Experts urge caution about home fire hazards
Madison Heights police investigate Christmas Eve killing
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — A Madison Heights man was allegedly beaten to death during an altercation on Christmas Eve, police confirmed.
At press time on Dec. 30, official details were still scarce.
“We have received no credible witness information regarding the victim trying to rescue a dog,” said Madison Heights Police Lt. David Koehler, responding to reports that the fight had occurred when the victim attempted to save a dog from being attacked.
“The information we have is that there was a verbal argument that became physical.”
Police and paramedics received the call around 7:40 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve. The victim was Robert Cavanaugh, 60, of Madison Heights. He was located unresponsive on the ground in the 26000 block of Dequindre Road, near Interstate 696.
Koehler said Cavanaugh appeared to have suffered from blunt force trauma. Personnel from the Madison Heights Fire Department immediately began performing life-saving measures, transporting Cavanaugh to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Responding officers found the situation suspicious and began an on-scene investigation, leading them to the suspect believed responsible for Cavanaugh’s death.
Rodney Beasley, 68, of Madison Heights, was arrested. He was arraigned Dec. 27 in the 43rd District Court in Madison Heights. He was charged with
See BEASLEY on page 4A
OFFICERS ADVISE ON PROTECTING PETS, HELPING STRAYS THIS WINTER
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Cold weather can injure and kill pets, and no breed is entirely safe. Animal control officers are reminding residents to be vigilant, protecting their furry friends from frostbite, falls on ice, hypothermia and
other winter woes.
“Anything under 32 degrees, I’d say you definitely need to have booties on your dogs’ paws, and don’t let them outside for more than five to 10 minutes,” said Paige Wallace, the animal control officer for Madison Heights. “Even if the snow and ice isn’t getting on their paws,
See PETS on page 10A
Beasley
Choo Choo and Inkie await new homes at the Madison Heights Animal Shelter. They are attached to each other and will only go to someone willing to adopt them together.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
New businesses emerge after Madison Heights zoning rewrite
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — The city of Madison Heights overhauled its zoning ordinance last year, setting the stage for new types of businesses that are now beginning to appear.
The intent behind the ordinance rewrite was to modernize the document, which provides guidelines for what is and isn’t allowed in the city. Prior to last spring, it hadn’t been updated in nearly 50 years. Societal attitudes have changed in that time, and the zoning changes reflect this.
Tattoo shops and massage parlors, for example, were previously classified as “regulated uses” that made it hard to open them in Madison Heights. Now, one of each has opened in recent months: Red Oaks Tattoo Company, 26093 John R Road, and TS Massage, 160 W. 13 Mile Road.
“We’ve had a soft opening with some customers so far, but we’re still getting fully ready,” said Yim Patel, owner of TS Massage, which had its business license issued in November. “We’re looking forward to people coming in to get massages. We like to have one room with two massage tables so that couples can enjoy a massage together. The clients we’ve had so far have been very satisfied with the experience we offer. It’s a great way to relieve stress and help clear the mind.”
Red Oaks Tattoo Company had its license issued in August, moving in from Hazel Park. Kendall Orlando, the owner, did not return requests for comment by press time. However, Mark Bliss, the mayor pro tem of Madison Heights, said he’s been impressed with the place.
‘Treatment
court’ seeks to rehabilitate nonviolent drug offenders
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — The 43rd District Court in Hazel Park has launched a new program that aims to find a more constructive approach to handling nonviolent offenders addicted to drugs or alcohol.
The “treatment court” approach includes adult offenders charged with driving while intoxicated and other offenses, helping them sober up without time behind bars.
Judge Brian Hartwell presides over the program,
which is inspired by a similar initiative by Judge Joseph Longo at the 43rd District Court in Ferndale.
In state statutes, the term “DWI,” or “driving while intoxicated,” is used interchangeably with “OWI,” or “operating while intoxicated.” Hartwell said that both refer to the influence of alcohol, controlled substances or any intoxicating substance, including the misuse of prescription drugs or any combination of alcohol, drugs and prescriptions.
The treatment court employs a mix of regular judicial reviews, rigorous probation oversight, treatment
Judge Brian Hartwell of the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park discusses the new treatment court with Bella Koepp — the program’s case manager — and Jessica Godwin, the court’s chief probation officer and program coordinator. The treatment court helps rehabilitate individuals struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Experts urge caution about home fire hazards as temps drop
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Michigan winters bring freezing cold and long nights, and residents respond by raising the thermostat and stringing up lights. But officials say all that power and heat leads to more home fires this time of year.
Many of those fires can be avoided with a bit of care.
“So many people are using electric space heaters, and then they’re running them off an extension cord drawing too many amps, which then short circuits their panel and starts a fire. Or their pipes freeze, and they try to thaw them out themselves, starting a fire in the crawlspace. So we do get more fires in the winter months,” Hazel Park Fire Chief Thomas Walker said. “And every few years, it seems, we’ll get a case where someone heats their home with a kerosene heater and tries to refill it while it’s still running, and the fluid hits part of the device that’s red hot, starting a fire.”
Space heaters, in particular, are responsible for one in every five residential fire deaths. Thomas said that you should keep any space heaters at least 3 feet away from any combustibles.
Electrical heaters should never be left unattended, and they should be turned off when leaving a room or going to bed. As for gas heaters, they shouldn’t be used in enclosed spaces
Beasley
from page 1A
assault with a dangerous weapon, a four-year felony, and was given a $100,000 cash or surety bond.
At press time, Beasley was still waiting for a court-appointed attorney, according to court records, and authorities were still wait-
ing for Cavanaugh’s autopsy results from the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office, at which point charges may be updated.
Anyone with more information is asked to call (248) 837-2737 to speak directly with the detective investigating the case, or the nonemergency line of the Madison Heights Police Department at (248) 585-2100.
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Lt. Brett Thompson with the Hazel Park Fire Department sits behind the wheel of a fire engine. Fire officials are reminding residents to be vigilant this winter about possible home hazards, such as improper use of space heaters and extension cords.
AUTO SHOW SET TO RETURN FOR 2025
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
DETROIT — The world’s automotive industry will descend again upon Huntington Place for the Detroit Auto Show Jan. 10-20.
A roster of 22 different automakers and brands — including Alfa Romeo, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Ram, Toyota and Volkswagen — will have cars on display with support from dealers and manufacturers, along with a showcase of upcoming luxury cars in “The Gallery” section.
“Through this blended automaker and dealer participation, we’re able to give attendees a totally immersive experience in some of the most exciting products available on the market today — whether that’s comparing a variety of propulsion systems on one of four tracks, to seeing hundreds of brand-defining vehicles, up-close-andpersonal and all in one place,” Detroit Auto Show Chairman Karl Zimmermann said in a press release.
Attendees will be able to interact with
some cars through ride-alongs. Rugged experiences include the “Ford Bronco Built Wild Track” and “Camp Jeep” course, while the “Powering Michigan EV Experience” gives attendees the ability to ride in the passenger seat of electric vehicle offerings by BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Rivian. A sportier experience will be held on Friday, Jan. 17 with a course designed in collaboration with the Detroit Grand Prix, where two Chevrolet Corvette E-Rays will be on track and ridealongs in Buick, Ford, Honda, Mazda and Volkswagen vehicles will be provided.
The grand prix-inspired course comes as part of the show’s “Racing Day” on Jan. 17, where drivers from the NTT IndyCar Series and Indy NXT by Firestone, including two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden, are slated to appear.
“The Detroit Grand Prix embodies innovation and the spirit of Detroit,” Sam Klemet, co-executive director of the Detroit Auto Show, said in a press release. “We are thrilled to have a partnership with the Detroit Grand Prix and bring this amazing experience of Racing Day to the 2025 Detroit Auto Show.”
Other notable events during the show include the Driven by Service Day on Saturday, Jan. 18, Industry Days, AutoMobili-D and the Mobility Global Forum on Wednesday, Jan. 15 and Thursday, Jan. 16.
Tickets, speaker lineups and other information about the 2025 Detroit Auto Show can be found at detroitautoshow.com. Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Detroit Auto Show attendees peruse the show floor at Huntington Place in Detroit. Photo provided by Detroit Auto Show
CRIME WATCH
Larceny from vehicle
HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of East Milton Avenue around 5:30 a.m. Dec. 16 on a report of larceny from vehicle.
The resident reported that sometime between 9:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 5:30 a.m. Dec. 16, an unknown person entered her silver Nissan Altima and stole her .380-caliber semiautomatic handgun. The resident reported her vehicle was parked in front of her home, and that the doors were unlocked. She is the registered owner of the handgun, and also has a concealed pistol license.
“I want to remind gun owners that they are responsible for making sure their firearms are reasonably secured so they don’t come into the hands of criminals or children,” said Hazel Park Police Chief William Hamel, in an email. “Laws are in place that could pose criminal and civil liability for the gun owner if an unsecured firearm possessed by a minor causes injury or death.”
Vehicle crashes into courtyard
HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, around 8:13 p.m. Dec. 15, officers were sent to the Country Boy Restaurant at 821 E. Nine Mile Road on report of a vehicle crashing into the courtyard where the restaurant’s outdoor seating area is located.
Officers arrived and spoke to a witness who had observed a gray Chevrolet Trailblazer that had been traveling west on Nine Mile Road before jumping the curb and crashing through the fence around the courtyard. The witness had called 911 and remained on scene to point out the driver. No injuries were reported.
Upon speaking with the female driver of the suspect vehicle, police learned that she had been driving home from work prior to the accident. Officers allegedly smelled a heavy odor of intoxicants from the driver. She reportedly admitted to having two beers and one shot of liquor earlier that night. She
failed roadside sobriety tests and was arrested for operating while intoxicated.
If you know more about these cases or others, call Hazel Park Police at (248) 542-6161.
Fraudulent contractor
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect was hired by a Rochester Hills resident, 46, to transport a vehicle from California to a location in the 31000 block of Stephenson Highway in Madison Heights. The suspect, however, never brought the vehicle or answered follow-up phone calls.
The arrangement was reportedly made in mid-December.
Vehicle damaged in dispute
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect damaged a vehicle belonging to a Madison Heights resident, 68, when the two got into an argument in the 29000 block of Tawas Avenue around 7:30 a.m. Dec. 13.
Window broken
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect broke out the window of a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander belonging to a Detroit resident, 22, while it was parked in the 32000 block of John R Road sometime between 3:40 p.m. Dec. 13 and 12:40 a.m. Dec. 14.
Wallet stolen
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect entered a vehicle belonging to a Detroit resident, 40, while the vehicle was parked in the 26000 block of Pinehurst Drive between 8:20 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 11.
A wallet was reportedly stolen. The suspect arrived in a red Chevrolet SUV, according to a police report.
Shots fired
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect fired a handgun at a Detroit resident, 23, during a road rage incident at around 8 p.m. Dec.
13 in the area of 14 Mile Road and Interstate 75. The suspect then fled in a four-door tancolored vehicle.
Wallet recovered
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a Canadian resident, 32, dropped his wallet somewhere in the 30000 block of Stephenson Highway, and upon returning around 4:50 p.m. Dec. 12, the wallet was missing.
The wallet has since been located and returned to the Madison Heights Police Department.
Truck taken
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown person stole
a black 2019 Dodge Ram from the 26000 block of Delton Street between 9 p.m. Dec. 25 and 8 a.m. Dec. 26.
The vehicle belongs to a Madison Heights resident, 38.
Innkeeper defrauded
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an inn keeper at a business in the 32000 block of John R Road was defrauded by a man and a woman who failed to pay their entire bill around 2:25 p.m. Dec. 24. The suspects fled the scene in a blue Honda CR-V.
If you know more about these cases or others, call Madison Heights Police at (248) 5852100.
NEWS & NOTES
Winter wonderland and bonfire
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Red Oaks Nature Center at Suarez Friendship Woods, located at 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, will host a winter wonderland event with a bonfire from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.
Attendees can enjoy snow-themed crafts and cooking s’mores around a bonfire while learning about the winter habits of animals. An American Sign Language interpreter will also be provided.
The program is suitable for all ages and the cost is $5 per person. Preregistration with payment is required by calling (248) 858-0916 weekdays or (248) 585-0100 during nature center hours.
HOW TO LIVE LONGER, BETTER
DPS ISSUES FROZEN PIPES ADVISORY
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Department of Public Services recently shared some simple and inexpensive tips for protecting indoor pipes this winter.
First, know where the shut-off valves are located. There is a valve immediately before and after the water meter. These valves are critical in the event of a pipe burst.
Residents with homes that have a crawlspace should make sure the vents along the outside walls are closed during the winter to help protect pipes from drafts. It’s also recommended to insulate any pipes that run along outside walls.
If the water meter is located in a cabinet on an outside wall, such as under the kitchen sink or in a utility room, experts also advise cracking the cabinet door open on cold days to let in heat from the house, which can help keep the pipes from freezing.
You may have a frozen pipe if you suddenly find yourself without water on a very cold day, especially if you have not used your water for a while. The city doesn’t shut off water without notifying the homeowner first, or leaving a door hanger in the event that the homeowner cannot be reached in person.
At the same time, due to liability reasons, the city cannot thaw your frozen pipes. Instead, homeowners should contact a qualified plumber. If you try to thaw the frozen pipe yourself, never use a torch or other source of flame, since this could start a fire.
If a water meter freezes, the freeze plate on the underside will crack and begin leaking, and it must be replaced by the city. While the meter is property of the city, it is still the responsibility of the homeowner to keep it warm and safe from damage.
For more information, contact the city’s Water Division at (248) 589-2294.
Daddy Daughter Dance
HAZEL PARK — Hazel Park Recreation
will host a Daddy Daughter Dance at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Hazel Park Community Center, located at 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd.
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Active Adult Center, located at 260 W. 13 Mile Road between City Hall and the library, will host a free presentation for seniors about how to live longer, happier lives. There will be four Wednesday sessions from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 12 and April 9, in the dining room at the center. The presentation will examine the beneficial lifestyles of “super seniors” and help attendees to formulate their own action plans for 2025. Refreshments will also be provided. For more information, call the Active Adult Center at (248) 545-3464.
The cost is $35 per couple, plus $15 for each additional child. A pizza dinner will be served between 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. There will also be refreshments, a professional photographer and, of course, dancing. Tickets must be purchased in advance for the event. No tickets will be sold at the door.
For more information, including how to purchase tickets, contact Hazel Park Recreation by calling (248) 547-5535.
YOGA AT HAZEL PARK RECREATION
HAZEL PARK — A six-week yoga series will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 and continue Thursdays on Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 at the Hazel Park Community Center, located at 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd. The cost is $40 for the whole series or $10 per drop-in session. The course will provide a welcoming, supportive environment perfect for beginners and those looking to refine their foundational poses, improve flexibility and build strength. The course achieves this through guided movements, breathing techniques and relaxation exercises meant to connect your mind and body. No prior experience is necessary. Participants should bring a yoga mat. For more information, call Hazel Park Recreation at (248) 547-5535.
Businesses
from page 3A
“The artists are phenomenal, and the place is always jam-packed in there,” Bliss said. “It’s in our DDA (Downtown Development Authority), and it’s a really nice addition. I think it’s an example of what happens when we update and revise policies like this. Now we have these new thriving businesses in our community.”
Madison Heights Economic Development Director Giles Tucker explained in an email that the previous classification deterred businesses like Red Oaks Tattoo Company and TS Massage from setting up shop. Businesses classified as regulated uses were prohibited from being located within 1,000 feet of other businesses classified as regulated uses, or within 300 feet of residential districts, schools, childcare facilities, places of worship and certain other public spaces. That didn’t leave many other options in a smaller town like Madison Heights.
“As a part of the city’s zoning ordinance rewrite process, our Planning Commission and City Council eased past zoning restrictions of licensed massage therapy and tattoo parlor uses by removing them from the regulated use section of the zoning ordinance,”
Tucker said. “Red Oaks Tattoo Company and TS Massage are among the first companies to benefit.”
Other types of businesses will benefit, too, including pool halls.
“Hopefully we’ll get our own pool hall soon,” Bliss mused. “It’s interesting that those were once banned in our city. Maybe they were worried about a standoff like in Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’ video? Regardless, I’m excited to see what additional development this spurs.”
In addition to allowing more businesses into town, the zoning rewrite also relaxed standards for accessory dwellings, giving residents more leeway in making modifications to their homes to accommodate relatives, such as living spaces above a garage or built off the side of the house.
The rewrite also created three new districts, eliminated several others and defined a half-dozen more, allowing for a greater variety of land uses that include more housing.
One of the new districts is the City Center Form-Based District, or CC district, which aims to create a highly walkable downtown area that aligns closely with the DDA, which generally includes properties abutting John R Road from Gardenia Avenue to 10 Mile Road and along 11 Mile
See BUSINESSES on page 9A
Previously, spas like the new TS Massage were classified as “regulated uses” in Madison Heights, which made it difficult for them to open, but a zoning rewrite now makes it easier for them and other businesses, such as tattoo parlors and pool halls, to set up shop in the city.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Businesses
Road from Interstate 75 to Lorenz Avenue.
The other two new districts are MixedUse Innovation 1 and Mixed-Use Innovation 2, abbreviated as MUI-1 and MUI-2, respectively. They span a patchwork across the city, the result of the planners having identified sites that were often “concrete jungles” with excessive parking — property that officials feel could be better used for mixed-use developments.
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The mayor pro tem said it’s all about bringing the city in line with modern sensibilities.
“We had been getting multiple requests from tattoo shops wanting to come in for years, but they weren’t allowed to before,” Bliss said. “Even if you don’t think you’ll ever get a tattoo, you should be happy there’s a thriving new business drawing people here who might also eat here and frequent our other establishments, since it’s located next to small mom-and-pop shops and restaurants. It’s in a great location, and these changes are bringing out folks.”
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Pets
from page 1A
they could still be getting frostbitten. Yes, their bodies are covered in fur, but the paws aren’t. And if they’re limping, they could be numb or frozen, and starting to get frostbitten.
“Also pay attention to anything that’s warmed up throughout the day, like slush or puddles of standing water,” she said. “I don’t think dogs should walk through that, because now the paws will be wet and can become frozen later. The webbing between the toes can accumulate water, freeze up and cause freezer burn. Even with winter dogs, like huskies, you have to pay attention, because the ones here weren’t raised outside like the ones in, say, Alaska, so they’re not used to this weather.”
If a dog is pawing at the door or lifting their paws while walking, it’s possible their feet are hurt and should be inspected for any snow and ice, and cleaned accordingly.
In an email, Jennifer Thomas, the animal control officer for Hazel Park, said pet owners should take a moment to clean their pets once they come back inside, regardless of whether their paws appear fine.
“Wipe down your animal’s belly, legs and feet once they’re inside to make sure they have not picked up any chemicals — like antifreeze or other deicing products — while outside,” Thomas said. “You do not want your animal to lick these off themselves.”
Despite walking on four legs, pets are also at risk of slipping and falling down on frozen terrain. While deicers are available for reducing snow and ice buildup on driveways and sidewalks, they can be toxic to pets, causing upset stomachs, vomiting, diarrhea and skin irritation.
As such, Wallace suggests considering sand or kitty litter instead. While using these on pathways won’t melt ice, it can improve traction to reduce falls when walking on slippery surfaces.
Cold weather carries other dangers for pets, which are prone to hypothermia, just like humans. Symptoms of hypothermia are sometimes subtle and hard to observe, and include delayed reflexes, sluggishness and paleness. Loss of consciousness can occur in the most severe cases. Get the pet into a warm environment and seek veterinary help.
“Check for signs of discomfort such as whining, shivering, excessive tiredness, slowing down or stopping movement, weakness, or a reluctance to go
Mr. Moo is a new arrival at the Madison Heights shelter. He is a boxer mix, less than a year old, and was found abandoned. He is good with both children and cats.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
See PETS on page 11A
outside,” Thomas said. “Also, most cities and counties have ordinances regarding cold weather, just like hot weather. In Hazel Park, animal owners are not allowed to leave their animal out for extended periods of time when the temperature has dropped below 43 degrees. Know your city and county ordinance.”
Thomas also recommends a waterproof coat for dogs with shorter fur, such as chihuahuas, pugs, pit bulls and boxers, in addition to paw protectors. However, some dogs won’t tolerate these. Either way, when the weather is cold, consider taking shorter walks more often, instead of long walks.
Of course, many animal lovers feel equal concern for strays trying to survive out in the cold. Here, there are some things residents can do to help, but also precautions they should take.
For starters, in providing food for strays, be sure to only bring out the bowl when the animal is around to avoid attracting others that could spread disease. Always clean the bowl between uses. With water dishes, use a heated dish to prevent the water from freezing, and change the water often, cleaning the
bowl as well.
As far as constructing shelters, some cities prohibit them, as they could lead to cat colonies. A shelter for an outdoor animal should be lined with straw, which wicks away moisture to keep it from freezing. Blankets or hay are a bad idea — both become saturated with water and freeze upon exposure to cold air. Flaps over the door and facing the entrance away from the wind can keep out cold air.
TNR groups — TNR stands for “trap, neuter, release” — specialize in capturing feral cats, spaying or neutering them, and then releasing them back into the wild, at which point they will no longer wander in search of mates or reproduce. They’re often marked with a tipped ear, where an ear is cropped — an indication you may be looking at a stray who has already been fixed.
There is also always a possibility that the stray you see is a lost pet that belongs to someone. They may have a microchip that identifies the owner. If they’re pawing at your door to come inside, they’re more likely they have a home. It’s recommended to photograph them and post the pictures on social media platforms to try and find the owner. Your local animal control division can try to capture the animal and get it checked as well.
“Usually, nine times out of 10, the pet goes home that way,” Wallace said. In general, she recommends reporting any stray animals within 24 hours of seeing them.
In the meantime, “If you’re willing to confine it, there’s always a chance that you can get attacked or bit. But if you’re going to try, get them someplace safe and secure, like a spare room or small bathroom you don’t use often, to tide them over until (animal control) arrives the next day,” Wallace said. “And you can give them a bit of water, but be careful, because if it appears injured or old or sick, feeding it could lead to problems. Say it has a broken leg, and you feed it, and then we bring it to the vet to get it fixed — if that happens and the dog goes under anesthesia, they could choke to death on their own vomit, same as a person. It’s why the doctor tells you no food or drink the night before an operation.”
Thomas says it’s best to play it safe and leave the handling of strays to animal control officers. She added that when warming up any animal that appears cold, it’s important to apply a slow, gentle heat to avoid shocking the system. And with your own pets, it’s best to just spend more time indoors.
“If you can,” Thomas said, “just bring your animals inside.”
Fire
from page 4A
and aren’t recommended indoors, as they can produce carbon monoxide that can be harmful and even deadly.
One should also minimize their use of extension cords, never linking together multiple cords. It’s crucial to avoid overloading circuits, Thomas said, especially in older homes that may not have been designed to handle many electrical devices. Cords also shouldn’t run under carpets, rugs or other paths of egress, since walking on them can cause them to arc and start a fire.
Residents with fireplaces should make sure the hearth is cleaned and inspected annually. There should also be a screen in place to prevent embers from escaping. Exposed pipes should also be examined and insulated to avoid freezing and bursting during cold temperatures.
Properly insulating and sealing windows and doors is also worth the time and effort, he said, since it can prevent drafts indoors, and reduce the need to heat the home through other means.
On that note, a range or oven should never be used as a source of heat for a home.
Treatment
from page 3A
Also be wary of any unusual smells around your furnace or gas heater — it could be natural gas or propane. Don’t try to light the appliance — instead, leave the home immediately and call for help.
Paul Biliti, the fire marshal with the Madison Heights Fire Department, said in an email that many cooking fires occur around the holidays and New Year’s, as well as fires associated with circuits overloaded with decorations and lights that are sometimes left up through the winter.
“We urge our citizens to have working smoke detectors, create an escape plan and close your doors before sleeping,” Biliti said. “Most fire deaths happen overnight, and a closed bedroom door can slow the spread of flames, reduce smoke inhalation and save your life.
“Modern homes can burn rapidly, leaving very little time to evacuate once a fire starts,” he said. “You may only have two minutes to escape a house fire once the smoke alarm sounds. You should get out and stay out.”
Thomas agreed. He said his department gives out free smoke detectors to residents of the city. A smoke detector should be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, and in each sleeping area. A
strategies and additional support services to rehabilitate offenders without prison time, aiming to keep them sober. It involves a collaborative approach between the judge, probation officer, treatment provider, prosecutor and defense counsel.
According to Jessica Godwin, the district court’s chief probation officer, individuals facing a misdemeanor charge for drunken driving or operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, will first undergo a substance abuse assessment and clinical evaluation to develop a tailored treatment plan.
She explained there are five phases to the program, focused on stabilization, planning, routines, healthy habits and long-term recovery. Each individual receives a peer recovery coach and a case manager, and each phase is expected to last 90 days, although the duration of each phase may vary from person to person. A team at the treatment court will evaluate each person’s progress and advise the court when they should advance to the next step. The judge then makes the final decision.
“We are providing 18 months of accountability and support to our neighbors who want to overcome their dependence on drugs or alcohol,” Hartwell said in an email interview. “We are setting long-term goals, expecting people to stumble. We will hold them accountable, but the courtroom will also be a place of reward and celebration as participants accomplish stabilizing goals in their lives — for
carbon monoxide detector is also essential, he said. Sleeping with a closed door, meanwhile, will buy you extra time during an emergency.
“I’ve seen cases where people don’t have smoke detectors and they’re killed in their sleep, inhaling smoke without realizing it,” Thomas said. “I’ve been in homes where there’s a kitchen fire and their bedroom door was shut, and you can see the difference that it makes — how the flow path and soot stains on the wall go down the hall to the door, and when you open the door, you see a bit of smoke, but the room is otherwise preserved. So we 110% recommend you sleep with your door shut.”
Both Thomas and Biliti said that families should have a well-rehearsed escape plan with multiple ways in and out of every room. The plan should include a place to meet outside, like by the curb or at a neighbor’s house.
“It’s also good for accountability when we show up, making sure everyone is out of the home,” Thomas said. “Some people also have stickers around their home saying they have pets. I love my own like human beings. We always try to rescue them, and those stickers saying there are dogs or cats in the home help us find them.”
example, completing their education, maintaining sobriety, and finding employment.”
Godwin noted that the peer recovery coaches have undertaken similar journeys in their lives, and can relate to individuals going through the rehabilitation process.
“These meetings are designed to facilitate your recovery by providing access to a professional who has personal experience with addiction and recovery,” Godwin said.
A treatment provider is also assigned to each person, guiding them through the program and making sure they receive a tailored treatment program. The treatment court will be collaborating with the Alliance of Collations for Healthy Communities, offering a 10-week recovery support and education initiative.
Then, in the later stages of the program, the treatment court will implement monthly events such as financial literacy classes or health and wellness workshops, the goal being to encourage productive lifestyles and community engagement.
The treatment court is an example of what the state calls “problem-solving courts,” which are programs for nonviolent offenders with underlying issues such as substance use disorder or a mental health diagnosis that causes them to run afoul of the law. The State Court Administrative Office provides such programs with funding, operational support and resources, state certification, training and performance metrics.
According to a state report evaluating the efficacy of problem-solving courts in fiscal year 2023, graduates of adult drug court programs were, on average, four times less likely to be convicted of a new offense within three years of
Thomas and Biliti also recommend taking precautions with rechargeable lithiumion batteries, which are now common in everything from phones, laptops and handheld game devices to power tools and even exercise bikes. They can degrade over time, swelling and leaking. Leaving them in direct sunlight or a hot car can be dangerous. They should also not be charged if there are any signs that the battery is compromised, and in general, they shouldn’t be left unattended while charging.
“Lithium-ion batteries are some of the hottest, hardest fires to put out,” Thomas said. “You want to store them in a cool, dry place. Say it’s a battery for a drill. We tell people to pull out the battery and then place non-conductive electrical tape over the metal prongs where the power goes, just in case something were to fall on it.
“And if you have a fire-protective blanket … maybe place those old electronics in there,” he said. “But the biggest thing is to store them in a cool, dry place. And if you’re using them, say in your media center, make sure the space is open and well-ventilated. And be sure to buy quality surge protectors, as well.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
admission to the program.
For sobriety court program graduates, the average was more than three times less likely to reoffend within three years, and of those, individuals using ignition interlock devices were five times less likely to reoffend within three years.
Unemployment rates also dropped by 88% for both sobriety court graduates and hybrid drug/sobriety court graduates.
Andy LeCureaux, a member of the Hazel Park City Council, praised the concept.
“I think it goes along with the co-responder concept at the Police Department, where we call upon mental health specialists to help people experiencing a mental crisis,” LeCureaux said. “I have long been of the belief that a drug addiction should be treated and is most effectively treated as a medical condition rather than a criminal condition. It’s not the cause. It’s often the symptom of other things going on in their life. So if treatments or other services are available, you can break the cycle.”
He said that simply locking up offenders can cause more problems than it solves.
“Keeping them out of jail helps them become a productive member of society. If you just imprison them, they could lose their job, lose their house, lose everything because of what is actually a medical condition. It hurts them, and it hurts their family. And there is a huge cost (to taxpayers) when incarcerating even a single person,” LeCureaux said. “So this program is a good step in the right direction. I applaud the judge for implementing this.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Madison-Park News
January
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9. Horse and mallet sport
10. *Pitcher 11. One ridiculed for studiousness
12. Banned insecticide, acr.
15. Kevin ____ and Sir Francis ____
20. Resting spot for a chicken
22. French vineyard
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25. *Correct
26. *Slipperier
27. 4th letter of Greek alphabet
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31. Spanish sparkling wine
32. Martini garnish
33. Violinist’s pine resin
34. *Rogue
36. Wall support
38. It often precedes “eye”
42. Laundry room appliance
45. Correspondence friend
49. Feel remorse
51. Seismic shake
54. Card game move
56. Accustom
57. *Sharpen
58. A in UAE
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60. Be inclined
61. Paper holder
62. Dog command
63. Baby goat
65. Pirate’s turf
67. “Rocky” creator
Plumbing
Roofng
Roofng
