Members of Switalski Law pose with Mount Clemens Mayor Laura Kropp and the firm’s “Hocus Pocus” skeleton display.
Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Journal | Published November 20, 2023
Switalski Law wins Mount Clemens Skeleton Contest
MOUNT CLEMENS — The 2023 Mount Clemens Beautification Commission’s Skeleton Contest was won by Switalski Law, embracing the “books and bones” theme of this year and taking first place with its “Hocus Pocus” display.
Abbibo’s took second place with an “A Nightmare Before Christmas” theme, while Natural Healing Therapeutic Massage rounded out third place with its “Treasure Island” arrangement.
The Beautification Commission’s skeleton contest is an annual event where businesses in downtown Mount Clemens set up displays using skeletons based on a theme. This year, 100 judges decided between 26 participants to determine the winner. It was the most businesses that have ever taken part in the event.
Clintondale closes schools for threat
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Clintondale Community Schools operations were disrupted in early November when district administration made the decision to cancel classes for Nov. 13.
According to a letter from Superintendent Kenneth Janczarek, the decision to cancel classes stems from “a physical altercation between students and other community members” on Nov. 10 that led to police officers being dispatched to Normandy Park. Additional reports were made to police and school officials indicating further violence could occur on Nov. 13 and the decision was made to cancel classes out of caution.
“Moving forward, please know that in any and all situations where there is violence, or a threat of violence, Clintondale Community Schools will follow all protocols to keep students and staff safe,” Janczarek said in the letter. “In addition to protocols for keeping students and staff safe, Clintondale Community Schools will follow through on filing police reports and pressing charges against any and all individuals that threaten or pose a threat to the student(s) and staff.”
Classes resumed on Nov. 14 with additional security measures, including an increased police presence.
Emergency services simulate mass casualty event
MACOMB COUNTY — The Macomb County EMS Medical Control Authority conducted a full-scale simulation of a mass casualty event at Kensington Church in Clinton Township on the morning of Nov. 8. Over 200 participants from EMS and fire agencies, law enforcement, dispatch, emergency management and the Region 2 North Healthcare Coalition hospitals took part in the simulation to test and develop response strategies to mass casualty events.
“The safety and well-being of our community are top priorities,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel in a press release. “Collaborative exercises like these play a crucial role in ensuring our emergency response teams are well prepared and equipped to handle any unforeseen challenges they may face.”
According to Macomb County officials, responding to events like mass shootings require a certain degree of planning and coordination between public safety and emergency management agencies. Events happen quickly — the November 2021 Oxford High School shooting took place over four minutes — requiring response efforts to be quick as well.