GROSSE POINTE PARK — For her recent eighth birthday, Makenna Markley, of Grosse Pointe Park, could have asked for toys or trinkets for herself. Instead, the young animal lover asked her friends if they could bring donations for Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society or the Michigan Humane Society to her birthday party.

WALLED LAKE — After learning last summer that Walled Lake Consolidated School District Superintendent Kenneth Gutman would be stepping away from his role, John Bernia began watching for a posting about a job opening for the position “right away,” he said.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Although Christmas hasn’t arrived yet this year, West Bloomfield resident Mary Beth Castorri has already given what is likely to be her best gift of the year.

WARREN — Four people were stuck in the elevator at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren on Dec. 1.

WARREN — The holidays are here, and this is the season for giving.  Organizers said that is what the “Shop with a Hero” and “Shop with a Warthog” events are all about.

CENTER LINE/WARREN — During her years as Center Line Public Schools superintendent from 2009 through June 2020, Eve Kaltz often met kids who were successful academically and socially.

WARREN — Pearl Lean Elementary in the Warren Consolidated Schools District was one of five Michigan public schools the Education Trust-Midwest recently recognized through its 2022 Building the Hope Schools program.

WARREN — You’re nestled in front of the fireplace with a warm crackling fire on a snowy winter’s night, gazing at a beautifully lit Christmas tree and falling asleep.

WARREN — The hustle and bustle of the holiday season entails extra activities, from shopping for that perfect gift, to rushing to holiday parties or just checking off everything on your to-do list.

WARREN — Warren residents call him the mayor, but at the annual tree lighting on Dec. 3, some called him “the Grinch."

WARREN — Visiting the home of Gina and Ron Jenkins during the Christmas season is like taking a trip to the North Pole.

FARMINGTON — Farmington United coach Jeff Dwyer has manned the coaching staff since 1986, winning five state championships in the process.

FARMINGTON HILLS — After having seizures for more than a decade, Farmington Hills resident Peter Varga said he feels like a normal person again.

OAKLAND COUNTY — If all goes the way some hope, there could be exciting additions coming to some communities in Oakland County.

METRO DETROIT — Holly Anselmi, the owner of The Italian Dish in Birmingham, has worked hard to make in-person shopping a full sensory experience.

STERLING HEIGHTS — The world was a completely different place a century ago, when Clarence Arens was born. The year 1922 is when the USSR was founded, Babe Ruth signed with the Yankees and the first edition of Reader’s Digest was published.

STERLING HEIGHTS — Frank Blowers’ artistic style may often be abstract, but the culmination of his seven decades of artistic work is clear and on display as the Sterling Heights Featured Artist for December and January.

STERLING HEIGHTS — Three new decorative monuments in Sterling Heights are more than the latest examples of Sterling Heights’ rollout of new public art — they are also meant to memorialize three police and fire personnel who died while performing their jobs.

STERLING HEIGHTS — Reminiscing is common around this time of year, and on Dec. 6, the City Council took an opportunity to review the city’s annual comprehensive financial report for the 2021-22 fiscal year, as well as its financial audit.

MOUNT CLEMENS — City Commissioners in Mount Clemens again addressed the future of the city’s municipal water system on Dec. 5.