ROCHESTER — They’re the center of attention at every sporting event, and they’re what children everywhere come to see.

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — The big red logging wheels that have been a fixture in front of the Paint Creek Cider Mill for decades have returned following a complete rebuild.

METRO DETROIT — On Dec. 14, The Rocket Giving Fund announced that the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic raised $1.61 million to support local Detroit nonprofits.

TROY — Disability Network Eastern Michigan, based in Troy, distributed 50 free laptops Dec. 4 to preselected individuals with disabilities who have digital divide barriers.

SOUTHFIELD/BIRMINGHAM — GiGi’s Playhouse has had a profound impact on the Kim family since before it officially opened its doors in Southfield almost five years ago.

SOUTHFIELD — On Nov. 16, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved a partnership between the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department and the city of Southfield for park improvements.

TROY — A local nonprofit recently gathered community members together for some holiday-themed fun to raise money to help those in need.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Nolan Allaer was a go-getter long before he got behind the wheel of a race car.

TROY — The city of Troy will move forward with renovations to its City Council chambers after permission to use Community Development Block Grant funds to upgrade a local property to be an inclusive park were denied.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — When Grosse Pointe Farms K-9 Duke retired last fall, it was hoped that he’d have at least a few years of snoozing on the couch and chasing balls in the yard.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Call it a Christmas miracle. The Grosse Pointe Board of Education — which is known for divisiveness that can border on rancor — found itself in a rare moment of unity when selecting its next superintendent.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Residents and organizations looking to make the most out of Macomb Township’s newest parks have some additional fine print to read following the Dec. 6 Board of Trustees meeting.

FRASER — The Fraser Public Library is going to start the new year with some brand-new programs to engage patrons and highlight some fun and enlightening books.

METRO DETROIT — December may be the most wonderful time of the year, but the Christmas season provides ample opportunities for scammers to try to take advantage of someone’s generosity or tight schedule to swindle them out of money.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Expectations were the topic of conversation coming into the season for Chippewa Valley boys basketball.

CLAWSON — A brand-new business has opened in the main downtown area of Clawson.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Fire Department is getting a financial boost, thanks to some grant funding.

BIRMINGHAM — The city of Birmingham established an Ad Hoc Aging in Place Committee to work toward the city’s goal of making it more realistic for older adults to remain in Birmingham as they age.

UTICA/SHELBY TOWNSHIP/STERLING HEIGHTS — On Dec. 5, Utica Community Schools Center for Science and Industry sophomores were challenged to create a viable, sellable product with original branding and marketing.

UTICA — Lights were bright and carolers were caroling at the Downtown Utica Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration Dec. 9 at Memorial Park.