Focus Macomb - May 2026

The Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) announced that is has been awarded $8.75 million dollars to contribute to the $100 million dollar reconstruction of Mound Road between M-102 (8 Mile Road) and I-696 in Warren. Macomb County is actively engaged with its federal delegation to secure the necessary funding to reconstruct Segment II of the Innovate Mound corridor.

$8 million was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through Economic Development Initiative (EDI) – Community Project Funding (CPF) requested by U.S. Representative John James. $750,000 was awarded by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) through Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations requested by U.S. Senator Gary Peters.

“We are thankful for Congressman John James, Senator Gary Peters and all of our partners who have supported Macomb County’s plans to Innovate Mound Road and invest in the future of the region,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel.

The federal funding award builds upon other funding that has been secured for Segment II of Innovate Mound. In 2022, MCDR received a $1.25 million federal funding allocation from the Macomb County Federal Aid Committee (Macomb County FAC) to conduct preliminary engineering between 8 Mile Road and I-696, which included evaluating reconstruction, infrastructure repairs and overall improvements. The corridor study included analysis of existing conditions, traffic and safety, project alternatives, funding, and other preliminary work.

In 2024, $2.5 million dollars was committed by the Michigan Legislature to resurface Mound Road between 8 Mile Road and I-696. MCDR is leveraging this $2.5 million dollars to initiate a temporary resurfacing, as the County continues to secure additional funding. This temporary resurfacing is part of the County’s annual Pavement Preservation Program (PPP).

“The Department of Roads is dedicated to improving the Mound Road corridor using a mix of creative funding solutions and strategic partnerships. Due to the high cost of rebuilding the road, reconstruction is not economically feasible with county and local community funds alone,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “The pavement preservation project will provide smoother travel for motorists while we seek additional state and federal funding opportunities to provide a long-term solution for the second segment of the Innovate Mound corridor.”

The temporary asphalt pavement preservation project started in early May and is estimated to be completed within 30 days (weather permitting). The project includes pavement milling (removal of 2 inches of pavement) and resurfacing the roadway with a 3-inch asphalt overlay.

Segment I of the transformational $220 million Innovate Mound project opened on time and on budget in December of 2023 with final restoration and landscaping work being completed in 2024. The multi-year project, which broke ground in August of 2021, reconstructed approximately nine miles of the Mound Road corridor between I-696 and M-59 in Warren and Sterling Heights. The project included new pavement, drainage, curbs and driveways, traffic signal optimization, roadway widening north of 17 Mile Road, connected vehicle and fiber optic communications technology, enhanced non-motorized facilities and energy-efficient lighting.

For a list of MCDR projects, maps and information, visit the Macomb Work Zone website. The public can stay up to date of what's happening on Macomb County’s roadways by signing up for real-time lane closures and construction updates online. 

Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel announced the appointment of Sarah Gillies as the new director of the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center. Gillies officially assumed the role in March 2026 following the retirement of longtime director, Rhonda Westphal.

Gillies brings nearly a decade of experience within the Juvenile Justice Center and a strong background in trauma-informed care and youth rehabilitation.

“Sarah has demonstrated a strong commitment to the young people in our care and a deep understanding of the challenges they face,” said Hackel. “Her leadership, experience and commitment to Macomb County youth make her exceptionally well-suited to guide the Juvenile Justice Center into its next chapter. We are grateful for Rhonda Westphal’s years of dedicated service and confident in Sarah’s ability to build on that strong foundation.”

Gillies began her career at the Juvenile Justice Center in 2017 as a therapist in the residential treatment program, where she provided evidence-based trauma therapy to youth placed through court order. In 2021, she was promoted to deputy director, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the facility and helping to advance programming focused on rehabilitation and long-term success for all youth.

“I am honored to step into this role and continue serving the youth and families of Macomb County,” said Gilles. “I am deeply passionate about the work we are doing at the Juvenile Justice Center and the impact it has on young people’s lives. Over the past several years, I have seen firsthand how evidence-based care can create real opportunities for growth and change. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team to continue strengthening our programs and supporting positive outcomes.”

Gillies earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grand Valley State University in 2003 and her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Western Michigan University in 2005. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

The Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center provides secure detention services aimed at rehabilitation, accountability and positive outcomes for youth in the justice system. 

Macomb County honored more than 30 residents age 100 and older during the 2026 Macomb 100 Club Celebration on May 8 at the Clinton-Macomb Main Public Library, marking what is believed to be the largest gathering of centenarians in the state of Michigan.

Hosted by Macomb County Executive, Mark A. Hackel and the Macomb County Office of Senior Services, the annual celebration recognized residents whose lives and experiences have spanned generations and helped shape communities throughout Macomb County.

“These remarkable residents represent a century of experiences, perseverance and community,” Hackel said. “It is always an honor to celebrate them and recognize the contributions they have made to Macomb County throughout their lives.”

The event featured a meet and greet with Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Office of Senior Services Director Sheila Cote’, presentation of recognition certificates for each centenarian, commemorative gifts and light refreshments shared with family and friends.

"This event gives us the opportunity to highlight and celebrate our distinguished residents,” said Macomb County Office of Senior Services Director, Sheila Cote’. “It also provides an opportunity for the centenarians to socialize with others who are the same age!  It is a unique opportunity for them to connect and reminisce about a period of time they shared. It gives us the privilege to learn from their abundant knowledge and experiences."

The Macomb 100 Club Celebration continues to grow each year as more residents reach the milestone age of 100 and beyond. They will be contacted by the county with a formal invitation that will note the event’s location. Questions about the program can be directed to the Macomb County Office of Senior Services at 586-469-5228 or complete the Macomb 100 Club registration.

Macomb County Senior Services is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in Macomb County, providing a range of supportive services, programs and resources.

For more information, visit Macomb County Office of Senior Services.  

2026 Macomb 100 Club honoree information.

A contractor is performing guardrail work at locations throughout Macomb County as part of the Department of Roads annual guardrail safety program. Work started the week of May 11 and all work is estimated to be completed within eight weeks (weather permitting). Intermittent lane closures with flagging operations will be in place to control traffic at active project locations. The schedule for each location will vary and weather may affect scheduled work.

To help keep work zones as safe as possible during guardrail work, please: