News & Notes - 8/24/23 Macomb Township Chronicle

Rabies detected in Clinton, Macomb Township skunks
MACOMB COUNTY — Three skunks in Macomb and Clinton townships containing the rabies virus were caught, euthanized and tested in June after attacking family pets.

Residents of the townships are advised to watch out for skunks and take caution for themselves and pets due to the possibility of localized transmission. Sightings of possible rabies-infected skunks can be called in to Macomb County Animal Control at (586) 469-5115.

While the only way to be certain an animal has rabies is through laboratory testing, animals with rabies tend to act strangely, drool excessively and are more aggressive toward humans and other humans.

 

Macomb Township women, child caught in fatal car crash
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton Township Police Department is investigating a fatal car crash that occurred around 5:20 p.m. on Aug. 15 at the corner of North Groesbeck Highway and North Avenue.

Preliminary investigation findings show a gray 2019 Chevrolet Suburban traveling south on Groesbeck had to veer into the northbound lane to “make an evasive maneuver,” according to police, colliding head-on into a tan 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. A fire was caused by the crash but was put out by another driver rendering aid.

The Suburban was driven by a 51-year-old Macomb Township woman with her 8-year-old-daughter. The Nautilus was driven by a 50-year-old Macomb Township woman. The occupants of both vehicles were extracted by the Clinton Township Fire Department and transported to McLaren Macomb Hospital by Medstar ambulance. The 50-year-old woman was pronounced dead, while the 51-year-old woman and 8-year-old girl were in critical condition.

The Clinton Township Police Department is investigating the crash and is requesting any witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact the traffic office at (586) 493-7935 or the front desk at (586) 493-7802.

 

GoFundMe effort established for Clinton Township family
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — A GoFundMe effort has been set up for the family of Rich Garvin, who was killed when he was hit by a car while walking home from work on July 17.

Garvin, an avid fan of cars, worked at AutoZone across the street from his home and was an active player of the video game “Roblox.” He was 19 years old.

The effort aims to raise $12,000 to help the Garvin family cover medical and funeral expenses, along with “ongoing costs.” The link to the fundraising website is gofundme.com/f/family-support-for-rich-garvins-family.

 

Gratiot Cruise has off year due to construction, rain
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The 20th anniversary of the Gratiot Cruise may not be one for the history books. The Aug. 6 running of the Clinton Township cruise was hampered by construction and unfavorable weather.

“MDOT is currently doing a $26 million rebuild of Gratiot between 14 Mile and Wellington Crescent, so that in turn had the road down to two lanes of traffic only,” said Paul Silvestri, director of media and public relations for the cruise. “A lot of people that would’ve come out and cruised didn’t because of the traffic, and then in terms of weather, it rained, so that kept some people from coming out.”

Despite the conditions, cruisers and onlookers still came out to the thoroughfare and made the most of the situation.

“Where people gathered, there was a lot of traffic,” Silvestri said. “16 Mile and Gratiot, at our headquarters and family fun zone, had a lot of traffic. There were also people gathered (and) parked down at 15 Mile and Gratiot at the regional shopping center; there was a makeshift car show down there that had a couple hundred cars parked. Overall, there were a lot of people gathering, having a good time.”

Turnout was lower than usual, but Silvestri believes things will be back to normal for the 21st Gratiot Cruise on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.

 

Selfridge welcomes new commander
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Service members and civilian officials welcomed U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Matthew Brancato to Selfridge Air National Guard Base as the newest commander of the 127th Wing on Aug. 5.

Taking the reins from Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen after his four-year term as the 127th Wing’s commander, Brancato will take over what Michigan Air National Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Bryan Teff called “the last of the super bases, an installation critical to the national security of our country,” and the over 5,000 Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security personnel working at the base.

During his welcome ceremony to the base, Brancato spoke of the base being a national security asset capable of hosting a fighter mission alongside its aerial refueling mission.

“Selfridge stands ready to receive future missions as well as ready to execute current taskings,” Brancato said. “With all of us together, the nation will continue to see Selfridge as a National Guard treasure.”

Plans to bring an F-35 Lightning II fighter mission have encountered problems, most recently losing out to hosting a training program for foreign F-35 pilots. A plan to expand the base’s runway to the north is expected to make Selfridge more competitive the next time a fighter program is available.

Prior to coming to Selfridge, Brancato served as the senior executive officer to the 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon. Brancato has commanded at all levels of the Air Force, his last command being of the 164th Airlift Wing in Memphis, Tennessee.