My name is Marina Cracchiolo and I have lived in Shelby Township my whole life (with the exception of about a year when I went off to study several times in Italy), but I'll get to my life adventures later. I am an Eisenhower graduate -- go Eagles! I studied journalism, with an emphasis in broadcasting and got a minor in political science from Oakland University. My first journalism job was at WDIV, where I worked as a web editor for ClickOnDetroit.com for nearly four years. While at WDIV, I worked on a variety of stories ranging from automotive news to the fall of the Detroit mayor and the infamous underwear bomber. I loved every minute of the fast-paced newsroom, but when I was approached by Patch, they lured me in with the revolutionary concept of hyper-local news, the idea of being a part of a startup company, and running a mobile newsroom in the community you know and love.
Voila! A few months later, I am up and running, and delivering important and relevant news to my neighbors. Shelby-Utica Patch will cover all aspects of news in the two cities, from breaking news, crime and community events to the latest drama in the local government arena and what's happening at the schools.
I promised I would tell you about some of my adventures, so I will give a few snippets, but if you want to know more, just ask me. While studying at Oakland University I decided to polish up on my Italian reading and writing skills. I moved to a medieval city outside of Florence for several months to study the history of Italian Renaissance and the language. Of course being a journalist at heart, I also needed to know more about the fascinating people and their culture.
After graduating from college I moved back to Italy, this time to Rome, to do an internship at the Associated Press. While I was there, I helped write several stories about the Vatican and the Italian mob wars.
<b> Your Beliefs</b>
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.<br> <br> <b>Politics </b>
It's hard to define myself as just one thing, but I have to admit that I definitely lean to the left.
<b>Religion</b>
I was raised Catholic and was confirmed at a little church on top of a large mountain in Sicily. However, recently, I have been exploring other religions and learning different ways to view the world.
I believe every person has the right to worship as they wish. However, I get upset with religion when individuals become extreme and use it as justification to harm or suppress the rights of others.
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<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
Shelby Township and Utica are great places to live and raise a family. Therefore, it's resident's main concerns include schools, their families, their businesses and the housing market.<br> The economic downturn hit the cities housing market hard and although market values are slowly increasing, property values and township development are topics important to Shelby Township and Utica homeowners. I want to hear what your concerns are.
The following information was supplied by the Shelby Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
A Shelby Township resident has filed recall petitions against three Shelby Township board of trustees, just days after an effort to recall the supervisor and treasurer failed.
A handy guide to Shelby, Utica and state regulations and tips to make sure you don't get burned or ticketed this Fourth of July.
The Shelby Township Board of Trustees is preparing for a decline in property taxes for several years to come.
More than 100 senior citizens tossed, walked and played games at the Shelby Township annual senior picnic.
A second effort to recall a member of the Shelby Township Board of Trustees failed.
The Shelby Township Board of Trustees voted to approve money needed to hire an independent firm to evaluate the fire department's safety procedure.
Utica Henry Ford II High School secured a spot on Newsweek's Best High Schools in America list.
County officials said petitioners who filed recall signatures against Shelby Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis did not collect enough valid signatures.
The new superintendent of Kentucky's largest district will be Donna Hargens, not Christine Johns.
Construction is set to begin today on 26 Mile Road between Van Dyke Avenue and M-53.
The Utica Police said they arrested three men suspected of stealing store employees' purses and the keys to two vehicles.
Check dismissal times for the last day of school and find something fun to do with your new graduate.
Detective Sgt. Dave Faber was named interim police chief after the city put its search for a permanent chief on hold.
Two police officers were recognized Tuesday night for saving the life of an Oakland University police officer last month.
Two Utica police officers were recognized Tuesday night for saving the life of an Oakland University police officer.
A power company that has been embattled with Macomb County over tree-trimming the Macomb Orchard Trail has reached a deal.
The Utica Community School Board has asked the community to find a way to pay for the district's winter and spring programs.
Shelby Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis has filed a lawsuit against the Macomb County Clerk requesting that she halt the recall process.
The following information was supplied by the Shelby Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
