STERLING CITES FEWER VIOLENT, PROPERTY CRIMES THAN PEER CITIES
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — Sterling Heights officials believe it’s safe to say yet again that their city is the safest big city in Michigan, based on recent FBI crime figures.
In October, the city announced that it has the lowest number of total violent and property crimes among Michigan cities with populations over 100,000, based on the FBI’s 2023 crime stats. The other big cities in that class are Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Warren, Dearborn and Ann Arbor, Sterling Heights officials said.
Sterling Heights had the lowest number among those cities for violent crime, which was tallied at 210. Sterling Heights’ violent crime totals were also lowest in all major subcategories, including murder/non-negligible homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.
In addition, Sterling Heights had the lowest number of property crimes among the big cities, with 2,522. It also had the lowest numbers of burglaries and larcenies among those cities. Ann Arbor had the lowest number of reported auto thefts, at 162, compared to Sterling Heights’ 219. Sterling Heights’ 11 arsons placed the city just a bit above Ann Arbor and Dearborn, which each had 10.
To compare Sterling Heights’ crime stats with its closest big-city
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Chocolate chip cookies decorated with the names of Vice President Kamala Harris and President-elect Donald Trump, as well as Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, are displayed as part of a cookie election at Mannino’s Bakery in Sterling Heights.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
SEAFOOD
FLOUR
Election night turns auspicious for Republicans
BY ERIC CZARNIK czarnik@candgnews.com
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — Over three decades after it happened, Manny Gonzales still remembers what he describes as “my best Thanksgiving ever.”
In the U.S. House of Representatives District 10 race, Republican John James won, earning about 51.1% of the vote compared to Democrat
STERLING HEIGHTS — Republican Donald Trump’s win of a second term as president, the unofficial results of state and county elections and the fate of Sterling Heights’ millage proposal were made clearer by Nov. 6, the day after Election Day.
See STERLING on page 6A
And for the 64-year-old Sterling Heights resident and veteran, that occasion wasn’t a time when he was surrounded by family, a feast or a football game. It was while on assignment overseas as a sergeant first class in the U.S. Army, and his meal options were far more limited.
Manny Gonzales sits while in uniform somewhere in the Middle East during the Gulf War in the early 1990s. Gonzales, a Sterling Heights resident and U.S. Army veteran, shared a story about his Thanksgiving while serving in Egypt over 30 years ago.
Photo provided
Voters fill out their ballots on Nov. 5, Election Day, at Sterling Heights High School in Sterling Heights.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
NEWS & NOTES
ARTS COMMISSION TO HOST FALL ART SHOW
The Sterling Heights Arts Commission is inviting the public to see and buy artwork from local artists and crafters at an inaugural Fall Art Show 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road. Admission and parking are free. Learn more by calling (586) 446-2489.
FILL OUT A COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY
Sterling Heights, in coordination with research and consulting firm Health Management Associates, is running a communitywide stakeholder survey on mental health. The goal is to collect data and use that toward completing an upcoming Community Assessment and Community Mental Wellness Strategic Plan. Sterling Heights residents and community partners are encouraged to take part and fill out the survey. City officials said the survey is meant to be filled out by adults, or minors’ parents or guardians, and the process should take around 10-12 minutes. Officials say they hope that any information offered by respondents will help shed light on the community’s mental health needs, possible health inequities, and the resources or services needed to remedy any problems. Find the survey by visiting bit.ly/3UrrX63. For more information, email akaur@healthmanagement.com or kbaldwin@sterlingheights.gov.
DODGE PARK ICE RINK TO REOPEN
The Dodge Park Ice Rink will return to the Dodge Park Farmers Market Pavilion, 40620 Utica Road, starting Dec. 1. General rink hours of operation will be noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays.
Before attending, call the weather hotline at (586) 446-2711 to confirm that the rink is open. Visit sterlingheights.gov/1650/Dodge-Park-Ice-Rink for more information on fees and rules.
STATE PROGRAM GIVES LIBRARY AIR FILTERS
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently gave the Sterling Heights Public Library six air filters as part of the agency’s MI Indoor Air Ventilation Program.
The library got the filters at no charge. The air ventilation program’s purpose is to purify indoor air and reduce the spread of airborne respiratory illness. According to the library, “these air filters remove 99.9% of particles as small as 0.1 microns.”
Sterling Heights Library Director Tammy Turgeon welcomed the new filters.
“Clean, healthy air is vital for our community, especially as our library continues to be a hub for residents of all ages,” Turgeon said. “We’re grateful for MDHHS’s efforts in providing these air filters, which will help keep our library a safe space for all.”
Learn more about the state’s air ventilation program by visiting michigan.gov/mdhhs.
YARD WASTE COLLECTION TO END SOON FOR YEAR
Sterling Heights city officials are reminding residents about the rules of yard waste disposal as the fall season winds down. According to the city, the last week for yard waste disposal is Dec. 9-13.
Leaves and branches may be bagged in paper yard waste bags or put in a qualified yard waste cart. The city says the paper bags can be bought at hardware stores, and each filled bag can’t be heavier than 50 pounds.
Residents may buy a 95-gallon yard waste cart from Priority Waste, and the cart can’t be heavier than 100 pounds when containing yard waste. Or residents may use a currently owned dark green trash cart from GFL Environmental Inc. so long as it has special stickers on both sides of it. Those stickers are available at City Hall or the city’s Department of Public Works building.
In addition, branches may be bundled, tied and put beside the waste cart for pickup so long as the branches are 4 feet or shorter.
Learn how to purchase a yard waste cart by visiting prioritywaste.com/waste-recycle-bin-order-form. For more information, visit sterlingheights.gov/2272/Were-on-a-Roll or call (586) 446-2440.
Editor: Annie Bates | (586) 498-1071 | abates@candgnews.com
Reporter: Eric Czarnik | (586) 498-1058 | eczarnik@candgnews.com
Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
| (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
For ad rates (586) 498-8100 Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099
Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com
Estate Advertising: Paula
498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
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 ELECTION on page 6A
Carl J. Marlinga’s 45%, Working Class Party candidate Andrea L. Kirby’s 2.6% and Libertarian Mike Saliba’s 1.3%.
In the Michigan House of Representatives District 58 race, with all precincts reporting, Republican Ron Robinson won with 52.8% of the vote against Democrat Nate Shannon’s 46.5%.
In the Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 5 race, with all 18 precincts reporting, Democrat Megan Kola received 12,209 votes, or about 36.8%, and Republican Don VanSyckel received 20,758 votes, or about 62.6%.
In the Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 6 race, with all 22 precincts reporting, Republican Joseph V. Romano emerged the victor with 21,028 votes, or 58.6%, while Democrat Matthew S. Smith got 14,640, or 40.8%.
In a Michigan Supreme Court justice race for a partial term ending Jan. 1, 2029, with all precincts reporting, Kyra Harris Bolden won statewide with 61.5% of the votes compared to Patrick William O’Grady with 38.5%.
As for the 15-year, 0.95-mill Sterling Heights millage proposal, aka the Pathway
Election
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
to Play and Preservation, it narrowly won among city voters. With all 40 precincts reporting, 30,439 votes, or about 50.6%, were in favor, while 29,724 votes, or 49.4%, were opposed. That millage promised to raise $92 million to pay for sidewalks, trees, open space land purchases, and parks and recreation improvements, including a pickleball facility, among other things.
In a text message, Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor was excited about the proposal’s success.
These projects will improve overall quality of life for residents throughout the city, provide new recreational amenities and its effects will benefit the city for generations,” Taylor said.
“I think it succeeded because Sterling Heights residents want to see their city continually improved and trust that these investments in the community will benefit their families. I’m sure a lot of people saw how successful Recreating Recreation was and wanted more.”
At press time, voter turnout in Sterling Heights precincts ranged from 49.2% to about 79.1%. With all precincts reporting, the Macomb County average was 69.9%.
Learn more about local election results by visiting macombgov.org/departments/ clerk-register-deeds/elections or by visiting mvic.sos.state.mi.us.
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.
A banner beckons people to vote outside a Sterling Heights precinct at Sterling Heights High School.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
CANDIDATES, COACH FACE OFF IN BAKERY’S COOKIE ELECTION
BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — As Democrats and Republicans vied to win hearts and minds during this campaign season, a Sterling Heights bakery was running its own poll on locals’ appetites.
Mannino’s Bakery in Sterling Heights has recently been continuing its tradition of holding a mock election where customers show their support for the major presidential candidates by buying cookies. The contest started Oct. 8 and ended on Election Day.
Florence Manenti, who works at the bakery and is the mother of bakery co-owner Mario Spagnuolo, told the Sentry Oct. 30 that Mannino’s original ownership started the cookie election tradition in the 1980s.
She said that tradition has continued over the years — as Mario and Marie Spagnuolo took over the bakery around nine years ago. And according to her, the contest’s winner each presidential election year has been right except for 2020.
Manenti said the event was fun for the staff.
“It’s fun. It’s just camaraderie,” she said. “Somebody comes in and buys a Harris cookie; somebody comes in and buys a Trump cookie. They have a little bit of banter, friendly banter, back and forth. And you know, it’s just something that they enjoy.”
When customers “voted” in the contest, they purchased chocolate chip cookies that had the Republican or Democratic candidate’s name on them. President-elect Donald Trump’s cookie was frosted red, and Vice President Kamala Harris’ cookie was frosted blue.
For customers who preferred neither of those candidates, a fantasy third-party option existed: Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions. His cookie was decorated with his team’s colors: blue lettering on white frosting.
On Oct. 30, Trump was winning Mannino’s contest with 856 cookies sold, followed by Harris with 732. Campbell had 689. On Nov. 6, the day after Election Day, the bakery said the final count was 1,350 for Trump, 1,197 for Harris and 1,083 for Campbell.
The contest was by no means scientific in predicting who would win on Election Day. Customers had no limit on the number of cookies they could buy, so they were allowed to figuratively stuff ballots along with their stomachs. However, it could informally reflect enthusiasm for the candidates.
During the afternoon of Oct. 30, Republican U.S. Rep. John James, who had been campaigning for reelection, visited the bakery and made an order for various baked goods, including five Trump cookies and three Campbell ones.
James commented on the contest’s signage, which showed a photo of Harris by her party’s donkey logo and a photo of Trump by the GOP’s elephant logo. Campbell’s animal, James concluded, must be the lion.
“You know what? I’ll tell you what,” James said. “If that was an actual election … I think most people in this town would vote for Dan Campbell.”
Mannino’s Bakery is located at 4062 17 Mile Road in Sterling Heights. Learn more by visiting manninosbakery.com or by calling (586) 978-8166.
A Mannino’s Bakery staff member grabs a Dan Campbell cookie.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
CRIME WATCH
Woman steals lottery tickets
According to police, a convenience store in the 3000 block of 14 Mile Road reported that a woman — approximately 40 years old – asked a clerk for lottery tickets Oct. 27 and allegedly grabbed them and left without paying after the tickets were placed on the counter. The suspect reportedly escaped in a black SUV. Police requested access to the store’s surveillance footage.
Fight investigated at Davis Jr. High
Police said they investigated an Oct. 25 assault and battery report at Davis Junior High School, 11300 17 Mile Road. The case reportedly involved two juveniles who had a physical fight until a student intervened and broke it up. One of the involved parties reportedly suffered a split lip as a result of the incident.
Police said neither side, including their parents, wished to press charges.
Woman allegedly tries to steal clothing in self-checkout
A third-degree retail fraud case was reported Oct. 25 at Walmart, 33201 Van Dyke Ave., near 14 Mile Road. Police said a woman didn’t scan multiple articles of clothing in the selfcheckout — including a Wonder Nation girls shirt – and then allegedly tried to leave without paying for them. Police said they ended up citing the suspect.
Police investigate report of parking lot commotion
Police heard a complaint the night of Oct. 25 about an SUV allegedly driving erratically and playing loud music in a parking lot in the 35000 block of Moravian Drive. Police said they went to the site and spoke to someone who had no complaints. Police took no further action.
Man accused of shoplifting evicted from Meijer
A male suspect with a black backpack was accused Oct. 25 of stealing miscellaneous items from Meijer, 36600 Van Dyke Ave. Police said the suspect was verbally warned, kicked out of the store and released.
Anyone who has more information about these events or general suspicious happenings is encouraged to call the Sterling Heights Police Department at (586) 446-2800.
— Eric Czarnik
Elf Shelf - 52nd Annual, Juried Arts and Crafts Show
The Troy Woman’s Association is proud to announce the 52nd annual Elf Shelf arts and crafts show. Coming to Troy High School the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 30th, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Show features 200 booths of handcrafted items. Troy High School is located at 4777 Northfield Parkway, south of Long Lake between Crooks and Coolidge. A $3 donation benefits local charities. The Troy Women’s Association is an all-volunteer, non-profit. Members raise money and support 30 different organizations in the community that benefit young and old. General membership meeting is held on the first Tuesday of each month, at the Troy Boys and Girls Club, 3670 John R Rd. at 7:00PM. New members are always welcome. For more information, visit our website www.Troywomensassociation.org or call 248-988-0426
MORE SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN RASH OF IPHONE THEFTS
POLICE SAY DATA BREACH COULD PLAY A ROLE
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
TROY — Packages containing iPhones continue to be stolen around metro Detroit, even after the arrest of a suspect.
“The investigation has led us to believe there is an information leak at either the freight company or cellphone service provider as multiple suspects unrelated to each other have direct information on expected iPhone deliveries,” a press release from the Troy Police Department said.
Police have recently arrested other suspects tied to the case.
The first suspect, Yohangel Martin Polanco Melo, was arraigned after being arrested in connection to multiple package thefts in metro Detroit that specifically targeted iPhone deliveries to residential addresses. The 23-year-old is reportedly in the United States illegally.
He was arraigned in 52-4 District
Court Oct. 17, where he was charged with two counts of larceny between $1,000 and $20,000, and three counts of larceny between $200 and $1,000. His bond was set at $50,000, no 10%.
Officers with the Troy Police Department said it was not an isolated incident.
On Oct. 21, 22 and 24, Troy’s Directed Patrol Unit identified and located multiple suspects involved in iPhone package thefts in the area.
On Oct. 21, a suspect was tracked into Sterling Heights and was arrested with the assistance of Sterling Heights detectives. Inside the vehicle there were a total of three stolen packages, from Utica, Southfield, and the one the suspect was reportedly observed stealing in Sterling Heights. The packages consisted of three tablets and a sim card.
On Oct. 22, a suspect vehicle went to West Bloomfield, where it was stopped with assistance of the West Bloomfield Police Department, the Troy Special Investigations Unit, and South Oakland Narcotics Intelligence Consortium task force officers. Four suspects in the vehicle were arrested and transported to West Bloomfield. Five iPhones were later recovered inside the vehicle.
On Oct. 24, a suspect drove to a residence in Troy and loitered in the area for several hours. The suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Jose Junior Rosario, was wearing a FedEx jacket and hat.
An iPhone package was eventually delivered to the residential area, and the suspect walked up to the front porch, only to find that the owner, who was home, had already retrieved the package. However, in what seemed like good fortune for the suspect, the homeowner had left a MacBookPro laptop to be returned in a package on the porch. Taking advantage of the opportunity, the suspect grabbed the laptop package and drove off, police said.
Officers maintained surveillance until a traffic stop was made, and the suspect was taken into custody without incident. In the trunk of the vehicle a total of 16 brand-new iPhones and a brand-new iPad, all still in the boxes, were located.
Rosario was arraigned in 52-4 District Court on Oct. 25, where he was charged with five counts of larceny from mail and driving on a suspended license. He is from
New York and was arrested with his U.S. passport in his possession, police said. Rosario’s bond was set at $150,000, no 10%.
“We commend both our Directed Patrol Unit and Special Investigations Unit for their hard work and dedication to this case,” a press release from the Troy Police Department said. “We would also like to thank the Sterling Heights Police Department, SONIC and West Bloomfield Police Department for their assistance on these cases.”
People are encouraged to arrange for a signature to be required upon delivery or to pick phones and tablets up from a local retailer.
For more information, visit troymi.gov/ departments/police/index.php.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
12A/ STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • NOVEMBER 13, 2024
NOV. 13
Free medicare help: Hosted by Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and AgeWays, meet with trained counselor by appointment, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., also Dec. 4, Sterling Heights Senior Center, 40200 Utica Road, (800) 803-7174
Heartsaver CPR course: For ages 18 and older, 5-9 p.m., Sterling Heights Fire Station No. 5, 41625 Ryan Road, (586) 446-2950, sterlingheights.gov
NOV. 16
Chic and Unique Vintage Market: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sports & Expo Center, Building P on Macomb Community College - South Campus, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road in Warren, (734) 250-2328, chicanduniquemi.com
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. 22-24
Michigan State Numismatic Society Fall Convention & Coin Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 22-23 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 24, Sports & Expo Center, Building P on Macomb Community College - South Campus, 14500 E. 12 Mile Road in Warren, (734) 453-0504, michigancoinclub.org
NOV. 23
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.
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
NOV. 30-DEC. 1
Saint Nick’s Warehouse: Juried craft show with 250-plus booths, no strollers allowed, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 30 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1, Henry Ford II High
School, 11911 Clinton River Road in Sterling Heights, facebook.com/saintnickswarehouse
DEC. 4
Free medicare help: Hosted by Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and AgeWays, meet with trained counselor by appointment, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sterling Heights Senior Center, 40200 Utica Road, (800) 803-7174
DEC. 7
A Sterling Christmas: Tree lighting, holiday music with caroling, Santa visit, petting farm and pony rides, horse-drawn wagon and train rides, ice skating (weather permitting), warming fires, refreshments and more, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, sterlingheights.gov/1654/ sterling-christmas
WUJEK-CALCATERRA & SONS: Round-the-Clock Compassion since 1913
With 15 licensed funeral directors, totaling 350 years of combined experience, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is uniquely qualifed to bring peace and comfort to grieving families in their time of need. And these aren’t ordinary funeral directors. Each one was specifcally sought out by the Wujek and Calcaterra families based on their individual talents and expertise.
Licensed funeral director Dominick Astorino, managing director at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, is honored to be a part of this exceptional team. “My colleagues and I are career professionals,” stated Astorino. “Most of us have been with Wujek-Calcaterra for over 20 years. We are dedicated to our career in a long-standing way.
“We also have an excellent collection of younger funeral directors. As the embalming professor at Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science, I have taught many of them. I see their potential from the frst day I meet them and watch them develop.”
Tese devoted individuals represent a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. Tey have formed enduring relationships with local families and the community. Tey are familiar with the neighborhood churches and have worked alongside their pastors. Tis allows them to connect with all types of families, putting them at
ease at a most difcult and overwhelming time.
Furthermore, their compassion isn’t strictly confned to business hours. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is one of the few funeral homes in the area where there is someone present 24/7.
According to Astorino, “We have never taken a day of since opening our original location in Detroit back in 1913. Christmas, holidays, brownouts, the worst snow storms – there has always been someone here to pick up the phone. We treat our families the way we would like to be treated. Tey never have to talk to an answering machine, and they know their loved one is never lef unattended.”
In addition to the 15 funeral directors, there is a support staf of 35 capable and compassionate individuals to complete the team at Wujek-Cacaterra & Sons. “We can serve all of our families, giving them everything they need – much like a personalized concierge.”
From preplanning to afercare services, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tey ofer two welcoming locations: 36900 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, phone (586) 588-9117; and 54880 Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township, phone (586) 217-3316. For more information, visit wujekcalcaterra.com or follow Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons on Facebook.
SPORTS 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.
Chippewa Valley United (Co-op of Chippewa Valley and Macomb Dakota) League: Macomb Area Conference Red Last season’s record: 19-9
This senior group has really turned 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.
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-
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.”
Utica Eisenhower League: Macomb Area Conference Red 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
HOCKEY on page 16A
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The camaraderie and brotherhood of MAC hockey showed itself at the Macomb Area Conference hockey media night Nov. 4 at Macomb L’Anse Creuse North High School.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
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 Stevenson and Fraser) League: Macomb Area Conference Red Last season’s record: 11-14
What a year this could be for UticaFraser 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.
“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.”
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.”
Since L’Anse Creuse Unified was unable to make the trip last season, maybe 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.
For a complete summary of the local teams in the 2024-2025 MAC hockey field, visit can dgnews.com/sports.
Agreement including Zoning Guidelines and Design Guidelines for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Lakeside Mall site, excluding the Sears parcel (14100 Lakeside Circle), to be developed under Section 22.03 of the Sterling Heights Zoning Ordinance No. 278. The public hearing will take place at the City of Sterling Heights City Hall Council Chambers located at 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan. The site of the proposed PUD is depicted and more particularly described below:
Application: PPUD24-0004
Applicant: Lakeside OOTB Ventures, LLC
PROPERTY ADDRESSES: 13750 Lakeside Circle 14150 Lakeside Circle 14170 Lakeside Circle 14200 Lakeside Circle 14250 Lakeside Circle 14270 Lakeside Circle 14290 Lakeside Circle 14300 Lakeside Circle 14370 Lakeside Circle 14600 Lakeside Circle
LEGAL DESCRIPTION: For complete legal description of parcels, see Sterling Heights Planning Department File.
CURRENT ZONING: C-2 Planned Comparison District and Lakeside Overlay District
PROPOSAL: A comprehensive Project Development Agreement including Zoning Guidelines and Design Guidelines for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Lakeside Mall site, excluding the Sears parcel (14100 Lakeside Circle).
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any interested person may appear and comment upon the requested PUD request in person, or by agent or attorney during the public hearing to be held on the date and time, and at the location set forth above. Pertinent information relating to the application may be reviewed at the Sterling Heights Offce of Planning, during regular business hours. Questions regarding the application can be directed to the Offce of Planning at 586-446-2360. Written comments may be submitted to the Sterling Heights Offce of Planning, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48313, or to the City Planner at shplanning@sterlingheights.gov up to 4:30 p.m. of the meeting date.
The City of Sterling Heights will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the meeting, upon seven days notice to the Community Relations Offce at 586-446-2370.
Jake Parcell City Planner
Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 11/13/2024
Thanksgiving
At the time, around 31 years ago, Gonzales had been stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, but was deployed to a training exercise in Egypt.
“Thanksgiving came, and we were supposed to have turkey, but we were waiting on a helicopter that was bringing in the fresh meat, stuffing and all the fixings,” Gonzales said. “But the helicopter had mechanical issues.”
He said this logistical snag greatly disappointed the troops, who had been looking forward to good grub instead of MREs – meals ready to eat. As dinner time approached, they learned that the helicopter that was supposed to deliver supplies still hadn’t come and was likely going to be too late for Thanksgiving.
Gonzales said the mess sergeant on-site did the best with what he could do, but for the most part, supplies were scarce, and it was “chow time, but no chow.” So Gonzales went back to his tent, where he at least had a personal stash of snacks.
But at around 10 p.m. that night, Gonzales heard a helicopter, and shortly after, he heard a knock on his tent. A chaplain came in and announced that he was delivering some food.
“Me and my lieutenant were in the tent, and I was already in my sleeping bag,”
Crime
from page 1A
neighbor, Warren, Sterling Heights has 255% fewer violent crimes and 67% fewer property crimes.
In addition, compared to 2022, the SHPD noted that the city’s own reported violent crimes dipped by 19% in 2023, and property crimes likewise declined by 4%.
City officials credit several factors for their latest crime stats, including the 2021 funding — and subsequent hiring — of seven additional police officers; the Police Department’s substance abuse and rehabilitation programs; the Police Department’s accreditation from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission; law enforcement technology like the Flock Safety license plate recognition camera system; and more.
Gonzales explained.
“(The chaplain) brings over a little package of roast beef, enough for a sandwich. So when he brought that package of meat and he gave us two slices of Kraft individual sliced cheese that the helicopter brought in, we had, for us, the freshest piece of meat that we’ve had in a while.
“And we were so grateful to have this food, and it was still Thanksgiving night.”
Gonzales said he still remembers the lesson that taught him about gratitude, and he encourages people to think about and pray for the members of the armed forces who are currently serving overseas.
“It was nice that somebody thought of us,” he said.
Gonzales’ wife of 43 years, Maria, said that when she first heard the story of her husband’s Thanksgiving in Egypt, she was happy that it ended well, though she was sad that he had to wait so long for his meal.
Maria explained that when Manny was on active duty, the couple would frequently invite soldiers from Manny’s company to their home on Thanksgiving if they were unable to spend the holiday with their own families.
According to Maria, this too resulted in some memorable stories.
“My first Thanksgiving with the single soldiers, I made a pumpkin pie,” she said. “And I didn’t know at that time that you don’t put a crust on (top of) a pumpkin pie.”
Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.
In a statement, Sterling Heights police Chief Dale Dwojakowski said he “couldn’t be any prouder” of the SHPD’s staff.
“The partnership with our residents is second to none and has helped drive down crime year after year,” Dwojakowski said. “None of this would be possible without the unwavering support from our elected officials and city administration.”
In a statement, Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor called the safest big city distinction more than a “badge of honor” — it’s proof of the police and the community working together.
“Sterling Heights isn’t just a city on a map; we set the standard,” Taylor said.
Learn more about Sterling Heights by visiting sterlingheights.gov or by calling (586) 446-2489.
Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. CONSIDERATIONS
A. PPCM-1336 - Brightway Wholesale
STERLING HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2024
Meeting to be held at
Sterling Heights City Hall 40555 Utica Road 7:00 p.m.
Requesting special approval land use which would allow storage containers as an accessory use for storage incidental to the primary use in an M-1 Light Industrial District.
Property Address: 40550 Brentwood
Location: South of Eighteen Mile Road, west of Mound Road
Current Zoning: M-1 Light Industrial District
B. PPCM-1337 - Red Ribbon Cake and Coffee Shop
Requesting special approval land use which would allow a restaurant with indoor seating and a retail market in a C-1 Local Convenience Business District.
Property Address: 36889 Ryan Road
Location: West side of Ryan Road, south of Metropolitan Parkway
Current Zoning: C-1 Local Convenience Business District
C. PPCM-1338 - Atlas Auto Repair
Requesting special approval land use which would allow an automobile service center in a C-3 General Business District.
Property Address: 15100 Nineteen Mile Road
Location: South side of Nineteen Mile Road, west of Hayes Road
Current Zoning: C-3 General Business District
D. PPCM-1339 – Retail Center Drive-Through
Requesting special approval land use which would allow for the installation of a drive-through at an existing retail plaza for the purpose of opening a future fast-food restaurant in a C-2 Planned Comparison District.
Property Address: 2484 Metropolitan Parkway
Location: South side of Metro Parkway, east of Dequindre Road
Current Zoning: C-2 Planned Comparison District
E. PPCM-1340 – Christian’s Auto Repair
Requesting special approval land use which would allow an automobile service center in an M-1 Light Industrial District.
Property Address: 40494 Mound Road
Location: South of Eighteen Mile Road, east side of Mound Road
Current Zoning: M-1 Light Industrial District
F. PZ24-0002 – J & M Plaza
Request to amend an existing conditional rezoning agreement to modify the section prohibiting the opening of a restaurant, fruit market, meat market, or other use selling prepared food or beverages of any kind for the purpose of allowing a delicatessen that sells cold sandwiches, pre-prepared baked goods and beverages such as coffee, smoothies, iced tea, and similar non-alcoholic beverages in a C-1 Local Convenience Business District.
Property Address: 36833 Ryan Road
Location: West side of Ryan Road, south of Metropolitan Parkway
Current Zoning: C-1 Local Convenience Business District
G. PZ24-0008 – Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment – North Van Dyke Avenue
Proposed text and zoning map amendment to Ordinance No. 278 to establish a new Article being the North Van Dyke Avenue District. The proposed amendment would create a new zoning district providing new land use and design standards for properties located within the North Van Dyke Avenue district as established by the North Van Dyke Avenue Master Plan.
The ordinance can be viewed at the Of ce of Planning or in the upcoming meeting packet to be posted at the Agenda Center.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 23, 2024
B. November 7, 2024
C. November 13, 2024
7. CORRESPONDENCE
8. OLD BUSINESS
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Master Land Use Plan Update
B. Approval - 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Dates
10. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
11. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT MEETING DATE: January 8, 2025
Jake Parcell, PhD
City Planner and City Development Manager
THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS WILL PROVIDE NECESSARY REASONABLE AUXILIARY
AT 586-446-2470.
Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 11/13/2024
Pashko Ujkic, Chairperson Ed Kopp Nathan Inks, Vice Chairperson Nicole McGill Parmpreet Sarau, Secretary Gerald Rowe Geoffrey P. Gariepy Brandy Wright
Paul Jaboro
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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
U.S.
STERLING HEIGHTS NAMED NO. 1
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 speed of 100 miles per hour when it tore through power lines, bounced 150 feet and came to rest behind a home at 2024 Central Avenue, which has since been demolished. Berger, a passenger in the plane, died along with the pilot, Orlo Frederick Hall. It was declared that “neither the pilot or passenger died as a result of misconduct and in fact died in the line of duty,”
DETROIT AUTO SHOW TICKETS ON SALE
Industry Days, which features “exclusive industry access,” according to the release, is scheduled from
15 and Jan. 16. Tickets are $40. For more information, visit detroitautoshow.com.
Photo provided by Ferndale Historical Museum
