Eastpointe city manager resigns to take new job
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — After less than three years, Eastpointe’s city manager is leaving the position.
Earlier this month, Mariah Walton, who was hired as Eastpointe’s city manager in June 2022, delivered her resignation to the city.
“I accepted a position with another
Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education begins
a new chapter
EARLY IS NOW BOARD PRESIDENT; OFFICIALS LOOK TO FILL BOARD VACANCY BY
MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — The Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education made history at its Jan. 13 meeting held at Eastpointe City Hall when Chineva Early was named school board president.
“I’d like to recognize Dr. Chineva Early as our first woman of color to serve as the president of Eastpointe Community Schools Board of
File photo by Brian Wells
Eastpointe City Manager Mariah Walton, seen here on May 3, 2022, recently notified the city that she will be resigning from her position to join the city of Ann Arbor. She was originally hired as city manager in 2022.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education made history at its Jan. 13 meeting when Chineva Early became the first Black woman to be named school board president.
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Woman missing amid ‘strong possibility of foul play’
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — Investigators have reportedly searched a Macomb County landfill for evidence in the case of Ashley Lashay Elkins, 30, of Warren, a mother of two who was reported missing Jan. 3.
After seizing a dumpster from the Roseville apartment complex of Elkin’s ex-boyfriend, Deandre Howard Booker, 32, law enforcement was led to the Pine Tree Acres Landfill in Lenox Township in northern Macomb County. Many law enforcement agencies and officers were part of the dig to find evidence of Elkins’ whereabouts or her remains.
Mane atTraction
With the Detroit Lions being the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, artist Edward Stross created a snow lion in the team’s honor at his business, Gonzo Art Studio, 28305 Gratiot Ave., at Utica Road in Roseville. At press time, Stross planned to have the Lion game-ready for the Jan. 18 game against the Washington Commanders. Stross used snow, blue food coloring and his creativity to create the lion’s den.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
According to media reports, police examined a particular section of the 370-acre landfill. The landfill search reportedly began on Monday, Jan. 13 and wrapped up Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 14.
The Roseville Police Department is the lead investing agency on this case.
Eastpointe man sentenced for shooting brother
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — An Eastpointe man was sentenced to four years in prison Jan. 7 in Macomb County Circuit Court after pleading guilty to fatally shooting his brother in their home in Eastpointe in 2023.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. June 16, 2023, a male subject entered the Eastpointe Police Department and stated that his uncle was possibly murdered in a home in the 16000 block of Stricker Avenue, in the general area of Eight Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue, according to a June 2023 press release from the department. Officers and detectives conducted an investigation at the home and were able to locate the suspect, who was then interviewed and taken into custody. Officers also located signs of foul play.
A press release sent the same month by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the suspect, identified as McKinnley Hearon, had told officers that his brother was not home, but police said the body was located behind the house. The Prosecutor’s Office stated in a press release that McKinnley Hearon shot his brother after an argument.
McKinnley Hearon, now 44, of Eastpointe, pleaded guilty to shooting his brother, Reginald Hearon, in their Eastpointe home on Thursday, June 15, 2023. McKinnley Hearon was charged with second-degree murder, a life felony; tampering with evidence, a four-year felony; and lying to police officers, a misdemeanor carrying a maximum sentencing of 93 days.
On Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, he pleaded guilty as charged.
According to a press release from the Ma-
Elkins
Hearon
‘We cheer each other on’
RARE Penguins play first game in Northeast Adaptive Recreation Basketball League
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — The showdown was on.
During the early evening of Jan. 9, the RARE Penguins played their first-ever basketball game against the Shelby Pistons.
Both teams are members of the Northeast Adaptive Recreation Basketball League, which is open to teenagers and adults with cognitive and/or physical impairments. All skill levels are welcome. Players pay a fee to participate.
The Pistons play through the Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department. The Penguins’ initial game was held at the Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe building on Sycamore Street in Roseville. Before game time, RARE Assistant Director Sara Frederick — coach of the Penguins — gave the team a pep talk.
“Make sure you are dribbling the ball and rotating the ball,” she told the group.
Then they put their hands together and yelled, “Go Penguins!”
RARE Penguins No. 7 Mason Baerman and Shelby Pistons No. 11 Michelle Susalla show their basketball skills during the game.
“All right, good job,” Frederick told the team after the first quarter.
The Shelby Pistons coaches, Aimee Davis and Amber Brunn, also rallied their star athletes.
BASKETBALL on page 15A
Photos by Erin Sanchez
RARE Assistant Director and Penguins coach Sara Frederick cheers on the team Jan. 9. Next to her is player Zack Maracle, who wears No. 5.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
NEWS & NOTES
Eastpointe city meetings returning to YouTube
EASTPOINTE — After a brief outage, the city of Eastpointe will begin posting meetings on the city’s YouTube channel.
In December, the city began having connection issues with YouTube, City Manager Mariah Walton said in an email. While trying to solve the problem, an employee of the city became locked out of the Gmail account that is used with it.
“Gmail has a policy of holding the account for 30 days before sending a reset email,” Walton said. “I was surprised to learn about this waiting period, but after speaking with support, I understand it’s in place to reduce phishing risks.”
While meetings have been replayed on local cable channels, Walton said they wouldn’t be able to be uploaded to YouTube until after Jan. 21, after press time. However, according to the Open Meetings Act, draft minutes must be made available after eight business days. They can be found on the city’s website.
Peter Werbe to give presentation
EASTPOINTE — The Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Chronicling Michigan in Defense of Democracy fall-winter lecture series will continue with “The Fifth Estate and Vietnam Era Counterculture in Michigan” with Peter Werbe at 2 p.m. Jan. 26.
Werbe is a political activist and he was a disc jockey on local rock ‘n’ roll radio stations. He hosted “Nightcall,” WRIF’s phone-in talk show, from 1970-2016. He is a member of the editorial collective of the Fifth Estate magazine, and the author of “Summer On Fire: A Detroit Novel” and “Eat the Rich & Other Interesting Ideas.”
The museum is located at 16600 Stephens Road. Visit mimths.org for more information.
EASTPOINTE FIRE CHIEF RETIRES
EASTPOINTE — The city’s fire chief, Brian Marquardt, pictured at left, retired from the Eastpointe Fire and Rescue Department Dec. 31. Marquardt began working as an on-call firefighter in 1999. In 2001, he was hired full-time. He became fire marshal in 2019 and then fire chief in March 2023.
Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal Alton Polk, pictured at right, will serve as interim chief until a new chief is hired.
According to City Manager Mariah Walton, appointing a new fire chief will follow the city’s civil service charter. The charter requires city officials to post internally for qualified candidates, and externally if there are no qualified candidates.
Out for blood
DETROIT — January is National Blood Donor Month, and it’s game on for donors.
The Red Cross and the National Football League have again partnered to invite donors to give blood. Donors who donate blood until Jan. 26 will have a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Donors of all types — especially those with type O negative blood and those giving platelets — are urged to give.
The winner of the Super Bowl LIX tickets and a guest will enjoy three-night hotel accommodations from Feb. 7-10, access to pregame activities, tickets to the Super Bowl, round-trip airfare to New Orleans, and a $1,000 gift card.
Donors can give blood at Red Cross blood drives or Red Cross blood donation centers in Michigan for a chance to win the tickets. There are three ways potential donors can make an appointment: by using the Red Cross Blood donor app on their smartphone, visiting the Red Cross website at RedCrossBlood.org, or calling the Red Cross at (800) RED CROSS, which is (800) 733-2767.
An appointment for a blood donation lasts about one hour, though the actual donation takes 8-10 minutes. Donors may donate every 56 days. An appointment for a platelet donation takes about two hours. Platelet donors can give every seven days.
Chill with Winter Fest 2025
EASTPOINTE — Winter Fest 2025 will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Eastpointe Boys & Girls Club gymnasium, located at 15320 E. Nine Mile Road. There will be a pizza lunch, winter crafts, a family scavenger hunt, community safety talks and more. Admission is free and open to everyone.
Neighborhood watch to meet
EASTPOINTE — The next Eastpointe Neighborhood Watch meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Eastpointe City Hall Council Chambers, 23200 Gratiot Ave. There will be a discussion about the city’s neighborhoods and the statistics from 2024 will be shared.
Contest will choose exceptional school custodians
CINCINNATI — Cintas Corp. has launched its 12th annual Cintas Custodian of the Year contest, which honors exceptional school custodians. Cintas will award $10,000 to the winning custodian and $5,000 in Cintas and Rubbermaid products and services to the winner’s school. The other nine finalists will receive $1,000 each from Cintas. The top three finalists will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas in November, where they’ll be celebrated for their accomplishments. The Cintas Custodian of the Year contest is open to all elementary, middle, high school, college and university custodians who have worked at their schools for at least two years. Nominations must be 500 words or less on why the nominee deserves the award. The public can submit their custodian nominations at custodianoftheyear.com. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 7.
Cintas will announce the top 10 finalists on March 4. The public will then be able to vote for their favorite custodian through April 11, and the finalist with the most votes will be crowned Custodian of the Year in the spring. Last year, Cintas Corp. awarded Bob Galewski, of Wabasha-Kellogg High School in Wabasha, Minnesota, the 2024 Cintas Custodian of the Year.
— Maria Allard and Brian Wells
File photo by Maria Allard
Roseville gets unmodified opinion on audit
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — A concise audit presentation revealed Roseville’s finances are in good shape, though attention will need to be paid to the city’s pension and other postemployment benefits in the future.
Plante Moran delivered a brief presentation on the city’s 2024 audit at the Jan. 14 Roseville City Council meeting. Roseville’s fiscal year ends June 30. Plante Moran’s Ali Hijazi, Alissa Flury and Samantha Shea all delivered parts of the presentation. They delivered an audit with an unmodified opinion.
“That’s the highest level of assurance we can issue on a set of financial statements,” Hijazi said. “It means the numbers are presented in accordance with the accounting requirements.”
Hijazi said Roseville also received a clean opinion on an audit of the city’s federal American Rescue Plan Act grants.
Overall general fund revenue for Roseville increased by $12.1 million, bringing
the total to approximately $49.8 million. This jump is due to ARPA funds the city received. The previous year’s total general fund revenue was approximately $37.7 million. Shea said a difference is expected in 2025, due to the drop in these funds. Plante Moran’s presentation shows this dip to bring the general fund revenue to a projected $45.9 million. Shea said the revenue in remaining categories, such as property taxes, would stay consistent in the upcoming year.
Tax revenue accounts for nearly half of the city’s general fund revenue, according to the presentation. State and federal grants rank second at just above a quarter of the city’s revenue.
The city’s general fund expenditures increased from $35.3 million to $44.6 million. The most sizable portion of the spending came from “other financing uses,” which increased by about $5 million.
The majority of the general fund personnel expenditures, over half, went to the police and fire departments.
Flury said actual property tax revenue
See AUDIT on page 10A
Meeting highlights academic achievements of students
ABOVE: Roseville High School Principal Jason Bettin, left, was among the Roseville Community Schools educators who recognized students Dreshawn Noble, center, and Daniel Duhaylonsod, right, who received “Scholar of Distinction” academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program.
RIGHT: Roseville Middle School eighth grade student Lyric Jackson, left, was recognized for her poem “Released from the Shadows” during Zonta International’s 2024 “Zonta Says No to Violence” online summit. Roseville Community Schools Board of Education President Theresa Genest, right, presents her with a certificate.
BELOW: Siblings Daniel Duhaylonsod, left; Fred Duhaylonsod, center; and Leilani Duhaylonsod hula dance to the song “Aloha, O’ahu” to thank the Roseville Community Schools Board of Education members for all they do.
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
ROSEVILLE — A group of Roseville Community Schools students were recognized at the district’s Jan. 6 school board meeting for their educational accomplishments
Roseville Middle School eighth grade student Lyric Jackson was recognized for supporting domestic violence survivors through her poetry as a member of the school’s Z Club.
Jackson wrote a piece called “Released from the Shadows” that was shared around the world during Zonta International’s 2024 “Zonta Says No to Violence” online summit. Zonta International, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, is a global organization that focuses on women’s rights, gender equality and ending gender-based violence. Cassandra Crittenden, who attended the board meeting, is the Z Club adviser in the district.
“We are in place to empower women and girls all over the world,” Crittenden said. “We do that by advocating and by doing service and teaching them about leadership.”
Jackson read her piece to the school
board members. A Z Club also has been formed at Roseville High School.
School officials also took time to acknowledge eight Roseville High School students who received “Scholar of Distinction” academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program. The program is designed to increase college access for students.
To be considered, district Deputy Superintendent David Rice said that students must have a GPA of 3.3 or higher and score in the top 10% on College Board assessments, including the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 or earn a score of 3 or higher on two or more Advanced Placement exams by the end of the 10th grade. The students also must attend school in a rural or small-town area, identify as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic or be a first-generation student.
The following students were named as recipients: Paige Armbrister, Elise Birr, Nathavia Cherisca, Daniel Duhaylonsod, Aniya Morgan, Dreshawn Noble, Daniel Sikora and Maurice Stallworth. Only Duhaylonsod and Noble were present at the meeting to receive their certificates from the board.
Photos by Maria Allard
Man charged with shooting ex’s boyfriend, attacking police
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
EASTPOINTE — A Detroit man faces life in prison after allegedly driving to the home of his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend and shooting him in the chest, nearly killing him, before barricading himself at his own home and shooting through the front door at responding officers.
The suspect is Shawn Davidson, 53. He was arraigned at the 38th District Court in Eastpointe before Magistrate Mark Makoski on charges that include six counts of assault with intent to murder — a life felony — plus seven counts of felony firearm, a two-year felony.
He is also charged with one count of discharge of a firearm inside a building, a 10-year felony; one count of carrying a concealed weapon, a five-year felony; and one count of carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, a fiveyear felony.
His bond was set at $2 million cash or surety, and if released, Davidson is not to leave the state or consume any drugs or alcohol and must wear a steel tether with home confinement and no access to weapons or firearms. He is also forbidden from contacting the victim or witnesses.
According to records with the court, Davidson’s attorney is Robyn Kennedy. She did not return requests for comment by press time.
Police learned that the victim was in a relationship with an ex-girlfriend of the suspect and that the suspect was not happy about it. Davidson had reportedly approached the victim wearing a wig, pink tight pants, a pink shirt and black jacket. The victim told police it was obvious the suspect was wearing a disguise. The victim and suspect had a brief exchange of words, and then the suspect reportedly produced a black handgun and took a single shot at the victim, piercing his chest.
The suspect then fled the scene on foot, out of view of security cameras. Eastpointe detectives and the Eastpointe Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit were able to identify the suspect and his location. A search warrant was obtained for the suspect’s residence in the 17000 block of Albion Street in Detroit.
Once there, officers attempted to gain entry to the house, at which point the suspect allegedly fired one round at them through the front door. The bullet missed the of-
The original incident occurred at around 3:30 p.m. Jan. 3, when Eastpointe police officers were dispatched to the 15000 block of Nine Mile Road on reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found the victim, who was suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was expected to make a full recovery, as of press time.
ficers, who were located on the front porch. The officers didn’t return fire because they didn’t have a clear view of the suspect. Instead, they took up a defensive position and were able to negotiate with the suspect to surrender.
In a statement, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido commended the officers.
“We are grateful for the bravery of our police officers, who face danger head-on to protect and serve,” Lucido said. “Their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe deserves our deepest respect and appreciation.”
Eastpointe Police Lt. Alexander Holish said in an email that it’s a sad turn of events.
“Break-ups or infidelity can take an emotional toll on a person, but it is important to remember that with time, the pain subsides. Trying to take someone’s life over it is an extremely wrong decision. If anyone struggles with suicidal or homicidal thoughts, please seek help. There are hotlines that are set up to assist people who struggle mentally,” Holish said.
He continued: “When a person is taking someone else’s life, they are ending their own, as well. Numerous people are spending their lives in prison because they have been convicted of a homicide, and are regretting their actions every day. But it is too late for them. They will never be able to live life to the fullest.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Davidson
for the city has continued to rebound but lags behind inflationary increases.
The general fund balance for the year had a $5 million increase, including a $4.9 million increase in the city’s unassigned fund balance.
Hijazi, near the close of the presentation, said the city’s OPEB and pension funds were a $135 million unfunded liability.
“This is really the challenge the city needs to address,” Hijazi said.
Currently, the city’s retirement system is 72% funded, the police and fire retirement system is 60% funded and the retiree health care benefits plan is 22% funded.
Controller John Walters explained that Michigan Public Act 202 lays out that a municipality’s pension must be over 60% funded and the municipality’s annual contribution can’t be over 10% of total governmental revenue.
“If you fail both of those tests, you have to come up with a corrective action plan for the state to rectify it,” Walters said.
He said that this could be relevant in the coming year because the city’s patrol union, the city’s largest union, is advocating for enhancements to its pension. If this happens, it’ll put the city below the 60% funded point for the pension and conflict with what’s in PA 202. This would trigger the city to work with the state on a remediation plan.
Mayor Robert Taylor said, in comparison to other municipalities, he thought the city is in good shape with its level of funding for the retiree health care benefits plan.
“I think we did pretty darn well,” Taylor said. “I’m just wondering, does the state look at that as well?”
Hijazi said the state doesn’t look at the investment returns, just overall funding. Though, he said that the city’s investments have performed well over the last three to four years for the plans.
“As far as retiree health care goes, we don’t differ from other communities,” Walters said. “We’re actually doing pretty well. We’re only funded 22%, but a couple of years ago it was funded 8%.”
Walters explained that the city funds its retiree health care as the bills come in. There are no new participants in this plan. In addition, he said the city contributes an additional $350,000 toward the unfunded liability.
“Normally, other communities don’t put that extra money in, they just pay as you go,” he said. “The theory is that if you continue to pay as you go, at some point you’re going to be 100% funded because, if it’s closed for new employees, the old employees that are retired will die and you won’t have any more responsibility.”
Near the end of the presentation, Mayor Pro Tem Catherine Haugh asked Hijazi what letter grade the city received on this year’s audit if he had to assign one.
“Like in school, we have different classes,” Hijazi said. “For the audit in terms of your readiness, the quality of your work, working with our team, I’d give you an A.”
However, Hijazi left room for improvement regarding the city’s financial condition.
“In terms of your financial condition, the grade is not as good. It’s hard to give an A or a B when the funding percentages are what they are. What I would say is I’ve been work-
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ing with the city for a long time and the decisions this council has been making have gotten really good grades. You’ve addressed issues you’ve had in the past, so I have confidence you’ll be able to do the same sort of thing.”
Walters said the city is in a good position.
“Our general fund is healthy again,” he said. “I think we’re at a point where we have enough in reserves to be safe, but not too much in reserve.”
Joint Parks and Recreation Plan moves forward
The Roseville City Council unanimously approved its portion of the 2025-29 Joint Parks and Recreation Plan. The Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe board unanimously approved its portion of the plan at its Jan. 15 meeting. The plan still needs approval from Eastpointe’s City Council. Its next meeting was scheduled for Jan. 20, after press time.
In an interview after the RARE board’s vote, Executive Director Tony Lipinski said the plan has been in the works for over a year.
“I think we’ve got a lot of public input over the year with the surveys, the maps that were put up in the building and the public hearings,” he said.
The plan sets the five-year recreation plans for the two municipalities as required by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to receive potential grant funding. It looks at assets and improvements throughout the next half-decade in the cities’ parks.
Spalding DeDecker was the firm used to assist the authority with creating the master plan. The plan needs to be submitted to the DNR by Feb. 1, according to Spalding DeDecker Senior Planner Kayla Mauldin.
Roseville resident Jim Mattison commented during the public hearing about possibly putting pickleball courts at Veterans Memorial Park. He said this could be done where an underused roller rink is located in the park. He also advocated for putting infrastructure from the former roller rink in Roseville’s downtown to make a skating rink.
“This is something we’ve talked about with our own parks and rec board and Mr. Lipinski,” Roseville City Manager Ryan Monroe said. “It is something we’ll discuss when we go through the budget cycle coming up for next year. There’s also another opportunity for pickleball courts at Huron Park.”
The plan can be viewed at rare-mi.org/ news_detail_T16_R26.php.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
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Getting it right
C & G Newspapers strives for accuracy and fairness to its readers. If you think we got it wrong, please let us know. Call Gregg Demers at (586) 498-1042, email gdemers@candgnews.com or write us at 13650 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089.
Booker was arraigned in the 39th District Court Jan. 9 on the charge of lying to police about the disappearance of Elkins.
According to police, Booker repeatedly and willfully provided false information during the police investigation regarding the whereabouts of Elkins, who was reported missing by her family when she did not return to her southeast Warren home after running morning errands the day before.
The Warren Police Department initiated an investigation after receiving the first missing persons report.
Elkins was last seen in Roseville on Jan. 2. Neither her family and friends nor law enforcement have been able to reach her since. She is described as a Black female, 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds.
On Jan. 7, the Roseville Police Department took over as the lead investigative agency when it was determined there was a “strong possibility of foul play” at the Hampton Court Apartments near Frazho Road
and Gratiot Avenue, where Booker resides.
The investigation continues with the assistance of Warren police.
According to a press release from the Warren Police Department on Jan. 8, “significant” forensic evidence was recovered at the apartment complex and will be analyzed by the Michigan State Police. A dumpster was reportedly seized as part of the investigation.
Elkins’ vehicle, a silver Chevrolet Malibu, was recovered near 13 Mile Road and Little Mack Avenue.
According to the updated release, the Warren Police Department executed nearly 20 search warrants, conducted comprehensive video canvasses, examined numerous pieces of digital evidence and interviewed friends and family members in an effort to find Elkins.
Roseville police have dedicated significant resources to this investigation, according to the release.
“Our hearts go out to the family of the missing woman during this difficult time. Providing false information to law enforcement in a case like this not only hinders the investigation but adds further pain and
uncertainty for the loved ones searching for answers. We remain committed to seeking justice and ensuring that every effort is made to bring resolution to this case,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a written release.
“The Roseville Police Department and Warren Police Department are actively pursuing numerous leads and remain in contact with Ms. Elkins’ family,” said Lt. John Gajewski, public information officer for the Warren Police Department, in a release. “This is an ongoing and active investigation, and we understand the media and public’s interest. We kindly request patience, as thorough investigations and due process require careful attention to detail. Further updates will be provided to the media as they become available.”
Booker was arraigned before Judge Alyia Hakim and appeared via Zoom video. He was charged with lying to a police officer during a violent crime investigation, a fouryear felony. Hakim set bond at $250,000 cash or surety only.
According to court records, no public defender had been appointed at press time.
A preliminary exam is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 29 in person before Judge Joseph Boedeker in the 39th District Court.
Anyone with information regarding Elkins or this case is asked to contact Roseville Police Detective Matthew Lesperance at mlesperance@rosevillepolice-mi.com or (586) 447-4505.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING
12A/ EASTSIDER • JANUARY 22, 2025
MSGCU accepting scholarship program applications
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union is accepting applications for its annual scholarship program. The credit union will award over $130,000 in scholarships, including 43 scholarships of $2,500 each to help students and educators reach career goals, and 14 scholarships of $2,000 each to support future first responders.
According to a press release, 10 additional scholarships will be awarded in 2025, representing an increase of $25,000.
MSGCU will award scholarships in various categories to teachers and administrators.
Nonmembers are welcome to apply for an MSGCU scholarship and must become a member if selected as a scholarship recipient.
“Earning a degree or certification requires a great deal of determination and hard work, along with a significant financial investment,” said Steve Brewer, president and CEO of MSGCU, in a release announcing
the 2025 scholarship program. “MSGCU is increasing our scholarship awards this year to support more students in the communities we serve. We have provided over $1.25 million in scholarships since our program started 20 years ago, helping more than 600 recipients complete their education.”
The MSGCU High School Excellence Scholarship, formerly the Educational Solutions Scholarship, helps high school seniors who attend college. There are 18 scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each.
The Rudolph Heino People Helping People Scholarship supports college-bound high school seniors with a commitment to helping others. A total of 15 scholarships of $2,500 are being offered.
With four $2,500 scholarships, the Larry Swantek Educational Studies Scholarship benefits high school seniors and current college students planning to become teachers.
The Milo Perreault Educator Advancement Scholarship helps certified teachers and administrators continue their education. Four $2,500 scholarships will be offered.
William Cayen Skilled Trades Scholarship supports students pursuing certification in electrical, heating/air conditioning, automotive, or other industrial and advanced technologies or skilled trades programs. Two $2,500 awards are offered to current skilled trades students or graduating high school seniors pursuing a skilled trades certificate.
The credit union also funds the Stephen Thomas First Responder Scholarship, which supports first responders enrolled in
MSGCU will award scholarships in various categories to teachers and administrators. Nonmembers are welcome to apply for an MSGCU scholarship and must become a member if selected as a scholarship recipient.
police and/or fire academies at local colleges with 14 scholarships of $2,000 each. Applications occur directly with Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, Washtenaw Community College, and Schoolcraft College.
Scholarship applications can be submitted online at msgcu.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is Feb. 25.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Photo provided by Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union
Education
Education,” District Superintendent Christina Gibson said. “So congratulations, Dr. Early.”
“Thank you,” Early responded to a round of applause.
Last Monday’s meeting also included the organizational meeting in which new officers were elected, and incoming board members Darlene Whitby and Shelly Cioppa, and reelected board members Robert Roscoe and Edward Williams, took the oath of office, which was administered by Early. The four elected officials all won their seats during the Nov. 5, 2024, school board election. The new terms are for four years and expire at the end of December 2028.
Roscoe is now the board vice president while Williams retained his seat as secretary. Newcomer Whitby was voted in as treasurer. Addie Richardson will continue on as a trustee, and Cioppa was named as a trustee.
The organizational meeting occurred at a time in which school boards are honored. January is School Board Recognition Month, which is part of a national effort, cosponsored by the Michigan Association of School Boards and the National School Boards Association, to build community awareness and understanding about the role that school boards play in their communities.
In addition to the organizational meeting, the board now has a vacancy to fill. Trustee Cassie Gruenberg, first elected to the school board on Nov. 8, 2022, resigned her position effective Jan. 13 due to health reasons. She was not present at the meeting.
“Cassie has been a dedicated advocate for our students, staff, and community, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her service,” Gibson wrote in a letter to the community. “We wish her all the best.”
Gruenberg served at the same time as
her husband, Jon Gruenberg, who — after serving approximately 20 years — lost his seat during the Nov. 5, 2024, general election.
School officials are inviting community members to apply to serve the remaining two years of Cassie Gruenberg’s term, which will expire on Dec. 31, 2026. Anyone interested in joining the board is asked to submit a letter of interest detailing why you wish to serve and how you can contribute to the board’s work, and a resume outlining your qualifications and relevant experience.
All application materials must be received by noon on Jan. 24. Applications can be emailed to wendy.kohlmann@eastpointeschools.org or delivered in person to: Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education Office, 24685 Kelly Road, Eastpointe, MI 48021.
Potential candidates should plan to attend and be available for interviews during a special Board of Education meeting at 1
p.m. Jan. 30 at the 24685 Kelly Road location. The selected candidate will join the board at the regular meeting on Feb. 10.
For more about the role or the application process, contact district Executive
Administrative Assistant Wendy Kohlmann in the Office of the Superintendent at (586) 533-3023.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Newly elected Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education President Chineva Early, far left, administers the oath of office to, from left, Robert Roscoe, Shelly Cioppa, Darlene Whitby and Edward Williams.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
CALENDAR
JAN. 22-26
Tunnel of Lights: 5-9 p.m., Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, facebook. com/st.clairshoresparksandrecreation
JAN. 25
Aqua Freeze Festival: Ice sculptures and live carving, horse-drawn wagon rides, mini golf, live music, beer tent, food trucks, hot cocoa, and fire pits, noon-9 p.m., Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, (586) 445-5350, facebook.com/st.clair shoresparksandrecreation
JAN. 26
Night at the Races: Fundraiser hosted by St. Clair Shores Firefighters Local 1744, bet on horses in virtual races, also 50/50, prizes, hors d’oeuvres and drinks, 7 p.m.-midnight, Blossom Heath Inn, 24800 Jefferson Ave., facebook.com/stclairshoresfirefighters
Rosary for Life: Presented by Right to Life - Southeast Macomb County, 1 p.m., St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, 22860 Schroeder Ave. in Eastpointe, (586) 774-6050
JAN. 28
Crafty Kids Club: For ages 12 and younger, 6 p.m., Macomb Mall, 32233 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, also Feb. 25 and March 25, rosevillelibrary.org, (586) 445-5407
FEB. 18
Check Mates: Chess club for all levels ages 12 and older, 6-7:30 p.m., Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot Ave., also March 18, April 15 and May 20, free but registration required, (586) 445-5407, rsvlibrary service@roseville-mi.gov, rosevillelibrary.org
ONGOING
Storytime: 1:30 p.m. every second Wednesday of
month, near Dick’s Sporting Goods at Macomb Mall, 32233 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, facebook.com/ macombmall
Young Modelers Club: For ages 8-16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until April 19, Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum, 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe, contact Jim at (248) 574-3487, (248) 399-2386 or jimandkatie17@att.net
Monthly book clubs: Booked for the Evening (every first Thursday) and Mystery Book Club (every third Thursday), both 6:30 p.m., Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot Ave., rsvlibraryservice@roseville-mi.gov, rosevillelibrary.org, (586) 445-5407
Euchre Night + More: 6-8 p.m. every first Saturday of month, Metropolitan Church of the Nazarene, 18945 Frazho Road in Roseville, bring finger foods to share (drinks provided), metronaz.org/adult-ministry-events
Gamblers Anonymous: Meets 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Live Rite Structured Recovery Corp., 27700 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville, (586) 217-5899
Ice skating: Noon-8 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays until March 2, The Rink at Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, downtowndetroit.org/ experience-downtown/things-to-do/the-rink
Free tax preparation: For Macomb County residents with annual family income of $67,000 or less, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 7 and 21, March 7 and 21, and April 4 and 11, see locations and documents needed at macombca.itfrontdesk.com/vita, make appointments starting Jan. 23, (586) 463-2537
Health workshops: For hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Sentencing
from page 3A
comb County Prosecutor’s Office, Reginald Hearon was struggling with violent mental health issues. Dawn Fraylick, communications director for the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, said Reginald Hearon had violent tendencies, though she didn’t know what he was diagnosed with.
“After taking into consideration the extenuating circumstances, a potential selfdefense claim and the family’s wishes, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office reached an agreement with the defense attorney for a sentence recommendation within manslaughter guidelines,” the press release states.
After Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Julie Gatti approved the agreement, Hearon was sentenced Jan. 7 to a total of four years in prison on all charges, the release states.
Defense attorney Jeffery Cojocar said he felt that the sentencing was the best thing for the family, especially his client’s mother. Additionally, he added that the circumstances could have led to a self-defense claim, if the case had gone to trial.
“McKinnley is her last surviving child and I think she wanted to be able to spend as much time with him in the future as possible, and the way that would be accomplished was a lower sentence,” Cojocar said.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
CITY OF ROSEVILLE
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Notice is hereby given that the City of Roseville Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM, or thereafter, at the City of Roseville, Council Chambers, 29777 Gratiot, Roseville MI 48066. The Public Hearing will consider:
Variance #1924- 30200 Groesbeck, PP#08-14-07-277-021. permission to allow a free- standing sign with more than 25% of the sign in LED lighting.
Variance #2024- 29456 Groesbeck, PP#08-14-07-452-036. permission to allow a free- standing sign with more than 25% of the sign in LED lighting. Variance applications can be reviewed and written comments received prior to the meeting at the City of Roseville, Building Department, 29777 Gratiot Roseville MI 48066, Attention: James Osterhout. The public may appear at the Public Hearing in person or by Counsel.
Respectfully submitted, Jennifer A. Zelmanski Roseville City Clerk
Published: Eastsider 01/22/2025
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City manager
from page 1A
organization,” Walton said in an email. “My current contract requires a 60-day notice, which was provided to the City Council last week.”
A press release from the city of Ann Arbor states that Walton will be working as its new deputy city administrator.
“The city will welcome another new addition to its leadership team. On March 10, Mariah Walton will join Ann Arbor as the new deputy city administrator,” the release states.
In a prepared statement, Ann Arbor City Administrator Milton Dohoney said he is excited to have Walton join the city.
“We needed someone with a great understanding of the functionality of municipal government, a deputy city administrator with the keen ability to nurture and build relationships in the community and to promote the effectiveness of our city services is essential, and that is exactly what I’m confident Mariah
Basketball
from page 4A
“They love to compete and they want to have fun,” Davis said. “They have a great time and get a little bit of exercise.”
On the court, the Penguins wore blue and white; the Pistons wore red, white and blue. Both sprinted across the RARE auxiliary gymnasium like seasoned pros dribbling the ball, passing the ball and sometimes getting it into the basket. There was the occasional intercepted pass, a few layups throughout the night and plenty of good sportsmanship.
Cheers like “good rebound” and “nice pass” from the crowd added to the enthusiasm of the game. Michael Lipinski, whose dad, Tony Lipinski, is the RARE executive director, was the referee. The team played four eight-minute quarters.
Thirteen-year-old Mason Baerman, No. 7 for the Penguins, is so dedicated to
Academic
from page 8A
The board room also broke out in song during the evening when Duhaylonsod and his siblings Fred, a 2023 RHS graduate, and Leilani, an RHS junior, performed a hula dance to the song “Aloha, O’ahu.” It was their way of saying “thank you” to the school board members for all they do for the district.
“We wanted to showcase a little bit of
will excel at, alongside our devoted team in Ann Arbor,” he said.
Walton’s last day with Eastpointe will be March 6.
“I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve such an incredible community and wish the city much success,” Walton said of Eastpointe.
At its Jan. 7 meeting, the Eastpointe City Council discussed taking steps to find a replacement for Walton. However, the city has no formal steps to find a replacement, Walton said.
After a discussion with City Council, Eastpointe’s labor attorney began working on a contract that would allow former Eastpointe City Manager Elke Doom to serve as interim city manager while a replacement for Walton is found, Walton said.
When Walton was hired, Kim Homan was also hired as assistant city manager. Homan did not return a request for comment.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
his teammates that he made sure to attend each practice.
“I like to play. I like shooting,” he said. “The first game feels amazing, cool, really fun.”
His mom, Michelle Baerman, and brother, Ian Baerman, 7, were in the crowd.
“I’m so happy they added this. He’s been wanting to play for a long time,” Michelle Baerman said. “It’s been great to see. They just love each other. They have so much fun.”
Wearing a No. 5 jersey, Penguins shooting guard Zack Maracle couldn’t wait to get his game on.
“I’m excited. I try to be a good player,” he said. “Everyone is really good to me. We’re all really good friends. We cheer each other on. It’s a really cool experience.”
While players on both teams made baskets, organizers didn’t keep track of the score. The games — held in neighboring communities — are at 6 p.m. on Thursdays during January and February.
the culture that we brought with us from Hawaii,” Fred Duhaylonsod said. “The song is talking about things you might see, things that you could do, the animals that live there and also the people that are there.”
Also present were the Duhaylonsod siblings’ mom, Hui, and dad, Daren, a U.S. Army veteran. The Duhaylonsods have another daughter, Kanani, who was not at last week’s meeting.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
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Jeeps stolen, recovered
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A resident in the 2100 block of Hawthorne Road reported to police that his unlocked Jeep Wagoneer was stolen from his driveway before 9:20 a.m. Jan. 2. The resident told police that the key fob had likely been left inside the vehicle. Police said they recovered the vehicle later in Harper Woods, but items that had been inside — including checks, camera equipment, a stroller, an iPad, a North Face jacket and a bracelet — were missing.
In a separate incident, a resident in the 2000 block of Lennon Street contacted police at 6 a.m. Jan. 6 after finding that one of the two Jeeps that had been parked in his driveway had been stolen. The other Jeep had been broken into and the victim told police that Jeep had contained keys to the Jeep that was stolen. Police said they recovered the missing Jeep later in Harper Woods.
Vehicle break-in attempt reported
GROSSE POINTE PARK — Two unknown suspects — possibly juveniles — are being sought by police after they reportedly tried to break the driver’s side window on a Chrysler Pacifica while the vehicle was warming up in the 1400 block of Lakepointe Street at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 2. Police said surveillance footage shows the suspects walk up to the vehicle and try to break in.
Vehicle theft under investigation
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — According to an online Nixle report, a vehicle was stolen from the Country Club of Detroit at around 1 p.m. Jan. 3. Police said three unknown people in a red Honda Civic — believed to be a 2006 to 2011 model — arrived at the club and allegedly entered three vehicles in the main parking lot and attempted to enter three other vehicles. The vehicle that was stolen was recovered a few hours later, abandoned on the east side around the Warren/Detroit border. The case was under investigation.
Threatening suspect sought
GROSSE POINTE CITY — An unknown woman in her mid-40s is facing possible charges for issuing threats and causing a disturbance after the suspect is said to have menaced an employee at The Village Lululemon store at around 4:15 p.m. Dec. 27. According to a police report, the suspect threatened the employee after the employee asked the suspect and the group that the suspect was with about a missing skirt that was in the group’s shopping bag, but which hadn’t been paid for. The group said they had bought the skirt.
Broken window emergency
MOUNT CLEMENS — At around 11:15 p.m. on Dec.
to the corner of Dickinson and Avery streets to speak with a 34-year-old woman about damage to her car.
The woman said her boyfriend, 36, broke the front passenger window of her Subaru Legacy after she refused to drive him home. The boyfriend walked home.
Angry diner
MOUNT CLEMENS — On Dec. 18 at around 1 p.m., a 52-year-old Harrison Township man entered Paco’s Restaurant on Crocker Avenue to pick up lunch. After eating in his van, the man reentered the restaurant with a bloody hand and claimed the restaurant was responsible for his injury. Paco’s staff called for Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies, but the man left before deputies arrived.
The Harrison Township man called Paco’s at least four more times, blaming the restaurant for his injury.
Lots of tires flattened
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers from Shelby Township were dispatched to the 40000 block of Van Dyke Avenue for a malicious destruction of property complaint at 12:11 a.m. Dec. 8. Upon officers’ arrival to the parking lot, they met with the caller. The caller advised that she noticed her vehicle had two flat tires. The caller looked around the parking lot and noticed several other vehicles that also had flat tires.
The officers walked through the entire parking lot and found eight vehicles with flat tires. The department had no suspects and the case was turned over to the detective bureau.
Package stolen
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A Shelby Township officer was dispatched to the Police Department’s lobby to meet with a woman whose package had been taken from her porch Dec. 8. The woman said she had purchased Christmas gifts to be delivered to her home. The woman reviewed her doorbell camera surveillance video and observed an unknown male suspect take the items that were sitting on her porch.
Minivan stolen
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police said they investigated the theft of a Dodge Caravan from the 43000 block of Schoenherr Road Dec. 26.
According to police, the vehicle owner said the Caravan was stolen after it had been left running by itself for approximately 25-30 minutes. The owner reportedly said the minivan was in bad shape and was essentially junk, though it reportedly contained tools that were more valuable than the vehicle.
Police said they were seeking surveillance footage that might have captured the minivan’s theft.
to leave gas station
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to a gas station in the 8000 block of 15 Mile Road Dec. 6 upon hearing that a man wearing a beige hoodie “with cartoons on it” was acting aggressively in the store while disturbing customers and asking for money. Police said they also heard that the man smelled of alcohol.
When police arrived, a manager reportedly said the suspect was refusing to leave, though he reportedly complied once police told him to depart.
Man accused of stealing balls from store
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police heard Dec. 7 about a shoplifting incident at Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave.
Store staff said a man tried to leave the store after failing to scan a basketball and football at the self-checkout. Police said $90.94 worth of unpaid items was found with the suspect. Police said they cited the suspect for third-degree retail fraud.
Woman accused of stealing bathmat set, storage bin
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police said they went to Target, 2310 Metropolitan Parkway, Dec. 7, upon hearing that a woman grabbed two bathmat sets and two plastic storage bins but allegedly only scanned for purchase one bathmat set and one bin.
Police said the stolen items amounted to $44.99 in value. Although the suspect reportedly said she had scanned all the items and blamed the situation on an equipment failure, police said they cited her for third-degree retail fraud.
Electric scooter riders accused of hitting things
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police heard a Dec. 7 report of two male individuals who were allegedly refusing to leave the premises of Target, 2310 Metropolitan Parkway, despite multiple requests.
The individuals were accused of “hitting things” while riding an electric scooter, police said.
Police said one of the individuals ended up walking away, while the other one reportedly stood outside the building before leaving with his mother. Police took no further action.
Expired tags trouble
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — While patrolling around Shook and Union Lake roads at around 5:40 p.m. on Dec. 18, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled over a Ford Fusion with an expired license plate tag. The driver, a 24-year-old Detroit woman, told deputies she had an appointment the next day to get new tags and a new license.
driver came by to drive her home.
Guard dog
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — At around 9 p.m. on Dec. 16, a 53-year-old Harrison Township woman entered her apartment in the 36000 block of Union Lake Road to discover it was broken into.
While nothing was stolen, the woman’s dog was nowhere to be found. She told Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies she believed the dog chased off an intruder, which had appeared to access the apartment through a window.
Deputies told her the dog had been found by the Clinton Township Police Department.
Condiments caper
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — At around 6 p.m. on Dec. 17, a 45-year-old Harrison Township woman pulled into the driveway of her home in the 43000 block of E. Morgan Court with a rental GMC Terrain. About two hours later, she went outside to find the GMC covered in ketchup and mustard.
She called for Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies to report the incident, who were greeted by a condiment-free crossover. The woman told deputies she cleaned the car before they arrived.
Abandoned trailer
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 9:30
