eclipse Mold in Chesterfield Township - a primarily automotive manufacturer who employs over 225 people across Macomb County and produces over 75 million parts annually.

On the community side, we spent a lively morning in Downtown Mount Clemens with The Old Crowd, one of the oldest civic clubs in Michigan, for their annual parade. Decorative vehicles, sunflowers and more lined the city streets, as family and friends were reunited for the event. Then there was the 23rd annual Maggie's Wigs 4 Kids Gala, which acted as a reminder of the generosity and care given by our community to those experiencing hair loss due to cancer and other disorders. The event hosted many wig ambassadors, community leaders, volunteers, businesses and friends who all support the cause. Finally, I was able to celebrate our Macomb County centenarians. Congratulations to Kathleen Jean Tiano, Lorraine Pierce, and Patricia Pleva for reaching such an incredible milestone. If you or someone you know is 100-years in age or older, please fill out this registration form and we will follow up with an invitation to the next Centenarian Celebration.

In closing, I hope everyone is able to enjoy the remaining weeks of summer to its fullest. Whether it's dining on the water, kayaking the Clinton River, or exploring Macomb County trails or enjoying our many outdoor amenities, there's alway something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on a summer concert at Freedom Hill or one of the many music in the park events put on by our local municipalities. You could also catch a United Shores Professional Baseball League game at the newly named UWM Field. If you're looking for ideas and activities, check out Make Macomb Your Home Events Facebook. You can also keep up to date on Macomb County happenings with our Macomb Matters series, also found on my social media channels, Facebook and Instagram.

Take care and stay safe,

Mark Hackel

Macomb County appoints Deputy Medical Examiner

Macomb County is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. John Costanza as its new deputy medical examiner. In this role, Dr. Costanza will join chief medical examiner Dr. Mary Pietrangelo to lead the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office. In his role, Costanza will conduct timely, objective death investigations that support public safety, the criminal justice system, and surviving family members.

"Dr. Costanza's experience in forensic pathology will enhance the outstanding work already being done by Dr. Pietrangelo and the Medical Examiner's Office," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "We're fortunate to have someone of his caliber joining our team and serving the residents of Macomb County."

"We're pleased to welcome Dr. Costanza as our deputy medical examiner," said Andrew Cox, director and health officer of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services. "His expertise and experience will strengthen the important work of our Medical Examiner's Office, and we're confident he will make a valuable contribution to our team and the community we serve."

Costanza received his medical degree from the University of Arizona and completed a forensic pathology fellowship at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston, Texas, as well as a cardiovascular and thoracic pathology fellowship at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School. He is board certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology and is licensed to practice medicine in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

"I've been eagerly awaiting Dr. Costanza's arrival to Michigan since we first met in November 2025," said Dr. Mary Pietrangelo, chief medical examiner for the Macomb County Medical Examiner's Office. "I'm very glad he chose Macomb County. He's a welcome addition to our office and I'm looking forward to working with him as our deputy medical examiner."

"I am truly honored and excited to begin my new role as deputy medical examiner for Macomb County. Over the past week, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the office and the amazing people that make it run," said Costanza. "I am loving the cooler weather and beautiful natural surroundings, which have made me feel even more excited to call this area home. I look forward to contributing to the important work of the office and serving the community in the years ahead."

Macomb County's roadside phragmites program to start August 31

The Lake St. Clair Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (LSC CISMA) in partnership with the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) will be working with a contractor to perform phragmites treatment along the Macomb County road right of way. The invasive species control is anticipated to start August 31 and is part of the County's annual treatment program.

"Phragmites and other invasive plant species have the ability to grow through pavement, damage roads, create visual impairments for motorists, and reduce road drainage," said MCDR Interim Director Scott Wanagat. "Working with LSC CISMA and our local community partners, we've taken a strategic approach to treating the invasive species that threaten public safety, our infrastructure and the environment."

More than 293,700 linear feet of roadside right of way will be treated as part of the program. Funding for the phragmites control is provided by MCDR and each of the communities where work will take place. The total cost for the 2026 program is $27,595, which will be shared equally by participating communities. MCDR views the invasive species as a threat to both drivers and infrastructure. The reed, which can grow up to 20 feet in height, thrives in roadside ditches and shoulders.

"Invasive, non-native phragmites are becoming widespread and are threatening the health of southeast Michigan's ecosystem," said LSC CISMA Director Amanda Ruffini. "Performing comprehensive and repeated control management along road right of ways helps to prevent further dispersal of the reed and restricts it from further damaging our environment as well as public infrastructure."

Work to treat phragmites within Macomb County road right of ways began in 2015. The LSC CISMA was established in Macomb County through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program in 2015. The work taking place this summer is part of the ongoing effort to control the non-native phragmites.

Treatment and removal work will take place along multiple roads within the following communities:

  • Clinton Township
  • Harrison Township
  • Lenox Township
  • Ray Township
  • Richmond Township
  • Shelby Township
  • Sterling Heights
  • Washington Township

Visit the Lake St. Clair CISMA website for maps and locations of all treatment areas within Macomb County.

For more information regarding phragmites and invasive species control in Macomb County, contact the LSC CISMA at 248-504-4315 or [email protected] or visit their website.

The inaugural Great Lakes Policy Conference boasts the region's freshwater advantage

On August 12, the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce and Macomb County Planning and Economic Development brought together business leaders, policymakers, economic development and environmental professionals, industry innovators and more to spotlight our region's greatest freshwater resource - The Great Lakes.

In particular, Lake St. Clair (locally referred to as the heart of the Great Lakes), generates $2.2 billion in economic impact annually and boasts 17 million visitors every year. This is, in-part, thanks to high traffic at water-front dining establishments, marinas, beaches and fishing piers. Home to the large-mouth bass and other fish species, this nutrient-rich lake has also played host to both Bassmaster and Major League Fishing tournaments, with Bassmaster returning once again in 2027 for their Elite Series.

Policy issues affecting the Great Lakes region, not just Lake St. Clair, were also touched upon. Discussions on tourism, economic development and environmental stewardship brought to light the appeal of habitat restoration and additional infrastructure improvements. After all, healthy freshwater benefits not only regional tourism and the overall environment, but residents, as well. Workforce opportunities are estimated to also increase with continued investment in the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes Policy Conference at MacRay Harbor was organized by the Blue Economy initiative.

Lake St. Clair muck removal pilot project expected to begin this fall

The removal of algae muck that has plagued pockets of the Lake St. Clair shore in Macomb County is expected to begin this fall as part of a new field trial to learn more about how to manage it long term, state and local officials announced Monday.

In launching the 3-year project, the Microseira wollei (M. wollei) muck will be removed from a total of three shoreline locations in Harrison Township and St. Clair Shores to evaluate removal techniques, to study how long it takes wind and waves to redeposit offshore algae to the shore, and to remove it from the lakebed to examine its potential regrowth or migration.

"There's simply no overstating the importance of Lake St. Clair to Michigan and the region including Canada, but it's also important to note that this upcoming removal of the muck in targeted locations is not a one-and-done solution. The muck problem is a state and federal issue, and long-term financial commitment will be necessary from the state and/or federal government to protect this wonderful resource," Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice S. Miller said.

Based on limited funding and guided by the goals of the field trial, the three shoreline locations where the muck removal will be performed are a combination of public and private sites where the geometry of the shore has less wave action than straight sections. They include:

  • Veterans Memorial Park in St. Clair Shores.
  • Campau Bay on South River Road near the mouth of the Clinton River in Harrison Township.
  • Hidden Cove Condominiums marina south of the Clinton River Spillway in Harrison Township.

A separate section of the lakebed in Campau Bay will be cleared of M. wollei to determine growth and migration patterns of the algae.

Two contractors - Dean Marine & Excavating and Sediment Lakes Aquatic Management - have been chosen for the muck removal. Their work is tentatively expected to start in September, pending the companies' application for environmental permits and review by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The field trial is funded by a $800,000 state earmark sponsored by state Rep. Alicia St. Germaine and state Sen. Kevin Hertel and awarded to the Macomb County Public Works Office.

In recent years, M. wollei has formed dense mats along the shoreline, particularly in stagnant parts. It grows on the lakebed as much as 1.5 miles offshore and becomes dislodged through wind and wave agitation, floats to the surface and eventually deposits along parts of the shoreline. Based on cost figures received from dredging contractors that responded to a request for proposals, the removal of muck from 10 shoreline locations identified as having the most significant M. wollei mats would have cost more than $3.3 million.

This phase in tackling the M. wollei issue was recommended by the Army Corps of Engineers after wildlife biologists at its Engineer Research and Development Center in Alabama in 2024 completed a two-year field research and sampling analysis of that algae in Lake St. Clair including how it grows. That work was funded by a $400,000 study that was paid evenly by the USACE and Macomb County - even though the county does not have jurisdiction of Lake St. Clair.

"I applaud Rep. St. Germaine and Sen. Hertel for their involvement and advocacy for our beautiful Lake St. Clair and its importance not only to Michigan, but for the region," Miller said.

Macomb County Office of Senior Services to host third annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair

The Macomb County Office of Senior Services (OSS) will host its third annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Friday, September 11 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Macomb Mall located at 32233 Gratiot in Roseville (use entrance 2 or 3). This free community event is part of the nationwide Day of Service and is intended to help pay tribute to and honor the victims and heroes of 9/11 by promoting year-round volunteerism rather than single-day volunteer engagements.

"September 11 is a day when we remember the lives lost and the heroes who stepped forward to help others," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "This Volunteer Recruitment Fair is a great way to carry that spirit of service forward by connecting residents with partner organizations that need volunteers year-round. Whether you have a few hours to give or if you're looking for a longer-term commitment, there is an opportunity for everyone to make a difference in our community."

"We see this as an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in giving back through volunteer service," said Andrew Cox, director/health officer of Macomb County Health and Community Services. "Volunteering is a meaningful way to strengthen our community, connect with others, and make a positive difference. With a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available, there's something for everyone. We encourage residents of all ages to attend and find a cause that inspires them."

"We had an incredible turnout last year at the VerKuilen Building in Clinton Township, and we're excited to build on that momentum by hosting this year's event at the larger Macomb Mall venue," said Sheila Cote, director of the Macomb County Office of Senior Services. "We encourage everyone to attend. The fair is a great opportunity to connect with local organizations, explore meaningful causes, and discover volunteer opportunities that align with their interests, skills, and passions."

Organizations seeking volunteers that are scheduled to be at this year's event include Meals on Wheels, Kiwanis Shelby Golden K Medical Loan Closet, Gentiva Hospice, MSU Extension/4-H, Macomb County Habitat for Humanity, PACE Southeast MI, American Cancer Society, New Baltimore Historical Society, Turning Point, Inc., Hospice of Michigan (Clinton Township), Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, McLaren Hospice, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, the Alzheimer's Association, Optimist International Clubs of Macomb County, Selfridge Air Museum, Michigan Volunteer Registry, Play-Place Autism & Special Needs Center, the Salvation Army Great Lakes Division, Michigan Humane, Macomb County Health Department Medical Reserve Corp, MiGen, Center for Success Network, and the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society. These groups provide vital services that support our communities and are continually seeking volunteers to be part of the difference they make.

More details on the Volunteer Recruitment Fair can be found on the event website.

For more information on volunteer opportunities with the Office of Senior Services, visit the OSS website.

Save the date

Volunteer Recruitment Fair

Date: Friday, September 11

Health and Wellness Fair

Date: Saturday, September 12

Woofstock

Date: Saturday, September 19

Sprint and Splash

Date: Sunday, September 20
Registration now open.

Senior Fun Fest

Date: Thursday, September 24
Vendors and sponsorships available.

For more happenings throughout the county, visit Make Macomb Your Home events and stay up to date with the Make Macomb Your Home official Facebook page.

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For happenings throughout the county, visit Make Macomb Your Home events and stay up to date with the Make Macomb Your Home official Facebook page.

Department:Planning and Economic Development
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Macomb County, MI published this content on August 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 28, 2026 at 01:36 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]