Fire Department trains with new thermal cameras
2 Fitzgerald administrators on leave after arrest for drugs, DUI
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — Two Fitzgerald Public Schools administrators are facing various charges after they were arrested during separate traffic stops Dec. 20 for allegedly smoking marijuana near school grounds and driving while under the influence of drugs.
Fitzgerald Public Schools Superintendent Hollie Stange, 38, was charged with possession of marijuana on school grounds, a two-year felony; possession of a weapon in a weapon-free zone; and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, both of which are 93-day misdemeanors.
District Food Services Director Amanda Carroll, also 38, was charged with possession of marijuana on school grounds; operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated second offense, a one-year misdemeanor; and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with an occupant less than 16 years old, a one-year misdemeanor.
During a bond hearing Dec. 23 in Warren’s 37th District Court, visiting Judge David Draper entered not guilty pleas for both defendants. Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Urban was in court as was Stange’s attorney, William
See ARREST on page 13A
‘Our patrons are afraid to walk into the library’
OFFICIALS MEET TO RESOLVE STUDENT FIGHTING, LOITERING THAT LED TO LIBRARY CLOSURE
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
Editor’s note: The meeting between officials representing the city of Warren and Fitzgerald Public Schools was held Dec. 17, three days before Fitzgerald Superintendent Hollie Stange and Food Services Director Amanda Carroll were arrested for allegedly smoking marijuana near school grounds and driving while under the influence of drugs. While Stange was at the meeting, Carroll was not.
WARREN — It has been several weeks since the Warren Library Commission elected to close the Busch Branch of the Warren Public Library after school.
The decision to close from 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays was made amid reports of Fitzgerald High School students hanging outside the library, fighting or loitering, resulting in calls for police intervention.
According to Warren Police Deputy Com-
See LIBRARY on page 8A
Photo by Maria Allard
Fitzgerald Public Schools Food Services Director Amanda Carroll, left, and Superintendent Hollie Stange, both 38, are facing various charges stemming from a Dec. 20 arrest for allegedly smoking marijuana near school grounds and driving while intoxicated. Both are on leave from their positions.
SECOND FRONT PAGE
3A/ WARREN WEEKLY • JANUARY 8, 2025
‘It was an honor to meet him’
JUDGE BIEDA REMEMBERS PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — In the mid-1980s, when former U.S. President Jimmy Carter came to Warren to discuss his book “The Blood of Abraham,” Steve Bieda attended the event at the now closed Warren Chateau Hall, located on 10 Mile Road near Mound Road.
“He gave a great account of the Middle East and the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel. It was an interesting discussion,” said Bieda, who sat at a table about 30 feet away from where Carter spoke. “He approached the subject with an analytical and historic sense that tied all three religions together. I was fascinated.”
Bieda noticed something else about the Georgia native, who had “really minimal” Secret Service protection during his visit.
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN — The Warren Police Department along with Mayor Lori Stone thanked the owners of Pet Beastro in a special acknowledgement at the store’s Warren location Dec. 23 for supporting the Police Department’s K-9 unit with food and supplements.
The owner of the Pet Beastro, Jill Tack, has been donating food and supplements to the K-9 unit for six years at no cost to the Warren Police Department.
“The generous donations from the Pet Beastro have been instrumental in shaping and maintaining the success, health and productivity of the Warren Police K-9 Unit,” said Lt. John Gajewski, the Warren Police Department’s public information officer.
“In 2024 alone, the Warren Police Department’s six K-9s had 518 deployments, resulting in 155 arrests and 45 persons found. These K-9 officers were responsible
for seizing 172 kilograms of cocaine, nearly 5 kilograms of heroin, 32 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 10 kilograms of fentanyl. Additionally, they helped recover nearly $500,000 in cash from narcotic transactions,” Gajewski stated in a written release.
Tack addressed how the partnership began.
“Actually, it started as a whim when one of the K-9 (handlers) stopped in the Madison Heights store and started talking about the new K-9 program for Warren and we decided to help them out,” Tack said.
Nutrition is just as important for pets as it is for humans, according to Tack.
“I tell people you don’t buy a Corvette and put water in the gas tank,” Tack said.
“With the Warren K-9 officers, we have working dogs that we really need to pay attention to, that we are putting the right fuel in their body so when they go to work, we’re not dealing with a daylong digestive upset.”
LEFT: “It’s just remarkable he lived to be 100. What a blessing that is and how rare that is. I always liked him. It’s sad to see someone like that go,” Steve
Local business thanked for supporting ‘four-legged’ officers
said about
ABOVE: Warren 37th District Court Judge Steve Bieda met former U.S. President Jimmy Carter three times. In 2014, Carter signed his book, “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power,” for Bieda when speaking at Grand Rapids Community College as part of the school’s Diversity Lecture Series.
Bieda
Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29.
Photos provided by Steve Bieda
See CARTER on page 7A
Photo provided by the Warren Police Department
Warren Mayor Lori Stone thanks Jill Tack, owner of Pet Beastro, and gives her a proclamation for supporting the community and the Warren Police Department’s K-9 unit.
MCC MEN’S BASKETBALL
PUSHING LIMITS FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RUN
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
MACOMB COUNTY — Recognized as one of the premier junior colleges in the nation, Macomb Community College is doing everything it can to regain the magic of the 2023 season.
The Monarchs shocked the world when they reached their first national championship game two seasons ago, falling to Milwaukee Area Technical College 86-65, but regained momentum with a stellar showing in head coach Christopher Burns’ first season at the helm in 2024.
Burns earned Michigan Community College Athletic Association Coach of the Year honors as Macomb set a school record for wins in a season (31) and captured its conference, the MCCAA, and a region title all in the same season for the first time in program history. Macomb was eliminated in the Sweet 16 last season but finished the national tournament 3-1.
The achievements and national ranking for Macomb, which is ranked No. 4 in the National Junior College Athletic Association DII, are a great nod to the program and how far it’s come, but there’s an expectation now.
What used to be MCC’s best is no longer enough — it’s about reaching the brightest
Photo by Erin Sanchez Macomb Community College redshirt sophomore Josh Hines drives during a matchup against Owens Community College Dec. 18 at the Macomb Community College Athletic Center on the South Campus in Warren.
Basketball
from page 4A
stage of the season and bringing home history for the school.
“Last year, we had a good run nationally,” redshirt sophomore guard Josh Hines said. “I’m looking to go way past that point and learn from what happened last year and push the guys to their limits and go all-in.”
Hines, a 2021 Macomb Dakota graduate, has been the leader the Monarchs needed after the majority of the team transferred on after their sophomore seasons, which included leading scorer Juwan Maxey (Youngstown State University), leading rebounder Tymias Williams (Rochester Christian University), and a slew of other guys.
Posting 24.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, Hines has answered the call and then some, leading the Monarchs to a 10-1 record so far this season.
Hines, who tallied 11.6 points per game last season with MCC, not only leads on the court with his play, but is a symbol for what MCC prides itself on — working harder than everyone else.
“Nobody works harder than Josh (Hines),” Burns said. “He’s hands down the hardest worker that there is. If we’re doing the six-hour days, he’s doing the six-hour days with us but also doing stuff on his own before and after. His dad instilled that in him at an early age, and it’s the reason he puts the work in more than anybody.”
The Monarchs understand the expectations placed on them, and Burns reinforces it through each practice and every drill that pushes his team more and more each day.
Because they’re a junior college, Burns
said it gives his team complete freedom to utilize as much time as needed for his guys to get right before the season.
“It’s just the work that we put in the offseason and every day,” Burns said. “Division I and II have compliance officers, where they only get so many hours on and off the court to be with their team. Junior college, there are none of those rules. We push it to the limits. We’re doing long days every day.”
It’s also a chemistry thing — something that can be difficult with different players moving in and out after a year or two.
Guys like Jalen Jenkins, Malachi Irving, Caron Williams, Davion Guity, Lajuan Hol-
loway and Cameron House are trying to find their roles in their first season with MCC.
These are guys who were “the guy” at their respective high schools, and now they’re trying to find out what they can do to make their presence felt on the court.
“It hasn’t been easy,” Malachi Irving, a 2024 Warren Fitzgerald graduate, said. “It’s kind of been a rocky start, because I’m coming from a team where I was always the leader, and now I have to transition to someone who follows the leader. They’ve been good leaders for me, so it’s becoming easier to follow.”
Jenkins has only flourished from his days at Belleville, asserting himself as a twoway guard who can do just about anything for MCC. The freshman guard currently averages 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while tallying a team-high in assists (42) and second-most in steals (19).
“He’s coming from a winning program at Belleville,” Burns said. “He’s got a lot of experience, and he brought that to the table with us. Even though he’s coming off the bench, he could be a starter. He’s definitely an unsung hero, that’s for sure.”
Then you have your veterans in Marlon Williams, Jotham Nweke and DaMaryon Fishburn, who all found ways to contribute last year but are stepping into their leadership roles both on and off the court.
Williams and Fishburn went from logging 12-13 minutes a game last season to now being in the starting rotation, especially with Fishburn shooting behind the perimeter at a 66% clip and averaging 13.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game so far this season.
Williams (17.5) and Nweke (15.2) are both averaging double-digits in the pointsper-game column.
The Monarchs offense, averaging just
over 93 points per game, isn’t as dominant as last year’s 96 points per game so far, but Hines said it will only improve with the team meshing the way that it is.
“The strength of our team right now, I feel like, is the chemistry with our teammates,” Hines said. “We get along on and off the court, and then we come in here and try to go all-out. We just push our limits and stay together as a team. When we go out to play, hopefully we can put the right pieces together and do the things we’ve been working on in practice.”
Oh, and how about the addition of two 6-foot-8 players to the rotation in Guity and Holloway, who both made their season debuts in a 109-51 win Dec. 18 over Owens Community College as Guity dropped 24 points while Holloway chipped in seven rebounds.
Guity is the most NIL-endorsed junior college player, according to MCC, and was once ranked the No. 3 player in the state of New Mexico, while Holloway, an Oak Park graduate, is a bully in the paint.
“I think these two guys are going to put us over the top,” Burns said. “It’s just going to put everyone in their natural spots and have someone down there that we can funnel. Right now, we’re funneling all our guys to the rim, but we don’t have a rim protector. We now have two rim protectors where we can split their minutes up so we have one on the court at all times.”
The Monarchs have a long way to go before it’s time to think about bringing home a national championship, but they’re on the right track and only progressing each game.
“We all got one goal, and that’s to get a national championship,” Irving said. “We’re working towards that every day and getting better every day.”
“Many foot problems in people with diabetes occur when injuries and infections go unnoticed and untreated. Healing can be delayed due to decreased feeling in the feet (neuropathy) and poor circulation. I will evaluate your feet regularly to detect any changes early, before they become a problem. Call me for an appointment and I will work with you to keep your feet healthy.”
Macomb Community College sophomore Jotham Nweke, a Detroit Loyola graduate, slams home a dunk.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
“He was just a very gracious person. It was an honor to meet him. He greeted everyone,” said Bieda, a judge in Warren’s 37th District Court. “He was very gracious with the waitstaff. He treated everyone as an equal. I appreciate small things like that. I was kind of impressed to see that with a former president.”
Bieda is among those remembering the 39th president. According to the Carter Center website, cartercenter.org, Carter died Dec. 29 at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 100 years old. The Carter Family released a statement at cartercenter.org on the former president’s legacy.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” Carter’s son Chip Carter said in a prepared statement. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
As president, the Democrat served one term from 1977-81. He was elected commander-in-chief at a time in which the country faced high inflation, an energy shortage and the Iran Hostage Crisis. Carter ran for a second term, but was defeated by Republican Ronald Reagan in 1980, with 49 electoral votes to Reagan’s 489 electoral votes.
“He had quite a huge rise and an equally huge fall,” Bieda said.
But Carter recovered, and Bieda believes he will be best remembered for his post presidency accomplishments. In 1982, Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter opened the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization that focused on human rights, peace and health for citizens around the world. The former
first lady died in 2023. Carter — who won the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize — also spent much of his time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.
“He’s the greatest former president. I think a lot of people will always picture him with a hammer working on a house,” Bieda said. “I think he’ll be defined by his dedication to human rights as well as his public service. I found him to be an honest person. I was always impressed by the man who kind of lived his faith.”
Bieda, a Warren Democrat who held seats in both the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, crossed paths with Carter on two other occasions. He met him, Rosalynn Carter and former President Bill Clinton and former First Lady Hillary Clinton at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.
“At the convention, we shook hands and said ‘hello.’ It was interesting to see him close up. I had a little bit of time to talk to him. I told him I was inspired to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity because of his example. He was pleased with that,” Bieda said. “He smiled, and he looked pretty healthy and pretty robust. He was just a really nice man, very down-to-earth. He made you really comfortable talking with him.”
Bieda saw Carter again when the former president, just before his 90th birthday, spoke in September 2014 at Grand Rapids Community College as part of the school’s Diversity Lecture Series. That year, Carter released his book, “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power,” which he autographed for Bieda.
“He struck me as a very strong person for his age. I was just impressed the last time I saw him with the rigorous schedule he was keeping,” Bieda said. “It’s just remarkable he lived to be 100. What a blessing that is and how rare that is. I always liked him. It’s sad to see someone like that go.”
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Library
from page 1A
missioner Charles Rushton, police were called 111 times concerning students’ behavior in the past year to the Busch Branch, located at 23333 Ryan Road. The high school is located across the street at 23200 Ryan.
“I would say 30-35% are fights. Disorderly subjects probably account for another 30-35%. Disorderly subjects would be people acting up in the library causing disturbances and causing a problem to the library,” Rushton said. “Probably another 30-35% (is) trouble with juveniles to trespassing.”
On the evening of Dec. 17, officials from the city of Warren and Fitzgerald Public Schools met to discuss steps they could take to solve the problem and reopen the library. The meeting was held in the district’s Community Engagement Center of the Neigebaur Administration Building. The Warren Library Commission plans to keep the Busch Branch closed after school until Feb. 28, and then will take another look at the situation.
The problems began during the 20232024 school year when students were misbehaving inside the library. To curb that, Fitzgerald Superintendent Hollie Stange and city officials established a procedure in which students who used the library after school had to sign in and provide identification. That process worked until this school year when students began having physical altercations with each other and loitering outside the library after school hours. In addition to the library, city officials said the students are causing problems on the Great Oaks Academy campus, and also at Dairy Queen and Eddie’s Pizza, all located on Ryan Road.
Officials stressed they want the students to use the library and brought different ideas to the table to solve the fighting/loitering issue. Some at the meeting feel the students in question haven’t had to face any consequences for their behavior.
Last month’s meeting grew tense a few times, but in the end, officials felt community policing, reviewing video footage to identify the students who are fighting and enforcing the district’s student code of conduct are where they need to start to work on a solution to the problem.
“Not all students have been the problem,” said Mayor Lori Stone, adding that about 16-20 students have used the library properly.
‘We need to get the parents involved as far as I’m concerned’
Warren Library Director Oksana Urban wants the outdoor picnic tables removed.
“The chaos exists outside. There have been fights out there, and I found that the girls are more aggressive than the boys. I know one of our staff members tried to separate the girls in the library, and he got punched. His whole arm was black and blue. These girls jump each other, and the fight is on,” Urban said. “I think we have to remove the picnic tables because that’s where they are congregating. They’re standing on the tables. They’re play fighting with each other. They’re interacting in a negative way and it’s spreading to the other students. There’s profanity. It’s not acceptable. Our patrons are afraid to walk into the library.”
During the meeting, Rushton brought up what is known as a door-to-door policy in which educators of a school district can address student behavior to and from school instead of involving law enforcement. Stange said the district enforces a nexus policy, which is very similar and refers to the legal concept of determining whether a student’s off-campus behavior has a sufficient connection to the school, allowing the school to discipline them for that conduct.
“At the end of the day, we adhere to our student code of conduct. We have to legally step where we can legally step,” said Stange, adding she has “never been giving a list of names” of the students causing issues. “Maybe my SROs did, but that didn’t bubble up to me.”
The Fitzgerald Board of Education’s lawyer, Joseph Urban, feels part of the solution is for the district’s school resource officers to view the library’s video feed to identify students causing problems and discipline them via the district’s student code of conduct.
“The power of a student code of conduct isn’t punishment. The power of a student code of conduct is deterrence,” Stone interjected. “These are our standards. These are our expectations. These are what we hold ourselves to, and these are what we hold you to. And behaviors beyond this will not be tolerated.”
Joseph Urban also suggested school officials distribute “a very simple, very streamlined letter of understanding” that addresses the library issue and student code of conduct and email it to students and families and also share it with the media.
“One thing that’s been missing in those whole conversations, we missed the parents in this whole conversation,” Library Commission Chair Frank Pasternak said. “We need to get the parents involved as far as I’m concerned. These are their children. They’re causing a problem. They need to be aware of that problem and face the consequences as a result of that because they’re minors.”
At the meeting, new Warren Police
Commissioner Eric Hawkins brought up the benefits of community policing. Community policing encourages interactive partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the residents they serve.
“I would support and enhance the community policing programs that we have in the city of Warren,” Hawkins said. “I think it
could make a difference, and there are some things we can do as we move forward.”
The next Warren Library Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Warren Civic Center Library’s Mark Twain Room, located at 1 City Square, Suite 100. Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Photos by Maria Allard
problems at the Busch Branch of the Warren Public Library.
LEFT: Warren Mayor Lori Stone, back; Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins, next to the mayor; Kristina Lodovisi, the mayor’s chief of staff; and Deputy Police Commissioner Charles Rushton, forefront, listen during the Dec. 17 meeting about the problems at the Busch Branch of the Warren Public Library.
NEWS & NOTES
January is School Board Recognition Month
CENTER LINE/WARREN STERLING HEIGHTS — January is School Board Recognition Month. Staff and students from local school districts will honor the boards that govern their districts by creating artwork, making homemade cards, baking cookies and more to show their appreciation to the board members who govern their districts.
School Board Recognition Month 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 school boards play in their communities.
Depending on the school district, some board members serve four-year terms, and some serve six-year terms. The job of a school board member includes reading educational materials and school board packets, understanding financial reports, attending school functions, listening to district concerns and making difficult decisions that are sometimes unpopular are among the duties of the school board member.
New terms also begin in January for board members that were elected or re-elected to their prospective school boards during the Nov. 5 general election. For instance, prior to the Nov. 25 Center Line Public Schools Board of Education meeting, Shelley Harenski, far left; Karen Pietrzyk, second from left; and Wendy Jo Watters, far right, were reelected to the school board. Kevin Joseph Louis, second from right, took the oath of office. Robert Boccomino, not photographed, was sworn in earlier in the evening.
Investigation ongoing after two men fatally shot
WARREN —Two men died after a shooting in Warren Dec. 27 in the 3300 block of Michael Avenue near Nine Mile and Ryan roads.
Warren police were dispatched to a residence on Michael at approximately 9:30 p.m. where they found the two men with gunshot wounds. One man was dead at the scene and the other died after being transported to the hospital.
According to police, the victims met with a group of known individuals with whom they had previous contact. A shooting reportedly occurred, and police said the suspects fled the scene in a vehicle. At press time, police were working to identify the suspects and gather evidence as part of an open and active investigation.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Detective Villerot at (586) 574-4817 or dvillerot@warrenpd.org. Information can be given anonymously.
COUNCIL INCREASES THE BUDGET FOR POLICE
WARREN — At the Dec. 17 Warren City Council meeting, council members voted unanimously, 7-0, to increase the Warren Police Department’s budget by $660,885 to consolidate all current Axon Enterprise, Inc. contracts and add additional services.
The amount would cover the rest of this fiscal year, paying all of the department’s Axon bills through March 1, 2025, according to Warren Police Deputy Commissioner Charles Rushton.
The additional services with Axon, a provider of law enforcement equipment, include in-car and body-worn cameras along with the associated equipment. The contract is for five years, with the option to extend up to five additional years for an annual amount not to exceed $940,884.17. The amount would be paid each year starting in March 2025.
“The five-year contract is going to save the city over $700,000,” Rushton said.
One of the additional services from Axon would be FUSUS. According to Rushton, FUSUS takes on many applications, including its operation as a “panic button” where the location of the triggered device shows up on closed-circuit television. Rushton said he would like to see it installed in all schools and large businesses.
“It would allow us obviously a faster response to critical incidents whether it’s a school or business,” Rushton said.
“If we could knock out 15 or 20 seconds getting to the suspect, that could save several lives,” Rushton said.
EVENT IS A SLAM DUNK
WARREN — The Father Kramer Knights of Columbus No. 2835 is looking for basketball champs for its free throw championship from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave. The event is open to boys and girls ages 9-14. For more information and to register, contact Greg Childs at gchildsnixon@gmail.com or (586) 822-6567.
Photo by Maria Allard
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WARREN
Seek
A flashover is a fire that occurs when most combustible materials in an enclosed space ignite almost simultaneously. The simulated fire chamber had wood and all the combustibles in an ordinary house.
“Flashover fires are dangerous, not only to residents and victims but to firefighters as well,” said Joe Schehr, training coordinator for the Warren Fire Department. “Those temperatures can be in excess of 1,100 degrees, which our gear is not rated for that.”
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Warren City Councilman Dave Dwyer and Joe Schehr, the training coordinator for the Warren Fire Department, use the Seek camera to determine the conditions inside the box.
Photo by Donna Dalziel
Pet Beastro
from page 3A
Tack and her team want the K-9 unit to have the best quality food, do their jobs and have a healthy life, and live as long as possible. As a result, they donate food and supplements for working the K-9s, as well as the dogs that have retired.
According to Tack, reducing the amount of chemicals in a dog or cat’s body is always a good place to start for every pet, not just working K-9s.
The Pet Beastro is dedicated to holistic food and products for dogs and cats with a focus on nutrition. Tack explained what is meant by holistic.
“All of the food that we carry in our store is wheat-, corn- and soy-free,” Tack said. “We also avoid byproducts, dyes, colorings and additives. All of those things can cause inflammation.”
According to Tack, a lot of the larger brands carried in grocery stores use those ingredients as inexpensive fillers.
“We work with companies that are paying attention to their sourcing. They’re responsibly sourcing,” Tack said. “They’re doing checks and holds on all of their products to make sure there is no bacteria in the product before it leaves the warehouse, before we get it in distribution. So quality control is a big thing that goes with that, as well as transparency in sourcing.”
Tack explained transparency in sourc-
ing as being able to call a brand and find out the farms and country of origin they are using for their meats or other ingredients. With larger manufacturers, that information is not always consistent or available because they do not have relationships with family farms, according to Tack.
The mayor thanked Tack and gave her a proclamation for supporting the community and the Warren Police Department.
“I think it is very generous they have acknowledged we’ve helped out their K-9 team,” Tack said. “Not all city municipalities have that same outlook to small business that helped them out. So that was very nice, we were acknowledged in that way.”
Tack is a traditional naturopath doctor and started her studies 18 years ago under homeopathic veterinarian Dr. Glen Dupree and studied with him until his passing. She then attended naturopathy school and has been practicing for nine years. She is not a veterinarian but said she has used her schooling and extrapolated from human knowledge and applied it to cats and dogs.
In addition to Warren, Tack donates to other K-9 units in Madison Heights, Hazel Park, Oak Park, Center Line and Eastpointe.
The name Pet Beastro came from Tack’s husky, the first dog she had as an adult, which she affectionately called a beast.
Pet Beastro has two locations: 13828 E. 14 Mile Road in Warren and 27637 John R Road in Madison Heights.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Photo provided by the Warren Police Department
Mayor Lori Stone (left), Warren Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins (left, in the second row) and the Warren Police Department K-9 unit join Jill Tack (center), the owner of the Pet Beastro, to thank her for donating food and supplements to the department’s working and retired K-9s.
Arrest
from page 1A
Barnwell. Carroll’s defense attorney, Roy Gruenberg, appeared via video monitor, and said the minor in the car was Carroll’s niece.
According to a news release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, it is alleged that Stange and Carroll were in Carroll’s vehicle smoking marijuana Dec. 20 at a plaza near the corner of Nine Mile and Ryan roads, within 1,000 feet of school grounds.
The two women left in separate vehicles. Warren police officers conducted a traffic stop on Stange and alleged she was under the influence of marijuana. After further investigation, a weapon was found in the vehicle. A traffic stop also was conducted by Warren officers on Carroll and it was determined that she was allegedly under the influence.
Both women were arraigned on Dec. 21 in front of 37th District Court Magistrate Annette Gattari-Ross, who set an interim bond at $5,000 cash/surety for each. According to their attorneys, both Stange and Carroll posted bond.
During court proceedings, Urban went over the bond conditions that included a stipulation that neither Stange nor Carroll are to have contact with any of the schools.
Stange, however, can respond if directed by the school board.
“Furthermore, we would ask there be no use of alcohol or drugs. That does not include prescription medication, of course,” Urban said. “For Ms. Stange, we ask there be no use of firearms as that is one of the charges in this matter.”
Outside the courtroom, Barnwell briefly met with the media after the hearing to discuss the charges brought by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
“They got to show it was actually marijuana and that it was within 1,000 feet. I want to know how that was measured,” Barnwell said. “When we’re talking about impairment and intoxication, based on marijuana alone, that is very difficult to prove under Michigan law.”
Barnwell also brought up the weapons charge against Stange.
“We’re talking about a hunting rifle. Not like a concealed weapon, not a machine gun,” Barnwell said. “I don’t know if she had any knowledge that was even there. Was that even hers? You had to prove that she had knowledge.”
When asked if he thought someone snitched on the pair, Barnwell said, “We’re going to have to wait and see what the facts are. For the police to make contact, they have to have reasonable suspicion of a traffic
PUBLIC NOTICE
DEVELOPMENT OF CITY OF WARREN
2025-2026 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN
CDBG, HOME & HOPWA PROGRAMS
The public is invited to participate in the development of a one-year Action Plan for the period July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 to implement the City’s Housing and Community Development Consolidated Plan. It is anticipated that approximately $1,000,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, $500,000 in Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds, and $1,200,000 in Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds will be available to fund Action Plan activities. HOPWA funded activities must serve all of Macomb, Lapeer, Livingston, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties. CDBG and HOME funded activities must beneft Warren’s lower income residents or the areas where they live.
Public meetings will be held to review the goals, objectives and strategies in the Consolidated Plan and receive input regarding activities that might be undertaken with CDBG, HOME, or HOPWA funding to implement the Consolidated Plan. Specifc requests to fund housing, neighborhood improvements, or public service activities will be discussed at the meetings. Public meetings to receive input have been scheduled for:
Meeting to Discuss HOPWA
Monday, January 27, 2025, 10:00 A.M.
Warren City Hall Township Meeting Room, 2nd Floor One City Square Warren, Michigan 48093
Meeting to Discuss CDBG & HOME
Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 10:00 A.M.
Warren City Hall Township Meeting Room, 2nd Floor One City Square Warren, Michigan 48093
To submit comments please send an email to home@cityofwarren.org. All requests for funds must be submitted in writing. Correspondence must reach the city by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025 to receive consideration. All correspondence should be addressed as follows:
City of Warren
Offce of Community Development
One City Square, Suite 210 Warren, Michigan 48093
Individuals requiring accommodations to participate in the meeting should contact Community Development at home@cityofwarren.org at least 48 hours in advance.
Lori M. Stone, Mayor
Published Warren Weekly 01/08/2025
infraction or some type of criminal offense.”
Both Stange and Carroll have two children that attend Fitzgerald Public Schools. Per Judge Draper, the administrators are allowed to bring their children to and from school, but must stay in their vehicles. Per bond conditions, Stange and Carroll also are not to have any contact with each other unless it is about childcare, because sometimes Carroll babysits Stange’s children. Both defendants will be randomly tested for drugs twice a week per the bond guidelines.
On Dec. 22, the Fitzgerald Board of Education voted unanimously to place Stange and Carroll on leave effective immediately pending the ongoing investigation. A press statement from School Board President Julia Yokel did not address if the leaves are paid or unpaid.
Stange became superintendent Oct. 10, 2022. Prior to that, she served as business director and acting superintendent for the district. Stange has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in organiza-
tional development from Siena Heights University. She also earned her administrative certification through the Horizon program with the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators.
According to the district’s Board of Education meeting minutes dated June 26, 2023, Carroll was hired as the food services director July 1, 2023. Stange and Carroll were arrested on the last day of school before holiday break. At press time, students were scheduled to return to class Jan. 6.
As per the district’s Facebook page, the school board voted Dec. 27 to appoint Laurie Fournier to the role of interim superintendent effective immediately while the district’s internal review continues. According to school officials, Fournier served nearly 30 years in the Fitzgerald Public Schools district as a teacher, school principal, curriculum director and eventually superintendent.
A preliminary exam was scheduled for both defendants at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 30, in Warren’s 37th District Court.
Center Line Public Schools SECTION 00 11 13
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed bids for the Center Line Public Schools, 2023 Bond Issue, Bid Package #3, consisting of:
Project 24-133 Center Line High School Renovations, Roofng & Site Improvements
Project 24-133B Wolfe Middle School Site Improvements
Project 24-146 Crothers Elementary School Site Improvements
Project 24-142 Old Roose Complete Building Demolition
will be received through Building Connected until 1:30 P.M (local time), on Thursday, January 23, 2025
1. All proposals shall be submitted electronically through Building Connected: https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/5ae227ade0d395000fd24541 (McCarthy and Smith Plan Room)
2. For instructions on how to submit a bid please go to the following link: https://buildingconnected.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010222793-How-to-submit-your-bid-throughBuildingConnected-
Bids submitted after this time and date will not be considered or accepted. Faxed proposals will not be accepted.
Sealed Bids will be publicly opened, read aloud and tabulated, beginning at approx. 1:30 p.m. (local time) on January 23, 2025. Bid Opening will be publicly conducted via a Zoom meeting at the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83215371252?pwd=TnmtyxSJ7SVg2R24WSa1aCZ9P3wP4T.1 Meeting ID: 832 1537 1252 Passcode: 169299
This Bid Package will consist of separate sealed bids for the following Bid Divisions: 101: Earthwork/Site Utilities 102: Asphalt Paving / Exterior Site Concrete 103: Building Demolition 109: Roofng/ Sheetmetal 143: Electrical 149: Fencing
Bidding documents prepared by Partners in Architecture, PLC. will be available for public inspection at the main offce of the Construction Manager, McCarthy & Smith, Inc., 24317 Indoplex Circle, Farmington Hills, MI 48335; the Construction Association of Michigan Plan Room, Bloomfeld Hills; and the Builder’s Exchange, Lansing.
Bidding Documents will be available beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025 via Building Connected. There will be a Pre-Bid Meeting on Thursday, January 13, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at the Center Line Public Schools Administration Building located at 26400 Arsenal, Center Line, MI 48015. The Pre-Bid Meeting is not mandatory, however, all bidders are strongly encouraged to attend.
All bids must include the Familial Disclosure Affdavit (Section 004205), the Iran Linked Business Affdavit (Section 004210), and the Criminal Background Check Affdavit (Section 004220).
All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security, in either the form of a bid bond or certifed bank check, in the amount of fve (5) percent of the amount of the Bid, payable to Center Line Public Schools, as a guarantee that if the Bid is accepted, the School District is secured from loss or damage by reason of the withdrawal of the Bid or failure of the Bidder to enter a Contract for performance, Further, the Bidder will execute the Contract, provide the required insurance certifcate(s) and fle the required bonds within ten (10) days after notice of award of Contract but prior to Work commencing.
If awarded a contract, the successful bidder may be required to furnish a Performance Bond and Labor and Material Payment Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract price. Center Line Public Schools reserves the right to reject any or all bids received, to waive any informalities and irregularities in the bidding, and to accept a bid other than the lowest bid.
Published: Warren Weekly 01/08/2025 0071-2502
Macomb Community College Police Department earns accreditation
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
MACOMB COUNTY — The Macomb Community College Police Department has earned accreditation from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, a program established by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police MACP and the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association.
Robert Stevenson, executive director of MACP; Ron Wiles, deputy director and accreditation program director of MACP; and Bryan Ergang, MCAP’s president and chief of the Kalamazoo Police Department, presented a plaque commemorating the achievement to the college’s board of trustees at their meeting on Dec. 18.
“We are proud to have earned accredi-
tation, which is one of the most meaningful tools to ensure that we are accountable, embrace the highest standards of service, and maintain mutual respect and trust with our college community,” Macomb College Police Chief William Leavens said in a prepared statement. “We are grateful to the college’s board of trustees, faculty, staff and students for their continuing support and ongoing engagement in sustaining a shared culture of safety and security.”
According to the MACP, there are 638 law enforcement agencies in Michigan and the Macomb Community College Police Department is the 88th agency to earn accreditation. As per a Macomb press release, the college is the sixth police department of a higher educational institution in the state to be accredited.
See POLICE on page 15A
ORDINANCE NO. 30-1085
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 30 OF THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WARREN, COUNTY OF MACOMB, STATE OF MICHIGAN.
THE CITY OF WARREN ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. That Ordinance No. 30 of the ordinances of the City of Warren, Macomb County, Michigan be amended to provide that the following described property:
Property descriptions for properties zoned “R-1-C”, One-Family Residential District, “R-1-P”, One-Family Residential & Parking District, and “R-4”, Mobile Home District, be rezoned to “R-3”, Multiple-Family Dwelling District (3127 Maple).
The lands referred to in this commitment are situated in the City of Warren, Macomb County, State of Michigan, as follows:
Nine (9) parcels of land located in Section 31, City of Warren, Macomb County, Michigan; being described as:
PARCEL 1: 13-31-453-001, to be rezoned from R-1-P to R-3
LOT 1 OF RAMM AND CO’S WOODLANDS SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED LIBER 7, PAGE 57, MACOMB COUNTY RECORDS.
PARCEL 2: 13-31-453-005, to be rezoned from R-1-P to R-3
LOT 22 OF RAMM AND CO’S WOODLANDS SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED LIBER 7, PAGE 57, MACOMB COUNTY RECORDS.
PARCEL 3: 13-31-454-001, to be rezoned from R-4 to R-3
LOT 23 INCLUDING HALF OF THE ADJACENT VACATED ALLEY OF RAMM AND CO’S WOODLANDS SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED LIBER 7, PAGE 57, MACOMB COUNTY RECORDS.
PARCEL 4: 13-31-454-002, to be rezoned from R-4 to R-3
LOT 24 INCLUDING HALF OF THE ADJACENT VACATED ALLEY OF RAMM AND CO’S WOODLANDS SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED LIBER 7, PAGE 57, MACOMB COUNTY RECORDS.
PARCEL 5: 13-31-454-003, to be rezoned from R-4 to R-3
LOT 25 INCLUDING HALF OF THE ADJACENT VACATED ALLEY OF RAMM AND CO’S WOODLANDS SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED LIBER 7, PAGE 57, MACOMB COUNTY RECORDS.
PARCEL 6: 13-31-454-004, to be rezoned from R-4 to R-3
LOT 26 INCLUDING HALF OF THE ADJACENT VACATED ALLEY OF RAMM AND CO’S WOODLANDS SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED LIBER 7, PAGE 57, MACOMB COUNTY RECORDS.
PARCEL 7: 13-31-454-010, to be rezoned from R-4 to R-3 LOTS 27, 35 THROUH 44, BOTH INCLUSIVE, INCLUDING HALF OF THE ADJACENT VACATED ALLEY ADJACENT TO LOTS 27 AND 40 THROUGH 44, BOTH INCLUSIVE OF RAMM AND CO’S WOODLANDS SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED LIBER 7, PAGE 57, MACOMB COUNTY RECORDS.
PARCEL 8: 13-31-452-029, to be rezoned from R-1-C and R-4 to R-3 LOT 59 OF SUPERVISORS PLAT NO. 7 AS RECORDED LIBER 17, PAGE 29, MACOMB COUNTY RECORDS, EXCEPT BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 59; THENCE NORTH 57.16 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE LOT 59; THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY 58.43 FEET TO SOUTH LINE LOT 59; THENCE WEST 12.15 FEET ALONG THE SOUTH LOT LINE TO POINT OF BEGINNING; ALSO PART OF LOT 60, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWING: BEGINNING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 60; THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES 13 MINUTES 45 SECONDS EAST 169.04 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LOT LINE; THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES 10 MINUTES 48 SECONDS WEST 335.34 FEET TO SOUTH LINE LOT 60; THENCE NORTH 88 DEGREES 43 MINUTES 30 SECONDS WEST 169.44 FEET ALONG THE SOUTH LOT LINE; THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 14 MINUTES 42 SECONDS EAST 333.85 FEET ALONG THE WEST LOT LINE TO POINT OF BEGINNING.
PARCEL 9: 13-31-477-022, to be rezoned from R-1-C to R-3 LOT 60 OF SUPERVISORS PLAT NO. 7 AS RECORDED LIBER 17, PAGE 29, MACOMB COUNTY RECORDS, EXCEPT BEGINNING AT NORTHWEST CORNER OF LOT 60; THENCE SOUTH 89 DEGREES 13 MINUTES 45 SECONDS EAST 169.04 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00 DEGREES 10 MINUTES 48 SECONDS WEST 335.34 FEET; THENCE NORTH 88 DEGREES 43 MINUTES 30 SECONDS WEST 169.44 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 14 MINUTES 42 SECONDS EAST 333.85 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; ALSO LOT 61, EXCEPT THE EAST 125 FEET
Be rezoned from its present zoning classi cation, “R-1-C”, One-Family Residential District, “R-1-P”, One-Family Residential & Parking District, and “R-4”, Mobile Home District, be rezoned to “R-3”, Multiple-Family Dwelling District, in accordance with the map attached hereto and made a part hereof, and in accordance with Ordinance No. 30 of the ordinances of the City of Warren, and further, that said Ordinance No. 30 be amended in accordance herewith.
SECTION 2. All other provisions of said Ordinance No. 30 shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall become effective and said property rezoned as hereinbefore provided in Section 31 on January 8, 2025.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 30-1085 was adopted by The Council of the City of Warren at its meeting of December 10, 2024.
SONJA BUFFA City Clerk
BOUNDARY OF DISTRICT AS AMENDED SECTION 31– STANDARD REZONING
PARCEL 4: 13-31-454-002, to be rezoned from R-4 to R-3 LOT 24 INCLUDING HALF OF THE ADJACENT VACATED ALLEY OF
Warren Weekly 01/08/2025
Photo provided by Macomb Community College
The Macomb Community College Police Department has earned accreditation from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, a program established by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. MACP members presented a plaque commemorating the accomplishment to the college’s board of trustees at their meeting on Dec. 18.
Cameras
from page 10A
The Seek cameras allow the firefighters to preview the conditions.
“With the new Seek camera, firefighters can gauge the conditions of the room before going in,” Schehr said.
The camera shows the temperature of the room, the location of the fire, and if any people are in the building. That can save valuable time and mitigates loss.
During the training session, eight firefighters stayed in the simulated flashover fire chamber, or the box, for about 30-35 minutes. They came out and then went back in individually to become more familiar with the camera and receive more detailed instructions from their instructors. The screen on the camera changes color depending on the temperature of the fire. The more red on the screen, the hotter the fire.
“We’ve done training for all of the shifts of the firefighters so that every firefighter understands what the conditions of a flashover fire would look like, how to look for it in the smoke and how to see what it looks like, look for indications that it is getting hotter
Police
from page 14A
The voluntary accreditation process ensures that law enforcement agencies engage in ongoing professional development and continuous improvement, and that their methods, policies, procedures and daily operations follow best practices. This initial accreditation is the culmination of a twoyear process and comprehensive review of the department’s standards, procedures and processes. Accreditation is valid for a threeyear period, during which time annual reports must be filed attesting to continued
The Seek thermal camera helps firefighters find the exact location of the people, the fire and the temperature inside before entering.
WE FIX TOILETS
quickly and either change the environment by opening the water, change the ventilation by opening a door or window to change the atmosphere, or just get out,” Schehr said.
The Seek camera has been around for a couple of years, according to Schehr.
“We purchased 10 so every fire engine in the city will have a camera,” Schehr said.
Warren City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Dwyer used the thermal camera at the training site.
“It’s cool. It’s a great tool,” he said.
Standing outside of the flashover fire chamber, the heat was very hot.
“All of our firefighters went through a fire academy before they were hired here in the city of Warren, but we’re doing this as well because this is, again, high stress, high heat conditions, so we want to do it in a controlled environment,” Schehr said. “So we can get them comfortable and proficient, (to) trust their gear, trust their training, trust their partner. So now, when they go into that environment, they will know the environment, and they can make a decision to exit or do something else.”
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
compliance with the commission’s standards.
The Macomb Community College Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency with responsibility for all areas of the college community, including two campuses — East and Center — in Clinton Township, and one campus — South — and a technical education center in Warren, encompassing more than 400 acres and 40 buildings. The department includes certified police officers, public service officers who provide security, fire protection and dispatch support, communications, dispatch operators, and administrative assistants.
Photo by Donna Dalziel
‘I wanted to make sure our tree would be memorable’
GARDNER WHITE ‘PARADE OF TREES’ CONTEST WINNER NAMED
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — When Heather Holihan was diagnosed on April 17, 2023, with stage 1B breast cancer, she underwent a double mastectomy and took a few months off work to focus on her recovery.
The Roseville resident received no income during her leave of absence. It was a trying time, not only physically and emotionally, but financially as well.
So when Holihan found out about Hot Pink Helpers, a nonprofit organization that provides grants to breast cancer patients, she applied for financial assistance. It didn’t take long for Hot Pink Helpers to gift her with a $5,000 grant.
“They came out to my house and sat with me for quite a while. What a blessing to me and my family,” said Holihan, 47. “It helped out during that time so much with house payments, car payments, living life.”
Hot Pink Helpers is a Michigan-based cancer foundation that provides financial and emotional support to families affected
by cancer with a primary focus on breast cancer. The charity is 100% volunteer run. Every dollar raised goes directly towards helping families in need as they face cancer.
At present, Holihan said she is “feeling well.” In March, she will undergo a hysterectomy as a preventive measure for ovarian cancer.
“I have a doctor team out of Henry Ford,” she said. “They are so fantastic. What a great team that takes care of me.”
She also is an “open book” about the disease.
“If there is anything I can do to help anybody out,” she said.
Hot Pink Helpers will be able to assist even more people. The charity just received a $10,000 donation from Gardner White.
Gardner White’s flagship store in Warren recently held its third annual Twinkle Town community celebration.
As part of the festivities, 20 local celebrities, influencers and businesses were selected to decorate Christmas trees to display
Photo provided by Gardner White
Melissa Morrow, second from left, won $10,000 for her charity of choice, Hot Pink Helpers, during the third annual Gardner White “Parade of Trees” contest in Warren. Also pictured are Gardner White CEO Rachel Stewart, far left; Bill Wylonis, of Hot Pink Helpers, center; Hot Pink Helpers cofounder Linda Sebold Clogg, far right; and her granddaughter, Caroline Wulf.
DR. SAM H. AWADA, MD SELECTED FOR INCLUSION IN THE TOP DOCTORS OF AMERICA 2024 HONORS EDITION
TOP DOCTORS OF AMERICA
WARREN, MICHIGAN, November 15, 2024, Dr. Sam H. Awada, MD has been selected for inclusion in the forthcoming Nationwide Registries Top Doctors of America 2024 Honors Edition for demonstrating superior expertise, leadership, and professional excellence in healthcare. His dedication and tenacity set the standard in the industry. Representing the state as one of the best in the country requires tenure, experience, and a proven track record. There is humble yet strong will embedded inside his drive to succeed. As a talented and intelligent man, his discipline about work ethic, morals and character is what sets him apart. During the vetting process it was noted along with his extraordinary reputation that he has also consistently maintained a positive peer rating throughout the years. Inclusion was based several factors along with results and fndings after a several month vetting process which included academic history, feedback from constituents and patients as well as years of service, community involvement, and overall contribution to the betterment of society. He prides himself on transparency and integrity. He is the kind of professional admired by colleagues and peers alike. His kindness and willingness to always help others and fnd solutions to most questions is both noble and highly respected. He has made a signifcant difference in the lives of his patients; Therefore, it is a fact that after considerable review and research, he has been deemed a true Top Doctor, always practicing with strength and excellence always putting the wellbeing of his patients frst.
Dr. Awada’s 24 Hour Urgent Care is open every day. Offering a full-service mini ER treating all medical conditions: Digital X-Rays, EKG, IV Fluids, Casting, Surgery, Lacerations, Dog/Cat bite, Tetanus shot, Ingrown toenails, On-site Drug screenings, Breathalyzer, STI (STD) & HIV testing, IV antibiotics for pneumonia, Blood infections UTI and Cellulitis. Including IMMEDIATE RESULTS for DNA-PCR COVID, FLU A/B, RSV, Strep/Mono and receive any 2 services for $59 or 1 for $39. His clinic has walk-ins, no appointment necessary, LGBTQ+ Friendly and offce visits only $75. Located at 12640 Twelve Mile Road in Warren between Hoover & Schoenherr. Learn more at 24hrurgentcare.com. Call 586-751-2020.
He specializes in weight loss management with guaranteed results from hundreds of patients. Offering weekly weight loss injections of Ozempic/Wegovy (Semaglutide), 4 week special $299 and Mourjaro (Tirzepatide), 4 week special $399.
in the store’s “Parade of Trees” contest. Each participant chose a charity in which to try to raise money. The public was invited to walk the store’s “Candy Cane Lane” from Nov. 12 through Dec. 8 and vote for their favorite tree. The grand prize was $10,000 for the winning tree’s charity. Nearly 70,000 votes were submitted in-store and online.
Melissa Morrow, owner of the online business, Sincerely Creative Mom, won with her “The Timeless Spirit of Christmas.” The tree — featuring red, green and gold ornaments and ribbons — was decorated with by Morrow with help from her friend Holihan.
“It has been such a fun journey,” said Morrow, who grew up in St. Clair Shores. “For a lot of people, Christmas is grand and goes back to their childhood. Your mom or your grandma used to decorate. I wanted to make sure our tree would be memorable.”
That’s what inspired Morrow’s “The Timeless Spirit of Christmas” theme. She already had some holiday decorations, but also purchased other items to complete the look. Sincerely Creative Mom, at sincerelycreativemom.com, offers online classes and retreats and in-person classes and events that focus on wreath-making and other craft-related projects. She has students from all over the world, including Australia and Ireland.
When Morrow, of Kimball Township near Port Huron, applied for the Parade of Trees contest, she immediately picked Hot Pink Helpers because of the connection to Holihan. Mor-
row and Holihan have been friends since the 1990s when they both worked at Great Skate in Roseville. The pair still keep in touch with several of their coworkers from their days at the skating rink. That group of friends helped Holihan get through her cancer diagnosis.
“There are some really cool ideas,” Morrow said. “All the trees were really awesome.”
“It was such a nice event,” Holihan said. “We did see some great trees there. Melissa’s was so classic and beautiful.”
Married couple Troy Clogg and Linda Sebold Clogg, of Brighton, founded Hot Pink Helpers by way of their company, Troy Clogg Landscape Associates, based in Wixom. In 2010, the company began selling a product called the Hot Pink Deicer with a portion of sales benefiting people with cancer. Because the cause became so successful, Hot Pink Helpers was founded.
To date, the nonprofit organization has raised $775,000 to benefit others. Linda Sebold Clogg said about 80% of recipients are those diagnosed with breast cancer. She also said that with the $10,000 Gardner White grant “at least three families will be helped.”
“When they can’t work, it doesn’t take long to lose everything they’ve worked for. We are so grateful to Gardner White. They’re such an inspiration. They do so much philanthropy in the community,” Linda Sebold Clogg said. “Melissa, she’s so talented and sincerely a dynamic woman. She was so generous to choose us. We’re just so grateful and humbled.”
Along with Hot Pink Helpers, all the remaining charity partners received a donation from Gardner White for their cause.
For more information on Hot Pink Helpers, visit hot pinkhelpers.com.
Photo provided by Heather Holihan
Melissa Morrow, forefront wearing the sunglasses, was the winner in the third annual Gardner White “Parade of Trees” contest. The charity she chose in the contest, Hot Pink Helpers, assisted her friend Heather Holihan, pictured in the “Warrior” shirt, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. The two have been friends since the 1990s when they worked at Great Skate in Roseville.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
19A/ WARREN WEEKLY • JANUARY 8, 2025
JAN. 15
American folk music: Learn about “old time music” and hear performance by Michigan-based troubadour Ben Traverse, 6-7 p.m., Center Line Public Library, 7345 Weingartz St., (586) 758-8274, centerline. events.mylibrary.digital
JAN. 16
Geek Club: Meetup for fans of comics, anime, video games and more, for ages 10-17, 6-7:30 p.m., Warren Public Library - Civic Center inside Warren City Hall, 1 City Square, free but registration required, (586) 751-0770, warrenlibrary.net
JAN. 23
Warren Symphony Orchestra: Program includes “Fiddler on the Roof” and “West Side Story,” 6-10 p.m., Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, (586) 754-2950, warrensymphonyorchestra.com
JAN. 31
Widowed Friends buffet lunch: Coffee and tea included, also cash bar, noon, Ukrainian Cultural Center, 26601 Ryan Road in Warren, RSVP to Pat at (586) 344-5305 by Jan 25
ONGOING
Ice skating: 5-8 p.m. Fridays, noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and noon-7 p.m. Sundays, Warren City Square outside
City Hall, 1 City Square, facebook.com/warrenparks, (586) 268-8400
‘Sky & Space’: Featuring works by Warren Tri-County Fine Arts, Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens Art Association, Shelby Township Fine Art Society and Romeo Guild of Art, opening reception and awards from 1-3 p.m. Jan. 18, exhibit on display 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays Jan. 18-Feb. 22, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, theartcenter.org
Warren Tri-County Fine Arts: Meets every first Tuesday of month until June, 5:30 p.m., Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden Ave., warrenfinearts.net, facebook. net/wtcfa
Historical Society of Center Line: Meets 10 a.m. every first Friday of month, Center Line Public Library, 7345 Weingartz St., (586) 758-8274, centerline. events.mylibrary.digital
Pageturners Book Club: Meets 6-7 p.m. every third Tuesday of month, Center Line Public Library, 7345 Weingartz St. St., centerline.gov/436/PageturnersBook-Club
Warren Concert Band: Rehearsals for adults from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays through April, Lincoln High
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
School, 22900 Federal Ave., winter concert at 3 p.m. March 2 and spring concert at 3 p.m. May 11, Warren Woods Middle School, 13400 12 Mile Road, warrenconcertband.com
La Leche League of Warren: Meetings for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, 6:30-7:30 p.m. every third Wednesday of month, Warren Public Library - Civic Center inside Warren City Hall, 1 City Square, lllofwarren.weebly.com
Senior activities: Cards, chair exercising, puzzles and more, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fitzgerald Recreation Center, 4355 E. Nine Mile Road in Warren, (586) 759-0920
PAWS to Read: All ages can tell stories to therapy dog, 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Warren Public LibraryCivic Center inside Warren City Hall, 1 City Square, (586) 751-0770, warrenlibrary.net
Widowed Friends events: Book clubmeets at 10:30 a.m. every second Friday of month, National Coney Island, 30140 Van Dyke Ave. in Warren, books announced at previous meetings, RSVP to Elaine at (586) 291-2471
• Brunch and short discussion about faith at 10:30 a.m. every fourth Thursday of month, National Coney
GIVE BLOOD FOR CHANCE TO SEE SUPER BOWL LIX IN PERSON
Winner gets two tickets, access to pre-game activities, round-trip airfare to New Orleans, hotel accommodations, gift card for expenses and more, donate through Jan. 26, find participating center and make appointment at redcrossblood. org/give.html/find-drive, (800) 733-2767
Island, 30140 Van Dyke Ave. in Warren, RSVP to David at (586) 484-3148
Upton House Museum tours: Visit 1860s Michigan Historical Landmark, 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of month, 40433 Dodge Park Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2495, sterlingheights. gov/789/upton-house-museum
Detroit Auto Show: Public hours run 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 11-14, 1-8 p.m. Jan. 15-16, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 17-19 and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 20, Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd. in Detroit, detroitautoshow.com
Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Starting as low as $21/month $0
For insured patients. Call for details.
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in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance, possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record. Pre-employment background investigation and substance abuse testing is required. Interested, applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Monday, November 25, 2024. The Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer, applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download employment application please refer to www.clintontownship.com, click on Employment. 0305-2446
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INCIDENTS REPORTED TO LOCAL POLICE, AS COMPILED BY C & G REPORTERS
for Thanksgiving snub
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police heard a report of a male individual throwing furniture in the yard outside an address on Sterritt Street, located near M-59/Hall Road and M-53, the night of Nov. 30.
Officers said they talked to the individual, who reportedly said he threw lawn furniture on the grass and was mad that his family didn’t invite him to dinner on Thanksgiving. Police said no one was hurt, and nothing was damaged, so they advised him to restrain his temper and took no further action.
Vehicle reported stolen parked on building’s opposite side
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police said they heard that a silver Nissan Sentra had been stolen Dec. 1 along 18 Mile Road.
The owner reportedly went inside a building to get a soda and cigarettes and exited to discover that the vehicle was apparently gone. Police said the owner had the vehicle’s keys.
Although the Sentra’s owner reportedly thought she had parked on the south side, a police investigation then discovered the vehicle on the building’s north side. Police took no further action.
Woman at apartment gathering arrested for resisting police
STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to an apartment address in the 8000 block of 16 1/2 Mile Road early in the morning of Dec. 1 upon hearing that people were “screaming and throwing stuff.”
Police said they learned that the apartment was an Airbnb used by “five males and five females,” and the males reportedly came from Indiana to meet the women. Police said they also heard that one woman allegedly was mad that the “males were not paying attention to her.”
Police said they noticed a woman who appeared to be intoxicated, stumbling and unsteady. When police told her to talk to them, she allegedly “refused and began running.”
Police said they grabbed her by the arms, and when she allegedly kept flailing and resisting, they reportedly “assisted her to the ground” and handcuffed her.
Police said the woman was taken to jail and cited for misdemeanor resisting and obstructing an officer.
Kia theft attempted
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, at 10:10 p.m. Dec. 9, officers were dispatched to the
Road and Gratiot Avenue, to investigate a complaint of attempted auto theft. They found that an unknown suspect had broken the rear driver’s side window of a 2011 Kia Sportage to gain entry, and the steering column had been peeled in an attempt to steal the vehicle.
Police were investigating.
Trailblazer taken
EASTPOINTE — According to a police report, at around 6:05 a.m. Dec. 11, officers were called to the 22000 block of Pleasant Avenue, in the area of Toepfer Drive and Gratiot Avenue, to investigate the theft of a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer that had occurred overnight. The vehicle had been left unlocked. Surveillance footage showed two suspects entering the vehicle at around 11 p.m. Dec. 10. They remained in the car for about two minutes and then drove off.
An investigation was ongoing.
Stolen deer
MOUNT CLEMENS — On Dec. 1 at around 3:30 p.m., a 43-year-old Mount Clemens man reported his stolen Christmas decorations to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
He told deputies that he began setting up decorations the day before, including setting up his light-up deer.
After finishing setting up around 9 p.m. and going to bed, he noticed the deer was gone when he checked at 8 p.m.
Man steals expensive wine bottle
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers from the Shelby Township Police Department were dispatched to 51015 Van Dyke Ave., a BP gas station, for a retail fraud complaint at 7:03 p.m. Dec. 6. An officer was informed that an unknown man stole a $300 bottle of wine and left prior to police arrival. The owner of the BP gas station printed a picture of the suspect and showed it to customers to see if they could recognize the suspect. A customer recognized the suspect and updated the detective working on the case. The detective was able to positively identify the suspect.
Someone cuts wires to lights
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 2:11 p.m. Dec. 4, an officer from the Shelby Township Police Department was called to the 6000 block of 24 Mile Road for a malicious destruction of property report. The location is a business that has lights around the perimeter of the business in the parking lot. The business owner noticed that one of the lights was not working and called an electrician to check it out. The electrician
AND NOTES NEWS
NEWS BRIEFS TAKEN FROM AROUND OUR COVERAGE AREAS
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, BIRMINGHAM RANK IN NATIONAL HAPPINESS STUDY
BLOOMFIELD HILLS/BIRMINGHAM — Credit card guide
website CardRates conducted a study that surveyed people living in the most expensive areas throughout the United States. By surveying 3,000 people, CardRates compiled a list of the 150 happiest cities among America’s most expensive places to live. The goal was to find out what cities were worth their highend cost. Bloomfield Hills came out on top of the Michigan rankings. Nationally, it was ranked 89th. Taking second place in Michigan was Grosse Pointe Shores, which came in 100th nationally, and third was Birmingham, which was ranked 115th nationally. The top city nationally was Palm Beach, Florida. To see more information on the survey and the full list of rankings, visit cardrates.com/studies/ where-high-cost-of-living-is-worth-it.
PRIDE HANDS OUT $35,000 IN GRANTS
been cut. The business owner said he had heard rumors that the neighborhood located near the parking lot was upset with the lights.
Many liquor bottles stolen SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A Shelby Township police officer was dispatched to Meijer at 15055 Hall Road for a retail fraud at 2:41 p.m. Dec. 4. Upon the officer’s arrival, he was advised of two people who had walked out of the store without paying for more than $900 worth of liquor. The couple had concealed 17 bottles of liquor before leaving the store, according to the Police Department. The case was turned over to the detective bureau for investigation.
Fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:28 on Dec. 3, a case of fraud was reported in the 25000 block of Little Mack Avenue.
An officer spoke with the store manager, a 27-year-old man. He stated a person came into the store and stole sunglasses from the store the previous day at approximately 7:30 p.m. He did not know how many pairs were missing. He stated the same suspect came into the store on Nov. 27 and again on Nov. 28 and stole the same sunglasses. The suspect has been identified as a 60-year-old man. The sunglasses are valued at $19.99 each and are Detroit Lions themed. The suspect reportedly concealed the sunglasses without paying.
Online Lions ticket fraud reported
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 2:53 p.m. on Dec. 3, a case of fraud was reported in the 23000 block of Euclid Street.
A woman, 33, came into the station and reported that she and her boyfriend, a 50-year-old man, were scammed out of $450. She said her boyfriend spoke with a girl on Facebook who had six Detroit Lions tickets for sale at $150 per ticket. They conducted the transaction over Venmo and in doing so her boyfriend sent a partial payment of $450 to the account.
After the payment went through, the user blocked them and the two were unable to make contact. Venmo froze the woman’s account, and she was attempting to stop the transaction.
Trespasser arrested
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A 41-year-old Hamtramck man was arrested at around 4:16 a.m. Dec. 4 after he reportedly entered a vacant apartment in the 1200 block of Maryland Street without permission. Police were initially called to the area about an
Renovated library branch receives award
GROSSE POINTE — Renovations on the Central Branch of the Grosse Pointe Public Library in Grosse Pointe Farms were recognized this fall with the American Institute of Architects Huron Valley Chapter 2025 Honor Award.
The firm of Quinn Evans was hired for renovations at the branch. The award was accepted by Quinn Evans Principal Ann Dilcher, who helmed the Central Branch project.
Renovations included the addition of a drive-up window, an expanded children’s area, an elevator, improved accessibility and a fire suppression system.
The mid-century modern library, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1953 and designed by Bauhaus-trained architect and designer Marcel Breuer, who died in 1981. It’s one of the few libraries designed by Breuer, who also designed the Hunter College
to leave. Police said they found the suspect passed out in an apartment near to the one belonging to the caller.
Police arrest suspected intoxicated driver at school GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Police were called to Grosse Pointe North High School at 3:05 p.m. Dec. 12 about a possibly intoxicated driver in the pickup line. When an officer arrived, the officer learned that the driver was also blocking traffic and had to be awoken. Police said in a report that the driver — a 54-year-old Grosse Pointe Shores man — “was very disoriented and showed other signs of intoxication.” Although the driver denied being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, police said he failed several field sobriety tests and refused to take a preliminary breath test. The driver was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor and was issued a citation for refusing to take a PBT.
City police assist nearby department GROSSE POINTE CITY — Grosse Pointe City public safety officers went to Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital at around 7 p.m. Dec. 13 to detain a suspect wanted by St. Clair Shores police for domestic violence. St. Clair Shores officers then head-
Office. After his son was incarcerated in the Oakland County Jail, the man was contacted by a “Sergeant Franklin” asking him to post bail for his son with $125 in bitcoin. The man complied with the caller and sent them bitcoin, after which he called the Oakland County Jail for information about his son’s status, only to discover his son was still behind bars.
STUDENT HONORED AT COUNCIL MEETING FOR HEROISM IN STOPPING FIRE
SOUTHFIELD — At the Nov. 18 City Council Meeting, 10-year-old Southfield resident Eris Carter was awarded the Good Samaritan Award by Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee.
“Eris’s quick thinking and bravery are truly commendable,” commented Menifee. “Her actions not only saved her own home but also protected the lives and properties of her neighbors.”
Eris was recognized for her courage and swift action in averting a potentially devastating fire at her home earlier this year. Around 7 p.m. on Jan. 1, while using her iPad, Eris detected the smell of smoke in their Spring Haven condo. She woke her mother, Lauryne Wheeler, to report the odor.
Upon further investigation, they heard the downstairs smoke detectors sounding, although no visible signs of fire were initially present. They promptly called 911 for assistance and evacuated the premises. Upon leaving, they noticed that the neighboring condo was engulfed in flames.
The attached seven condos posed a significant fire hazard, but thanks to Eris’ alertness and quick thinking, she was able to notify the Fire Department and help residents safely evacuate the premises.
According to the Southfield Fire Department, Carter spared six units from damage, potentially saving many lives. The neighboring
$200,000 in damages, but thanks to Eris, there was no further destruction.
“Eris Carter’s presence of mind and swift response in the face of danger exemplify the best of our community values,” stated Southfield Mayor Ken Siver.
“It is a privilege to recognize her today and celebrate the difference she made. Her exemplary behavior sets a high standard for all citizens, demonstrating the impact one person can make in ensuring the safety and well-being of their community.”
FERNDALE — Ferndale Pride and the Ferndale Community Foundation announced that they will be distributing $35,113.85 in grants to 18 community organizations.
Organizations that were given grants from Pride were Affirmations, ACCESS, Gender Identity Network, Matrix Human Services, TGDetroit and Transgender Michigan.
“Each year, I get to hand checks to organizations that directly provide services to LGBTQAI folks. Because these funds are unrestricted, organizations have the flexibility to provide funds in the way that serves their clients best. We are thrilled to carry out the founding principles of this event, which includes giving back to the community,” Ferndale Pride Executive Director Julia Music said in a prepared statement.
The Community Foundation handed out 12 grants with funds from Pride and private donations to Ferndale Community Concert Band, Disability Network of Eastern Michigan, Ferndale Housing Commission, FernCare Free Clinic, Ringwald Theatre, Ferndale Middle School Swim Boosters, Renaissance Vineyard Food Pantry, Friends of the Ferndale Library, Ferndale Schools Fine Arts Boosters, Sing Out Detroit, Southeast Oakland Coalition and PlayLab.
“We keep being able to give back! 12 grants this year is more than double the number of groups that we gave to last year,” Community Foundation Chair Anatoly Askanzi said in a prepared statement. “These funds make a huge difference in our community because they improve the lives of a wide range of folks in Ferndale.”
Photo provided by Grosse Pointe Public Library
condo suffered
Photo provided by the city of Southfield
