WINTER 2024 FOUNTAIN NEWSLETTER
Election results come in for Shelby Township and Utica
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP/UTICA — The votes are in and the election results for Shelby Township and Utica are done being tallied.
In the U.S. Senate race, Democrat Elissa Slotkin won election with 2,690,000 votes to Republican Mike Rogers’ 2,673,233 votes. The difference was 48.61% to 48.31%.
For the U.S. House of Representatives 10th District, incumbent Republican John James won reelection with 217,440 votes, or 51.13%, to Democrat Carl Marlinga’s 191,352 votes, or 44.99%. Working Class Party candidate Andrea L. Kirby received 11,152 votes, or 2.62%, and Libertarian Mike Saliba received 5,335 votes, or 1.25%.
In the 58th District state representative race, Republican Ron Robinson, a current Utica City Council member, defeated incumbent
INSIDE: Incumbents prevail in top Macomb offices/5A
LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM RETURNS TO UCS AFTER 10 YEARS
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A law enforcement program has returned to Utica Community Schools that allows high school students to learn about the career directly from a uniformed police officer after a nearly 10-year absence.
Through a partnership between Utica Community
Schools and Shelby Township, officer James Knobelsdorf is leading the yearlong career and technical education course on law enforcement.
Knobelsdorf, who is a 39-year veteran of law enforcement and a certified career and technical education instructor, was previously the school resource officer at Eisenhower High School.
Knobelsdorf said the yearlong course is designed to show all facets of law enforcement careers, including
serving as an officer and working in a forensics lab. The course can also serve as a background to study law.
“It is yearlong. In order to fulfill the articulation agreement with Macomb Community College, it needs to be a year long. My main goal is for students to see what the job is. When they leave here, I want them to be able to say, ‘Yes, this is a career I want to investigate,’ or ‘No, this is not the job for me,’” he said.
See PROGRAM on page 10A
Voters cast their votes at St. John Vianney. Catholic Church in Shelby Township Nov. 5.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
SEAFOOD
FLOUR
The Michigan School Public Relations Association has awarded the 2024 Gerri Allen School Communicator of the Year Award to Utica Community Schools Director of School and Community Relations Tim McAvoy.
UCS DIRECTOR WINS
2024 GERRI ALLEN SCHOOL COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Tim McAvoy, Utica Community Schools director of school and community relations, has added another award of recognition during his 14 years with Utica Community Schools.
The Michigan School Public Relations Association has awarded McAvoy with the 2024 Gerri Allen School Communicator of the Year Award.
McAvoy said this award wouldn’t happen without the district, and he said it’s a privilege to tell the story of UCS every day.
“Receiving this recognition from an organization such as MSPRA is a true honor,” he said.
Robert S. Monroe, Utica Community Schools Superintendent, said the district has much to celebrate in the work of its students and staff.
See MCAVOY on page 10A
SHELBY TOWNSHIP HONORS VETERANS
ABOVE: Veterans from the Army stand and salute during the “Armed Forces Medley” performed by the Lakeside Assembly of God Church Choir. Members of each branch of the military at the ceremony were recognized during the medley.
LEFT: Shelby Township Veterans Event Coordinator Phil Randazzo leads the placement of a wreath at the Shelby Township Veterans Memorial during the township’s Veterans Day ceremony held on Sunday, Nov. 10.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Photo provided by Jennifer Kane
Election
Democrat Nate Shannon with 24,915 votes to Shannon’s 21,929 votes. There were 306 write-in votes and a total of 47,150 votes cast.
For the 59th District representative in the state Legislature, a two-year term, results showed that incumbent Republican Douglas Wozniak won the seat once again with 38,053 votes, or 68.58%, and Democrat Jason Pulaski got 17,432 votes, or 31.42%. There were a total of 55,783 votes cast, including 298 write-ins.
In the 1st District of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, incumbent Republican Don Brown won reelection with 30,376 votes to Democrat Susan Hier’s 11,498 votes. There were 118 write-ins and 41,992 votes cast.
For the County Commissioner in the 3rd District, Incumbent Republican Sylvia Grot received 24,099 votes, or 62.92%, and Democrat Ken Reid received 14,005 votes or 36.57% of the votes. There were 194 writein votes and a total of 38,298 votes were cast.
In the county commission’s 7th District, incumbent Republican James M. Perna received 24,332 votes to Democrat Edlira Sako’s 15,108 votes. There were 149 write-in votes and 39,589 votes overall.
For the Utica Community Schools Board of Education, there were three seats to be chosen. Incumbent Kimberly Becker received 35,918 votes, or 19.80%; incumbent Kelli Rankin received 35,448, or 19.54%; and Michael Austerman received 34,365, or 18.94%, to win the three six-year terms. Those who were not elected were Michelle Franzen with 25,896 votes, or 14.27%; Renee Chaptini Godwin with 19,405, or 10.70%; Kris Stepien with 15,912, or 8.77%; and Donesa Crivella with 11,346, or 6.25%. There were 3,144 write-in votes among a total of 181,434 votes cast.
In Utica, Mayor Gus Calandrino ran unopposed and was reelected with a total of 2,010 votes.
For the Utica City Council, three fouryear terms were up for election. Incumbent Faith Terenzi received 1,305 votes or 29.29%; incumbent Thom Dionne received 1,298, or 29.14%; and Lou Backus received 1,047, or 23.50%, to win the terms. Ed Van Slambrouck received 732 votes, or 16.43%,
to finish fourth. There 73 write-in votes and a total of 4,455 votes cast.
For the Shelby Township supervisor position, incumbent Republican Rick Stathakis ran unopposed for a four-year term and won reelection with 35,937 votes, or 96.81%. There were 1,184 write-in votes and a total of 37,121 votes cast.
For the Shelby Township clerk position, incumbent Republican Stanley Grot ran unopposed for a four-year term and won reelection with 34,364 votes, or 95.97%. There were 1,442 write-in votes and a total of 35,806 votes cast.
For the Shelby Township Treasurer position, incumbent Republican James Carabelli won reelection to a four-year term with 31,074 votes, or 66.65%. Democrat Darcy Lewis received 15,327 votes, or 32.87%. There were 223 write-in votes and a total of 46,624 votes cast.
For the Shelby Township Board of Trustees, there were four four-year terms available. Incumbent Republicans Lisa Casali, who received 31,456 votes, or 22.55%; Lucia Dicicco, who received 30,827, or 22.10%; Vince Viviano, who received 30,539, or 21.90%; and John Vermeulen, who received 29,254, or 20.98%, won reelection. Democrat James Diez recieved 16,552 votes, or 11.87%. There were 841 write-in votes and a total of 139,469 votes cast.
In the contested race for a non-incumbent position as judge of the 41A District Court, Eric Shepherd won election to a six-year term with 62,808 votes to Pat Sierawski’s 57,582 votes. There were 2,661 write-ins and a total of 123,051 votes cast.
It was status quo in the Macomb Community College Board of Trustees race, where five candidates ran for two six-year terms. Incumbents Roseanne DiMaria and Joan Flynn were reelected to the board. DiMaria received 135,647 votes while Flynn received 117,414 votes.
Joseph Backus, Eugene Groesbeck and Jon Lafferty failed to receive enough votes to get elected to the board. According to the Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office, Backus received 111,710 votes, 89,942 voters supported Groesbeck and Lafferty received 77,972 votes.
Maria Allard contributed to this report. Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.
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INCUMBENTS PREVAIL IN TOP MACOMB OFFICES
BY ERIC CZARNIK, ALYSSA OCHSS AND 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.
“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 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%).
See MACOMB on page 8A
Unsung defensive hero seals district title for Dakota in 41-14 win over Eisenhower
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — The Macomb Dakota defense has been highly discussed throughout the course of the season, and for good reason.
Dakota has guys like senior defensive lineman Logan Criteser, who just broke the single-season school sack record with 14.5, and a host of other talented athletes like seniors Aiden Lindsay (DL), Tyler Torey (DL), Brady Hamby (LB), Di’Mari Malone (LB) and Jacob Bajis (DB) leading the way.
There’s no shortage of leadership and talent, but sometimes it’s the player who doesn’t make the weekly headlines who ignites the defense.
As Dakota (10-1) exacted its revenge Nov. 8 at Dakota High School for a regular season loss to Utica Eisenhower (8-3), who beat Dakota 21-14 Oct. 11 for a share of the Macomb Area Conference Red title, it was junior defensive back Dominic Vanvliet who had his moment in the spotlight, tallying two interceptions, including a would-be game-sealing interception late in the third quarter.
“I’ve never had a game like this,” Vanvliet said. “Hopefully I keep it up and my team keeps it up and we just keep going in the playoffs.”
Vanvliet’s first interception of the night came late in the third quarter as Dakota held onto a 27-14 lead. The Eagles defense had just forced a punt following a defensive stop on the Cougars offensive unit, and Vanvliet came up big on the ensuing play.
Eisenhower senior quarterback Jack Bullock looked for a deep post toward the middle of the field, and Vanvliet was waiting as he played under the route and leaped up for the interception.
The Dakota offense, courtesy of senior running back and MAC Red Co-MVP Brady Hamby, marched down the field, and Hamby punched in a 1-yard touchdown, giving Dakota a 34-14 lead with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.
For anyone who hasn’t had the chance to watch a Dakota football game yet this season, Hamby on his own makes it worth the trip. He’s the Cougars’ bell cow, and he has no problem carrying the ball 30 times if it means a win for his squad.
“He’s a player of the year candidate in my opinion,” Dakota head coach Greg Baur said. “I know there’s a lot of guys out there with five stars and a lot of offers, but if you want to win a football game, you want that kid on your team.”
Hamby finished the night with 32 carries for 175 yards and four touchdowns while also leading the Dakota defense in total
SPORTS
tackles with seven.
Criteser led the team in sacks with 2.5, and erupted the Dakota crowd with a 10-yard touchdown on a scoop-and-score off an errant option pitch from Bullock to senior running back Mason Korn.
Eisenhower struck first when junior Braylon Burnside read a bubble screen to perfection and jumped the route, catching Dakota senior Jadon Ford’s pass in stride and taking it in for the 15-yard pick-six.
Bullock would bring the Eagles back to within a score on a 2-yard touchdown run seconds before halftime to trail 20-14, but it was the Hamby show from there.
Malone also had a 5-yard touchdown run for Dakota in the win.
It was a night-and-day difference from the regular season matchup between both squads, where a costly fumble ultimately played the difference maker in Eisenhower’s win. This time, Dakota made the costly turnover mistake early and won the turnover battle as a whole, allowing one and forcing three.
“If you get turnovers, you’re going to win a lot of games, especially playoff games,” Baur said. “We’ve been preaching to not turn it over, and we did that in the first play, but we’ve also been preaching to take it away.”
For Eisenhower, it’s a crushing end to a rather incredible season — one that entered with question marks and soon held state title aspirations.
Similar to last season, the Eagles will graduate another starstudded class, especially with players who have been mainstays over the course of their high school careers.
“All the four years I’ve been on the team, this is probably one of the closest teams I’ve been on,” Eisenhower senior Conner Temple said. “We all bonded well and we all had fun, but when it was time to lock in and play, we did that. It was just an awesome experience to play with these guys.”
“They (Eisenhower) took me in at a young age, and I learned from a lot of older guys,” Temple added. “Eisenhower football means family to me, and it means going out there and playing for the guy next to you.”
Dakota will now open regionals against Detroit Cass Tech, who is 4-0 against the Cougars in the playoffs since 2010, including a 35-21 win in 2022.
The Cougars now have 14 district championships along with two state titles to their name (2006 & 2007).
ABOVE: Macomb Dakota senior Brady Hamby dives into the endzone for one of his four touchdowns as Dakota defeated Utica Eisenhower 41-14 Nov. 8 at Dakota High School. BELOW: Utica Eisenhower junior Braylon Burnside does a lap around the endzone after returning an interception for a touchdown on the first play of the game.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
Confidence, comradery showcase bright future for MAC hockey
RECAP OF MAC HOCKEY MEDIA DAY
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
MACOMB COUNTY — As L’Anse Creuse Unified head coach Jon Nader said before the night began, the Macomb Area Conference was “flying by the seat of our pants” as nine teams gathered for the inaugural media day event.
Media days have been extinct for several years in the MAC across all sports, so it was a refreshing, exciting, and also anxious moment for MAC hockey as L’Anse Creuse Unified played host for the first-ever MAC hockey media day Nov. 4 at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North High School.
Coaches exchanged pleasantries and various team members from opposing schools conversed, ending in laughter and a sudden urge to step on the ice and show who the better team was this season.
But most importantly, it was a stepping stone in efforts for MAC hockey to grow its popularity and recognition in the path towards what other conferences have built on the hockey scene — such as the Oakland Activities Association and Kensington Lakes Activities Association.
Maybe it will set the tone for other MAC sports to bring back media days of their own, but for now, all the attention was set on the hockey scene and what each team is going to bring to the table this year.
Below is a summary of the local teams in the 2024-2025 MAC hockey field. For our full preview, go to candgnews.com.
Utica Eisenhower League: Macomb Area Conference Red
SPORTS
Last season’s record: 7-19-1
The bottom of the league is never the place you want to be, but Eisenhower isn’t letting last season’s struggles define who they are.
The Eagles 2024 graduation class certainly didn’t do this year’s squad any favors by taking away the top-six point scorers, but the returning core of senior forward/defenseman Adam Morrison, senior forward Brendan Chateau, and senior forward Jacob Blanzy, and senior defenseman Dylan Rodgers will help Eisenhower continue to progress.
“We have a lot of heart,” Chateau said. “We never give up. If we’re down two goals in the third, we’re going to score and come back.”
Eisenhower will also return all of its goaltenders from last season, bolstering the defensive side with veterans.
First-year head coach David Erwin will need his seniors to step up and be leaders if the Eagles are going to find their footing early, which has been a struggle in the past.
Building a successful foundation should be the point of focus for Eisenhower, and Morrison said he and the seniors are ready for the challenge.
“These kids are going to be playing for the next couple years, so if we want to keep growing the program we have to show these kids what to do in the future,” Morrison said.
Utica-Fraser Unified (Co-op of Utica, Utica Ford, Sterling Heights tevenson and Fraser) League: Macomb Area Conference Red Last season’s record: 11-14
What a year this could be for Utica-
Fraser Unified.
Holding only 16 players on the roster last season, and at some points just 10 skaters during games, Utica-Fraser Unified’s roster has retooled from 16 to 28 after Fraser and Sterling Heights Stevenson joined.
More players means more line changes and cool down periods for the team’s skaters, which bodes well for a team that won 11 games last season on the backs of a limited roster.
See HOCKEY on page 14A
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Photo by Erin Sanchez
Utica Eisenhower stands together at the Macomb Area Conference hockey media night Nov. 4 at Macomb
L’Anse Creuse North High School.
Utica-Fraser Unified stands together at the Macomb Area Conference hockey media night Nov. 4 at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North High School.
CRIME WATCH
Drunken driver causes crash
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 10:27 p.m. Oct. 16, police officers from Shelby Township responded to the area of Mound and West Utica roads for an injury crash. They met with both drivers; one of the drivers appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the crash. An officer conducted field sobriety tests and found that the at-fault driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department.
Police investigate altercation between mother and daughter
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers from the Shelby Township Police Department responded to the area of Dequindre and West Utica roads for a verbal argument between a mother and daughter at 1:39 p.m.
Macomb
from page 5A
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
Oct. 23. The daughter had left prior to the officers’ arrival, but the officers were able to speak with both parties involved. The mother reportedly stated that her daughter had thrown her belongings outside and a cup of warm coffee at her. Police forwarded this case to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office to seek charges for domestic assault.
Drunken driver falls asleep at wheel
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 3:30 a.m.
Oct. 23, an officer from the Shelby Township Police Department was dispatched to the area of 25 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue for a vehicle blocking the roadway. The officer observed that a woman was slumped over at the wheel. Once the occupant came to, she was able to follow commands to exit the vehicle. The officer conducted roadside field sobriety tests and then arrested the driver for operating while intoxicated. The driver was lodged at the Shelby Township Police Department until sober.
— Kara Szymanski
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.
NEWS & NOTES
APPLICATIONS TO OPEN FOR KRESGE ARTIST FELLOWSHIPS
METRO DETROIT — The Kresge Foundation and Kresge Arts in Detroit recently announced that Kresge Artist Fellowships will increase to $50,000 in 2025.
Artists residing in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties can apply for one of the 15 no- stringsattached prizes starting Dec. 2. The latest application guidelines are available now at kresgeartsindetroit. org.
The fellowships are funded by The Kresge Foundation and administered by Kresge Arts in Detroit, a program within the College for Creative Studies. The fellowships are for artists of all career stages and will continue to be offered in conjunction with 10 Gilda Awards of $5,000 each for early-career artists who are gaining momentum and who demonstrate exceptional potential through creative risk-taking and boundarypushing in their chosen forms.
Kresge Arts in Detroit also administers the Kresge Eminent Artist award. One Kresge Eminent Artist is named each January in recognition of a lifetime of artistic achievement and community contributions. That award increased from $50,000 to $100,000 with this year’s artist, Nora Chapa Mendoza.
The application opening in December is for Literary Arts and Visual Arts. The number of awards in the two categories will be proportional to the number of applicants in each. Applicants who choose so will be considered for Gilda Awards if they do not receive a fellowship.
Important dates: Nov. 1, 2024: Application guidelines available. Dec. 2, 2024: Online application opens. Jan. 16, 2025 by 11:59 p.m.: Application deadline.
OUR NEXT EDITION WILL DELIVER TO HOMES NOV. 25
Rainbow Connection to have local fundraiser
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Rainbow Connection, Michigan’s wish-making organization supporting children battling life-threatening illnesses, will host its “Celebration of Dreams” event at 5 p.m. Nov. 24 at The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township. Tickets start at $100 and can be purchased by visiting e.givesmart.com/events/zqx.
The Rainbow Connection’s kickoff to the holiday season will feature entertainment, holiday raffles and the popular “Gifts Galore” silent auction. With more than 120 items, the auction is aimed at helping attendees find the perfect gifts for everyone on their lists.
UTICA POLICE ASSIST FAMILY
UTICA — The Utica Police Department assisted a local family that was having an emergency last month. Officer Elizabeth Demuynck helped escort a young Sterling Heights couple who was racing to the hospital while actively in labor.
On the night of Oct. 17, Mary Weertz went into active labor one day before her due date. While prepared, she was caught off guard by the pain.
Her fiance, Austin Sadowski, jumped into action and got Weertz in their truck. He started racing them to the hospital. In the area of Hall Road and Van Dyke Avenue, Demuynck saw the young, panicked couple making an illegal turn.
Demuynck, who is a mother of two young children, quickly took action and escorted the couple to Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital. The story was covered nationally on ABC News. Demuynck later brought the couple a gift and posed for photographs and met Henry, who was born at 11:10 p.m. Oct. 17.
Former governor visits Utica
UTICA — On Oct. 23, former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder visited Utica. He visited Beninati Pool and Spa. He was joined by Councilman Thom Dionne, Councilwoman Faith Terenzi and Councilman Ron Robinson.
Utica meetings at City Hall
• Parks and Recreation Commission, 6 p.m. Nov. 13. Historic District Commission, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19.
Shelby Township meetings at Township Hall Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. Nov. 19. Planning Commission, 7 p.m. Nov. 25.
UNEXPECTED BRIDGE WORK TO DELAY
NORTHBOUND
M-53 PROJECT
UTICA — The Michigan Department of Transportation’s road project on the M-53 Van Dyke Freeway between Hall Road and 18 Mile Road has encountered some delays and is now expected to be complete at the end of the month, weather permitting.
The $16 million investment includes southbound M-53 (Van Dyke Freeway) being closed three weekends between Hall Road and 18 Mile Road for bridge work.
Due to rideability concerns on the southbound M-53 bridge over the Clinton River, contractors will need to close the bridge for approximately three weekends to repair the bridge approaches to ensure a smoother riding surface and improve drainage on the bridge. Southbound M-53 was closed from Hall Road to 18 Mile Road Nov. 9-11, and the plan is for it to be closed from 5 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, through 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18, and 5 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, through 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25.
Southbound M-53 traffic will be detoured via westbound M-59, southbound Mound Road, and eastbound 18 Mile Road back to southbound M-53.
Work on northbound M-53, which began in August, has had completion delayed to the end of the month due to the Utica Road bridge being in worse condition than expected.
Diane Cross at MDOT communications said the three weekends are expected to be enough time, although weather or unseen circumstances could always affect a schedule.
“The rough ride conditions on the bridge need to be addressed before winter,” she said.
She mentioned that in order for everyone to be safe on the roads, drivers absolutely must pay attention when behind the wheel.
She said crashes are preventable in many ways.
“With both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road … drive slowly and cautiously through all work zones,” she said.
— Kara Szymanski
Program
Upon completion of the program, students will have earned six college credits at Macomb Community College to help them work toward a post-secondary degree. There are currently 125 students enrolled in the program, according to the district.
Knobelsdorf said he brings in speakers with different law enforcement roles who relate the course of study to their personal work experiences. It is the blend of coursework and guest speakers that students reportedly like best about the course.
“I am also bringing in prosecutors and attorneys to talk about the legacy aspects of the career. Not everyone is going to be a police officer. I am bringing in a federal prosecutor and someone from the FBI to talk about their career pathway,” Knobelsdorf said.
The main goal is for students to see what the job is and also to see how the technology is used. Besides being a road patrol officer, students could become forensics officers with the Michigan State Police crime lab. The crime lab is a way to apply a chemistry and biology background in the law enforcement field.
He said the field might not be for everybody, but it has been for him.
“That’s why I am so passionate about this program. My son went through this very program in 2004. He wasn’t sure what
McAvoy
from page 3A
“Mr. McAvoy is continuously championing the successes of our school district and the people who make up our strong community,” he said.
The Gerri Allen School Communicator of the Year Award was designed to recognize the outstanding leadership and contributions of the recipient and reflects the highest award a school communicator can receive at the state level.
Monroe said McAvoy is an example of the district’s vision to empower students to positively transform their futures and the world.
“The impact of his work can be felt districtwide by all stakeholders, cementing his
he wanted to do until he took this class, and now he is a lieutenant in the Ann Arbor Police Department. He is extremely successful,” he said.
Issa Dababneh, a junior at Eisenhower High School, said the program interested him.
“I looked up the list of electives that I could take, and it was something I have always been interested in. I think it is a nice class. I like the teacher and how he gives us firsthand experience. He shows videos in class and talks about cases that happened. He brings in people to talk about their jobs in law enforcement,” he said.
Sarah LaRose, a senior at Utica High School, said she thought the course would be interesting.
“I like to learn about the laws and what you can and can’t do,” she said.
She said I think when he brings in guest speakers and they share their real work experience.
“I like how he brings in speakers because they can talk directly about the job,” she said.
While the program is only 2 months old, Knobelsdorf said he is pleased with how the students have responded to the class.
“I have some amazing young people in this class that no matter what they do, they are going to be successful. The support here for the class has been great,” he said.
Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.
legacy with UCS. McAvoy is a champion for positive stories that celebrate students and staff,” he said.
He said transparency in communications is a priority for the school district, and McAvoy is critical to that work.
Kelly Allen, Michigan School Public Relations Association president-elect, said McAvoy has served as a mentor to others in his district and to school communicators in his region and across the state.
“He is a leader who embodies communication excellence,” she said.
McAvoy will be honored by MSPRA at its annual conference in the spring and will be Michigan’s nominee for the National School Public Relations Association’s School Communicator of the Year Award.
Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.
Shelby Township Senior Center picks artist to feature to close out the year
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
SHELBY TOWNSIHP — Jill Ballantyne has been named as the Shelby Township Senior Center’s Featured Artist for the months of November and December.
Her display has been set up at the Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road.
Ballantyne grew up in Rochester, Michigan.
“Her dedication to art and her passion for natural health have shaped her into an extraordinary individual whose talents inspire everyone around her,” said Colton Heath, Jill Ballantyne’s son. “Her passion for truth trumps all this and is one of her defining features. My mother’s artistic journey began early, with notable achievements even as a child. In seventh grade, her teacher recognized her talent and entered her in an art contest, a pivotal moment that fueled her lifelong love for creation. Her original pieces and unique designs earned her numerous awards, underscoring her innate ability to capture beauty in her work.”
He said that despite marrying young at 19 and raising five children in both Shelby Township and Rochester as well as in Clearwater, Florida, she remained committed to nurturing her artistic skills while balancing her role as a dedicated mother.
“Her raising five children and battling through adversity shows why she is the person she is today. Not many people can take on the burdens of life like she has and still stoke a truthful artistic experience. In Florida, during a transformative period when
her husband’s career necessitated a move, my mother discovered her passion for photography. She embraced the emerging digital era, started her own photography business, and quickly became a recognized name, winning national and local awards. Her mastery of photography was complemented by her proficiency in PhotoShop, which she used judiciously to enhance her work without compromising its authenticity. She is the reason I have some top-tier photographs that cannot be rivaled,” he said.
Beyond photography, his mother’s creativity extended into furniture.
“She took great pride in working with glass and wooden frames, refurbishing them with meticulous care. Her innovative technique of reverse painting on glass — a method that reflects light and creates a fresh, custom aesthetic — garnered admiration and became popular among clients seeking distinctive home decor. Her ability to create her own paint medium exemplified her resourcefulness and commitment to originality. What sets my mother apart is not only her talent but also her unwavering dedication to her craft and the joy she finds in creating art that resonates with others,” Heath said.
He said his mother’s art is an extension of her vibrant spirit, embodying her belief that beauty can be found and expressed in countless ways.
“Her work, whether in photography, painting or furniture restoration, has brought light and inspiration to those who experience it. I know this, because I have her art decorating my home, and anytime I have friends over, her work is noticed and admired. Every day as I walk through my
home, I am able to enjoy the best her art has to offer. My favorite one is a small oceanfront house, surrounded by trees with a dock and a sailboat in the background. It makes you wish you were in the painting. I don’t think I’ll ever have to redecorate, because it is timeless,” he said.
He said her passion, creativity and commitment to her work make her an exceptional artist and an even more remarkable person.
Amanda Burgess Proctor, the owner of Dee Dee’s Fine Vintage, a home goods boutique in Clawson, said the business specializes in refreshing and rejuvenating old
furniture pieces, and in curating items from locally owned small businesses, especially those owned and operated by women.
“Jillian’s artwork is a perfect fit for Dee Dee’s; of course it is lovely to look at, but it also embodies our commitment to reimagining old things to make them new and beautiful. Jillian’s talent for turning reclaimed windowpanes and portrait frames into handpainted, one-of-a-kind pieces of wall art is truly special. She’s a delight to work with, and I’m so pleased to offer her art at my shop,” she said.
Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.
“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.”
Jill Ballantyne has been named the Shelby Township Senior Center’s featured artist for the months of November and December 2024.
Photo provided by Fu-Yuan Ciricola
0010-2446
0280-2419
“I feel like we’re going to be one of the better teams this year with the amount of players we have and the bodies keeping us fresh and energized,” junior goaltender Eli Chodun said.
Chodun is one of the primary returners this year alongside senior forward Niko Lajb (28 goals, 10 assists), sophomore forward Nate Sheridan (14 goals, 14 assists), and senior defenseman Ashtin Fertik (8 goals, 19 assists).
With more firepower and depth, expect Utica-Fraser Unified to showcase improvement, and potentially build towards something special in the coming years.
“Our offense has been really strong for us, and our goaltending has been really good too,” Lajb said. “I think we can beat a lot of people with our offense and goaltending.”
Chippewa Valley United (Co-op of Chippewa Valley and Macomb Dakota) League: Macomb Area Conference Red Last season’s record: 19-9
around the hockey program, posting 21 and 19 wins, respectively, the past two seasons while becoming regulars in the regional finals.
Now it’s about getting over the regional finals hump and making some noise in the tournament, and a playoff loss to league rival Romeo last season might be just exactly what the team needed.
“It’s honestly inspiration for us. I think we have the talent to come back and do it again,” junior forward Cameron Staskowski said. “We lost two years in a row, so we think this is our year.”
Posting 19 goals and 25 assists last season, Staskowski, who was voted team captain and second team all-state last year, leads an experienced group alongside senior forward and assistant captain Kevin Dolney (23 goals, 12 assists) and senior defenseman Andrew Johnston (4 goals, 16 assists).
Chippewa Valley united, comprised of Macomb Dakota and Chippewa Valley, formed a co-op for the first time last season as Chippewa Valley joined Dakota’s already established hockey program.
ing nine-straight wins, and playing its best hockey yet.
The 2025 campaign will be all about building off the success and finally capturing a regional championship, and who knows where the journey goes from there.
“We just have a really good bond on our team and we all get along,” Johnston said. “I think that will help us make a run this year because we have something to prove.”
L’Anse Creuse Unified
(Co-op
of LCN
and LC) League: Macomb Area Conference White Last season’s record: 12-14
The father-son trip with the whole team has been a tradition under head coach Jon Nader, which will feature three days and three cities this year with Tawas, Traverse City and Gaylord.
“It’s a lot of bonding time,” junior goaltender Perez Silva said. “Once we’re done with the bus trip we usually stay in rooms with our teammates. It’s just a great bonding experience where we can all get together and just really get close with each other before the season.”
that’s why a team that had sustained success in both the regular season and playoffs was eliminated in the first round.
But what each player agreed upon was that they’re coming into the season with a “chip on their shoulder,” and the weight of the success will be laid on its senior core consisting of senior forward Aiden Suchocki (14 goals, 13 assists), senior forward Justin Brooks (12 goals, 15 assists), senior forward Vince Pica (16 goals, 10 assists), and senior forward Drew Halaas (12 goals, 10 assists).
Expect junior forward Logan Jarvey (8 goals, 17 assists) and junior goaltender Perez Silva, who was 3-6 with a .913 save percentage, to also be standout players for L’Anse Creuse Unified as well.
L’Anse Creuse Unified’s season took a massive hit at the end of the year when it faced a 2-8 stretch, including seven-straight losses.
“We kind of switched up the lines a little bit and tried new things, and it just didn’t work out,” Jarvey said. “We were somewhat of a younger team. This year will be much better.”
With a motivated, veteran group, expect L’Anse Creuse Unified to significantly improve this year and return to its winning ways. Hockey from page 7A
This senior group has really turned
It took a moment for the team to gel and understand how each other plays, but by the end of the regular season Chippewa Valley United was on an 11-1 run, includ-
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
NOV. 13
Mistletoe Marketplace: Fundraiser for Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, includes luncheon, boutique shopping, raffles and auction, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, www.facebook.com/assistance leaguesoutheasternmichigan
NOV. 20
EmpowerHer: A Night of Hope for Turning Point: Benefits survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking, includes dinner, cocktails, music, raffles and more, 6-9 p.m., Cambria Hotel Detroit-Shelby Township, 50741 Corporate Drive in Shelby Township, turningpointmacomb.org
NOV. 23
Walk for the Red Charity Craft Show: Hosted by Neighbors United to benefit firefighters battling cancer, 40 artisans expected, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Disabled American Veterans Hall, 47326 Dequindre Road in Shelby Township, walkforthered.com, facebook.com/ neighborsunitedmi
NOV. 24
Wedding Garage Sale: 1-3 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, packardprovinggrounds.org/weddinggaragesale
Celebration of Dreams: Presented by The Rainbow Connection (supports kids battling life-threatening illnesses), features entertainment, holiday raffles, Gifts Galore silent auction, dinner and Wish Child Fashion Show, 5 p.m., The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, e.givesmart.com/events/zqx
NOV. 30-DEC. 1
Model Train Show: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, contact Mike at mikelj318@gmail.com or (248) 5094537, packardprovinggrounds.org/trainshow
ONGOING
Shelby Township Fine Art Society: Meets 6:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month through June, Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, also fall art show 9 a.m.-8 p.m. MondaysThursdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays until Nov. 25, Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., (586) 243-2056
Feeding Time: Learn about and see what animals eat, 1-2 p.m. Saturdays, Nature Center at Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Road in Shelby Township, metroparks.com/events
Shelby Writers’ Group: Meets 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., (586) 739-7414
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.
Monthly book clubs: Evening Book Club (meets 6:30 p.m. every second Tuesday), Mystery Book Club (10:30 a.m. every second Saturday) and Afternoon Book Club (1 p.m. every third Thursday), Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., also Not Your Parents’ Book Club (7 p.m. every last Tuesday), 22nd Street Steakhouse, 48900 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, shelbytwp.org/government/departments/library
• 11 a.m.-noon every first Friday, Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road, uticalibrary.com
Confident Communicators Club: Virtual meetings 8-9:30 a.m. every first and third Wednesday of month, confidentcommunicatorsclub.com
Open mic: Hosted by Shelby Music Society, 7 p.m. every second Saturday of month, doors at 6:30 p.m., Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, shelbymusic society@yahoo.com
Widowed Friends events: Breakfasts at 10:30 a.m. every third Tuesday of month, Pancake Factory, 13693 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township, call/text Ellen at (586) 489-2569
• Cards and games, noon-2:45 p.m. every fourth Friday of month, bring snack to share and own beverage, St. Therese of Lisieux, 48115 Schoenherr Road in Shelby Township, RSVP to Victoria at (586) 566-7936
Free medicare help: Hosted by Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and AgeWays, meet with trained counselor by appointment, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 6 and 18, Shelby Township Senior Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, (800) 803-7174
Line dancing and contra dancing: Sponsored by Oakland County Traditional Dance Society, line dancing from 7:30-9:30 p.m. every second Saturday of month and contra dancing from 7:30-10 p.m. every fourth Saturday of month, also lessons for beginners at 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, (248) 642-3306, info@octds.org, facebook.com/OCTDS
Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Virtual workshop hosted by AgeWays, learn to communicate with family and healthcare providers, reduce stress, guilt, anger and depression, and make difficult decisions, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays until Dec. 18, free but donations accepted, (833) 262-2200, wellnessprograms@ ageways.org, tinyurl.com/agewaysworkshops
Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups
- $64,230 annually (40 Hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required, and applicants must meet all requirements set forth 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
