Shelby-Utica News | Published July 12, 2023
Get ready for a ‘Zootacular’ good time
UTICA — Utica Parks and Recreation is inviting fans of amphibians, arachnids and reptiles to a free “Zootacular” event from 1 to 2 p.m. July 14 at the Lions Pavilion in Grant Park, near Nancy Avenue. Participants will be able to see and take pictures of various animals from the Reptarium.
Macomb scores big with state budget
MACOMB COUNTY — As the state of Michigan passed a $81.7 billion budget on June 28, Macomb County received a significant amount of funding for projects around the county.
Macomb County’s government received $40 million to fund a renovation project at the Macomb County Jail. The $230 million project aims to rework the jail’s intake and health systems to address mental health and substance abuse issues among inmates.
“The central intake and assessment facility is a critical component of keeping our community safe,” Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in a statement. “We are committed to upholding our constitutional responsibility to care for those that are in our custody. This new facility will provide us with the necessary space to implement vital programs and services that can make a real difference.”
A $13 million allocation was included for upgrades to Selfridge Air National Guard Base for runway extension to prepare the base for a fighter mission in the future.
“We can now begin the difficult but essential process of refurbishment and expansion that will allow for a new fighter mission to be assigned here into 2027 and beyond,” state Rep. Alicia St. Germaine, of Harrison Township, said in a statement.
Lake St. Clair Metropark received $5 million to renovate the park’s north marina to build a new seawall, a new walkway, update and raise utilities, replace piers with floating docks and make ADA-accessible improvements.
Attorney general warns of scam
METRO DETROIT — According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, fraudulent letters have been received by Michigan residents that claim the state is trying to collect an outstanding debt. The sender might be trying to unlawfully collect a debt owed to the Unemployment Insurance Agency or the Michigan Department of Treasury.
The letters claim that an overdue debt requires immediate payment via a toll-free phone number, but he letters are not from the state, the UIA or the Department of Treasury. Legitimate letters from the Department of Treasury will be printed on department letterhead and provide options for paying a debt with an explanation of taxpayer rights.
The fraudulent letters seek not only the payments, but information that could lead to identity theft.
Anyone with questions about state debts can call the Treasury Collections Service Center at (517) 636-5265. Questions about unemployment insurance can visit the UIA’s website, michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/uia, or call the UIA customer service line at (866) 500-0017.
Anyone who has been the victim of a scam can file a complaint with the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Team at secure.ag.state.mi.us/complaints/consumer.aspx or call (877) 765-8388.
Retiree enrichment classes begin July 21
MACOMB COUNTY — Registration is open for summer Macomb Organization for Retiree Enrichment classes at Macomb Community College.
Each course is taught by subject matter experts and lasts approximately two hours with up to 30 minutes reserved for a question-and-answer period. MORE members can choose from two class packages: three classes and/or excursions for $27 or five classes and/or excursions for $45. There are additional fees for three of the excursions.
Classes include “A Tribute to Edsel and Eleanor Clay Ford” July 24; “Al Kaline’s Last Bat Boy” July 27; “Electric Vehicles, Why and Why Not” July 31; “Isle Royale: Island Wilderness” Aug. 1; and “Michigan Beer: A Heady History” Aug. 4. Classes begin at 10 a.m.
Excursions include the Eleanor and Edsel Ford House tour at 1 p.m. July 25; the fire training and academy tour and nature hike at 10 a.m. Aug. 3; and the Belle Isle tour and picnic at 10 a.m. Aug. 7. All courses will be held at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on the Center Campus of Macomb Community College in Clinton Township at 44575 Garfield Road. The excursions will be on-site. For additional information or to register, email MORE@macomb.edu.
Flea market coming to Shelby Township
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Shelby Township’s flea market will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 22 at Whispering Woods Kiwanis Park, 11000 21 Mile Road. Entry is free for shoppers.
Sellers can rent a 15-by-15-foot space for $15 before July 18. Sellers must provide their own tables, chairs and displays. Call (586) 731-0300 for more information or to rent a space with a credit card. Sellers can register at the Parks and Recreation Office or at register.shelbytwp.org.
Improve speaking skills
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Library will host Carol and Richard Durling, of Confident Communicators, at 7 p.m. July 26 in the Legacy Room to teach techniques from Toastmasters International that can help anyone become a better public speaker. The library is located at 52610 Van Dyke Ave.
MDOT installs distracted driving signs at the border
STATEWIDE — The Michigan Department of Transportation installed new signs along the state’s borders last month informing incoming drivers of the new distracted driving law.
Coming into effect on June 30, the new law prohibits drivers from using a phone for social media, the internet and other nonemergency purposes while operating a motor vehicle, even while stationary at stop signs and red lights. The law expands on prior bans for talking and texting while operating a vehicle. First-time offenders will be charged a $100 civil fine and/or 16 hours of community service with $250 fines and/or 24 hours of community service for subsequent offenses. Penalties are increased if the cited driver is involved in a crash and for school bus and commercial vehicle operators. Statewide dynamic signs will also display the message, “NEW MICHIGAN LAW, NO HANDHELD DEVICES, WHILE DRIVING.”
Regional Transit Authority announces mobility grants
METRO DETROIT — The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan has announced its list of grant recipients for its highly anticipated 5310 Call for Projects, which funds services that provide enhanced mobility for seniors and people with disabilities.
The RTA is the designated recipient of all Federal Transit Administration formula funds for both the Detroit and Ann Arbor urbanized areas.
The grant has a total of $13.2 million available in Section 5310 federal funding. The next application cycle for Section 5310 call for projects funding will be in 2025, emphasizing the importance of leveraging these awarded grants to their fullest potential.
For more information about the RTA and its programs, visit rtamichigan.org.