UTICA — During a City Council meeting in Utica Dec. 12, ideas were discussed in some detail that could bring a whole new look to downtown Utica.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has arraigned a 17-year-old on a second-degree murder charge in connection with an alleged drunken driving incident that caused a man’s death in Shelby Township Jan. 7.

UTICA — On Jan. 14, the Barczyk family and the entire team at the Reptarium announced the passing of founder Brian Barczyk at the age of 54.

BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Musicale will perform “With a Song in My Heart” 1 p.m. Feb. 8 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1800 W. Maple Road in Birmingham.

BEVERLY HILLS — Applications are now open for the village of Beverly Hills’ 2024 Sculptures in the Parks program through March 1.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Many snow birds have headed to warmer climates for the winter, which is creating a hurdle for many local clerks who are looking for election inspectors.

BEVERLY HILLS — Birmingham Youth Assistance is holding its 41st annual Kids’ Dog Show on Sunday, Feb. 4.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — During tryouts for Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood girls hockey, it’s not uncommon to see some players skate with two left feet or struggle to connect with the puck on a shot.

BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Shopping District is introducing an all-new community event 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. The BRRmingham Blast is a free event that will include a zip line, food trucks, activities and more.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Public Library plans to ask voters to approve a millage renewal in February that officials say would keep the library on solid financial footing.

PLEASANT RIDGE — The Pleasant Ridge City Commission approved a contract for a public art framework plan to help establish public art in the city.

BERKLEY — The Berkley City Council approved funding to continue its road rehabilitation project for multiple residential streets.

FERNDALE — Ferndale’s new assistant city manager is excited to get to work in the city.

FERNDALE — The majority of the Woodward Avenue streetscape project has been completed since the fall, but some incomplete elements have led to parking issues on the street.

STERLING HEIGHTS — It’s not the sort of topic that takes the main stage, but the Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair continues to be a success both in popularity and in keeping costs manageable, according to Sterling Heights city officials.

STERLING HEIGHTS — As first-year coach James Parchell pondered the possibility of taking over the head coaching job at Sterling Heights Parkway Christian girls basketball heading into this season, it was evident to him the changes that needed to be made.

STERLING HEIGHTS — Frustrations over a recent split vote that rejected a planned unit development proposal spilled over to a Jan. 3 Sterling Heights City Council meeting.

FARMINGTON/FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Public Schools will accept Section 105 Schools of Choice applications Jan. 29-Feb. 16 for the 2024-2025 school term, according to a press release.

FARMINGTON HILLS — On Dec. 18, Tiesha Johnson, 55, formerly of Farmington Hills, was arraigned in 47th District Court in Farmington Hills on charges of fraudulently obtaining Paycheck Protection Program loans and Economic Injury Disaster loans from the federal government, according to a press release from the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The city of Madison Heights has requested a federal grant to continue funding one of its two full-time code enforcement officers, as well as sidewalk improvements and a lawn-cutting service for eligible residents.