2022 saw skyrocketing gas and grocery prices, baby formula shortages and some weather woes. But it also was a year of investments in Monroe County and the state. Last year, General Motors, Ford, Stellantis and others all announced plans to invest and build in the region.
When the year began, General Motors announced it would invest $7 billion in Michigan and create 4,000 jobs.
In June, Ford Motor Co. announced plans to build a new $35 million facility in Monroe Charter Township. The 1.1 million-square-foot, automotive-related warehousing and distribution center will be located on LaPlaisance Road and will replace the existing 142-acre Harbor Dunes Golf Club.
In August, Stellantis announced plans to invest $83 million in Dundee’s engine complex. The move is part of a $99 million investment in three plants in North America. But the largest bulk of that money is aimed at the Dundee Engine Complex, where Stellantis is planning to retool the factory to build a new four-cylinder turbo engine for its hybrid electric vehicles.
In November, 360 Digilab LLC announced its $1.44 million investment in downtown Monroe with the purchase of The Monroe News building. The family-owned business offers dental restorations and plans to create up to 100 jobs in the life sciences and medical device industry.
In December, the City of Monroe Brownstown Redevelopment Authority received Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $2.7 million in state capture for reimbursement of brownfield activity at the former La-Z-Boy site.
Several businesses opened in 2022, including Culver’s, Dairy Queen, Hungry Howie’s in Dundee, Chick-fil-A, Wingstop, Michigan Wine & Beer Portal and several stores at the Mall of Monroe, including Domka Outdoor. The drive-thru Monroe Beer Cooler reopened, and the Monroe Meijer store was renovated.
Other 2022 news
January
• Crystal Waters’ 680-acre state game area opens.
• GM makes $7 billion investment in Michigan.
• Woodcrest Condominiums destroyed by fire.
• Ida Fire Department begins weekday shifts.
February
• Ice jams in the River Raisin cause flooding.
• War begins in Ukraine; local people donate to victims.
• Explosion at Village Pointe Apartments in Dundee.
March
• High gas prices begin.
• Stepping Stones announces return.
• Hassett Title Co. firebombed.
• Michigan Department of Transportation announces building of three new terminals for storage of road maintenance equipment.
April
• William Paul Nichols succeeds the late Michael A. Weipert as Monroe County District Court judge.
• Salvation Army Family Store closes.
May
• Monroe is in the state’s top 10 for overdose deaths.
• Baby formula shortages.
June
• Roe v. Wade overturned.
• Ford building facility in Monroe Township.
• Petersburg boy, 12, dies in house fire.
July
• Small earthquake in Erie.
August
• Stellantis investing $83 million in Dundee engine complex.
• Nelly performs at Monroe County Fair.
• 14-year-old Monroe girl electrocuted by downed wire.
October
• Thousands go without power after storm.
• Monroe man drowns at Sterling State Park.
November
• DTE to close Monroe plant.
• Wallaby loose in Bedford Township.
• Digilab LLC purchases The Monroe News building.
• Mark Brant donates land for the Loop Trail Project.
December
• Ray Kisonas leaves The Monroe News after 36-year career.
• Sister Charlotte (Coletta) Walby sets two records in the IHM’s 175-year history.
• Monroe City Manager Vince Pastue announces retirement.
• City of Monroe receives $2.7 million to redevelop the former La-Z-Boy site.
• Monroe County District Judge Jack Vitale retires.
Top viewed online Monroe News stories of 2022
- Loneliness is sweeping across the country, 72,504 views
- Underrated items to grill, 54,237
- Answer: Monroe woman on Jeopardy! Question: Who is Sarah Wrase?, 43,835
- Mall of Monroe fills anchor store spots with new tenants, 32,841
- Monroe Middle School student dies from injuries, 27,923
- Local business owner sues Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, 23,300
- Michiganders eligible for food assistance to continue getting additional benefits, 19,347
- Police arrest 4 men in one of ‘largest drug distribution operations in Monroe County,’ 18,349
- Whitmer: Some Michiganders to receive grocery money, 16,074
- Expert mushroom hunter shares knowledge of Michigan’s earthy edibles, 14,734
NOTE: Stats as of Dec. 22.
Deaths of 2022
• Gerald Welch, former president of Monroe County Community College
• Judge Michael A. Weipert
• Jeff Tuttle, radio personalit.
• Walter O. Trowbridge, former Monroe County sheriff.
• Dale Malone, former Monroe County sheriff.
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