STERLING HEIGHTS — As a retiree from a past career of clinical therapy and social work, Sterling Heights resident James Schmittdiel says he often spends his days going to the gym, bike riding, walking and running.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — In retail, a profession that routinely sees employees come and go, Howard Lettner has been a welcome, friendly constant.

SOUTHFIELD — With a heavy heart, the Southfield-Lathrup Falcons have decided to cancel their first game of the season to mourn the tragic loss of Monea Pace. They dedicated the remainder of their football season to her memory.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Erin DeGrazia, a 14-year-old from Bloomfield Hills, recently steered her crew across the finish line during the 2023 Bayview Mackinac Race.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Father time has an unpleasant way of rearing its ugly head sometimes, but it also can motivate people to kick off certain projects or adventures that have been weighing on their minds.

OAKLAND COUNTY — Bloomfield Hills resident Pecky D. Lewis Jr., who died at his home July 10 at the age of 94, left his mark on Oakland County through his long service on the county’s Parks and Recreation Commission, as a longtime business owner and as the mayor of Royal Oak in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

SOUTHFIELD — Beloved former Southfield Mayor and Councilman Donald F. Fracassi passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, June 25, on his 63rd wedding anniversary with wife, Karen.

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — For decades, Grosse Pointe Shores Department of Public Works Supervisor Harold Michaux was a friendly, familiar face to residents and city employees alike, as well as someone who could be trusted to fix any problems that arose.

METRO DETROIT — For the past several years, Vito Chirco — the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Chirco & Company — has organized a softball game to benefit a charity.

WARREN — This month, World War II veteran Alfred Bury will reach a milestone. On July 21, the Warren resident will turn 100 years old, or as some would say, 100 years young.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A local businesswoman and a student were among those honored June 6 at the Winning Futures annual awards celebration in Madison Heights.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On the road to becoming an Eagle Scout, members of the Boy Scouts of America give back to their communities. For Harrison Township Scout Milan Edwards, giving back came in the form of helping seniors.

MOUNT CLEMENS — Tragedy turned to triumph for one Macomb Township family after fast action from Macomb County Sheriff’s deputies, Macomb Township firefighters and hospital staff saved 2-year-old Mira Lateef from drowning in an above-ground pool.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A local boy has made a special connection with an author who will be coming to the Shelby Township Library to speak about his lifelong struggle with a speech condition called apraxia.

FARMINGTON HILLS — More than 10 years ago, Farmington Hills resident Jennifer Berkemeier adopted a 4-year-old girl from Haiti.

HAZEL PARK — An award-winning author/playwright who grew up in Hazel Park has released the second book in his “cozy mystery” series about a gay millennial couple who solve crimes.

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — A veteran Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Department detective has closed his last case file.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Sean Ballantine was just a kid in elementary school when he first dreamt of a career in public works.

WARREN — When Lee Newby entered the conference room at Warren City Hall, Mayor James Fouts, along with many journalists and photographers, looked around as if they were still waiting for the centenarian to arrive.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — To be one of the best in one’s field is an accomplishment, and every year, the Michigan Association of State Universities looks around the state to find the best professors across Michigan’s 15 public universities.