WEST BLOOMFIELD — Over the course of his decades-long career in broadcast journalism, Emmy-winning WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 Editorial/Public Affairs Director Chuck Stokes has had the opportunity to interview many people who have had an impact on national and state history.

NOVI — On March 2, the Novi Educational Foundation named Hattie Maguire as the Novi Community School District Educator of the Year as her family and colleagues, as well as media representatives, surprised her in her classroom.

SOUTHFIELD — The Southfield Fire Department awarded its first-ever Citizen Award to a unique recipient, a 4-year-old girl.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Growing up in an Irish family, Deb McCombs-Kaiser always celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 with her immediate family.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Joel Morris, a firefighter/paramedic who served more than 20 years in the Shelby Township Fire Department and six years in the Utica Fire Department, currently is a paramedic at Universal Macomb Ambulance Service.

SOUTHFIELD — As Black History Month comes to a close, Southfield resident Justice Kyra Harris Bolden has made Michigan history with her appointment to the Michigan Supreme Court, succeeding Justice Bridget McCormack.

TROY — A Troy native was recently named one of 20 recipients of the prestigious Thiel Fellowship.

GROSSE POINTES — Sometimes, there are no words. At church services across the Grosse Pointes last week, parents and students exchanged often silent hugs as they mourned the losses of two of their own

CLAWSON — Alexandria Verner was a loving daughter, a dedicated student, a competitive athlete and, from everyone who met her, a caring friend.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Barbara Geralds, the former first lady of Madison Heights and matriarch of one of its most involved families, died at the end of last year. As told by her family and friends, her legacy is one of leadership and love, inspiring many who continue to serve the community today.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Peggy Hayes — the woman who shepherded The Helm at the Boll Life Center through the COVID-19 pandemic — is retiring.

STERLING HEIGHTS/SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA — A Utica Community Schools career and technical education student was recently named Michigan state champion after achieving a perfect score on the Microsoft Word certification exam.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Longtime Shelby Township resident and Korean War veteran William B. Harrell, 91, was the recipient of an Honor Flight in November to visit the national war memorials in Washington, D.C.

ROYAL OAK — Molly Pratt once was a cancer patient at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital. She now is working at the hospital as a nurse.

STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights Police Department and its hockey team have a common goal in sticking up for a department officer who is battling cancer.

BIRMINGHAM — After 38 years of service, Chief Mark Clemence has retired from the Birmingham Police Department.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — At only 5 feet, 1 inch tall and 130 pounds, Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety Fire Specialist Sundee Harland didn’t look formidable. But, as she proved time and time again, looks can be deceiving.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Cranbrook Educational Community is remembering the legacy of Detroit textile and interior designer Ruth Adler Schnee following her passing.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Humane Society of Macomb, 11350 22 Mile Road, has acquired a new executive director to lead it.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Seven years have passed since West Bloomfield resident Lori Klisman Ellis first learned of the horrors that her mom endured as a Holocaust survivor.