Focus Macomb - February 2026

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Focus Macomb.

While this may have been the shortest month of the year, it's been no less busy. From international news-such as our U.S. hockey teams winning gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics-to more local interests-like Macomb County Animal Control helping to save 24 animalsfrom deplorable conditions at a Warren home-there has been lots to talk about in February.

I started the month having spoken at the Detroit Regional Chamber 2026 Policy Conferencealongside Deputy Executive John Paul Rea. We focused on unity and collaboration within our 27 municipalities, as well as with our partners, whether they be federal, state, regional or local. And the numbers don't lie-through essential partnerships we've grown our economy from $33 billion to $57 billion annually. I am truly proud to have made this County my home, because real progress comes when Macomb is with everybody.

Not only was it an honor to attend the policy conference, but I was also able to attend the Annual CTE Award Breakfast, hosted by the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) in celebration of Career and Technical Education in Macomb County. The event honored two exceptional CTE students and an outstanding industry professional for their innovation and commitment to career-focused learning.

And speaking of exceptionalism, I also had the opportunity to celebrate Eugenia "Gina" Amato and her induction into the Macomb 100 Club. Throughout her life, Gina has always been a creative and talented individual, having performed on stage for the U.S. military as a professional tap dancer and acrobat for years. If you or someone you know is 100 years in age or older and wishes to be recognized, fill out this registration formand we will follow up with an invitation to the next Centenarian Celebration.

I ended the month by taking part in Macomb Community Action's 36th annual Walk for Warmth event. More than 200 people showed up to Downtown Mount Clemens for the 1.5/3-mile walk and all proceeds went to the assistance of low-income Macomb County individuals and families with heat-related emergencies. Thank you to everyone who participated! You can read all about the event in this WDIV article.

February is Black History Month. Throughout the County, several communities and organizations have celebrated the national commemoration by highlighting the many contributions Black Americans have had in not only our nation but in Macomb County. Our County is what it is today thanks to all individuals, including people of color, and we honor those Americans with this national observance.

For more updates on happenings and important topics in and around Macomb County, keep an eye out for our Macomb Matters Weekly Updateson my social media channels, such as Facebookand Instagram.

Thank you and stay warm,

Mark Hackel

Officials announce new farmland preservation effort in northern Macomb County

Macomb County leaders today joined with Richmond Township and other elected officials for a signing ceremony that will create a 40-acre conservation easement on local farmland. The land, currently owned and farmed for corn, soybeans, cattle and other grains by Ken and Nancy Kulman, will now be permanently designated for agricultural use or green space.

"I've been involved in farming for over 68 of my 74 years on earth," Ken said. "The land is part of the original 260 acres that my grandfather, John Kulman, purchased in the 1930s. My father, Robert Kulman, took over the land years later where it was then split for myself and my brother Vern. Now, my 40 acres of preserved land will be alongside my brother's 119 acres that were preserved in 2022."

The farm's conservation easement is made possible through a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) agreement coordinated by the Macomb County Agricultural Purchase of Development Rights Committee and funded through a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Agricultural Preservation Grant. The process gives a landowner the option to permanently preserve his or her farmland while also receiving fair market value for development rights. An easement is then placed on the property designating it for agricultural use in perpetuity.

"We're preserving the land that was passed on to us from our father, who received it from his father, for the next young farmer to take over," Ken said.

Macomb County's Agricultural Purchase of Development Rights Committee has helped preserve hundreds of acres of farmland through the PDR agreement process. In doing so, the committee is achieving what it set out to do when it was formed.

"Macomb County is committed to protecting our agricultural assets because it's a significant part of our identify and culture," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "We've got more than 400 working farms and we rank nationally when it comes to production of crops. So when we preserve this land, we're not only supporting our farming community, we're strengthening our economy and ensuring agriculture has a place in Macomb for years to come."

Outside of preserving heritage and protecting the County's agricultural industry, the PDR program is helping farmers by directly giving them the funds they would receive if they sold their land to a developer.

Macomb County farmers interested in the PDR program can contact a clerk's office in any of the participating communities for information and program applications. Participating communities include Bruce Township, Armada Township, Richmond Township, Washington Township, Ray Township and Lenox Township.

Reasonably priced trees and plants now available through annual Macomb County sale

Green Macomband the Blue Water Conservation Districthave announced the return of their annual tree and plant sale, an opportunity for the public to purchase young trees, fruit trees, flowering shrubs, wildflower seed and other fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. The sale is open now through April 1.

"It's the perfect time of year to start planning your garden and yard projects," said Gerard Santoro, program director for Macomb County Parks and Natural Resources. "Even with the colder temperatures and snowy weather, it's the right season for getting everything in order so you can start work in early spring."

Items available for order include arborvitae, Douglas fir, Norway spruce, paper birch, redbud, red osier and more. Prices range from $7 to $55.

"The sale has so many benefits outside of just sprucing up your property," Santoro added. "The addition of plants enhances our neighborhoods, reduces air pollution, decreases energy costs and improves management when it comes to water runoff. Plus, it increases Macomb County's overall canopy, which is the ultimate goal of our Green Macomb program.

All items purchased can be picked up in person or shipped to your home. There will be two pick-up locations in Macomb County:

• April 21 and 22 - Armada Fairgrounds

• April 23 and 24 - Clinton Township Civic Center

A limited stock of trees and plants will be available for purchase on site.

Since the sale began nine years ago, more than 180,000 trees and plants have been purchased by residents, businesses and communities throughout Macomb County. For more information on the tree and plant sale, visit the Green Macomb website.

Join the 10,000 Pound Challenge Food Drive to help fight hunger in Macomb County

Last summer, Jojo, who was only 11 years old, reached out to the Community Food Bank of Macomb Countywith an ambitious goal: to collect 10,000 pounds of food for families in need across Macomb County. In just 10 days, he gathered nearly 6,000 pounds. This year, he is back and determined to collect 10,000 pounds of food for the community. You can support him by picking up a few extra cans of food on your next grocery trip.

Why donate?

Food insecurity continues to impact many of our neighbors. According to the 2024 Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Brief, 1 in 8 Michigan adultsexperienced food insecurity in 2021 or 2022. The Community Food Bank of MacombCounty distributes food at no cost to more than 55 pantries across the county, serving more than 400,000 individuals last year.

How to donate

You can donate nonperishable food items at any of the following nine drop-off locations between March 1-March 17:

• Mount Clemens Public Library: 150 Cass Ave.

• Fraser Public Library: 15260 15 Mile Road

• Harrison Township Public Library: 38255 Lanse Creuse Street

• Center Line Public Library: 7345 Weingartz Street

• Shelby Township Library: 52610 Van Dyke Ave.

• Chesterfield Township Library: 50560 Patricia Ave.

• Eastpointe Memorial Public Library: 15875 Oak Ave.

• Clinton Township Civic Center: 40700 Romeo Plank Road

• Community Food Bank of Macomb County: 44900 Vic Wertz Drive, Clinton Township

Please indicate you are donating for the 10,000 Pound Food Challenge if dropping off at the food bank location.

If you're unable to visit a physical location, you can also make an online donation by purchasing items from Jojo's Amazon Wishlist. Check out the donation guideif you are unsure of what to donate.

See the 10,000 Pound Challenge Food Drive flyerfor more details.

Did you know? Tri-County residents receive free, unlimited general admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts -- and that includes Macomb County!

Any time of year is a great time to visit the DIA, but the museum is especially inviting during these cold winter months. It's a wonderful place to stretch your legs, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy a warm, inspiring space while escaping the chill outside.

Enjoy family-friendly programs, hands-on artmaking, a world-class collection and more.

Plan your visit at the DIA website.