11/13/24 Fraser-Clinton Chronicle by C & G Newspapers

Familiar faces win Clinton Township races

BY NICK POWERS AND DEAN VAGLIA

npowers@candgnews.com

dvaglia@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The November election brought a sea change in Clinton Township politics, from the supervisor’s post to trustee positions.

The numbers used throughout this report are the unofficial results available at press time with 100% of precincts reporting according to the Macomb County clerk’s website.

Current Supervisor Bob Cannon said the changes to the township board are unusual and the largest he’s seen since he started in 1984.

“This board normally loses one or two

at the most during an election time period,” Cannon said. “It’s been a very stable board for many, many years.”

The change in personnel is different for the township compared to others, according to Cannon. New members of the Board of Trustees will assume office Nov. 20 at noon. Cannon said the state has standardized the same date in January for officials to take office, so this will be the last group of township officials assuming office in November.

Cannon said between the election and Nov. 20, new Board of Trustees members will need to be sworn in, typically by a judge or clerk. This can be done in a group setting or individually.

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

FRASER — The Senior Activity Center was packed with residents eager to make their voices heard about a controversial 24-hour gas station and convenience store in downtown Fraser Oct. 30.

Sheetz, a family-owned convenience store and gas station chain, made its case before Fraser City Council at the off-site special meeting. Council members

capped off the meeting with a 5-2 vote approving the conditional zoning for a future Sheetz location.

Sheetz will go on the corner of 14 Mile and Utica roads, next to two other gas stations.

The nearly five-hour meeting was trying. The vast majority of those who made a comment at the meeting — over 30 people spoke, with some delivering comments remotely — were against the development. Their reasons varied, but the one common

Resident Vince Calabrese speaks out against a new Sheetz development at the Oct. 30 Fraser City Council Special Meeting. Photo by Nick Powers

Voters in Precinct 16 cast their votes at Huron Elementary School in Clinton Township on Nov. 5.

Photo by Nick Powers

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SECOND FRONT PAGE

Incumbents prevail in top Macomb offices

BY ERIC CZARNIK, ALYSSA OCHSS & DEAN VAGLIA

eczarnik@candgnews.com aochss@candgnews.com dvaglia@candgnews.com

MACOMB COUNTY — In an election year defined by a polarized electorate, Macomb County residents opted to stick with the government they have.

The county’s prosecutor, clerk, sheriff, treasurer and public works commissioner — all incumbent officeholders — were each elected to another term on Nov. 5, with statewide Election Day trends favoring Republican candidates in all but one of the races among Macomb County’s top administrative officials.

In the Macomb County clerk and register of deeds race, with all precincts reporting now, Republican Anthony G. Forlini led with about 57.8% of the vote. Democrat David Adams had about 41.7%.

In an email, Forlini credited his victory to Macomb County residents’ confidence in the job that he has already been doing as clerk. He also reflected on his campaign.

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“From the very beginning when I ran and won for (Harrison Township) township supervisor through my current term as County Clerk I have always ran a positive campaign, respecting the people that I ran against,” Forlini said.

Anthony Wickersham retained the Macomb County Sheriff’s badge, the lone Democrat to win among the county’s five top seats. Vote counting in the race

Partridge Creek welcomes new stores, preps for holiday season

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Mall at Partridge Creek has seen an uptick in activity in 2024 and is looking to keep the upward momentum going into 2025.

“It’s an exciting time at Partridge Creek,” said Melissa Morang, general manager of the mall. “We’ve had a flurry of leasing activity. A lot of new stores have opened this year alone, since the beginning of the year. It’s really great for our local community to have such a vibrant shopping center to shop at and bring their family. And we’re dog-friendly so, when I say family-friendly, I mean bring your dog as well.”

Spencer’s and Hollister have recently arrived at the

See PARTRIDGE on page 17A

Fraser Board of Education keeps three incumbents

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

FRASER — Rebecca Jensen, Kathleen Mocco and Scott Wallace were all elected to the Fraser Board of Education for three six-year terms on Nov. 5.

Candidate Molly Magnotte fell short of making one of the three available spots.

Jensen was appointed to the board in February 2023 and said she was grateful to have voters keep her in the position.

“I didn’t know that many people in the town even knew who I was,” Jensen said. “It really feels good. I just look forward to continuing to work with the board and trying to do what’s best for our kids.”

Jensen said she wants to focus on providing “the very best” classroom experience for parents and kids.

“That includes recruiting and retaining the best teach-

See BOARD on page 11A

Photo by Alyssa Ochss

Republican Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney Peter Lucido said he was honored and humbled that the election results showed a lot of good things had happened since he took office.

COUNTY ROAD PROJECTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2025

Executive and deputies call for funding changes

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MOUNT CLEMENS — As the Macomb County Department of Roads begins to fill its trucks with winter salt, department and county leadership announced a slate of construction projects for the coming year.

Unveiled at the roads department’s Mount Clemens headquarters on Nov. 7 were 34 projects totaling nearly $90 million pending approval by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners.

Projects noted by Macomb County Department of Roads Director Bryan Santo include the over $15 million reconstruction and rehabilitation of 10 Mile Road between Ryan Road and Lorraine Avenue in Center Line and Warren, the $8.3 million reconstruction of Garfield Road between 14 and 15 Mile roads in Fraser and the $16.5 million reconstruction and widening of Romeo Plank Road between 21-and-a-half and 23 Mile roads in Macomb Township.

Santo gave special notice to the department’s bridge program, which is planned to tackle 10 projects next year.

“Through strategic investments capitalizing on state funding programs, we’ve made significant progress on our bridges,” Santo said. “As of today, out of the 225 bridges we have, we have 201, or 89%, that are in ‘good’ and ‘fair’ condition. We have 13, or 6%, that are in ‘poor’ condition. We have 11, or 5%, that are in ‘critical’ or ‘serious’ condition. Of the 11 ‘critical’ or ‘serious’ bridges under our jurisdiction, we have secured funding to replace five of those within the next two years. As far as the 13 ‘poor’ rated bridges, we have funding to replace or rehabilitate five of those within the next two years, also.”

Project

10 Mile Road

14 Mile Road

18 Mile Road

Garfield Road

North River Road

Romeo Plank Road

Utica Road

Asphalt Pavement Preservation Program

Concrete Pavement Preservation Program

14 Mile Road

18 Mile Road

Hayes Road

South River Road

Utica Road

Dartmoor Drive

Kingsway Drive

McKishnie Street

Vanker Avenue

Bonior Trail

Clinton River Spillway Trail

Jefferson Avenue Spillway

Schoenherr Road

Location

Sherwood Avenue to Lorraine Avenue

Ryan Road to Sherwood Avenue

Van Dyke Avenue to Hoover Road

Kelly Road to Gratiot Avenue

Mound Road to Utica Road

14 Mile Road to 15 Mile Road

I-94 to Bridgeview Street

21-1/2 Mile Road to 23 Mile Road

Hayes Road to Metropolitan Parkway Countywide Countywide

Over the Red Run Drain

Over the Plumbrook Drain

Over the Clinton River

Over the channel to Lake St. Clair

Over the Red Run Drain

Subdivision Road

Non-Motorized Pathway

Investment

$10,000,000

$5,662,873

$3,789,807

$3,836,057

$2,800,000

$8,300,000

$3,750,101

$16,500,000

$975,759

$3,000,000

$477,000

$1,216,000

$1,393,000

$2,191,218

$1,909,000

$835,105

$894,754

$727,914

$1,004,011

$2,032,115

$728,635

$2,793,154

$600,000

Type of Work

Reconstruction

Rehabilitation

Reconstruction

Rehabilitation

Reconstruction

Rehabilitation

Pavement Preservation

Bridge Preventative Maintenance

Bridge Deck Replacement

Bridge Rehabilitation

Bridge Replacement

Bridge Rehabilitation

Subdivision Reconstruction

Non-Motorized Pathway Improvements

Pedestrian Bridge

Community

Center Line

Warren

Sterling Heights and Warren

Clinton Twp. and Roseville

Sterling Heights

Fraser

Harrison Twp.

Macomb Twp.

Clinton Twp.

Macomb County

Sterling Heights and Warren

Sterling Heights

Clinton Twp. and Sterling Heights

Harrison Twp.

Clinton Twp.

Shelby Twp.

Clinton Twp.

Shelby Twp.

Clinton Twp.

Harrison Twp.

Sterling Heights

Projects shown are those in the C & G Newspapers coverage area. See the full list with the story online at candgnews.com.

Serving as both an update on the state of the township’s roads and an announcement of the 2025 projects, Santo’s remarks highlighted 2024 projects like the completion of the Innovate Mound reconstruction through Sterling Heights and Warren and the Garfield Road extension between 23 and 25 Mile roads in Macomb Township.

Deputy Macomb County Executive John Paul Rea addressed how the county decides which road projects it will take on.

“Our team is programming hundreds of millions of dollars annually in every cor-

ner of Macomb County, and this is not done in a bubble,” Rea said. “This is done in a dynamic ecosystem which engages our community leaders, local neighborhood associations, road builders, state transportation experts and what it has yielded is seven-dozen primary local road projects that are currently being facilitated right now.”

Where county officials spent much of their focus, particularly in the beginning of the conference, was to call upon Michigan legislators to revise the state’s roadway funding mechanisms.

“Right now, the biggest challenge we are having is with funding and it will continue to be the challenge,” Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said. “There isn’t a road or a bridge we can’t fix if we have the funding. I’ve always said this, and I continue to say it: It’s not about fixing the damn roads or fixing the damn bridges, it’s about fixing the damn funding.”

Hackel’s complaints over road funding point at Public Act 51, which established the formula of allocating funds collected by See ROADS on page 11A

SEAFOOD

FLOUR

Clinton Twp. man allegedly shoots at kids in vehicle

MOUNT CLEMENS — A Clinton Township man who allegedly shot at and chased three boys in his vehicle was formally charged on Oct. 30.

The incident reportedly took place in Macomb Township where Kevin Donte Price, 21, was visiting a friend’s home when a boy who lived at the home returned with two friends. Price allegedly tried to fight the boy who lived at the home. The three boys got in a vehicle and left. Price reportedly followed the vehicle. When Price pulled up next to the boys’ vehicle, he allegedly opened fire. Another vehicle was reportedly struck in the shooting, while the boys were able to get away and call the police. No one was injured in the incident.

Price was charged with discharging a firearm from a vehicle, a 10-year felony; malicious destruction of personal property between $1,000 and $20,000, a five-year felony; three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, a four-year felony; and related

felony weapons offenses. He was arraigned in the 41A District Court in Shelby Township on Oct. 30 before Magistrate James Verploeg, who set bond at $500,000 cash or surety only.

According to court records, Price pleaded not guilty and was referred for a mental health evaluation.

“Violence of any kind in our community is unacceptable, and we take these incidents extremely seriously,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido is quoted as saying in a press release. “This reckless and dangerous behavior could have had tragic consequences, and we are grateful no one was injured. My office will work tirelessly to hold the individual accountable.”

Price’s attorney, William Barnwell, declined to comment on the case.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 9:00 a.m. before District Court Judge Douglas Shepherd. — Nick Powers

Kiwanis Club takes over Wreaths Across America ceremony

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — This year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony will be held at noon on Dec. 14 at Resurrection Cemetery.

The Kiwanis Club of Clinton Township took the event over from the previous organizers, who helmed it for 12 years. Kerry Jantz, a board member with the Kiwanis Club, said the event is the second largest in the state behind Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

“This is going to be a rebuilding year for us,” Jantz said. “We didn’t do all of this before, so we don’t know all the ropes. We’ll make it work”

Jantz said the club has been working with the previous organizers to continue the event.

“I knew them, and I had talked to them a few times,” Jantz said. “I said, ‘We can’t let this die. It’s a great event.’”

Jantz said the event involves an approximately 45-minute ceremony with a keynote speaker. Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon is the master of ceremonies for the event. Organizers have reached out to U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, to be this year’s keynote speaker, but haven’t received confirmation yet. Students will lay wreaths on predetermined graves of veterans in the cemetery.

The Kiwanis Club raises funds and receives donations in order to purchase the wreaths for the ceremony, according to Jantz. The wreaths are $17 each. Jantz said Mission BBQ is one of the businesses that raises funds for the event.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. It started privately in 1992 by Maine-based Worcester Wreath Company and expanded in 2005, according to the organization’s website.

“We remember our veterans for the price they paid,” Jantz said. “We honor them and then we try to teach the younger generation that freedom isn’t free.”

Resurrection Cemetery is located at 18201 Clinton River Road.

— Nick Powers

e holiday season is upon us, a busy time for us all. A time for re ection of the year gone by and a time for hope for the coming year. is past year has been a challenge for our country and in Michigan, a struggle for many.

I want to thank all of my patients for the privilege of serving you. e opportunity to make a positive di erence in the lives of others is a gift. Your loyalty, support and friendship allows me to follow my passion in dentistry. Please accept my very special holiday thank you from me and my devoted sta .

Yours for Better Dental Health, Dr. Berman

Richards runner paving way toward Olympic aspirations

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Prepare yourselves, Los Angeles. A Clinton Township eighth grader might be making his way to a track near you in 2028.

Middle school athletics are fun because some children, like Richards Middle School eighth grader Gavin Soviar, are giving organized sports a go for the first time and parents are seeing them really come out of their shell.

Soviar began running laps around his father, Steve Soviar, back in June 2023, which was supposed to be conditioning for the seventh grade basketball season.

“The reason why I started running was because I thought I was going to try out for our school basketball team, so I started conditioning,” Gavin Soviar said. “I found out that running was more of my thing, which is why I continued.”

“We started running 1 mile, and then we worked up to 2 miles and 3 miles,” Steve Soviar said. “He was just blowing me away. I told him that he may want to think about going into cross-country instead of basketball.”

Call it father-son bonding time or maybe an enjoyable way for Gavin to show his father how much better he was at something than him, but their conditioning became a springboard for what Soviar has become today — one of the most dominant middle school runners in the nation.

Currently the No. 1 ranked cross-country runner in the state and top five nationally, Soviar has asserted himself as not just the runner to watch, but also the premier freshman every team will keep an eye out for when he makes his way to Fraser High School in 2025.

Soviar broke the school record for the 1,600-meter in track and field at 5:09, which previously was set at 5:21 in 2008 by Eric Lockhard, and the 2-mile record in crosscountry with an 11:05.4, and then he decided his 2-mile time wasn’t good enough.

He continued to break records before he put on a showstopping performance at regionals Oct. 19 at Macomb Dakota High School, posting a time of 10:23 and becoming the regional champion, district record holder, and the first runner from a Fraser middle school to become regional champion.

But there’s no feeling like the first record, so the 1,600 will always hold a special place in his heart.

KINGDOM MOVEMENT INTERNATIONAL

“It was amazing,” Gavin Soviar said. “When I went to school orientation, I looked at the record board and I told my dad I was going to break it at the first meet.”

That’s just what he did.

Aside from the countless miles he runs each week, or the numerous first-place finishes he posted this cross-country season, Soviar is a true student of the sport, watching YouTube videos on Carl Lewis, Jim Ryun and the late Steve Prefontaine.

If he needs some guidance, former University of Michigan star athlete Tom Brady is always there to offer advice or words of encouragement.

No, not the seven-time Super Bowl champion, but the Illinois native who competed at the Olympic Trials this year in the 5,000-meter race.

Soviar said having Brady in his corner has done wonders for his growth.

“It makes a pretty big impact because it’s more motivation for me to keep going on

Photo provided by Steve Soviar Richards Middle School eighth grader Gavin Soviar took first in the 24th annual Pumpkin Invitational Oct. 23 at Lake Orion High School.

POETRY A SLAM DUNK FOR ART CENTER

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

MOUNT CLEMENS — It has featured sculptures, paintings, fiber and photographs and, as of late October, spoken word poetry has found a home at the Anton Art Center.

The art center hosted its first poetry slam on Oct. 30, filling the second-floor gallery with over 30 interested members of the public and nine poets vying to be the sultan of the slam.

“Several were poets, several were community members who came to see the show,” Anton Art Center Executive Director Matt Matthews said. “There was some wider pull from outside (Mount Clemens.) There was an Oakland University student who came and competed in the slam. A young woman from Ray Township came and competed in the slam and finished in second place.”

Slam poetry combines a poetry reading with the thrill of competition, turning audience members into judges of a battle of both the strength of a poet’s work and their stage presence.

“The idea of a poetry slam is that it’s a way to make it into a very lighthearted competition to, I guess, tweak a people’s love of competition in general,” event organizer Harry Campion said. “The idea that you can put a numerical score on poetry in the first place is a little bit ridiculous. But on the other hand, it can also feel extremely validating when it goes your way.”

Campion had been a high school educator for 30 years, turning his experience teaching creative writing into a retirement career of running poetry workshops and organizing poetry slams. Campion’s classes

Audience member judges hold up scores following a poetry reading at the Oct. 30 Anton Art Center poetry slam. Harry Campion tallies up the scores for each round.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Authenticity key to Pankow Center’s ‘Mean Girls’

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — There is always a challenge to be had between balancing authenticity and heightened reality when approaching musical theater. In the Frederick V. Pankow Center’s upcoming production of “Mean Girls: High School Version,” cast and crew alike aim to strike that balance in flying color — the color, of course, being pink.

One of the most iconic media properties of the 21st century, “Mean Girls” claimed its spot in the zeitgeist as a 2004 Lindsay Lohan movie directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey. After 20 years, “Mean Girls” and its story of Cady Heron running up against the notorious Regina George and the Plastics clique has yet to exit cultural discussions. It returned to movie theaters this year as a musical based on a 2017 stage adaption that ran for over 800 performances on Broadway.

In a unique move for high-school-focused productions, Pankow Center theater teacher Greg Trzaskoma received an unedited version of the Broadway script alongside a

slate of Fey-endorsed edits schools could use at will. Trzaskoma opted to use some of Fey’s suggestions and believes the changed script will not detract from a story that hits close to home for many high schoolers.

“It’s about one special junior year at a suburban high school, and the themes, the ideas that it is about — it’s about bullying, it’s about relational aggression, it’s about families and parenting and high school and teenage substance abuse — (are) a lot of things that kids in our program are dealing with in their lives,” Trzaskoma said. “The theater for much of its existence has been a place for us to publicly discuss difficult things in a safe way. This musical is no exception. It’s a lot of fun but there’s a lot of really serious, honest, truthful, real stuff being dealt with in the fantasy of a musical.”

Supported by students from the moment it was suggested, “Mean Girls” has seen students putting in the work both on stage and behind the scenes to bring North Shore High School to L’Anse Ceruse. Projections of hallways from the district’s North and Harri-

See MEAN GIRLS on page 16A

Poetry

and events lead to him being a founder of the poetry slam tournament at the Grand Hotel’s speech tournament. Matthews approached Campion at the Shelby Township Library in the spring of 2023 about run-

ning some workshops and hosting a slam at the Anton Art Center.

Both Matthews and Campion were happy with the turnout and have begun discussions about holding a second slam at the Anton Center around Valentine’s Day 2025. Details on the second date are to come.

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

Board

from page 3A

ers and making sure our schools are a safe place for kids,” she said.

Jensen also encouraged parents to reach out to the board or attend board meetings.

Mocco was elected to the board for a partial term, starting in 2023.

“I’m just honored to represent our dis-

Roads

from page 4A

the state through registration fees and fuel taxes to county road departments, as well as the limited funding sources for roads. A list of possible ways to generate more funds — such as creating an electric vehicle-specific tax, establishing toll roads or implementing road usage charges — was included in Hackel’s segment of the presentation, but the county executive noted the issue could only be handled by the Michigan Legislature.

“Until such time where the Legislature picks one of these (funding solutions) or multiple or a combination of them, we’re going to be stuck with this deficiency in funding and we’ll get further and further behind when it comes to our roads,” Hackel said.

The county is pursuing federal funding for projects alongside using its state allocations. Several projects targeted for potential federal funds include Mound Road south of Interstate 696 and the bridge along 16 Mile Road that crosses railways between Van Dyke Avenue and Mound Road.

Rea claimed that with the current funding, it would take 30 years to fix roads in their current state and that there is a $2.5 billion deficiency between what the county is getting and what it would need to address countywide road projects.

For more information about Macomb

trict for six more years,” she said. “I’m very grateful to have this opportunity.”

Mocco said her main focus in the upcoming term is working on the district’s strategic plan.

Wallace has been president of the Board of Education since 2022 and a member since 2017. He was not available for comment at press time.

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.

2025 on Nov. 7.

County roads, visit www.macombgov.org/ departments/department-roads.

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

Corn O’Brien

Green Bean Cassarole

• Dearborn Ham or Polish Sausage

Photo by Dean Vaglia

Bryan Santo, director of the Macomb County Department of Roads, announces projects for

Races

from page 1A

“As long as you get sworn in legally and the papers are filed in the clerk’s office in Clinton Township, you’re in office,” Cannon said.

Supervisor

For the first time in 24 years, Clinton Township will have a new supervisor. Current Treasurer Paul Gieleghem, a Democrat, will take over for longtime Republican Supervisor Bob Cannon.

Gieleghem netted 27,912 votes, besting Republican candidate Vicki Wolber who received 25,789 votes.

“I’m sort of digesting, processing and anticipating what the challenges are ahead,” Gieleghem said in the wake of the win.

In August, Gieleghem won the Democratic primary against Ken Reiff. Wolber beat back a challenge from Republican Noah Cannon. Cannon’s candidacy was denounced by the former supervisor who, at the time, called the move “deceitful.”

“It’s clear why he’s doing it,” Cannon said in a previous interview. “I’ve been here so long people associate my name with being the supervisor.”

Gieleghem is in his second term as the township’s treasurer. He grew up in Clinton Township, graduating from Clintondale High School. He joined the Macomb County Board of Commissioners in 2004 and served as the board’s chairman until the county executive position was established. He also served as an administrator for the Macomb County treasurer.

Gieleghem said “expecting more” is an encapsulating goal when he takes over the position.

“I think it’s a matter of, as a board, we all need to expect more from each other,” he said. “As a community, we need to expect more from the people we elected to represent us.”

Wolber said she was “disappointed” with the result, but said she was proud of the campaign she ran.

“I’m extremely thankful for all the supporters I had helping me along the way and for the votes I did get,” Wolber said. “It’s been quite a journey and an experience, all positive. I’m just very thankful and happy for that, too. I met a lot of new people and organizations and that’s a good thing.”

Cannon started on the Clinton Township Board of Trustees in 1984 as a Democrat. When he ran for supervisor in 2000, he ran as a Republican. Cannon said his first meeting with Gieleghem will be Nov. 8, saying the supervisor’s office has worked to ensure a smooth transition. This differs from when the former supervisor first took over with “not even a pencil” on his desk.

“The new supervisor coming in will have everything perfect in order to continue doing what I’ve been doing if he wishes or to change direction,” Cannon said. “He will have all that information.”

Treasurer

Mike Aiello will become Clinton Township’s next treasurer. He pulled out a win against Democrat Tammy Patton, who is currently on the Board of Trustees. Aiello received 27,993 votes to Patton’s 25,386.

Aiello will take over the treasurer post from Gieleghem. He’s served as Clinton Township’s Precinct 40 delegate since 2018. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary for the treasurer’s seat.

“I was ecstatic,” Aiello said about the election results. “Just coming out of the shock of it right now.”

The future treasurer said he wanted to lower property taxes on township residents and improve roads in the community. He said road improvements were an issue that came up constantly when knocking on doors in the community.

“We hit a lot of doors during this election,” Aiello said. “Obviously, their voices are very important. I wanted to hear what they wanted.”

Aiello said, as a business owner, he also wanted to create an environment that was more friendly to small businesses.

“One of the biggest complaints I found is new business owners said it was extremely difficult to open a business in Clinton Township and, if they were to do it over again, they would not choose Clinton Township,” he said.

Patton said in a statement after the election she was “extremely disappointed” in the outcome of the race. She thanked her supporters for their hard work and congratulated Cannon for his service to the township. She added she hoped the new board was “a way to put party aside and make people the priority.”

In the statement, Patton discussed her struggles with the Clinton Township Democratic Club, which she said did not endorse her or provide her campaign funding.

Clinton Township Democratic Club Chairperson Nancy Duemling said the club did not endorse candidates in the November election and does not provide funding. However, she said the club covered the costs of a banner on Election Day promoting cider and donuts at different polling places. The banner stated that all Democrats running in Clinton Township would provide the food and drinks except Patton. Duemling offered no further comment.

Patton also detailed discrimination on the campaign trail.

“While canvassing, several people stated that they liked me as a person and what

I’ve added to the Board, however they would never have a Black woman over their money,” Patton stated. “We could no longer knock doors after a team member was threatened based on his skin color. My political signs were stolen, tossed in garbage containers, vandalized, and defaced with racial slurs.”

While she said this discrimination hindered the campaign, she was proud of the way her team handled it.

“Obstacles after obstacles, challenges after challenges, my team and I pushed forward with grace and humility,” she stated.

Clerk

Clinton Township Clerk Kim Meltzer held on to her seat. Meltzer secured 30,197 votes, beating Democratic challenger Carol Shumard Diehl who had 23,532 votes.

Meltzer’s first brush with elected office was on the Clinton Township Board of Trustees where she served from 2000-04. She was a Michigan state representative for District 33 from 2007-2010. She returned to Clinton Township politics when she was elected as clerk, a position she’s held since 2012.

Meltzer did not respond for comment at press time.

Trustee

In the Board of Trustees race, two incumbents kept their seats and two newcomers were elected.

Voters picked Democrat Julie Matuzak and Republican Dan Kress to stay on the board. Matuzak won a special election in 2022 to serve as a trustee and previously served a term as a Macomb County commissioner for District 12. Kress is a relative newcomer to elected office, taking over a partial term Feb. 27 from Democrat Joie West.

“I am honored to be the top vote-getter in Clinton Township,” said Matuzak, who received 25,865 votes. “I believe we ran a very positive, forward-looking campaign. We worked hard and I think it paid off. I’m excited about the future of the township under new leadership.”

Matuzak said she aims to improve ethics issues in the township. She wants to focus on economic development and making code enforcement equal across all sectors.

“There’s a lot to be done,” Matuzak said. “I’m interested in rethinking how we do everything at the township to make sure we’re spending taxpayer dollars efficiently and effectively.”

See RACES on page 14A

thread was that the corner was not a good spot for it. Despite their expressed concerns about the site, many stated that they liked Sheetz.

Issues about light pollution, increased crime and site contamination also cropped up frequently.

Sheetz will now replace the old State Bank of Fraser building. The bank’s history stretches back to 1910, but it arrived at its current location in 1930.

According to an “Images of America” book about Fraser and its history, the building was constructed with Bedford limestone. Inside, the bank featured gray Tennessee marble, Botticino marble from Italy, antique Vermont marble and solid walnut woodwork.

A 1999 Macomb Daily article detailed plans to demolish the building and replace it with a smaller bank and a CVS pharmacy. Following protests, that never happened. CVS later opened down the road at Garfield Road and 14 Mile.

PNC Bank took over the building in 2009. The structure has never been declared a historic site. It has been vacant since 2019.

The Sheetz chain is new to Michigan, with its first location in Romulus breaking ground on March 14.

Fraser’s future Sheetz isn’t the only controversial location. The Madison Heights City Council blocked the business from coming to the city following public outcry this year. The Eastpointe City Council approved, in a 3-1 vote, a special land use permit to move a Sheetz location ahead at a meeting on Aug. 20 but, according to a C & G Newspapers article about the meeting, the project was met with scrutiny by both council members and the public.

Hearing of the public

Francesca and Christian Lucido live near the development, and both spoke out against the Sheetz location. The couple, who have two kids with one on the way, explained the difficulties of raising a family near another gas station.

Francesca touched on the potential problems of crime and pollution from another gas station.

“Living in close proximity to one gas station increases the exposure to daily fuel evaporations that could be linked to childhood cancers,” Francesca said. “This is not a chance I’m willing to take. Yet you are entertaining the idea of a third gas station.”

Christian mentioned a variety of potential problems with the development and said

he wasn’t impressed following a recent visit to Sheetz.

“I am worried about the safety of what could happen in our backyard with implementation of a 24-hour fast-food gas chain,” Christian said.

In January, the Fraser Planning Commission denied Sheetz’s request to rezone the site. Members of the commission came to the meeting to reiterate their concerns about the Sheetz location. One member, John Keil, said at the meeting that he changed his mind about Sheetz after visiting a location and would vote differently today. Keil was the only member of the commission who expressed this view.

Fraser Planning Commission Chairwoman Kathy Czarnecki came out against the development at the meeting, citing the overwhelming opposition to Sheetz that was expressed by residents when the commission denied the request in January.

“I do want to impress upon you all, the City Council members, to acknowledge the dedication and expertise the Planning Commission members put into updating our city master plan,” Czarnecki said.

Sheetz wasn’t without its fans. Comments from 11 supporters of the development were heard at the meeting. Resident Donald Olszewski delivered a particularly impassioned argument for Sheetz, stepping up to the podium twice. He was ready for the community to move on from its nostalgia for the State Bank of Fraser building.

“I predict if the site is left unused it will turn out just like the former Dairy Queen on 14 Mile and Groesbeck,” Olszewski said.

Sheetz is leasing the space for the new development. Paul Fedorko, the owner of the property, spoke twice at the meeting. He said he purchased the building in mid-2023 for a redevelopment opportunity. Fedorko said Sheetz developing the space was the best option he had available.

“I know there was a lot of personal attachment and nostalgia with the bank property,” Fedorko said. “After an exhaustive evaluation it’s just simply cost prohibitive to be able to salvage the bank. … Regardless of the outcome of tonight’s meeting, the bank will come down to pave way for a new development.”

Near the end of the meeting, Lisa Acker fought back tears as she spoke out against the development.

“Please, I’m begging you, something else,” Acker said. “They are a great organization, but we don’t need to see it. Not in my yard.”

Paul Cilluffo, a former mayoral candidate and former city councilman, spoke three times at the meeting. Cilluffo has,

Races

from page 12A

Dan Kress did not respond for comment at press time.

Democrat Shannon King and Republican Bruce Wade are the fresh faces on the board.

“I’m incredibly grateful for all the support and effort and active participation that everybody had in my campaign,” King said. “I’m just really thankful. Whether they’re Republican, Democrat or anywhere in between, I definitely felt like individuals want to see a change. They want real, lasting, effective change.”

King said the real work begins now for those elected. He said his biggest goal is understanding residents’ needs based on their feedback, utilizing canvassing and surveying for the township to act on.

“I want to make sure we’re putting mechanisms out there that allow us to receive that feedback faster, deeply,” King said.

Wade said he was honored that people had confidence in him.

“I’ve served the community for many years,” said Wade, a former Clinton Township police chief. “I’m just honored to continue on with that commitment to the community. Looking forward to doing great things.”

Wade said his first commitment is to community services like police, fire and EMS. He also aims to improve trash collection following Priority Waste’s acquisition of Green for Life’s contract in July.

“See a lot of times that the trash removal has not been done in a clean way,” he said. “There’s been a lot of waste that’s been left in the street. People have mentioned that, and I want to follow up on that and make sure that is corrected. We love having a clean neighborhood.”

Clintondale school board

Lisa and Kurt Wilson, who are brother and sister, were both elected to the Clintondale Board of Education for two six-year terms. Wilbur Jones, who was appointed to fill a vacancy left by Beverly Lewis-Moss in February, did not receive enough votes to stay on the board.

Lisa said she’s excited to get more entrenched in the community and help the school.

“I’m overly thrilled and excited,” Lisa said.

Lisa said she hopes to be an advocate for more engagement with the parents and students. She hopes to improve efficiency scores with students.

“I think that’s an area we’ve been lag-

ging, especially when it comes to math and English,” she said. “We just need to do a better job for our kids who we’re putting out here into the world.”

“I’m so proud of my sister,” said Kurt, who watched the election returns on Nov. 5 with his sister. “She did a great job. She is truly the best of us.”

Kurt said he’s “excited to get started,” thanking everyone who voted and emphasized the hard work his wife Teresa did for his campaign.

“One thing that the military taught me was when you go in, keep your mouth closed and pay attention to how they do business,” Kurt said. “When the time comes for adjustments or the time comes for changes, let’s sit down and talk about it with some sensibility and then go from there.”

Lisa Valerio-Nowc secured a four-year term to the Clintondale School Board, besting Michael Brooks and Stephen Sevonty.

“It’s humbling, to be honest,” ValerioNowc said about the win. “I’ve been on the board for two years and it’s a nice affirmation that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.”

Valerio-Nowc said her main focus is seeing reading scores go up.

Felicia Kaminski and Michael Manning both ran unopposed. The pair were reelected to the board for a two-year term.

Perna holds onto county commissioner’s seat for District 7

James Perna held onto his seat on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for District 7. He has served on the board since 1996. Perna defeated newcomer Democrat Edlira Sako. He received 23,237 votes to Sako’s 14,174 votes.

“I’m pleasantly surprised, I really am,” Perna said following the win. “It was time for the change, and we had this red wave in Macomb County. I think we have the right person to be in the White House in January.”

Perna said he’s glad commissioners serve a four-year term now.

“I think this really gives commissioners an opportunity to really concentrate on what’s best for the county, which is what’s best for our voters. We can do some longterm planning now. We’ve got some consistency on the board and, even though we cross the aisle on both sides, that’s what makes Democracy the way it should be.”

Perna said it was a “clean race.”

“Some of the races in the past have been very ugly. Slashing somebody does not help,” Perna said. “It was a very clean race, and I’m pleased my opponent cooperated.”

Sako said she was thankful for everyone who voted for her.

“I appreciate their support,” she said.

“At the same time, I want to wish well to my opponent and hopefully he will do a great job for Clinton Township and District 7 in general.”

State representatives

Incumbents for Clinton Township districts in the Michigan House of Representatives took wins as Republicans Joseph Aragona and Alicia St. Germaine won the 60th and 62nd districts by 24.24% and 11.92% margins over their respective Democratic opponents Shelly Fraley and Michelle Levine-Woodman.

Aragona secured 33,944 votes to Fraley’s 20,645. This will be Aragona’s second term at the post.

“The Republicans had a good night,” Aragona said. “I think we had a lot of people who were working hard on the Michigan House race. The candidates were pretty stellar on our side and I think that kind of showed through.”

Aragona said inflation and taxes played a role in the win.

“Michigan families and families around the nation are getting a little tired of higher taxes and higher inflation,” Aragona said. “I think they’re looking for a change.”

He said these issues are what he wants to focus on in the future.

“The state budget is over $80 billion and just about ten years ago it was a little over $50 billion,” he said. “That’s a lot more spending that we see. I think Michigan families want to see us curb that quite a bit.

Fraley declined to comment at press time about the race.

Democrat and 61st District incumbent Denise Mentzer took an initial win over Republican challenger Robert Wojtowicz, but a margin of less than 2,000 votes between them — 25,436 for Mentzer and 24,721 for Wojtowicz — place the race well within the margin of an automatic recount.

Mentzer is confident her win will stand if recounted.

“I believe that hard work, compromise and cooperation is what helped propel me over the top,” Mentzer said. “That’s my reputation. Democrats aren’t always right, Republicans aren’t always wrong. We’ve got to work together to make things better for Michigan.”

Mentzer believes compromise and cooperation will be key to navigating the state house however it shakes out.

As of the morning on Nov. 6, Republicans were expected to flip control of the Michigan House of Representatives.

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.

Sheetz

throughout the history of the proposed development, been a strident voice against the Sheetz location. In his final comment, Cilluffo gave an impassioned plea for council to vote against the conditional rezoning. He called council’s disregard for the residents speaking out against the development a “slap in the face” and said council was not in touch with the community.

“Although you may think it’s a good idea to put in a gas station like this, it is a gas station,” Cilluffo said. “You can call it whatever you want. … They’re salesmen. This is a really sad, sad situation.”

Sheetz explains conditional rezoning

Sheetz delivered a presentation that took just shy of an hour, laying out its case for a new development that would level and replace the State Bank of Fraser building. David Bruckelmeyer, engineering permit manager for Sheetz, touched on the ways the new development would work with the community. He explained how the new plan differed from the one originally brought to the Fraser Planning Commission.

“We’re very excited to be here tonight,” Bruckelmeyer said. “We’ve taken a lot of

time to have conversations with both city staff and the community. We’ve made quite a few amendments to our proposal that we originally proposed in January.”

One change to the plan included incorporating pieces of the former State Bank of Fraser building into the facade of the new Sheetz location. A drive-thru feature was taken out following residents’ input, and a right-in-right-out entrance on 14 Mile Road was added.

Bruckelmeyer touted the 1.62 acres of green space featured at the new development, which would include a picnic area and a detention pond. He also said the new location would bring 30-35 jobs.

Bruckelmeyer noted that the interior of the bank had major issues, showing photos during the presentation.

“It’s just in that kind of state where, economically, no one’s going to be able to make this bank into anything feasible,” he said.

In the presentation, Sheetz pledged to donate $50,000 to the city for road improvements. To some residents during public comment, this amounted to a bribe. City Attorney Donald DeNault, at the end of the meeting, said a suggested donation from an entity is mentioned in the city’s ordinance. It appears in chapter 31 of the ordinance under the changes and amendments for article XVI (section 32-261).

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In the motion that was ultimately approved, Sheetz representatives agreed to maintain landscaping on the property, providing a lighting plan that conforms to city code and covering the costs of unused land deeded to nearby residents.

“I know the applicant has offered some revisions to the proposed application for your consideration this evening since it was considered by the Planning Commission,” Czarnecki said. “But, in essence, the proposed conditional rezoning still conflicts with the master plan.”

Council members weigh in

Prior to the final vote, members of the City Council reflected on Sheetz’s presentation and comments from the public. Based on the comments, it appeared clear before the vote was taken that the development was going to be approved.

Councilwoman Amy Baranski confirmed that Sheetz would secure its dumpster on the property. She also made sure Sheetz agreed to verbal commitments the representatives made throughout the meeting and that these items were included in the final motion. Later, she commented on the motion itself.

“I get the emotion, I get the concern,” Baranski said. “But the alternative scares me more than this plan that I see.”

Councilman Patrick O’Dell said, while this is not what he envisioned for the corner, that this was the best option the city had for the property.

“If it gets denied, you don’t know what’s going to go there,” O’Dell said. “If it fits in the box of how it’s permitted currently, we don’t have any say whatsoever. At least we have some input on it.”

Mayor Pro Tem Dana Sutherland said, as a longtime resident, she wanted the community to move forward.

“For those who are remembering how Fraser used to be and wanting it to stay frozen in time, I just don’t think that’s realistic,” Sutherland said. “It’s not how the world works and if we’re not moving forward as a city then we’re being left behind.”

Councilwoman Sherry Stein described the decision as the “hardest” she’s had to make in her career. She said, if she weren’t on council, she would be coming up to the podium as well.

“I love that we have all this community here,” Stein said. “It shows we still have a small-town-feel community.”

Councilwoman Patrice Schornak said she would be happy to have a Sheetz in Fraser, just not at that location. She said she hopes the new development doesn’t negatively impact surrounding local businesses.

“I just think the location, at this time,

See SHEETZ on page 19A

Mean Girls

son Township high schools will serve as backdrops for a number of scenes while cafeteria tables from the district’s storage have been drafted to serve as set pieces.

“There’s a level of authenticity throughout the thing,” Trzaskoma said. “The original film was mostly folks somewhere north of age 18. We’re telling a story about younger people and kids that are living it every day are telling their story. Almost every rehearsal there’s some comment, some reflection, somebody opens up and says, ‘That happened to me,’ or, ‘I know somebody who went through that,’ or, ‘I understand that because of my sister, my brother, my best friend, etc.’”

Student actors’ experiences with bullying and navigating the cutthroat world of schoolage social scenes inform their approach to the material. August Rau, a 17-year-old L’Anse Creuse High School North senior playing George’s ex-friend Janis Sarkisian, faced bullying after having a tooth shaved down. London Baffield, a 17-year-old L’Anse Creuse High School North senior playing the Plastic clique’s second in command Gretchen Wieners, had dealt with bullies throughout middle school before transferring into the L’Anse Creuse district.

“When I was in middle school, I actually got bullied a lot for just being weird, for not having friends, for having acne, just little things like that,” said Payton Houle, a 17-year-old L’Anse Ceruse High School North senior playing George. “Middle

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

NOV. 15

Simply | Sinatra: Tribute show featuring Steve Lippia and 10-piece swing band, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garﬁeld Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com

Michigan During the Great Depression: Interactive presentation about effects on state 90 years later, 10 a.m.-noon, Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garﬁeld Road in Clinton Township, lorenzoculturalcenter.com

NOV. 16

Family game afternoon: Free pizza and snacks while playing board games, noon-4 p.m., also Dec. 14, Fraser Public Library, 15260 15 Mile Road, (586) 293-2055, fraserpubliclibrary.org

NOV. 17

Macomb Symphony Orchestra: Celebrate ensemble’s 50th season, 3 p.m., Macomb Center for the Perform-

school kids at that time, I guess, couldn’t fathom that it’s actually mean. You’re going to be with these people for a few more years of your life and then you’ll not be around them, and you might regret not the things that you’ve said. That bothered me coming into high school. That made me not want to be on stage and not even think about doing a show. And then I joined theater, and I met so many nice people … I really appreciate the community that we have in this theater program with Pankow performing arts theater class and with this cast as a whole. I wouldn’t have met London. I wouldn’t have met so many people that aren’t in the program. I wouldn’t have met Autumn Santos because I wouldn’t have done ‘Footloose.’ Bullying can lead to horrible things, but it can also really change your life for the best.”

Bonding between cast members over their shared negative experiences, as well as their time in the theater, has been essential to the production process. The “Mean Girls” cast and crew is larger than prior Pankow Center productions — Rau says around 45 students are involved on either side of the curtain while prior productions had casts of around 10 students — and Trzaskoma is getting to grips in his second year as a Pankow Center teacher.

“The first year’s goals were to survive,” Trzaskoma said. “The second year’s teaching goals are to thrive.”

Baffield gave Trzaskoma a ringing endorsement.

“I have never worked with a director that was not for the LCHS choir, so this is my first production ever outside of my high

ing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garﬁeld Road in Clinton Township, (586) 286-2222, macombcenter.com

Tree lighting: Entertainment includes Snow Sisters, Break Dancing Elves, The Mean One & The Who Girl, and NuClassica electro-pop musicians, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus and lighting of new tree, 5-7 p.m., also complimentary face painting, photo booth, and cider and doughnuts starting at 4 p.m., The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, shoppartridgecreek.com

NOV. 21

Rough Seas: The Edmund Fitzgerald: Explore famous Great Lakes shipwreck, 10 a.m.-noon, Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garﬁeld Road in Clinton Township, lorenzoculturalcenter.com

NOV. 24

Christmas in Vienna: Performance by Vienna Boys Choir, 3 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garﬁeld Road in Clinton Township, (586) 2862222, macombcenter.com

school and I just have to congratulate Trzaskoma,” Baffield said. “Trzaskoma is one of the best directors I’ve ever had. He gives so many good ideas and I feel better about my acting any time I work with him.”

As students and staff prepare to tell a story that rings close to home, their goal is to leave audiences with a simple message: It is easy to be nice.

“I really think that this will teach the audience that it doesn’t take a lot to be nice to someone, but also it’s really easy to be mean to someone,” Houle said. “There’s a big dif-

ONGOING

Santa photos: Select times Nov. 18-Dec. 24 (except Thanksgiving), also bring dogs Dec. 2-8, Cabin at the Creek at The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall

ference between the two but sometimes they come so close that it’s hard to tell the difference.”

“Mean Girls: High School Version” will play at the John R. Armstrong Performing Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. General admission is $14 and $10 for seniors, students, and L’Anse Creuse Public Schools faculty and staff. A talkback with the cast will be held after both performances.

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

Road in Clinton Township, reservations encouraged for people and required for pets, shoppartridgecreek.com

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, visit candgnews.com/calendar.

Photo by Dean Vaglia

Junior Rowan Westermann, left, receives advice from senior August Rau and sophomore Sean Barkley about surviving high school as they rehearse a scene between the characters Cady Heron, Janis Sarkisian and Damian Hubbard from the musical “Mean Girls: High School Version” on Halloween in the Frederick V. Pankow Center backstage rehearsal room.

Partridge

from page 3A

mall. Other 2024 additions include HopCat, Kids Empire and Andiamo’s Pasta & Chops.

Hot Topic is slated to arrive in December and Kiki Café & Brunch will move in by the end of the year, according to Morang.

One significant exit at Partridge Creek was Bobcat Bonnie’s, which came to the mall in 2020 and closed its doors Aug. 25.

Morang said, though she didn’t know the precise number, that only a few available spots remain at the mall.

Partridge Creek has some new tenants outside of the typical retail stores. One of the most significant is Powerhouse Gym, which is moving into the former Carson’s space. Morang said the location will be the largest in the United States.

“It will be state of the art,” Morang said of the gym. “We’re excited for that to open in 2025.”

Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon said the mall has done a lot to attract “quality” tenants.

“They’ve done a great job since they’ve been there,” Cannon said.

House of Sports, an offshoot of Dick’s Sporting Goods, was slated to arrive at the

mall in the former Nordstrom space. In July, Cannon commented on the proposed tenant but said the final contracts were not in place.

“There’s no update at this time,” Morang said of the space. “Our leasing team is diligently working on getting that space leased, but there’s no update at this time.”

For Christmas, the mall will offer shoppers a few additional options. See’s Candies will open for the holiday season only, according to Morang. The tree lighting will be Nov. 17. Santa will help out with the event and be available the following day for any Christmas

requests. Time with Santa can be booked at shoppartridgecreek.com.

“We have a lot going on in November/ December,” Morang said. “Very, very excited to go into the holiday season with so many new stores that have opened and restaurants.”

Nearby Lakeside Mall, which opened in 1976, closed its doors July 1. According to a C & G Newspapers article, the space will transition into a mixed-use district including multiple neighborhoods.

Cannon said once the Lakeside site takes

shape, it’ll only help Partridge Creek with the developments complementing one another.

“The fact that Lakeside closed helped Partridge temporarily,” Cannon said. “Long term, I think when Lakeside and Sterling Heights get their mall back together — I think it’s going to take a long time — it will only help Partridge Creek.”

Morang said Partridge Creek’s open-air mall is unique in the industry.

“It’s so different than anything in the market, so it’s really an exciting space to be in right now,” Moran said.

The Mall at Partridge Creek has brought in several new tenants in 2024, including Andiamo Pasta & Chops and HopCat. Photo provided by The Mall at Partridge Creek

Macomb

for sheriff ran well into election night and the morning after, and the race was not called in Wickersham’s favor until 10:53 a.m. on Nov. 6. At press time, Wickersham garnered 255,475 votes (52.02%) over Republican challenger Terence Mekoski’s 233,539 votes (47.55%).

“Each year it gets closer and closer, and I’m honored that the residents of Macomb County elected me to be their sheriff for the next four years,” Wickersham said.

The close nature of the race tracked with a state and county that furthered its reputation as a Republican stronghold, but Wickersham was quick to downplay the idea of his approach to the office as partisan.

“For the last four years it’s been this way, starting in 2016, and to be honest with you I try to stay out of the political arena,” Wickersham said. “I’m a law enforcement (and) corrections professional and that’s the job I want to do. Obviously, I know the sheriff’s position is political and partisan, so you’ve got to pick a side. I just want the people of Macomb County to know that as Sheriff, I put the roles and responsibilities first before the politics.”

Wickersham plans to continue the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office’s focus on completing the central intake and assessment center at the Macomb County Jail, hiring deputies for contracted policing areas, the office’s focus on proactive policing and, ultimately, reducing crime.

“I’ve been the sheriff for 14 years and now I have another four to complete my projects, my missions and to do the job that I love.”

In the prosecutor race, Republican Peter Lucido received 279,131 votes (56.91%) at press time, besting Democrat Christina Hines, who received 209,233 votes (42.66%).

Lucido said he was honored and humbled that the election results showed a lot of good things had happened since he took office that allowed him to clean the office up.

“And to move forward now and show the people with hard work, determination you can succeed at anything

you do,” Lucido said. “And that’s what we’ve done. We’ve done a great job. The entire office is now motivated to do the things that needed to be done.”

Hines said in a text she thanks those who supported her and that the experience was incredible.

“The people I met, the conversations we had, the organizing we did — this is the actual work of democracy, and I am so grateful for this experience and for the remarkable work that so many people did every day for this campaign,” Hines said in the text. “It is not the outcome we hoped for, but I believe that we made a difference in our community, and I am looking forward to doing absolutely everything I can to continue to strengthen our community and fight for what is right.”

In the treasurer race, Republican Larry Rocca received 277,780 votes (57.97%) and Democrat Matthew Churchwell received 198,930 votes (41.52%).

Rocca said he is humbled to have the support of Macomb County residents.

“I continue to do a good job for the citizens of Macomb County and make this county the greatest county in Michigan,” Rocca said.

Churchwell said he thinks his campaign ran a great race.

“We have, just the rest of the party, a whole lot to learn,” Churchwell said. “I give my best to Larry. I think he’ll serve faithfully and serve the constituents in Macomb County and we’ll look to the next one.”

In the public works commissioner race, Republican Candice Miller received 301,853 votes (51.06%), Democrat Kevin Higgins received 170,011 votes (44.29%) and Libertarian Jim Fulner received 12,274 votes (3.81%).

Miller said she is honored the people of Macomb County gave her another four years to continue as public works commissioner.

“I ran this race basically on my record over the last eight years, previous eight years,” Miller said. “And really that focus has been and will continue to be how we can improve on water quality because water quality equals quality of life. And then also how our department can be a critical component of economic prosperity for the county.”

Higgins had no comment on the race.

Runner

from page 8A

with this sport and to show that I have support when I need it,” Soviar said.

But it’s not just the growth as a runner or physical growth where Soviar has drastically improved, but also as a young man overall.

He excels as a student, and Steven Soviar said running has helped him grow.

“First, I think it just instills more confidence in him, especially when he wins a race,” Steve Soviar said. “It really tells the tale that if you put in the hard work like he does and the dedication, you get the reward from it. I think he definitely sees that.”

Similar to Carl Lewis, who is a part of Soviar’s extensive autograph collection, the dreams of reaching the Olympics are at the forefront.

Soviar said he’s eyeing the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, but before then he’ll have a four-year career at Fraser High School, where his 10-year-old sister, Kaitlyn Soviar, will join him his senior year.

Kaitlyn Soviar has taken up running herself since her older brother laid the groundwork, and even competed in meets as well.

By next year, it might be time to look at Fraser High School with your full focus as Soviar makes his initial start toward his Olympic dreams.

It’s been a journey he would’ve never anticipated as basketball was at the forefront just two years ago, but now it has become all he knows.

“It’s a better therapy,” Soviar said. “It runs off my stress, or when I get home and have homework and get it all done and I’m stressed, running takes it all away.”

Sheetz

is not in the best interest of the community,” Schornak said. “Even though I 100% want to move this community forward, I 100% want to be business friendly, you have to weigh that against the people who live here 24-7 365 days a year.”

Mayor Michael Lesich echoed Schornak’s comments.

“We really have to work harder to figure out what we want to be,” Lesich said. “Do we want to be a spot on the map between Roseville and Clinton Township? Or do we want to be something more that I think we all moved to Fraser for?”

Councilman Kenny Perry made the motion seconded by Sutherland. Sutherland, O’Dell, Baranski and Stein voted in favor of the conditional rezoning. Mayor Micheal Lesich and Schornak voted against it.

Following the comments of the council members, Francesca Lucido responded to those who said they grew up in the community and enjoyed its small-town feel.

“It’s upsetting because I feel like, as a young family, I’m being robbed of that opportunity,” Lucido said. “Especially with my children being so close to three gas stations on one corner.”

Is it still on?

The meeting itself was controversial. It was originally set for 6 p.m. on Oct. 30 after a vote at the City Council’s Sept. 26 special meeting. A venue wasn’t agreed upon but was later confirmed to be at the senior center.

Before the hearing, Sheetz announced it was not going to give a presentation at the special meeting based on “new information.” This changed on the eve of the meeting. Harry Hammel of Planit, a media agency that represents Sheetz, released a statement explaining that the company would attend.

“Yesterday, local officials agreed to delay tomorrow’s presentation to a later date as they had just shared with Sheetz new project updates,” Hammel said in an email. “After further collaboration with city leaders, and very recent changes to the public approval process, Sheetz will now be presenting at tomorrow’s hearing. Our goal has always been to work together to build a store that is reflective of the community, and we look forward to sharing our current plans with residents at tomorrow’s hearing.”

Many residents who stepped up to the podium expressed confusion about whether the Oct. 30 meeting would even happen, citing conflicting reports on social media.

Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.

Civil Service Ordinance, possession of a

Michigan driver’s license and a good driving record.

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

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A couple in the first block of Christ Church Lane contacted police at 8:38 p.m. Oct. 13 after seeing an unknown man prowling around their home and trying to open the front door.

One of the homeowners told police the suspect came to the front door and knocked, and when the homeowner answered, the suspect said there were two men hiding in the couple’s bushes. The homeowner allowed the suspect to enter his home.

Police said the suspect — a 59-year-old Shelby Township man — told officers several times he was running away from two men who had been shooting at him and there were bullet holes in his vehicle, which he claimed to have parked on the next block. Police said the suspect, for whom the department already had a warrant, has been arrested before for breaking and entering homes. He was also wanted on two felony warrants out of Macomb County for shoplifting.

The suspect, who was arrested for prowling and on the warrants, reportedly refused to cooperate for booking photos or fingerprinting, telling police he knew he could be charged for refusing and police could just add his refusal to the list of charges against him. Police said the suspect told them he intended to return to the Farms, slash the tires of every vehicle in the City Hall parking lot, break whatever he could and break into homes and steal items from residents of the city.

Police said there were no reports of anyone firing weapons in the city, contrary to the suspect’s allegation that he was being shot at by a pair of men in a white vehicle. Police told the couple that the suspect was someone known to them and they needed to be more careful about letting strangers into their home.

Scam under investigation

GROSSE POINTE CITY — A Grosse Pointe City resident contacted police Oct. 24 after receiving a call from someone claiming to be a Wayne County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant. According to a police report, the suspect asked the resident to report to the Sheriff’s Office about a subpoena in a juvenile case. The incident was under investigation.

Young suspects arrested in larceny attempt

GROSSE POINTE PARK — Two young male suspects from Detroit — one of whom was 12 and one of whom was 13 — were arrested after police said they were seen entering an unlocked vehicle while it was parked in the area of Buckingham Road and Mack Avenue at around 1:27 a.m. Oct. 26. The juvenile suspects, who police said were accompanied

and for attempted larceny and were turned over to their parents.

Missing mower reported

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 4 p.m. on Oct. 22, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the 19000 block of Lakeland Drive for a missing push lawn mower.

A 41-year-old male resident was reportedly mowing his front lawn when he decided to stop around 1:40 p.m. for a 15– to 20-minute break. Upon returning from his break, the mower was not on the driveway where he placed it.

Sweets reportedly stolen

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 22, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to Target, on Hall Road, after loss prevention caught an 18-year-old man and 17-year-old girl trying to leave with unpaid merchandise.

The two suspects, both from Macomb Township, were caught after failing to scan about $24 worth of candy, chips and drinks. The activity was reportedly caught on security cameras. The 18-year-old reportedly told deputies he was scanning too quickly, but then said he did not have the money for the merchandise after being told the video footage appeared to show him not scanning the items at all.

Deputies arrested the 18-year-old for third-degree retail fraud, while the 17-year-old was released at the scene after her mom was informed of the incident.

Copper wire theft reported

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — In the late morning of Oct. 21, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Mistwood Estates housing development by an electrical contractor about a theft of electrical wire.

The contractor’s company installed 6-foot sections of copper wire in the newly built homes around the development on Oct. 18. When an electrician arrived for work on Oct. 21, they discovered copper wires were stolen in 17 of the development’s homes. The estimated value of the stolen wire sections is $340.

Road rage assault reported

MACOMB TOWNSHIP— At around 2:10 p.m. on Oct. 20, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the corner of Chateau Thierry and La Grande boulevards for a road rage incident.

According to witnesses, a 25-year-old Richmond woman was angry that another driver “would not let

and getting out to confront them. The other driver, a 38-year-old Macomb Township woman with her 13-year-old son, exited her car and began getting pushed by the Richmond woman. The 13-year-old then got out of the car to break up the fight, getting pushed and punched in the face by the Richmond woman. The 13-year-old, in turn, punched the Richmond woman, sending her to the ground; the woman initially claimed the Macomb Township residents assaulted her when deputies arrived.

Medical assistance was provided and neither party pursued charges.

Attempted break-in reported

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 11:20 a.m. on Oct. 19, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the home of a 46-year-old man in the 17000 block of Kensington Drive after someone attempted to break in.

At around 9:10 p.m. the prior night, a doorbell camera caught footage of a man in dark clothes, gloves and a mask trying to pry and kick his front door open. The man gave up around 9:17 p.m., just before the resident arrived home from work. The damage was not discovered until the next morning.

Drunken driver blames police

MOUNT CLEMENS — At around 2 a.m. on Oct. 13, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies performed a traffic stop just over the Harrison Township/ Mount Clemens border. An erratically driving Jeep Grand Cherokee was pulled over near the intersection of Rathbone Avenue and Avery Street.

The driver, a 23-year-old Harrison Township woman, was upset with the deputies and blamed them for driving too close, thus pressuring her into swerving. She told deputies she had two drinks before leaving the bar she worked at.

Deputies performed field sobriety tests, and a breath test registered a 0.11 blood alcohol content. The woman was arrested.

Drugs and gun found in vehicle

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A Shelby Township police officer observed a vehicle parked and running at a gas station for a significant amount of time at 4:32 a.m. Oct. 8. The officer went to check on the driver and found him slumped over the wheel.

The officer made contact with him and asked for identification. The driver attempted to locate his ID and accidentally pulled out a bag containing unknown pills, according to the report. The driver exited the vehicle, and police conducted a search of his vehicle. The officer located a loaded gun tucked next

driver was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of dangerous drugs.

Exhausts totaling $35,000 stolen from vehicles ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:19 p.m.

Taquito

STERLING HEIGHTS NAMED NO. 1

U.S. CITY FOR KEEPING SKIN YOUTHFUL

STERLING HEIGHTS — The online beauty shop LOOKFANTASTIC recently revealed a study that says Sterling Heights is the No. 1 U.S. city for slowing down skin aging. Sterling Heights’ overall rating was 81.15 out of 100, just 0.1 ahead of second-place Anchorage, Alaska.

“Sterling Heights has an extremely high quiet area score, which means residents can get lots of beauty sleep, helping to slow down signs of aging,” LOOKFANTASTIC said in a press release.

“The city has 1901 sunlight hours and a low average UV index of 2.92 throughout the year, which means residents can enjoy the sun without the harsh effects of UV radiation.”

Ann Arbor also made the study’s top 10 list, at ninth place. Learn more about the study by visiting lookfantastic.com/c/health-beauty/face/best-cities-to-keepskin-youthful.

Museum remembers U.S. Navy pilot on 100th birthday

FERNDALE — On his 100th birthday, the Ferndale Historical Museum remembered the life of Ferndale resident Judson Neff Berger, a U.S. Navy pilot who died in an airplane crash. Berger, born Oct. 14, 1924, grew up in Ferndale, having lived on West Oakridge Street, and graduated from Ferndale Schools. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943.

On March 17, 1946, Berger and four other pilots were at Naval Air Station Grosse Ile to sign out three aircraft, SNJ5 advanced trainers. That afternoon, Berger’s aircraft spun out of control and crashed in what is known today as Geary Park, then known as Catalpa Park.

According to the Historical Museum, the aircraft was traveling at an estimated

and came to rest behind