12/20/23 Shelby-Utica News

Page 1

40340 HAYES RD. | CLINTON TOWNSHIP | 2951 S. BALDWIN RD. | LAKE ORION |

0202-2351

Happy Holidays from the Staff at C & G Newspapers

DECEMBER 20, 2023 • Vol. 32, No. 29

UCS eighth grader builds war memorial for Eagle Scout project BY KARA SZYMANSKI

Hackel talks about projects at State of the County BY DEAN VAGLIA

kszymanski@candgnews.com

Photos provided by Tim McAvoy

See MEMORIAL on page 6A

MACOMB COUNTY — Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel took to the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts stage on Dec. 6 to deliver his 11th State of the County speech. For 2023’s presentation, Hackel’s pitch for a county on the rise focused upon various projects being worked on or developed. Projects were tied into several points meant to show how the county was responding to the needs of residents: public safety, neighborhood stability, economy and talent development, infrastructure and quality of life. The main public safety projects mentioned were the $130 million central intake and assessment center at the Macomb County Jail and the $10 million Sheriff ’s Office Marine Division headquarters, the latter opening days prior to the speech. Infrastructure was highlighted through the various projects being undertaken by the Macomb County Public Works Office, and the upgrading of the county’s digital footprint, including a new website. Central to this point was the Innovate Mound project, which Hackel said would be completed and open by Christmas. Quality of life centered on pet and animal care, with the county taking the first steps toward building a new animal control shelter. “With the leadership of our animal control diviSee HACKEL on page 12A

2024 Subaru Outback

2.9%

up to 48 months

Get a great vehicle and support a great cause. With every new Subaru purchased or leased, Subaru will donate $250 to your choice of charities*. November 17 through January 3.

0168-2351

On Veterans Day, Utica Community Schools eighth grader Ben Wodniak unveils a war memorial that he created as his Eagle Scout project at American Legion Hill-Gazette Post 143 in Auburn Hills. The memorial features bricks carrying the names of soldiers who died in Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Utica Community Schools eighth grader Ben Wodniak had a vision to create a war memorial, which has now become a reality. The project was dedicated at American Legion Hill-Gazette Post 143 in Auburn Hills on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, with Auburn Hills leaders and service members from the post in attendance. Seeing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial inspired the Shelby Junior High School student to want to do something similar for those in his community. Wodniak was familiar with the Hill-Gazette Post, as his troop partners with it for flag retirement. On Veterans Day, he presented the war memorial and unveiled it in front of former service members and their families. The memorial is located behind the post. “A few years ago, my Cub Scout Pack 17 and my current troop did the trail in the back (of the post), and as an extra piece, they added a Vietnam War memorial. I had always wanted to do something for the soldiers who were killed in action and was inspired by the already-done memorial on

dvaglia@candgnews.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.